
Vanessa Haywood is a mountain biker, actress, TV presenter, voice artist and business woman. She starred in District 9 and completed the ABSA Cape Epic in 2012 and 2013, describing these as highlights of her career. We chat to her about cars.
1. What was your first car?
A white 1962 Beetle with big, low-profile wheels – white matching rims. Hilarious.
2. What do you drive now?
I’ve had my rad Toyota Yaris T3 Spirit for years now! You can’t go wrong with Toyota BUT I think it’s time to get an SUV especially with my lifestyle!
3. Do you think the car a guy drives says something about him?
Of course!! I don’t want to generalise here, but men who drive fast, flashy cars are usually lacking in other departments or have a low self esteem. 😉 Men who drive cool SUV’s are mostly outdoorsy guys – I like those!
4. Name three cars you would have in your fantasy garage?
Audi R8 for fun; Range Rover Evoque as my SUV for bundu-bashing, although I don’t know if I’d want to scratch it!; a 1963 convertible Aston Martin DB5 in red… LOVE!
5. What music are you listening to in your car at the moment?
Florence & the Machine; Mumford & Sons; Bastille; The Naked & Famous, Ben Howard
6. Who are better drivers; men or women?
Some men drive irresponsibly and fast, and some woman don’t concentrate when driving, park badly etc. I think men are more dangerous on the road though.
7. If you could be sponsored by a manufacturer, which one would it be and why?
Range Rover… my Evoque!! You know they make one in bright pink?!
8. What’s the best driving advice you have ever received?
My mum taught me to drive and she is a good driver – she told me to ALWAYS check my blind-spots no matter what.
9. What three tips would you give for better driving?
Be zippy (not fast) and concentrate! Sluggish, stupid driving causes accidents!
Don’t ever drink and drive!
Don’t ever go over the speed limit! You have way less control and can’t react to others around you!
10. What is your pet hate on the road?
People who speed. It’s arrogant and there is no value for human life! If you hit another car going 180km/h +, what chances do the passengers in the other car have?
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Photographer: David Sessions