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Since before I became a parent, in fact, way before I was even married or even thinking about kids, I wanted to own a Volkswagen Tiguan. It was 2009 and I had just graduated from university and I was working at CAR magazine, so I was definitely not thinking about a car with family space. But I recall seeing a friend’s sister’s Tiguan and thinking that one day, I would own one. That day is yet to come, but that is only because I am in the fortunate position to be able to drive every Tiguan that is launched…among every other new car launched. (brag, brag). The latest third generation Tiguan has just hit our shores and it is better than ever. Some of the derivatives are even cheaper than their outgoing models. It’s not as if the Tiguan needed to be better, since its launched in 2009, 41 000 South Africans have bought one. Worldwide, 7.4 million units have found homes. But this gen has added more space, more comfort and more safety features. And with a boot that is now 37-litres bigger, taking the capacity up to 652-litres, which is almost as big as the AllSpace model, there is no doubt that it will continue to be a popular choice among families. This Tiguan sees new design LED lights as it introduces the HD Matrix lights as seen on the Touareg. It has the continuous LED light strip between the headlights and the same lighting technology at the rear. It also has a completely redesigned bumper and grille. And there are seven colours to choose from with three new and, I must say, rather exciting options in the form of Persimmon Red Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic and Oyster Silver Metallic. The interior has been completely redesigned. It is simple and sleek with very few traditional knobs and buttons. But what brought a huge smile to my face is the huge volume knob. I hate a volume button integrated into a touchscreen. The cabin boasts a new integrated 10-inch digital cockpit, and a large infotainment screen with a completely new menu structure and graphics. It ships standard with a display of 12.9-inches, but you can opt for 15-inches. There is also a new optional head-up display and a new multifunction driving gear shift with an integrated OLED display. A new vibe is the gear lever which has been moved to behind the steering wheel, very alla Merc, which frees up that centre console and adds to the clean look. There is a massage function on the front seats which I found particularly pleasing seeing as this back of mine is now in its 40s. These fancy leather seats are optional on the Life derivative but come standard on the R-Line derivative.  Engine-wise, the Tiguan launches with the 1.4 TSI 110 kW (250 Nm) engine mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission. The  2.0 TDI 110 kW DSG and 2.0 TSI 140 kW DSG engines will be available for sale in November 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, respectfully.  We drove the new Tiguan from Gqeberha to the Karoo town of Graaf-Reinet, which was a longer drive than usual for a Volkswagen route. But it didn’t feel the 500 km in distance, and this is testament to the Tiguan. I am not one for long drives, but this was comfortable and easy. No fuss. There is enough power to overtake, and in fact, the power delivery is so smooth that it can easily sneak up on you. You might want to keep an eye on your speedo because before you realise it, you may be doing well over the national speed limit. I did not see the needle hit 178 km/h. Obviously. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.6l/100 km, but if you are pushing it you will definitely see figures closer to 9l/100 km. I mentioned that VW has added safety features to the new Tiguan. It comes standard with eight airbags and Park Assist Plus. Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive safety suite includes features such as adaptive cruise control, hill-start assist, park distance control (front and rear), travel assist, driver alert system, proactive occupant protection system, lane assist, side assist with rear-traffic alert, area-view camera and trailer manoeuvring assist. Look, you just cannot go wrong with the new Tiguan, but boy am I glad to not be the one having to choose a family car to buy right now. You’ve got a segment bursting with great players; you’ve got one of my favourites, the Kia Sportage, then there is the Hyundai Tucson, Haval H6, Toyota RAV4, not to mention the slew of Chinese brands that are flooding the market with exceptionally good value-for-money propositions. But at the end of the day, the Tiguan is still a front runner. It is still on my list to own, although, I now have my sights set on the Touareg, but I best be realistic…I can’t afford either. One day when I’m big… PRICING OF THE NEW VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

Don’t be like my husband, know what your car insurance could be. You don’t need me to tell you how well the Kia Sonet is doing, or that it is one of my absolute favourite cars. I can’t even count how many times I have recommended this to someone. And every customer has come back happy! That must tell you something. It is a faultless car in my opinion. What’s yours? (this is a dangerous question to ask on YouTube!). Maybe you prefer the Mini Countryman? If you’re up for a chat, you can find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and now Threads – it’s hard to keep up. And don’t forget to be a peach and subscribe to my YouTube channel and obviously follow me on TikTok. Hippo Comparative Services (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial service provider. Terms and Conditions online. Please note that the information contained in this video does not constitute financial advice.

Be like Terence and get yourself a Hippo car insurance quote. If you have been a subscriber for some time you will know that my feelings toward Mini have slowly been altered. The Countryman is just another reason for this alteration, if you will. What is missing on the Kia Picanto? If you’re up for a chat, you can find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and now Threads – it’s hard to keep up. And don’t forget to be a peach and subscribe to my YouTube channel and obviously follow me on TikTok. Hippo Comparative Services (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial service provider. Terms and Conditions online. Please note that the information contained in this video does not constitute financial advice.

