http://redcube.co.za/index.php The latest press releases from RedCube Agency en brett@redcube.co.za Copyright 2007 2007-12-01T20:42:01+02:00 http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/laundry_days_are_a_dream_with_the_whirlpool_dreamspace/ http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/laundry_days_are_a_dream_with_the_whirlpool_dreamspace/#When:20:42:01Z Have you ever opened your cupboards to look for your favourite pair of jeans and you find that they're still in the dirty laundry basket? How many times have your kids not had a clean pair of school socks, because you simply can't face the daunting task of actually washing the clothes?Have you ever opened your cupboards to look for your favourite pair of jeans and you find that they’re still in the dirty laundry basket? How many times have your kids not had a clean pair of school socks, because you simply can’t face the daunting task of actually washing the clothes? Whirlpool, the world’s leading appliance manufacturer, has made laundry day woes a thing of the past with the new Whirlpool Dreamspace 10kg Front Loader washing machine. The Dreamspace is a must for large households. It has an extra large 92-litre drum capacity and a 40cm door opening, which is one of the widest on the market. These features make loading and unloading easy, even with larger items, whilst the wider drum diameter enhances the effectiveness of the washing process. With an A+ energy rating, it features 6th Sense technology which allows the machine to sense, adapt and control the laundry process. What this means is that the Dreamspace can sense the weight of the load, adapt the amount of water and time used to wash this load and will then control the entire process by constantly monitoring the water and detergent levels in the drum. It has a 1200rpm variable spin speed which ensures that the clothes are spun as dry as possible. If you wish to spin on a slower speed, the machine has spin speed reduction capabilities – that means your cashmere jersey won’t get stretched. The Dreamspace has 12 programmes which include an antibacterial programme, a wool programme, a daily 40̊C wash, Rapid Plus programme and a Duvet programme - excellent news for those people who have been paying a fortune to have their duvets dry-cleaned. In order to prevent bacteria from growing on the parts of the machine that are constantly damp, there is a built in hygiene system in the detergent drawer and pump filter that incorporates Microban®. This is a patented antibacterial treatment that prevents mildew and helps eliminate odours. The Start Delay and Rinse Hold features can be used when you want the machine to start washing or rinsing while you’re out shopping. The Intensive Rinse feature can be used when you want to be absolutely sure that there’s no detergent residue on your baby’s receiving blanket. The ‘Remaining Time’ indicator is useful for when you’re in a hurry to hang out the clothes before you rush to work. The Pre-Wash cycle allows you to soak your son’s really dirty soccer kit before washing as normal and the Easy Ironing cycle makes life a lot simpler when it comes to ironing those collared shirts. The ‘Woolmark’ symbol means you can wash delicates as well and if you have to wash something quickly, the 30 Minute cycle does just the trick. Whirlpool has come to the rescue once again by providing quality innovative products that help you make the most of the time and resources you have available, ultimately making your life easier. For further information on the Whirlpool Dreamspace or any other products, please visit http://www.whirlpool.co.za or call 011 621 0500. Consumer Products & Services 2007-12-01T20:42:01+02:00 http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/villas_valriche_in_mauritius_chooses_planning_partners_for_landscaping/ http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/villas_valriche_in_mauritius_chooses_planning_partners_for_landscaping/#When:20:38:00Z Cape Town based Landscaping Architecture company Planning Partners has been selected to provide the landscaping design services for the Villas Valriche luxury residential development in Domaine de Bel Ombre on the south west coast of Mauritius. Cape Town based Landscaping Architecture company Planning Partners has been selected to provide the landscaping design services for the Villas Valriche luxury residential development in Domaine de Bel Ombre on the south west coast of Mauritius. The company has been conducting business globally for over 33 years and with previous clients such as Anton Rupert, Johnnic Properties, Investec, Pezula and GT Ferreira. Planning Partners have a proven track record for providing high quality, innovative landscaping concepts. “Planning Partners have experience with