The Car Guide

Jetour South Africa has launched the updated Dashing and X70 Plus models. See full pricing and specs below… Images: Jetour Jetour launched in South Africa in 2024, with the Chinese automaker’s initial SUV portfolio comprising the Dashing and X70 Plus . Now, the local arm of the Wuhu-based brand has introduced the updated Dashing and X70 Plus. Both models now employ a more powerful 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which develops 125 kW and 270 N.m of torque – increases of 10 kW and 40 N.m over the pre-facelifted variants. The revised Dashing and X70 Plus ditch the previous six-speed dual-clutch transmission for a seven-speed dual-clutch. The refreshed Dashing features red exterior and interior accents, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic glass sunroof, privacy glass, and heated and ventilated seats on the range-topping derivative. The X70 Plus adopts a redesigned front grille, brushed aluminium accents and 19-inch...

Confirmed for South Africa, Subaru SA has announced when the new, seventh-generation Outback will launch on local shores. Image: Subaru The seventh-generation Subaru Outback is en route to South Africa, with the Japanese automaker’s local arm confirming when the new iteration will arrive in our market. Revealed in 2025, the box-fresh Outback is available with the choice of two boxer powertrain options: 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol and 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol. The former and latter units produce 137 kW/254 N.m and 194 kW/382 N.m, respectively. Both engines are coupled with Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which delivers power to the brand’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Outback features X-Mode and hill descent control. The new Outback has a maximum braked towing capacity of 2 000 kg. The latest Outback measures 4 880 mm in length, 1 880 mm in width, and 1 715 mm in height. Compared to ...

Pagani Automobili has unveiled the Huarya 70 Derecho, the Italian automaker’s second one-off model honouring company founder Horacio Pagani’s 70th birthday. Image: Pagani Pagani Automobili has revealed a new ultra-limited Huarya, known as the 70 Derecho, built to honour the 70th birthday of company founder Horacio Pagani. It is the second creation to do so from the Italian marque’s Grandi Complicazioni division. The first was the Trionfo shown in January 2026. Only one example of this special Pagani will be made. The name ‘Derecho’ stems from a rare and powerful storm system that generates intense straight-line winds and energy. The Pagani’s exterior has an exclusive Pearl Orange and Blue livery, designed to reveal the automaker’s carbon-fibre fish-bone weave. Solid milled aluminium components, anodised in Glossy Titanium, are detailed in the 70 Derecho’s bodywork. Interior highlights include Ceramic White and Tricolore Blue leather and Pearl Orange centre steerin...

Set to make its debut in 2027, MG has previewed its upcoming all-electric compact hatchback with the MG GO! concept. Image: MG MG Motors has unveiled the GO! concept. The Chinese-owned British automaker whipped the wraps off the GO! at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Though officially unconfirmed, this B-segment battery-electric (BEV) hatch, which is due in 2027, could be named ‘MG2’, reports have suggested. Finished in a vibrant matte body hue, the five-door concept car features pronounced wheel arches, a rear diffuser and a wing. While MG remains tight-lipped on technical details, what is known so far is that the GO! is approximately 4 000 mm long – shorter than the MG3 and similarly proportioned as the new Renault 5 . The latter and Mini Cooper SE will likely be its rivals. The retro-futuristic styling was inspired by MG’s youthful designs from the 20th century, such as the GT, Metro Turbo, ZR and EX4. Said Design Director of Advanced Design at MG Design C...

The Renault Logan had a brief, and underwhelming, stint in South Africa. Is it actually worth considering as a used buy? Image: Renault When the Renault Logan arrived in South Africa in late 2008, it carried a singular, unapologetic mandate, to provide maximum interior space for minimum financial expense. Born from a joint venture between Renault and Mahindra in India, the Logan was a masterclass in aggressive cost-cutting and basic engineering. Launching with a sub-R100 000 price tag, it offered the cabin dimensions of a C-segment sedan for the price of an entry-level A-segment hatchback. While it was widely criticised for its spartan interior, unrefined road manners, and dated styling, it found a willing audience in South Africa. The Logan’s tenure in the local market was relatively brief, officially bowing out around 2012 to make way for the more modern and vastly superior Sandero platform. A rundown on the Renault Logan Visually, the Renault Logan was governed entirely by a rul...

Land Rover has introduced the Vertex spec to its local Defender lineup. See pricing and specs below… Image: Land Rover Adding a multitude of model-specific design elements, the Land Rover Defender Vertex sports a look the British automaker describes as “refined ruggedness”. The new spec sits alongside X-Dynamic trim and is available with the choice of five exterior paint finishes – the latter including Fuji White, Santorini Black, Woolstone Green, Borasco Grey, and Carpathian Grey. A Patagonia White Matte wrap is also on offer. In a bid to enhance its on-road presence, the Defender Vertex features bespoke body-coloured cladding and extended fore and aft bumpers. An enlarged front grille is also present. As standard, Vertex grade includes 22-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, finished in Satin Dark Grey. However, customers have the option of specifying 20-inch Dark Grey and 22-inch Gloss black alloys. All Defender Vertex models (90, 110, and 130) are available with the British mar...