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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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VW celebrates 30 years of Polo production in SA

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Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) is celebrating three decades of Polo production at Plant Kariega. Image: Volkswagen In 2026, VW is celebrating its 75th year in South Africa. However, that’s not the only milestone the German marque’s local arm is celebrating. Indeed, 2026 also marks 30 years of Polo production at the automaker’s Kariega assembly facility in the Eastern Cape. Since local Polo production kicked off in 1996 with the Polo Classic sedan, the Kariega plant has manufactured four generations of Polo, including the sixth iteration (from 2021), of which the 500 000th example rolled off the Kariega assembly line in October 2025. Overall, over two million Polos have been produced at Plant Kariega , which, since 2024, is the sole manufacturer and exporter of the Polo for Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Of the two million Polos built at Plant Kariega, 1 421 960 (around 70%) were exported. In addition, the Polo GTI has been produced in SA for 20 years, and exclusively built...
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All-electric Ferrari Luce interior revealed

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Ferrari has showcased the interior of the Luce, the Modena marque’s first all-electric model, which will be fully revealed in the coming months. Image: Ferrari While we’ll have to wait until May 2026 to see what form the Ferrari Luce (Italian for “light”) will take, the Italian automaker has showcased the interior of its first all-electric model. For the Luce’s interior and interface, Ferrari worked with LoveFrom, a creative collective founded by former Apple Chief Design Officer Sir Jony Ive – who led the design of products such as  the iPhone and Apple Watch – with fellow designer Marc Newson. Ferrari has been collaborating with LoveFrom for five years on every aspect of the upcoming car’s design. According to the Modena manufacturer, its intention with the Luce’s interior was to blend its heritage with modern innovations. The interior is a study in minimalism. Taking pride of place on the facia, the central control panel, replete with Corning Gorilla glass, can be posit...
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Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 unveiled with ‘high-revving’ inline-six

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Powered by a ‘high-revving’ six-cylinder motor, Mercedes-AMG has whipped the wraps off the GLC 53. Image: Mercedes-Benz Positioned between the GLC 43 and barnstorming GLC 63 S E Performance – one of the fastest-accelerating SUVs tested by CAR magazine to date – the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 employs a revised version of the Affalterbach automaker’s 3.0-litre inline-six powertrain. Equipped with breathing apparatus in the form of turbocharging, the “high-revving” six-cylinder unit produces 330 kW and 600 N.m – the latter lifted to 640 N.m for up to 10 seconds in ‘overboost’. The GLC 53 also offers an additional 17 kW/205 N.m boost for short durations, courtesy of 48 V mild-hybrid technology. Delivered to the road via the firm’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drivetrain, peak power and torque are available between 5 800-6 100 and 2 200-5 200 r/min, respectively. According to Mercedes-AMG, the GLC 53 completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in “just” 4.2 seconds with Race Start, which forms part of the AMG Dyn...
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