Ashley Oldfield

1 month ago | cars.co.za | Ashley Oldfield

What is a Lexus GX? The new Lexus GX shares its platform with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, but whereas the Toyota is more utilitarian and built for purpose, the Lexus’ packaging is distinctly more upmarket and luxurious. The Lexus GX is a genuine off-roader too, replete with low-range and all the off-road features and technology a modern 4×4 should offer.

2 months ago | cars.co.za | Ashley Oldfield

What’s new on the Duster? The Renault Duster has achieved great success in the South African market by catering for new-car buyers that want the versatility of an off-roader combined with the keen price tag of a small crossover. Yes, it was basic inside and its cabin plastics felt harsh, but whereas most of its competitors were soft-roaders designed to ferry city slickers and float over speed bumps, the Duster was a hard-wearing and durable compact family car and was pretty good off-road.

Jan 28, 2025 | cars.co.za | Ashley Oldfield

What is a Defender Octa? The name Octa comes from the shape of a diamond, a precious mineral that the brand hopes to emulate with the Defender’s hardiness and desirability. The Defender Octa is a showcase of what JLR can do with this platform and the types of technology it can incorporate to differentiate itself from rival brands.

Oct 9, 2024 | cars.co.za | Ashley Oldfield

What is an XUV 3XO? The XUV 3XO is technically a facelifted XUV 300, but so much of this car is fresh that it’s more like a new car than an update, which is also why Mahindra renamed the model. Compared with the 300, the 3XO has new underpinnings, a reworked suspension, an entirely new interior and sharper styling. The only notable part carried that was over is the 1.2-litre turbopetrol, which is now the only engine in the line-up.

Jul 14, 2024 | cars.co.za | Ashley Oldfield

What’s new on the Prado? It’s been 15 years since the previous-gen Prado landed on local shores. The J150-series model proved a remarkable success for Toyota South Africa Motors right up until last year (2023); it notched up steady sales numbers throughout the 14 years it was on the market. That’s a testament to the strength of the Prado nameplate, because despite undergoing several updates throughout its lifecycle, the model’s tech was relatively ancient.