Cargumentative: Recent Episodes
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Join Sunday Times motoring journalist Thomas Falkiner on Cargumentative: a sometimes-pugnacious podcast about all things cars and motoring.
Expect spirited banter about everything from general car culture and classics right through to new releases and industry news. Sit down, plug in and gear up.
An Arena Holdings Production.
Keywords: Motorsport, cars, motoring, car spotter , podcast, auto, car lover, automotive news, vehicle, car news, car manufacturers
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner chats to AutoTrader CEO George Mienie about the 2020 HyperMobility Conference. Denis Droppa and Brenwin Naidu also stop by to talk about all the latest automotive news and what they've been driving.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner is joined in the virtual studio Charmagne Mavudzi, Head of Customer Experience at Volvo Car South Africa. They talk about some of Volvo's latest safety innovations including autonomous driving and driver monitoring cameras. Brenwin Naidu and Denis Droppa also stop by to chat about exciting new vehicles launched this week including the 2021 Volkswagen Golf R.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner and Denis Droppa are joined in the virtual studio by motoring media personality and secondhand car buying guru, Sagie Moodley. Denis also talks to Thomas about his ride on the sexy new BMW R18 cruiser.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner is joined in the virtual studio by Robert Walker who is the director of the Sasol Solar Challenge. Robert delves into the history of this sun-powered event and gives insight into what it takes to build and race these specially designed solar cars on such a competitive level. Brenwin Naidu and Denis Droppa also stop by to chip in on the latest motoring news.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner talks motorcycles with the National Director at the Association of Motorcycle Importers & Distributors, Arnold Olivier. They chat about the best-selling bike brands in SA, the benefits of swapping four wheels for two and what bikes are best for first-time riders. Ignition TV's Shaun Korsten also makes an appearance to talk news.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner, Denis Droppa and Shaun Korsen are joined in the virtual studio by Automobile Association (AA) spokesperson, Layton Beard. The guys discuss road safety in South Africa and how the government needs to a adopt a more proactive approach to help reduce road deaths. They also touch on news and what they've been driving.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner and Denis Droppa are joined in the virtual studio by Cars.co.za Consumer Experience Manager, Hannes Oosthuizen. Hannes chats to the guys about the automotive media industry at large as well as SentiMETAL - an online subsidiary of the Cars.co.za brand that celebrates classic car culture and South African specials.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner, Denis Droppa and Brenwin Naidu are joined in the virtual studio by SA spinning champion Vernon "Veejaro" Hendricks. Veejaro talks about the culture of this uniquely homegrown motorsport, how he got into it and what it's like to compete in events like the Red Bull Shay 'iMoto. The gents also talk about news and what they've been driving.
Note to listeners: The 2020 Red Bull Shay 'iMoto is happening on 19 September at the Wheelz N Smoke Arena in Johannesburg. You can watch it live at https://www.redbull.com/za-en/.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner and Denis Droppa are joined in the virtual studio by the Executive Director of the Motoring Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA), Johan van Vreden. For listeners who don't know the MIOSA is an impartial body that focuses on the resolution of disputes where a deadlock has been reached between the automotive and related industries and their customers. The guys also talk about the latest motoring news and what they've been driving.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner, Denis Droppa and Brenwin Naidu are joined in the virtual studio by the head of national marketing, merchandise and promotions at Shelby South Africa, Paige Lindenberg. The guys chat to Paige about what Shelby SA offers muscle car fans and also find out more about her motorsport career that's seen her compete both locally and overseas.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner and Denis Droppa get a chance to chat to Charmagne Mavudzi, head of customer experience at Volvo Car South Africa, about Volvo's Equal Vehicles for All (E.V.A) initiative that is dedicated to making cars equally safe for male and female drivers.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner, Brenwin Naidu and Shaun Korsten are joined in the virtual studio by special guest Adrian Burford from Roadworx Communications. Burford chats to the guys about Blackstone Tek: a proudly South African company that specialises in the manufacture of high-end carbon fibre wheels for cars and motorbikes. He also glides into the sticky subject of oil and answers all your questions about grades, viscosity and the difference between synthetic and mineral motor oils.
