Driving Impressions

Review: Bentley Bentayga Speed

Bentley has turned up the wick on its best-selling Bentayga package by introducing the most powerful and dynamically capable derivative yet. Ian McLaren has driven […]

Posted by Ian McLaren - 17 June 2025

Road Test: Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD Onyx XT 4X4

The updated Isuzu mu-X keeps its rugged charm and bulletproof mechanicals, but adds fresh styling and upgraded tech. We put the new Onyx XT 4×4 through a Road Test to see if this bakkie-based bruiser still makes sense in a rapidly changing SUV world.

By CAR magazine - 16 June 2025

Road Test: Hyundai Alcazar Executive diesel AT

Hyundai’s popular seven-seat Grand Creta has gained fresh styling, a consolidated local model line-up and, indeed, a new name. Say hello to the Alcazar…

By CAR magazine - 13 June 2025

Road Test: BMW X3 M50

BMW aren’t making a G45 X3 M but their M50 alternative makes us believe the margins separating the full-fat M Performance and M models have become increasingly razor-thin. Here is the verdict of our Road Test.

By CAR magazine - 11 June 2025

Review: Omoda C9 PHEV

Now with enough power and performance of supercars from yesteryear, Omoda’s (440 kW and 915 N.m!) C9 PHEV has officially landed in South Africa. Marius Boonzaier shares his thoughts on the posh and premium offering from China that plans to take on the likes of BMW and Volvo.

By Marius Boonzaier - 10 June 2025

Review: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Elite AWD

Hyundai’s fifth-generation Santa Fe has officially landed on local soil, and Gareth Dean shares his experiences from the local launch. The lineup comprises a sole hybridised petrol powertrain which pulls the boxy seven-seater along. Read more here.

By Gareth Dean - 9 June 2025

Living With It – Audi Q8 45TDI quattro Black Edition [Introduction]

Welcome a new member to the CAR Magazine long-term test fleet: Audi’s sole diesel offering in the firm’s halo-SUV lineup, the Q8 45TDI quattro Black Edition!

By Gareth Dean - 9 June 2025

Review: Ferrari 12Cilindri

Ferrari’s newest celebration of its V12 lineage blends old-school cool with staggering performance. Ian McLaren was in the driver’s seat of the 12Cilindri – here are his thoughts!

By Ian McLaren - 8 June 2025

Living With It – Haval Jolion Pro 1.5T Ultra Luxury [Wrap Up]

After the third and final month in our long-term fleet, it has been determined that the middle child of the Jolion Pro lineup majors in value and comfort.

By Alex Shahini - 4 June 2025

Review: Mini Aceman SE

With its sheer charm, Mini’s Chinese-built Aceman is an easy EV to fall in love with. Marius Boonzaier shares his impressions here.

By Marius Boonzaier - 3 June 2025

Road Test: GWM Tank 300 2.4T Ultra Luxury 4WD

The closest the Chinese have ever been to competing against the segment benchmark, the diesel Tank 300 ticks almost all the right boxes. Here is the verdict from our Road Test.

By CAR magazine - 2 June 2025

Living With It – Mini Cooper C Hatch 3-Door

A joy to spend time in, we take a closer look at our long-term Mini Cooper C’s interior, which now houses a Garmin X110 dash cam which we will also be testing for the next few months.

By Marius Boonzaier - 30 May 2025

Living With It – Kia Sonet 1.5 SX [Wrap Up]

After six months, our stint with the updated Kia Sonet showed that considered changes can turn a good product into a great one…

By Gareth Dean - 27 May 2025

Road Test: Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line + Tiptronic

The “entry-level” VW Golf is as polished a family hatchback as ever. But with the increasing popularity of SUVs, has it arrived in SA too late? Find out the full verdict in the in-depth road test here.

By CAR magazine - 23 May 2025

Road Test: Jeep Wrangler

The venerable Jeep Wrangler returns with improved specification and a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Does it still offer enough to remain relevant?

By CAR magazine - 21 May 2025

Review: Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend MT

Honda has officially launched its third-generation Amaze into South Africa. We spent more time in the entry-level Trend during its launch.

By Siyavuya Mbaduli - 21 May 2025

Review: BMW 218 Gran Coupé

When BMW confirmed the updated 1 and 2 Series would be coming to South Africa, it promised a package that wouldn’t compromise on presence or luxury. Ian McLaren attended the local launch – here are his thoughts from the 218 Gran Coupé.

By Ian McLaren - 20 May 2025

Review: Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GL+ Manual

Picking up where its predecessor left off as a more mature and distinct offering, Suzuki has launched the new fourth-generation Dzire into South Africa. We drove it in Gauteng.

By Alex Shahini - 19 May 2025

Road Test: Volvo EX30 Plus Single Motor

Striking a neat balance between pleasingly brisk performance and useful operating range, the middle child of the EX30 range is the one to go for. We put the zero-emissions SUV through its paces to determine why.

By CAR magazine - 15 May 2025

Review: Volkswagen Tayron 2.0 TSI 4Motion DSG

Coming to South Africa, we have had a first drive in Volkswagen’s Tayron SUV in the Arctic Circle. Here is what Marius Boonzaier thinks of the model.

By Marius Boonzaier - 14 May 2025

Road Test: MG HS 1.5T Luxury

The middle child HS model in MG South Africa’s Renaissance range puts forth an impressive showing following mixed impressions with the Chinese automaker’s two other products available locally.

By CAR magazine - 13 May 2025

Living With It – Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX Auto [Wrap Up]

After a six-month period, the CAR Magazine team has said goodbye to Suzuki’s second-best-selling product in South Africa, a Fronx 1.5 GLX! Here are Marius Boonzaier’s final thoughts…

By Marius Boonzaier - 12 May 2025

Review: Lexus GX 550 Overtrail

Based on the hard-as-nails Prado, V6-powered, and off-road-ready, the GX 550 Overtrail opens a new chapter for Lexus’s SUVs. Do you appreciate the petrol power, or would the traditional oil burner be your preference?

By Gareth Dean - 11 May 2025

Living With It – Mini Cooper C Hatch 3-door [Introduction]

Say hello to our new long-term unit! A Mini Cooper C Hatch, which, after its first month, has already impressed its driver, Marius Boonzaier.

By Marius Boonzaier - 10 May 2025

Road Test: Haval H7 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury

Known as the Big Dog in its home market, does the arrival of the new Haval H7 offer GWM more bite in an ever busier park? We put the SUV with modular underpinnings through our road test.

By Alex Shahini - 9 May 2025