Suzuki is no stranger to the world of off-roading, having the utilitarian Jimny, their first 4WD model as the bona fide option for trail-hungry enthusiasts from as early as 1970. Towards the end of the millennium however, scores of consumers were beginning to show interest in more usable utility vehicles but without the bare-bones build… Continue reading Putting the Sport in SUV with the Suzuki Vitara
Category: Car reviews
Driven Review: Kia Seltos 1.6EX+ Auto
With the Crossover SUV market bursting at the seams with all the new sub-compact offerings, the Seltos’ relatively silent entry into the market came with it some severe favour amount buyers with the top-spec GT-Line proving ever popular in the sales. The launch earlier this year saw us spend some time with the crossover, but… Continue reading Driven Review: Kia Seltos 1.6EX+ Auto
We Drive the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Sports Tourer
Our driven review on the Mercedes-Benz B200 AMG LINE Sports Tourer The B-class has always been somewhat of a strange offering to the market from Merc, with the first generation being a bit of a sandwich box MPV in a world of SUVs and hatchbacks. Understand even is South Africa where badge loyalty still exists,… Continue reading We Drive the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Sports Tourer
Datsun GO CVT Driven
It was just November of last year where Datsun uncovered the facelift and CVT automatic introduction of the Datsun Go. An Undertaking moreover due to the Datsun Go being the vehicle of choice for arguments about safety and how many A-Segment competitors are making vehicles like the Go appear dated and struggling to convince more… Continue reading Datsun GO CVT Driven
Driven: 2020 Toyota CH-R facelift
The Toyota CH-R has been an attractive model and prospect for those looking for a funky crossover, with a quirky exterior and strong Toyota heritage in South Africa. The CH-R stands out for its ability to fit all this trick styling and yet be a typical Toyota in that its build to a very high… Continue reading Driven: 2020 Toyota CH-R facelift
The turn of the Dark Horse – VW’s plans for 2020
VWSA recently made use of the Premium drive experience as a catch-up and information session for South African Media, and TheMotorist was in attendance. The Premium drive made clear, numerous elements with respects to the dubbed Premium products and product range nevertheless. While combining the event with being introductions to the Dark Label versions of the Toureg,… Continue reading The turn of the Dark Horse – VW’s plans for 2020
Corolla Quest Facelift – Fresher, beefier, and more vuma!
Back in 2014, the Corolla Quest moniker hit the South African market as a new perspective into affordable and Uber reliable transportation for fleet and passenger buyers. It provided transport that offered a great badge in the nose that stood for a brand with some acute ability to tug at the emotions of South Africans… Continue reading Corolla Quest Facelift – Fresher, beefier, and more vuma!
New BMW 1 Series- 118i Review
It’s almost impossible to mention the new one series without the mention. FWD platform UKL2 that underpins the likes of Mini and X1. The New and of us right now only other option other than the New M135i in SA before 2020. You see the issue is the niceness of the 1 series was always… Continue reading New BMW 1 Series- 118i Review
The Return of the Hyundai Atos
A short trip back to February of 2005 revealed the launch of the then-New Hyundai Atos in South Africa. A supermini that served as the little brother to the tasteful Getz and thankfully shared in the beginnings to the Korean wave of brilliance in the early 2000s, that transformed their brand. The range has expanded… Continue reading The Return of the Hyundai Atos
New Volkswagen Polo vs Peugeot 208 GT-Line
New Volkswagen Polo v Peugeot 208 GT-Line “Cool”, “eye-catching” and “snazzy” are just a few words than can be used to describe both Volkswagen’s new Polo and the updated Peugeot 208 GT-Line. These hatchbacks play in a competitive market, each manufacturer has their own version of what they perceive that market wants. For those looking… Continue reading New Volkswagen Polo vs Peugeot 208 GT-Line
The South African Motoring Experience 2017
TheMotorist Attends the South African Motoring Experience 2017 Following a turn-out of 51 000 patrons last year, Kyalami Proves year and year again to be the hub of all motoring shenanigans. 2017’s Festival was different to the years past given the strange partnership with a Boat show, which was ‘same, same but different’; although it… Continue reading The South African Motoring Experience 2017
The Chevrolet Lumina SS Ute – the Australia-American love child.
