AUDI RS 6 AVANT
The only station wagon loved by South Africans, RS 6 Avant defies the odds not only with its stunning performance on the road, but by virtue of being so popular. The V8 power (441kW, 800Nm) can pull anything, and the boot can carry more than most cars, including golf bags and surfboards. It is the ultimate daddy’s car.
BMW IX
The best electric car in the country is the one to take for family getaways. Just ensure there’s charging facilities nearby. Nevertheless, its 600km is more than enough for daily drives, while its large luxurious cabin offers all the hi-tech features any daddy could wish for. It can run alongside bona fide sports cars because of its power (up to 385kW, 765Nm), which means the iX is the one to have.
CHERY TIGGO 8 PRO
Chery is making big waves in the industry. Rumour has it that they are selling over 1 000 cars a month here already. With the Tiggo 8 Pro they have hit a sweet spot in the 7-seater market in terms of relatively strong performance (145kW, 290Nm), space, interior features and comfort. That 1 million kilometre engine warranty doesn’t hurt either.
HYUNDAI STARIA MULTICAB
This vehicle is something of a unicorn in the industry. It combines seating space for five people, with the loading space of a panel van. Essentially it is like a double cab bakkie with its own built-in canopy. Very useful indeed, because not only do you get all of this, you also get a strong turbo diesel engine (130kW, 430Nm) to haul everything with.
ISUZU D-MAX
New D-MAX is bolder, stronger and more hi-tech than ever before. South Africa’s second-favourite bakkie is much more SUV-like in its drive now, while keeping that utility strength it’s always had. As a leisure vehicle that also works during the week, D-MAX (up to 140kW, 450Nm) has struck the right cord this time around.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER
Traditionalists may have been disappointed by how “soft” the new Defender is compared to its legendary predecessor. However, by now they would have seen how extremely capable it is as an off-roader. More importantly for Land Rover, this car is such a pleasure to drive on the road. Recently, a 7-seater 130 model was announced.
OPEL ZAFIRA LIFE
Opel has turned the Zafira into a bus. Which is just as well, because MPVs are no longer in fashion with buyers. Buses are growing into our psyche, though and the Zafira Life is poised to take a reasonable slice of that segment, thanks to its arresting looks, seating space for up to 8, and a willing turbo diesel engine (110kW, 370Nm) that sips fuel like a mid-sized SUV.
PORSCHE 911
Who doesn’t want a Porsche 911? Unfortunately for most daddies this amazing, timeless sports car is out of reach. But for those who are able to attain it, it remains one of the best cars to buy from any period of time. A 911 is recognisable from a distance, and most appreciated from close proximity. When it comes to the best daily super car on Earth, nothing else comes close.
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 300
Big car for big daddies, the new LC 300 is a triumph in off-road ability, sophistication, hi-tech and pure presence. That Toyota is struggling to fulfil the order books is testament to this, with some markets reporting two year waiting lists. The LC 300 can be counted amongst the best SUVs on the planet today without any hesitation.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI
GTI is not just a badge, but a statement. It is a statement of power, of force, a statement of technology, but simultaneously, a statement of accessibility. Daddies who drive the Golf GTI (180kW, 370Nm) are generally aged from 28 to 88 and beyond. It is the family sports car that ticks all the available boxes without breaking the bank. Yes, we do consider it as a sports car. But for the family man.
