The Car Guide

The Ora 5 has officially launched in South Africa, with GWM’s local arm announcing pricing and specs for its new compact SUV. See pricing below… Image: GWM In March 2026, we reported that the GWM Ora 5 compact SUV is heading to our market, with the local lineup set to include three powertrain options – internal combustion engine-only (ICE), hybrid (HEV), and battery-electric (BEV). The Ora 5 has now officially arrived in South Africa, with the range comprising six derivatives. The ICE-only Ora 5 is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 105 kW and 210 N.m of torque – the latter exclusively delivered to the front wheels via a dual-clutch transmission. GWM claims an average fuel consumption of 7.15 L/100 km. The HEV variant pairs the latter, 1.5-litre mill with a single electric motor, fed by a 1.09 kWh battery. The petrol-electric Ora 5 produces a healthier 164 kW and 476 N.m. The Ora 5 BEV is equipped with a front-mounted p...

Changan has confirmed the Nevo Q05 for South Africa. Here’s what we know about the Chinese automaker’s SA-bound all-electric compact SUV, including when it will arrive in our market… Image: Changan Changan has confirmed the Nevo Q05 battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is heading to South Africa in the future. The Nevo Q05 employs a dual electric-motor setup, mated with a 51.9 kWh battery pack. The electric motors produce a combined 120 kW and 190 N.m of torque, delivered to the road via all four corners. Changan claims a top speed of 160 km/h. The interior features a dedicated instrument cluster and a large, facia-mounted infotainment screen. Some physical shortcut buttons for the climate control and a wireless smartphone charging tray can be found on the centre console. This Changan also features a column-mounted drive selector. The Nevo Q05 is likely to rival the BYD Atto 3 and the upcoming Jaecoo J5 EV . Also read: Beefed-up Changan Hunter K70 REEV confirmed for SA...

BAIC South Africa has partnered with Thomas du Toit as the Springbok prop’s new vehicle sponsor; Du Toit scoring a brand-new B30. Image: BAIC South Africa BAIC South Africa has joined forces with Springbok prop Thomas du Toit, who was handed the keys to a brand-new B30. The vehicle partnership between Du Toit and the Chinese automaker aims to show commitment to SA “excellence” through those who embody the brand’s values of “resilience, determination and performance”. This push for engagement with the broader public forms part of BAIC SA’s strategy to grow its presence in the local market by focusing on success stories like Du Toit’s. BAIC’s local arm hopes to achieve meaningful connections with the broader public through this strategy. In return for the B30, Du Toit will provide first-hand experience on social media of the vehicle’s capabilities. BAIC SA hopes this will provide the public with an “authentic” demonstration of how the locally assembled B30 comp...

Ferrari has whipped the wraps off the 12Cilindri Manuale, a limited-edition special series of the Italian marque’s flagship grand tourer. Image: Ferrari In May 2026, reports surfaced that Ferrari is planning to bring back the manual V12 , with rumours suggesting the 12Cilindri as the likely receptor of such a gearbox. Well, the Italian marque has now officially whipped the wraps off a “manual”-equipped 12Cilindri, named the Manuale. However, it’s not manual-only… Indeed, the special edition retains an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), but gains the Maranello brand’s in-house-developed “Manuale By-Wire” system. This setup replaces steering column paddle shifters with a gated six-speed ‘box and a functional clutch pedal to simulate an analogue driving experience. Drivers can operate the car in automatic mode or switch to manual mode; the latter comprising the first six forward ratios and reverse. The compact, solid-machin...

Bentley Motors is entering the electric era, with the British luxury automaker teasing its first all-electric vehicle, the Torcal. Image: Bentley Bentley Motors has teased the Torcal, the upcoming fourth model in the British luxury marque’s portfolio and the brand’s first electric vehicle (EV). The name ‘Torcal’ is derived from the Latin word ‘torquere’, meaning ‘to twist’. It is inspired by the natural landmark in Andalusia, Spain, known as El Torcal de Antequera. The idea is Bentely shifting to a new era of propulsion – electricity. This isn’t the first car from the Crewe-based automaker to be named after a natural landmark – so were the Bentayga, Bacalar and Batur . The Torcal is smaller than the Bentayga . While details around this Bentley currently remain under wraps, some information has been revealed. Road & Track ’s semi-exclusive preview of the Torcal revealed that it is approximately 4 877 mm long, and Bentley is quoting a range of more than 483...

In celebration of the ‘Corolla’ nameplate’s 60th anniversary, Toyota has whipped the wraps off a special-edition Corolla Cross. Meet the Corolla Cross Adventure… Image: Toyota Unveiled in Japan, Toyota is commemorating 60 years of its historic ‘Corolla’ nameplate with a special-edition Corolla Cross, named the Adventure. The Corolla Cross Adventure features a revised front grille, silver fore and aft skidplates, and 17-inch alloy wheels finished in matte grey. ‘60th anniversary’ logos can be found on the front wheel arches. Customers also have the option of specifying the Z Adventure package – the latter including an emblem with ‘Toyota’ lettering on the grille and a new finish for the front/rear bumper, wheel-arch and side skirt cladding. The new special edition of Toyota’s best-selling passenger car in South Africa in June 2026 currently remains exclusive to the Japanese market, with no word yet on whether it will be introduced to SA. Also read: Rumoured Toyota Corol...