The Car Guide

Toyota’s next-generation hybrid powertrains feature a 1.5-litre engine, over 15% better fuel economy, and flexible platform integration. Image: Toyota Toyota is developing a next-generation hybrid powertrain designed specifically for its future multi-pathway vehicle platforms. The advanced system combines a family of 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engines – in naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms – with lighter electric motors. Engineers have paired these internal combustion engines (ICE) with compact power control units and inverters. Global energy circumstances differ significantly by region, as do customer preferences. The Japanese automaker addresses these distinct market dynamics through a strategy that provides different electrified options. Consequently, this Toyota Hybrid system supports maximum flexibility across global vehicle development and manufacturing operations. Toyota engineered the entire system from the ground up instead of modifying existing hard...

Penned in to make its debut in early 2027, reports suggest Honda is planning an affordable new electric crossover based on the 0 SUV concept car. Image: Honda According to reports, Honda is developing a new all-electric crossover/SUV. Set to be based on the sleek-looking 0 SUV prototype , the box-fresh EV will be built in India. The global debut is scheduled for early next year. This comes after the Japanese automaker cancelled most of its future EV plans to reassess its electrification strategy. In terms of size, the EV will slot in between the HR-V and ZR-V. The emissions-free crossover/SUV will be underpinned by Honda’s in-house ‘skateboard’ platform, Autoevolution suggests. From what we understand, it will be available with either a 61 or 75 kWh battery, with a targeted electric operating range of up to 650 km. Honda is remaining tight-lipped around further performance details. Also read: Honda confirms Mitsubishi Triton-based bakkie for 2028 In addition, ...

Mitsubishi CEO positions the new ASX VR-e GSR EV as the spiritual successor to the legendary Lancer Evolution. Image: Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Motors recently unveiled the ASX VR-e, specifically for the Australian and New Zealand markets. This introduction marks the brand’s return to the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) segment in these regions. The new lineup features three rear-wheel-drive variants, with the dual-motor all-wheel-drive GSR derivative spearheading the range. The Japanese brand bases this design on a Taiwanese platform, namely ‘Foxtron Model B’. Speaking to Australia’s Drive , Mitsubishi Australia chief executive Shunichi Kihara said the ASX VR-e GSR embodies the spirit of the discontinued Lancer Evo range, as highlighted by the ‘GSR’ moniker. He said, “Clearly, our brand heritage is around Pajero and Evo, and many people still talk about those products… That doesn’t mean we don’t do any kind of Evo type of vehic...

Launched in South Africa in October 2026, we take a closer look at how the new Haval H7 stacks up against two rivals, the Jetour T2 and BAIC B30. Powertrains and transmissions The new Haval H7 is available with the choice of three powertrain options: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol internal combustion (ICE), 1.5-litre traditional hybrid (HEV), and 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The ICE unit produces 170 kW and 380 N.m of torque — the latter available in a broad 1 700-4 000 r/min swathe of the rev band. The ICE delivers power to the road via either a front- or all-wheel drivetrain, both of which paired with a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission. The new-energy models are equipped with a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), with the HEV pairing the DHT with a (110 kW/240 N.m) 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol ICE supplemented by an electric motor, fed by a 1.53 kWh battery, producing 130 kW and 295 N.m. The HEV setup is endowed with a combined system ou...

Interest for the new Hyundai Tucson garnered over 15 000 pre-orders on the first day of order books opening. Image: Hyundai The new Hyundai Tucson recorded 15 045 pre-orders on the day (22 October 2026) order books officially opened. By comparison, the outgoing, fourth-generation Tucson noted 10 842 pre-orders when it debuted in September 2020. Accounting for almost half of the orders in South Korea was the flagship Inspiration derivative (44%), followed by the entry-level H-Pick (33%), mid-range Exclusive (22%), and off-road-focused XRT (1%). Local specifications have yet to be confirmed. The fifth-generation Tucson’s bold bodywork measures 4 700 mm in length, 1 905 mm in width, and 1 685 mm in height, making it 60 mm longer, 40 mm wider, and 20 mm taller than the current model. The new car’s wheelbase is also longer, at 2 785 mm (up 40 mm). The next Tucson sports a 180 mm ground clearance. While Hyundai’s local arm has yet to confirm whether the new Tucson will be available wit...

Developed with F1 technology, the Aston Martin Valhalla Spider has been revealed. The British marque’s open-top hybrid hypercar features 793 kW and a 350 km/h top speed. Image: Aston Martin Scheduled to make its official global debut at the 2026 Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, which takes place from 29 October to 1 November, Aston Martin has unveiled the Valhalla Spider. The open-top model builds on the foundation of the Coupé and is developed alongside Aston Martin Performance Technologies, the consulting arm of Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team. Engineered roof system delivers high-speed performance The Valhalla Spider’s roof system was created to not only maintain clean exterior lines, but to ensure structural efficiency. The standard configuration comprises a removable fabric roof, which allows safe operation at speeds of up to 200 km/h. Customers seeking maximum performance can specify the optional carbon-fibre hard-top. Fitted with the latter item, the Valhalla Spider...