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Updated Alfa Romeo Tonale Unveiled

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Alfa Romeo has handed the Tonale a refresh for 2026. We detail what you can expect from the updated model lineup… Image: Alfa Romeo Despite only having been on the market for three years, Alfa Romeo has decided to give the Tonale an extensive update that ushers in, among other things, some styling revisions, an array of new colours and a reworked model lineup. The existing Tonale range will be augmented with the addition of Sprint, Ti and Veloce models, as well as a launch-edition Sport Speciale that features several sporty styling enhancements such as gloss black Brembo brake callipers, silver side skirts and bumper accents, and white Alfa Romeo lettering. In terms of the styling updates, the Tonale now features a redesigned nose that incorporates a new, concave scudetto – or ‘little shield’ (the signature grille) that’s inspired by that of the 33 Stradale supercar, as well as more prominent front air dams. The emblem badging has undergone some changes – now adopting the blac...

BYD Aims to Accelerate EV Adoption in SA with ‘Major’ Investment

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In a bid to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in South Africa, Chinese automaker BYD has announced a ‘major’ investment into our market’s charging infrastructure. Image: BYD Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) has announced its plans to “rapidly” expand its footprint in South Africa with a series of “major” investments aimed at accelerating our country’s transition towards electric mobility. According to Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, South Africa is a pivotal market for the Shenzhen-based brand and a “future springboard” for regional growth. In a bid to “transform” South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape, the company said it plans on installing between 200 and 300 public EV charging stations across the country in 2026. In addition, the firm also announced the roll-out of 1MW ultra-fast charging facilities once models compatible with this rapid charging technology reach our market. As a reminder, BYD’s current local portfolio comprises five EV...

Ferrari SC40 Unveiled as One-Off Tribute to Iconic F40

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Ferrari has whipped the wraps off the SC40, a new one-off model paying homage to the legendary F40. Image: Ferrari The latest One-Off model from Ferrari’s Special Projects programme, the SC40 was designed to pay tribute to the iconic F40. Based on the 296 GTB, which we’ve sampled in Cape Town in 2025, the SC40 employs a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain comprising a 2.9-litre turbocharged V6, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and an electric motor – the latter fed by a high-voltage 7.45 kWh battery pack. The PHEV setup produces peak power and torque outputs of 610 kW and 740 N.m, allowing the 1 550 kg (dry) mid-engined Ferrari to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in a claimed 2.9 seconds, before breaching the 200 km/h marker 4.4 seconds later, at 7.3 seconds. The top speed is rated in excess of 330 km/h. Although sharing its architecture with the 296 GTB, the one-of-a-kind model’s design language is entirely unique, the Maranello manufacturer says, though echoes...

New Toyota FJ Cruiser Officially Revealed

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Toyota has officially whipped the wraps off the new FJ Cruiser. We detail what you can expect from the box-fresh model. Image: Toyota Based on the firm’s IMV platform, which also underpins the Hilux , the modern FJ Cruiser measures 4 575 in length and 1 855 mm in width. In terms of length and width, this positions it between the Corolla Cross and SA-bound new RAV4 . The FJ Cruiser’s wheelbase spans 2 580 mm, making it 60 and 110 mm shorter than that of the Corolla Cross and RAV4. However, it stands considerably taller than the former and latter. In fact, the FJ Cruiser’s 1 960 mm height is comparable to the Land Cruiser 300’s (1 955 mm), and 25 mm more than the Land Cruiser Prado’s (1 935 mm). But out of interest, how does the modern FJ Cruiser’s dimensions compare to that of the five-door Suzuki Jimny? Well, it’s considerably larger in all directions – 590 mm longer, 210 mm wider, and 240 mm taller. The Toyota’s wheelbase is slightly shorter than the Jimny 5-Door’s (2 590 mm). ...

Rare Classic Cars Head to High Street Auction in Cape Town

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High Street Auction Company has announced a variety of sought-after classic cars will go under the hammer at its 22 October 2025 auction in Cape Town. 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (390). Image: High Street Auction Company On 22 October, High Street Auction Company will offer a selection of rare classic cars for sale at its Cape Town-based auction, held at The Norval Foundation in Tokai. The event will kick off at 3pm. The catalogue of vehicles on offer is brimming with nearly a dozen iconic classics, including the Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5, of which only 5 000 examples were built, BMW 325iS ‘EVO 2’, 35th Anniversary edition of the C4-generation Corvette – the model heading to auction being car number 1 713 of the 2 050 built – and a one-of-200 (1951) Bentley MkVI Drophead Coupé. The full list of cars are: 1951 Bentley MkVI Drophead Coupé 1991 BMW 325iS ‘EVO 2’ 1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary 1977 Ferrari 512 BB 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (390) 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (F...

500 000th Current-Gen VW Polo Produced at Plant Kariega in SA

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Volkswagen Group Africa is celebrating a new production milestone, with the German marque’s local arm announcing the 500 000th facelifted current-generation Polo has been built at its Plant Kariega facility in South Africa. Image: Volkswagen Earlier in October 2025, Volkswagen Group Africa announced the three-millionth car built at Plant Kariega has rolled off the assembly line. Now the German marque’s local arm is celebrating another milestone – production of the 500 000th facelifted current-generation Polo since the introduction of this model in August 2021. Of the half-a-million units, 452 207 were built for export, with the remaining 47 793 produced for local consumption. Since the Wolfsburg brand started building Polos at Plant Kariega in 1996, a whopping 1 992 464 units of this popular hatchback has been built in South Africa. And since 2024, the Polo hatchback, including its GTI sibling, has been exclusively produced at this facility. In addition, accor...

2025 Changan CS75 Pro in SA: Price & Specs

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The Changan CS75 Pro has arrived in South Africa, with the Chinese marque’s local arm revealing pricing and spec for its midsize SUV. Image: Changan Chinese automaker Changan has arrived in South Africa with an initial product portfolio spanning an array of models – the Alsvin sedan, Hunter 2.0 and Hunter REEV bakkies, Deepal S07 all-electric flagship SUV, and the car you see here, the CS75 Pro midsize SUV. 2025 Changan CS75 Pro Price in SA The current CS75 Pro lineup comprises two derivative, each specified in top-tier, CE trim grade. The five-seater variant is priced from R474 900, with the seven-seater priced from R499 900. However, come the first quarter of 2026, the firm will introduce two CS-spec models, available in five- and seven-seater guise, to the range. As standard, pricing includes a five-year/150 000 km warranty and a five-year/90 000 km service plan. Changan CS75 Pro 1.5T CS 5-seater AT – R429 900 (Q1 2026) Changan CS75 Pro 1.5T CS 7-seater AT – 449 900 (Q1...