Audi A1 40 TFSI
My week with a lively stumped python, the Audi A1 40 TFSI, will remain a joyous and exciting memory for months to come.
March 3, 2021
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My week with a lively stumped python, the Audi A1 40 TFSI, will remain a joyous and exciting memory for months to come.
Seeing the Q8 for the first time immediately had me salivating. It is an absolute style symbol, with its bold futuristic design and larger-than-life exterior including 22-inch alloy tekkies.
Ford has announced an investment of 15.8-billion rand into South Africa – the biggest investment in Ford’s 97-year South African history. And a massive one for the automative industry. eNCA’s Heidi Giokos is at the plant.
Cheeky bold looks, aggressive tail pipes, ample power and torque with a deep throaty voice leaves little doubt that the Tucson Sport is quite different from the rest of the Tucson range.
The Mazda MX-5 is still a highly addictive and fun car to drive, be seen in, and live with on a daily basis.
The third most powerful AMG that Mercedes-Benz produces has definitely earned this podium standing thanks to its sledgehammer engine.
BMW excels at catering to specific niche markets, the Gran Coupé is based on the 2 Series Coupé which until now has only been available as a two-door menace.
The swift is filled with unexpected surprises and presents a spacious hot hatch in heels rather well rather better than a drag queen.
This high performance Korean pocket rocket really exceeds expectations and distracts any petrol head from any German hot hatch offering.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a tough and capable 7-seater SUV that rivals products such as Toyota’s popular Fortuner, the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and the Haval H9.
The Mercedes-Benz V Class answers the call when needing to move multiple passengers in sumptuous luxury and style.
Rubin van Niekerk has experienced all A-Class models since 2004 on different tracks and skidpans, the evolution of this extremely popular compact premium car has been astounding to observe.
The VW Touareg proves that challenging road conditions of the outside world are easier to deal with when cocooned in luxury.
Spending plenty of time recently with the Toyota Fortuner clarified the reasons why this tough, top selling SUV, launched in 2006 is so popular.
Despite Corona challenges in 2020, BMW Motorrad sold over 169 272 motorbikes and scooters to customers, thus achieving the second-best sales result ever (Sold 175 162 in 2019).
The much-anticipated incorporation of the Opel brand into the Peugeot Citroen South Africa (PCSA) stable has taken place, and PCSA has become the official distributor of Opel vehicles in South Africa from the 1st of January 2021.
We had the opportunity to unleash some eco-friendly pony’s in this review of the gorgeous and highly capable For Mustang 2,3 EcoBoost.
We had the privilege to enjoy the Ballade recently and was extremely impressed with it’s fuel consumption, space, well insulated cabin with spine-friendly seats and suspension.
The highly fuel efficient Duster continues to impress with its assertive and robust, bulbous exterior looks and trendy interior.
As one of the pioneers in the use of a smartphone as a digital vehicle key since 2018, BMW is pressing ahead with the development and popularisation of its BMW Digital Key feature, which is available to iPhone users today.
The Defender, a household name and an absolute necessity when it comes to off-road motoring!
Harder, faster and sharper than the standard Volkswagen Golf GTI, the TCR is a genuinely engaging hot hatch that you can use every day. As such, the new TCR is a fitting swansong for the Mk7.5 Golf GTI.
Indian built it aims at emerging markets where the Triber’s practicality, pricing and not looking like a Tupperware bread container would be embraced.
Volvo used to be a popular old fart’s car and I guess it appealed because it has always had the best seats designed by back specialists and everything was simple to operate and worked the same for ever. However, a few years ago Volvo funkied up and got so sexy that it attracted a much younger market along with their grandparents.
Recently Toyota and Suzuki announced a mutually beneficial formal alliance between the two companies, to leverage each other’s strengths and competitiveness globally.
Unbeatable value at R 70 000 off the price at only R 569 995 with an exceptionally long list of standard features.
For a diverse society: at the weekend Porsche took a stance for acceptance and mutual trust at events surrounding the Christopher Street Day gay pride festival.
Mazda Motor Corporation celebrated its 100th anniversary of its founding on 30 January, 2020.
The BMW Group is opening a new chapter in its history with the unveiling of a pure-electric Gran Coupé.
Known for its artistic and unconventional styling, Citroën continues to make waves in South Africa as part of French parent company, Groupe PSA.
