DRIVEN
With three motoring-journalists on our staff, we are able to test drive and review some of the latest models available on our roads as well as attend the latest model launches.
BYD SHARK 6
The BYD Shark 6, a hybrid bakkie, features impressive performance with 321kW and 650Nm torque. It’s designed for off-road and on-road use, offers advanced safety features, and has a luxurious interior with user-friendly technology, priced from R989,900.
LEAPMOTOR C10 REEV
addressing concerns about charging infrastructure. It prioritises safety and technology, appealing to consumers looking to transition to electric vehicles without sacrificing convenience and practicality.
NEW CITROËN MAX/AT
The Citroën Basalt has launched in South Africa as an affordable, stylish SUV-coupé. Powered by a 1.2-litre turbo engine, it features a spacious cabin, 470-litre boot, and a 10-inch touchscreen. Two automatic variants are priced from R359 000.
KIA TASMAN
Kia South Africa has launched the Tasman, a purpose-built double-cab bakkie combining heavy-duty capability with advanced technology. Featuring off-road systems, a one-tonne payload, and 3 500kg towing capacity, the local 2.2D automatic range spans LX, SX, and flagship X-Pro variants.
THE HYUNDAI STARIA
With more than 1 133 Hyundai Staria units sold locally, it’s not just a people carrier, but showcases the OEM’s technology and bold design. You can choose from three main version, Luxury, Elite and Executive – and none of them will disappoint!
NEW GOLF GTI
Few hot hatches have captured the heart of South Africa quite like the Golf GTI. Now, the legend moves into its next chapter, arriving with more power, sharper design and smarter technology to reinforce its status as the people’s performance car.
BMW X3 M50 xDRIVE
The BMW X3 M50 sits at the top of the new X3 range and perfectly blends everyday practicality with impressive performance. Overall, it is a thrilling and sophisticated all-rounder that balances power, comfort, and technology with everyday practicality.
FORD’S TRANSIT VAN 350 LWB
The latest Transit Van 350 LWB from Ford, has been designed for businesses who need versatile and dependable delivery vehicles. It has a combination of space, smart features, strong performance, and advanced safety and will help you operate more efficiently every day.
FORD EVEREST XLT
The Ford Everest XLT 4×4 blends performance, comfort, and advanced safety in a versatile, tech-rich package. With a powerful Bi-Turbo diesel engine, off-road capability, and spacious design, it’s a compelling, value-packed SUV for families and explorers alike.
NISSAN NAVARA STEALTH
Built in South Africa, the updated Nissan Navara Stealth delivers rugged style, smooth performance, and refined comfort. With powerful turbo-diesel performance, modern tech, and improved ride quality, it’s tailored for African roads—balancing everyday practicality with adventurous capability in 4×2 and 4×4 versions.
FORD RANGER PLATINUM 3.0 LTR V6
The Ford Ranger Platinum, built in Pretoria, blends luxury and utility with a 3.0L V6 turbodiesel, AWD, 10-speed auto, premium leather interior, advanced SYNC 4A infotainment, Matrix LED lightning, and extensive safety features.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID
Hyundai South Africa launched the Santa Fé Hybrid, a seven-seat SUV with a 175kW hybrid powertrain, AWD, 7.5L/100km fuel efficiency, regenerative braking, advanced safety and luxury features, a modular front bumper, and seven-year warranty, blending performance, efficiency, and style.
HYUNDAI ALCAZAR
The new Hyundai Alcazar is a stylish, spacious, and affordable seven-seater SUV designed for South African families. With bold design, modern tech, flexible seating, safety features, and efficient engines, it offers premium value.
FORD RANGER DROPSIDE SC
The Ranger Dropside SC features a rugged 2.0L turbo diesel engine, spacious cabin with SYNC 4A infotainment, and a versatile dropside tray for easy loading. It retains payload capacity and offers factory-backed warranties, ideal for commercial delivery fleets.
MINI COOPER S
The new Mini Cooper S delivers thrilling performance with a 2.0-litre turbo engine, agile handling, and dynamic driving modes. It combines classic design with modern tech, including an 8.8-inch touchscreen and enhanced comfort. Despite lacking paddle shifters, it offers a sporty, engaging driving experience.
FORD RANGER RAPTOR
The new Ford Ranger Raptor redefines off-road performance with a 3.0 litre V6 engine, 292 kW power, advanced suspension, and rugged design. Enhanced tech, luxurious interior, and rally DNA make it a standout bakkie. It delivers serious capability and premium features.
FORD TERRITORY TITANIUM
The Ford Territory Titanium returns to South Africa as a tech-filled, premium mid-size SUV. Powered by a 1.8L turbo EcoBoost engine (138kW, 318Nm), it delivers smooth performance with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Spacious, feature-packed, and efficient, it offers advanced safety, high-end comfort, and a refined driving experience.
NEW BMW X2 M35i xDRIVE
At the core of the X2 M35i is BMW’s most powerful M Performance 4-cylinder engine, a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol unit that delivers 233 kW and 400 Nm. This power propels the X2 from 0 to 100 kph in just 5.4 seconds. Paired with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, it ensures excellent traction and quick gear shifts for a dynamic driving experience.