Indian Ocean islands and provided us with a clear and concise design for the Villas Valriche estate. The designs suit the site’s splendid views and beautiful topography, meaning that home owners will feel at one with nature when they are enjoying their gardens,” said Alec Bates, a director of Les Villas de Bel Ombre Ltee, the principal development company. For the Villas Valriche development, all the larger indigenous trees and shrubs along the river gorges and water courses of the golf course will be retained and where very dense, selected indigenous plants will be thinned out and transplanted elsewhere on the estate. In the open spaces currently under sugar cane, trees, shrubs and grasses will be planted to recreate the tropical feel. Roads will be lined with mature royal palms to create a majestic feel. It is important to note that over 10,000 palms were cultivated especially for this project. They have been grown on the estate and will be used in the common areas and gardens of the villas. There are a number of different garden styles that owners can choose from. The gardens can be closed or open in rectilinear or informal styles with a choice between predominantly indigenous or exotic varieties of plant. There will also be a dedicated nursery in Bel Ombre where home owners can purchase plants to further develop their gardens when in residence. Each villa will be have external feature walls dressed in volcanic dry packed fieldstone typical to the Mauritian landscape in the gardens. The entire estate will be irrigated by an automated system to facilitate ease of maintenance and stimulate new growth in each of the gardens and the in common areas.  Anthony Wain, the Director of Planning Partners and the main designer working on this project, has previously worked in countries such as Afghanistan, Egypt, Namibia, Nigeria and the Seychelles. “I believe that one needs to take adventurous steps to get to where you want to be in life. By selecting the Villas Valriche contract on the basis of intellectual challenge and the detail of the work involved, we are well-suited to the development and the team behind it all,” said Wain.  The sultry climate and the carefully plants chosen for the estate will recreate a new tropical landscape where there was once only sugar cane – “A new landscape following an old pattern.” For further information on Villas Valriche and details on the different specifications that are available, please visit http://www.villasvalriche.com. Property 2007-12-01T20:38:00+02:00 http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/the_effects_of_technology_on_the_life_industry1/ http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/the_effects_of_technology_on_the_life_industry1/#When:20:16:00Z The advances in technology, in terms of the early detection and treatment of chronic and terminal illnesses have had a great impact on the life insurance industry of late. However, due to the complexity in the living benefits sector the impact of technological advancement has influenced the industry in varying ways. The advances in technology, in terms of the early detection and treatment of chronic and terminal illnesses have had a great impact on the life insurance industry of late. However, due to the complexity in the living benefits sector the impact of technological advancement has influenced the industry in varying ways. Life business has benefited the greatest from these technological advances, due to the increase in longevity of policy holders. Early detection means that individuals now have a better chance of receiving treatment that can often slow down or cure the progression of a life threatening condition. The subsequent decrease in mortality rates within the insured population has meant that claim payouts occur with a greater lapse in time from the inception of the policy to the payout date, although some of this expected improvement in longevity is already priced in by re-insurers. This vital issue is a driving force in RGA’s involvement with the Longer Life Foundation. However, as these advances also mean that certain terminal illnesses are now treatable as chronic diseases, and previously debilitating conditions can often be cured or more effectively treated, the definitions and terms of critical illness (CI) payouts need to be addressed. Early strokes and myocardial infarctions (MI), aggressively treated with reperfusion medications or techniques improve the chances of having fully recovered stroke patients, or of having what has become known as an ‘aborted’ MI, with no permanent cardiac muscle impairment. One approach to solving this issue would be to ensure that living benefits really only be paid to people who have, through the contraction and diagnosis of a critical illness, lost