Chevrolet Lumina SS Ute Driven Review Fewer things scream “Merrrica” more so than the fabled V8 motor. Large, boisterous and incredibly charismatic, all combined with the warm fuzzy feeling you get inside, knowing that you have very angry and deaf neighbours. This is the stuff of petrolhead dreams, in theory at least. The enormity and… Continue reading The Chevrolet Lumina SS Ute – the Australia-American love child.
New Look and More Tech – All New Discovery Driven
All New Discovery Driven The saying “don’t fix what’s not broken” went completely out the window with Land Rover’s design team when they were constructing the All New Discovery. We’re so used to the car’s iconic tall and boxy shape, it was a huge surprise when the new one launched and looked like the lovechild… Continue reading New Look and More Tech – All New Discovery Driven
If Idris Elba doesn’t want to be James Bond, maybe the Aston Martin DB11 will convince him.
We drive the Aston Martin DB11 Besides being one of the coolest people in Hollywood, Idris Elba is also a petrol head. If you don’t believe us, Google it. The fact that he is a car lover gives the makers of James Bond an even better reason to make him the next 007. If I… Continue reading If Idris Elba doesn’t want to be James Bond, maybe the Aston Martin DB11 will convince him.
The New Volkswagen Up! : A fun city car with a hefty price tag
South African Car Review: New Volkswagen Up! With all the cars that come through The Motorist’s garage, sometimes it’s a good thing to be reminded of what real cars are and have a palate cleanser. You see, the life of a motor journalist is full of crème de la crème cars and we often forget… Continue reading The New Volkswagen Up! : A fun city car with a hefty price tag
Volkswagen strikes back: Volkswagen Amarok V6 launched in South Africa
Volkswagen Amarok V6 launched in South Africa Back in 2010 when Volkswagen announced that the Amarok will only feature 2.0 litre engines, bakkie lovers were up in arms. “We need more power! We need more displacement!” the angry hoards and picketers screamed, forming a mob and carrying flaming objects whilst protesting toward their local VW… Continue reading Volkswagen strikes back: Volkswagen Amarok V6 launched in South Africa
Nissan Qashqai Driven Review in South Africa
We test drive the Nissan Qashqai Once upon a time, a manufacturer decided to make a 4×4 that wasn’t actually a 4×4 and the rest became history. Few people could have predicted the success of the crossover when the Nissan Qashqai supposedly invented the segment in 2006. Well over a million Qashqai’s and a bajillion… Continue reading Nissan Qashqai Driven Review in South Africa
Who said a half tonner can’t be cool?: Nissan NP 200 ICE Driven
Nissan NP 200 ICE Driven Review in South Africa Never in a million years would’ve I have thought a half tonne bakkie would be something that appeals to me. Honestly these kind of cars are usually bought out of need, not want. Perhaps you’ve started a small business and you need something that’s going… Continue reading Who said a half tonner can’t be cool?: Nissan NP 200 ICE Driven
The Opel MOKKA X: A Crossover For South African City Life.
Opel MOKKA X Driven Review Crossover vehicles are becoming very popular, they bring the style of an SUV together with the compactness of a hatchback. They prove to be popular for those with young families or ones who just can’t stretch the budget for the real deal. Crossover’s look good, a little different from the… Continue reading The Opel MOKKA X: A Crossover For South African City Life.
The Bigger MINI Countryman is back in South Africa and it’s better
The New MINI Countryman is back – We attended the South African launch. The Countryman was the car that made MINI lovers question the brands direction. How can a MINI be a four door hatchback that wasn’t “mini” by any means? That question troubled die-hard fans that only associate the car with Mr. Bean and… Continue reading The Bigger MINI Countryman is back in South Africa and it’s better
Is the Rolls Royce Dawn Worth Its R10 Million Price Tag in South Africa?
