Willem van de Putte

Motoring Journalist

REVIEW I Why the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is the smart choice for hybrid SUV enthusiasts

Willem van de Putte|Published

We put this Chinese hybrid SUV through its paces to see if it's a worthy alternative to the Toyota Corolla Cross and Haval Jolion hybrids.

Experience the new Audi S3: revolutionary performance upgrades for Sportback and Sedan models

Willem van de Putte|Published

The updated Audi S3 Sportback and Sedan receive significant performance enhancements with 245kW of power, RS 3-derived torque splitter technology, and refined handling ...

New GWM Tank 500 Black Edition debuts: powerful hybrid SUV embraces the dark side

Willem van de Putte|Published

GWM introduces a stylish black-themed edition of their flagship Tank 500 hybrid SUV, featuring cosmetic enhancements and maintaining the powerful 255kW hybrid powertrain ...

Two million Polos rolled out: VW Kariega Plant achieves remarkable production milestone

Willem van de Putte|Published

Volkswagen Group Africa's Kariega plant celebrates a major milestone with its two-millionth Polo rolling off the production line, highlighting the facility's crucial ...

Step inside the new Volvo XC60: where luxury meets advanced technology and electrification

Willem van de Putte|Published

We test drive the luxury SUV to see if these changes keep it competitive in South Africa's premium market.

Watch VideoBeyond the wheel: how gaming reimagined and influenced Peugeot's Polygon concept

Willem van de Putte|Published

Peugeot's new Polygon concept introduces a revolutionary square-shaped controller to replace the traditional steering wheel, alongside a windscreen projection system ...

Watch Video193,000 bricks: the incredible Lego Mercedes F1 car lands in South Africa

Willem van de Putte|Published

Weighing over 900kg, this impressive creation will tour major shopping centres across South Africa, offering fans interactive experiences including build stations ...

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.