their ability to earn an income, cover over-run medical bills, pay for advanced medical treatment, adjust their lifestyles and/or manage their loss of insurability. This basically means that CI policies should only pay out in terms of the expected effects or consequences of an event, not on the diagnosis of the event alone. Compounding the issue facing the industry is the fact that many products today remain driven partly by competitive market trends in the form of differentiation and not so much by client needs or affordability. With the rise of consumerism and the resulting competitive nature of the industry insurers have had to begin differentiating themselves in terms of the number of events covered. However, these products are not easily comparable, as the degree of severity of certain conditions required for a payout is often not taken into consideration. In order to address this issue the industry may need to ensure that event definitions and the contract terms with regard to payouts are clearly and carefully thought out, paying on the subsequent expected effects or consequences of an event and not on the diagnosis, per se. This will ensure that the impact of improved technology on, for example the CI market, will be low, especially considering the current rate of advancement in terms of diagnosis and treatment. It will also future-proof policies, as there will always remain a need and place for CI cover, regardless of how advanced the treatment and diagnosis of diseases becomes. Finance & Investments 2007-12-01T20:16:00+02:00 http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/sushi_the_ultimate_summer_food/ http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/sushi_the_ultimate_summer_food/#When:18:18:00Z Whether you’re a visitor to the sunny KZN province this festive season, or if you’re a resident in the Kingdom of the Zulus, you can now enjoy a sushi-eating experience that is second to none. Whether you’re a visitor to the sunny KZN province this festive season, or if you’re a resident in the Kingdom of the Zulus, you can now enjoy a sushi-eating experience that is second to none.  John Dory’s Fish & Grill is proud to announce that the Ballito, Pavillion, Suncoast Casino, Gateway and Kloof stores have been revamped in time for summer and now all feature top-of-the-range sushi belts, amongst other additions and changes. For most of us who have never tried sushi before, the idea of eating such a ‘fussy’ food is daunting, so the good folk at John Dory’s bring you ‘sushi made easy’: When it comes to handling your chopsticks (yes, they’re called chopsticks, not toothpicks or drumsticks) don’t poke or beat things with them. Break them apart delicately, and rub them across each other to remove any splinters. Some sushi chefs find this offensive, so do it under the table if you have to. Never use only one chopstick, especially not as a harpoon. Don’t ask for a knife. Sushi is not a tough food; your fingers or chopsticks are all the tools you’ll need. Those crazy little plates and stuff – there’s a small ceramic block called a hashi oki on which you set your chopsticks when you’re not using them. To the right of your place setting there will be a small ceramic saucer which holds the soy sauce. DO NOT pour the soy sauce straight onto your sushi. Pour the soy sauce into the small dish and dip the sushi into it. The thinly-sliced pink ginger on your plate is called gari. Eat this as a palate refresher between dishes, not as a salad! Wasabi is the little green chunk of horseradish paste that people often mix with the soy sauce. If you aren’t used to eating wasabi be forewarned: when eaten full strength, it has an electric effect on the sinuses that has been know to make grown men weep, openly. Never pass sushi to another person using your chopsticks. Pass the plate so they can pick it up themselves. Always pick the sushi up off the plate with the back end of the chopstick – the end that doesn’t go into your mouth. And of course, never yell “go long” or “incoming” and then throw sushi across the table. Pick up the sushi, turn and dip the fish part, not the rice, into the soy sauce-wasabi mixture, and put the whole portion in your mouth. NEVER bite a piece of sushi in half and put half back on your plate. Always eat the whole thing. And one special note – never leave rice after a meal. It’s considered rude to leave food after a meal, but leaving rice is especially rude. Sushi is finger food. It’s okay to pick it up with your hands if you like. DO NOT ASK YOUR JOHN DORY’S SUSHI CHEF “is that fish fresh?” Of course it’s fresh or the chef should not be serving it! However helpful these tips, it’s important to enjoy yourself at the sushi bar and not feel intimidated. John Dory’s wants you to relax and simply enjoy