The Car Guide

Chery South Africa’s recall campaign addresses potential rear-axle manufacturing defects on select Tiggo 4 Pro and Omoda C5 models built between 2022 and 2023. Chery has initiated a safety intervention across multiple markets, following international concern s urrounding rear axle structural integrity . The issue gained global prominence after viral incidents in markets such as Malaysia showed rear axles snapping off while vehicles were in motion. The widespread alarm prompted regulatory reviews and domestic action in China, where Chery filed an official recall plan with the State Administration for Market Regulation. Under recall number S2026M0146V, Chery will recall 53, 882 vehicles, including Tiggo 5x and Omoda series models produced between 6 June 2022 and 31 December 2023. Also read: Around 90% of Chinese carmakers are losing money – Chery boss Severe mechanical defect identified in rear-axle assembly The recall stems from a critical manufacturing process flaw t...

Motorists in South Africa can breathe a sigh of relief as the price of petrol could decrease in December 2026…yet diesel drivers will have to reach deeper into their pockets. Image: Julian Rael Gordon Petrol prices could decrease, while diesel prices could increase in South Africa in December 2026, based on projections by the Central Energy Fund (CEF). The prices of both grades of petrol will decrease. The price of 93 ULP/LRP will drop by R1.52 per litre, and 95 ULP/LRP will drop by R1.82 per litre. The price of diesel is, however, expected rise by R1.49 and R1.15 per litre for 0.05% sulphur (500ppm) and 0.005% sulphur (50ppm), respectively. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources ( DMPR ) will announce official prices closer to 2 December 2026. The main reasons for the price of unleaded decreasing are international oil prices have dropped and the Rand has seen marginal strength against the US Dollar. Crude oil costs $85 per barrel at the time of writing, and our currency ...

The upcoming iCaur V27 REEV brings all-wheel drive, a 1 000 km range, and advanced safety systems to the South African automotive market. Image: iCaur iCaur is set to expand its local range with the arrival of the V27 REEV , a large all-wheel-drive SUV designed to combine electric driving performance with the long-distance convenience of a petrol range-extender powertrain. Power comes from a dual-electric-motor setup driving all four wheels . Rather than directly powering the wheels, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine acts purely as an on-board generator to supply electricity when needed. This configuration allows the V27 to cover daily drives on battery power while eliminating range anxiety on longer road trips. iCaur claims an electric-only range of up to 150 km (NEDC), with total range extending to 1,000 km when utilising the range extender. Also read: iCaur V25 hits the global stage with powertrain and global rollout details Tailored performance and dual-motor capabil...

The updated Tata Punch has officially launched in South Africa, with the Indian automaker’s local arm revealing local pricing and specs for the refreshed model lineup. See pricing below… Image: Tata Previewed at the local launch of the sub-R250k Osprey compact crossover/SUV in September 2026, the updated Punch has launched in South Africa. The local lineup comprises three derivatives, available with the choice of three trim grades, and two engine and transmission options. Engines, transmissions and fuel consumption The Pure+ and Adventure variants employ the same engine and gearbox as the previous Punch . That’s to say the entry-level and mid-spec derivatives are powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine producing 65 kW and 115 N.m. of torque – the former and latter available from 6 000 and 3 250 r/min, respectively. Power is exclusively delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The Accomplished+ S...

Imported from Japan, this 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Fire Command vehicle was sold for just over R500 000 in the US.  Image: Classic and Reliable JDMUSDM Representing an ever-shrinking availability of relatively affordable, low-mileage examples of the Land Cruiser 80 Series, this 1997 GX Fire Command JDM import may be the answer some are looking for. As a retired Japanese firefighting vehicle, this model is finished in an appropriate red paint finish akin to a vehicle of this nature. Faithful to its firefighting heritage, this Fire Command 80 Series features a front bull bar, aluminium roof rack, and roof-mounted emergency lights. The Japanese fire department’s emblem is sited on the grille, in lieu of the Toyota badge. The SUV further features extended wheel arches. A spare tyre cover can be found on the tailgate. Being that it was a Fire Command vehicle, no specialised equipment like water tankers was fitted, as these examples were generally used to coordinate resources at eme...

The flagship luxury automotive brand of BYD has revealed its all-electric Yangwang Altior sedan at a global premiere in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Image: Yangwang The Yangwang Altior has been revealed as the BYD premium sub-brand’s ultimate luxury vehicle. The newcomer incorporates traditional Chinese design elements into a contemporary executive sedan that takes aim at the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Its name derives from the Latin word for “higher”, while its Chinese name, Dingyao, connects the significance of the ‘ding’ from an ancient ceremonial bronze vessel. Developed over three years, the vehicle’s architectural proportions and grounded stance draw direct inspiration from these historical vessels. The front end features a short overhang, a near-vertical profile, and a large grille framed like high jewellery around the signature oracle-bone-script emblem. Twelve lighting elements rotate and illuminate sequentially upon approach,...