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Every compact SUV in SA for under R300k

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In the market for a pocket-friendly compact SUV? We’ve rounded up all the models available for under R300 000 in SA in 2026. The South African compact-SUV segment is booming, with not only several established automakers introducing new models to our market, but box-fresh crossovers from newcomer brands joining the fray. Notably, an array of these models are positioned as more value-based offerings. We’ve rounded up the most affordable (up to R300 000) compact SUVs in SA as of March 2026. 1. Renault Kiger – from R219 999 Image: Renault Renault updated the Kiger toward the end of 2025, with the refreshed lineup’s starting price undercutting the previous range’s by R30 000. This makes the Kiger the most affordable car in its segment. Sharing its underpinnings with the Nissan Magnite, the Kiger is available with the same engine and transmission options. A turbocharged variant is set to be introduced to the revised Kiger package this year. 2. Tata Punch – from R244 900 Image: Tata...
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Top 10 best-selling car brands in SA – February 2026

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We’ve rounded up the top 10 best-selling car brands in South Africa in February 2026. See the list below… Image: Toyota In February 2026,  naamsa , the Automotive Business Council of South Africa, reported a total number of 53 455 new cars were sold in the second month of the new year – an increase of 5 461 units over the 47 994 new vehicles sold in February 2025. In addition to the year-on-year sales increase, February 2026’s new-car sales signified an increase of 3 382 units sold compared to the 50 073 units sold in January 2026 . Toyota maintained its sales lead, with the Japanese automaker’s South African arm registering 12 272 new cars sold. Suzuki retained second spot on the podium, followed by Volkswagen, with 6 562 and 4 895 new Suzukis and VWs leaving showroom floors in the second month of 2026, respectively. Hyundai remained in fourth position, ahead of Ford and GWM, who retained their fifth and sixth spots, respectively. Isuzu made a significant comeback in Februa...
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New entry-level Volvo XC40 in SA: price and specs

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A new entry-level Volvo XC40 has been introduced to South Africa. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for the B3 Essential. Image: Volvo Volvo South Africa has expanded its XC40 model portfolio with the introduction of the B3 Essential. Serving as the opening gambit to the local XC40 lineup, here’s how much the newcomer costs. The XC40 B3 Essential is equipped with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine incorporating 48 V mild-hybrid tech. The powertrain produces 110 kW and 265 N.m of torque – the latter available from a low 1 500 r/min. Power is exclusively delivered to the front axle via the Swedish marque’s Geartronic eight-speed automatic transmission. The Gothenburg brand claims the B3 Essential completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 10.1 seconds, before topping out at 180 km/h. The average fuel consumption is rated at 7.1 L/100 km. As standard, the B3 Essential package includes such items as keyless entry, an electrically operated tailgate, fore and aft park as...
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BMW M2 handed new track-focused M Performance kit

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BMW has introduced a new track-focused M Performance kit for the M2. Image: BMW BMW has announced a new track-focused package for the M2. Designed for customers who want to take their M2 on-track, the M Performance Track Kit, as its name would suggest, includes a variety of race-ready items to further enhance the most compact M car’s performance characteristics. Equipped with the M Performance Track Kit, the M2 gains a manually adjustable front splitter, which is incorporated into the diffuser, for improved downforce. Aero flicks have been fitted to enhance grip. Round back, the manually adjustable ‘swan neck’ wing can be set to two positions, “Race Mode” and “Street Mode”. In the former, the wing is positioned 50 mm rearwards to further increase aerodynamics. The Track Kit also includes a threaded chassis, which can be lowered by up to 20 mm, front and rear, for improved grip. The setup further features, four-way adjustable rebound and compression damping, and adjustable suppor...
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SA-bound Denza B8 SUV scores five stars for safety at ANCAP

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The Denza B8 has been awarded the full complement of five stars at an ANCAP safety test. Image: Denza Scheduled to arrive in South Africa in 2026, the Denza B8 has achieved a full five-star rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). Watch the test below… The B8 delivered positive results across all four key areas of the assessment, with some omissions to note. The vehicle was tested against the then-latest 2023-2025 ANCAP criteria, where it achieved its highest score (95%) in the Child Occupant Protection category. The B8 lost some points in this category for not offering third-row seats with top tethers. The B8 received 86% for adult occupant protection. D river neck and chest protection were deemed “adequate” in the full-width frontal impact test. The B8 scored 75% in the Vulnerable Road Users category, with ANCAP noting “mostly poor” pelvis protection. In the Safety Assist category, where it scored received 78%, the B8 was penalised for the lack of...
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Top 10 most dependable car brands according to J.D. Power 2026 study

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We have rounded up the top ten most dependable car brands based on a recent study by J.D. Power, ranking vehicle reliability based on the number of problems per 100 vehicles. Image: Lexus Global market research and consumer insights company J.D. Power has recently released its 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which identifies the most dependable vehicles based on overall problems per 100 vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership over nine problem categories. The 2026 results show a two-point increase in problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), resulting in an industry average of 204 PP100. In other words, A score of 204 PP100 means that, on average, owners reported 2.04 issues per car. A lower score indicates better vehicle quality, and vice versa. The 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study covers 184 specific problem areas throughout nine vehicle categories: climate, driving assistance, driving experience, exterior, features/controls/displays, infotainment, interior, powertr...
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Track-focused Ferrari 296 spotted in camouflage

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New spy shots suggest Ferrari is developing a track-focused 296 Challenge Stradale. Image: Derek Photography As we anticipate the full reveal of the all-electric Ferrari Luce , a camouflaged 296, believed to be a Challenge Stradale prototype, has been spotted being tested on public roads. The spy shots suggest a new limited-edition, track-focused Ferrari is set to be unveiled this year. The vehicle sports revised front and rear bumpers, a more pronounced front splitter, a large rear wing and a set of new wheels. A full interior and standard windows, as opposed to a stripped-out cabin and polycarbonate side windows, likely rule out the possibility of the prototype being a 296 Challenge Evo, a track-only variant of the road-going Ferrari 296. Unlike the 296 Speciale , which was unveiled in 2025, the 296 Challenge Stradale could employ a non-hybridised version of the Italian firm’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine. However, whether this model will be powered by a non-electrifie...
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