South Africa is a rather special place when you step back and think of it. For all the negativity surrounding the statistics, the land and climate are part of the charm of our country. From lush forests to arid deserts and everything in between. The one thing we do lack though is snow, and I think we're all thankful for that. The coastal regions will have wet winters while summers on the plateau are the wet ones. This means that we face a variety of weather conditions no matter where you stay.
Related: Tips for driving in the rain or bad weather
Driving around in adverse weather is more challenging than on a clear, sunny day and brings with it a host of risks and pitfalls that await you around every corner. Having a vehicle that is well suited to these changing conditions helps alleviate some of the stress and danger that presents itself. What does a vehicle like this need to have?
What they need
These things are what you should look for in an all-weather car.
- Auto headlights and wipers
- Raised ride height for better visibility and ground clearance
- HID or LED headlights
- Semi-autonomous safety systems
- All-wheel drive, not mandatory, but beneficial
Cars suited for poor weather
Here are a few suggestions for vehicles that fare well in adverse conditions.
1. Volkswagen T-Roc
The VW T-Roc may not have the AWD capabilities, it still offers you enough in the way of driver safety systems to ensure that you're safe on the road. The raised ride height will also help your visibility and help you navigate through unknown conditions.
2. BMW X3
A host of driver assistance systems, semi-autonomous aids and xDrive means that the BMW X3 is sure-footed no matter what the conditions are.
3. Mazda CX-5
Large and in charge, the CX-5 is available with AWD and in the top-spec Akera model, you will get assistance from the blind-spot monitors and lane keep assists.
4. Volvo XC40
If you want to be safe on the road, there's no better choice than a Volvo. Even the baby Volvo is fitted with a host of semi-autonomous safety features that will even apply the brakes if you fail to do so in time.
5. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester not only has a permanent AWD system but its EyeSight safety system ensures that you can drive in adverse conditions without having to stress.
