Car Review - The New Volkswagen up! | Find out how to get free Uber rides in early March

The New Volkswagen up! is something else.

The New Volkswagen up!

On Friday I was invited by Volkswagen and Uber to test out this little number.  What can I say from the start it drew people up to me asking me about it.  'How does it go? How does it handle?'

Well here is what I found out:

This car is exceptionally easy to drive.  Easy gears and very easy to handle.  A nifty little display which shows you which gear you are in and suggests which gear you should move to.

Of course the most important question I always get is 'Does this car have cupholders?'

Yes, yes it does, one in the front and one in the rear.

How many people could fit in it?  Can seat 4.

A very safe car as the doors lock automatically  as you drive off.  Has a lovely little key which you can tuck away and unlock the car from inside your pocket.

With just 3.54m of length it makes parking a breeze.

Easy start, just turn it on.  A great wide display for the driver and a lovely sunroof.

VW up! Dashboard

This car is perfect for day to day driving around a city and handles the ups and downs of city life perfectly.  

The perfect student car or for those with a small budget or for those who want to save on their petrol bill.  

There are two models of this car the Take up! and the Move up!

Specs: The Highlights 

• Capacity (m2) 999 
• Cylinders 3 
• Power (kw) 55 @ 6200
• 5-speed manual gearbox
• 0-100km/h in 13.2 seconds
• Top speed (km/h) 171
• Fuel consumption - urban cycle - 5.9
• Front ventilated disc brakes
• Front axel: Macpherson struts, coil springs
• Anti-roll bar
• Tyres - Steel wheels with wheel covers, embossed emblem (165/70/R14)
• Fuel tank - 35L
• Luggage space - 251 with rear seats folded up or 951 with rear seats folded down
• Audio - Radio (2 loudspeakers and roof aerial) - Sound Plus optional extra
• Airbags for driver and passenger
• ABS Brakes
• Power Steering
• Immobiliser
• Central Locking
• Electric Windows
• Air conditioning

Price: From R133 500 

3-year / 120 000 km warranty

12 year anti-corrosive warranty

15 000km service intervals

Optional Extras

• Driver pack - with parking assist sensors and cruise control help
• Sound 'Plus' pack - 6 additional speakers
• Winter pack - heated front seats and fog lights
• Touch phone music kit - for the tech lover, voice operated, bluetooth system allows you to play and manage your favourite music via USB, audio adapter or your smart phone.

As you can see this is a wonderful car.  I took a break around the Point Waterfront and a man across the road asked, 'Is that the new Volkswagen up! what's it like?

Me: It's lekker

For more info on the car: http://www.newvwup.co.za/

To celebrate the launch of this car South Africans will be able to get free Uber rides in Jozi, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban from 2 - 8 March 2015. 

You may even be chauffeured by Sureshnie Rider or Jonathan Boynton-Lee.

How it works:

1. Sign up for Uber and download the free application here: http://www.uber.com/go/uberup
2. Enter the promo code UBERUP to unlock the unique UberUp view
3. Toggle over to the VW icon and request a ride as per normal
4. A Volkswagen up! will arrive at the user's destination within minutes

Terms and Conditions:

1. Available only in Jozi, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban
2. The service is available for request between: 1pm - 9pm weekdays or 3pm - 11pm weekends from Monday 2 - Sunday 8 March
3. Trips can be a maximum of 20mins in duration or 20km in distance
4. Users limited to 2 free Uber trips in the Volkswagen up! during campaign period
5. Maximum 3 passengers in one vehicle

If you follow Volkswagen and Uber on social media you might just find clues as to when and where the celebs will be making appearances

Twitter: @VolkswagenSA | @Uber_CT | @Uber_Joburg | @Uber_Durban

Facebook: facebook.com/VWSA | facebook.com/UberRSA

Review by Fred Felton
Twitter @fredfelton

Your Weekend Event Guide Durban

Plenty of events around Durban this weekend

Saturday

Old Mutual Music At The Lake Presents Goldfish 

Supporting Act is Crazy White Boy

Where: Botanic Gardens

When: Saturday, gates open 16h30

Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za

In The Week

This edition by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton 

Want free tickets to see Goldfish at Durban Botanic Gardens This Week ?

The good folk at Old Mutual Music at the Lake have given us 5 double tickets just for you.

Goldfish

This electronic duo will be serenading you at the Durban Botanic Gardens on Saturday 28 Feb.
The support act is Crazy White Boy.

Look out for some great electronica mixed with jazz and dance.

So pack your picnic bags and join them on Saturday.

For your chance to win those tickets simply answer this easy question and email us your name, telephone number and email address:

Question: Who is the support act at this event?

Email your answer, your name, telephone number and email address to
falconscove@gmail.com 

Put Goldfish Competition in the subject line. 

5 lucky winners will each get themselves double tickets to this event.*

Competition is now closed.    

