Top Car Reviews

12/02/2025

The new Golf 8.5 1.4L TSI is a significant upgrade to the Golf series, boasting a range of impressive features. Under the hood, the 1.4L TSI engine delivers 110 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque, making it perfect for everyday driving.¹

One of the standout features of the Golf 8.5 is its sleek design, with a redesigned front fascia, sleeker LED headlights, and an illuminated Volkswagen logo.² The interior has also been revamped, with a new infotainment system, a freestanding touchscreen, and improved ergonomics.

The Golf 8.5 is available in four trim levels: Life, Life+, R-Line, and R-Line+, each offering a range of features and upgrades. The base Life model comes with Eco LED headlights, Wireless App Connect, and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, while the top-of-the-line R-Line+ boasts IQ.Matrix LED headlights, Vienna leather seats, and 18-inch Leeds alloy wheels.

In terms of pricing, the Golf 8.5 starts at R580,900 for the Life model, with the R-Line+ topping out at R688,100.

Overall, the Golf 8.5 1.4L TSI is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed hatchback. Its sleek design, impressive engine, and range of trim levels make it a great option for both first-time buyers and seasoned car enthusiasts.

11/06/2024

2024 Bentley Bentayga
The 2024 Bentley Bentayga gets a new Mulliner trim for the 2024 model that comes with unique exterior design elements that can be specified in almost 4000 different interior color combinations. The Mulliner can be had with only the Bentayga's extended wheelbase body and the V8 engine. The starting price for the 2024 Bentayga is $205,925 and stretches on up to $339,150 depending on the trim and options. Car and Driver suggests that the V8 is the best option in the lineup over the the V6 hybrid and adding some adaptive suspension, rear seat entertainment system and the 20 speaker Naim is stereo makes it an excellent pick. They also add that choosing the Touring Specification package gives the driver a suite of driver-assistance features. If you're however looking to maximize luxury for your rear passengers, the extended wheelbase is the one to pick since it provides additional legroom and more rear seat amenities.

Bentley offers a variety of powertrains for the Bentayga. On the low end, you have a 443 hp hybrid arrangement with a turbocharged 3.0 liter V6 and an electric motor. Azure and S hybrids offer a slightly more powerful 455hp version of the electrified powertrain. Then there's the 542hp V8 that sprints from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds. Sadly there's no W12 on offer in the 2024 line up. Regardless of what's under the hood, all Bentayga's come with an 8 speed automatic transmission and come standard with all wheel drive. The direct rival for the Bentayga is the Rolls Royce Cullinan.

14/05/2024

Which model year is an all time favourite?

09/05/2024

08/04/2024

😭😭😭😭

05/04/2024

2024 Jaecoo J7

There's a new car in South Africa and it's none other than the Jaecoo J7. It's a hunter, it's cool, it's hip, it's fresh, it's premium and it's luxury at the most affordable price yet.

The J7 sits on the smaller side of midsize SUV's with similar dimensions as the Mazda CX-5, Honda ZR-V and the short wheel base Volkswagen Tiguan. It's very similar in dimensions to the Cherry Tiggo 7 Pro.

Jaecoo is priding itself on the J7’s off-roading capabilities, promising an intelligent all-wheel drive system as well as sophisticated plug-in hybrid technology. Jaecoo says the J7 features a 540º camera system (which means a more traditional 360º parking system, as well as software that allows you to ‘see through’ the car’s bonnet), as well as a head-up display and promises plenty of other luxuries. Moreover, the front of the Jaecoo J7 features a large, columnar grille paired with LED lights, accentuating the car’s bold and sharp temperament. The minimalist body design, devoid of unnecessary lines, and a high waistline ratio, underscore a simplistic yet robust overall look that enhances the technological appeal along with the split headlight design. The Jaecoo J7 also excels in internal configurations as it is equipped with a high-performance 8155 chip, a 14.8-inch panoramic central infotainment screen, 50W wireless fast charging, Sony sound system, and is powered by a 1.6 turbocharged inline four engine making 194hp and 290Nm of torque which allows the SUV a century sprint time of 8 seconds and a 7.48 per 100km WLTP consumption rating.

