“Girls and cars go together like ice-cream and chocolate sauce”, says our correspondent Justin Jacobs, which is why we’re sure he couldn’t stop smiling when we asked him to report back on the tie-up between Renault and FHM’s Sexiest Woman in the World for 2010, Roxy Louw.
Girls and cars happen to be some of the things that I really love in life, (which is unusual for a warm blooded male – Ed.), so when Renault announced the local partnership between themselves and the sexy, blonde, Roxy Louw, it struck me as a home-grown match made in heaven.
Renault South Africa obviously felt the same way and have chosen Roxy as their new brand ambassador for the Renault Sandero model range. Incidentally, the Sandero is also home-grown with local production taking place in Rosslyn, Pretoria since 2009.
As a refresher, the Renault Sandero Stepway offers the safety, space, practicality and affordability of the traditional Sandero, complimented by an added level of style, versatility and the appeal of a SUV-like compact crossover. With this in mind, it’s no surprise to hear that according to Roxy, she and the Sandero are both very “outdoorsy”.
The Roxy Louw Limited Edition Sandero can be identified by Roxy’s signature turtle and hibiscus Cowabanga emblem, which adds her distinctive style to the Limited Edition. Other exclusive extras include: a new Blaupunkt radio/MP3-player with Bluetooth/USB/Aux-In connectivity; and a TomTom LIVE satellite navigation system. Just 100 Sandero Stepway Roxy Louw Limited Edition vehicles are available, with an equal number of 50 units being available in red and black. What’s more, at R149 900, Renault S.A. will not be upping the price of this special edition Sandero Stepway, meaning the additional convenience and Roxy ‘hotness’ is free.
From a sandy white beach, on a roof top high above Joburg’s busy CBD, Roxy commented: “I’ve been driving my Stepway for a few months now, it’s spunky and I just love it. Like me, the car is unpretentious and practical and, importantly, priced to be within reach of the man-in-the-street. I’ve never been a leather seat kind of girl … with wetsuits and surfboards to get around, that’s really not my style.”
“I love everything about my Sandero Stepway. It’s nippy, economical to run and does everything it needs to. Spacious beyond belief, my surfboards, bicycle, wetsuits – you name it – everything fits on it or in it. That said, it’s also a super sexy, hot hatchback and for where I am in my life right now, it’s the perfect car for me.” added Roxy. I tend to agree with this suffer babe, having found the Stepway to be a great vehicle for those with a fun and active lifestyle like Roxy.
In addition to the announcement of this special edition, Renault S.A. has also added a number of subtle updates to the entire Sandero range for 2013. The changes include a new front bumper spoiler lip and an updated rear bumper with a black insert. The 1.6 Dynamique model receives a chrome exhaust tailpiece, as well as the same Blaupunkt sound system as found in the range-topping Stepway. Two new colour options, metallic black and techno-grey, have also been added to the Stepway line-up.
With with a 20 mm taller ride height than the standard model and 16-inch alloy wheels, the Stepway is able to deliver passengers and adventure/lifestyle kit to scenic mountain bike trails, or unconventional surf spots, which many hatchbacks may struggle to reach. With all of this for no change in the selling price, I’d say it’s great value for money too.
| Pricing (Incl. VAT and CO2 Tax) | |
| Renault Sandero 1.4 Ambiance | R112 900 |
| Renault Sandero 1.6 Dynamique | R129 900 |
| Renault Sandero 1.6 Stepway | R149 900 |
| Renault Sandero 1.6 Stepway Roxy Louw Edition | R149 900 |
All models feature a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and 3-year/45 000 km service plan.
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- Renault Sandero Stepway Roxy Louw Edition
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- Renault Sandero Stepway Roxy Louw Edition
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- Renault Sandero Stepway Roxy Louw Edition
