Category: Road Tests

What we tested and how it fairs against the competition

Suzuki Jimny 5-Door (2023) Review

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The Jimny is Suzuki’s iconic model, as is the 500 for fiat. What’s not to like? It’s a refreshingly simple easy to live with city off-roader with formidable capability and adorable Japanese K-car styling; it tugs on the heartstrings – that’s why Suzuki has sold thousands of units across 4 generations. However, the Jimny’s biggest critics will be quick to say that its failed to be practical; even in its latest (4th) iteration, the Jimny’s 85-litre load bay and 3-door configuration are big drawbacks considering the versatility offered by equivalently…

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BMW X1 (2023) reviewed

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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…

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Updated Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce Driven (2023)

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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…

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Mahindra XUV700(2023) Driven!

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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,…

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Suzuki Celerio(2022) Driven!

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The Suzuki Celerio has always been known for its practicality and affordability. It’s a car that is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable vehicle to get around town without breaking the bank. And the 2022 Suzuki Celerio is no exception! First things first, let’s talk about the design. The 2022 Suzuki Celerio has a fresh, modern look that is sure to turn heads. The exterior has been updated with sleek lines and a sporty front grille that gives it a more dynamic appearance. The interior is just as impressive,…

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Jeep Gladiator Rubincon (2022) Driven

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The long-awaited Jeep Gladiator has finally arrived in South Africa, priced at R1 259 900, making it the country’s most expensive bakkie. This has of course ignited many “is it worth it?” debates all over social media and everywhere I stopped and crowds formed around the monstrous Jeep. We spent most of the week with the new Jeep. We drove it on dirt roads, highways and through city traffic, and it never felt out of place, its Big but adapts to all situations. The Gladiator is only sold in top-spec Rubicon…

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Seven-seater Opel Zafira Life(Reviewed)

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The Opel Zafira Life is a versatile and practical seven-seater vehicle that is ideal for families or groups who need extra space for passengers or luggage. With a spacious cabin, comfortable seats, and a range of advanced features, this vehicle provides a great driving experience for all. we recently had the opportunity to spend a week with the entry-level Edition trim, the seating layout is 2 bench rows, the Trim above is the elegance and it has the 2 individual crew seats in the first row. behind the driver. Design and…

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Mahindra XUV300 Updated for 2022 (Spec & Price)

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Mahindra has done a life cycle update on its XUV300 compact SUV  introducing higher levels of standard specification Mahindra’s XUV300 compact SUV update is across all trim levels (W4, W6 and W8) while XUV300 W4 Special Edition (SE) has also been added to Mahindra’s local lineup. What’s been updated? The XUV300 sports a black-themed interior now replacing the previous ivory and beige colour scheme.  The most notable change to the XUV300 can be seen inside where all derivatives now gain a dark interior with a black dashboard and black cloth…

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Citroen C3 Aircross Reviewed!

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The Citroen C3 Aircross has been updated for 2022. Here’s the specification and pricing for the fun, fresh, French crossover. For 2022, Stellantis says the Citroen C3 Aircross has been given some updates to “show a more assertive personality” and the cabin has been rejigged for enhanced practicality. What’s Updated? The updated Citroen C3Aircross gains a brand new front end, designed to Give it some independance from the standard C3. The new grille is bigger and demanding, plus there are some chunky add-ons like the wheel arches and front/rear skid…

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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross(2022) Updated.

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We were lucky enough to spend time with the recently updated Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5 T GLS 4×2 variant, this is a first time this segment has been updated with a turbo charged motor making 110kw and 250nm, it now competes head to head with the rest of class. If you prefer the most reliable tried and tested Mitsubishi 2.0L 16v motor you can still purchase it with the update but it is the “base” model variant producing the same 110kws but only 198nm. Mitsubishi is like the old faithful…

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Peugeot’s Landtrek 4×4(2022) Reviewed

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Over nearly a century, Peugeot has been a formidable force in Africa. The new LANDTREK enables Peugeot to make a strong comeback in a market where it has a very strong heritage, the LANDTREK personifies the DNA of legendary models such the 404 wagon and the 504 Pick-Up which sold exceptionally well in SA back in the day. Peugeot bravely releases the all new LANDTREK, which enters the One-Ton Pick-Up segment and accounts for more than 25% of the South African new vehicle market, and possibly the hardest segment to…

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Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 Di-DC 4X4 A/T P/U D/C(2022) Reviewed

