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Updated Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport unveiled for SA

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Toyota South Africa showcased the facelifted Corolla Cross GR-Sport at its 2026 State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) conference in Johannesburg. Image: Toyota At Toyota South Africa’s ninth annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) conference, the Japanese automaker’s local arm announced a variety of new models and derivatives for our market – the latter including a Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid and the Lexus RZ – while hinting at how much the GR GT will cost once it arrives in SA in 2027. In addition, TSAM also made use of the opportunity to showcase the updated Corolla Cross GR-Sport (in hybrid guise). The revised Corolla Cross GR-Sport gains a fresh front grille, replete with ‘GR’ badging, and model-specific 18-inch alloy wheels, among several other items included with the updated. The interior features ‘GR’ branding on the headrests, steering wheel, and floor mats. Red seatbelts and aluminium pedals are also present. Paddle shifters can be found in the non-electrified variant. As ...
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CAR partners with the Cape 1000 rally

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A now foremost event on the calendars of motoring enthusiasts from around the world, with a confirmed 70 entries, this year’s Cape 1000 rally looks set to be one of the most spectacular to date.  Image: Cape 1000   The vision of Ross and Vanessa Crichton, the inaugural Cape 1000 rally saw a fleet of 40 classic, modern classic and sportscars take to impossibly scenic driving routes around the Western Cape, with a view to both promoting this beautiful part of the world, but also to showcase the level of passion and enthusiasm that local car enthusiasts, both spectators and owners, have for these types of cars. In its fifth year of running, the entry list has grown to include 70 cars, with many participants arriving from overseas destinations to take part in what has become known as “South Africa’s most beautiful drive”. While CAR participated in the 2025 instalment behind the wheel of the then-new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 , South Africa’s oldest and most established motoring pu...
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How much the Toyota GR GT will likely cost in SA

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Toyota South Africa has hinted at what the SA-bound GR GT will cost when it arrives in 2027. Image: Toyota At its ninth annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) conference, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) revealed how much its flagship GR product, the GR GT, will likely cost once it arrives in SA. Unveiled in December 2025, with TSAM confirming the pinnacle GR model for our shores soon after, the GR GT employs a petrol-electric powertrain comprising a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and a duo of electric motors. The hybrid setup produces a combined system output of 478 kW and 850 N.m of torque – the latter exclusively sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with wet-start clutch for improved response. Although the Japanese automaker has yet to reveal just how quick it will complete the 0-100 km/h sprint, the firm says the apex GR model will reach a top speed of 320 km/h. Bringing the GR GT to a standstill is a Brembo carbon-ceramic braking setup. Ho...
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Buying Used: GWM Steed 5 (2011-2026)

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The Steed 5 has been a staple in GWM’s local bakkie portfolio since arriving here in 2011. Now that it’s been discontinued, is it worth considering as a used buy? Image: GWM SA The GWM Steed 5 served as the backbone of Great Wall Motors’ (GWM) success in South Africa for over a decade, establishing the brand as a formidable player in our bakkie-obsessed market. Discontinued in 2026 as the automaker solidifies the P-Series as its workhorse, the Steed 5 carved out a niche as an unapologetic, value-driven bakkie. It appealed to small business owners, farmers, and fleet managers who required a one-tonne load capacity without the high-end price tag associated with established rivals. Built on a traditional ladder-frame chassis, its design was simple and functional. It was a bakkie that prioritised utility over lifestyle flair in every sense of the word. Despite being a budget-oriented offering, the Steed 5 played a crucial role in shifting South Africans’ perceptions of Chinese vehicle...
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Mercedes-AMG C63 to be axed in favour of six-cylinder C53

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Speaking to a US publication, Mercedes-AMG’s CEO confirmed the current-generation C63 will be replaced by a six-cylinder C53 model. Image: Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe has confirmed to a US publication that the current-generation C63 and its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain are set to be axed in favour of a six-cylinder C53 model. Indeed, speaking to Edmunds , Schiebe said the Affalterbach brand will be “replacing our four-cylinder” with the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six motor found in the CLE 53. “We’re taking the combustion engine from the CLE 53 . No hybrid engine – pure inline six-cylinder.” As a reminder, the M256M unit employed by the CLE 53 produces 330 kW and 560 N.m of torque, or 600 N.m in ‘overboost’, with an additional 17 kW/205 N.m available for short durations courtesy of 48 V mild-hybrid tech. Power is delivered to the road via the automaker’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drivetrain – the latter paired with a nine-speed automatic ...
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Lepas reinforces commitment to aftersales support ahead of SA launch

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Lepas has announced its plan to secure consumer confidence through a ‘robust’ aftersales infrastructure. Image: Lepas As Lepas prepares to launch its local crossover/SUV range, which includes the L4 and L8 , in the first quarter of 2026, the Chinese automaker has confirmed its commitment to “exceptional” aftersales service, with this Chery sub-brand planning on leveraging its parent company’s dealership network and central parts warehouse to allow for quicker access to inventory and replacements when and where needed. The central parts warehouse exceeds 6 000 m 2 and currently stocks over R180 million worth of inventory, allowing for a parts fulfilment rate of 98%, the firm says. According to Lepas, “a streamlined logistics system enables delivery to major centres like Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town within 48 hours.” Lepas also inherits access to a nationwide network of over 330 certified paint and body repair centres, and a 24-hour roadside assistance programme. “Our...
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New Toyota Hilux ad receives complaints for ‘dangerous’ behaviour

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An ad on the new Toyota Hilux has received complaints for depicting “dangerous and potentially illegal” behaviour. Image: Toyota Australia/YouTube Toyota Australia’s latest ad on the new Hilux has caused quite a stir – receiving complaints that it depicts “dangerous and potentially illegal behaviour”. Watch the ad below. Titled ‘Pied Piper’, in the opening scene of the ad, we see the owner walking towards his Hilux and signalling to his dog to come along. His loyal companion then jumps into the loading bay and they set off; traversing a gravel road en route to town. During the drive, they pass several other bakkies (of different makes, mind) with dogs in the back – the latter deciding to ditch their owners and the bakkies they drive, some of which broken down or stuck, in favour of the new Hilux. What follows is a pack of dogs chasing the ninth generation before hopping into its loading bay. Packed with dogs, the new Hilux finally arrives in town, with an elderly gentleman quip...
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