By now you will probably have guessed that I am not entirely convinced by electric vehicles (EVs). Not so much that they aren’t excellent cars, in fact, I have loved most of the models that have come to South Africa. My issue has always been based on price and accessibility, not to mention infrastructure. You see, unless you have bazillions sitting in your bank account, EVs just aren’t a vibe. But what is a vibe is a plug-in-hybrid. This offers you the best of both worlds – feel good about saving the planet but you don’t ever have to deal with range anxiety (or paying an EV bill). Don’t get me wrong, the NX is by no means a budget-friendly car – it costs as much as some EVs, but as it were, if it came as an EV, it would be far more expensive than what it costs now. So why not offer a less expensive but as important alternative? Clever Lexus! But enough about this whole argument I seem to be having with myself. Lexus now offers its most important SUV as a plug-in-hybrid in the form of the NX 450h+ F Sport PHEV. And it is awesome! It boasts a 2.5-litre petrol engine (mated to a CVT) and an electric motor on the rear axle (a generator on the front) and an 18.1 kWh battery pack. Together this gives you 179kW (a total output of 227kW) and 227 Nm. The fuel consumption is claimed at a ridiculously low 1.3l/100 km and you can travel up to 66km in EV mode. This is one of the many reasons I adore this car. It works beautifully as a daily commute/runaround, but if you do head out further than 66 km, you don’t have to fear that you might only make it back home via a flatbed truck. This model is aligned to the F Sport model (it’s in the name really), and has niceties such as a tilt and slide moonroof, 20-inch alloy wheels and Intelligent Park Assist (the car will park itself for you), it also has a digital rear view mirror, five USB ports (Type C and A), and a head up display. Interestingly, it has venitilated seats but not heated seats, but Lexus SA has requested that this be included in the coming models. It also has 10 speakers as opposed to the 17 in the F Sport, but this too has been a change request. You can opt for one of 10 colours, two of which are exclusive to the F Sport and PHEV. And you don’t need to worry about space being compromised due to the addition of a battery, it still boasts a boot capacity of 520-litres. It is all-round comfortable and all-round premium. It looks good and feels good to drive too. Toyota and Lexus has truly nailed the alternative fuel options for its customer base. I love that this brand hasn’t gone EV mad and decided to do away with its current line-up by an unachievable date, like 2025. Instead, customers have the option to remain in what they know, or to explore an alternative that will not give them any added anxiety. And that is exactly what this NX PHEV does. It is as good as a standard NX, but with an environmentally friendly sticker to add. And it doesn’t cost all that much more than the standard F Sport model either. PRICING OF THE LEXUS NX RANGE Lexus NX 250 EX: R986 800Lexus NX 350h EX: R1 029 400Lexus NX 350h SE: R1 197 300Lexus NX 350 F Sport: R1 224 800Lexus NX 350 F Sport: R1 225 700Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport PHEV: R1 336 200

I feel like lately all I do is complain about car prices. I am sure some of you are feeling the same way that I do. So what an absolute delight it was to attend the launch of a car that is not only excellent, but also, budget friendly and exceptional value for money. Although, I should let you in on a secret, I already knew that this car was going to be one for the books. I have driven the Suzuki Fronx, after all. But, I like that Toyota has now added it to its line up as its most affordable compact SUV. And it gives customers the opportunity to own a Fronx without having to use that silly name. Jokes aside, this is another of the models that comes from the collab between Suzuki and Toyota. You will recall the Starlet and the Baleno, and of course the previous generation Urban Cruiser and the Vitara Brezza. This partnership was a very smart move, especially on Toyota’s part. Just think how well budget-friendly compact passenger cars are doing in this country. We are all feeling the pinch and so, as a motor manufacturer, you want to be playing in this space with as many models as possible. Toyota hasn’t really had to do the hard work here, they’ve almost been gifted these excellent products and they’ve merely had to rebadge them. Flippen genius I say. There aren’t any glaringly obvious differences between the Starlet Cross and the Fronx, barring the badges and the lighting signatures at the front and rear and grille vibes. There are two model options available for the Starlet Cross, namely the XS and XR. If there was one thing I wish Toyota had ditched from Suzuki, it would be the colour palette of the interior. It features one of my least favourite colours on the planet, and that is burgundy. Good grief, it dates the interior so much. But apart from that it is all systems go for me in this Starlet Cross. You can expect a tilt-adjustable steering column, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, auto aircon, three USB chargers, rear parking sensors and a reverse-view camera. In terms of safety you’ve got ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, hill-assist control, ISOfix child-seat anchors, and two airbags. The XR model adds tilt-and-telescopic adjustment for the steering column, chrome-finished inside door handles, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, a colour instrument display, a head-up display, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 360-degree camera, a wireless charging pad, an illuminated glovebox, as well as keyless entry and start. This model also boasts six airbags. As is expected, the Starlet Cross is powered by Suzuki’s naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The manual performs well with this engine. The auto, however, is not my best, but I have become somewhat used to it. And because the car is so light, the 77kW and 138 Nm of torque does go a long way. In fact, it is a great little engine. We know it from the likes of the Jimny – which I hate this engine in, but because it is a heavier car. It is not a drive that is going to blow your hair back. But it is comfortable and easy. Not to mention, efficient. You’re looking at under 6l/100 km on both manual and auto. Overall, I would say it is my favourite drive in this segment, topped only by the Kia Sonet (which is more expensive). Other rivals include the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and Hyundai Venue all of which are not at the top of my recommendation list. You could look at the Chinese car brand offerings such as the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, the Haval Jolion and even an entry-level Omoda C5. But where this car really shines is with its pricing. It kicks off at R299 900 and ends up at R359 300. There is no doubt that the Starlet Cross (like its Starlet sibling and Fronx half-sibling) will be an absolute money pot for Toyota. It is the sort of car that I am more than happy to recommend to anyone in this segment, or anyone who is just wanting an honest and humble car for a price that doesn’t seem ludicrous.