For those of you that don't win the tickets you can still book tickets at www.webtickets.co.za

Gates open at 16h30 for pre-sold tickets and 17h00 for on-the-day ticket sales.
Show starts 7pm



*Ts & Cs apply. for more details see our competition page.

Castings For Models For Durban Fashion Fair 2015

This week and next Ethekwini Municipality will be hosting New Face Open Casting and Model Scouting days for youth interested in breaking into the modelling industry and model at Durban Fashion Fair 2015.

No experience needed or photographs.  You need not be represented by any agency.  All selected individuals will be trained professionally to walk on a runway.

Requirements for Female Models

• 16 - 35 yrs (bring ID copy)
• Min. 1,75cm tall without heels
• 90-92cm Hip Measurement
• Must wear body fitting clothing and heels to casting, no jeans.
• Please wear minimal makeup

Requirments for Male Models

• 16 - 35 yrs (bring ID copy)
• Minimum 1,83m tall
• 30/32 Trouser size
• Must wear fitted T-shirt or shirt and closed shoes or trainers to casting
• Must be in good physical shape

Casting Dates and Venues

• 27 Feb 2015 - Pinetown Civic Centre, Council Chambers - 1pm - 5pm
• 28 Feb 2015 - Bester Hall Boardroom - 1pm -5pm
• 6 March 2015 - Botanic Gardens Conference Hall, Durban - 12pm - 4pm

For more info contact Pearl Mzimela on 031-322-6203 or Pearl.Mzimela@durban.gov.za 

This edition by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton

Your Weekend Event Guide Durban

Plenty happening around Durban this week

Friday

Bookings at Computicket

Venue: Sneddon Theatre

Saturday

Bookings: Ster-Kinekor

Sunday

Monday

This edition by Fred Felton
Twitter @fredfelton

Creative Artists are invited to a consultation meeting in Durban

The Kwazulu - Natal Cultural and Creative Industries Federation (Interim Committee) invites all creative artists to a consultative meeting in Durban this week:

Venue: Durban Music School, 21 Diakonia Avenue, Durban
Date: 20th Feb 2015
Time: 10am

RSVP today the latest to Mrs Lungile Shabane email: shabanel@kzndac.gov.za

This meeting is for those in performing artists, cinema, music, media, publishing, technical, events, fashion, architecture and design.

The interim committee would like to invite all of those in the sector to this Provincial Consultative Meeting.

This meeting is to discuss various issues in the sectors including fragmentation.

Participate in the eThekwini Art Prize Competition

All you need to know for this Art Competition

Visual artists have a chance to showcase their talent in this competition.

The competition seeks to transform the city into an art space.

Interested artists will need to submit two-dimensional and three-dimensional art pieces that are based on an idea of an environment that speaks to social cohesion under the theme 'Heart Matters'.  The pieces should promote ideas of caring, unity and compassion that transcend race, class and gender.

You can pick up competition entries at Durban Art Gallery, 2nd Floor, City Hall (Cultural Block Entrance) Anton Lembede Street.  Submissions must include a certified copy of your bar-coded ID.

Submission deadline: 5 March 2015 at 4pm.

The winning artist will be commissioned to create a public art piece (not less than 5 metres high) to be installed at the intersection node of KE Masinga Road and OR Tambo Parade.

The piece should take no longer than 4 months, during this period the artist will get a stipend and monthly support for operational costs.  They will also receive R250 000 prize money after the completion date of the public art piece.

For more info: Mduduzi Xakaza on 031 311 2262 or mduduzi.xakaza@durban.gov.za 


This edition by Fred Felton
Twitter @fredfelton

Mark Your Calendar For NWJ Bridal and Events Show 2015

Move over Valentine's Day, there's a new month of love.

In March the NWJ Bridal and Events Show 2015 takes over Durban.
There will be wedding gowns, fashion, jewellery, design, decor, wedding cakes and even a fashion
show.

Kay Ndungane

Kay Ndungane will be showing her wedding organisation business 'Oak Celebrations' at the event.
For more info: www.oakcelebrations.com

You can also win a R10 000 prize from NWJ Fine Jewellery.
Check out the NWJ Bridal and Events Show Facebook page for more info.

