Vehicles
Land Rover ambassador
Siya Kolisi
Puts the “Sport”
in SUV
A
s a Land Rover ambassador for the past five years Siya Kolisi has had
access to some of the finest SUVs available, but the Springbok captain’s
latest seven-seat Discovery is his firm favourite.
When Siya exchanged his childhood dream
car – a Range Rover Sport – for a 3.0-litre
diesel Discovery earlier this year the rugby
flank admittedly thought the swop to be a
downgrade. But having lived with the SUV for
a year, the trade ended up being a blessing in
disguise for Kolisi.
“I’m a family man now,” says Siya. “Where I
once preferred the sexy image and hardcore
performance of the Range Rover, I now find
myself appreciative of things like space and
convenience. My wife Rachel, my kids and
I spend a lot of time on the road and the
Discovery is built for lifestyles exactly like ours.”
Space for kit
“Whether it’s for practice or matchday, I’m
often travelling with my gear. Sometimes it’s
clean and neatly packed in a duffel, some-
times it’s a dirty heap of boots and jerseys.
Either way it all gets tossed in the back of my
car and it seems like there’s always space for
more,” says Siya.
“I also love the Discovery’s flip-down
inner tailgate section which acts a bench.
Perfect for sitting on when I get ready for a
day on the field.”
Space for kids
“Trust me, all my rugby gear could never
compare to the space requirements of trav-
elling with kids. I feel like I’m packing for a
cross-country expedition even when it’s just for
a day out with my family. The Discovery’s load-
space just gobbles everything up and there
36
SABI | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019
are plenty of handy storage compartments
with USBs for all the chargers and devices that
go along with life with kids.”
Keep it cool
“The drinks cooler between the front seats is
by far my favourite feature. I can put waters
or shakes in there and keep them chilled
on my journeys.
Even without drinks, that centre console is a
massive storage compartment. I can’t believe
what we can fit in there.”
The back row
“The folding third seating row has also been
a blessing. I can haul my two kids and four
of their friends without a problem. Then it
tucks away like it’s not even there when I need
space for my kit.”
Cruising
“I love driving back to my hometown in Zwide,
Port Elizabeth. It’s around eight and a half
hours one way but the Discovery makes it
feel like a pleasure cruise. That diesel engine
makes for effortless overtaking and it’s surpris-
ingly light on fuel too.
“The roads to the Eastern Cape aren’t exactly
in good shape, but I know Land Rovers thrive in
tough conditions. My friend Kingsley Holgate
has trekked to some of the most remote parts
of Africa in a Discovery almost exactly like
mine, so I know my family and I are safe when
the going gets rough on the N2.”