renault sa - Mirror Image Communications
Transcription
renault sa - Mirror Image Communications
RENAULT SA SCORES INTERNATIONAL FIRST WITH 2008 RF1 SANDTON ROADSHOW Never before in the history of the Renault F1 Roadshow has it performed twice in the same city anywhere in the world, making the Roadshow's July 2008 repeat performance in Sandton, an international first for Renault South Africa and Renault Formula 1. "The Gauteng Province Renault F1 Sandton Roadshow overachieved on the objectives set by all the stakeholders involved in the delivery of this most spectacular event to the people of South Africa," says Xavier Gobille, Managing Director, Renault SA. "We believe that our partnership with Renault F1 will strengthen our efforts to promote Gauteng as an investment and tourism destination," added Paul Mashatile, Gauteng Province's MEC Finance and Economic Affairs." On the investment front Renault South Africa's long-term commitment to the country and Gauteng province in particular, is clearly underscored by the Renault-Nissan alliance’s announcement on 18 July of its investment of R1-billion in a new project at Nissan's manufacturing plant at Rosslyn. "As a result of this, Renault will be producing a vehicle - the Sandero - in South Africa from 2009 and I am particularly pleased to confirm that some 300 jobs will be created as a result of this long-term manufacturing initiative involving Nissan South Africa and ourselves. From left: Sibusiso Xaba (Head of Department of Gauteng's Department Economic Development), Lucas diGrassi (Renault F1 third driver), Xavier Gobille, Busi Mhaga, (Deputy Director General: Economic and Development Planning), Nelson Piquet (Renault F1 driver) and Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa "Sandero will be produced to meet the needs of the South African market and will represent affordable motoring for all," said Gobille. "The message to South Africa is that Renault is back and our commitment is clear. We are passionate about our business and very excited with regard to the significant role that Renault will be playing in the South African motoring and manufacturing industries in the years ahead. "Our objective is to give this country and its people the very best that Renault has to offer and the introduction of Sandero in 2009 will be the next major step in this process." RV VALUED CITIZENS INITIATIVE TACKLES IN-SCHOOL VIOLENCE Wielding a samurai sword, during August, a Krugersdorp matric pupil Morné Harmse, slashed a fellow student across his neck leaving him dead in a pool of blood before turning on two gardeners, critically injuring them. The eighteen year old has now been admitted for psychiatric examination. In the wake of such tragic deeds, analyses of these teens' lives and personalities has frequently shown that they were lonely, socially marginalised children who had exhibited unusual behaviour patterns before reaching that final violent meltdown. In her 2007 budget speech, South Africa's Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor called on the education sector and communities alike to affirm excellence and challenge mediocrity in SA schools: "We must do more to teach young people values of respect for each other and nonviolence as well as the lessons of conflict resolution." The Minister then identified 585 public schools with the highest levels of crime and violence across all nine provinces and Valued Citizens Initiative (VCI) was requested by the DoE to conduct 36 Youth Camps with 1 170 educators, 18 representatives of Districts Offices and 5 850 students, mainly from high schools. The roll out of these camps commenced in September 2007. The Valued Citizens Camp - "A Journey to Redefine Self" - focuses on developing self-esteem, self-confidence, trust and a sense of belonging through sharing responsibilities and enhancing constitutional values. According to Carole Podetti-Ngono, founder and managing director of VCI, at the outset of these camps it was evident that many of the learners had developed an "I don't care" attitude, lost the trust of their parents and educators and also lost themselves in the process. "Activities at our Youth Camps allow learners to tell their stories in a safe and secure environment without fear of judgment or prejudice," explains Carole. "They are encouraged to face their fears and in telling their life stories, they learn empathy and tolerance. IN THIS ISSUE: Ultimate Grand Prix Drive for Travis Page 3 Renault Sports models in the spotlight Page 4 - 5 Renault F1 Roadshow Page 6 Fun. Food. Family Page 8 "Educators too, have begun to realize that they must manage their learners with a positive attitude and assist them