I drive an old car Corsa want to

SABC3 and SAFM news anchor Vabakshnee Chetty is a self-confessed "news chick". Tongaat-born Chetty's Facebook profile reads like a newswire.

Her name Vabakshnee means "come wish". Busy as a bee, Chetty, 31, starts work at 4am most mornings .

Although she has a break in between, her day ends at about 8pm. She is a much-loved voice on radio before exchanging the microphone for the hot seat in front of the cameras that bring South African English language viewers the latest on the day's events.

Her career began as an intern on Lotus FM while she was studying journalism at ML Sultan Technikon (now Durban Institute of technology following its merger with Natal Technikon in 2002). She moved to Johannesburg after joining SAFM in 2005 and the rest, as they say, is history.

While most personalities swan about in luxury rides, Chetty has not needed anything other than her "silver squirrel", an Opel Corsa that has served her well for seven years.

"I need a vehicle to get from place to place and, as long as it has power steering, aircon and central locking, we will be happy together. I've had my silver squirrel for seven years. She may have a few bumps and scratches as a result of driver error but she's weathered many a storm," says Chetty.

"Yes, I do get a few strange looks when people see me jump in or out of my beaten-up beauty. Perhaps, I could afford something better but I'm happy with the squirrel."

What was your first car?

Opel Corsa.

How did you get it?

I bought it.

What did it cost?

It was a demo model. If I remember correctly, it cost R78000.

How long have you had it?

About two years. My dad drove it out of the showroom and scratched the entire side of the car along a jagged wall feature causing R7000 damage. In his defence, it was a very tight space but he should have left it to the salesman. Before he could get it fixed, I had an accident.

The damage my dad had done initially wasn't that bad by comparison.

What attracted you to it in the first place?

I'm an Opel fan. I've only ever owned and driven Opel and I wanted to stick to what I was comfortable with.

What's the most surprising thing about your car?

It has no cup holders - super inconvenient.

What made you choose the car you have?

Fuel efficient and easy to park. While I admire and appreciate beautiful motoring, I have never viewed a car as an asset.

It is not a worthwhile investment; just think of the depreciation factor.

Tell us about your first big accident?

It was on the M4 in Durban, heading home after reading the 8pm bulletin on Lotus FM. I saw a buck on the road, tried to avoid hitting it, lost control and landed on an embankment on the driver's side.

I couldn't get out of the vehicle. I was helped by a lovely elderly couple from Johannesburg who waited with me until my parents arrived on the scene.

You're driving down the Cote d'Azur in a Ferrari Daytona - who would be your dream passenger?

The Script's lead vocalist Danny O' Donoghue. There's nothing better than a live performance of all my favourite tracks. I secretly wish Ferrari made a mini-van so the entire band could come along.

What is your dream car and why?

One that comes with a driver, heated massage seats and a mini bar stocked with an endless supply of Grapetiser, dry lemon and cheese and onion crisps.

Have you found anything you simply could not resist?

I love the Fiat 500.