The creme de la creme of motor vehicles, you don’t get better than a Rolls-Royce. It falls into the same category as the private jet in air travel or the luxury yacht that parks off at Clifton beach. So when TheMotorist was offered the chance to sample the best that money can buy in the… Continue reading Is the Rolls Royce Dawn Worth Its R10 Million Price Tag in South Africa?
The Launch of the New Audi A5 in South Africa
Update: Watch Our LaunchDrive Video of the New Audi S5 Here Hermanus is a beautiful seaside town with a vast mammal filled ocean on one side and towering mountains on the other. Between us at Cape Town International Airport and Hermanus, though, was a driving route that involved great sections of tar, with long swooping… Continue reading The Launch of the New Audi A5 in South Africa
Polo 1.0 TSI R-Line vs Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Powershift
Polo 1.0 TSI R-Line vs Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Powershift in South Africa The newly launched Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI R Line is a nifty little thing. The exterior look of this car is one that will pique the interest of many buyers. It’s marketed as a “performance” Polo despite it only having a 1.0… Continue reading Polo 1.0 TSI R-Line vs Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Powershift
Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI & TDI – First Drive
Introduced in 2007, the Volkswagen Tiguan was an instant success and as many had anticipated, VW’s foray into the crossover segment most certainly paid off with nearly a million units having been sold globally in its first 3 years of production. There was no reason for the Tiguan to do anything but excel, especially… Continue reading Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI & TDI – First Drive
Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI R Line – First Drive
Rewind 20 years and anyone claiming to have had a vehicle with a 1.0 – litre 3-cylinder motor producing 81 kW and 200 N.m would have been labelled a madman. If they were to continue, stating that this revolutionary vehicle would sip just 4.4 l/100km and exhibit refinement to match the then contemporary E39 5… Continue reading Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI R Line – First Drive
Audi A3 Facelift Driven Review
Audi recently facelifted the A3 and while the changes are only design based, I was still interested to get behind Audi’s entry level A3 with its 1.0-litre Turbo engine. The updates to the A3 consist of updated designs for the headlights and taillights, with some slight bumper design adjustments which completes the changes to the… Continue reading Audi A3 Facelift Driven Review
Does the 5 Series live up to its title – the business athlete?
The Business Athlete. That’s a strong title which can be translated in many ways, for me, it’s a title that evokes a sense of presence, stance and performance. When this title represents a car, one would naturally have high expectations – a business athlete vehicle would have to do many things, very well. Last year… Continue reading Does the 5 Series live up to its title – the business athlete?
The New Audi Q2 : It Really Is Untaggable
You have probably seen the advertising campaign for the new Audi Q2 – #untaggable is what they call it and that is exactly what it is. The Audi Q2 is difficult to define, where does one place it? What do you compare it to? These were questions that all ran through my mind during the… Continue reading The New Audi Q2 : It Really Is Untaggable
Fiat 500 0.9 TwinAir Pop Star
I have spoken about cult cars before and how they somehow manage to attract both car-nuts and car-nots. There is one car, though, that I feel manages to attract more car-nots than car-nuts – the Fiat 500. In 2007, Fiat decided to go the same route as BMW with the MINI brand and Volkswagen with… Continue reading Fiat 500 0.9 TwinAir Pop Star
A better looking seven seater: Honda’s BRV.
Why is it that people carriers are always terrible looking? Besides Uber drivers, suburban parents will find these cars quite appealing, so it’s important for these cars to have some sort of an aesthetic appeal. I’m sure those parents don’t want to be mistaken for taxi drivers after their kids have been dropped off? Take… Continue reading A better looking seven seater: Honda’s BRV.
If you don’t know what to do with your money, we have just the car for you.
