So you've decided to be more environmentally concious and want to buy a hybrid car. This is great news! Less carbon emmissions and a decrease in the dependence of oil can only be a good thing.

3 important benefits of a hybrid:

• Low emissions
• Fuel economy
• Fuel cost savings

But more than knowing that a hybrid car is the 'greener' choice, do you know how it really works?

Did you know? Some hybrid vehicle models have more hosrepower than the non-hybrid version due to additional power provided by the electric motor.

GOOD and Column Five in partnership with Kia Motors created this interactive inforgrahic on how a hybrid car works. View the infographic below and learn more about hybrid cars and its positive effect on our world.

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See the full gallery on Posterous

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See the full gallery on Posterous

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Have you seen the new interactive banner for Audi's A6? I think it's a really smart way to interact with their audience. Personally I find banners to be a waste of time. Yes, I see them but I have no memory of a banner advertisement on a website actually having me convert and buy the product. 

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This morning I caught this Volkswagen Commercial on @RichMulholland's twitter stream and it is simply adorable!

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*Gasp*

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Not a lot of thought goes into a garage section when building a new home. Not a lot of though goes into your garage when buying a new car. In more ways than one it makes sense but, after reading this post in Vanity Fair on Ralph Lauren’s garage, I would have to say that Ralph had his priorities straight when putting together this awe-inspiring garage (as well as its very impressive collection of toys inside).

So, it’s some rich guy’s car collection, right? You’re thinking ‘What makes this one so special?’ Let me quickly give you a short breakdown of what you’ll find when entering this fantasy world of automobiles:

Ralph Lauren has been collecting cars all his life and it has become a very important part of his life. He owns approximately 60 of the rarest and most valuable cars on this planet. This prestige collection includes a 1938 Bugatti coupe, 1938 Alfa Romeo Mille Miglia roadster as well as the world’s ONLY EVER MANUFACTURERED 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK “Count Trossi” roadster – All in perfect driving condition and driven by the designer on a regular basis.

All of them have been maintained carefully since new, or restored to perfection—sometimes beyond perfection, since a few have been painted in colors that are a slight tint off from the original, changed to something almost the same but with a subtle difference that is more pleasing to the owner’s eye, and some have been given new leather that not only looks better than the old but in most cases is better.
- Vanity Fair

Some of his more modern toys include the 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago Super Veloce and the 2006 Bugatti Veyron.

Vanity Fair’s Todd Eberle had the privilege of visiting Ralph Lauren’s inner sanctum of this museum-like garage and photograph it! So, let’s waste no more time and take a look inside:

Please spoil yourself by reading more on Ralph Lauren’s Garage here!

For more images click here

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The feminist in me immediately kicks up a fuss and screams "how sexist! Showing a woman applying lipstick and implying she can't parallel park!?" Nah... it's not about who can and who can't anymore. I just love this new commercial from Mercedes Benz. The Park Assist seems like a really useful tool for us gals who simply need more time to touch up those lips or re-adjust that shoe buckle. I would pay big money to park the A class with the Park Assist and not tell the guy in the passenger seat what's going on. Check it out girls and let me know what you think: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij4mTxFs1j8&fs=1&hl=en_US]

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The term ‘ladies car’ has never been portrayed in a good light. It’s seen in the same light as ‘family car’ ‘soccer mom car’ or even ‘granny car’ – now that just doesn’t cut it for me.

I am very pleasantly surprised to find that Porsche has taken it upon themselves to make the first ‘female-friendly’ car that’s aimed at the business woman and the fashion diva. What I like about this idea is that it’s positive, non-patronising, go-getter and very, very appealing.

Porsche’s recently launched Panamera 'women’s model' is a breath of long-awaited fresh air! The Porsche Panamera 4 is viewed by Porsche as being “the business car for women”.

Creating a four-door hatchback sedan might sound foolish to you and I’ll have to admit that it was a bold step for Porsche to take; but it’s still all-Porsche in every way. It’s fast and absolutely gorgeous! And since us girls tend to travel in packs (hehe!) this is quite a reasonable option with more than expected leg room in the rear. Four of us can fit comfortably into one of these babies and still look hot. CAR magazine described the interior as “oozing decadence”.

This car connotes a successful lifestyle (Prices from R780 000) and a zest for life! Even though you may argue that the Panamera lacks the styling of let’s say, the 911, I think it’s still an eye-catcher and most certainly in a league of its own. The styling of the Panamera focuses more on class and standard rather than any flashiness and glitter.

And no, it’s not too big or too slow. Top speed of 259 km/h is hardly a broken down beetle! It’s beautiful and you’ll be able to climb out of the Panamera wearing that gorgeous summer dress without trying to avoid flashing a peek to the people on the sidewalk – bonus!

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Forget what you’ve ever thought or heard about Volvo – it’s changing and you’ll love what they’ve got to offer.  Last week, I was invited to the launch of the new naughty Volvo S60. No one can try and tell me this is an ‘old man’s car’ anymore, because they’ll be lying through their teeth.

Volvo launched this model with so much confidence and attitude that you can’t help but take notice. All through the design, the interior and the performance – the S60 is here to make a statement.

Design:

It really is good looking. Maybe it was the Flamenco Red colour or maybe the coupe feel of the design – I don’t know, but it’s just hot.

When it comes to over all design, one thing that always bothered me about Volvo design was that it never stood out. You’d find yourself driving past one and making nothing of it. The new S60’s design will have you turning back in your seat and thinking “now that’s a hot Volvo”.