In this special episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner and Denis Droppa are joined in the virtual studio by Ron Knott-Craig, Executive: Operational Services at Tracker South Africa. Knott-Craigtalks about the latest trends in South African vehicle crime and answers some pertinent questions the guys have about hijacking and car theft.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner is joined in the virtual studio by Denis Droppa and Brenwin Naidu. The guys take a look as car sales in July and how the effects of Covid-19 and recent price hikes have flattened overall demand. They also chat about the new Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 supercar as well as a raft of fast BMW models including the new X4 M Competition.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner, Denis Droppa and Brenwin Naidu are joined in the virtual studio by the CEO of AutoTrader South Africa, George Mienie. Mienie talks to the guys about Autotrader's Vehicle Taxonomy Database: the only used car database in South Africa that has structured car taxonomy data captured down to variant and equipment level. They also discuss what's been happening in the motoring world over the last week.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner is joined in the virtual studio by Denis Droppa and Brenwin Naidu. The guys talk about news, what they've been driving and what cars they could afford if they gave up expensive vices like smoking, drinking and, erm, cycling.
In this episode of Cargumentative the team is joined in the virtual studio by Mark Dommisse, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers' Association (NADA). The guys chat to him about the state of the local automotive industry and how it's coping with the Covid-19 pandemic. They also ask a question that many of you listeners have been asking - why are cars so expensive in South Africa? You can also expect a hearty serving of news and a rundown of what each of the team members have been driving lately.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner in joined in the virtual studio by Denis Droppa and Brenwin Naidu. This week the guys talk about the best and worst places they have ever ever driven as well as what peeves them off out on our everyday roads. They also chat about the new Renault Megane R.S 300 Trophy and what's been happening in the world of Formula 1.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner and Denis Droppa are joined in the virtual studio by guests Reuben van Niekerk (Leisure Wheels) and Stuart Grant (The Float Chamber) to talk about classic cars and the joys of driving them in Lockdown level 3. They also bring you your usual dose of industry news and chat about what they've been driving.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner is joined in the virtual studio by Denis Droppa and Brenwin Naidu. They touch on all the latest industry news and also talk about what cars they've been driving.
Denis and Brenwin have both enjoyed the new Toyota Corolla sedan while Thomas has been having a ball in the Suzuki Swift Sport. The team also discusses the in and outs of car auctions as well as Ford's new sim racing competition that starts on June 29.
This week on Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner is joined in studio by Brenwin Naidu and resident petrosexual - Phuti Mpyane. This week the gents have a mid-year report and talk about cars that have impressed impressed them in 2020 thus far. They also chew the fat on the latest motoring news.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner in joined in studio by Denis Droppa and Phuti Mpyane. They discuss what what's been happening in the motoring world, what they've driving and whether or not any of them could actually buy and own a French or Italian motor vehicle.
In this episode of Cargumentive, Thomas Falkiner is reunited in the real-world studio with Denis Droppa and Brenwin Naidu. The guys chat about what they've been driving as well as what's been happening on the news front of things. Producer Paige also makes an appearance behind the mic to ask the gents about the different types of car people you get in the world.
In this episode of Cargumentive Thomas Falkiner is once again joined in the virtual studio by Denis Droppa and Brenwin Naidu. This week they talk about 'buying down' in light of the Covid-19 crisis and what vehicles you should consider from three main segments of the market - hatchbacks, sedans and SUVS. There's also a good dose of news plus a side helping of banter.
The band is back together! In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner is joined in the virtual studio by Denis Droppa and Brenwin Naidu to talk about what's been happening in the motoring world over the last two weeks. They also chat about meeting their heros – cars that they long held in high regard and finally got a chance to drive.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner chats to Terence Tracey about his epic 2013 trek from Johannesburg to London in his 1963 Hillman Imp - an adventure that many of us can only dream of. Tracey reveals why he did it, what he encountered along the way and what it felt like to finally reach his destination. Not one to be missed!
In this episode of Cargumentative, Thomas Falkiner has a one-on-one with SA racing legend, Deon Joubert. From his rise up the ranks to racing overseas at Monza and battling it out in the country’s once-proud super touring car series, Joubert spills the beans on local motorsport’s so-called ‘golden era’.
In this episode of Cargumentative Thomas Falkiner has a one-on-one with Wernher Hartzenberg from Aircooled Wonders about the ins and outs of classic Porsche restoration, why the 928 makes a surprisingly good racing car and what it's like to drive a 356 Carrera 2 from Johannesburg to Matjiesfontein.
In this episode of Cargumentative the guys give some top tips on how to keep your car in shape during the Covid-19 lockdown. They also take a look at what's been happening in the automotive industry over the last couple of weeks.
In this episode of Cargumentative the guys are joined in their virtual ‘studio’ by Adrian Burford: the PR officer for renowned SA tuning house, Rob Green Motorsport. They talk about the ins and outs of modifying your car and the various options available to suit your budget. The team also chats to Adrian about his other automotive venture called Stigworx: a one-stop driver coaching shop that uses the latest and greatest in performance measuring hardware & software to make you quicker around the racetrack.