in making appropriate decisions about their lives." Renault SA was a founder partner of VCI and today, is a proud supporter and platinum partner of this outstanding educational initiative. RV ULTIMATE GRAND PRIX DRIVE for Tr avis As the winner of the Ultimate Grand Prix Drive competition, Travis Willis got to drive the Renault R27 F1 car at Stowe Circuit, Silverstone. "I've become a bit of a monster. All I want to do is race!" he now says. Many youngsters grow up with dreams of becoming a fireman or driving a race car. For Travis-Peter Willis it was always the latter and at the age of 29, his childhood dream has come true. "When I heard about the Gauteng Province and Renault F1 Team Ultimate Grand Drive competition in May, with the chance to drive at Paul Ricard Circuit in France and then in the Renault F1 car at Silverstone in the UK up for grabs, I knew that I had to enter to win," says Travis. "I've always lived for wheels, rallying, bike racing - though I'd probably kill myself on a two-wheeler!" From start ... Travis Willis at the start - one of hundreds of hopefuls ... to finish A dream come true at Silverstone Born in Ireland, Travis moved to South Africa about 10 years ago. Now resident in East London, it's no surprise to learn that he sells cars for a living! Serious about his job, Travis had not taken leave for six years but that was about to change … the drivers during the strapping in process. Travis was first up and being on the short side, was seated way too low in car. No problem - more foam padding was called for to prop him up! One of several thousand entrants from around South Africa, Travis made the cut to become one of the competition's 18 finalists. During a further two weeks of heated contention, the numbers were whittled down to the final four F1 wannabes competing for the drive of a lifetime. Needless to say, a production crew member reports that Travis executed a perfect start out the pit lane. "Watching from the pit wall we could hear and see that he was faultless on his three laps. It was only later when we were given the lap times and analysed the data, did we see how much better Travis was than the others." From the outset the competition provided racy footage for the 13-episode Ultimate Grand Prix Drive reality television series which aired from end-May through to the grand finale on Sunday, 17th August which bore witness to Travis' moment of ultimate glory at Silverstone. First to poke fun at himself, Travis recalls a session at Paul Ricard when each of the four finalists got to drive in a 2002 V10 Renault F1 car. Renault F1 team driver Nelson Piquet was standing next to the car offering advice and calming Doing the performance numbers with Renault F1 Team driver Nelson Piquet When Travis' big day dawned at Silverstone, it was raining and as he approached the 'Welcome to Silverstone' sign, he says that he experienced a feeling of absolute dread. After the first lap however, he was like a duck to water and completed 33 laps on wet tyres and when the weather started to clear, a further 7 on slicks. "Behind the wheel of the R27 was like being in a rocket ship (230 kph in 400 metres he boasts) and looking back Travis gets some last minute advice from Nelson Piquet A moment with the media if I would have done anything differently, I would have really given it stick. But the fact that it was not my car was always top of mind!" Notwithstanding, the official feedback is that Travis really delivered the goods during his F1 debut and was just two seconds slower than the professional F1 car test driver who took to the track once it was fully dry. "I'm one of those glass half full types and have always said that if you believe you can do it, you can," says Travis. "For me, the whole experience has been like driving Nirvana, the most exciting experience of my life by far and I would like to thank Gauteng Province and Renault F1 for a dream come true. "I'm now 29 and even up to five years ago, if I had had the money, I know that F1 could have been a possible career choice for me. Yes, it's a bit of an anti-climax now that it's all over and a case of where to next? "I've become a bit of a monster who just wants to race!" RV A pensive moment at Paul Ricard...as one of the four finalists, Travis also visited the Paul Ricard Circuit in France TRAVELLING TO EUROPE? Then why not enjoy the freedom of the open road in a brand new Renault rental car from Eurodrive? Whether you're heading to Europe for a holiday or you've planned the ultimate European tour, take a look at the fantastic offer below and then decide if you'd rather take the bus, or the scenic route in a Renault rental car from Eurodrive. A