If you don’t know what to do with your money, we have just the car for you. Mercedes-Maybach is the brand of choice when you want something utterly lavish. If it’s not limousines they’re supplying then its drop top G-Classes. What!? Yes, you read correctly. If you have enough money you can get a drop… Continue reading If you don’t know what to do with your money, we have just the car for you.
South Africa, give the VW Passat a chance.
I first drove the new Volkswagen Passat in 2016, the model I drove was the 1.4 TSI and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with that vehicle. Although I do remember saying that when the 2.0 TDI comes, it will probably take the Passat up another notch. I was correct. For me, the Passat has two… Continue reading South Africa, give the VW Passat a chance.
The Volvo evolution continues: S90 is here
I guess we didn’t really know what to expect from the new Volvo S90. On pictures, it looked a bit underwhelming, pretty but nothing to ride home about. You can imagine then what went through my mind when I saw the car in the flesh because it completely took me by surprise. The car has… Continue reading The Volvo evolution continues: S90 is here
Volvo South Africa’s new S60 Polestar is here: Say hello to Superman.
Volvo South Africa’s new beast Clark Kent is the character that most people forget about in the Superman story, with good reason too. He doesn’t do anything that makes you say “wow that is amazing”. All he does is unbutton his shirt, revealing a large “S” logo and then the real action happens. Off with… Continue reading Volvo South Africa’s new S60 Polestar is here: Say hello to Superman.
Opel South Africa’s new Adam: Does it really Rock?
Opel South Africa’s new Adam Rocks Since Opel’s transformation, they have released some great and innovative cars. One of those cars being the ever so fun Opel Adam, a car that has been a big hit for Opel South Africa. The slick and hip city car which is unique to the driver. The Adam has… Continue reading Opel South Africa’s new Adam: Does it really Rock?
The new Suzuki Vitara: It’s back.
Little brother vs. Big Brother: The new Suzuki Vitara. Being the older brother is what I do best. Growing up, I always got things first between my three siblings. I got to decide what we watched on holiday by “booking” the DSTV as well as the Television for the day. I also bullied my siblings… Continue reading The new Suzuki Vitara: It’s back.
Something different: The Kia Cerato Koup.
Dare to be different, the Kia Cerato Koup. Sometimes in life, we all long for something different. Whether it’s a different flavour of ice-cream, a different restaurant to eat at, or even a different car to drive. In the car department, choosing something different to what many people buy can be a risky thing. The… Continue reading Something different: The Kia Cerato Koup.
Volkswagen South Africa’s new launched Passat, is it a game-changer?
Not just a great personality: Volkswagen South Africa’s new Passat. Most people have experienced what it’s like to be set up with a potential boyfriend or girlfriend. It’s awkward and uncomfortable. When this happens, there is usually a build up to the first “date” and this build up often involves a great deal of selling.… Continue reading Volkswagen South Africa’s new launched Passat, is it a game-changer?
Why we all love the Chevrolet Cruze.
Chevrolet Cruze 1.4 T LS: A Chevrolet Cruze is not a poster car, let’s just be honest. You don’t wait long for one nor is it a car that makes you say “oooh, that’s nice.” It’s one of those cars one sees on the roads often and wonders why there are so many of them.… Continue reading Why we all love the Chevrolet Cruze.
Maybach S600, a new level of luxury.
First Class at zero thousand feet. The Mercedes S class has arguably been the crème de la crème of luxury vehicles for some time now. This car is Mercedes’ answer to the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ. These vehicles are built to be driven long distances in the utmost of comfort. You… Continue reading Maybach S600, a new level of luxury.
Forever young: 40 years of the BMW 3-Series.
Driving the face-lifted BMW 3-Series. Turning forty is big deal for many, it’s an interesting year because generally at forty years of age, many look back to see if they have done all that they strived to do in their lives. This is the case with BMW’s 3-Series. To begin with, one has to give… Continue reading Forever young: 40 years of the BMW 3-Series.