the food! For more information, please call 0860 JDORYS (0860 536 797) or visit http://www.johndorys.co.za. Tourism & Leisure 2007-12-01T18:18:00+02:00 http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/john_dorys_fish_and_grill_restaurant_now_open_in_parow/ http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/john_dorys_fish_and_grill_restaurant_now_open_in_parow/#When:16:59:00Z The well-known and much loved John Dory’s Fish & Grill family restaurant is now open in the Parow Centre in Voortrekker Road in Parow. The owners Francois Hamman and Steve Ford are looking forward to welcoming you to enjoy an affordable, quality meal with your friends and family.The well-known and much loved John Dory’s Fish & Grill family restaurant is now open in the Parow Centre in Voortrekker Road in Parow. The owners Francois Hamman and Steve Ford are looking forward to welcoming you to enjoy an affordable, quality meal with your friends and family. “We pride ourselves on price, quality and an extensive fish and grill menu that will keep you coming back for more” says Hamman. The store is able to seat 230 people, including the outside area. The most attractive part of the store will be the sushi bar and sushi belt that has been built to take pride of place in the store. For most of us who have never tried sushi before, the idea of eating such a ‘fussy’ food is daunting, so the good folk at John Dory’s bring you ‘sushi made easy’: When it comes to handling your chopsticks (yes, they’re called chopsticks, not toothpicks or drumsticks) don’t poke or beat things with them. Break them apart delicately, and rub them across each other to remove any splinters. Some sushi chefs find this offensive, so do it under the table if you have to. Never use only one chopstick, especially not as a harpoon. Don’t ask for a knife. Sushi is not a tough food; your fingers or chopsticks are all the tools you’ll need. Those crazy little plates and stuff – there’s a small ceramic block called a hashi oki on which you set your chopsticks when you’re not using them. To the right of your place setting there will be a small ceramic saucer which holds the soy sauce. DO NOT pour the soy sauce straight onto your sushi. Pour the soy sauce into the small dish and dip the sushi into it. The thinly-sliced pink ginger on your plate is called gari. Eat this as a palate refresher between dishes, not as a salad! Wasabi is the little green chunk of horseradish paste that people often mix with the soy sauce. If you aren’t used to eating wasabi be forewarned: when eaten full strength, it has an electric effect on the sinuses that has been know to make grown men weep, openly. Never pass sushi to another person using your chopsticks. Pass the plate so they can pick it up themselves. Always pick the sushi up off the plate with the back end of the chopstick – the end that doesn’t go into your mouth. And of course, never yell “go long” or “incoming” and then throw sushi across the table. Pick up the sushi, turn and dip the fish part, not the rice, into the soy sauce-wasabi mixture, and put the whole portion in your mouth. NEVER bite a piece of sushi in half and put half back on your plate. Always eat the whole thing. A special note – never leave rice after a meal. It’s considered rude to leave food after a meal, but leaving rice is especially rude. Sushi is finger food. It’s okay to pick it up with your hands if you like. DO NOT ASK YOUR JOHN DORY’S SUSHI CHEF “is that fish fresh?” Of course it’s fresh or the chef should not be serving it! However helpful these tips, it’s important to enjoy yourself at the new Parow store sushi bar and sushi belt and not feel intimidated. John Dory’s wants you to relax and simply enjoy the food! For more information or to book a table at the store, please call 021 930 7499 or visit http://www.johndorys.co.za. Tourism & Leisure 2007-12-01T16:59:00+02:00 http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/spitz_opens_first_lacoste_accessories_boutique_dafrique/ http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/spitz_opens_first_lacoste_accessories_boutique_dafrique/#When:16:54:00Z As the 4th largest distributor of Lacoste footwear in the world, Spitz is proud to announce that South Africa’s very first Lacoste Accessories Boutique has opened its chic French fashion doors in Cavendish Square, Cape Town.As the 4th largest distributor of Lacoste footwear in the world, Spitz is proud to announce that South Africa’s very first Lacoste Accessories Boutique has opened its chic French fashion doors in Cavendish Square, Cape Town.  To enhance this delicious news Spitz has secured the opportunity to include footwear from the Spring/Summer 2008 Lacoste collection, hot off the catwalks of New York, as early as December 2007.  