On the afternoon of Friday September 5th we embarked for The Kingdom of Swazziland. I rented a car, a Kia Picanto EX, from my friendly local car rental company which will remain anonymous since they aren’t paying me royalties to advertise their great services. I try not to give too much free advertisement these days – no big logos on my shirts, no hazardous plastic bags baring vendors names.
The rental car company’s website indicated the car was actually an upgraded vehicle. In other words, it was not the entry level. It was fitted with luxurious amenities such as air conditioning, CD player, and intermittent wiper blades. I thought those were all fixtures on new cars these days but apparently not. The website also indicated the car could hold 5 persons and luggage.
Well let me tell you, everyone had their reservations at first, but after a journey to and from Swazziland I can tell you that the Kia Picanto is all a car most people will ever need. We were able to pile in 5 people with 1 bag pack each (hiker’s bag) along with snacks, water, and other goodies. It was a tight fit, but it all got in there. The a/c blew cold air and the CD player lit up the air waves. Back home I drive a truck (it was a hand me down so please don’t comment on my environmental footprint) and this Kia takes HALF the gas of my truck to go the same distance, the car averaged just over 6L per 100 kms. I must offer you some words of wisdom regarding this great little car, if you really need the a/c on at all times you are going to struggle getting up hills with a full load. The car will get up the hill, it just might take a few extra gear changes to get up there. But that’s a mute point.
So enough about the car…we set out on Av. 24 de Julho around 3:45pm and made it to the Swazzi border in good time. After a brief check with immigration we were on our way again. I wish getting into America was so easy. I don’t think they asked us more than two questions. “How long are you staying?” and “What is the purpose of your trip?”
I focused on the driving while my co-pilots were supposed to focus on the navigating. After 2.5 hours into a trip that should take 2 hours they admitted, “I think we are lost.” Grrrrrr. To make matters worst it was now very dark since there were minimal street lights and we were in the middle of a wind storm. Whoa! But never underestimate the kindness of the Swazzi people. I pulled the car over – nearly covering a man standing at the side of the road with dust – and asked a local to direct us. Within no time we were back on our way. Our original plan was to stay at Hlane Royal National Park (more on this park in ‘Day 2’ blog). They close at 6pm so we didn’t make it. Plan B: Find a decent bed to sleep in.
(http://www.kia.co.za/cars/picantoNew/picanto_overview.asp)
2 comments:
I see you finally found a car you like more than a Honda!!!! :)
Dont let me me see you come back here end end up buying a small car like that such as a smart car, cuz only you we do something like that, complain that it does not have enough power and modify it!!! LMAO!!!
I knew you would have something to say about the Kia...hear the joke...I have been looking at the Honda Fit online...its an option. Takes half the gas the Jeep uses and the lease payment is equal to GO pass for a month. Win-Win.
The car couldn't go up hills in 5th gear, I had to downshift to 3rd ... lol
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