Tuesday, 05 March 2013 00:00

Face value Off-road test: Land Cruiser 70 DC 4.2 diesel

Face value

It’s a bitter truth: South Africa’s vehicle market is a tiny speck in the solar system of automotive importance. We’re like Pluto – the world knows we exist, but only as a dot on the outskirts.

Published in Archives - Latest Issues

Wednesday, 01 June 2011 00:00

Off-road test: Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 V8 Overland

GRANDULAR FEVER

As a Jeep fan and himself a proud owner of an ’00 XJ Cherokee, Grant Spolander eagerly climbs behind the wheel of the all-new Grand Cherokee, a vehicle that’s now equipped with air suspension.
Can this game-changing feature restore the Grand Cherokee’s former glory?

Published in Road Tests

Wednesday, 02 May 2012 00:00

Moggers on the Move

A Unimog really is the ultimate 4x4 – no question about it. The new model, the U4000, boasts 500 mm of ground clearance, portal axles front and rear, two PTOs (power take off points), super low-range gearing, coil springs all-round, excellent axle articulation, thrust tubes protecting the prop shafts, diff-locks front and rear, phenomenal clearance angles, and the ability to inflate / deflate its tyres while on the move.

Published in Archives - Latest Issues

Thursday, 01 December 2011 00:00

Off-road test: Nissan Pathfinder 3.0 dCi V9X

SMOOTH OPERATOR

The Nissan Pathfinder is frequently criticised as a softie 4x4. I know this because I’m often the one making the accusation. But on a recent trip to the Baviaanskloof I realised the problem wasn’t with the vehicle, it was with me.

Published in Road Tests

Monday, 03 September 2012 00:00

Lower consumption more TORQUE

I must be looking doubtful. Fernado Gasser, the designer and manufacturer of Greenpowr hydrogen fuel cells, turns to me and says, “You look sceptical; what’s bugging you?”

Published in Archives - Latest Issues

Friday, 01 October 2010 00:00

Off-road test: Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 dCi manual

PIGGY IN THE MIDDLE
We test drive the new Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 dCi, which aims to be an affordable option in the large luxury SUV segment. Is it finding its way or getting lost along the tricky path of price versus quality?

Published in Road Tests

Tuesday, 01 February 2011 00:00

Off-road test: Isuzu KB300 D-TEQ LX

BLAST FROM THE PAST

By today’s sophisticated standards, the Isuzu KB300 is starting to show its age. Is this back-to-basics bakkie holding its own against the sector’s feature-filled thoroughbreds, or is it last out of the gates?

Published in Road Tests

Wednesday, 01 December 2010 12:35

Beautifully Barren - Do Limpopo 4x4 eco trails

SHINGWEDZI 4X4 ECO-TRAIL

While the Kruger National Park appeals to many holidaymakers, to some, the reserve fails to offer the very thing that many off-road adventurers seek: an escape. We visit Kruger’s unruly neighbour for a chance to drive a little-known trail lost in solitude.

Published in Travel Stories

Wednesday, 03 April 2013 00:00

Status Quo

Off-Road Test:GWM Steed 52.0 VGT

Thanks to frequent updates and improvements to the range, the Steed 5 is swiftly revising its work horse status. What was once a single purpose pick-up has matured into a bold blend of function, value and leisure use.

Published in Archives - Latest Issues

Monday, 02 April 2012 00:00

Old-school overlanding

EXPLORING THE AFRICAN IVORY ROUTE

There aren’t many things worse than an intermittent engine noise or vibration which disappears before you can track its location or cause. While less random, our vehicle’s symptoms were rather more severe – every time we descended a steep slope in our ’48 Willys Jeep Station Wagon the cabin would fill with lung-burning smoke.

Published in Archives - Latest Issues