unique package that's been specially created for those who reside outside the European Community and who want to travel in Europe on holiday, it's an offer so good, it's almost unbelievable. Unlimited mileage 21 day to a 6 month contract Insurance cover with no excess Tax-free rate 24-hour roadside assistance A wide range of vehicles Specially selected accessories Convenient car pick-up and drop-off locations at no additional cost (subject to limitations) No hidden costs To book or to find out more, contact Adriano Batazzi at Bryanston Renault on 011 707 9000 or 082 820 6898. Or call Renault Head Office on 086 173 6285. RV Bon Voyage! CLIO takes to SA campuses Renault SA's multipronged Clio Campus Experience campaign concludes this month, the third and final phase being the Photo Experience which is already underway. The campaign's key objectives have been to find a long term and sustainable solution to build the Clio and create top of mind awareness amongst students and their parents by communicating to them its many offerings. Four universities Wits, UJ, UCT and UKZN were chosen to participate in the three phase approach. Phase 1 gave students the opportunity to test drive one of four Clio models and the names of students interested in buying a Clio was then passed on to the relevant dealerships. Longstanding brand ambassadors for Renault SA, music group Gang of Instrumentals rocked the students in Phase 2 - the Renault Music Experience which provided the Va Va Voom-inspired students to display their dancing abilities. Each of the phases has been supported by a branded Renault Online Community which provides a platform for students to gain more information and at the same time enable them to connect the on-campus activity with an online element. The ultimate aim is to position the entry-level Renault Clio as the car of choice amongst SA students and their parents and online features include polls, discussions and information on the Clio Va Va Voom as well as a "parent motivation letter" for students to present to Ma and Pa! RV TEAM BUILDING FOR JO'BURG RRO REGION A programme of quarterly team building exercises was initiated with effect from August this year. Future events will be organised by retail operation regional GMs and attendees will include dealer principals, accountants, managers, senior sales execs, sales area managers as well as after-sales area managers. Vice-President: Retail Operations and RGM for the region, Frederic Maillard chaired the inaugural session which was held in the tranquil setting of Sunset Boma in Midrand. The workshop was enthusiastically received and was followed by some informal networking and a most enjoyable dinner. Future events will provide a platform to discuss the regions' volume, profit and quality results using key performance indicators, the objective, to identify essential improvements for implementation. Those attending will also be given a platform to provide updates on their business initiatives and projects. According to Frederic, while the quarterly m e e t i n g f o r m a t may change, the principles will remain the same. RV MOVE IT with the Mégane Shake it! With the release of the all-new 2.0 16V engine Mégane Shake it! Renault has undoubtedly revitalized its Mégane range - vehicles that continue to enjoy unprecedented popularity in their class and among their trendy target audience. To maximize its ultra-cool appeal and create cult-type status around the dynamic new model, Renault SA's marketing moguls came up with the Shake it! Coalition campaign Partnering Renault SA in this exciting and refreshingly original on-line initiative was top SA music group Gang of Instrumentals - who continue to do great work as ambassadors for the French auto marque - and Nokia South Africa. In June, the campaign culminated in an exclusive gig held in Johannesburg and the 500 successful movers and shakers who had entered the Shake it! Coalition's online competition were treated to an extraordinary evening with Gang of Instrumentals shaking it live on stage and mix-master Roger Goode looking down on all the festivities from his spot on high. And the main attraction in the all star line-up … the Mégane Shake it! of course! A sexy, high performance hatch with distinctive styling and red hot technology that challenges motoring convention, Shake it! is very easy on the eye. Packed with dynamic interior and exterior features - including redesigned interior trim and striking new 16" alloy wheels - the audio connection that comes standard is compatible with any MP3 player, iPod or music phone. All features sure to appeal to young and trendy style fashionistas! New 2.0 16V engine The new 5-door 