MOTORING: KIA’S CLASSY KOUP
It’s little wonder that, to the younger set, the Kia brand has become as aspirational as its (traditionally) more stylish European rivals. Arriving on the South African motoring scene in the 90s as a budget unknown from Korea, it was the sort of brand not many gave a second look – certainly not with names […]
MOTORING: A LEXUS NOT LOST
The Lexus brand has always been one of luxury. Its vehicles, whether the more sporty IS, executive GS, or luxobarge LS (these being the mainstay of the company’s line up for close on 15 years) exist to take on the best of Europe with a persistent attention to quality. But, when the new IS was […]
RAV4: BIGGER & BOLDER, BUT BETTER?
I remember the first time I went in a Toyota RAV4. It was the mid-90s, the car was new on our market and a friend’s dad had it on loan at the time. It was quite a revelation in the automotive world, especially the original three-door version – a compact, funky, go-almost-anywhere “cross-over”. The perfect […]
MOTORING: A PANDA FOR THE TOWN
When people ask what I do for a living, I can usually place a pretty safe bet on what the follow-up question will be… “So, what’s the best car you’ve driven?” That, though, is a difficult question to answer. However, if it comes down to one of the most fun day-to-day cars I’ve ever driven, […]
MOTORING: TOYOTA 86 HIGH MT
It’s funny how, to those who really love them, cars take on a human form. There exist some that are toned, taut athletes. That one can see breathing even at idle, their muscles rippling as the intake of oxygen energises body, mind and soul. The Toyota 86 is one such car. And yes, it runs, […]