In this episode of Cargumenative the guys host a special show dedicated to sim racing - an online sport that's making headlines during the Covid-19 pandemic. To find out more about it, how it works and what you need to take part, they are joined in their virtual studio by eSport enthusiasts Richard Hering and George Smith.
In this episode of Cargumentative the guys talk about strange and quirky cars. From nuclear powered Fords to obscure, gullwing-doored Toyota coupes from the 1990s, sit back and enjoy an interesting drive into the automotive unknown. They also touch on the latest news and chat about what cars they've been driving.
In this episode of Cargumentative, our panel of motoring journalists discuss what they love and loath about cars.
The team deep-dive into the iconic classic cars that fueled their adoration for all things motoring, as well as the modern trends that just drive them crazy.
Motoring shows, racing events and motoring production chains have undoubtedly been affected by the global outbreak of Covid-19.
In this episode of Cargumentative, the team looks at the huge impact Covid-19 is having on all sectors of the global motoring industry. They speculate that the outbreak may mark the end of the traditional motor show, will make it significantly harder to access cars and is likely to lead to the cancellation of prestigious motoring events.
In this episode of Cargumentative the guys discuss why the station wagon hasn’t been more popular in South Africa. They also chat about what they’ve been driving lately and what car launches they have attended.
Modern cars have long been criticised by petrol heads for being monotonous and overly clinical. The assertion that all modern cars are missing “character” is a common accusation levelled against them.
In this episode of Cargumentative, the guys try to tackle a listener's question which divides the room.
Are modern cars boring or incredibly efficient and user-friendly?
In this episode of Cargumentative the guys are tasked with finding a secondhand car (for R200,000 or less) that’s guaranteed to make a strong impression on a first date. Which one will win Producer Paige’s approval?
There’s also a generous serving of motoring news and a spirited discussion about the new BMW M135i
In this episode the guys have to pick a SUV – past or present – that has the potential to become a future classic. They also touch on all the latest motoring news and talk about the launches they’ve been on and cars they’ve driven.
A new decade. A new year. A brand new show.Cargumentative is making a comeback in 2020 with an exciting new panel of in-house presenters. In this episode host Thomas Falkiner is joined in studio by motoring journalists and industry heavy-weights Denis Droppa, Brenwin Naidu and Shaun Korsten.They discuss the latest motoring news, chat about what they’ve been testing and what new cars we can look forward to in 2020.
In this episode of Cargumentative, Nadav shares a new YouTube series he has found that demonstrates just how impossible it has become for modern cars to be repaired.
Are cars becoming throw-away electronics, like your modern day iron?
Join the cargument:
In this episode the guys are joined in studio by local Porsche hot-rodder, Matthew Barnes. In the spirit of Halloween they bear all and regale you with their darkest automotive horror stories.
They also touch on some news and Thomas chats about innovative Jaguar Land Rover Experience Centre.
In this episode the guys talk to Mike about an informal race he staged between his Lamborghini Diablo and a friend’s helicopter.
They also have a lengthy news segment and chat about the upcoming Kyalami 9-Hour.
In this episode the guys have a crack at tackling the importance of proportion in car design. They also touch on some interesting news topics – a record-setting hearse parade at Kyalami – and talk about owning cars they wish they hadn’t.
In this episode the guys are tasked with choosing their best second-hand luxury saloon car for under R500,000. They also have an extra long news segment to keep you all up to date with what’s been happening in the automotive world.
In this episode the guys are joined in studio by Ignition TV presenter Marius Roberts. They talk about his recent Lamborghini road trip through Italy and also offer some buying advice for a listener looking to upgrade from a faulty Audi A3 to a sport two-seater convertible.
In this episode the guys chat about car crazes they don’t understand. Particularly ones that seem to make cars worse – like lowering them until they scrape over pretty much everything. They also chat about the 20-year anniversary of the venerable Porsche 911 GT3 and, of course, bicker about the latest news stories.
In this episode the guys are tasked with choosing their best sounding racing car of all time. Yep, turn up the volume because this is going to be a good one. You also get to vote on our poll for the car that gets your ears the most excited. There’s also a healthy dose of industry news plus a debate on whether or not Thomas should trade his Materia Turbo in on a second-generation Toyota Prius.
In this episode the guys talk to Concours SA winner, Vic Campher, about what went into restoring his beautiful 1971 Dino 246 GT.
