Andrew Leopold

  • Drive Test: New Ford Mustang (2019) is a agile heavyweight

    Ford has updated its sixth-generation Mustang by rationalising its transmission choices and offering the brand’s historically significant Bullitt pony car. Styling changes which differentiate the new Mustang include alterations to the grille, LED lighting profiles, bumper shape and wheel design. The aesthetic enhancements compliment Mustang’s classic front-engined GT proportions....
  • Mazda3 South Africa 2019

    Drive Test: New Mazda3 (2019) looks super sharp

    Whoa, is that a concept? Sharp eyeball-slicing styling around the front overhangs certainly canvasses many of Mazdas mouth-watering concept cars (less so on the sedan) as a very deliberate attempt to challenge the more conservative German brands.  New Mazda3 is capable of stirring the proverbial pot. Mazda South Africa...
  • Drive Test: New (2019) CLS 53 AMG is a smooth operator

    AMG Über Alles. From the athletic garnish high up the option list of every new model to the complete ‘one man: one engine’ rigmarole, AMG has evolved into three formalised tiers. Tier one is where the GT-model sportscars belong, tier two shepherds 43 and 53 badging, and above that...
  • Toyota Hilux GR-S South Africa review

    Drive Test: Hilux GR-S (2019) is your Dakar lite

    I thought GR was for sports cars That’s because there’s a necessary distinction to be drawn between GR (Gazoo Racing) and GR-Sport (GR-S). On the performance pyramid, Gazoo Racing is the tip, home to the Supra and Yaris, while GR-S is nearer the base, conforming to suspension and cosmetic...
  • Isuzu Arctic AT 35 South Africa

    News: Isuzu D-Max Arctic AT 35 is a badass bakkie

    For roughly two months Ford’s Ranger Raptor cornered a new bakkie niche in South Africa all to itself. But so competitive is the motor industry that this unrivalled market capture was always going to catch the eye of watchful marketers. We just didn’t think Isuzu would be first to...
  • BMW M850i Series south Africa

    Drive Test: Is the new BMW M850i (2019) a great eight?

    The resurrection of the 8 Series badge, particualry the M850i, after a lengthy hiatus that has seen a busy BMW invent and refine several now-mainstream segments, including the ubiquitous SUV no less. Yes it’s been that long – BMW’s X-badge wasn’t even a twinkle in BMW’s eye when the...
  • Drive Test: BMW M2 Competition is a flyweight M4

    The last BMW M2 had a drift mode. As does this M2 Competition version, except it’s not advertised as a mode. You’ll find it by toggling the DSC off, then… You know how the rest unfolds. Now the gloves are off and the little bits of life preservation removed...
  • Toyota Corolla South Africa

    Drive Test: Toyota Corolla (2019) is uber good

    Between the three good oaks of Hilux, RAV4 and Corolla, Toyota SA is able to steady the brand’s sales during the turbulent peaks and troughs of the car market. With its new talisman fleet, rental and uber drivers begin to salivate. But in order to cajole customers up through...
  • Test Drive: KIA Stinger (2019) but no venom

    The apex of the KIA range (Sportage in desirability, Grand Sedona in price) has been eclipsed in both areas by the new KIA Stinger – new to SA we should say since the car was launched internationally some time ago. As far as micro niches go, KIA’s picked out...