The word cougar has taken on some strange connotations of late. It now not only refers to a large feline predator, but it also to a two-legged feline predator of a certain age, who’s preferred prey is largely unsuspecting young dudes.

The latter is no doubt the target market for Ford’s sexy new compact SUV of the same name (albeit with up-to-the-minute, Urban Dictionary inspired spelling). The Ford Kuga is one of those SUVs that is born not to bash the bundu,...

The Car of the Year finalists for 2012 have been announced and it’s a (fairly) practical bunch this time around. With the exception of one purely indulgent fantasy car the line-up is dominated by family sized sedans and hatches. More surprisingly there are no SUVs among them, and only one MPV, the Peugeot 5008 2.0 HDi Active Manual, a nifty mom’s taxi with super modularity to for hauling people or gear around. Here is a quick round-up of the finalists:

2011 Alfa...

For a long time there has been a buzz about hybrid technology in cars and its potential for delivering economical motoring. However, the excitement has been somewhat tempered by the fact that the only hybrid available to the public is the Prius, and then in limited numbers.

Now Toyota is stepping up to the plate with yet another hybrid, this time from their luxury Lexus stable. The CT 200h is a compact hatch and as such is clearly...

C

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has always been a handsome vehicle. The latest iteration retains much of those striking good looks, although it’s a definite departure from previous versions. In fact, at first glance it doesn’t even look like a Jeep at all. The prominent wheel arches are still there, as is the signature 7 bar grille, but beyond that a far sleeker and more refined vehicle has emerged from the designer’s hotbox.

The new Cherokee has a higher, wider...

A new addition to the budget category from Toyota is bound to get a warm welcome from the SA public and the Aygo certainly packs a lot of features that belie its entry-level status.

Challenging the perceptions that entry-level vehicles should only deliver on the functional needs of first time buyers, the Aygo offers loads of youthful appeal.

Viewed in profile the Aygo shows a coupe-like profile despite its four doors. This is supported by the rearward...

The new Nissan Micra retains much of what made the previous version such a winning combination of effortless driving, classy styling and undeniable cuteness. In a world where fuel economy and minimising your carbon footprint is becoming increasingly important, the new Nissan Micra in many ways epitomises the modern car.

Compared to the previous model, the new Micra has grown very slightly in size while having its overall weight reduced. The core appeal of this...

The first 1 ton bakkie to be released by Volkswagen, the Amarok sets the wolf among the sheep when it comes to this popular segment. Not only is it Best in Class in terms of space, load bed width and height, cargo loading capabilities and capacity, but it does so powered by a mere 2 litre engine. Featuring common rail injection and a two stage control bi-turbo, the engine gets 120KW with maximum torque of 400Nm. The Amarok offers class-leading fuel consumption figures...

The VW Polo needs no introduction to local motorists. Easily one of the most popular vehicles in its segment, the newest version of the Polo has been quickly embraced by people who love its sporty good looks, practical size and build quality. The 1.6 Comfortline TDI is the top of the range, offering VW's lively diesel engine that kicks out 77KW at only 4,400 rpm. But perhaps the most appealing aspect of the diesel is its frugality. With a claimed consumption of a mere 4...

Budget-minded car shoppers will no doubt flock to the Figo in droves, particularly after the prestigious endorsement of being a COTY finalist. The Figo is a funky little city car that closely resembles the previous incarnation of Ford's popular Fiesta model. No coincidence as the design is in fact based on the Fiesta. The 1,4 litre petrol engine delivers 62 Kw at 6000 rpms and delivers a peak torque figure of 127 Nm at 4000 rpm. It achieved a very respectable fuel...