They also talk about what’s been happening in the car world and Nadav has a rant about poor dealer sales service.
Tune in for more:
In this episode the guys don their chino slacks and panama hats to broadcast live from the annual Concours SA held at Steyn City.
They take a closer look at some of the cars on show, chat to one of the judges and speak to an owner of a seriously mint Porsche 356.
In this episode Mike get’s out of his comfort zone and into Thomas’s very comfy chair in the studio.
In the age of Uber-Eats and apps for everything is there a possibility of an introduction of the house call for car maintenance?
What is happening in the classic car market and what would tempt the presenters to shell out their hard earned cash right now?
In this episode, the team discusses the latest Festival of Motoring. Mark attended the event and reports back to the team, saying that he was less then impressed.
Coupé? Spyder? Shooting brake? The guys also explain the various (and often confusing) body styles that define the automotive world.
Finally, they also talk to Mark about his epic road trip enjoyed behind the wheel of his 911 3.2 Carrera.
After a somewhat lengthy production break the guys are back in the studio. In this episode they talk about the new Suzuki Swift Sport as well as the next-generation Porsche Cayman GT4. Mike has also procured a curious 959 bodykit that’s looking for a donor car.
In this episode the guys broadcast live from the ultra-exclusive Wheels Club – a one-stop shop for people looking to buy or care for their exotic or classic cars. They also speak to Brad Homan from Rocket Auto Care about the ins and outs of automotive detailing and choose their favourite cars featured at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed.
In this week’s episode the guys discuss Mike’s latest secondhand misadventure: an early Porsche 911 SC Targa fitted with an aftermarket turbocharger kit. With Nadav absent Mike also gets a chance to finally tell Thomas and Mike about his recent trip to the UK where he drove a bunch of special sports cars including an original Honda NSX.
In this episode the guys speak to South African Gymkhana Grid driving sensation, Carl van As, on his rise up the motorsport ladder. They also team up to offer some secondhand car buying advice for confused friend and Business Day Company’s editor, Nick Wilson.
In this episode the guys discuss Audi’s ridiculously complicated nomenclature system and why they’d be better off using QR codes in place of traditional badges.
They also explain why the 24 Hours of Le Mans is so special and delve into Thomas’ secret life as a C-list TV celebrity.
Oh and there’s news – lots of it.
n this episode Thomas is away on a car launch leaving Nadav, Mike and Mark to man the fort. As such they nerd-out on unattainable supercars and play another of game of Hoon-Marry-Destroy. Special guest David Coulthard talks to them about Formula 1 and whether or not it has a future in South Africa.
With Nadav living his best life down at The Beach House, Thomas, Mike and Mark are joined by Matthew Barnes: a Porschephile who has spent the last six years building his very own Outlaw Porsche 911 – with his own hands in his own garage. The guys also discuss how we consume motoring media in the digital age.
In this episode the guys talk about their favourite homologation specials. They also play a new game where they have choose a car that they’d marry, have a fling with or roll off a cliff.
In this episode the guys discuss the contentious subject of kit cars and replicas. Do they have a place in the automotive world or are they nothing but devious imposters?
Thomas also rants about car clubs and why they should be avoided.
Take a listen:
In this special-edition episode the guys (except Nadav, of course, because he’s far too cultured) go behind the scenes at Monster Jam Johannesburg where they get up close and personal with the monster trucks and their colourful drivers. They also find out what it takes to built a Monster Jam course. Yep, it’s all thriller and no filler.
In this special-edition episode the guys (except Nadav, of course, because he’s far too cultured) go behind the scenes at Monster Jam Johannesburg where they get up close and personal with the monster trucks and their colourful drivers. They also find out what it takes to built a Monster Jam course. Yep, it’s all thriller and no filler.
In this episode the guys are back with one of their legendary second-hand car challenges. This week they have to pick a first-car for their respective daughters (well, imaginary daughter in Thomas’ case) and justify why they chose it. They also talk about the upcoming Jaguar Simola Hillclimb and touch on car colour trends.
In this episode the guys have a debate about a car Thomas loves but everybody else hates – the Toyota Prius.
Mike has a rant about what’s bugging him on SA roads and is surprised to hear that the Dakar Rally is moving from South America to Saudi Arabia.
Thomas is back in studio, albeit a little rusty. To celebrate his return he tells the guys about the facelifted 2019 Toyota Prius as well as the new Porsche Macan he recently drove down in the Cape. Other highlights include a debate on patina plus a judgment on one of the car worlds biggest a sacred cows – the VW Beetle.