Dates to Diarise for Durban Exhibition Centre, 11 Walnut Road

Saturday, 7 March 9h30 - 17h00
Sunday 8 March 9h30 - 17h00
Daily Fashion Show Times: 11am - 3pm

Tickets via Computicket or at the door: R75 per person

For more info visit: www.nwjbridalshow.com
Facebook: nwjbridalshow


Article by Fred Felton (twitter @fredfelton)
Image - Supplied

Valentine's Day Events Durban

There are plenty of events around Valentine's Day this week in Durban

13 February 2015 - Ashton International College

Doors open 18h30

Contact Jeannie: 083-627-5339

13 February 2015 - Valentine's Singles Dinner - The Oyster Box at The Pearl Room

Your MC is Jeremy Atkins

Bookings 031-514-5000 or email: restaurants@oysterbox.co.za


Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Dinner - The Oyster Box
Bookings 031-514-5000 or email: restaurants@oysterbox.co.za

Valentine's Day Concert Featuring Kahn and the Durban City Orchestra at Durban Botanic Gardens

Gates open 16h30

Bookings: www.webtickets.co.za

This edition by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton 

Interview With Kahn From The Parlotones Catch Him At Durban Botanic Gardens Valentine's Day

This week we interview the musician Kahn from The Parlotones

Kahn - Image Supplied

1. How did you become a musician?
I loved acting on musicals and one-act-plays in school.  That somehow progressed in me wanting to become a singer in a band.  Though I was rejected from all auditions, I decided to learn how to play the guitar, write my own songs and start a band.  And that's how I became a musician.

2. Which musicians inspire you?
I'll be honest, that's a very difficult question.  I find inspiration from all types of genres, musicians, styles and so forth.  So to singly point out one person would be difficult for me.  I'm inspired by a musicians ranging from up and coming to legendary.

3. What advice do you have for young musicians?
Do it because you love it NOT in pursuit of fame and fortune.

4. What can we expect from you at the concert at the Durban Botanic Gardens?
This time around, our performance is going to be super special, because it will be backed by a 60 piece orchestra. Orchestral music is powerful and moving so I'm sure it's going to be a great evening.  People will be sure to enjoy the performances as it will be a different, unique sound and experience for them too.

5. What's next for The Parlotones?
We have a tour to the UK and we also have a new album launch tour in May.  Later in the year we'll tour Europe and the states.


Kahn will be performing with a 60 piece orchestra on Valentine's Day at the Durban Botanic Gardens as part of the Old Mutual Music At The Lake series.  The opening Act is Majozi.

Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens, 9A Zikhale (Sydenham) Road, Durban
Date: Saturday 14 February

Tickets are available online at www.webtickets.co.za

Ticket prices:  Pre-sold tickets are R130 and R150 on the day

Children aged 8-12 pay R50; kids under 8 are free.  All children are welcome at the KidZone for some extra fun and games

Drinks, cooler boxes and picnic baskets are welcome

Gates open at 16h30 for pre-sold tickets and at 17h00 for on-the-day ticket sales.

Show starts at 19h00

Secure parking is available on the Juventus ground. Entrance to all parking is off lower John Zikhale (Sydenham) Road, adjacent to the Botanic Gardens and the Munies Hockey Field also off lower John Zikhale (Sydenham) Road.

Website: www.dogreatthings.co.za

Twitter: @OM_Concerts

Facebook: Old Mutual Music In The Gardens 

This edition by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton 

Want Tickets To Bands On Demand in Durban courtesy of Converse?

It's your lucky day.

The good folks at Converse have given us tickets all for you for their secret concert in Durban next week.

You could get one of these tickets:

1 x Double Tickets for Gangs Of Ballet 

or

1 x Double Tickets for Yorke

The perfect gift for Valentine's Day.

How you can win those tickets:

Answer this question: Why should you win the tickets?

You can send us the answer in one of 2 ways:

1. Either Tweet @UmhlangaLife your answer with the hashtag #SNEAKERSWOULD

or

2. Email falconscove@gmail.com with your answer, name, contact number, twitter handle 

and email address.  Please put Converse Competition in the Subject Line.

We will do the draw on Wednesday 11th February 2015.

Good Luck!

Valentine's Day Treats At The Oyster Box

Love and other treats await you at The Oyster Box.

The Oyster Box introduces a Valentine's Singles Dinner on Friday 13th February.  If you are flying solo this year round up a few friends for an evening of fun and laughs in the Pearl Room.
Comedian Jem Atkins of The Single Dad fame will be your MC.
There will be music from a DJ and great food.
A welcome cocktail awaits you prepared by a flaring mixologist.
Price: R590 per person.

The always popular Valentine's Day Dinner at The Oyster Box is one of the hottest dates in town.
Both the Grill Room and The Ocean Terrace Restaurants will pull out all the stops.
There will also be live entertainment
Price: R750 - R950 per person.
Book early to avoid disappointment.

For bookings call 031-514-5000 or email restaurants@oysterbox.co.za


The Oyster Box also has an Evening Indulgence in February.
At the Palm Court you can get a cup of coffee or tea and a selection of exquisite pastries, scones and sweet treats.
Available from 6pm - 9pm
Cost: R85
No booking required.


This edition by Fred Felton
Twitter @fredfelton
(Image - Supplied)

Join The Noble Open Day Durban

Discover Noble The Collection

They will be having an Open day in Durban with 30% off all ranges.

Date: Tuesday 10th Feb 2015

Venue: Audacia Manor, 11 Sir Arthur Road, Morningside

Time: 8am - 7h30pm