Charlen Raymond-Contributor

Charlen Raymond

Contributor

March, 2025
BA Languages & Culture
New Cars, Buyer's Advice, gas
  • 309
    articles
  • 210
    Features
  • 87
    Lists
  • 4
    Guides
  • 8
    Reviews

About Charlen Raymond

Charlen holds a BA Languages & Culture degree and has over a decade of experience in automotive journalism. His work experience includes stints at CAR Mag and News24 Motoring. Charlen didn't grow up in a 'car family' like other journalists, but the vehicles that treaded his family home's driveway ignited a deep appreciation for it. The spark that ignited a thousand flames began when he started his grandfather's 1970s Chevrolet El Camino - revving the straight-six 4.1-litre engine and feeling things a 9-year-old probably should not feel (just yet). Years later, while studying BA Languages & Culture at the University of Stellenbosch, he interned at CAR Magazine - South Africa's oldest motor publication - during the holidays, followed by a year-long internship at Wheels24 in 2016. He joined News24 Motoring permanently in 2020, followed by a move to News24 Sport where he was the motorsport editor. In 2024, he rejoined CAR as its Used-Car Editor. However, a restructuring at CAR left him in a freelance position - one he still holds - contributing content to the title's print and digital platforms.

Author Details

Charlen is an automotive journalist with more than ten years of experience under his belt. Ranging from latest news in the motoring world to covering unique Formula 1 angles, his passion for the craft has kept his smile intact since his first days as an intern at South Africa's longest-standing publication.

Industry Focus

Charlen's main focus has always been to inform the consumer. Be it through a new vehicle review, a deep-dive into a used buy, or an important aspect/change in the industry, the consumer has always been front of mind. In addition, he also covers Formula 1 and local motorsport events in his native South Africa.

Favorite Car

Charlen says he doesn't care if it's a cliché, but he wants the 991.2 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. And he is willing to sell something for it! The first-generation Ford Ranger Raptor is another favorite because it offers the best of all worlds: comfortable on tar and sturdy on gravel. Oh, and if you're wondering - no, he does not own a car, but he has a 2001 Mazda MX-5 (NB) parked at home for the bi-weekly morning run up the coastal mountain pass close to his home in Cape Town.

Latest

2026 Aston Martin DB12 S
Forget Porsche And Ferrari, There's One Unexpected Automaker Dominating The Sports Car Segment Right Now

We drove several impressive sport cars so far in 2026, and these are the cream of the crop - there's one automaker that stands out.

2027 BMW M2
Small Size, Small Price, Big Performance - BMW's Small Cars Deliver It All

BMW may be at the sharp end of the luxury game, but its small cars are not left wanting in any way.

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV
Chevy's Small Car Lineup Proves New-Car Bargains Still Exist In 2026

Most manufacturers have done away with small cars - but Chevrolet offers five right now, and they all cost under $35,000.

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2019 Honda Civic Coupe Sport
Honda Owners Alert: The Latest Recalls Impact Over 2 Million Cars - Is Yours On The List?

These are the latest Honda recalls that you need to know about...

2027 kia telluride 2026 honda pilot
Kia Telluride vs Honda Pilot: The Easiest $3,200 Choice You'll Make

Buyers are spoiled for choice when it comes to three-row SUVs. Here's where our experts say you should lean towards.

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2026 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek
Nissan's Small Car Lineup Is Shrinking - And Every Model Left Costs Less Than $30,000

The average new-car price skyrocketed in July 2026, but Nissan is fighting for budget-conscious buyers with its small-car portfolio.

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2026 ram 1500 toyota tundra
Toyota Tundra vs Ram 1500: The $800 Difference Matters More Than You Think

Need a proper truck but you're caught between choices? Then this should make the decision-making process a bit easier.

2026-lexus-tx-350-premium
Lexus Has A Reliable Luxury SUV For Most Types Of Budget Right Now

Lexus SUVs can be as cheap as $40,000 or as expensive as $120,000 - and there are more than a dozen to choose from.

2024 Jeep Gladiator
Jeep Gladiator Generations: Everything You Need To Know In One Place

The Jeep Gladiator is the only fully convertible pickup on the American market, and here's everything you need to know about its generations.

2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate
From $40k To Six-Figure Truck: Should You Splurge Or Save On A Brand-New GMC Sierra Pickup

GMC's Sierra lineup is very comprehensive, but it's imperative to know where each trim fits to avoid spending more than you need to.

cleaning leather seats
Save Your Hide: Keeping Your Car's Leather Interior Clean The Right Way

Leather seats are a nice touch to your ride, but the hide is a material that must be looked after carefully. This is everything you need to know.

2020 Nissan Frontier
The Most Reliable Trucks Of All Time - And Ford Is Only In Third Place

Think you own the most reliable truck to ever leave the showroom floor? This top 10 list may surprise so.

diesel oil biodiesel fuel
What Is Biodiesel And Can Your Car Actually Run On It?

With soaring fuel prices, it's not far-fetched to consider alternative means. But should biodiesel be on your list?

2026 Infiniti QX80 grille
Best 0% APR Car Deals For August 2026

Looking to finance a brand-new car? These are the best zero interest deals currently available in the USA.

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
Mitsubishi's Turbo All-Wheel-Drive Giant-Killer Was The Perfect Alternative To Fast German Sedans

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo rewrote the automotive books, but its perhaps timely end cannot defuse the ongoing buzz around it.

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2020_ford_explorer_st_front_clip
All 2026 Ford Recalls By Model

All of the latest Ford recalls listed by model, in one place.

2026 Nissan Altima
The Most Reliable Sedans You Can Buy New Right Now

Sedans may take a back seat to crossovers and SUVs in the public eye, but they're still very much ahead when it comes to reliability.

subaru wrx main-1
The Last Subaru Sedan You Can Still Buy Brand-New Right Now

Subaru has drastically cut its sedan portfolio, leaving only a rally-bred option in 2026. Is it a good buy?

2026 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71
The $70,000 Sweet Spot In The Chevrolet Tahoe Lineup

It's easy to assume that $70k is a lot of money. And yes, it is. But sometimes that kind of money buys you proper value.

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Stellantis EV battery packs
The EV Battery Problem You Didn't Know Existed Is Becoming Even More Serious In 2026

EV batteries are still in their infancy, but there is a growing concern that these batteries pose an immense risk when they're discarded.

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