Funky and fun with a compliant suspension is oh ever so Citroën and the butch little C3 Aircross instantly crawled under my skin with its rebellious attitude.
Following an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the original concept for “the most beautiful electric car in the world”, Jaguar Classic has confirmed it will offer all-electric E-types for sale.
After lockdown and not being on a track for three months it was with great anticipation that I attended BMW South Africa’s unveiling of the third generation BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition.
Most people get confused by the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. In 1980 Audi needed an injection into an underachieving brand. Audi engineers believed in Quattro due to the performance of cars tested in Finland’s icy winter conditions.
There is a generation that remembers the Opel Kadetts of the 1980s and ’90s with misty-eyed fondness. The expectation placed on the new Opel Corsa GSi by purists seems unrealistic to me, but I have never been swayed by brute performance alone. This girl needs a bit of luxury, tech and a safety feature or three.
The “vroom vroom” factor is back with the seventh generation Mazda 3 reaching our shores. I have long awaited the return of the excitement factor in Mazda’s everyday run about range.
The new 10-speed transmission, which we´ve experienced in the Ranger Raptor, makes the most of Ford´s 2,3-litre EcoBoost engine, which has seen a reduction in power output of 20kW but it gains 11Nm. Coupled with the clever auto box and an overboost function, Ford says there´s been no discernible harm to performance.
Drop dead gorgeous, oodles of presence, lots of substance and the most aerodynamic SUV is also extremely innovative. The GLE’s active suspension system E-Active Body Control on a 48volt basis is a world first and the new driver assistance systems also quantum leaped along with infotainment via MBUX Interior Assist, which detects hand and arm movements to assist with control functions.
This is one particular expansion to the X range that excites me, the behemoth X7 definitely has a neck cracking presence on the road, one as large as the controversial grille on its façade.
The Mahindra XUV300 was a pleasure to drive. Newly imported to South Africa from India, this compact SUV is going to do well because of great trim levels at affordable pricing.
Way back in 1991 the 8 Series made a brief appearance – it was a status symbol but zero fun to drive. Fast forward to 2019 and get ready to squeal with delight as this hunk of beautiful low-slung, sinuous metal lets you experience sensual speed. It’s a good thing max speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, as driving it you are tempted to put your foot down and keep it down.
Delightfully divine, the gooseflesh inducing Toyota GR Supra makes you want to sing when you allow its playful nature to harmonise with your boisterous mood.
A small car staple resurfaces in the South African market, the Hyundai Atos has made a compact hatchback comeback, and well at least its name badge has returned.
A spectacular A-Class hatchback took the jury by surprise when it beat all the other cars to the bride’s bouquet by winning Car Of The Year in South Africa in 2019.
Driving the much-anticipated T-Cross proved to be more fun than standing and looking at it. I find it to be a very handsome car, but also felt that Volkswagen may have played it safe on the design style – a swollen Polo by the looks of it.
The moment you look at the BMW X3 M Competition you realize it follows in the footsteps of other M cars by the strictest of margins.
Striking new upgrades to the harmoniously profiled Lexus RX 450h SE flagship offers exquisite craftsmanship and an expansive cabin, filled with many connectivity features that are brimming with cutting-edge tech and safety technology.
Ford has blessed our bashful bakkie hearts with another soon-to-be legend, the Ranger Raptor!
KIA Motors Corporation has revealed first images of the new KIA Carnival, the fourth generation of the brand’s flagship minivan. Released in Korean specification, the new KIA Carnival – sold in many markets worldwide as the KIA Grand Sedona – has been designed to appeal to progressive young families, with a leading combination of innovation, flexibility, and style.
This stylish little SUV trumps VW’s T Cross whereas may find the Citroën C3 Aircross a more interesting challenge in the A segment.
The gorgeous, dynamically well-endowed Eclipse Cross now ticks all the boxes with the fun new ultra-responsive charged engine.
Mahindra South Africa celebrated the reopening of its dealer network with the
launch of a refreshed Pik Up S6 Single Cab.
With its classical SUV-shape, large 720mm diameter wheels, its robust and muscular design, and its raised ground clearance of 230mm, its unique personality and strong style choices such as its Airbump® inspired lower door and wheel arch protectors and roof bars, make it 100% Citroën in its design and character.
A vehicle formerly synonymous with bowler hats and old age home parking lots, the Honda Jazz CVT breaks away from the prehistoric association and opens the platform to the needs and wants of a modern motorist.
