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New Toyota Hilux official SA launch date confirmed

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Revealed in November 2025, the new Toyota Hilux is scheduled to make its official local debut this year. Here is when it will launch in South Africa… Image: Toyota 2026 is set to be a big year for Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), with the local arm of the Japanese automotive giant having confirmed an array of new models for our market – the latter including the box-fresh Land Cruiser FJ and new RAV4 . Locally built, the ninth-generation Hilux will also make its SA debut in 2026…and we can confirm when it will launch in our market. The new Hilux was revealed with the automaker’s trusted 2.8GD-6 powertrain, available in either “standard” or 48 V mild-hybrid configurations – the latter of which incorporates an 8.4 kW/65 N.m electric motor generator and DC-DC converter. Carried over from the eighth-generation model, the 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine produces 150 kW and 500 N.m of torque when paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, or 420 N.m in six-speed manu...
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Haval H7 Plus: SA launch date confirmed

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GMW has confirmed the Haval H7 Plus for SA, with the Chinese automaker announcing when the seven-seater SUV will launch in our market. Here’s what we know so far… Image: CarNewsChina Showcased at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, which runs from 24 April to 3 May, we got a closer at GWM’s SA-bound Haval H7 Plus — known as the Menglong Plus in its home market, where the Big Dog (or H7) Plus is essentially an updated version of the “standard” H7 available in our market. Available as a seven-seater, the H7 Plus measures 4 912 mm in length, 1 950 mm in width, and 1 905 mm in height — dimensions comparable to that of the Ford Everest and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. The H7 Plus’ wheelbase spans 2 850 mm. GWM quotes a ground clearance of 221 mm and a water-fording depth of 580 mm. The H7 Plus is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol internal combustion engine (ICE) paired with dual electric motors — sited on the front and rear axles, respectively. The Hi4 (Hybrid Intelligen...
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Haval Jolion Max confirmed for SA – here’s when the larger Jolion is coming

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GWM has confirmed the Haval Jolion Max for the SA market. We detail the Jolion Pro’s larger sibling… Image: GWM GWM has announced the Haval Jolion Pro’s larger sibling, the Jolion Max, is en route to South Africa, with the Chinese automaker’s local arm confirming when this model will launch in our market. In terms of exterior dimensions, the Jolion Max slots in between the Jolion Pro and H6 in GWM’s Haval product portfolio. The Jolion Max measures 4 590 mm in length; making it 120 mm longer than the Jolion Pro and 113 mm shorter than the H6. The Jolion Max’s bodywork is 1 877 mm wide. Compared to its Jolion Pro sibling, the Max sports a 10 mm-longer wheelbase, at 2 710 mm. Although the local model lineup and specifications have yet to be announced, the example pictured here is equipped with automatic LED headlamps and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior plays host to 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment, 7.0-inch digital instrumentation, a wireless smartphone charging tray, and a p...
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SA-only BMW M2 RR Edition launch date confirmed

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BMW South Africa has announced the SA-only M2 RR Edition, a new limited-run model developed alongside the M 1000 RR/S 1000 RR M2 Edition special-edition superbikes.  Image: BMW In a bid to showcase their familial connections, for the first time, BMW South Africa and BMW Motorrad SA have teamed up to develop new special editions based on a vehicle and a duo of superbikes – the former and latter coming in the shape of the M2, and M 1000 RR and S 1000 RR. Distinguishing the M2 RR Edition from its “standard” M2 stablemate, the limited-run model’s bodywork is finished in Black Sapphire Metallic. It also features unique front and rear splitters, replete with black and red inserts, and a large rear wing. The M2 RR Edition sports a specially customised Akrapovič exhaust system. Stepping inside, the M2 RR Edition’s black and red seat upholstery is complemented by red contrast stitching. A sunroof is fitted as standard. Also read: BMW M2 333i Homage Edition unveiled for SA BMW M2 ...
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2026 Mazda2: price and specs

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Mazda South Africa has introduced the 2026 model-year Mazda2. We detail what’s new on the updated model lineup. See pricing below… Image: Mazda Featuring subtle exterior enhancements and the inclusion of fresh tech, Mazda South Africa has announced the 2026 model-year Mazda2 is now available in our market. However, according to the Japanese automaker’s local arm, a key highlight of the update is a “more comprehensively equipped” Active edition — the latter serving as the opening gambit to the lineup. So, let’s start with what’s new on this model… With the update, the Mazda2 Active has gained a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Mazda’s MZD Connect setup, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone screen mirroring. Electrically folding wing mirrors are also present. Active spec further features fresh two-tone 15-inch steel wheels and subtle yellow exterior accents, front and rear. The mid-spec, Dynamic derivative rolls on 15-inch Silver Metallic alloy wheels. Stepping insi...
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5 best-selling compact SUVs from under R300k – March 2026

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We have rounded up the five best-selling compact SUVs priced from under R300k in SA in March 2026. See the list below… In a budget-conscious market such as South Africa, the sub-R300k segment is booming, especially vehicles falling into the value-oriented crossover/SUV category. So, if you are in the market for a vehicle of this ilk and wondering which was the most popular in March 2026, we’ve taken a closer look at the latest naamsa sales stats to bring you the five best-selling compact SUVs priced from under R300 000 in SA in the third month of the year. 5. Nissan Magnite – 953 units Image: Nissan The fifth best-selling compact SUV in SA in March 2026 comes in the shape of the Nissan Magnite, which is priced from R252 200. The Magnite, which scored an upgraded safety rating in 2025, is available with the choice of two powertrain options: a 53 kW/96 N.m 1.0-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and a 74 kW/160 N.m turbo-triple of similar capacity. The former unit can...
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Rolls-Royce reveals limited-edition Project Nightingale

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Rolls-Royce has whipped the wraps off the Project Nightingale, the first model in the British luxury marque’s new Coachbuild Collection. Image: Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Project Nightingale, the first model developed through the British luxury automaker’s new Coachbuild Collection programme. Derived from Le Rossignol, this Rolls-Royce’s name originates from co-founder Sir Henry Royce’s French Riviera estate, translating to “the nightingale”. These bespoke cars are inspired by the Art Deco-styled ‘EX’ (experimental) Rolls-Royce models from the 1920s, the 16EX and 17EX. The Project Nightingale takes the form of a two-door, two-seater convertible. At 5 760 mm long, it is approximately the same length as the Phantom . Running the full length of the car, from the vertical headlamps to the twin diagonal taillamp arrays, the polished bands serve as a statement piece. Referencing the red badges fitted to the 1920s EX Rolls-Royces, subtle red flakes are infused into the Côte...
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