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Monday, May 12, 2025

Willem van de Putte

Motoring Journalist

JAC Motors' T9 bakkie sets new South African 24-hour endurance record

Adventurer Danie Botha and his team have successfully broken the 15-year-old South African 24-hour endurance record for commercial vehicles, showcasing the reliability of JAC Motors' T9 bakkie.

Motoring Industry News
Willem van de Putte|Published

Isuzu MU-X SUV gets a makeover: significant upgrades challenge Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest

Discover the latest updates on the Isuzu MU-X SUV, featuring a stylish redesign, advanced technology, and competitive pricing. Learn how it stacks up against rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.

Motoring Launches
Willem van de Putte|Published

Watch VideoUnleashing the new Toyota GR Yaris: a unique racing challenge at Aldo Scribante Circuit

Join Willem van de Putte as he previews the exciting third round of the Toyota GR Cup at Aldo Scribante, featuring the debut of the powerful new GR Yaris

Motoring Motorsport
Willem van de Putte|Published

Chery South Africa launches Cherished: the ultimate pre-owned vehicle programme

Chery South Africa introduces its Cherished certified pre-owned vehicle programme, enhancing customer confidence with transferable warranties and comprehensive inspections.

Motoring Industry News
Willem van de Putte|Published

Unleashing luxury: the BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport – a hybrid SUV revolution

Discover the BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport, a luxury hybrid SUV that combines performance and comfort. This review delves into its features, driving experience, and how it stands against its competitors.

Motoring Reviews
Willem van de Putte|Published

Introducing the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top from Land Rover: a R4. 8 million masterpiece

Land Rover introduces the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top, a modern homage to the iconic Defender, featuring a powerful V8 engine, bespoke options, and a nod to its heritage

Motoring Industry News
Willem van de Putte|Published

Ford South Africa reveals the 2025 NWM Rally-Raid Championship Ranger: performance meets innovation

Ford South Africa has launched the new Neil Woolridge Motorsport Rally-Raid Championship Ranger for the 2025 season, renewing its partnership with Castrol EDGE and introducing new teams and sponsors

Motoring Motorsport
Willem van de Putte|Published

Lexus unveils eighth generation ES at Shanghai Auto Show and it’s coming to SA

Lexus has unveiled the all-new eighth generation ES at the Shanghai Auto Show, featuring innovative hybrid and electric powertrains, enhanced luxury, and advanced safety technologies.

Motoring Industry News
Willem van de Putte|Published

From workhorse to tech marvel: the Ford Ranger Wildtrak Supercab Bakkie excels in every aspect

Discover how the Ford Ranger Wildtrak Supercab bakkie excels as a versatile workhorse, blending modern technology with impressive performance for everyday tasks

Motoring Reviews
Willem van de Putte|Published

Discover the Porsche 911 Spirit 70: a retro masterpiece unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show

Porsche has unveiled the limited edition 911 Spirit 70 at the Shanghai Auto Show, celebrating the brand's heritage with retro styling and modern technology.

Motoring Industry News
Willem van de Putte|Published

Exploring the charm and performance of the Mini Cooper S 3-door

We review the Mini Cooper S, exploring its design, performance, and the nostalgic memories it evokes.

Motoring Reviews
Willem van de Putte|Published

Going away for the long weekend? Using the new toll payment solution reduces fraud by over 90%

Discover how FNB's innovative online toll solution is combating fraud and enhancing convenience for South African motorists, with a significant reduction in card-related fraud since its launch.

Motoring Industry News
Willem van de Putte|Published

BMW 740i road test: the flagship sedan redefining luxury and outshining SUVs

We explore the luxurious features and impressive performance of the BMW 740i, a flagship sedan that challenges the dominance of SUVs.

Motoring Reviews
Willem van de Putte|Published

Pushing the limits at Kyalami: my journey continues in the Toyota GR Cup Challenge

In his second outing at the Kyalami Extreme Festival, Willem van de Putte bids farewell to the current Toyota GR Yaris before upgrading to a more powerful model. Follow his journey as he navigates the iconic 16-corner track, battles fellow media drivers, and shaves seven seconds off his lap time despite the challenges of high-speed racing

Motoring Reviews
Willem van de Putte|Published

Watch VideoMercedes-Benz G580 electric: the iconic G-Wagon goes green while maintaining its legendary capability

The legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon enters a new era with its fully electric G580 model. We put this R3. 8 million luxury offroader through its paces to find out if electric power can truly match the G-Class's famously rugged capabilities – with surprising results.

