Cup-winning wheels

ACCORDING to motivational speaker and former Manchester United goalie, Gary Bailey, traffic will increase by about 30% during the Fifa 2010 World Cup.

Traffic is expected to peak when soccer fans travel to the matches. The matches are most likely to start at 1.30pm, 4pm and 8.30pm, so you don’t want to be stuck on the road during these times.

But then what do you do if you are one of the thousands of fans on the way to a soccer match? You cram as many friends as possible – legally of course – into the most comfortable and spacious car or van.

You might be lucky enough to already own one of these cars, but if you don’t, hiring or borrowing is the next best option.
Here, Pulse takes a closer look at the best possible options as well as others you would not want to be stuck in.

Fiat Scudo
This is a multipurpose vehicle of note and probably one of my favourite vans available locally. Not only is it an eight-seater with the optional ninth seat, but it also has a massive boot space.
The seats are comfortable and ­spacious and the boot is so big even “Zakumi the mascot” could easily lie down flat and stand up straight at the back.

Hyundai H1
Hyundai and Kia are the official vehicle sponsors for the World Cup so don’t be alarmed when you see hundreds of branded vans and cars driving around.

It will only be fitting to be in an Hyundai H1, which is as luxurious as a Mercedes-Benz Vito and just as spacious as the Fiat Scudo. The quality is quite impressive, and it also has lots of luggage space.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Perhaps you and your friends need to climb pavements to get a decent parking outside the stadium, or perhaps you are going off-roading on a camp after your team wins. If that is the case, then the Pajero Sport is your partner.

This is a true 4X4 sports utility vehicle, and unlike most seven-seaters, there is still enough space for luggage or about three cooler boxes in the rear after the third row of seats are put up.

MERCEDES-BENZ VIANO
The Vito is for passengers who want to travel in extreme comfort and style with all the bells and whistles.
Versatile and soft leather seats, full air-conditioning and loads of space are ideal if you are travelling from one province to another chasing a soccer match.

Nissan Champ bakkie
While the Nissan Champ is a legend in its own right and could probably be a whole lot of fun if you consider getting up close and personal with 15 other ­soccer-mad friends at the back, fact is it is a no-no mode of transport.

The reason is because there won’t be any space for your vuvuzelas, the makarapas (soccer hats), the kuduzelas and the cooler boxes after you are all packed and ready to get moving.

Toyota Avanza
The Avanza is one of the most affordable brands in the market and fits that big family of seven perfectly. But very much like the Champ, once you have all your passengers loaded, there isn’t much space for anything else. It would work if you are planning to get out of the car with nothing and you are going to buy all memorabilia at the match venue.

But then, where are you going to put all your things when you go back home?

- City Press