Lexus GS450h

Whenever I see someone in a Lexus GS450h I’m overcome with a wave of respect, because here is someone who has paid a respectable amount of money to stand out in a crowd. I like that, and as a result I was desperately looking forward to my first go in the GS450h.



This, the Lexus GS 450h, is the first rear-wheel- drive hybrid to reach the market and the second hybrid from Lexus following the launch of the RX 400h some time ago. It's powered by a 3.5-litre V6 and a permanent-magnet electric motor. When they overlap in operation, peak power is 225kw. The killer figure though is the power produced by the electric motor from standstill, which helps the GS450h hit 100km/h in under 6sec and backs up its claim to offer a genuine alternative to a powerful V8 saloon.


The GS 450h also has the most complicated transmission in the world and this is where it gets a bit technical so stay with me.. Forget DSG, SMG and Ferrari's F1 system; the Lexus's Power Split Device has 'a central sun gear, an outer ring gear and intermediary planetary pinion gears which engage the central and outer gears'. Not only does this complete solar system of cogs allow the electric motor to run independently of, or in conjunction with the V6, but it also cleverly eliminates the need for a starter motor. Confused? You should see the diagrams...



Impressive as the technology is, however, the GS is still anything but dull


Standard equipment in the GS450h includes satellite navigation with touch screen, Bluetooth, heated fully electric front seats with memory function, keyless entry and parking sensors. The GS450h can be complimented for it’s more than generous interior space and the RX450h is no different.


Additional premium amenities include dual-zone automatic climate control and a Mark Levinson Premium surround sound.


The GS450h has a relaxed character and its sharp styling was created for those who live in the moment. This fusion of premium luxury and exhilarating performance is symbolic of the proud genetics inherited from the Lexus dynasty. I'm going to be a bit daring here, and say that the GS450h may just be the sweetest-handling luxury sedan you can currently buy.


As a driver’s car, then, this is yet another winner and I’d buy one in a heart beat.

New Kid On The Block.. The 2011Golf R

I like the style of all modern VW’s. The Scirocco is the suave, cool people carrier, the Touareg is pant-wettingly handsome and the new Passat is simply fabulous.



Certainly, the new hot Golf R ticks all the relevant boxes. It has twin exhausts, big wheels, multi function, leather steering wheel, carbon fibre racing bucket seats, a sunroof and a turbocharged 2 litre engine that kicks out 188kw. That is a lot for a car of this size, so obviously the performance is electrifying. You go from 0 to 100 in 4sec and you keep on going until your peripheral vision meets up at the back, by which time the needle is sitting at just under 200km/h.

Think of this car, then, as a five-star luxury hotel. They’ve thought of every little detail so it looks fine in the brochures. Put simply, it’s fast and extremely fun but the renewal of what was the old Golf R32 has been more comprehensive than is usually the case with VW’s models. The entire front has been redesigned which gives the car a radical new appearance, carving out a distinctive personality. This, coupled with the angled lines of the front bumper and the new headlamps, reinforces the impression of speed and sportiness.

Every time I started this machine up, the vibration of the engine worked its way up my spine, like Morse code tapping out a message: I need to be floored!


Idling at a robot, you simply can’t wait to hear the “oohs” and “aahhs” from pedestrians in shock following a short four-wheel spin and devilish speed to the next intersection.
So, it looks good, makes plenty or power, and benefits from all-wheel drive. In all gears (especially third and fourth) there is an accelerative sensation , pulling that blue needle across those white numerals with quite a lot more urgency than a GTI. The R’s steering has been recalibrated and I must admit, is a touch too light at speed but remains accurate, quick and supported by outstanding suspension. Ride quality is good and body roll absent, even at racing speeds.

There is a touch of understeer if you leave your braking too late, but if you match your corner entry speeds properly the R is brlliantly balanced and has outstanding traction control.
In real-world driving its composed ride (thanks to those big alloys), all-weather/road condition dual-axle traction, stunning cabin finish and infinitely superior blend of performance and economy make the Golf R a really compelling proposition.


The Golf R is a sexy looking hatch that may be the ticket for those looking for something new for the driveway that won’t show up in the neighbors drive way as well. It has my vote and remains a contender worth serious consideration.

Land Rover Discovery 4

Land Rover Discovery 4



‘Anywhere is Possible ’

The arguments for and against off-road cars are both fairly silly. On the one hand, you have a Top Gear wannabe appearing on DSTV, saying that he doesn’t like the new BMW X5.


And on the other, you have Honda arguing that its new CR-V will cause no more damage to the planet than a toaster or a cow.


The facts of the matter are irrelevant because if you drive a large SUV round a city centre these days you are almost melted by the hate. You’d get less reaction if you were caught videoing a school playground while wearing a dirty shirt.



Now truth be told, I’ve always wanted a proper Land Rover, but today I’m not sure I could actually buy one. It seems 4x4s kill polar bears, drown Indonesians, bankrupt ski resorts and don’t slow down for porcupines. Strangely, however, the car makers don’t seem to have noticed this. Instead of launching a new small hybrid to quench the thirst of all those weird beards, that enjoy organic everything and making the word a greener place. Land Rover has left that to Honda, stuck to it’s rugged city slicker image and announced the arrival in South Africa of a Land Rover Discovery 4 . . .





Not since the rolling stones last picked up a microphone have we heard anything quite so out of tune with the way of the world. But like the rolling stones, this thing does have a place.

It’s reliable, good looking, quite well priced and it’s served on heritage of no nonsense performance. The V6 turbo diesel is quiet and muffled until you mush your foot in the carpet at which the fury of this epic machine becomes exhilaratingly obvious, professional power, more moving than a speech by Tony Robins and as powerful as an exploding grenade and weirdly, way more economical than it’s older brother with substantially fewer carbon emissions.


The Freelander will hit your pockets around R637 000, and along with a cavernous interior you'll get comfortable leather seats air-conditioning and a premium sound system as well as satellite navigation, air suspension and a host of little extra features.





This car changes everything. I assumed that because Land Rover is owned by Tata, which also owns Jaguar. It’s an all new 3 litre V6 unit, designed in conjunction with state of the art turbo diesel technology, and to be frank it’s really good.



It makes a nice noise, and because it develops 225kw your big Landy will get from 0-1oo in 6.2sec and reach 240km/h. You really can’t think of it in the same breath as it’s German or Japanese rivals. A machine for the ages, a Jack of all trades and something to look out for in the driveway of any distinguished mans home.