This will mean that South Africans are able to buy from the new collection a full season ahead of worldwide fashion markets. “Let’s be honest, accessories really make your outfit,” says Tshepo Modiba, Lacoste Footwear Buyer and Brand Manager for Spitz who remains the 4th largest distributor of Lacoste footwear in the world, “With a Lacoste boutique dedicated exclusively to footwear and accessories South Africans now have the opportunity to shop in an environment with a much fuller offering of their favourite items.” The store houses a wide selection of Lacoste wallets, bags, belts, sunglasses, watches and fine fragrances as well as footwear.  The boutique design incorporates fluid white shop fitting styles, designed and manufactured by dedicated suppliers who are controlled directly by the Lacoste creative team in Paris. All the shop fitting elements have been imported from France and give the store a clean look and feel with white curved lines and a unique multi-coloured lighting sequence that ensures a reflection of soft hues on the products in order to enhance your shopping mood. The iconic fashion label celebrates its 75th Anniversary next year and is still controlled by the family who are descended from the original French tennis star, Rene Lacoste.  Today Lacoste has a strong presence in South Africa and followers of the brand will be delighted at the new selection of footwear from the Spring/Summer 2008 collection that housed in the new boutique. Fashion, Health & Beauty 2007-12-01T16:54:00+02:00 http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/provantage_media_putting_brrr_into_summer/ http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/provantage_media_putting_brrr_into_summer/#When:16:35:00Z Provantage Media, a leading provider of ambient marketing platforms, activation and transit communications are taking shoppers to the ‘Brrr’ side of life this festive season with an integrated brand activation campaign, incorporating transit media, shoppa shows and in-store promotions, as part of Coke’s new through-the-line ‘Brrr’ campaign.Provantage Media, a leading provider of ambient marketing platforms, activation and transit communications are taking shoppers to the ‘Brrr’ side of life this festive season with an integrated brand activation campaign, incorporating transit media, shoppa shows and in-store promotions, as part of Coke’s new through-the-line ‘Brrr’ campaign. The campaign aims to instill ’Brrr’ as part of everyday vocabulary by creating a feeling that is synonymous with the excitement and passion of the Coke brand. The in-store campaign makes use of interactive, two-sided stands, comprised of a bar area and a Brrr booth. Promoters will be inviting mall patrons to take a break from the festive season shopping to find out more information about living on the ‘Brrr’ side of life. The Brrr booth is equipped with a webcam, which is connected to a plasma screen, placed in clear view of high shopper foot traffic areas. After shoppers have purchased their ice cold Coca-Cola, they will present their till slip to get their five seconds of fame in the Brrr booth to do their unique ‘Brrr’ impersonation. The webcam will then broadcast the impersonations to shoppers on the outside for all to experience the ‘Brrr’ side of life. Every shopper with proof that they purchased a Coke will receive a free gift, chosen from a range of cards. All slips collected will be entered into a draw, taking place at 12 o’clock every Saturday at each mall. Provantage have also branded 110 Quantum taxis that operate in all the major urban areas, nationally, targeting commuters on a daily basis this summer. Shoppa Shows are also being conducted in all the major retail nodes, on a national basis, to reach consumers at a grass roots level. During the shows shoppers are being measured on the Brrr-o-metre to make sure everyone is interacting with promoters and coming across to the ‘Brrr’ side of life. Forming an integral part of Coke’s new ‘Brrr” campaign, Provantage Media’s mall and transit brand activation campaigns are extending the above-the-line message by creating an emotional link with the consumer. According to Jacques du Preez, managing director at Provantage Media, the sales response from consumers and commuters to date has been outstanding and the campaign is incredibly popular with consumers, ensuring that whenever someone drinks a Coke this summer their tongue will want to sing a song! Media & Marketing 2007-12-01T16:35:00+02:00 http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/baby_soft_breezes_through_on_the_triple_bottom_line/ http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/baby_soft_breezes_through_on_the_triple_bottom_line/#When:06:44:00Z Philanthropy is this year’s number 1 accessory in every industry from marketing to fashion and as 2007 finds itself in the midst of the traditional season of giving, everyone from big corporates to celebrities, is offering time, money or services to those in need.Philanthropy is this year’s number 1 accessory in every industry from marketing to fashion and as 2007 finds itself in the midst of the traditional season of giving, everyone from big corporates to celebrities, is offering time, money or services to those in need.  