Toyota, a name that radiates confidence in the reliability department. We had the pleasure of reviewing a Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Auto for a longer period over the holiday season.
The TTS Coupé has a potent 2,0-litre engine has enough enthusiasm to make twin tail pipes spit and growl like an aggressive animal.
The latest A1 is a smile inducing hooligan thanks to an enthusiastic turbo charged engine and a new dominant design
The Gay Pages team just had an exclusive opportunity with Mercedes-Benz… the best or nothing!
The GLE defines progress and continues to excel in every respect in the SUV market.
As an individualistic design focused coupé with a futuristic feel, its low stance emphasises an aggressive appearance without losing its graceful and sophisticated aura.
We were so impressed with the 2,4-litre Diesel that was reviewed recently, that we requested the larger 2,8-litre derivative for comparative purposes.
Once in a blue moon a car comes along that blurs all the boundaries like the F-Pace that ticks all the boxes and touches your heart.
Mercedes-AMG has extended its product portfolio with the addition of a dynamic model.
Having converted a while ago from a sedan driver to anything taller with multipurpose design in its DNA, I waited for the Q2 with great anticipation.
Powered by a bi-turbocharged 2,9-litre engine the plush Panamera brings a sense of occasion, even when you simply pop out to Woolies.
Toyota’s C-HR has just added quite some sparkle to the fastest growing small SUV segment.
The car market may be evolving and catering to an increasingly diverse audience, but a large group of motoring enthusiasts will always appreciate the intrinsic value of comfort, space and a lower centre of gravity.
Exciting indeed! The Aygo X-Cite is a trendy addition to the Toyota Aygo line-up, albeit a bit of a big price jump in comparison to its siblings.
At launch in 2010 when no 3,0-litre was available, the bakkie brigade grumbled.
The Outlander recently scooped the award for the best budget-friendly 7- and 8-seater passenger vehicle by Kelley Blue Book (www.KBB.com) and Mitsubishi claims that the Outlander is one of SA’s favourite luxury lifestyle vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz have subtly homed the distinctive looks of the CLA with diamond radiator grills, new front bumper, optional rear bumper trim, and tailpipe trim which can now be wrapped in an additional colour option, Cavansite, a blue metallic body paint.
The new generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class will blow your mind with progressive technology and its sexy looks!
Rubin van Niekerk attends the launch of the jaw-dropping Volvo XC90 SUV, and is spilling all the tea!
The first BMW X5 launched almost 20 years ago and has sold over 2,2 million SAVs.
Kevin du Plessis writes about his experience with the South African Car Of The Year finalist 2019, the Renault Duster 1,5.
“Like the ring of sunlight from behind the moon in a full eclipse, the sharply sculpted character line makes the Eclipse Cross appear as if the body was carved from a single block of metal.”
Easy to love, the youngest Lexus sibling offers a nippy, compact, yet spacious and luxurious urban crossover with excellent fuel economy.
Considered the most iconic car in the world, I felt honoured to be part of a small group of journalists that were invited to experience the incredible dynamic capability of 911 Carrera S and 4 S. The all-wheel drive grip of the 911 Carrera 4 S is superb.
Kevin du Plessis takes the Renault Mégane RS 280 CUP out for a week to see what it can do!
Naturally the X 7 can take on just about anything as it redefines presence, exclusivity and spaciousness with the go-anywhere capability of a Sports Activity Vehicle.
Kevin du Plessis takes the Opel Astra Sport out for a test. Let’s see what he thought.
Kevin du Plessis takes the BMW X4 out on the road and falls in love with the sports activity coupe!
Rubin van Niekerk tests the new Hyundai Tucson 1,6 TGDI 2,0 D Elite!
Mercedes-Benz walks away with the coveted AutoTrader South African Car Of The Year trophy with their ultra-modern champion
Rubin van Niekerk takes the Lexus RC 350 F-Sport on a week-long test and tells us all about it!
Road trip. Two little words with so much promise. The Mercedes-Benz C180 was everything two ladies on the open road needed and so much more.
The Polo had better watch out, because there is a new boy at school and he is a huge contender in the popularity contest. The truly all-new Nissan Micra is stylish, sporty, and made for those on the go and who want to get more out of life.
Everyone freaks for the Jimny. If it isn’t my next-door neighbour asking for a spin, it’s a stranger outside of the supermarket parking his new Jimny next to mine and striking up a conversation.
