From the editor
The automotive world is a fascinating place. As South Africans, we bene t from our unique car culture, where speci c brands, models and body styles are often unanimously deemed more important than others because of their demand and popularity.
Heavy-hitting manufacturers such as Mercedes-benz, BMW, Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and Isuzu all have plants in South Africa that entrench a deep-seated love for motoring in the areas in which they are based. Not only do these production facilities provide much-needed jobs and economic activity, but the capacity to build vehicles for export also gives us a morsel of bargaining power when it comes to asking for those vehicles we would like to import.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the semiconductor shortage has caused the delay of many new vehicle introductions, and some features are completely unavailable. This led to a stock shortage of popular models, long waiting lists and the need for manufacturers to prioritise their largest audiences.
Despite being a manufacturing nation, we are a relatively small market. Unfortunately, this means South African motorists have had to wait a little longer to receive new vehicles. The Volkswagen Golf R, which was internationally revealed back in late 2020, is a great example of this.
Finally, the wait is over, and although we will not see any special editions coming our way in the foreseeable future – as with the GTI not getting the edition 45 – beggars can’t be choosers and we are simply glad it’s nally made it.
The Golf R is a refreshing addition to the performance-car arena, showing that the hot hatchback still has a compelling part to play, despite the market’s growing shift towards SUVS. However, if frantically fast SUVS are your thing, we have road tests of the brutal Aston Martin DBX707 and allelectric Audi e-tron S. We also get behind the wheel of the tarmac-rippling Lamborghini Urus Performante. On the stylish-butsensible front, we sample the striking Haval H6 GT. Feel free to get in touch with your car-related stories, comments, suggestions and questions. Enjoy the issue.