Year: 2023

Three versions of the new five-door Jimny now available – Suzuki Jimny Five-Door ( 2023)

Car and Bike SA
Share Button

 For South Africans the Suzuki Jimny is not a new vehicle it has been around for 50 years in some sort of format. Most recently in 2018 the latest version of the Jimny was introduced with initially very few units available for the local market. When stocks eventually started to flow the sales started to rocket as the demand for this very capable and affordable 4×4 became obvious.  Now in 2023 you see this funky little icon in every street and town in South Africa idolised by the young and…

Read More about this topic

2023 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Overland 5-Seater Tested.

Car and Bike SA
Share Button

Americans have traditionally been good at building big family cars or just big cars in general and are the original home of the Luxury SUV’s before the rest of the world caught onto the concept Jeep built one of the original big SUVs with the first V8 Grand Cherokee. Well, True to the heritage they have certainly pulled out all the stops with this new big V6 version. What’s new on the outside?  Let’s talk size. The car I am reviewing is the 5-seeater not the 7-seater version which seats…

Read More about this topic

The Future of Car Industry in South Africa: Will Electric Cars Triumph Over Combustion Engines?

Car and Bike SA
Share Button

The current car industry in South Africa is dominated by petrol and diesel engines. But a new future is on the horizon as electric vehicles (EVs) are starting to gain traction in the country. According to an analysis by a researcher at the University of Cape Town (UCT), EVs and plug-in hybrids could potentially make up 20% of new cars sold in South Africa by 2030. However, there are still some major roadblocks to overcome for this transition to occur. For starters, the vastness of South Africa’s cities and the…

Read More about this topic

Range Rover Velar – Taking comfort and wellbeing to the next level.

Ray Stewart
Share Button

Now when you purchase a new Range Rover Velar, a wide choice of features awaits you which are designed to improve your travelling wellbeing. First as standard, “Active Road Noise Cancellation” – This technology makes the new Velar the quietest cabin in its class. The system constantly monitors vibrations from road surfaces and introduces opposite phase sound waves needed to mask the noise heard by the occupants. Accelerometers located in each wheel arch detect vibrations and advanced technology calculates an audio signal to replay over the speakers to reduce the…

Read More about this topic

BMW X1 (2023) reviewed

Car and Bike SA
Share Button

BMW’s X1 has been one of BMW’s bread and butter models after the declining popularity of the 3-series and helping with the general transition into the SAV(Sports Activity Vehicle) ownership for many South Africans since its original launch in 2009. It was vitally important that when they reworked the all new X1, model code U11, they remained competitive with this third generation and kept up with the new consumer expectation of technology inside while balancing quality and price. BMW Delivered with the completely new X1 giving it a simplified interior…

Read More about this topic

Citroën C3 the best of the bunch?

Car and Bike SA
Share Button

Prepare to be dazzled by the Citroën C3, a stylish masterpiece that brings the signature exuberance synonymous with Citroën models to the fast-growing B-segment, all at an irresistible price tag. Bid farewell to the sophisticated yet niche outgoing Citroën C3 hatchback, as its successor is an all-new, budget-friendly compact crossover. Stellantis has designed this gem to captivate a broader audience, introducing them to the allure of the Citroën brand. Behold the Citroën C3! While paying homage to its compatriot brand Renault’s success with its “priced-to-go” offerings, the new C3 retains…

Read More about this topic

Suzuki Fronx just unveiled for 2023

Ray Stewart
Share Button

Just when you thought Suzuki had enough models and variants on the road to please most potential buyers, along came the all-new Suzuki Fronx. It’s a vehicle with a trendy design featuring a catchy name and although it looks like a crossover version of the Suzuki Baleno, it is actually an all-new SUV developed ground-up. Fronx means Frontier – Next which essentially points to a new direction so maybe this is an indication of where Suzuki wants to take the brand in the future. A new styling concept mixing the…

Read More about this topic

New Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for 2023

Ray Stewart
Share Button

First launched in the early 1990s, the Toyota Prado has been one of South Africa’s favorite SUVs thanks to its blend of capability, amenity, and passenger-oriented comfort.  Now the new generation Prado is more like its big brother the Land Cruiser adopting the exterior look and styling cues. The front end is based around a rectangular grille and tri-beam headlights with a low set front cowl to improve visibility. Muscular wheel arches and strong horizontal lines projects a sense of strength. From the back the Prado has simple taillights on…

Read More about this topic

Limited Edition Hilux with X-Factor Appeal

Ray Stewart
Share Button

Although the new generation Ford Ranger bakkie is selling in numbers and is loved by many Ford and bakkie drivers, it has still not outsold the Toyota Hilux which remains South Africa’s top selling bakkie every month. To ensure it remains in this dominant position Toyota has introduced a limited edition 2023 model, the new Hilux Raider X Limited Edition. Based on the Raider 2.4 GD-6 4X4, two new variants will be available for a limited period, the 2.4 GD-6 Raider X 4X4 six-speed manual and the 2.4 GD-6 Raider…

Read More about this topic

Updated Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce Driven (2023)

Car and Bike SA
Share Button

Fast facts Model: Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2,0T Veloce Q4 Price: R1,205,500 with the only option, a sunroof R1,225,500 Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbopetrol Transmission: 8-speed automatic Power: 206 kW @ 5 250 r/min Torque: 400 N.m @ 2 250 r/min 0-100 km/h: 5,7 seconds Top speed: 230 km/h Fuel consumption: 7,0 l/100km (claimed) CO2: 161 g/km Service Plan: Five-year/100 000 km Those drivers that demand engaging driving dynamics and striking curb apeal will feel perfectly at home behind the wheel of the Italian styled and impressively agile Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce…