The premium British automobile manufacturer has gone out of its way to ensure uniqueness with their upgrades to the Mini range. Fresh design accents, innovations in drive technology and tons of customisation options set the new generation apart.
South Africa loves the Hilux. There’s no question. And it remains a great choice for anyone looking for the ultimate workhorse as we see in an updated and tweaked model line-up after the release of the limited edition Dakar. Hold on to your hats, it’s a stunner!
The Kona is extremely attractive and the perfect crossover in my opinion. Being a finalist for COTY and highly specced with build-quality that matches cars that cost much more, should translate well into sales.
The X-Class may share underpinnings with the Nissan Navara, but it has different suspension settings, a stylish cabin and the option of the V6 in the flagship model.
It was the first time that I had the opportunity to see why there is such a fuss about the updated Land Cruiser or the “Cruiser” as it’s known to its large fan club.
After reviewing the Type-R, it was a pleasure to also get to experience the Jazz Sport which replaces the current Jazz Dynamic derivatives. Inspired by the sportiness of Honda’s top-of-the-range Type-R, this car has become much more eccentric.
There has been a lot of hype around it. It is the European Car of the Year. It is the first 3-cylinder vehicle for the Swedish brand. And it is an absolute triumph.
This Mitsubishi flagship crossover belonging to a maturing market is spacious and practical, so whatever challenges your possible lifestyle changes may bring as you move up in the world, this car will serve you very well. That, plus its steering is marvelous.
Having recently undergone a realisation that I was not contributing enough towards sustainability, Mother Nature sent the new BMW i3 my way. This was my first electric car, and I have to say; everyone should experience the thrill of a premium electric car, right away!
Buying a car in this price range means you are spoilt for choice and ultimately must be guided by your instincts. The face-lifted i20 Active is the flagship of the range and stands out visually against many competitors.
This highly technologically-advanced SUV has a 5-star safety rating and is slowly regaining lost ground with an excellent value proposition that struck a chord with me. Depending on model, there is the option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive models and three specification levels.
The Suzuki Swift is swiftly gobbling up the competition making up 30% of new car sales in the segment and being such a yummy little contender in the budget/entry-level compact hatchback it’s no surprise.
Being larger than a Tiguan, the Allspace closes the gap between the Tiguan and the premium class Touareg and offers a third row of seats that fold into the cargo floor.
When you tell people you like Peugeot they automatically say something along the lines of “blah, blah, resale value”. But I can’t help it; I have fallen in love with this brand. Ever since I tested the 3008 SUV GT Line (which is one of my absolute favourite cars), I knew it was the beginning of an affair between the lion and I.
This extroverted high-performance hatchback will hook the daredevil thrill-seekers out there. Do you love speed and a great driving experience? Do you love showing off just a little bit? And do you want to knock up your sex appeal on the road by a hundred notches?
Where are all the Muscle Marys? Come closer because you will want to hear this! But seriously, this one is for the adventurous type of guy who likes surfing, mountain biking, paragliding, and even motocross or off-road motorcycling.
Exquisitely designed, the gran tourismo-inspired Arteon emphasises emotionality and the name is constituted from art and emotion. Arteon is Volkswagen’s top passenger model that combines avant-garde design with a high level of versatility.
Having driven around Kyalami with many different cars ranging from Porsches to Ferraris, the M5 was the most chilled experience. Matching such race track potential with such a laid-back sedan is truly astonishing.
Being indulged with a car that offers so much opulence, power, smoothness, spaciousness, dynamic ride comfort and attention to detail is a rare treat indeed.
Built on a new rear-drive platform the coupé-like silhouette appears smaller than in reality and the new 310kW twin turbocharged V6 adds wings to that illusion.
Without a doubt one of South Africa’s favourite cars, the Volkswagen Polo, has come back as a new car in its sixth generation. It is longer and lower in height while also being larger on the inside without a bodyweight increase.
The F Sport’s spindle-grille ‘frame’ is finished off in a striking black chrome effect which ties in with the dark ‘F-mesh’ grille. A new 10,3-inch display audio screen has enhanced graphics and clarity and the climate control panel now have fewer switches for ease of operation.
Over the summer holidays some time ago I had the opportunity to live with the Subaru XV for a month and found it practical and an absolute pleasure. It was great having two SUVs over the vacation and it was fun to drive the XV back to back with my BMW X1.