2.0 16V engine which delivers 98.5 kW has served to pump up the performance of the dynamic Mégane Shake it! range. It also comes in an economical and energetic 1.6 16V engine version which is available in 3- and 5-door options. Sporty, energetic and fun to drive, the 2.0 16V Mégane Shake it! is priced right at R197 000 and the 1.6 16V at just R171 000. Renault's five-year/60 000 km maintenance plan and five-year/150 000 km warranty are part of the price tag. RV Renault Sport in the spotlight In addition, core departments - marketing, sales, service and distribution, for example - will now include a key specialist focused specifically on providing Renault Sportrelated back-up service and assistance. "The Renault Sport brand is a strong differentiator which has already done much to add further lustre and appeal to our range of Renault passenger cars," says Xavier Gobille, Managing Director of Renault SA. "In 2007, South Africa ranked seventh in worldwide sales of Renault Sport vehicles - ahead of Belgium and Australia - proving just how popular these special vehicles have become in the local market," says Xavier Gobille.. With only 27 of these Clio Renault Sport R27 Special Edition models available to South African buyers, demand is red hot. Import and race … Good news is that Renault SA will also actively assist with the procurement and importation of cars such as the Renault Mégane Trophy, Clio Cup, Clio R3, and even Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 3.5 racers for those customers seeking to race Renault Sportmanufactured race cars. To celebrate the launch of its Sport strategy in South Africa, Renault has procured a limited number of Mégane R26 and Clio R27 Special Edition vehicles which will spearhead the local Renault Sport programme. While these models are based on the current Mégane Renault Sport R26 and Clio Renault Sport models, they feature several key differentiating features. "By making the brand and its products more accessible to South African customers, we are hoping to expand even further, Renault's reputation for providing exciting, dynamic and ultimately satisfying cars." Renault Sport vehicles, parts and race cars are developed and produced by Renault Sport Technologies (RST), a division of the Renault Group created in 2001 as part of Renault's Strategic Planning, Product Planning and Project Management Division. RV Route 24 (Germiston), The Glen Renault (Bassonia), Renault Bryanston, Renault Durban, Renault Cape Town and Auto Xtra Menlyn have been selected to develop a Renault Sport corner in their showrooms. Each has specifically-trained, dedicated sales people and technicians to provide expert Renault Sport sales and after-sales service. The French marque's comprehensive strategy to bring the excitement and exclusivity of Renault Sport to SA motorists includes a catalogue that outlines a comprehensive range of Renault Sport parts and accessories and a specialised advanced driving course for buyers of the Renault Sport models. In addition www.renaultsportsa.co.za has been developed to keep customers in the know. Just 26 of the exclusive Mégane R26 Special Editions models have been imported and are fast being snatched up by motoring enthusiasts. MÉGANE R26 SPECIAL EDITION TAKES FLIGHT Just 26 of the exclusive Mégane R26 Special Editions models have been imported into South Africa and are fast being snatched up by motoring enthusiasts who love the lines of these hot little hatchbacks! Available only in black or white, like its Clio R27 Special Edition sibling, each of the cars bears a special commemorative plaque featuring the individual vehicle number and the signatures of 2008 Renault F1drivers Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet. Key visual elements that set these special models apart from their conventional stable mates are the exterior mirrors finished in glossy black and the 18-inch black alloy wheels shod with 235/40 R18 Michelin Pilot 2 tyres. The interior features full leather upholstery and bespoke Recaro racing seats, while a central arm rest comes standard. What's more, the R26 Special Edition comes with the ultimate operating convenience - Renault's keyless entry card system. The rest of the package is based on the magnificent Mégane F1 Team R26, which has received universal praise for its mix of dynamic competence and arresting styling. Taking as its starting point the race-oriented Cup chassis developed by Renault Sport, the R26 boasts completely revised suspension settings and a limitedslip differential to enhance grip and handling response on road and track. The chassis features thicker anti-roll bars, stiffer springs and increased rear damper