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There's no doubt that everyone will argue that their mother is the best in the whole world. Everyone has their reasons that make the extraordinary woman in their life so special.
Much to my mother's dismay, I never became the lady-like princess she would have wanted me to be. I didn't stay in the kitchen to watch her cook. Instead, I always wanted to be around my dad and his mint-green Ford Escort.
Yet, she taught me how to be respectful, manners and even table etiquette. She's been an exceptional example of a good wife and mother. But most importantly, she's taught me about helping others, always giving your best, and how to love unconditionally.
And, she finally taught me to cook, even though it was much later in my life than she would have liked.
If you could buy a vehicle for your Mother, what would it be and why? Or, have you been fortunate enough to do so. Please email us here and send your stories and photos.
Janine Van der Post with her Mother, Valerie Gordon, and her Dad's Ford Escort in the early 1980s. Image: Marcus Gordon
Thank goodness my little girl is now the princess who loves dressing and make-up, and all things girly-girl just like my mother always wanted me to be.
I got my petrolhead genes from my dad, and since my parents worked together as teachers, it was always my dad behind the wheel until their teaching days came to an end. The one thing I can never forget her saying was how she wished she could one day own a Jaguar.
Now that she's a grandmother of four, and back in teaching, I wish that one day I could make her dreams come true to say thank you for every single thing she does, every day. She gives so much of herself, not just to her family, but everyone she knows.
She has never-ending car problems, and the one thing she needs is a decent, reliable vehicle. Since she will need to cart her grandchildren off to school in a couple of years, she is on various church committees, and also makes floral bouquets regularly, does occasional catering, and also takes care of our live-in Aunt. She would need a versatile vehicle with enough seats for the school run or to attend church functions, but the car also needs to be stylish. After all, my Mom is a classy woman, so design and looks are important too.
Here are five cars that would be perfect for her needs:
1. Jaguar E-Pace, from R704 700
Naturally, there has to be a Jaguar on the list. The E-Pace would make a good choice since its's compact, has enough room in the boot for whatever she might need to cart around. With Isofix fittings, there's easy access for her to get the sprogs in and out of car seats.
2. Volkswagen Caddy Alltrack, from R306 300
Mom loved the Caddy when I had it on test earlier this year. The sliding rear doors and the massive boot ticks all the right boxes for her. It has enough grunt for a 1.0-litre engine since she's not your typical slow-lane driver.
Image: Motorpress
3. Hyundai Venue, from R279 900
Compact, spacious, and quite fuel-efficient. Hyundai's compact crossover is another nippy offering for a 1.0-litre vehicle. I'd pick the six-speed manual version for her here. An affordable picking with enough good looks.
Image: Motorpress
4. Volvo XC90, from R 1 064 200
A premium offering but a perfect fit as a sophisticated vehicle for a classy lady. I love the six-seat configuration in the XC90, and the stack of technology is easy to navigate even for a less savvy generation. The auto tailgate with vast luggage room is more than suffice for all her extra murals.
5. Mercedes V-Class, from R914 514
Nothing makes my mother happier than when she has all her family together in one place. The V-Class is the answer for my Mom to get her family to church all in one vehicle. There's enough room for Dad, Aunt and the rest of the grandkids. And, enough room in the boot for some platters and flower arrangements in fancy vases.
Image: Motorpress