Any sceptic that believes Jaguar should not have ventured into SUV territory needs an intimate encounter with the stylish cockpit.
This seven-speed automatic badass with its 140kW twin-turbo diesel engine gives you all of the power you can expect out of a workhorse like this, but also offers comfort features that are just not very common in the pick-up segment.
The it-boy Golf R got a facelift making it even more popular among South African buyers especially considering the extra boost of 7kW power giving it an impressive 213kW on this 2-litre engine, making it the most powerful Golf ever sold in the country.
In the highly competitive compact crossover section, the Captur is in fact a strong contender, helped along with its very impressive fuel economy figures and the extra torque that especially the diesel engine derivative (a way better all-rounder than the petrol) offers.
This robust and assertive vehicle runs on an efficient 1,6-litre engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission which creates a feeling of willingness without pretence, superbly geared to go around bends and travel South African roads with complete control.
Buyers of the new KIA Picanto will have access to some of the most advanced infotainment and convenience technologies available in the A-segment, while still enjoying the same high value for money expected of a KIA vehicle.
Thanks to the new platform architecture it’s achieving significant gains in overall ride quality and refinement. The new CR-V range consists of four models, comprising a choice of two engines (2,0 and 1,5) and four specification levels.
The GTS is now turbocharged and the 3,0-litre flat-six has two turbos. I think part of the charm of the 911 is that the engine behind you stirs your essence. Maybe being so physically close to your core being, the sonorous high notes during full throttle, finds synergy with your heart galloping at full speed.
I had the opportunity to experience the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport on a very tough off-road 4×4 track and the satisfaction of winning the off-road racing challenge with my co-driver Adam Ford!
This little car with its solid build quality and reputation for reliability is a well-priced charmer. Based on the hugely successful Hyundai Getz that it replaced in 2014, the Grand i10 bridges the gap between a small A-segment car and a larger B-segment car.
The Land Cruiser is the most widely available model in the global Toyota product range – being sold in more than 190 countries worldwide. The cult-like South African following with off-roading enthusiasts is well deserved as this behemoth lets very little stand in its way.
The Qashqai is the original urban crossover and the new model will continue its market success as it is a real looker and perfect for “cityproofing” yourself.
With almost 194 000 units sold since its market introduction in 2010, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo Hatch has been the best-selling passenger model in South Africa for the past seven years.
Alfa Romeos have always been head turners and that’s what red-blooded Romeos do. If Venezia Giacomo Girolamo Casanova lived today instead of the late 1700s he would have driven the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
Thrilling! When you fire this sexy monster up and it hums with powerful pleasure underneath you, you can’t help but feel like the envy of everyone on the road.
It is no secret that small convertible sports cars have always been a favourite in the affluent gay community. Frankly, because we are show-offs and the sex appeal of a sleek sports car speaks to us.
Meeting the beautiful F-Pace in the flesh will melt the hardest of hearts. Any sceptic that believes Jaguar should not have ventured into SUV territory needs an intimate encounter with the stylish cockpit.
While driving to Sabi Sands with the Lexus NX 300 F-Sport, we were delighted to get a little lost on terrible dirt roads en route to the gate. Heaps of ground clearance ensured trouble-free bundu bashing with our very capable compact premium SUV.
Over the summer holidays I had the opportunity to live with the Subaru XV for a month and found it practical and an absolute pleasure. It was great having two SUVs over the vacation and it was fun to drive the XV back to back with my BMW X1.
This particular vehicle, affectionately called the “Disco”, was one of the ten finalists in the 2018 Wesbank Car Of The Year, and with good reason. From a purely aesthetic point of view, purists are not too keen on the almost “Evoque” styling and I often hear that the old boxier body is preferred.
The Baleno definitely added some spunk to my day every time I got to drive it around the highways and byways of Joburg. Its exterior sportiness and blue light instrument panels, a 6,2-inch TFT colour screen on the infotainment, tinted side windows and keyless start button all ads to the energetic personality of this car.
Vorsprung durch technik, indeed. The elegant new Q5 is an incredibly smooth ride offering you all the power, space, utilities and up-to-date tech you need in a sporty looking vehicle.
Without a doubt one of South Africa’s favourite cars, the Volkswagen Polo, has come back as a new car in its sixth generation. It is longer and lower in height while also being larger on the inside without a bodyweight increase.