Notably, through technologies like laminated acoustic windshields and integrated carpet damping pads, the J7’s NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) is exceptionally quiet. With a ground clearance of 200mm and a wading depth of 600mm, the J7 also boasts extraordinary off-road capabilities, fearlessly tackling complex road conditions. On top of that, in terms of intelligence, the Jaecoo J7 features a “1+2+1” intelligent hardware system, one multifunctional front-view camera (FCM), two millimetre-wave radars (CRM), and one long-range millimetre-wave radar (FRM). The integration of advanced intelligent driving hardware and software enhances nearly 21 smart driving functions, safeguarding a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for users.

With a starting price that is projected to be positioned between the Cherry Tiggo 7 Pro and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, expect to pay between R650,000 and R700,000.

Not bad, huh?

Jaecoo South Africa

26/03/2024

2023 Ferrari 812 Competizione

Ferrari, just like Lamborghini is pretty big at celebrating the exhilarating performance of the ever so perfect V-12 engine. The 812 Competizione utilises a 6.5L V12 powerplant that generates 819 horsepower and the engine is not afraid to clock the rev limiter at 9500rpms, accompanied by a 7 speed dual clutch transmission. According to Carbuzz, the V12 of the Ferrari is boisterous as it is thunderous (I can only imagine the sound of that). All that power is good to catapult to the 812 Competizione in a mere 2.85 seconds and that's much quicker than the car it's based upon, which is the Ferrari 812 Superfast.

Unlike the Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae, the Competizione has a much more practical cabin and it has a proper boot as well; which positions it as a very powerful alternative to the Aston Martin DBS.
Only 999 of the 812 Competizione were made and all of them were or is sold out which guarantees that this vehicle will be a definite collectors item in the years to come.

Brand new these costed more than R8,5 million rands. Imagine that!
This car really is not for the faint hearted! ❤️

CarBuzz

26/03/2024

2024 Audi R8 (dead)
Lambo Huracan (dead)
Audi TT (dead).

So Audi has finally (as rumoured years ago) brought the Audi R8 to it's demise 😭.
Audi was meant to have scrapped the R8 totally and all from it's production line in 2023 already, but they had to extend the production solely due to the influx of orders customers had put through for the car. The last R8 rolled off the assembly line just this month.
The Volkswagen Group is apparently getting rid of the V10 powerplant used by both the R8 and it's sister car - the Lambo Huracan - which is also one foot in the grave. Which means there won't be an R8, Lambo nor the 5.2L naturally aspirated V10 seen in both engine bays.
The Huracan was and is a more popular supercar than the R8 which explains why VW is only releasing it's successor this year. Lamborghini Huracan successor will utilise a NA V8 with a hybrid set up. While Lamborghini will be releasing the Huracan replacement, Audi doesn't intend to release any replacement for the R8 due the steep asking price for the R8 and the ever changing emission regulations.

Looking at the Audi TT...
The TT we can all agree was an amazing sports coupe! Now since Audi is gradually phasing out the 5cylinder powerplant also found in the Audi RS3 - it for some reason decided to take the TT with 😢. Well the writing has been on the wall for the TT for more than some time, so it was ought to be brought to an end. Audi does however suggest (unlike with the R8 and Huracan) that the TT might make its return in the coming years, but as an electric car. They are not promising us anything, so let's hope for the best!

RIP to the automotive beasts.

06/02/2024

Audi RS6 Avant GT Wagon 2025

This is the Audi RS6 Avant GT limited run that the manufacturer recently revealed. It has twin spoilers , carbon fibre at the right places and special wheels. This limited edition wagon takes after the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO race car from the late 80's and 90's.

It's been stated that the production of this car will be limited to 660 units, 85 will see the shores of the USA and 7 to Canada. Seems as if Audi is denying us the experience of the new age Quattro IMSA GTO; but that is not official as of yet. We might get at least one.

The baseline RS6 Avant Performance makes about 621hp whereas the RS6 Avant GT will be making around 700hp+ with side mounted exhausts inspired by the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO race car.

The RS6 Avant GT shares the same fire breathing 4.0litre twin turbo V8 found in the RS6 Avant Performance, coupled to an 8 speed automatic gearbox. Torque remains the same as the baseline RS6 which is 627 pound feet.

Say we would get that rumoured in South Africa, we would need to pay just shy under R4,3 million rand to acquire one.

