The Car Guide

The all-new, third-generation Mazda CX-5 has finally landed in South Africa. CAR attended a gala where the new range and pricing were confirmed. Image: Mazda Since its introduction in 2012, Mazda’s best-selling global nameplate, the CX-5, has established itself as a key contender in the midsize-SUV segment, and in doing so, reinforcing this Japanese brand’s long-standing relationship with the South African market. Developed using a Japanese philosophy known as Jinba-Itta, which focuses on the harmony between horse and rider, the new CX-5 has grown in every meaningful dimension, yet its maker claims it is more intimate, driver-focused, and comfortable than before. A key new measurement is the third-generation car’s 115 mm longer wheelbase, which translates to improved cabin space and comfort, as well as a 61-litre increase in luggage space. A lower loading height reduces the effort required to lift heavier items, while a flat cargo floor makes larger belongings easier to organise. Sh...

Mahindra SA has launched the work-focused Bolero MaXX Pik-Up as one of the most affordable single-cab bakkies in our market. See pricing below. Image: Mahindra Mahindra has expanded its local work-focused single-cab portfolio with the introduction of the Bolero MaXX Pik-Up. The Bolero MaXX is positioned below the Bolero Maxitruck, and Pik-Up S4 and S6 single-cab bakkies in the Indian automaker’s South African model lineup. At launch, the Bolero MaXX Pik-Up is one of the most affordable single-cab bakkies in SA. Three variants are available: 1.3 City, 1.5 City and 1.7 HD. As their model denominations would suggest, these models offer respective payload capacities of 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7 tonnes. The 1.3 City has a gross combination mass (GCM) of up to 2 804 kg. This model measures 4 800 mm in length, with a wheelbase spanning 3 150 mm. The load bed measures 2 500 mm long. The 1.5 City has a GCM of 3 090 kg. Compared to the 1.3 City, this derivative is 140 mm longer, front to rear, and fe...

Subaru Southern Africa has announced every new model sold will feature an upgraded, five-year/105 000 km maintenance plan. Image: Subaru Subaru Southern Africa has announced it has upgraded the maintenance plan of all new models sold from 1 August 2026. Replacing the previous, three-year/75 000 km maintenance plan, the upgraded maintenance plan spans five years or 105 000 km. The plan includes scheduled services and specified wear-and-tear items. It covers parts such as brake pads, wiper blades, and battery replacements for the vehicle and key. The local arm of the Japanese automaker also provides customers the option of extending the plan to seven years/150 000 km at additional cost. Subaru’s five-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty remains unchanged, and is still included as standard with every new model. “Moving from three years/75 000 km to five years/105 000 km represents a meaningful enhancement to the value included with every new Subaru,” said Nteo Nkoli, National Marketing Ma...

LDV SA has launched the T60 Utility as one of the most affordable single-cab bakkies in South Africa. See pricing below… Image: LDV Billed as a commercial workhorse prioritising durability and load capacity, LDV South Africa has bolstered its local bakkie portfolio with the introduction of the T60 Utility. At launch, the T60 Utility is one of the most affordable bakkies in the segment. The LDV T60 Utility is available in two body styles: single-cab and double-cab. The T60 Utility Single Cab’s bodywork measures 5 395 mm long, 1 900 mm wide, and 1 830 mm tall, with a wheelbase spanning 3 155mm. The T60 Utility Double Cab measures 5 365 mm in length, 1 900 mm in width, and between 1 809 mm and 1 840 mm in height. The double-cab’s wheelbase is identical to the single-cab’s. The T60 Utility employs a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, which churns out 120 kW and 410 N.m of torque. The four-cylinder unit is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. Both 4×2 and 4×4 ...

Commemorating 75 years in Australia, Porsche has revealed a new limited-edition 911 Turbo S, aptly named Land Down Under. Image: Porsche The 911 Turbo S Land Down Under was designed to celebrate Porsche’s 75th anniversary in the Australian market. Similar to the Sadu Edition , which commemorates the Stuttgart automaker’s 70-year presence in Kuwait, the Land Down Under is based on the 992.2-generation 911 Turbo S. Developed through a collaboration with the German marque’s Sonderwunsch programme, the Style Porsche team and South African-born Australian contemporary artist Werner Bronkhorst, the Land Down Under features bespoke Chromaflair paintwork. Applied by hand, the gradient finish transitions from Terra Australis Red across the lower body to Southern Cross Blue from the shoulderline. The latter hue has also been applied to the 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Turbo S Exclusive alloy wheels. A neat touch, “See ya later” wording features on the auto-deploying rear spoiler....

A pre-production prototype of the third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan R has been spotted undergoing testing in Europe. Here’s everything we know so far… Image: Volkswagen While Volkswagen has yet to officially confirm a next-generation Tiguan R, a prototype of what is believed to be a new performance-focused Tiguan has been spotted undergoing testing in Europe. Pictured below, the spy image shared on X by Carscoops shows a current-generation Tiguan featuring a quad exhaust system, reminiscent of the previous Tiguan R’s. The next Tiguan R is expected to employ a similar powertrain as its hot-hatch contemporary, the Mk8.5 Golf R , which is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing 245 kW and 420 N.m of torque – the latter delivered to the road via VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drivetrain paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. However, the Tiguan R will likely pair this 2.0-litre turbopetrol mill with a 48 V mild-hybrid system, ...