This week the Cargumentative team joined by radio personality Jacob Moshokoa, host a Ferrari special.
What’s with all first buy Ferrari’s being red? The team is divided on the issue; Nadav loses his cool, but Mike defends the craze and feels just a little personally attacked. Mike also test drives and defends the controversial front engine Ferrari California, a car that has been branded as a “chick’s car”.
Take a listen:
The guys interrupt their regular podcast schedule to talk to six-times national South African motorsport champion and F1 Grand Prix driver, Ian Scheckter. The older brother of Jody Scheckter, Ian raced in the ‘Golden Era’ of Formula 1 and drove for teams such as March, Williams and Hesketh Racing where his teammate was James Hunt. Mike is star-struck and Nadav is rendered totally speechless.
In this episode the guys talk about their favourite South African production car specials. They also have a debate around what car they’d take for one lap around the Nürburgring as well as touching on some of the more exciting cars unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
In this episode of Cargumentative, the gents talk to The Car Photographer Ryno Fourie about how best to photograph their cars.
They also have a classic Cargument over who the best Formula 1 driver of all time is, touch on the latest car news and try answer some listener’s most pressing car-related questions.
In this episode the guys have to pick a car in which to pull off a fine art heist. They also talk Formula 1, argue about the worst cars their favourite marque’s have ever made and answer some listener’s most pressing car-related questions.
It’s Valentine’s Day and the guys are in studio proving their love for all things automotive. Hot news topics include the imminent release of a new MINI John Cooper Works GP as well as the most congested city in South Africa. The team also looks at how the Internet has changed car ownership and discusses what’s been happening in their respective ‘fleets.’
While Mike misses another episode due to a stomach bug (or a hangover?), Thomas, Nadav and Mark discuss the controversial subject of manufacturers giving their cars fake engine noise. They also pick what car they’d drive in the event of an apocalypse and debate whether or not Nadav should trade his Porsche 997 in on an Audi S1.
This week the crew is down to three as Mike is missing in action. Although this is probably a good thing as Thomas, Nadav and Mark discuss why car-branded apparel is a no-no if you’re a dyed-in-the-wool petrolhead.
The boys are back with their first podcast of 2019. In it they talk about the divisive new Toyota Supra and choose what new car they’d park inside their respective garages if somebody gave them R700k – there can only be one. They also share their favourite driving routes in and around the city of Johannesburg.
It’s the 10thand final episode of the year! In it the guys talk about the spectacular Aston Martin Valkyrie, argue about the worst cars they have ever driven and, for a change, answer some random questions from some random. Be sure to tune in again in 2019.
This week the guys debate whether or not old and forgotten car technology will ever find a strange kind of affection with automotive enthusiasts. Nadav enlightens the rest of the team about eccentric British marque, Morgan, and Thomas chooses by far the most interesting car to put under his Christmas tree.
This week Thomas, Mike and Mark bag an interview with South Africa’s shining motorcycle racing star, Brad Binder. Nadav geeks out over the new Porsche 992 and a burning topic is put to question – are people too obsessed with power?
This week the guys touch on road trip essentials and then have an argument about what country lays claim to the coolest cars names. There’s also a brief discussion about economy as well as the new Range Rover Evoque.
This week the guys are joined in studio by Fae Michelangelo – a lady with a love of ink, JDM and Nissan Skylines. She tells us why cars turn her on and what vehicles are best for a man going through a midlife crisis.
The guys talk about embarrassing car modifications and host a R150 000 second-hand car challenge.
Mike is hungover (again). Nadav is grumpy (again). Thomas is jetlagged but still has enough energy to tell the guys about his trip to Bahrain where he drove the new Porsche Panamera GTS around the Bahrain International Circuit.
Mike and Thomas swap cars for a day. Nadav struggles with a throat infection and rolls his eyes at the Bullitt Mustang. The guys have a heated debate about what your car says about you. Finally the question is asked – is the future of the car **?
Nadav and Mark tell Thomas and Mike about their recent overseas trip that included visits to the Goodwood Revival, Nürburgring and the RUF factory. Mike talks about why the classic car market is tanking in South Africa and Thomas (once again) has to defend his quirky car choices.
The guys debate whether or not the Golf GTI is the best car in the world. Thomas touches on what plans Toyota Gazoo Racing has in store for South Africa, while Nadav laments the current fad of dissing diesel in the post Dieselgate era.
In this first episode of Cargumentative, Thomas introduces his resident studio guests – Nadav, Mark & Mike. The guys debate whether the sleeper is dead, dissect the work of Singer Design and have an argument over the Alfa Romeo 4C.