The new design of the headlights is one of my favourite changes. I love the vertical position lights at the front and the eyebrow-like side markers. These larger lights are more attractive and daring. Oh, and did I mention the sexy new grill? It’s an eye catcher!

Performance:

As far as luxury sedans and automatics go, they usually lack edge and response. I simply prefer a manual. What I like about the S60 is that when you put your foot down on the accelerator, the reaction time is extremely fast and spot on. I really enjoyed the drive – it’s comfortable and luxurious yet sporty and playful.

Features:

Pedestrian Detection

I tested out the new Pedestrian Detection feature and was pleasantly surprised at how effective its full auto brake feature is. So, if a pedestrian strolls in front of your Volvo, the car will brake if you do not react in time. The Pedestrian Detection feature can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds of up to 35 km/h. Any faster than that and the focus will change to only slowing down the car as much as possible prior to the impact.  This is particularly handy when driving through City CBD or past schools.

City Safety standard

 This is another nifty tool!  With City Safety, your Volvo will automatically brake if you fail to react in time when the car in front slows down or stops. Now, think about how many times you’ve sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic, looking around or day-dreaming and suddenly you need to slam breaks? City Safety will control the distance between you and the car in front of you so you don’t have to. This doesn’t mean you can catch a quick nap in traffic! You still need to be vigilant on the roads.

Pricing:

Including CO2 emissions tax and 14% VAT:

Volvo S60 2.0T Manual R355, 500

Volvo S60 2.0T Powershift R371, 900

Volvo S60 D5 Geartronic R408, 000

Volvo S60 T6 Geartronic R464, 000 (So Nice to Drive!)

And that reminds me, remember to keep an eye out for the launch of the V60 next year. You’ll be able to catch a sneak peak of it at the Nedbank Golf Challenge next month.

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• Antilock brakes
• Traction control
• Electronic stability system
• Four-/all-wheel drive
• All-season or winter tires
• Heated seats, steering wheel

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HondaSA's Facebook Fan page is such a useful place to find a variety of useful tips. This post I took from their Facebook Fan page and wanted to share it with you. It's a post every driver needs to read! It makes you a little bit more conscious of the way you drive...

• Keep you rev's between 3000 ~ 4500 rev/min for petrol engines, and 1800 ~ 2500 rev/min for diesel engines.
• Do not rev the engine into the red zone of the tachometer; it can result in serious damage to the engine.

• Do not “ride” the clutch to hold the car stationary on an incline. Use your hand brake to hold the car, and only use the clutch when moving off.
• When stationary for extended periods, select neutral, with clutch pedal fully released, rather than engaging 1st gear and keeping the clutch depressed.

• Use the brakes gently in order to avoid excessive brake wear.

• If your car uses unleaded petrol; the use of leaded or LRP petrol may damage your vehicle’s emission control system.
• Using petrol in a diesel engine will cause serious damage. The fuel tank and fuel system should be drained immediately.
• Don't run your fuel tank dry. Dirt deposits accumulate at the bottom of fuel tanks and these will be drawn into the fuel filter, possibly causing a blockage.

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Last week we chatted about the incredibly stylish and beautiful Bentley Supersports.  I’ve been staring at my desktop every morning and during breaks since I’ve loaded the Bentley as my screensaver. But I was quickly brought back to reality when Bentley Continental offered the Ultrasports 702 model as a supposed ‘step-up’.

I was a bit confused by this apparent 'step-up' so I took a closer look to understand what they were referring to. Germany’s Wheelsandmore decided to play a bit with the Bentley Continental Supersports and this is what they came up with. I've always had respect for German-made cars but this takes away a brownie point or two.

So, 702 horsepower, a newfangled handmade exhaust system, 516kW, 336km/h… it’s all great but the design makes me turn my back on it. The over-the-top red-lined three-piece 21-inch wheels are tacky. These additional modifications are a complete waste of time and money.

A Bentley represents style, class, superiority and power. The Bentley Ultrasports has some impressive SPECS but I don't think it ties in with the Bentley brand. The reason drivers pick a specific model or brand is because they associate and relate to the qualities that brands presents. Power is not everything…

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Well, this is beyond any reason the car that makes my knees go numb. Yes, Ferrari, Porsche, Lambo, Mazarati – they are all amazing cars and well worth a second glance but for me – the Queen Bee is the new flashy Bentley Continental Supersports (in glacier white of course). Let me tell you why:

Here, we’re looking at a W12 engine, top speed of 328km/h and 0-60km/h in 3.7 seconds. Well, according to Top Gear “you get a sense of the purpose of this car even before you hit the accelerator.” This is the ultimate performance luxury car – best of both worlds and cream of the crop.

This 2-seater (coupe preferably) is quite stylish indeed. It’s a piece of art design-wise and its smooth silky lines are captivating. Don’t forget the signature wire Bentley grille!

I most probably won’t be able to resist putting my foot down on the accelerator and burning rubber but I can also see myself driving this little princess as an everyday car since its luxurious and comfortable enough to deal with city traffic. Whether I’d like to speed away or cruise round town, with this car I can do both comfortably. What makes it great is that it is not just a weekend car like most performance cars.

On the other hand, the Bentley Continental GT has less power (with a top speed of 318km/h), is more spacious and its interior is perhaps a little more to my taste… I guess I’m still in between models.

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