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The new Mitsubishi Triton represents 42 years of Japanese engineering and that means that it’ as strong and capable as Anything we’ve ever driven, on road and especially off road. Since it emerged as the L200 in 1978, Mitsubishi have sold 4.7 million units. We loved them in South Africa, previously known as a “Colt” – a workhorse and lifestyle companion, a member of the family even, just like its rivals such as the Ford ranger, Isuzu D-MAX (nee KB) and Toyota Hilux. The development of this particular Triton began in…

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Updated Fiat 500 Sport Road Test and Review

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Pros – Trendy Retro styling; great fuel consumption; comfortable seats; Go-Kart like handling; Great engine Cons – Drivers seat can’t be adjusted down; Fuel economy does fall short of claimed; Poor safety rating After a trip to Italy, I fell in love with the original Fiat 500 known initially as ‘The Cinquecento’. Introduced by the Fiat Company in July 1957 and produced under this guise until 1975 the model was designed by Dante Giacosa, and the Cinquecento was marketed as a cheap, functional, and economical town car for post-war Italy. Fast forward exactly 50 years…

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2021 Suzuki Ignis II GLX 1.2MT

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Pros – unique styling; comfortable high up seating position; solid ride and handling. Great engine Cons – Expensive (Should it be priced above a Swift); cheap finishes on the interior. Love it or hate it styling at the rear. Suzuki has launched its new ‘not quite an SUV, not quite a compact’ compact SUV; the 2020 Ignis has been overhauled, and now bears the II moniker. The unconventional looking car has charming looks and features pretty up-to-date technology, in a package that might best be described as fun-sized motoring. Much like…

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Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1.5 GLX Auto (2021) Road Test and Review

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We had the new bold compact SUV from Suzuki on test and spent some time getting to know the fun little SUV which has lots of talent. The compact SUV market is suddenly booming in South Africa and everywhere you look you will see a Kia/ Hyundai or even a VW SUV running around. This styling is on trend and the go to for new car buyers. I think it makes you feel like you can go anywhere even with its very limited ground clearance as it still gives you the confidence you…

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Updated Peugeot 3008 GT-Line Road Test

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OPULENT from the moment you open the door. The 2021 Peugeot 3008 GT is the pinnacle model in its mid-sized SUV range, offering class and comfort. To stand out from the crowd, it sports Chrome exterior highlights, grille and branding featuring high polished, eye catching wheels.

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2021 Citroën C3 Shine Review and Road Test

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Pros – unique styling; comfortable seating; solid ride and handling. Cons – pricey; limited rear leg and head room. The latest offering from the back in SA brand is the 2021 Citroen C3 Shine, and we have thought up a few keywords to describe it starting with quirky, fun, cool, different, and possibly even pretty. It’s a fantastical little hatch that offers unique styling, a funky design and plenty of practicality. It even sports Air Bumps, which are at least slightly more discreet then the previous door protection fitted to…

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Updated Suzuki Swift for 2021 Reviewed

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Suzuki – the fastest-growing automotive brand in the country, has just updated 2 of its top-selling models, we look at the Swift 1.2GLX 5MT. To read the Review of the outgoing Swift Click Here  Whats New? Suzuki has announced an update to its popular compact hatchback/budget car using the word “minor” and I would like to say from the outset it is less than a minor up-date. The revision offers a few new colours (including some 2-tone options on the GLX derivatives) and a new sportier 15-inch alloy wheel design. If you have a look…

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The all-new Opel Corsa 1.2 Turbo Elegance Review

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The Opel Corsa supermini has had a legendary history dating all the way back to 1982 when the car was first sold in the United Kingdom and Europe. Only in the early 90’s did the Corsa make its presence in South Africa with the B shape model. Built on a General Motors front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform the early Corsa models were one of the few supermini hatchbacks available in SA until Peugeot, Renault and VW came along. The battle of the superminis has raged on ever since and now in 2021 we have on test Opel’s latest…

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Driven: Peugeot 2008 SUV(2021)

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Peugeot have come a long way in recent years. One of the first stand out Peugeot’s I spent time with was in 2018 with the 3008 model, and I must say it was just light years ahead with the design and interior fit and finish (Read about it here). If you had asked me 15 years ago if I would consider a car from this French manufacturer I would have told you “how nice the seats are designed” but that’s about the only appeal I had for them. Nonetheless here we are in 2021 and Oh Boy, how things have…

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