Akram Mpungu currently owns three cars, including the Subaru XT (above) and the Benz BlueTec and Impreza. (below)PHOTOS/SARAH TUMWEBAZE
From Japanese to German-made cars, Dr Akram has driven them all. He spoke to Sarah Tumwebaze about his three cars currently and how he chooses which car to drive on a specific day.
What is your name?
My name is Akram Mpungu. I am a doctor and a gynecologist.
How many personal cars have you driven?
I started driving in 2018 and I have driven 13 personal cars so far. My first car was a Honda CRV which I bought in 2018 at Shs12 million. It was a used car that I bought from someone and I loved it. After buying it, I realized that I had bought a problematic car. It had issues and was always in the garage. I had it for about one year and a half and ended up selling it out of frustration.
Of the 13 cars, did you import any of them?
No. I bought them locally from people even though I know importing is cheap but I think it's risky. The only challenge with buying cars from individuals is that you end up inheriting another person’s problem.
What is your current car?
I currently have three cars. A Subaru XT 2015 model, a Benz ML Bluetec model 2013, and a Subaru Impreza model 2010.
Why do you have all those cars?
They each serve a specific purpose. I drive the Benz for special functions such as weddings and high-level meetings. I drive the Impreza when doing town rounds because of its low fuel consumption and it’s a small car that’s easy to park in town. I mostly drive the Subaru XT because it's both prestigious and efficient.
Tell us about the performance of all three cars.
The Benz has a high performance since it’s a turbocharged car and it’s a fast car with a speed limit of 260.
I test-drove it on the express highway at speeds beyond 200 and it has a good pick-up speed with a firm grip on the ground beyond 100 kilometers per hour. It’s a good and luxurious car that rarely breaks down but when it does, it's expensive. Its service is 1.5 million so it’s a high-maintenance car.
The Subaru XT is low maintenance as compared to the Benz. I bought it recently; about four months ago. It's 2000 CCs and it's turbocharged.
This makes it a fast car with a high pick-up speed.
The Impreza has 1.5 CCs, low fuel efficiency, and low performance but not as powerful as the XT.
Of the three, which one is your favourite?
The Benz, because it’s a luxurious car. But I equally love the Subaru XT.
Are you a fast driver?
Having driven for over 14 years, yes I am a fast driver.
Do you give out your cars?
Yes, but only if I must. It happens when I have two cars out and I need someone to help me drive the second one.
What is the highest you have ever had to pay in repairs for a car?
The highest was Shs15.5 million. The Benz engine had issues that affected the exhaust pipe and the turbo. I think they had worn out. When I got the invoice, I was surprised because I was expecting the bill to be around Shs7 million but I even though I found the bill high, I paid it.
Have you ever driven another person’s car? Whose car was it and what was your main worry?
Yes, I used to drive my dad’s cars when going for meetings or for a function before I bought my own. I miss those days because I was not concerned about any car related bills.
Does your car have a special name?
No, none of my cars have a special name.
Do you have road rage?
Not really, but just like any other road user, I find some motorists annoying but I don’t throw words at them.
Have you ever committed any traffic offense? What was it and what was the verdict?
Yes, I was overtaking on Masaka Road. I talked to the officer and begged them. They let me go with a warning.
What is that one thing you wish other drivers knew?
Overtaking does not allow you to arrive on time. You need to plan your journey well and leave for your destination early enough to avoid bad driving that can lead to accidents and causing a mess on the road.
What do you plan on having as your next car?
My next car will be a Benz GLE. It has a good performance, its sleek and luxurious. It is also a fast car.
What is your dream car?
It’s a Land Cruiser 2025. It's reliable, takes a long to break down and is also luxurious.
How much did you buy the Benz, XT, and Impreza?
Shs110 million for the Benz Bluetec.
Shs65 million for the Subaru XT.
Shs22 million for the Subaru Impreza.
How do you maintain your cars?
I have a specific garage where I take them. I take them for diagnosis every after three months. Mostly for the Benz.
Do you give lifts to people?
Only to people that I know.
Do you allow people to eat from your car?
Yes, I do with the expectation that they will be careful and not litter
Do you keep things in your car?
Yes, I keep shoes and books in the boot.
TELL US ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL THREE CARS.
The Benz has a high performance since it’s a turbocharged car and it’s a fast car with a speed limit of 260. I test-drove it on the express highway at speeds beyond 200 and it has a good pick-up speed with a firm grip on the ground beyond 100 kilometers per hour. The Subaru XT is low maintenance as compared to the Benz. I bought it recently; about four months ago. It’s 2000 CCs and it’s turbocharged. This makes it a fast car with a high pick-up speed. The Impreza has 1.5 CCs, low fuel efficiency, and low performance but not as powerful as the XT.
