Motor show crammed with latest exotics

Just about every automotive brand represented in South Africa will have new vehicles on display with special draw cards such as Toyota's T5030 Hybrid Le Mans racer; the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black series as well as its new S Series; Peugeot's latest RC-Z R sports coupe described as the most powerful road car the French manufacturer has produced to date; the new Leaf electric vehicle that is scheduled to go on sale soon, a new open top version of Toyota's latest 86 sportscar, a "hot" Chevrolet, a line-up of blitzy Audi RS machines and many others.

But some good advice comes from Jeff Osborne of Gumtree Automotive South Africa who says potential buyers should also use the show compare vehicles in the segments they are interested in.

Out of the ordinary... and the ordinary

"It is so easy to be seduced by all the glamour at the Johannesburg International Motor Show and that's a huge part of the fun. But there's a very real, practical aspect to the show that motor enthusiasts can tap into. So, when you are done drooling over the latest concept and super cars, take the time out to look at the so-called ordinary cars on display.

"Even the entry-level models are well worth spending time over, because it is here that you will see some of the biggest changes in the motor industry from a global perspective, as small, low-cost cars are increasingly being equipped with features that were the preserve of the luxury models, even the futuristic concept cars, just a few short years ago."

He said the Show was the perfect venue to see and compare just about every vehicle available on the South African market including those that will go on sale in the next six to 12 months.

"I find the entry-level models most interesting, because they have different sets of parameters to work with. Clever occupant space, luggage space, stowage innovations an array of comfort and safety features are now considered par for the course on many of the smaller models."

Check out what's on offer

He advises potential buyers to check out the various types of vehicles on offer. "For instance, you might have been focussing on a hatchback, whereas an SUV might suit your needs better. Once you have homed in the type of vehicle you really want and need, speak to the hosts and hostesses at the show to get an idea of pricing and whether it fits your ball park. Then do a hop from one model to another, checking out trim levels, space, legroom, special features, and of course, pick up brochures detailing those cars' performance."

He suggests narrowing choice down to two or three and following this up after the show by arranging to test drive the short-listed vehicles.

"In this way, you are getting the very best out of the Johannesburg Motor Show. You've given your dreams full reign amongst the exotics and the concept models, you've followed your heart and your head as far as refining your choice is concerned. And when you've come up with a budget, you can make that all-at-once-realistic dream a reality."

www.jhbmotorshow.co.za