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News & Reviews by Sean Nurse

Author - Sean Nurse

Sean Nurse

With a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.
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Toyota Corolla Cross
Automotive News

Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport: New Specs and Hybrid Tech

The Toyota Corolla Cross has been a runaway success since its 2021 debut, quickly becoming South Africa’s top-selling C-SUV. Now, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is dialling up the excitement with a significant spec change for the GR-Sport (GR-S) line-up, ensuring it remains the flagship of the range.
Author - Sean Nurse
JAC T9
Automotive News

JAC Motors to launch PHEV double cab

JAC Motors South Africa has announced the introduction of new bakkies headed to the local market.
Author - Sean Nurse
Automotive News
Automotive News

How the April 2026 fuel price will affect the average South African

As South Africa approaches April 1, 2026, the mood across the country is shifting from concern to genuine alarm. What was initially expected to be a standard monthly price adjustment has transformed into a "national disaster," according to labour unions like COSATU.
Author - Sean Nurse
Changan Deepal S07 L

Deepal S07 L (2026) Quick Review

The Deepal S07 L is Changan’s opening gambit in the South African Electric Vehicle (EV) space. Priced at a hair under R1-million, it bypasses the traditional 'entry-level' EV tropes and offers a mid-size option with all the bells and whistles. With a large 80 kWh battery and the promise of near-silent operation, I approached my time with the newcomer with enthusiasm.
Author - Sean Nurse
Renault Kiger
Buying a Car

Renault Kiger turbo vs Jaecoo J5 vs Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Punch: Which one wins?

The compact crossover segment in South Africa is arguably the most contested space in the local market. With the recent update to the Renault Kiger 1.0 turbo, the French brand is doubling down on its value proposition. But with fresh heat from China’s Jaecoo and India’s Mahindra and Tata, does the Kiger still hold the crown for the budget-conscious urban buyer?
Author - Sean Nurse
Automotive News
Automotive News

Opinion: Why LIV Golf Proves South Africa is Ready for F1

The success of the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa at Steyn City this past weekend (March 20–22, 2026) was more than just a win for Bryson DeChambeau—it was a massive proof of concept for the country's ability to host world-class sporting spectacles.
Author - Sean Nurse
Suzuki Across
Buying a Car

Suzuki Across vs Lepas L4 vs Nissan Magnite vs Haval Jolion: Which one wins?

The South African compact SUV market is more competitive than ever, and the arrival of the Suzuki Across in March 2026 marks a major shift for the brand. While Europe knows the Across as a rebadged Toyota RAV4 PHEV, the South African version is a smaller crossover (based on the Indian-market Victoris) that sits alongside the Grand Vitara.
Author - Sean Nurse
Renault Captur

Renault Captur 1.3T Esprit Alpine (2026) Review

Once a staple of the B-SUV segment, the Renault Captur has faced more competition over the past few years; however, with the arrival of an updated model, complete with a new flagship Esprit Alpine trim, it marks a significant shift in its positioning. I drove the refreshed model to see if it has what it takes in 2026.
Author - Sean Nurse
Chery Tiggo 4
Automotive News

Chery South Africa Updates Tiggo 4 Range

Since its local debut in late 2021, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro has been nothing short of a market disruptor. It didn't just enter the competitive compact SUV segment; it dominated it. By the end of 2025, the Tiggo 4 range solidified its "people’s favourite" status, racking up over 18 000 units sold in a single year and ranking as the fourth best-selling passenger vehicle in South Africa.
Author - Sean Nurse
Foton V9

Foton Tunland V9 2.0TD double cab LTD 4x4 (2026) Review

The Foton Tunland V9 has entered the local market, and joins a growing number of value-packed lifestyle double cabs that can be bought for the price of a mid-tier bakkie from legacy brands.
Author - Sean Nurse