According to Land Rover lead instructor and Jaguar senior instructor Christo Van Loggerennberg, as much as 57% of new Land Rover owners do not redeem their complimentary Half-Day Land Rover Experience voucher post-purchase.
The statistic led me to ask whether SUV owners are not into off-roading or are merely buying their vehicles “for the look.” A status symbol of sorts that ensures envious stares and the ability to park on a pavement when there aren’t enough parking spots (if even).
EXPERIENCE Johannesburg
I learned about the opening line statistic during a briefing session of my half-day drive adventure at Experience Johannesburg, Gauteng. The Jaguar Land Rover driving experience centre, packed with activities for both old and young.
Recently reopened to the public after it was closed for refurbishing, EXPERIENCE Johannesburg in Lonehill is touted as “a premium destination, offering all the excitement that Land Rover promises.”
Arriving at the venue, I was pleased to be met with the striking visual of the new Land Rover Defender, a real sight for sore eyes.
Let The Day Begin
Registration then took place, and all Covid-19 protocol such as temperature checks and screening was performed. We were then asked to make our way upstairs to the TLC On the track restaurant for breakfast.
Rest assured that if you are a parent or on childminding duty, you can have the little ones tag along with you.
There is a children’s play area right next to the restaurant, and the facility has the Little Growlers track, with ride-on Electric Defenders that the little ones can test out their driving ability.
Before going on the half-day experience to gain a greater understanding of vehicle control and obstacle handling by navigating challenging terrains, we were engaged in a theoretical briefing with Loggerennberg.
The lead instructor took us through an informative session of what Land Rover can do on and off-track, why, and what makes the brand stand apart from its competitors.
Simple Unbeaten Variety
What I liked about the day’s activities, was that even though you may be a Land Rover owner of a particular model, you get the opportunity to experience other models within the family while doing the course.
Taking a Range Rover Vogue HSE (High Standard Equipment) on a steep incline or daring descent is quite something if that’s a model you have been eyeing or wanting to upgrade to.
Other models that I enjoyed taking through their paces included the Range Rover Sport SVR (Special Vehicle Racing), Evoque, Velar, Land Rover Defender, Discovery, and Discovery Sport.
Driving through muddy side slopes and wild streams, testing Land Rover’s capabilities, and my own were my definite highlights of the day.
If you purchased a Land Rover and have not yet redeemed your complimentary half-day voucher, I have two things to say;
Firstly, you have no idea of the experience you are robbing yourself of. Secondly, you are potentially missing out on at least 15% that you could save from your monthly insurance premium because of the certification that comes with concluding the course.
In a nutshell, to say that I had enormously informative fun would be the understatement of the year.
What will it cost me?
- Experience Jaguar Land Rover – R 1 265.00
- Half-day Land Rover off-road adventure – R 2 680.00
- Full-day Land Rover off-road adventure – R 3 280.00
EXPERIENCE Johannesburg can also be ideal for conferences and event
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Dear SUV Owner, When Are You Taking Your Car Off-Road?