travel, while larger spindle axles and bearing has increased camber stiffness for more accurate, composed cornering. The limited-slip diff further optimises traction, but without the torque steer usually associated with these devices, especially in motorsport applications. Instead, steering action is more positive, and there is less intervention from the car's stability control system, which also affords improved braking stability. The car's turbocharged two-litre engine provides a healthy 169 kW of power at 5 500 r/min - among the highest output figures in its class - while the accompanying torque peak comes to 310 Nm at 3 000 r/min. The specially mapped electronic control unit keeps 90% of peak torque on stream between 2 000 and 6 000 r/min ensuring instant throttle response and rapid acceleration. Also contributing in this respect is the optimised sport exhaust system. The four-cylinder, 16-valve engine's power is transferred to the front wheels via a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox while the transmission's quick, direct shift action allows the Mégane R26 Special Edition a rapid getaway. A key aspect of the car's impressive acceleration is Renault Sport's 'Power Start' system - a start optimisation feature that allows maximum acceleration with no grip loss. Accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h takes a mere 6.5 seconds while 1 000 m standing-start sprint requires only 26.6 seconds. Top speed is 235 km/h. The Mégane R26's prodigious performance is matched to an ABS-modulated all-disc braking system that has the bite to match, thanks to the presence of beefy Brembo four-pot callipers and large, drilled 312 mm front brake discs. The rear drilled discs have a 300 mm diameter. Priced at just R298 000, the Mégane R26 Special Edition must be a sell out! RV ENTRY LEVEL TWINGO IS A REAL SPORT … can't w ait f or it to ar ri ve in ear l y 2009! Renault has always been a major player in the world of motor sport and its record reveals a long list of successes in many legendary races and competitions. From the R8 Gordini and Clio Williams to the 5 GT Turbo, the Renault range has always featured sports versions of mainstream production models. The latest car to enjoy this distinction is Twingo Renault Sport, the latest addition to the Renault Sport range. Twingo Renault Sport is a car with genuine sporty credentials and comes at an affordable price. It is a Renault Sport car through-and-through and features the same ingredients that have made its Clio and Mégane Renault Sport siblings so successful. These include specific styling, coupled with a chassis, engine and braking system engineered for a high standard of efficiency and performance that is also suited to everyday use. Twingo Renault Sport's release stems from a desire to facilitate access to the Renault Sport experience. The newcomer's pedigree and sporty looks are highlighted by its bumpers, wider front and rear wings, sculpted side skirts and an aerodynamic spoiler. Inside, the cabin has been tailored for focused sports driving, with Renault Sport front seats for enhanced lateral support, plus specific aluminium pedals, a leather steering wheel and rev-counter. engine note which has been the focus of specific development. The four-into-one exhaust is a technological feat which strikes a perfect balance between acoustics, performance and low emissions. There's no doubt about it. Twingo Renault Sport has plenty in its favour to win over a new, young clientele! RV From launch, it will be possible to customise the car to owners' individual tastes thanks to a range of exterior and interior Renault Sport detailing accessories, as well as a multimedia connection point. As suggested by its fully disconnectable (standard) ESP, Twingo Renault Sport delivers genuine sports enjoyment but is also suited to everyday use. Its finely balanced handling ensures that it is easy to assimilate and fun to drive, while ensuring a particularly high standard of safety. As is the case with Clio and Mégane Renault Sport, two types of chassis ('Sport' and 'Cup') are available. Both benefit from wider front and rear tracks, while the main components of its powerful, durable braking system are sourced from higher segment models. Twingo Renault Sport is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.6 litre 16V engine, a power plant that pumps out 133hp (98kW) at 6,750rpm, with 160Nm of torque at 4,400rpm. The unit's punchy character is reinforced by a characteristic IN THE FAST LANE with Clio Renault Sport R27 Special Edition Based on the Renault Clio Sport, the Clio Renault Sport R27 Special Edition is distinguished by the presence of a special