Read More about this topic

Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback ( 2023)

Ray Stewart
Share Button

The RS versions of Audi models already have plenty street cred when it comes to power and performance. Soon to be released in South Africa, the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback are even more powerful, faster, and bursting with equipment and improved aggressive appearance. 4.0-litre V8 biturbo TFSI engine producing 22 kW more at 463kW and a maximum torque of 850Nm which is an increase of 50Nm than the previous model. Hold on as it sprints from 0-100km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than before.…

Read More about this topic

Kia Picanto Coming soon(2023)

Ray Stewart
Share Button

Coming soon to a Kia dealership near you, the all-new Kia Picanto. With so many options to choose from in the small entry level car segment the Kia Picanto is often overlooked. I would advise any potential buyer looking for a small economic runaround to go test the new Picanto when it arrives in South Africa later this year. The new look exterior design has certainly improved, turning this little four door gem into an eye catcher when seen on the road. A modern compact hatchback with lots to offer…

Read More about this topic

Mercedes Benz A-Class(2023)

Ray Stewart
Share Button

Mercedes Benz A-Class   Rumors have been circulating recently regarding Mercedes Benz possibly considering dropping the A-Class models and concentrating its line-up on the larger luxury vehicles. Well, if that is true, it is not happening immediately as the new updated A-Class has just been introduced and is now available in South Africa. Geared to consumers who need an every-day car but still want to drive a German marc, the A-Class in both Sedan and Hatchback fits this requirement. Projecting a sporty muscular design, the front view is dominated by…

Read More about this topic

Range Rover Evoque 2024

Ray Stewart
Share Button

The latest Range Rover Evoque has been enhanced with a range of design changes, the latest technologies and sophisticated material choices. The model receives a new grille and super-slim Pixel LED headlights. New exterior colours complement the characteristic floating roof, unbroken waistline and flush deployable door handles that have defined the Range Rover design. Arroios Grey, Tribeca Blue and Corinthian Bronze add to the colour palette while contrast roof options enable clients to express their individuality with Narvik Black and Corinthian Bronze to choose from. Select from eight alloy wheel…

Read More about this topic

Mahindra XUV700(2023) Driven!

Car and Bike SA
Share Button

With an extensive range of segment-first features, drivetrains, seating options, and variant choices, the XUV700 strives to cater to the diverse preferences of every buyer. However, before delving into its wide array of offerings, it’s essential to ascertain whether it fulfills the fundamental requirements that warrant your consideration. When it comes to purchasing a new car, statistics indicate that SUVs are the preferred choice for many. However, narrowing down the options can be quite challenging due to the sheer abundance of choices available. There are sub-4 metre SUVs, compact SUVs,…

Read More about this topic

New Range Rover Sport SV

Ray Stewart
Share Button

The new Range Rover Sport SV is the most powerful and dynamic Range Rover Sport ever produced. Blending performance, capability, refinement, and enhanced technology to produce an icon SUV at the next level. Powered by a new 467kW, 750Nm 4.4-litre Twin-Turbo MHEV V8 petrol engine, 44kW and 50Nm more than the previous RR generation.  Accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 290 km/h. This outstanding performance is assisted by weight saving features including the world’s first 23-inch Carbon Fibre Wheel option which saves…

Read More about this topic

Lexus RZ 450e RZ battery-electric SUV

Ray Stewart
Share Button

The first ever RZ battery-electric SUV built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform will be launched in South Africa in the first quarter of 2024.  Powered by an efficient 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery producing 230kW of power and 435Nm of instant torque to all four wheels. A full charge will provide a driving range of 400 km. The all-new electric powertrain with e-Axle electric motors and DIRECT4 all-wheel drive adds to the renowned Lexus electric driving qualities including zero exhaust emissions. The Lexus designers ensure the all-new RZ maintains the Lexus…

Read More about this topic

All New Toyota VITZ

Ray Stewart
Share Button

The latest entrant in the small-car segment from the Japanese automaker Toyota is the all-new VITZ. Aimed at the cash-strapped consumer, affordability and low running costs are very much top of mind to this segment’s buyers. The small car market comprising A, Sub-B and B segments make up 64% of the South African market, compared to 53% in 2018. Joining its forerunners, the Aygo and Agya the Vitz is the latest offering and again Toyota has partnered with Suzuki to produce this exciting new option. Funky styling, large cabin, class-leading…

Read More about this topic

Range Rover Personalised Luxury.

Ray Stewart
Share Button

The Range Rover is arguably the world’s most desirable luxury SUV, having led the field in status for more than 50 years. Now the company is setting a new benchmark in personalisation by offering its clients the facility to choose from a wide range of options to create a unique and individual vehicle built to the owners wishes, blending enhanced personilastion with peerless refinement. Bespoke commissioning service is the name given to this capability and allows the client access to a vast range of materials and exterior and interior finishes.…

Read More about this topic

Maserati, another Auto manufacturer goes electric!

Ray Stewart
Share Button

At the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show Maserati introduced its first full-electric SUV the Grecale Folgore its new GranTurismo to the Asian market. A historic moment for this iconic brand being the first Italian luxury car maker to produce 100% electric vehicles. Folgore is the name of the trident’s electric range and represents luxury, functional beauty and a vision which unites the past with the future. Maserati has committed to produce electric versions of all its models by 2025 and full-electric vehicles alone by 2030. 

Read More about this topic