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Thursday, May 22, 2025

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car reviews

REVIEW: Omoda C5 X will hit a sweet spot for those who prefer sporty looks to practicality

The Omoda C5 X stands out in the competitive SA car market, combining sporty design with practical features and an attractive price tag. But it's not the height of sophistication.

Motoring Reviews
Jason Woosey|Published

REVIEW: BMW X3 30e PHEV is modern and sophisticated, with a few niggles

The new BMW X3 is a highly refined, sophisticated and innovative new SUV package that is now arguably the best vehicle in its class.  But is it really worth the price?

Motoring Reviews
Jason Woosey|Published

REVIEW: Volkswagen Touareg R-Line is brilliant, but destined to struggle at the price point

The Volkswagen Touareg R-Line impresses with its luxurious features and tech-savvy cabin, but does its price tag hold it back in the competitive SUV market?

Motoring Reviews
Jason Woosey|Published

Long-term review: Recounting six months with the Ford Territory Titanium

After six months of driving the Ford Territory Titanium, we share our insights on its comfort levels, practicality, performance and economy.

Motoring Reviews
Jason Woosey|Published

Suzuki Jimny 5-door is terrible to drive (on the road) – I love it

Is the Suzuki Jimny 5-door the coolest car on South Africa's roads? Discover why this compact SUV is both a joy and a challenge to drive.

Motoring Reviews
Lance Witten|Published

DRIVEN: Porsche Cayenne GTS adds the spice without insanity

The Porsche Cayenne GTS is a luxury SUV that balances performance and practicality, all while embracing the roar of a V8 engine before that era ends.

Motoring Reviews
Jason Woosey|Published

2025 South African Car of the Year test days get underway

The 2025 Car of the Year finalists represent numerous segments, from entry-level cars and SUVs to performance machines and bakkies. Here's how the competition works:

Motoring Industry News
Jason Woosey|Published

REVIEW: New Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme brings sporty vibes to the double cab bakkie segment

Though lacking a competitive edge in some areas, the Mitsubishi Triton's agreeable driving experience, exciting looks and reasonable price tag make it a worthy contender in the double cab space.

Motoring Reviews
Jason Woosey|Published

Sorry, South Africa: the ultimate off-road beast, the Ford Bronco Raptor, isn’t coming your way

We drive the Ford Bronco Raptor in the Dubai desert and come away impressed with the off-road beast that combines aggressive design with cutting-edge technology. But alas, it’s not for the South African market.

Motoring Industry News
Willem van de Putte|Published

Ford F150 Raptor: conquers Dubai’s deserts with an interior size to rival a Sea Point studio

We take the Ford F150 Raptor for a spin in the deserts of Dubai, exploring its impressive off-road capabilities, spacious interior, and powerful performance. But sadly, it is not destined for our shores.

Motoring
Willem van de Putte|Published

Long-term Update: Ford Territory Titanium is a treat for weekend getaways

The Territory has all the makings of a great road trip car, from comfort to practicality, performance and dirt road capability.

Motoring Reviews
Jason Woosey|Published

DRIVEN: Updated Toyota Corolla Cross is still a compelling choice

The Toyota Corolla Cross has been given a fresh look and new features. Here’s what it’s like to drive South Africa’s most popular SUV.

Motoring Launches
Willem van de Putte|Published

Inside Volkswagen’s Kariega Plant: The science behind quality control

Discover the meticulous quality control processes, where advanced testing ensures every vehicle meets the highest standards before reaching customers

Motoring
Willem van de Putte|Published

How Volkswagen uses professional ‘noses’, and science, to perfect the smell of your new car

Volkswagen employs a unique team of scent testers to ensure that every new car has that irresistible aroma

Motoring
Willem van de Putte|Published

REVIEW: Mahindra XUV 3XO is really great value, but there are a few niggles

With its funky looks, vast range, generous equipment and bargain pricing at the lower end of the range, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a vehicle you simply can’t ignore if you’re shopping in the budget SUV space.

Motoring Reviews
Jason Woosey|Published

Watch VideoIt’s a wrap: the final challenge in the wilds pushes the Toyota Land Cruiser bakkie to its limits

In this second part on the Toyota Land Cruise 79, our writer takes it into the harsh terrain of the Richtersveld.

Motoring Reviews
Willem van de Putte|Published

Conquering the wild: Toyota Land Cruiser 79 tackles the rugged Richtersveld

The iconic Toyota Land Cruiser 79-Series takes a drive into the hot and dusty wilderness

Motoring
Willem van de Putte|Published

These are the 17 finalists for the 2025 South African Car of the Year competition

The 2025 Car of the Year finalists represent numerous segments, from entry-level cars and SUVs to performance machines and bakkies. Here's how the competition works:

Motoring Industry News
Jason Woosey|Published

REVIEW: Hyundai’s Exter is a decent offering in a cluttered segment

The Hyundai Exter continues the Korean manufacturer’s legacy of well appointed safe cars, just on a smaller scale.

Motoring Reviews
Willem van de Putte|Published

Long-term Intro: Ford Ranger Wildtrak Supercab is perfect for a pair

It’s certainly not family friendly but when there’s only two of you and it’s a Wildtrak, then the Ranger is fit for purpose.

Motoring Reviews
Willem van de Putte|Published

REVIEW: Suzuki Jimny 5-Door is now more useable, and still an adventure on wheels

The Jimny five-door is a lot more practical than its smaller sibling, but it’s still not what you’d call a sensible purchase. But every journey is still an adventure.

Motoring Reviews
Jason Woosey|Published

Long-term Update: ‘Lekker by die see’ as Ford Territory makes a breeze of long distance cruising

After two busy months of tackling the highways and byways of Gauteng, December finally brought an opportunity for our long-term Ford Territory 1. 8T Titanium to stretch its legs.

Motoring Reviews
Jason Woosey|Published

REVIEW: Ford Tourneo Custom makes a good case for the mini bus

If you’re not keen on an SUV and looking for a large, comfortable people carrier in the R1-million ballpark, there’s not much to beat the Ford Tourneo Custom.

Motoring Reviews
Willem van de Putte|Published

Looking for a compact SUV priced under R300,000? Here are 5 great options

SUVs are now available in all shapes and sizes, with one to suit just about any budget or preference. But what are the best options on a budget?

Motoring Industry News
Jason Woosey|Published

Range Rover Velar: Luxury and class wrapped in beauty

The Range Rover Velar cements itself as a luxury SUV that will cater to all your needs, providing enough sophisticated grunt to get where you need to be urgently, and in style.

Motoring Reviews
Lance Witten|Published