commemorative plaque inscribed with the actual vehicle number as well as the signatures of Renault F1 racing drivers Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet. Unique exterior features include: electrically operated, folding exterior mirrors finished in the same colour as the rest of the car headlamps with corner lighting function extra-tinted windows 17-inch alloy wheels with dark anthracite finish Interior: sculpted Recaro racing seats an uprated four-speaker CD sound system with MP3 playback capability fully-automatic climate control Perhaps the most important of all the improvements, however, is the use of the muchanticipated Cup chassis. The ultra-sporty Cup chassis allows a 7 mm reduction in ground clearance to lower the centre of gravity and reduce load transfer, thereby boosting cornering composure and precision. This has a direct, positive influence on the car's road manners with on-track performance improving by an average of 0.2 seconds per kilometre. The Clio R27's lower stance is the result of a suspension that has been revised completely. The front spring rates have been stiffened by 27%, the rear springs are 30% stiffer and the damper settings have been adapted to match the new spring rates. The overall set-up shows a bending stiffness up 10% on the normal Clio Renault Sport, while more flexible bump stops allow the double-axis strut suspension to operate at maximum efficiency. The benefits are immediately noticeable and range from greater steering precision and feedback, as well as improved composure, to increased stability under braking. Speaking of which, the red-painted callipers lurking behind the spoked alloy wheels aren't just for show: the braking system is virtually identical to that used in the Mégane Renault Sport R26 and employs four-pot Brembo callipers on the front 312 mm vented discs, with single-pot callipers on the rear 300 mm vented discs. Powering this little monster is the same 2.0-litre normally aspirated engine also employed by the Clio Renault Sport. The four-cylinder unit pumps out 145 kW of maximum power at 7 250 r/min while the 215 Nm torque peak is reached at 5 500 r/min. It's a package that begs to be driven with verve and rewards the driver with a thrilling and compelling driving experience. Making the most of the short-throw manual gearbox will see the Clio R27 hit the 100 km/h mark from standstill in only 6.9 seconds. The standing-start 1 000 m sprint requires only 27.5 seconds. Even so, the Clio R27 is no gas guzzler, and sips an average of 8.4 litres/100 km in combined-cycle use, while the CO2 output per km comes to only 199 grams - one of the lowest in its class. Of course, the Clio Renault F1 Team R27 also looks the athletic part. Key visual features include the race-derived rear diffuser that creates rear down force to aid stability, while front fender air vents extract hot air from under the bonnet. Compared to the standard Clio, the R27 version has a wider front and rear track, necessitating the use of broader, more aggressively styled fenders. These provide sufficient space for the generous 17-inch BeBop anthracite alloy wheels. With only 27 of these Clio Renault Sport R27 Special Edition models available to South African buyers, demand is red hot - especially given this little tar-burner's R236 000 asking price. RV AutoXtra's Mégane GT a runner-up in TOTAL Economy Run Now in its 32nd year, the "not for sissies" TOTAL Economy Run is a unique motor sport event and marries a highly competitive element with a strong social flavour. Purported to be the only credible test for the man in the street of the comparable fuel efficiency of all makes and models of cars competing against each other over the same route, distance and under the same set of regulations, the 2008 event wrapped up at Loskop Dam in Mpumalanga on Saturday 26th July. Congratulations to Jack and Ivor Wiid driving the Auto Xtra Mégane GT who were runners-up in the petrol-powered category on index (23 entries in all) with a figure of 6,671 l/100 km/ton. According to Clerk of the Course Adri van den Berg, this year's event was tougher than usual due to the hilly terrain encountered in Mpumalanga. "Last year's event was flatter and that's why last year's record fuel consumption was not beaten this year. "Happily, we had no serious accidents or misfortunes, the weather was kind to us and the event went off without a hitch," said van den Berg. RV Renault takes the wraps off its latest Laguna Coupé @ Monaco Extreme Va Va Voom Saturday, 24th May saw Renault President Carlos Ghosn arrive at the foot of the illustrious steps of the 61st Festival International du Film de Cannes at the wheel of a Renault