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Phuti Mpyane

Creator

Phuti Mpyane

Cars have been a surefire passion for Phuti Mpyane even as a tyke. This was intensified 16 years ago when he joined the ranks of SA motoring journalism. He is now a senior motoring writer at Business Day.

Volkswagen staff celebrate record vehicle production at Kariega plant. Picture: SUPPLIED

Volkswagen sets new record in Kariega

Volkswagen Group Africa’s (VWGA) Kariega plant built a total of 17,009 vehicles in July — a new record for the number of vehicles built in one month at the Eastern Cape production facilities

  • Phuti Mpyane
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 has grown in size but is still shapely. Picture:
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FIRST DRIVE | New Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 is smarter, sleeker and more efficient

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is larger, more refined and has an impressively large Superscreen

  • Phuti Mpyane
Volvo is integrating Apple Music into its software offerings. Picture:

Apple Music is coming to Volvo cars as in-car streaming service

Volvo Cars announce global over-the-air software update that will bring Apple Music to more than 2-million Volvo cars

  • Phuti Mpyane
The BMW 1 Series front design remains polarising, but it’s eye-catching in the metal.
Premium

REVIEW | BMW 118 Pure Design Edition is a premium hatch worth the money

Well thought-out package balances style, tech and practicality

  • Phuti Mpyane
In his state of the nation address on Thursday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa told South Africans about finalising the National State Enterprises Bill that will harness digital transformation as a driver of effective service delivery, including the introduction of digitalised driver’s licences.

Ramaphosa announces move to digital driver’s licences

The goal to move to a digital driving licence has been in the planning for a few years

  • Phuti Mpyane
Martina Biene, MD of Volkswagen Group Africa and president of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers.

VW Group Africa MD cautions SA on delayed NEV legislation

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) MD Martina Biene used the annual VW Indaba event to kick off the company’s official 75th anniversary celebrations, but also to sound a warning bell to South Africans that all is not well.

  • Phuti Mpyane
The new Renault Captur arrives in SA with striking looks and other upgrades.

FIRST DRIVE | New Renault Captur impresses with sporty styling and poised performance

The French B-SUV launches with three trims, namely the entry-level Techno, mid-tier Iconic and range-topping Esprit Alpine.

  • Phuti Mpyane
The coordinated festive season safety measures are aimed at reducing road crashes and alcohol-related harm during December. File photo.

Santaco, traffic authorities and Heineken launch drive to cut festive road fatalities

Held at the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa offices in Sandton on Friday, the event saw four entities meet and say together they directly influence road behaviour, alcohol access, commuter safety and on-the-ground enforcement…

  • Phuti Mpyane
The refreshed Chery Tiggo 7 sports a new diamond-effect radiator grille with LED headlamps.

Chery and other Chinese models in SA awarded five-star safety ratings

The latest round of the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) tests have awarded five-star safety ratings to the latest Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro models. The two models are on sale in SA.

  • Phuti Mpyane
The new Renault Kiger's highlight changes begin with a revised snout.

FIRST DRIVE | Refreshed Renault Kiger impresses on style but not performance

Three models of the face-lifted Renault Kiger have gone on sale in South Africa.

  • Phuti Mpyane
The distinctive X-shaped frameless grille and playful LED lights are attention-grabbers.
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FIRST DRIVE | Omoda C7 impresses in some areas, underwhelms in others

The Omoda C7 has been launched in SA, and I got to drive it before its debut. It’s available in three specification levels comprising the C7 1.6 TGDI Luxury, Elegance and C7 SHS, the latter model powered by a hybrid powertrain.

  • Phuti Mpyane
The flagship Tiago 1.2 XZ+ will launch at a later stage and comes fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels and LED headlamps.

FIRST DRIVE | We put the Tata Tiago and Punch through their paces

We get an early turn of the wheels in the Tata brand’s new quartet after re-entering SA

  • Phuti Mpyane
The Porsche Carrera T offers a more purist driving experience thanks to a reduction in weight.

REVIEW | The Porsche 911 Carrera T is a modern road rocket with a vintage twist

Does a manual transmission hinder or enhance the performance icon? Phuti Mpyane finds out

  • Phuti Mpyane
The Volkswagen Tayron, on sale in five or seven-seat guise, replaces the Tiguan Allspace.

FIRST DRIVE | Does the roomy VW Tayron justify its price premium?

The high-riding SUV is available as a five- or seven-seater and replaces the Tiguan Allspace.

  • Phuti Mpyane
The new updates elevate the driving and comfort of the CX-60, picture here in high-end Takumi specification.

FIRST DRIVE | Refreshed Mazda CX-60 rides high on refinement

Updated models now offer comfier, quieter rides for everyday family-hauling

  • Phuti Mpyane