Car reviews

CAPE TOWN – Mazda’s local passenger-car line-up is made up of some pretty fantastic vehicles at the moment. At the summit sits the unfading MX-5, while the frankly superb CX-3, CX-5 and Mazda3 occupy the middle of the minimalist range. Inhabiting the lower rung is the Mazda2, the Hiroshima-based ...

Sporting a naturally aspirated engine, this Kia Seltos is the more conservative option against the 1,4 turbo... As European carmakers persist with forced-induction on the eve of widespread electrification, manufacturers such as Kia are still putting the naturally aspirated engine to good use. This ...

When versatile little people carrier meets funky crossover, this could be the best of both worlds... Some cynics believe the acquisition of an MPV to meet a family’s motoring needs is the equivalent of waving a white flag in the face of more aspirational fare. It’s a pity, really, as beneath ...

We were left underwhelmed by the M135i. Does the new entry-level 1 Series have what it takes to right the ship? We test the 118i... As far back as 1993, BMW dabbled with the idea of entering the lucrative premium midsize hatchback market with its ambitious 3 Series Compact. The brand’s more formal ...

CAPE TOWN – Currently in its seventh generation, BMW’s 3 Series is what comes to mind for many when thinking of the Bavarian luxury car maker. Since the mid-seventies, the “3er” has represented German precision; a well-built and compact sports saloon that offers thrill-a-minute ...

CAPE TOWN – Since its introduction in 2016, Mercedes-Benz’s midsize GLC has been the preferred choice of propulsion for many private-school parents. The roomy interior and upmarket styling appealed to many buyers, with the pull of the three-pointed star and the associated image being too ...

CAPE TOWN – Volvo has long been admired as a pioneer of automotive safety, producing stout, sturdy motor vehicles. The 240, for example, is widely considered to be one of the most reliable cars ever built, with some examples racking up mileages in excess of 1 million kilometres. Very impressive, ...

The entry-level Volkswagen Caddy makes economic sense ... and it’s a pleasure to drive. We’ve experienced many thoroughly enjoyable miles driving Volkswagen Caddy TDIs over the years (including running a number of them in our long-term fleet). Abundant comfort, massive space and miserly ...

Can Mercedes-Benz's closely related A-Class Sedan and CLA peacefully co-exist or are some toes being trodden on? While it has a product portfolio with a breadth few manufacturers can match, Mercedes-Benz is adamant in covering every conceivable base to ensure potential buyers don’t slip through ...