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NEEDS AND DESIRES (2)
Petrol vs Diesel
The petrol vs diesel debate rages on. However, with
diesel now costing more than petrol in some parts
of South Africa, it is safe to say that the economy
argument in favour of diesel is no longer as strong
as it once was.
Diesel-powered cars are usually more expensive to
buy, and to maintain. At present, they have more frequent
service and oil top-up intervals, but this may change
once low-sulpur diesel is made available nationwide.
And because of South Africa's unique operating conditions,
they tend to be less reliable if not properly maintained.
Petrol engines may not be as economical, but you'll
have to cover very long distances annually before
recouping the extra purchase and servicing cost of
a diesel car, even if diesel were cheaper than petrol.
What is that?
Gone are the days when you had just a few choices
of bodystyle to choose from – a saloon, hatch,
station wagon or bakkie.
 SUV
(Sport-Utility Vehicle) – these vehicles
are usually equipped with high-tech four-wheel drive
systems. They are“styled” to look really
macho. Examples include the Jeep Grand Cherokee
and VW Touareg.
 Soft-roader
– these are baby SUVs. They look really butch
but are not really intended for serious off-road
use. Some don't even have four-wheel drive! Derivatives
of the Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V are examples.
 MPV
– (Multi-Purpose Vehicle). Usually based on
saloon platforms, but with higher roofs and minivan
dimensions. Their seats can be moved/ removed in
a variety of combinations, making them very versatile.
They are available in a variety of sizes. Examples
include Renault Scénic and Chrysler Voyager.
 Crossovers
– straddling the divide between SUVs and family
hatchbacks, these vehicles aren't real off-roaders
but have some of the characteristics of SUVs, such
as the butch styling, raised body height and versatile
interiors. Examples include the Dodge Caliber and
Nissan Qashqai.
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