The Car Guide

VW has teased the next Golf, with the German marque releasing a shadowy image of the ninth generation’s silhouette. Image: Volkswagen Although an official release date for the ninth-generation VW Golf has yet to be announced, unofficial reports have suggested the new model will make its debut either in 2028 or nearer to 2030. However, while we wait for official word on the latter, VW has released a shadowy teaser image of the all-electric next iteration. The emissions-free Golf will be underpinned by the carmaker’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which will incorporate an 800 V electrical system. From what we understand, single- and dual-electric motor configurations will be available. The ninth iteration will likely also spawn GTI and R variants in the future. While the ninth-generation Golf will be fully electric, and thus likely wear the ‘ID.’ badge, from what we understand, the current internal combustion (ICE) model will remain in production – the latter moving to Mexico in...

The Suzuki S-Presso made everyone take note as a new car, but can it move the needle (again) as a used option in 2026? Image: CAR magazine Most South Africans are in a constant pursuit of accessible mobility – a motivation driven by harsh economic realities and escalating costs of living. Suzuki addressed this in 2020 with the introduction of the S-Presso, instantly claiming the title as the country’s most affordable new car and igniting a fierce battle in the budget-hatchback segment. Marketed as a “micro-SUV” owing to its elevated, 181 mm ground clearance and boxy proportions, the S-Presso promised the allure of crossover styling without the associated financial burden. However, beneath the clickbait-worthy price tag (even now on 2026’s used market ) and plastic cladding lies a vehicle that demands a critical eye. While it undeniably made – and makes – owning a new car feasible for thousands of South Africans, it also introduced compromises on several fronts. A rundown on the Su...

From new models to updated lineups, we highlight every bakkie that’s been confirmed to launch in South Africa in 2026. New Toyota Hilux Image: Toyota Although Toyota SA has yet to announce the exact local launch date for the new Hilux , which has already been spotted in SA , we know that the ninth generation will be introduced to our market in 2026. Based on an updated version of the Japanese automaker’s IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform, which also underpins the SA-bound new Land Cruiser FJ , which will cost less than the top-of-the-range Hilux , the box-fresh Hilux retains the outgoing model’s trusted 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, available in “standard” and 48 V mild-hybrid formats. 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains will be available. A first for a Hilux, the new iteration adopts electric power steering. Chery Himla Image: Chery The Chery Himla, which we sampled for a first drive in China in 2025, is scheduled to make local landfall in 202...

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...

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...

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...