Motoring Launches
Willem van de Putte|Published

Watch VideoTackling Kyalami's 16 corners: round two of the Toyota GR Cup

Our journalist Willem van de Putte shares his anticipation and preparation for round two of the Toyota GR Cup challenge at the legendary Kyalami circuit, where media personalities will battle it out in GR Yarises on one of the world's most iconic racing tracks

Motoring Motorsport
Willem van de Putte|Published

Watch VideoSouth African racer AJ Venter scores R4. 2m boost for dangerous Isle of Man TT

South African motorcycle racer AJ Venter is the only African competitor at the notoriously dangerous Isle of Man TT race. He has secured a game-changing R4. 2 million sponsorship from luxury automotive group FuturExotics for the next three years. Venter will tackle the 60km course featuring over 300 corners at average speeds of 205km/h

Motoring Motorsport
Willem van de Putte|Published

First drive of the Leapmotor C10 REEV: The future of petrol-electric hybrids in South Africa

The Leapmotor C10 REEV combines electric vehicle technology with a petrol range extender, offering over 900km of range. With Stellantis bringing this Chinese midsize SUV to South Africa, could it be the compromise vehicle that finally convinces EV-hesitant South Africans to make the switch?

Motoring Launches
Willem van de Putte|Published

Watch VideoSouth Africa's reckless driving culture: What is fuelling the lawlessness?

Criminology Professor Christiaan Bezuidenhout explains why South Africans routinely ignore road rules, from the normalisation of traffic violations to corruption and inadequate law enforcement. What will it take to change this lethal culture of lawlessness on our roads?

Motoring Opinion
Willem van de Putte|Published

Watch VideoCitroen plans expansion in South Africa, but the Basalt won't be on the roads just yet

Citroen Global CEO Thierry Koskas reveals plans to expand the French carmaker's footprint in South Africa with appropriate products and an increased dealer network. With pricing ranging from R249,900 to R371,900, Citroen believes its Indian-built C3 and other B-segment vehicles are well-positioned to capture a larger share of the South African market

Motoring Industry News
Willem van de Putte|Published

The Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior: South Africa's latest double cab bakkie with attitude

The new Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior joins South Africa's premium bakkie lineup with enhanced off-road capabilities, locally engineered modifications, and aggressive styling. We put it through its paces at Piesangkloof to see if it lives up to the competition

Motoring Launches
Willem van de Putte|Updated

Watch VideoScared of parallel parking? Watch BYD's 'Crab-Walk Mode' solve your problem

Parallel parking - a dreaded task for many drivers that can cause anxiety and frustration. But Chinese automaker BYD may have found the solution with their revolutionary 'Crab-Walk Mode' technology in the new Denza Z9 GT EV. This innovative feature uses independent wheel control to effortlessly slide vehicles into tight parking spaces. Is this tech truly necessary, or just a cool party trick? Read on to find out

Motoring Industry News
Willem van de Putte|Updated

Officine Fuoriserie: Where the super-rich transform Maseratis into bespoke masterpieces

Maserati has unveiled its new Officine Fuoriserie customisation service at its historic Modena plant, offering car enthusiasts unprecedented levels of personalisation. From heritage-inspired racing liveries to futuristic materials and finishes, the Italian luxury marque is taking bespoke vehicle creation to extraordinary new heights

Motoring Industry News
Willem van de Putte|Published

Citroen C3 expands with a panel van as small commercial vehicle market thrives

Citroen is preparing to enter the competitive small commercial vehicle market with a panel van version of their C3 model. With the segment showing growth despite a declining overall market, Stellantis aims to capitalise on the void left by the Nissan NP200's exit, offering a 1. 2-litre engine that promises better performance for small businesses and delivery services

Motoring Industry News
Willem van de Putte|Published

Watch VideoWATCH: Testing SVI LITES's bulletproof car window against point-blank gunshots

SVI Engineering has developed SVI LITE, an affordable partial ballistic protection system for vehicles that costs significantly less than full bulletproofing. Starting at R54,950 per door, this B2-level protection can stop 9mm handgun rounds - the most common threat in South African hijackings. Available initially for Toyota Corolla Cross and Ford Ranger models

Motoring Industry News
Willem van de Putte|Published