WIND-IN-THE-HAIR NO MORE

There’s a reason people buy a cabriolet. That’s so they can drive as often as possible with the top down. For a hairdo, this is not good.

To minimise the backdraught experienced while driving, typically an upright windstopping mesh (for visibility) panel behind the rear seats is clipped in place. Mercedes-benz’s powered solution is what it calls Aircap and Airscarf.

Inconspicuously integrated into the ro roof frame, the electric Aircap draught sto stop system was specially developed for ca cabriolets. It is coupled to an electric dr draught stop behind the rear seats, which red reduces the interior turbulence for the rea rear passengers at the press of a button.

In the closed position, the multi-layered acoustic soft top has the design contours of a coupé silhouette. It can be electrohydraulically opened and closed while on the move, up to a speed of 50 km/h. In the S models, opening and closing take around 17 seconds and, in the C versions, about 20 0 seconds. The soft top is deposited above ve the automatically extending luggage compartment partition. This avoids thehe need for any additional closures on the soft oft top compartment lid.

That four-cylinder mill, incidentally, has already proven its mettle in Honda's Jazz, Mobilio, Ballade, and the HR-V – although the Mobilio is soon to be dropped from the Honda lineup with the arrival of the BR-V. A short drive around the outskirts of Cape Town suggested the BR-V is one capable vehicle: rugged, lively and economical. Sadly, the cargo area is much reduced with the third row of seats in place; but tumbled forward in 50:50 style, a good amount of stowage space is available.

Active and passive safety features include ABS anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags, and inertia reel seat belts for all seating positions, except the centre seat in the middle row (which gets a two-point lap belt). The rims are classy-looking 16-inch steel or alloy, shod with 195/60 R16 tyres, while a 210 mm ground clearance, a wide stance, and aluminium roof rails add to the vehicle's rugged SUV appearance. Speaking of which, a thumbs-up to Honda for supplying a full-sized spare wheel.