In an increasingly competitive market place it is collaboration and forming strong visual and vocal relationships with like-minded causes that boosts the second and third of what has come to be known as the triple bottom line.  There is a trend towards judging the success of a company against three unique pillars namely economic, environmental and social success.  In other words to expand and grow consumption of a product requires a strategy that incorporates all 3 of these elements in order to reflect on the triple bottom line.  Doing well economically generates profit, doing well environmentally generates goodwill among consumers, business partners and suppliers as well as ensuring longevity and good morale within the company, and social success generates awareness and eventual preference to the brand or company within the market place.  Arguably these last two elements result in increased profits too. It is clear that companies both internationally and locally are recognising the value of approaching strategy with the triple bottom line in mind.  International corporate giants including Motorola, Apple, GAP and American Express recently committed a percentage of sales on their RED products to the funding of anti-retroviral rollout in Africa.  Locally companies like Kimberly-Clark’s leading South African premium bath tissue manufacturers, Baby Soft®, will successfully close their 2007 corporate social investment project in aid of the South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind (SAGA) at the end of this month.  Having undergone a complete repackaging of their 4’s, 9’s and 18’s products for a limited period of 3 months the campaign looks set to raise more than R200 000 for South Africa’s visually impaired community, a full R50 000 increase on last year’s donation to this established cause.  The National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) estimates that CSI contribution by the corporate sector was between R4 and R5 billion which is 0.26% of the turnover of large corporations and 0.15% of small and medium enterprises in 2002 and has tracked exponentially rising figures in CSI contribution ever since.  The trend is to recognise the many benefits for all involved in donating resources to worthy causes, not least of all the donor itself. The challenge comes in maximising on the opportunity to donate funds and finding a good fit for the individual brand so that the donation lends itself naturally to the cause. According to Baby Soft® Brand Manager, Murray Booth, there is a natural fit between Baby Soft® and SAGA. “The Baby Soft® puppy logo is a recognised logo in the South African market and it has leant itself well to the caring and family nature of the brand.  This has lead to commercials and print campaigns featuring the cuddly puppy which in turn relates directly to SAGA. We’re very proud of our association with SAGA and it is clear that our consumers enjoy the immediate result in donating money to the breeding and raising of these amazing dogs that offer the South African visually impaired community, their companionship, mobility and dignity.” Fast Moving Consumer Goods 2007-12-01T06:44:00+02:00 http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/man_truck_bus_expands_south_african_footprint/ http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/man_truck_bus_expands_south_african_footprint/#When:20:29:00Z MAN Truck & Bus S.A. (Pty) Ltd has announced the further expansion of their South African footprint, with the opening of a new independent dealership in Upington, owned by Hubner du Plessis and John Heymans. The new dealership will offer the full range of MAN products, parts and aftermarket service support to transport operators in the Northern Cape.MAN Truck & Bus S.A. (Pty) Ltd has announced the further expansion of their South African footprint, with the opening of a new independent dealership in Upington, owned by Hubner du Plessis and John Heymans. The new dealership will offer the full range of MAN products, parts and aftermarket service support to transport operators in the Northern Cape. The new MAN dealership was officially opened by Geoff du Plessis, chief executive officer of MAN Truck & Bus, at a gala event in Upington. “The opening of this dealership is an important step in strengthening our product