A unique little hatch: The Mazda 2 1.5 DE
The Mazda 2 1.5 DE is a surprising little car. The Mazda brand is one that has won the hearts of many South Africans over they years. Decades ago, when currently middle aged people were younger, they raved over cars like the 323 and the 626. As a young person now, the brand to me… Continue reading A unique little hatch: The Mazda 2 1.5 DE
Do you love cars or do you want to get to work?: The new Suzuki Ciaz.
Feature Friday: Suzuki’s answer to those looking for an affordable Sedan, the Ciaz. Keep-It-Simple-Stupid. This is a phrase that has been told to many and said by many, for good reason too. When things get complicated especially in cars, it detracts from the purpose of a car being a car. There’s nothing worse than a… Continue reading Do you love cars or do you want to get to work?: The new Suzuki Ciaz.
Baby firecracker – Audi A1 1.8 TFSI S-Line
Feature Friday: We drive the Audi A1 1.8 TFSI S-Line It’s funny what perception does to the human brain and driving the Audi A1 1.8 TFSI made me realise that. This car is essentially a Volkswagen Polo GTI with a different body on it. Same engine producing 141KW and 250Nm, same 7-speed DSG gearbox and… Continue reading Baby firecracker – Audi A1 1.8 TFSI S-Line
Mercedes’ answer to BMW’s X6: the run down on the new GLE.
Thought Thursday: Mercedes Benz’s attempt at an SUV Coupé, the new GLE. This car is Mercedes Benz’s attempt at blending an SUV with a coupé by taking different elements from both, the presence of a SUV but the sleekness and elegance of a coupé. Let’s be honest, Mercedes here had a look at the BMW… Continue reading Mercedes’ answer to BMW’s X6: the run down on the new GLE.
Hello Sunny: Quality time with the Opel Corsa Cosmo.
Opel Corsa Cosmo aka Sunny. It’s not often that we name a press car, we only have it for a week so there generally isn’t enough time for us to get too attached to it. This wasn’t the case with the bright yellow Opel Corsa Cosmo aka “Sunny” that was delivered to us over the… Continue reading Hello Sunny: Quality time with the Opel Corsa Cosmo.
Best of both worlds: The facelifted Audi Q3
Feature Friday: Audi Q3 2.0TFSI S-Line Many people living in Johannesburg will complain that the city is too congested, I am one of those people. As someone born and raised in the big bad city, I often long for some open space and a fresh aired environment lacking noise. That is why one of my… Continue reading Best of both worlds: The facelifted Audi Q3
Mercedes’ C63 Coupé revealed, can it get any more powerful?
Thought Thursday: Mercedes’ C63 Coupé will produce more power than all it’s competitors What do car makers and dictators have in common? They all want absolute power, but in the words of Spiderman’s grandfather, “with great power comes great responsibility”. This is especially true for our German friends trying to one-up each other in the… Continue reading Mercedes’ C63 Coupé revealed, can it get any more powerful?
Toyota’s Swiss Army Knife, the Auris XR.
Driving Toyota’s new Auris XR The Swiss army knife was a very handy tool for soldiers during the war and has maintained the same level of usefulness for people today. The design has stayed the same over the years, a sharp blade, a screwdriver, scissors and a can opener. All these items fold snugly into… Continue reading Toyota’s Swiss Army Knife, the Auris XR.
Swimming laps with the new Opel Corsa Sport
Feature Friday: New Opel Corsa Sport Bodybuilding is a very popular profession, hobby and lifestyle. If you go to a gym at any time you will see many men and women there grunting and the sound of weights clinking and clanking, veins popping and muscles bulging. If you have a friend or family member into… Continue reading Swimming laps with the new Opel Corsa Sport
The future is now – New age Motor Journalism
Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond have welcomed the future… One of the biggest problems with being a generation Y’er is the gap that exists between us and the generation that birthed us. Unlike the Baby boomers or even the early generation X’ers, we have grown up in a very different world. There are… Continue reading The future is now – New age Motor Journalism
Mercedes Benz’s facelifted A45 is fashionably powerful
The world of luxury runs across many spectrums. Be it cars, fashion, real estate or jewellery. Often times people who enjoy a certain type of luxury also enjoy another. For instance, someone who is a fan of sports cars could possibly be a fan of luxury watches or bespoke tailoring. Some brands have known this… Continue reading Mercedes Benz’s facelifted A45 is fashionably powerful
Feature Friday: Suzuki Celerio vs Volkswagen UP!
