Willem van de Putte

Motoring Journalist

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.

DRIVEN: Updated BMW 3-Series is still a jewel among sedans

Willem van de Putte|Published

We spent a day with the recently updated BMW 3 Series. In short, this is very much a fun car to drive.

New Suzuki Fronx heading to SA: here’s what we know so far

Willem van de Putte|Published

While much hype surrounded the new Jimny 5-Door, Suzuki also pulled the covers off its stylish new Fronx SUV at the Delhi Auto Expo, and it’s destined for SA.

REVIEW: Jeep Grand Cherokee is a sophisticated SUV that does all the right things

Willem van de Putte|Published

Don’t expect any performance fireworks but, to be fair, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is primarily a luxury SUV. And it certainly does feel luxurious inside.

DRIVEN: Volkswagen Tiguan R and Golf R are two different takes on the R recipe

Willem van de Putte|Published

The new Volkswagen Tiguan R and Golf R are fitted with the same drivetrain, but handling characteristics could not be more different.

DRIVEN: New Ford Everest impresses, particularly V6 Platinum guise

Willem van de Putte|Published

The new Ford Everest has finally arrived in South Africa, but was it worth the wait?

Ford Mustang Dark Horse: when a GT just isn’t enough

Willem van de Putte|Published

Join us as we take a closer look at a new Ford Mustang designed for the street and track. Meet the Dark Horse:

DRIVEN: New Nissan Qashqai arrives with edgy looks and improved refinement

Willem van de Putte|Published

It comes at a price, but the new Nissan Qashqai does exude a more upmarket feel. We took it for a spin around the Cape peninsula.