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Hearing the word “bakkie” or “utility vehicle” immediately brings certain stereotypical thoughts to mind. Bakkies have always been seen as the business workhorse, mainly being used for carrying or towing large weights. Yet, within recent years, that stereotype may have been put to rest as more and more manufacturers are trying their hand at changing this perception.
#LikeNoOther was the main topic at the recent launch of the brand-new Suzuki Ignis. First shown at the 2015 Paris Motor show and launched in South Africa at the end of May 2017, this car should attract an abundance of attention.
When thinking about the Golf, my personal recollection is the vivid memory of my childhood friend, whose father owned a Golf GTi Mk2. It became a family member, a car that stayed in the family for 18 years. At the end, the car and family only separated due to unfortunate circumstances. In fact, until today it is likely that you’ll hear a similar story from GTi (or Golf) owners.
Presented in 2013 for the first time, the GLA was introduced as a new compact SUV range to the A-class Mercedes line-up. Becoming considerably popular in China, USA, Germany and Great Britain, the manufacturer has made quite an impact as the GLA proves relatively small from the outside, yet is spacious in design. Combined with the versatility of the model on any terrain, it is understandable that Mercedes have sold over 2 million if these models. Four years after the first GLA was launched, what can you expect from the new GLA facelift? Is it worth it and has the GLA range undergone considerable changes?
Just like the growth of the ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ market in South Africa and Namibia, the bakkie class has also grown more popular. Well, it has always been popular, but today we are seeing more and more manufacturers trying to compete in this market. The word “bakkie” is synonymous with the three factors of reliability, towing capacity and well, the amount it will be able to carry.
“Aggressive” is the first word that jumps to my mind as I meet the striking new, Lipstick-red, Lexus Is200t. With striking curves and the enormous ‘spindle’ front grille, the 200t is definitely not a car to miss when passing by. Should the 200t appear in your rear view mirror on the N2/ B1, I wouldn’t think twice to move into the other lane to make way.
Narnia’s Closet
On 23/24 February Galimoto Media checked into the Arabella Hotel & Spa, Kleinmond for what was to be the launch of the all-new Hyundai Creta. Promised to be an exciting two days and getting to know Hyundai’s new creation, we were given some alone time with the vehicles to formulate our opinions.
The Clubman, first released in 2007 as a “supermini”, together with the Countryman, released in 2010 has always stood as an oxymoron for me. How can BMW and Mini brand their vehicles as the “not so mini, well Mini…”?
To date, we already gave a thorough analysis of the new Tucson at its launch, as well as the 1.6 TGDi Elite model. During both, positive concluding remarks have been made around this new city-SUV and its abilities in the high-demand SUV class.
Sedert Toyota se Fortuner model in 2005 bekend gestel is, het hierdie voertuig as die mees suksesvolle 4×4 familie-voertuig bekend gestaan. Ontwerp om ‘n tussenganger van die destydse Condor en die Prado modelle te wees, het hierdie voertuig ‘n relatief goedkoper opsie aan die koper gebied. Dit sou ook op die Hilux DNA ontwerp word en uiteraard ook dieselfde karaktereienskappe bevat.