As a modern reinterpretation of a rustic small SUV in the vein of the Lada Niva, the Duster has its merits. It’s an honest, capable light SUV that offers great value for money and very respectable fuel economy. It’s nowhere near a premium product, which is exactly what makes it so charming.

Infiniti will bring its flagship SUV to South Africa. And when I say “flagship”, the emphasis is firmly on ship. Or, rather, a luxury liner. There are two reasons for this observation: from behind the wheel, you feel as though you’re at the helm of a massive vessel the ends of which are well beyond your view; and it’s decadently luxurious and has all the bells and whistles that occupants may need or want.

Favorite Features: Ride and comfort are impressive thanks to the QX’s independent suspension. And, even at idle, there’s quietness to the engine that makes it hard to believe this vehicle could rough it in some of the toughest off-roading conditions. Anyone interested in using the QX as a tug will be happy to know it can pull close to three-and-a-half tonnes.

Positioned as a premium crossover with more space than before, the Cooper Countryman offers useful standard specification, a pleasing engine-transmission combination and a likeable personality. And there’s no doubt that it is an improvement over the last model in terms of both refinement and the overall driving experience. Die-hard classic Mini fans may look on in disgust at the new model’s further inflated dimensions, which theoretically fly in the face of the Mini badge attached to its snout, but there’s no escaping the fact the demands of the typical car consumer are changing. Regardless, the new Mini Cooper Countryman is an entertaining product that also happens to boast a certain sens

Favorite Features: At R442 052, the Cooper Countryman is actually quite competitive in South Africa, as it beats both the larger Volkswagen Tiguan 1,4TSI Comfortline Auto, the new Audi Q2 1,4T FSI Sport Auto and the Mercedes-Benz GLA200 Auto on base price. The Mini’s standard equipment list is also fairly generous compared to those of its rivals, and includes an automatic rear tailgate, rear parking sensors and cruise control (with emergency braking). As ever, though, there are all sorts of expensive optional extras available, from leather seats (R16 900) to a glass panoramic sunroof (R11 900).

I would love to know how many of these cars are actually bought for family use, and how many are picked up by companies (such as corporates or those in the hotel and tourism industry). Regardless, for me, it surely ranks as one of the ultimate family cars. But, with chilled bottles of champagne or white wine in the handy rear-sited refrigerator, the ambient lighting set to one’s preference, and all that extra leg-room (although rather limited headroom), there’s little doubt that the car will actually be bought for the individual who occupies the rear quarters … rather than the one driving.

The S3 Sedan gains a number of minor improvements that come together quite pleasingly. The bump in power is welcome, and thankfully does not come at the expense of comfort.

We had asked Mahindra SA to fit a tow bar in case of towing duties and have already borrowed a trailer and carted a load of oat hay with more similar chores to follo Even with 550 km of trailer towing out of the 1 870 km covered, we see an initial and impressive fuel consumption figure of 8,85 L/100 km. The W8 model is packed with numerous features that we will explore over time, and that includes putting the seven seats and the tow bar to good use.

Favorite Features: bags of cabin space

Suggested Improvements: interior door handles that are awkwardly placed

Clearly a BMW M3, less clearly a BMW M3 with the new Competition Pack fitted. But you don’t have to look too closely to spot the design tweaks: the exhaust tips are black, so are the grille, window surround, mirror caps and side gills, and even the badge. I like that last one – it looks stealthy and cool. Plus there are new wheels: 20-inch rims running 265/30 and 285/30 tyres (the standard M3 runs 19s that are 10mm narrower front and rear). I’m not sure about the design, although they’ve got plenty of visual clout.

Favorite Features: I’d have the M3, not because it’s the cheapest, but because it looks the best. No-one else agrees – I think the sales split is well over 80 per cent M4. BMW expects take up of the Competition Pack to be around the 75 per cent mark. I’m not sure why you wouldn’t have it. The Competition Pack takes the slack out of standard car, and the waywardness, too. It’s purer and more focused, usefully sharper and no less refined to live with. I reckon it’s borderline transformative, the car the M3 always should have been.