Please Audi give is one. Just one

20/11/2023

2023 Porsche Panamera (base model)

The Panamera breaks from many long-time Porsche traditions. It’s got its engine in the front rather than in the middle or the rear. It caters to families who have outgrown the narrow comforts of the two-door 911. While the Panamera offers two more seats, more legroom and additional cargo space it’s still a joyful ride that can deliver a driving experience worthy of repeating. Power comes from a standard 325-hp turbocharged V-6; rear-wheel drive is standard but four-tire fire is optional. For more power, the Panamera 4S AWD model unlocks the 440-hp twin-turbo V-6, but life really speeds up in the 473-hp twin-turbo V-8 in Panamera GTS. Even the base Panamera exhibits sports-car-like handling, with decisive steering and incredible grip that together deliver raw driving pleasure—something the bigger sedans from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz lack. For a smidge of additional cargo space, the Panamera Sport Turismo, reviewed separately, has a more suitcase-friendly rear shape. If you prefer your wagon tied to up to 689 ponies, the Panamera Turbo, also reviewed separately, might have the right herd for you.
Porsche's Panamera boasts a driver-focused cabin that looks and feels every bit as luxurious as its steep price would have you believe. The list of standard features is long and appropriate for the class, but as with any Porsche, the options list is also extensive, seductive, and pricey. Upgrades include everything from massaging seats to leather-covered climate-control vents to a fire extinguisher. More common options include ventilated seats, soft-close doors, four-zone automatic climate control, and a power-operated rear sunshade. We especially like the sport seats with 18-way adjustability. You sit low in the Panamera, which gives this sedan-like hatchback a sports-car feel. Plus, it's spacious inside, even for tall drivers. Executive stretch models offer limo-like legroom in the back. The center console looks high tech as it's littered with touch-sensitive controls for functions such as the climate control. Unfortunately, we find this all-touch system to be fussy and difficult to use while driving, but you get used to it quickly. The Panamera also provides a good amount of storage room, with 18 cubic feet of cargo space.
With agile handling and a smooth ride, especially when equipped with the optional adjustable air suspension, the Panamera is a thrill to drive. It also provides the comfort and luxury expected of such an expensive four-door hatchback. Every Panamera comes with a boosted engine, but only some wear the Turbo badge. The base rear-wheel-drive Panamera (featured) and all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 feature a 325-hp turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6. The base rear-drive model zips to 60 mph in a fleet 4.4 seconds. Under the hood of the considerably quicker 4S model—60 mph in 3.6 seconds—is a 440-hp twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6. Upgrading to the GTS gives you a 473-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. It's the best performing of the non-Turbo line, with a 3.2-second 60-mph time. However, its suspension sacrifices some ride quality in the name of handling. Porsche also offers plug-in Panameras, with a 455-hp powertrain in the 4 E-Hybrid and a 552-hp setup in the 4S E-Hybrid. Buyers looking for an all-electric Porsche should check out the new Taycan.
The base model Panamera has a starting RSP of R1,800,000 at all Porsche dealerships around RSA.

Caranddriver

19/11/2023

2023 Volkswagen Taigo

What’s a Volkswagen Taigo? Put simply, it’s a T-Cross SUV with a little more style courtesy of a coupe roofline and elongated tail.

It’s intended to appeal to style-conscious buyers who still want the elevated driving position and rugged character that a compact SUV provides, but just don’t like the boxy shape and don’t need its extended practicality.

Not that long ago the coupe-SUV was the preserve of vastly expensive premium models like the BMW X6, but more and more manufacturers are launching affordable models to give the proletariat a taste of the good life. Rivals include the Citroen C4, Renault Arkana, Kia XCeed and Toyota C-HR, though other stylish SUVs that may be a little boxier – such as the Ford Puma and Mazda CX-30 – will no doubt sit on many of the same shopping lists. These are some of the best small SUVs you can buy, so the Taigo has a lot of work to do in order to keep up.

The VW Taigo’s engines are as simple as they come. You can have a 1.0-litre petrol engine in a choice of two power outputs, or a 1.5-litre petrol engine with one output. There’s no hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full electric variants, which does somewhat limit its appeal, but there are other models within the Volkswagen group to satisfy this requirement.

The lower-powered 1.0-litre is best avoided – though it’s not especially underpowered with 95hp, it comes paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. This doesn’t give you the flexibility of a six-speed ‘box – it’s notchier, too, and top gear isn’t as high so motorway cruising is less relaxed.

If you want a compact car with a degree of coupe glamour, the Taigo could be for you. It’s only a limited degree, though – in most respects this is little more than a slinkier T-Cross, and it feels like it.

Price for the Taigo start from R475,000 at all VW dealerships across South Africa.