In issue 07, we revel in the soundtracks of two RS models, testing the latest Audi RS3 and dialling up the volume even further, driving the new (992-generation) Porsche 911 GT3 RS on Silverstone Circuit, indulging in its sonorous, atmospheric flat-six. Back home, we strapped into the grin-inducing Toyota GR 86 at Aldo Scribante raceway. In addition, the new Golf R and first-ever Tiguan R cleared their throats, saying “hello” with a vrrpha as soon as we pressed the blue “R” buttons on their tillers.

We then step up (quite literally) into the cabins of two luxury SUVs, taking a seat behind the steering wheels of and testing the bonkers Aston Martin DBX 707 — a masterclass in performance SUVs — and the opulent yet capable box-fresh Lexus LX. In addition, the new Grand Cherokee L aims to make its Jeep luxury SUV ancestors proud during a test.

We stay in vehicles of the taller-riding irk, sampling the next-generation Ford Everest, commendable new Kia Sportage and fresher-than-ever, updated Hyundai Venue. We also headed to Slovenia for the international launch of the new Nissan X-Trail before heading to Cape Town, where VW held the global launch of the all-new Amarok.

We then silently set off (before the internal combustion engine kicked in, that is) in the Haval H6 hybrid and tested the emissions-free BMW X3, the iX3. Then we turn the volume back up with the Ford Mustang V8, riding shotgun with the sometimes funny, sometimes controversial, but always lovely guy, Siv Ngesi.

Speaking of V8s, Mercedes-AMG has replaced the V8 of the latest C63, this issue’s cover car, with a petrol-electric powertrain. However, as we discovered in Spain, the new generation is about way more than just its engine.

In issue 07, we also preview South Africa’s first-ever Formula E race, scheduled to take place in Cape Town. Read about this and many more in the latest edition of APEX, the peak of South African motoring.