Laguna Coupé. Renault has welcomed five très magnifique Extreme Limited Edition models into the popular entry level Clio III range. While the predecessor Expression models have already set the standard, these five sassy, new Clios look set to add even more pizzazz to the hugely successful va va voom range. The occasion marked the first public showing of the new model's definitive, distinctive lines and was a fitting way for the French marque to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its exclusive partnership with the famous film festival. To showcase its sporting credentials, Laguna Coupé also made a guest appearance on track at the 66th Monaco Grand Prix with two coupés completing several laps around the legendary circuit. With ING Renault F1 Team test drivers Lucas di Grassi and Romain Grosjean in the drivers' seats, their performance provided the many thousands of spectators with a unique and unexpected show. Renault PEOPLE ANDRIES LOUBSER Previously a Technical Advisor at Head Office, he has been promoted to Service Manager at Renault East Rand DANIE BREWIS Ex-Renault Route 24, he has taken up the position of Service Manager at Cape Town Renault ERROL SANDERS Appointed to the position of Johannesburg Region Trade Hub Sales Manager based at Renault Sandton PAUL BADENHORST Transferred from Renault AutoXtra Centurion to Renault Somerset West as Service Manager BABIES PENNY MAPHALALA and her partner Thebi have taken delivery of baby girl Naledi! PRAVESH & ANISHA BHIMA are the proud parents of twins Krishna (above left) and Kruti (left) WEDDING Congratulations to SHIREEN (ex-Barnard) on her marriage to Robert Thomas Young. Clio III Since launching in May 2006, Clio has remained largely unchanged and the Extreme Limited Edition quintet now on view in dealerships countrywide, will re-affirm the French marque's solid position in SA's highly competitive B-Segment. Renault Laguna Coupé, featuring a long list of luxury equipment, will be introduced progressively across the Renault sales network from midOctober. For more information in the meantime log on to www.laguna-coupe.com. RV ASHLEY RAMSAMY WINS MÉGANE SPORT R26 in Gauteng Province RF1 competition Ashley Ramsamy was at the Sandton Roadshow on Sunday 27th July when he got the call to say he'd won the Mégane Renault Sport R26 - the prize up for grabs in the Gauteng Province Renault F1 Sandton Roadshow competition. Thirty five year old Ashley was thrilled to meet Renault F1 team driver Nelson Piquet, Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa, Paul Mashatile, MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs as well as Xavier Gobille and to shake hands on his win of a lifetime. Newly single and about to take up a position as packaging development manager for a major FMCG company, Ashley's good fortune is clearly on the rise. On taking delivery of the Special Edition R26 from Renault Route 24 dealer principal, Gerrie van der Kaay, Ashley was overawed as he watched his new black beauty being put through her pre-delivery paces by Gerrie and the Route 24 team. A motorsport enthusiast, Ashley says that the Mégane Renault Sport R26 Special Edition is "absolutely awesome and just the car for me." Needless to say his previous vehicle is already up for sale at Route 24!" RV A host of value added features - seldom standard fitments in competitor models in this segment - are part of the purchase package. A leather steering wheel and gear-knob, radio/CD MP3 player, front fog lamps, electric/heated mirrors and extra-tinted windows are all standard gear in Clio III's new line-up. The striking cab interior is distinguished by the dashboard, console and trim strips all colour-coded in blue and perfectly matched to the dark charcoal of the lower cowling. In tandem with the chrome- finished dashboard instrument surrounds and interior door handles, these hot new specs are specific to Clio III and complement the blue and black seat trim of the Extreme models. The 3-door versions are fitted with 15'' inch alloy wheels and cornering headlamps which ensure clear visibility on winding roads at night and for those customers requiring more power, the 1.6 litre-engine 3-door version has been added to the range. With the sole exception of the Expression 1.5dCi, the new Extreme models replace their Expression forerunners. RV Pricing (inclusive of VAT) is as follows: 1.4 Extreme 5-door: R 144 000 1.6 Extreme 5-door: R 155 000 1.6 Extreme 5-door A/T: R 165 500 1.4 Extreme 3-door: R 147 000 1.6 Extreme 3-door: R 158 000 Renault F³ [Food. Fun. Family] GO SPANISH THIS SPRING … OLÉ! AUTHENTIC SPANISH PAELLA Paella originated in the Valencia region of Spain and gets its name from the broad shallow pan (paella or paellera) in which it is traditionally cooked and served. TEMPTING GARDEN TOSS Serves 4 - 6 2 tomatoes, sliced 4 radishes, sliced 2 oranges, segmented ½ cumber, sliced 2 spring onions, finely chopped 1 onion 1 red pepper, sliced Lettuce, endive and rocket leaves Creamy onion & chive dressing (or similar) Recipe serves 6 - 8 Great served with freshly made Garlic Bread! 