a luxury electric MASTERPIECE

After driving his son’s Volvo S90 and his daughter-in-law’s Volvo XC60, Vinesh Maharaj, from The Kitchen Studio, was hooked. “When I heard about the availability of the P8, I did not hesitate,” he says. “I have had the vehicle for almost a year now, and I have already done 32 000km.”

Vinesh says this is by far the best vehicle he has ever owned. “Because of the high mileage I do, I have gone through various makes and models of vehicles in the past 43 years,” he says.

“Besides the savings on fuel costs and not contributing to harmful emissions, driving the vehicle itself is a dream.

It is quiet, comfortable, and has unbelievable road holding and instant torque to safely overtake stragglers.”

The spaciousness and the safety that the P8 delivers is also a bonus for Vinesh.

“And there is no wear and tear on the motor like on an ICE vehicle, so there ought to be no difference in the performance when it gets older,” he adds.

The estimated range on the P8 is around 420km.

“The more economically I drive it, the greater the range achieved,” says Vinesh. “The car’s infotainment screen is user-friendly and tells you when recharging is required, as well as which charging stations are on route – once you have keyed

“I have other vehicles which I rarely use these days, the electric P8 has become my first choice,” says Vinesh. “My wife, who sometimes drives my car, has her eye on the new electric C40 – which I believe should be arriving in June this year.”

For More Info

To book a test drive or for more info regarding the Volvo range of vehicles, contact Volvo Cars Hillcrest: 39 Old Main Road; 031 716 5000; www.volvocarshillcrest.co.za; info@fmgh.co.za

Most Improved Dealer of the Year Winner 2022: Volvo Cars Hillcrest

To laugh freely is one of the greatest joys. The laughter of children greets me as I enter The Browns School in Pinetown. I know I’m in for a special visit. This is not because the school caters for children with special needs, but more so, I feel the warmth and love echoing through their laughter.

Principal Brenda Hattingh beams with pride as we sit down for a chat after the morning assembly. “A group of our learners swam the Midmar Mile. I spoke about how people with disabilities do swim … Don’t judge people by what they look like, rather look at what they can do and the positives,” she says.

It’s a message for society too – to see each child positively. Brenda explains, “When your child is different from the next-door neighbour’s child, you have to first accept it, and then realise it’s not the end of the road. There are things your child is going to be able to do. And that whole process is something we help parents through.”

It began in the 1950s when a lady raised funds to start a holiday home for children with cerebral palsy. When questioned by the media, she chose to remain anonymous and said, “Just call me Mrs Brown.” Her legacy continues today, with the school providing holistic development to nearly 400 special needs children, from three to 18 years old. They hail from various areas, including Amanzimtoti, Chatsworth, the CBD, Durban North, Phoenix and Hillcrest. The children face different challenges – learning disabilities, being on the autistic spectrum, or living