Battle of the babies When I was a very young boy I remember my mother purchasing her first car, a white Fiat Uno. She went for the slightly fancier version called the “Tempo” and she had it specified with colour coded bumpers and mag wheels. We loved that car because it was so simple and… Continue reading Feature Friday: Suzuki Celerio vs Volkswagen UP!
Tech Tuesday: Mercedes AMG GT and GTS in South Africa
Each time I have to go on a trip, packing is my biggest fear. What items should I take? Will it get cold? Is eleven pairs of underwear enough? All these questions run through my head and after I have figured it all out, I then ask myself, how is all this going to fit… Continue reading Tech Tuesday: Mercedes AMG GT and GTS in South Africa
Feature Friday: Suzuki Swift Seabiscuit
The story of Seabiscuit is one that has been told many times over the years. This is a story of a race horse that was around during the time of the great depression, so spirits were low. I mean we would all be sad if we were broke too. Seabiscuit was not the most majestic… Continue reading Feature Friday: Suzuki Swift Seabiscuit
Feature Friday: Mini marketing and why lifestyle sells
Why it pays to put things out there. Have you ever heard of the phrase “just putting it out there”. If not, this phrase is generally used when you want someone to do something, but you’re not forcing them to do it. Normally when you suggest something to someone but you tell them that you’re… Continue reading Feature Friday: Mini marketing and why lifestyle sells
Volkswagen’s new Polo GTI
New Polo GTI If I had never tasted Coca-Cola at all, I would have no problem with Coke Zero or Coke light at that. The same goes for low fat milk, light mayonnaise and Smarties. Smarties? How does that fit in the healthy food category you may wonder, it doesn’t. If you have been a… Continue reading Volkswagen’s new Polo GTI
My turbocharged first born, the new Audi TT.
Audi’s new fantastic little TT. So I’ve decided I don’t want any children. Children can be cute, their laughter can bring great joy to you and those terrible drawings you stick on the fridge do instil some sort of pride in you as a parent. There are many benefits of having children but there are… Continue reading My turbocharged first born, the new Audi TT.
TheMotorist reviews the new BMW X4
In the world of compact SUV’s, to say that a consumer is spoiled for choice would be an understatement. Years ago car manufacturers realised that the normal SUV was found to be cumbersome for some buyers, some felt nervous to drive something so “big” so they rather opted for a sedan or an MPV. This… Continue reading TheMotorist reviews the new BMW X4
TheMotorist reviews the new BMW M3
It’s a pity we’re not a more established online magazine, the reason why I say that is because currently we are hulk green with jealousy because of all the BMW M4 reviews that are happening. If we were more established we would have confidently gone to BMW South Africa and said “keys please!” Without hesitation… Continue reading TheMotorist reviews the new BMW M3
TheMotorist reviews the new Mercedes Benz C-Class
We are in the new Mercedes Benz C250 AMG today. And I could have sworn that when Mercedes showed us the car that we were meant to drive, I nearly said, “Mate we asked for a C class not a S class”, until I looked to my left and saw a bigger version of the… Continue reading TheMotorist reviews the new Mercedes Benz C-Class
2014 BMW M235i Driven Review
Read about the latest BMW M240I here! Read about the mighty BMW M2 Here! We at TheMotorist had the great opportunity of driving the “crème de la crème” of BMW’s 2 Series range, the M235i. A car that boasts a 6 cylinder twin scroll (one turbo with the power of two) turbocharged engine producing 240KW… Continue reading 2014 BMW M235i Driven Review