Yip, I am nicking Toyota’s hashtag for its new Land Cruiser Prado, but I feel it really does encapsulate this new vehicle. I was lucky enough to go to Mozambique (one of my favourite countries on earth) to attend the launch and gosh what a vibe it was. Not because of the R&Rs consumed, obviously (IYKYK). Let’s start with a little history… The Land Cruiser has been around for 72 years. It was known as the Toyota BJ (not sure who thought that was a great name). It became the first vehicle to successfully climb to the sixth station on the slopes of Mount Fuji. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that its enduring worldwide reputation has made it one of Toyota’s best-selling models, with more than 11.3 million sales to date, across more than 170 countries and regions. Development of the 2024 Prado has seen a conscious decision to bring the Land Cruiser back to its origins, focusing on its fundamental quality as a practical and affordable vehicle. Consider that the Land Cruiser offers customers the 300 series which is its fancy luxury SUV, the 70 series which is more utilitarian, and then this, the Prado, which is a bit of both and targets a very distinct customer and has done since 1985. Can you believe that it has been 15 years since the previous generation was launched locally. Let’s just say that it was certainly due an update. And boy oh boy has Toyota delivered. I am in love with the look of this Prado. I think it is timeless and I will still love it in years to come. It’s got that no-frills-no-fuss air about it. It’s built to go off-road after all, does it need to be precious about it? I say not! The parts have been designed to take on harsh conditions as well as to be easy to replace if they are damaged. Smart! The trim levels include TX and VX-R, as well as a 1st Edition and 1st Edition Bi-Tone. The standard headlight options are a slim oblong triple-eye arrangement of LEDs or a classic round-eye projector bi-LED alongside vertically arranged turn indicator and daytime running lights. Many colleagues at the launch preferred the round-eye. I would happy with either. Beggars can’t be choosers and all that jazz. The exterior is not the only wow factor on this car. The cabin has seen a dramatic change. Thank goodness because it really needed it. Before I mention the features, something worth noting, is the visibility. From the enormous side mirrors to the rear window to the lower dash and swopped design of the bonnet, it is very easy to see out of this vehicle and everything around you. Even as a rear passenger. This would make for a great game viewing car. When it comes to standard features across the range, you’re looking at Clearance and Parking Sonar, leather seats with lumbar support, dual zone auto air conditioner, seven USB ports, Toyota Safety Sense 3, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, power back door and 18” Alloy wheels. There is an HD touchscreen infotainment system (9 or 12.3-inch depending on trim level) as well as a digital instrument cluster which is also 9 or 12.3-inches. The physical shape of the switches and their operating methods have been unified – simple toggle or push controls – so the driver can operate them easily without having to look away from the wheel or change their posture.  As we know, off-roading can be quite tough on the body, ask me how I know (I had surgery two weeks before this trip, which was not, in hindsight, well planned), but never you mind because there are knee pads and padded door shoulders, plus the door panel has a scooped profile so the driver has space for free elbow movement. It has a new steering wheel design with wide spoke openings to help prevent fingers being injured in the event of steering kickback. It is a well thought out cabin with everything seemingly having a purpose and functionality really being taken into account. The materials are quality-built and everything feels really solid. Functional areas are flat and hard and touch points are soft and thickly covered with a sense of volume. There are seven seats available on the Prado. The seats have been redesigned and are also available with integrated heating and ventilation. The second-row seats are offered in a bench arrangement that divides 60:40, and on the seven-seat model the third row comprises two seats that can be folded flat manually or with power control. So what’s the engine vibe? Gone is the naturally aspirated 4.0l V6 petrol engine. I know, I know, devastation all round. It is a bit disappointing but not exactly a shock in this day and age, is it? The LC Prado is now exclusively powered by a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine. It is mated to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission and produces 150 kW of power and 500 Nm. This engine is known for its performance and efficiency but this has been taken a step further with a re-engineering of this motor. The claimed fuel consumption is 7.9l/100 km, but let me tell you somethign really impressive, we got a reading of just 7.1l/100 km. We were driving between 80 and 100 km/h through the roads of Maputo, but this is still a very impressive number, especially as this is a 4X4. If I had to critique the Prado, and only because I am forced to as a motoring journalist, I would say that it might not feel as refined on the road as something like the Defender. With that said, however, it was more than comfortable and I would be more than happy on a long road trip in this. Even if I hate long road trips. If the Prado was ever a match for the Defender, it is now! This car feels no pain off road. It can go