Engine: Power: Torque:
Transmission: 0-100 km/h: Top speed:
Economy: CO2 emissions: Price:
1998 cc 121 kw @ 6,000 r/min 210 Nm @ 4,000 r/min 6-speed automatic 9 seconds 198 km/h 5.9 l/100km 140 g/km R415,900
Intuitive layout of controls, exceptionally comfortable seats, an extensive array of gadgetry and safety features, and value for money.
Actually, nothing. cabin with exceptionally comfortable seats, an array of gadgetry and safety features comparable to that of a luxury sedan / SUV, and a smooth, sporty ride both in town and on the open road.what is more, safety features include dynamic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, blind spot monitoring, adaptive LED headlights and lane-keep assist.
I really hate taking my eyes off the road while driving, so I appreciated the intuitive layout of the various controls; one quick familiarisation session and things came automatically to hand. A head-up display (HUD) enhanced my personal driving experience.
The Astina sits low on the road but the short stretch of gravel between Sea Shack and Paternoster (as well as round the rest of the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve) poses no problems unless you drive like a cowboy. The isolation of Sea Shack means you will almost inevitably head in to Paternoster either to stock up on provisions or to dine out.
The village was long ago known only as a spot where you would sit on the stoep of the Paternoster Hotel – or inside the renowned “Panty Bar”, which still flourishes – and buy rock lobster from sneaky local purveyors throughout the year. Because it was so close to Cape Town, it made for a perfect Sunday drive.
The place still has much of a village feel to it, except in high season. With so many more people having holiday homes in the place (and the plethora of boutique hotels and guesthouses that have opened in recent years), there is also a wide range of restaurants to be tried. These include Reuben Riffel’s signature restaurant at Abalone House, Gaaitjie, and Wolfgat – all of which are top-class.
Paternoster has involved into a very “arty” village and galleries and craft shops abound. One of the galleries, Stone Fish, is run by Dianne Heesom-green who also owns Sea Shack. Her artistic creativeness makes Sea Shack something of a live-in gallery of curiosities where sea birds and small mammals regularly share the good karma.you are almost assured of seeing a host of rather bold striped fieldmice and some grey mongoose here. If you are lucky, there is a pair of cape clawless otters that frequently entertain guests by gambolling on the rocks.all you would need is to add a fire, some good red wine, and you have got yourself some Weskus bliss.