The Car Guide

Reports from Europe have suggested Jeep may be reviving the iconic ‘Willys’ nameplate for an electric compact SUV in 2030. Here’s what we know… Image: Jeep Noted by Xavier Peugeot, CEO of Jeep Europe, at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, the US marque’s leadership has recognised the importance of the Willys’ heritage as a “key attention” for the brand’s future. One of several new ideas the firm is considering, Peugeot maintains the Willys’ revival could be a key card to play in the fightback against vehicles coming from China. He continued to suggest that many European-based automakers face the imminent offensive from Chinese competition and that legacy automakers  like Jeep should remain as strong and connected to its original values as possible. The Willys project itself forms part of Jeep’s ‘Road to 2030’ strategy, which encapsulates a range of models that are capable, compact and electrified to meet tomorrow’s mobility needs. Spearheading this lineup is th...

Developed from the ground up, the Mercedes-AMG GT SUV has made its global debut. We detail the Affalterbach marque’s new performance-focused EV, taking a closer look at powertrain options, performance, electric range, and more. Image: Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG GT SUV: Powertrain and performance The first full-size SUV developed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG , the GT SUV is available in three flavours: GT 53, GT 55, and GT 63. The GT 53 is equipped with a duo of permanently excited synchronous electric motors — sited on the front and rear axles, respectively — producing combined power and torque outputs of 400 kW and 800 N.m. Power is delivered to the road via the German automaker’s 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. According to the Affalterbach brand, these figures allow the (2 525 kg, claimed) GT 53 to dispatch the 0-100 km/h dash in 4.2 seconds, before reaching the 200 km/h marker 10.4 seconds later, at 14.6 seconds. The GT 53 tops out at 250 km/h when specified with the Driv...

The Cape 1000 rally is being put on the international stage, having secured a crucial nomination from the International Historic Motoring Awards panel… Image: Cape 1000 The Cape 1000 has secured a nomination in the Rally or Tour of the Year category at the 2026 International Historic Motoring Awards. This international recognition places South Africa’s premier grand touring event alongside some of the world’s most respected historic motoring showcases. Judges selected the event for its unique regularity format, distinctive vehicle curation, and scenic routes across the Western Cape. Winners receive formal recognition during a ceremony at The Peninsula London. The event brings together leading figures from the international motoring world. The Cape 1000 celebrates heritage and a love for classic cars Launched in 2022 and presented by Private Clients by Old Mutual, the Cape 1000 covers a five-day motoring journey that tests driver precision. Participants include around seventy...

Unveiled at Heat on the Street at Kwamagesh Spinning Arena, Engen Xtreme Kouture is a fashion collection inspired by South African car culture. Image: Engen Although motor oil isn’t usually at the forefront of fashion culture, Engen wants to change that. The company has recently launched Engen Xtreme Kouture, a fashion collection inspired by the people who keep South Africa moving: the mechanics, spinners, and petrolheads who have created one of the country’s most distinctive motoring cultures. Bringing together two worlds that have long shared a strong connection – automotive culture and personal style – the collection was unveiled against the energy and spectacle of Heat on the Street, which took place at Kwamagesh Spinning Arena on 10 October 2026. Engen commissioned Chicago-based South African artist, fashion designer and activist Carlo Gibson, who was selected not simply for his aesthetic, but for an approach to design that has long explored sustainability, re...

The General Insurance brings Street Fighter II’s iconic Lexus LS 400 to life, restoring the legendary arcade version for a massive sweepstakes giveaway. Image: General Insurance General Insurance has restored an iconic prop from the Street Fighter II bonus stage. The process transforms a 35-year-old digital punching bag into a fully functional, road-legal model up for grabs via a national sweepstakes. The real-world build models the first-generation (XF10) Lexus LS 400. This Japanese luxury saloon inspired Capcom’s original 1991 arcade graphic. Underneath the custom pixelated exterior sits Toyota’s 1UZ-FE naturally aspirated 4.0-litre DOHC V8, developing 191 kW at 5 400 r/min and 353 N.m of torque at 4 600 r/min. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The LS 400 and its 1UZ maintains a bulletproof reputation for mechanical reliability. Hollywood car builder Dennis McCarthy and his team at Vehicle Effects executed the comple...

The November 2026 issue of CAR magazine has hit the shelves. We highlight what you can expect to find inside the latest issue — on sale now! Image: Peet Mocke On the cover The cover star of the November issue, we got behind the wheel of the new Haval H7 — in HEV format — for an exclusive first drive in Cape Town ahead of its official local launch. Taking a tilt at the hotly contested lifestyle-oriented midsize-SUV segment, it looks as though the box-fresh variant could upset some major players in the field… Will it prove a home run for Haval? Feature Marking a radical turning point that carries the future hopes of Jaguar, we detail everything you need to know about the Type 01 . Drives In addition to the H7, we sampled the new BMW iX3 (in 50 xDrive guise), Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD LS now featuring a 4×4 drivetrain, the facelifted Hyundai Creta in newly introduced N Line flavour, and the revised Hyundai Staria. BMW iX3 50 xDrive Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD 4×4 LS AT Hyundai Creta 1.5...