Driving Impressions

NELSPRUIT – “Can the Amarok V6 cut it in the rough stuff?” This has become a common question from 4x4 enthusiasts when it comes to Volkswagen's double-cab bakkie. In my opinion, the Amarok V6 is the most competent leisure bakkie in our market (read the road test here). It's powerful, ...

SPAIN – Granted, eight minutes is not exactly a lot of time to evaluate a new vehicle, but these particular eight minutes were spent on the limit at the famous Ascari race track. At the Goodyear Eagle F1 tyre launch, the Alpine A110 was fitted with the new SuperSport rubber to give us a chance ...

CAPE TOWN – Is the Mercedes-AMG C43 a mere marketing ploy designed to boost C-Class sales volumes? Or is it a well-considered addition to the Affalterbach-based performance division's ever-expanding product line-up? Exterior design In terms of its aesthetic execution, the V6-engined AMG’s ...

We drive not only the oldest Lamborghini in South Africa but also the very first Raging Bull imported here... It’s strikingly sleek and elegant. The glass area is large, allowing for an abundance of light to stream into the cabin. On a fine summer’s morning like today, life is beautiful. ...

SITGES, Spain – Sometimes, facelifts are just that: purely visual tweaks often centred on the vehicle's countenance. But occasionally an automaker also uses the opportunity presented by a mid-cycle update to introduce under-the-skin changes. And the latter is exactly what has happened with the ...

GEORGE – Do you know Ford SA sells more Ranger double cabs than Toyota SA does Hilux double cabs? Or that Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa contributes more than 1% to South Africa's overall GDP, a large percentage fed by local production of the Ranger? The big bakkie is nothing other than ...

FARO, Portugal – It’s not common, and certainly not usually ideal, to have one's first taste of an all-new grand tourer package from behind the wheel of a convertible derivative, most notably because of the relative compromises in structural rigidity commonly associated with drop-top creations. ...

CAPE TOWN – "Are you sure?" The officer at the gate to Atlantis Dunes has a perplexed look on his face as I pull up in the Renault Duster. After I assure him this is indeed a proper 4x4, he lifts the boom and our day of fun begins. I don't blame him for his scepticism, though, as most vehicles ...

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Purgatory. That’s not where we are but it’s an accurate description of the South African electric-vehicle landscape right now. Everywhere, manufacturers of next-generation zero-emissions vehicles are investing billions. As far as infrastructure goes, ...