Bruce Fraser
Bruce Fraser
Newclare is one of those townships that time has left behind.
Notorious for its gangs, unemployed youth mill about street corners drinking, smoking, gambling.
For the residents of Newclare, west of Joburg, it's a tough life.
Accommodation consists of rows of flats painted in a garish pink colour, covered in graffiti. Residents hang their laundry from the balconies and chat among themselves.
Young girls play hopscotch or walk with their dolls safely held under their arms - at times oblivious to what is going on around them.
A recent development, and one which has given some hope to the residents, is the building of a park with swings and see-saws for the children to play on.
But scratch beneath the surface and you will discover Newclare has a vibe of its own.
Drive through in a smart test car and the comments fly thick and fast.
Most of it is in tsotsi-taal Afrikaans and often offered in jest.
Which is why for the past week I felt quite at home driving through the streets of Newclare in the Chrysler Sebring convertible on my way to work.
To label it a "gangsta's car" might be a bit rough, but the Sebring is one bad-mother of a vehicle with serious attitude.
The first thought I had when taking delivery of the Sebring was, "well there go my Barry Manilow CDs."
It's that sort of vehicle. Nothing too pretty, in ya face and screaming out for some 50 Cent or 2Pac.
Because the Sebring only has two doors, technically it is a coupe, but it is the biggest damn coupe I've ever seen or driven.
With the roof down the Sebring draws a crowd quicker than Olympic champion Usain Bolt tells his competitors "Kiss My Ass".
Subtle it is not. The 2,7litre V6 engine was slightly disappointing but lets out a nice roar if given the message.
"Yo, jonkie, take us for a ride!" shout out my buddies in da hood.
The leather seats make for a comfortable ride and the cup holders make it possible to enjoy a drink while driving.
I had fun with the Sebring but being a large vehicle it's pretty thirsty and I found myself filling up more than I was comfortable with.
The Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited is priced at R299900. Optional extras include the MyGIG Navigation upgrade priced at R14900 and metallic paint at R1200.
Chrysler coupe is in ya face and pulls the crowd
Bruce Fraser
Bruce Fraser
Newclare is one of those townships that time has left behind.
Notorious for its gangs, unemployed youth mill about street corners drinking, smoking, gambling.
For the residents of Newclare, west of Joburg, it's a tough life.
Accommodation consists of rows of flats painted in a garish pink colour, covered in graffiti. Residents hang their laundry from the balconies and chat among themselves.
Young girls play hopscotch or walk with their dolls safely held under their arms - at times oblivious to what is going on around them.
A recent development, and one which has given some hope to the residents, is the building of a park with swings and see-saws for the children to play on.
But scratch beneath the surface and you will discover Newclare has a vibe of its own.
Drive through in a smart test car and the comments fly thick and fast.
Most of it is in tsotsi-taal Afrikaans and often offered in jest.
Which is why for the past week I felt quite at home driving through the streets of Newclare in the Chrysler Sebring convertible on my way to work.
To label it a "gangsta's car" might be a bit rough, but the Sebring is one bad-mother of a vehicle with serious attitude.
The first thought I had when taking delivery of the Sebring was, "well there go my Barry Manilow CDs."
It's that sort of vehicle. Nothing too pretty, in ya face and screaming out for some 50 Cent or 2Pac.
Because the Sebring only has two doors, technically it is a coupe, but it is the biggest damn coupe I've ever seen or driven.
With the roof down the Sebring draws a crowd quicker than Olympic champion Usain Bolt tells his competitors "Kiss My Ass".
Subtle it is not. The 2,7litre V6 engine was slightly disappointing but lets out a nice roar if given the message.
"Yo, jonkie, take us for a ride!" shout out my buddies in da hood.
The leather seats make for a comfortable ride and the cup holders make it possible to enjoy a drink while driving.
I had fun with the Sebring but being a large vehicle it's pretty thirsty and I found myself filling up more than I was comfortable with.
The Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited is priced at R299900. Optional extras include the MyGIG Navigation upgrade priced at R14900 and metallic paint at R1200.
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