100ml Spanish olive oil 6 deboned chicken thighs, halved 2 green peppers, seeded and cubed 2 onions, cubed 2 tomatoes, cubed 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped Handful of fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped 2 litres of water 1kg prawns, peeled and cleaned - shells and heads reserved Pinch of saffron Pinch of smoked paprika Salt, to taste 600g short-grain rice 500g calamari rings 250ml white wine 2 pimentos, thinly sliced 1. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan, add the chicken and fry until cooked and crispy. Add the pepper, onion, tomatoes, tomatoes, garlic and parsley, and fry for a further 5 minutes. Set aside until needed. SANGRIA Easy to make, this recipe makes up 1 litre 750ml full-bodied red wine (Spanish if you have) 30ml orange juice 30ml orange liqueur 20ml sugar Orange and lemon slices 250ml grapes, halved 250ml sparkling water Ice to serve Combine tomatoes, radishes, oranges, cucumber, spring onions and herbs. Pour over sufficient dressing and toss lightly. Chill. Serve in a salad bowl lined with lettuce and endive leaves. Combine all the ingredients, except the water and ice, in a large jug. Cover and place in the fridge for several hours before serving. Add the sparkling water and ice just before serving. BILINGUAL DOG A police dog responds to an ad for work with the FBI. "Well," says the personnel director, "You'll have to meet some strict requirements. First, you must type at least 60 words per minute." Sitting down at the typewriter, the dog types out 80 words per minute. "Also," says the director, "you must pass a physical and complete the obstacle course." The perfect canine specimen finishes the course in record time. 2. Pour the water into a deep pot and bring to the boil. Add the reserved prawn shells and heads, saffron, smoked paprika and salt. Boil for 10 minutes. Drain through a colander, discarding the heads and shells and reserving the stock. "There's one last requirement," the director continues, "you must be bilingual." 3. Heat a paellera and add the chicken mixture. Add the prawns, rice, calamari and wine. Immediately pour in the stock and stir gently to combine. Place two wooden spoons across the pot and cover with newspaper. This distributes the heat evenly, helping the rice to cook on top. Leave to cook, turning the pan occasionally to make the ingredients cook all around the pan - about 20 minutes. Paella does not need to be stirred, just allow the stock to be absorbed by the rice. In a fancy Paris restaurant, there is a magical wish-granting mirror. But it only grants wishes if you tell the truth. If you lie, you disappear! One day, a blonde, a brunette, and a redhead enter the restaurant and decide to try out the mirror. With confidence, the dog looks up at him and says: "Meow!" MAGIC MIRROR The brunette goes first: "I think I'm the smartest woman on earth." POOF! She disappears. The redhead goes next: "I think I'm the prettiest woman on earth." POOF! She disappears. The blonde goes up: "I think … " POOF! Recipes courtesy of FOOD & HOME ENTERTAINING FUN TRIVIA QUIZ 1. What is a bicycle called with seats and pedals for two riders - one behind the other? 2. A marmoset is what type of animal? 3. What is the name of the popular Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice? 4. Who played Don Vito Corleone in the 1972 film The Godfather? 5. Which musician, who died in 1987, was famous for having a candelabra on his piano? 6. What is the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet? 7. A book about someone's life written by someone else is called what? 8. Singer and musician Gordon Sumner is better known by what name? 9. What does IQ stand for? 10. What is a two-dimensional geometric shape with five equal straight sides and five equal angles called? Check your answers below - NO CHEATING! 4. Garnish with the pimentos and serve while hot. SUDOKU Mild 2 9 6 8 4 8 7 3 4 6 5 8 5 1 8 1 9 3 3 1 4 2 3 7 5 1 2 7 5 9 6 4 2 8 9 4 6 8 4 9 6 4 2 5 6 7 1 9 1 6 2 5 7 7 8 2 6 6 4 3 6 4 7 8 9 8 5 6 4 1 SUDOKU Hot 2 8 9 3 6 5 6 7 SUDOKU Medium 1 4 6 3 7 6 9 2 3 4 5 9 4 8 7 7 2 1. Tandem 2. Monkey 3. Sake 4. Marlon Brando 5. Liberace 6. Delta 7. Biography 8. Sting 9. Intelligence Quotient 10. Pentagon ANSWERS TO QUIZ: