Willem van de Putte

Motoring Journalist

After six months with the Ford Ranger Wildtrak Supercab: an honest verdict

Willem van de Putte|Published

From towing boats to hauling furniture and tackling challenging off-road conditions, this final road trip to Limpopo showcases why the Ranger remains a top choice ...

Revamped Jeep Gladiator bakkie: more features, same rugged charm

Willem van de Putte|Published

We examine what's new in this refreshed model while it maintains its position as one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market.

Debt relief scam alert: how unsolicited calls could trap you in debt review

Willem van de Putte|Published

The National Automobile Dealers' Association is warning consumers about scammers who trick people into debt review programmes through unsolicited calls, making them ...

Experience luxury on a budget: driving impressions of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Executive

Willem van de Putte|Published

With its premium interior, advanced technology, and competitive pricing at R529,900, this 7-seater SUV demonstrates why Chery has quickly climbed the sales charts ...

Road safety alert: expert warns Code 10 licence loophole endangers lives

Willem van de Putte|Published

A driving expert reveals how the practice of issuing Code 10 licences to first-time drivers creates dangerous shortcuts in training, and proposes four urgent reforms ...

The path to Formula 1: Kyalami' s upgrade to FIA Grade 1 standards

Willem van de Putte|Published

The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is set for a significant upgrade to achieve FIA Grade 1 compliance, with an investment of up to $10 million over the next three years, ...

Bakkie fever: why South Africans can' t get enough of Hilux, Ranger, D-MAX and more

Willem van de Putte|Published

Explore the significance of the bakkie in South African culture, from its roots as a workhorse to its evolution into a luxury vehicle.

Isuzu MU-X SUV gets a makeover: Significant upgrades challenge Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest

Willem van de Putte|Published

Discover the latest updates on the Isuzu MU-X SUV, featuring a stylish redesign, advanced technology, and competitive pricing. Learn how it stacks up against rivals ...

Exploring the charm and performance of the Mini Cooper S 3-door

Willem van de Putte|Published

We review the Mini Cooper S, exploring its design, performance, and the nostalgic memories it evokes.

Ford Ranger bakkie is still the king in SA' s used car market

Willem van de Putte|Published

South Africa's used car market demonstrates resilience with a 0. 8% year-on-year increase in February 2025, while the Ford Ranger maintains its market dominance. ...

Sorry, South Africa: the ultimate off-road beast, the Ford Bronco Raptor, isn’t coming your way

Willem van de Putte|Published

We drive the Ford Bronco Raptor in the Dubai desert and come away impressed with the off-road beast that combines aggressive design with cutting-edge technology. ...

Into the wild: Land Cruiser 79 conquers the rugged Richtersveld

Willem van de Putte|Published

Toyota’s Land Cruiser 79 is put through its paces in the unforgiving terrain of the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape.

DRIVEN: Mazda CX-60 3.3D Takumi provides a powerful SUV alternative

Willem van de Putte|Published

Almost every review about a Mazda product ends with the same conclusion: its a well designed and attractive exterior and interior, but they lack the power to go ...

Automotive industry in trouble: Ford SA warns South Africa to get its house in order or face the consequences

Willem van de Putte|Published

Like many other industries Ford has had to fly freight in as a result of the port backlogs that has seen more than 10000 containers with R7 billion worth of products ...

Insight: Ford Mustang Dark Horse and the racing DNA that runs through it

Willem van de Putte|Published

The Mustang is the most raced nameplate in Ford’s history, and much of that knowledge has been transferred to the latest pony car.

DRIVEN: Suzuki XL6 is a six-seat crossover that fills an interesting niche

Willem van de Putte|Published

Suzuki has launched yet another SUV-type product. But is the XL6 any good? We spent some time with the the new six-seater on its local launch.

DRIVEN: New Ford Mustang Dark Horse combines old-school muscle with modern finesse

Willem van de Putte|Published

We put the wild new Ford Mustang Dark Horse through its paces at the home of NASCAR in Charlotte, North Carolina.

REVIEW: Volkswawgen Amarok 3.0 V6 Aventura impresses with its sophistication

Willem van de Putte|Published

The interior of the new Amarok is as plush as you’ll find in any top-end SUV or sedan and the ride quality isn’t far off either.

World’s biggest electric carmaker launches in South Africa: BYD ATTO 3 price announced

Willem van de Putte|Published

BYD, the world’s biggest electric carmaker, has launched its ATTO 3 in South Africa. Here’s what you get for your money:

Toyota take another 1-2-3-4 victory at gruelling Safari Rally in Kenya

Willem van de Putte|Published

You couldn’t have scripted the result better even if you tried. Here’s what went down at the Safari Rally this weekend.

DRIVEN: New Ford Everest Wildtrak and XLT are two impressive additions to the range

Willem van de Putte|Published

Ford recently expanded the Everest line-up with new Wildtrak and XLT variants. We took them to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

DRIVEN: Hyundai Tucson N-Line adds sporty styling and all-wheel drive to the mix

Willem van de Putte|Published

Hyundai recently introduced a new Tucson flagship model with all-wheel drive and sportier looks. Join us for a spin in the latest N Line model.

DRIVEN: Jeep Grand Cherokee blends style and luxury with impressive off-road ability

Willem van de Putte|Published

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee is the kind of SUV you want to road trip to Namibia with, and then tackle some serious trails once you’re there.

DRIVEN: Kia Sportage 1.6 diesel is an impressive new package

Willem van de Putte|Published

The new Kia Sportage 1. 6 CRDi diesel is a very welcome addition to the range and segment, and there’s little doubt it’ll find favour with SA buyers. Let’s take ...

DRIVEN: New Land Rover Defender 130 crosses country in supreme comfort

Willem van de Putte|Published

The Land Rover Defender line-up is now complete with the addition of the stretched 130 model. We put it through its paces in Dubai.