and support offerings in sub-Saharan Africa, in-line with our African expansion strategy.” With the planned expansion and upgrading of Upington’s airport this region will also form a more strategic freight and exporting hub for South Africa in the future. Upington will therefore become a cargo hub centre, requiring back-end support for the numerous operators that will be transporting goods for export. The new Upington dealership will also cater to the transport operators who utilise the main routes from Windhoek to Cape Town and Johannesburg. “The Northern Cape is a rich agricultural and mining region, therefore the economy is driven by the operators’ ability to transport these goods to the export hubs and other major centres in the country,” comments Heymans, dealer principal at MAN Upington. “The new dealership will therefore provide the full range of MAN Trucknology products, backed with full MAN after sales service and parts support,” continues Heymans. “This product and service offering is supported by our experienced team of administrators, mechanics and sales staff, lead by myself and Hubner du Plessis.” According to Heymans, Hubner du Plessis’ experience in the transport industry and strong community ties will ensure that MAN becomes the preferred supplier to the transport industry in the Northern Cape. Public Services and Business 2007-11-22T20:29:00+02:00 http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/subaru_suits_up_for_elegance_with_an_edge_make_way_for_the_new_impreza/ http://www.redcube.co.za/index.php/press_room/full_release/subaru_suits_up_for_elegance_with_an_edge_make_way_for_the_new_impreza/#When:18:05:00Z Hot off the catwalk transcends into hot off the showroom floor this summer as Subaru launches 2007’s best kept automotive secret in the form of the Subaru Impreza. Just in time for the season of style, this sleek new hatchback is set to be the hottest accessory of the summer season for more than just its shapely looks. Hot off the catwalk transcends into hot off the showroom floor this summer as Subaru launches 2007’s best kept automotive secret in the form of the Subaru Impreza.  Just in time for the season of style, this sleek new hatchback is set to be the hottest accessory of the summer season for more than just its shapely looks.  Unlike most mainstream vehicles the range of Subaru Imprezas that will no doubt spin rapidly out of more than 21 dealerships across the country, all demonstrate an impressive stack of safety features that Subaru loyalists have come to accept as standard to the brand.  These include the trademarked Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system, six airbags and anti-lock brakes and each car bears the 5 stars of the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme’s crash tests awarded for occupant protection standards. For a long time shopping for cars has been an awkward compromise between style and safety, price and power, showy and sharp.  But as with most other products for sale, from luxury footwear to fine furniture, cars are rapidly following suit in their ability to offer shoppers a vehicle that suits them, both in terms of their safety and their sense of style, a car with panache at a reasonable price and built safely from the inside out.  It is in this spirit that Subaru has brought elegance with an edge to the showroom floor with this new range. Subaru Managing Director, Teresita van Gaalen, explains, “Having established our cars as engineered with integrity the Subaru Impreza specifically is our first step in taking what we call our nuts and bolts up a notch and offering our customers a car that plays in a more stylish space creating a seamless connection between form and function.” The launch of the Subaru Impreza is set to raise the bar even higher as far as current style trends are concerned as South African fashionistas will be able to enjoy advanced suspension systems resulting in a more spacious interior while adding to the stability of the car on the road.  Added to this are all the popular accessories that form part of current car design trends in the form of slender window frames for reduced wind noise at speed, hawk-eye headlights and, the ultimate accessory, an eye-brow raising price tag.  At R169 000 for the manual Subaru Impreza and R178 000 for the SportShift™ automatic, it’s not likely that you’ll find a better bargain for quality, safety and showy flair. In a country where a car is a significant investment for most owners and plays a vital role in their daily lives it is clear that South Africans are clamouring for a vehicle the performs well and does so in style.  The Subaru Impreza looks set to bag the title of elegance with an edge before we see the first light of 2008. Motoring 2007-11-01T18:05:00+02:00