Peter Palm

Pete first read CAR at the age of 12 and immediately started modifying his parents’ cars. He studied mechanical engineering due to a fascination with engines, and worked on and spray-painted cars in his spare time. He worked for SA Railways and Denel before switching to proper motoring by joining CAR.

BUYING USED: Three boutique hatchbacks for under R250 000 each...

Know how much you can spend on a car but haven’t made up your mind which one to buy? We recommend two sensible options, plus a left-field choice. This time, we investigate boutique hatchbacks for under R250 000 apiece... Sensible: Audi A1 Sportback 1,0T FSI 0-100 km/h: 11,10 seconds Top speed: ...

CLASSIC BUY: BMW E36 M3 (1994-1998)

This street-smart inline-six is a joy to drive. We take a look back at the BMW E36 M3... Packaging South Africa did not receive the first (E30) M3 because of its left-hand-drive-only configuration. This subsequent E36 M3 model was thus the first official model available locally. One of the benefits ...

CLASSIC BUY: Volkswagen Golf Mk1 (1978 and 2010)

We take a closer look at the first and last variants of Volkswagen's iconic Golf 1... Model: Volkswagen Golf 1500 GLS/Volkswagen Citi Mk1  0 to 100 km/h: 12,80 seconds/10,54 seconds  Top speed: 156 km/h/180 km/h  Fuel index: 7,3 L/100 km/7,8 L/100 km (both ...

BUYING USED: Four-seater convertibles for under R450 000 each

Know how much you can spend on a second-hand car but haven't made up your mind which one to buy? We recommend two sensible options, plus a left-field choice. This time we’re looking at four-seater convertibles for under R450 000 apiece… Sensible: Audi A5 Cabriolet 2,0T FSI 0-100 km/h: ...

CLASSIC BUY: Citroën ID19 (1955-1968)

Timeless French flair. Here's what to look out for when shopping for a Citroën ID19 (1955-1968)... While the newer DS20 and Pallas are a common sight on our roads, it all started way back in 1955. Because the ID/DS is such an iconic design, we will have too much information for one article, so ...

CLASSIC BUY: Datsun 2000 to 2400 (1967-1972)

South Africa’s first Datsun luxury sedans make interesting entry-level classics. Here's what to look out for... CAR magazine’s first Datsun test was a Bluebird 1200 in 1962. More compacts followed before the first straight-six sedan arrived in 1967. This was a bold move; entering the sedan/saloon ...

BUYING USED: Seven-seater SUVs for under R320 000 each...

Know how much you can spend on a car but haven’t made up your mind which one to buy? We recommend two sensible options, plus a left-field choice. This time we're looking at seven-seaters for under R320 000... SENSIBLE: Ford Everest 3,2 TDCi 4x4 AT 0-100 km/h: 11,20 seconds Top speed: n/a Power: ...

Long-term test: Toyota RAV4 2,5 AWD VX

Long-term test (Introduction): Toyota RAV4 2,5 AWD VX Having been impressed with the new Corolla Hatch for a few months, this RAV4 is like more of the same, simply supersized. Our car is finished in Moonlight Ocean Metallic, a rich, deep blue with the optional interior colour beige. This is richer and ...

DRIVEN: Volkswagen Amarok 3,0 V6 TDI Canyon 4Motion

PORT ELIZABETH, Eastern Cape – “Bakkie” is a term fully owned by South Africa. Yet, when applied to a V6-powered Volkswagen Amarok, it doesn’t seem to fit. Indeed, “pick-up” works better, but feels, well, a little too American. Whatever constitutes the most appropriate ...

CLASSIC BUY: Alfa Romeo 156 (1998-2006)

A promising future classic, the 156 reinvigorated Alfa Romeo... Still considered a reasonably modern car, the stylish 156 nevertheless celebrates its 21st birthday this year. Difficult to believe, as the shapely sedan still turns heads thanks to typically Italian design flair from the in-house Alfa ...