HYUNDAI EXTER LAUNCHES LOCALLY
After 18 months of negotiations, the Hyundai Exter has been launched in South Africa. Originally designed for India, this 1.2 compact crossover SUV offers a stylish, sporty design with features like an 8-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Exter is priced from R269 900 and offers excellent value.
FORD RANGER TREMOR
The Ford Ranger Tremor combines the XLT’s comfort with Wildtrak X’s off-road capabilities, featuring a 154kW Bi-Turbo engine, full-time 4WD, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Its rugged design includes steel protection and off-road features like a 360-degree camera. Priced from R978 600, it offers superior performance and comfort for off-road enthusiasts.
MAHINDRA XUV 3XO
Mahindra marks 20 years in South Africa with the launch of the XUV 3X0, a sporty, well-equipped sub-compact SUV. With a refined 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and features like a 360-degree camera, six airbags, and ADAS level 2, the vehicle offers great performance and value, priced from R254 949.
NEW HYUNDIA i20
Hyundai’s new i20 has hit the road in South Africa with a refreshed, stylish design that is part of a well-rounded motoring package in the segment for hatchback cars, where it occupies a sizeable 10% share of this competitive part of the local car market.
FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM
Ford has introduced their new Transit Custom starting with the long wheelbase Van and promising more models later this year. Having claimed Europe’s best-selling one-ton award, the new model promises even more, thanks to consumer feedback which was incorporated into ergonomic design.
THE NEW BMW X2
The BMW X2 marks a significant stride forward in the evolution of the Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) concept. Its distinct design, characterised by a daring coupé silhouette and dynamic lines, ensures that the X2 captures attention with its charismatic presence. This second generation establishes a new standard in the premium compact segment.
NEW RANGE ROVER STEALTH PACK
In the latest rendition of the Range Rover Sport, the optional Stealth Pack catapults the vehicle’s performance to unprecedented levels, boasting a dark and dramatic theme that radiates sophistication and power. Every detail of the exterior is meticulously crafted to perfection, establishing a new realm of automotive excellence
ULTRA STYLISH NEW BMW 5 SERIES
The latest BMW 5 series has been launched in South Africa. There are two variants: an all-wheel drive electrified BMW i5 M60, embodying the premium brand’s commitment to future-forward mobility, complemented by a BMW 520d with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. Performance and good looks never disappoint with this manufacturer.
THE NEW TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 70 SERIES
The world’s capable rugged 4×4 often describe Toyota’s Land Cruiser, and the latest evolution is just that, with enhanced styling, technology and specifications as well. It blends heritage and modernity effortlessly and is still a head turner.
TOYOTA YARIS
In the realm of high-performance hatchbacks, the Toyota GR Yaris stands as a legendary figure, and it has just received a series of enhancements that aim to elevate its driving experience to new heights. The GR Yaris has undergone meticulous upgrades, embodying the relentless pursuit of excellence that Toyota is renowned for.
HONEY I STRETCHED THE JIMNY
Stuart Johnston takes a look at the updated Suzuki’s Jimny. It has such a fresh honesty about it – its no-nonsense mechanical specification, its back-to-basics squared-off trad SUV styling, and its at an affordable price. What’s not to like about that!
ALL NEW HONDA HR-V
The new Honda HR-V is a head turner and comes with a full-house of latest technology and safety features. It has tons of space inside and the drive and handling is precise and comfortable.
THE BMW M340i
The BMW M340i xDrive has great driving dynamics with its powerhouse set-up. It is sporty and sophisticated at the same time and is a delight to drive. There are a host of performance-enhancing features to deliver exhilarating driving. A good choice for a driver looking for luxury and performance.
NISSAN QASHQAI
The third-generation Nissan Qashqai redefines the crossover SUV expectations. This latest version has more space, is stylish inside and out as well as equipped with safety technologies designed to keep its passengers safe. It’s available in three models.
HYUNDAI ALL NEW GRAND i10
The latest version of Hyundai’s Grand i10 – it’s biggest seller – has an impressive list of features all wrapped up in a compact package. It brings to the table more room with extra flair and style at a great price. A little car with a big heart.
HYUNDAI TUCSON N LINE
Hyundai’s Tucson N Line is not merely a derivative with a new look – it combines the ultimate dynamic design, comfort and advanced features of the Tucson with the motorsport-inspired styling and attitude of Hyundai’s N Line.
BMW iX3
The new BMW iX3 makes a compelling argument in the Electric Vehicle age. It’s the first EV we have driven that changes our mindset when it comes to all electric vehicles and the dreaded range anxiety. There are three options to spec your BMW iX3 M Sport, Inspiring, Impressive and Signature.
NEW 2023 TOYOTA FORTUNER
The latest Toyota Fortuner flaunts a bold aggressive design language. It has a sharp angular front and rear bumper with subtle interior updates including an all-new interior colour palette for flagship models. It comes in the strong 2.8-litre turbodiesel and the 2.4 GD-6 options.
NEW SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
Suzuki has reintroduced the Grand Vitara model to its line-up with an all-new model that in most respects is bang on target in filling the top slot in the cross over SUV line up. The new car is built in India and showcases the excellent production standards that they achieve.