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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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Toyota SA aims to set new world records with Hilux at NAMPO 2026

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To celebrate the upcoming new Hilux, Toyota South Africa has announced it’s aiming to make history with a series of Guinness World Records attempts at NAMPO 2026. Image: Toyota South Africa Toyota South Africa has its sights set on making history through multiple Guinness World Records attempts at NAMPO 2026, which takes place on 13 May in Bothaville … and the vehicle with which the Japanese automaker’s local arm is aiming to do it is none other than the Hilux. Indeed, in celebration of the upcoming new Hilux , which is among the array of bakkies confirmed for SA in 2026 , thousands of Hilux bakkies, spanning several generations, are expected to participate in breaking four Guinness World Records. It is worth noting that, to participate, the vehicle must be roadworthy. “Hilux owners of all generations and derivatives are invited to participate and are encouraged to bring their bakkies in every body shape, including Single Cabs, Xtra Cabs and Double Cabs. Mileage is no barrier; all...
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Geely E2 launches as most affordable EV in SA

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The Geely E2 has launched in South Africa, with the Chinese automaker’s new all-electric compact hatchback becoming the most affordable EV in SA. See pricing and specs below… Image: Geely Geely has introduced the E2 all-electric compact hatchback to South Africa, with the latest member in the Chinese automaker’s local model portfolio now positioned as the most affordable EV in SA – a title previously held by the BYD Dolphin Surf , which is priced from R341 900. The E2 is available with the choice of two trim grades: Aspire and Apex. Both models employ a single electric motor, which produces 85 kW and 150 N.m of torque. Power is delivered to the road via the rear wheels. The e-motor is coupled with a 39.4 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which can receive up to 70 kW at a DC fast-charging facility. According to the brand, the LFP unit provides an operating range of up to 325 km (WLTP) when fully charged. The E2 has a claimed energy consumption of 15.2 kWh/100 km. Geel...
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VW Amarok Dark Label: price and specs

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The VW Amarok Dark Label has arrived in South Africa. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for this special-edition bakkie in SA… Image: Volkswagen In our Every bakkie confirmed for SA in 2026 feature, we noted the Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label is scheduled to arrive on South African shores this year. Now, we can confirm pricing for this special-edition VW bakkie (see pricing below). The Amarok Dark Label can be had with the choice of two powertrain options: 2.0TDI and 3.0TDI. The former, four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit produces 125 kW and 405 N.m of torque, while the latter, 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged oil-burner churns out 184 kW and 600 N.m. Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drivetrain. But what does Dark Label spec include? Well, for starters, Dark Label grade gains black trim finishes for several exterior items – the latter including the front bumper, wing mirror housings and the door handles. The package further includes...
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BYD Shark 6 Performance announced with 350 kW

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BYD has upped the ante with its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid bakkie, with the Chinese automaker announcing the more powerful Shark 6 Performance model. Image: BYD BYD has injected the Shark 6 with a boost in power and torque, with the Chinese automaker announcing the Shark 6 Performance. The Shark 6 Performance draws its power from twin electric motors and – as opposed to the standard derivative, which is equipped with a 1.5-litre internal combustion engine (ICE) – a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol ICE. The battery capacity remains unchanged, at 29.58 kWh. The Shark 6 Performance’s 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain produces 350 kW and 700 N.m of torque – increases of 29 kW and 50 N.m over the standard model, which we evaluated for a road test in 2025. Compared to its 321 kW/650 N.m sibling, the Shark 6 Performance completes the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in a claimed 5.5 seconds; making it two-tenths of a second quicker than the standard variant. In addition, BY...
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VW Polo Vivo is the best-selling passenger car in SA in Q1 2026

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The best-selling passenger car in SA in the first-quarter of 2026 was the locally-built VW Polo Vivo.   Image: Volkswagen The Volkswagen Polo Vivo has retained the top position as the best-selling passenger car in South Africa in the first quarter of 2026. The German marque’s local arm shifted 6 344 units of the SA-built hatchback in the first three months of the year. In March 2026, VW placed second among the best-selling car brands in SA – the Polo Vivo leading the Wolfsburg automaker’s local sales charge with 2 258 units sold. The latter figure accounted for 40.5% of VW Group Africa’s overall March 2026 sales figure. The Polo Vivo claimed first place among the 10 best-selling passenger cars in SA in March 2026 , followed by the Chery Tiggo 4/Cross – the best-selling Chinese passenger car in SA – and Toyota Corolla Cross. Built at VW’s Plant Kariega in the Eastern Cape, the three-millionth car to roll off the latter production line was a Polo Vivo, in October 2025. ...
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Buying Used: Toyota RAV4 (2019-2025)

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The Toyota RAV4 is about to enter an all-new generation. Here’s what you should know if you want a used fifth-generation model… Image: CAR The impending 2026 debut of the new Toyota RAV4 in South Africa casts a retrospective spotlight on the outgoing, fifth-generation model. When the latter iteration landed in South Africa in mid-2019, it was not merely a small update, it was a fundamental architectural reset for the world’s best-selling SUV. Toyota recognised that the RAV4 had grown soft, risking its dominant market share to increasingly sophisticated Korean and German rivals. And how did Toyota respond? With a hard pivot towards mechanical rigidity, aggressive geometric styling, and ultimately, a powertrain revolution that redefined the segment’s efficiency metrics. A rundown on the Toyota RAV4 At the core of the fifth generation’s transformation is Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform. Transitioning to this modular underpinnings afforded the RAV4 a 57% increase ...
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