Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
As the year draws to a close and I reflect on what worked well and what needs improvement for the year ahead, I find myself thinking about the cars that have made a lasting impression, simplified my life, and taken me to unforgettable destinations. Living in Johannesburg, a world-class African city where public transport remains a challenge, having a car is a blessing. It covers many aspects of life – from providing a safe commute, offering comfort on hot Highveld days when air conditioning feels essential, to the freedom of controlling your playlist, taking hands-free calls, and xploring new places you might not have considered.
I love small cars. There’s something ingenious and creative about transforming a compact vehicle into a small SUV to meet the ever-changing demands of consumers. It’s even better when the car is both stylish and affordable. I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the Suzuki Fronx, a small vehicle with a big personality.
Since getting the Suzuki Fronx, I’ve had several conversations with people genuinely interested in this crossover. One memorable moment was when an acquaintance, seeing me pull up in the Fronx, asked to sit in her ‘next car.’ As she slid inside, she became emotional, imagining it parked in her garage and being part of her life in a few months. Moments like these make my work as a motoring journalist truly rewarding.
I can’t deny that the car looks stunning and effortlessly stylish with its athletic silhouette. What impressed me most were the modern features that give it a big personality, like the compact touchscreen, reverse camera, and parking sensors. The clever use of fabrics and the two-tone interior added a touch of luxury, making the cabin feel high-end.
With the Fronx as my festive season ride, it’s become a key part of my life, and I’ve even started planning around it. Since I’m not heading to an exotic holiday destination this summer, I chose to dedicate a day to xploring Pretoria with a friend. Armed with a playlist of local love songs in vernacular languages, we had no agenda other than cruising through Pretoria’s clean streets and visiting its popular landmarks. Like kids, we drove past various consulates and embassies, mentally noting their locations for future visa applications.
After several attempts to find the perfect spot to view the Union Buildings, we decided to abandon the mission and find a restaurant instead where we could grab a bite to eat. We settled on Heritage Lifestyle Restaurant, drawn in by its inviting décor and mouthwatering menu of local cuisine. The atmosphere was lovely, the service impeccable, and the African dishes some of the best I’ve had in a long time. Time flew by as we enjoyed ourselves, delighted at how a random drive turned into such a great discovery.
Back in Johannesburg, the ‘world-class African city,’ things can sometimes go wrong – like the recent water cuts that paralysed the city. Once again, the Fronx proved it’s more than just a pretty face. I realised this when I had to load six 25-litre containers to fetch water from the mosque in Emmarentia. The containers fit perfectly in the boot, and I made several trips to ensure we had enough water to get by until the city restored this essential service. Although I had hoped for a CVT transmission, I’ve grown to enjoy the manual. With the Christmas break approaching and Gauteng’s roads becoming quieter, I plan to take several short trips to explore the Fronx, my city, and the province. So far, I’m loving what I see.
