The Car Guide

The Nissan Navara will soon become an import model again, but the used market still offers the locally-built models. Should you consider it? Image: Nissan In early 2026, South Africa’s motoring landscape was jolted by the announcement that Nissan South Africa would cease local production at its Rosslyn plant and sell the facility to Chinese automaker Chery. This seismic shift marks the end of an era for the locally-built light commercial vehicle hub and carries significant implications for the Nissan Navara. While international markets are beginning to receive the all-new, fourth-generation (D27) Navara – a vehicle co-developed within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and heavily based on the new Mitsubishi Triton – South Africa has been excluded from this rollout. Instead, Nissan SA will transition to a sole-importer model, continuing to sell a heavily updated version of the existing, D23 model. For local Navara fans, this means the bakkie must now soldier on as an...

Cape Town-based company Cape Advanced Vehicles has unveiled its latest Ford GT-inspired recreation, the GT MKII. Image: CAV Since 1999, Cape Advanced Vehicles (CAV) has been a source of locally produced Ford GT-inspired recreations. Now, the Cape Town-based company has added a new model to its lineup, dubbed the GT MKII – a modern take on the original Le Mans-winning GT40 racecar. The GT MKII’s exterior design largely remains faithful to the original GT40. The livery on the “60th Anniversary” launch model is also reminiscent of the Gulf GT40. Built from modern materials, the GT MKII’s body is made from carbon fibre, while the spaceframe is fashioned from the latter lightweight material and aluminium. The donor car is said to come in the form of an Audi R8. CAV also added KW three-way adjustable dampers for the suspension, Brembo brakes, and an Inconel exhaust system. Tipping the scales at a claimed 1 350 kg, the CAV GT MKII is powered by a 4.2-litre twin-superchar...

Thanks to the folks at AutoCar India, we can confirm that the updated (India-built) Renault Duster is officially on its way to SA, with the first shipment of 750 units set to arrive on our shores soon. Image courtesy of AutoCar India Earlier in 2026, Renault revealed the updated, India-built Duster. Confirmed for SA, thanks to the folks at AutoCar India , we can now report that the first shipment, comprising 750 units, of this model has left the automaker’s Chennai production facility and will arrive on local shores soon. Chennai is also where the SA-bound Nissan Tekton , which shares its underpinnings with the Duster, will be built. Said CEO of Renault Group India Stephane Deblaise, “As Renault continues to expand its international footprint, India will play an increasingly strategic role in our future plans.” The updated Duster is the first product built on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP) and has secured a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating across all ...

Isuzu South Africa has announced it will be extending the service plan of all D-Max and MU-X models sold new after 1 May 2026. Image: Isuzu Motors South Africa Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) has announced that the current-generation D-Max and MU-X models sold new from 1 May 2026 will receive a one-year extension on their service plans; lifting the previously offered five years to six years. The service plan distance remains unchanged, at 90 000 km. IMSA’s service plan extension aims to increase competitiveness in the local bakkie and SUV landscape, while also adding value to buyers who may record lower annual mileages. As a reminder, the new Toyota Hilux and current-generation Fortuner, and updated Ford Ranger and Everest are sold with service plans spanning nine services/90 000 km and six years/90 000 km, respectively. It should also be noted that Isuzu’s upgraded service plan is extended for both commercial and private parties as well. “At Isuzu, we understand that cu...

VW South Africa has announced pricing and specifications for the all-new T7 Multivan Caravelle. See pricing below… Image: Volkswagen Earlier in 2026, VW showcased the T7 Multivan Caravelle at its annual Indaba in East London. Now, the German automaker has revealed pricing for the latest Caravelle, as pre-orders for this new model has officially opened. The T7 Multivan Caravelle employs a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The PHEV setup pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor. The PHEV arrangement develops combined power and torque outputs of 180 kW and 350 N.m, delivered to the road via the German automaker’s 4Motion all-wheel drivetrain – the latter exclusively paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Standard equipment includes VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro, which comes in the shape of a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen incorporating wireless App-Connect smartphone s...

Spotted in China, the Chery Tiggo 7 HEV hybrid is reportedly on the cards for global export. Here’s what we know so far… Image: Chery A self-charging hybrid derivative of the Chery Tiggo 7 has been spotted in China, with reports suggesting this upcoming new model is earmarked for global export. According to reports, the Tiggo 7 HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) could employ the Chinese automaker’s ‘Kun Peng 2.0’ powertrain. The “traditional” hybrid arrangement comprises a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor – the latter likely coupled with a 5.1 kWh battery pack. The petrol-electric setup is expected to produce upwards of 200 kW. Chery says the ‘Kun Peng 2.0’ system provides improved electric-only range and supports AC vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. As a reminder, the local Tiggo 7 lineup is available with the choice of two powertrain options: petrol-only internal combustion engine (I...