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Buying Used: Renault Logan (2008-2012)

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The Renault Logan had a brief, and underwhelming, stint in South Africa. Is it actually worth considering as a used buy? Image: Renault When the Renault Logan arrived in South Africa in late 2008, it carried a singular, unapologetic mandate, to provide maximum interior space for minimum financial expense. Born from a joint venture between Renault and Mahindra in India, the Logan was a masterclass in aggressive cost-cutting and basic engineering. Launching with a sub-R100 000 price tag, it offered the cabin dimensions of a C-segment sedan for the price of an entry-level A-segment hatchback. While it was widely criticised for its spartan interior, unrefined road manners, and dated styling, it found a willing audience in South Africa. The Logan’s tenure in the local market was relatively brief, officially bowing out around 2012 to make way for the more modern and vastly superior Sandero platform. A rundown on the Renault Logan Visually, the Renault Logan was governed entirely by a rul...
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Land Rover Defender Vertex: price and specs

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Land Rover has introduced the Vertex spec to its local Defender lineup. See pricing and specs below… Image: Land Rover Adding a multitude of model-specific design elements, the Land Rover Defender Vertex sports a look the British automaker describes as “refined ruggedness”. The new spec sits alongside X-Dynamic trim and is available with the choice of five exterior paint finishes – the latter including Fuji White, Santorini Black, Woolstone Green, Borasco Grey, and Carpathian Grey. A Patagonia White Matte wrap is also on offer. In a bid to enhance its on-road presence, the Defender Vertex features bespoke body-coloured cladding and extended fore and aft bumpers. An enlarged front grille is also present. As standard, Vertex grade includes 22-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, finished in Satin Dark Grey. However, customers have the option of specifying 20-inch Dark Grey and 22-inch Gloss black alloys. All Defender Vertex models (90, 110, and 130) are available with the British mar...
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New (all-electric!) Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 revealed with 500 kW

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Mercedes-AMG has whipped the wraps off the new CLA 45, with the latest generation employing an all-electric powertrain producing 500 kW. Image: Mercedes-Benz Similar to the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé , the next-generation CLA 45 is equipped with a trio of axial flux electric motors – the latter producing combined power and torque outputs of 500 kW and 1 759 N.m. According to the German marque, these figures allow the (2 280 kg, claimed) all-wheel-drive performance sedan to complete the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.0 seconds. The top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h. However, specifying the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package lifts the limit to 270 km/h. (As a reminder, the previous CLA 45 S’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol internal combustion engine (ICE) produced 310 kW and 500 N.m – good for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.0 seconds and 270 km/h top speed.) Stopping power is provided by six-piston front/single-piston rear callip...
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Limited-run McLaren 788HS unveiled

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Marking the final evolution of the supercar series comprising the 720S, 750S and 765LT, McLaren has whipped the wraps off the 788HS. Image: McLaren McLaren Automotive has revealed the concluding chapter to the 720S , 750S and 765LT supercar series. Meet the 788HS. Donning the ‘HS’ (High Sport) designation – a moniker reserved for the British automaker’s most “extraordinary” production cars, and last seen on the MP4-12C HS and MSO (McLaren Special Operations) HS – only 200 examples, split between the Coupé and Spider, will be made. Based on the 765LT , the 788HS features an advanced aerodynamic package. Said to increase downforce by 10% over the 765LT, the latter comprises a front multi-zone carbon-fibre splitter, S-Duct bonnet, an active rear spoiler, a louvred under-wing panel and an F1–inspired diffuser. Sitting 5 mm lower than the 750S, the 788HS is equipped with Proactive Chassis Control III linked-hydraulic suspension for enhanced agilit...
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New Toyota Hilux single-cab confirmed for SA in 2026

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Toyota SA has confirmed the new Hilux single-cab models will launch in our market towards the end of 2026. Image: Toyota Currently, the eighth-generation Hilux single-cab derivatives are sold alongside the new double-cab and Xtra Cab models. However, Toyota South Africa has confirmed the ninth-generation single-cab lineup will launch in SA towards the end of 2026. Although Toyota SA has yet to officially confirm which engine options will be offered with the new single-cab variants, those with a keen eye will notice ‘2.8GD-6’ badging on the model pictured here. As such, the ninth-generation single-cab lineup – similar to the double-cab and Xtra Cab models – will likely (initially, at least) employ the Japanese automaker’s trusted 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. A glance at the rear of the vehicle reveals a ‘4×4’ badge on the tailgate. So, the single-cab will once again be available with a part-time 4×4 drivetrain. Also read: New Toyota Hilux SA p...
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5 most-affordable hybrid vehicles in SA in 2026 [Update]

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We’ve rounded up the five most affordable hybrid vehicles available in South Africa in 2026. See the list below… 4=. Omoda C5 SHS hybrid – R469 900 Image: Omoda & Jaecoo Launched in SA in April 2026, the C5 SHS (Super Hybrid System) spearheads Omoda’s local C5 portfolio. The flagship C5 model’s new-energy powertrain comprises a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor – the latter fed by a 1.83 kWh battery pack. The C5 SHS’s (traditional) hybrid system produces combined system outputs of 165 kW and 295 N.m. The C5 SHS has a claimed fuel consumption of 4.9 L/100 km. 4=. MG MG3 1.5 Hybrid+ Luxury – R469 900 Image: MG Motor The MG3 Hybrid+ combines a 75 kW/128 N.m 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor, fed by a 1.83 kWh battery, for a combined system output of 155 kW and 425 N.m. MG claims its hybrid compact hatchback returns an average fuel c...
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Jetour T2 hits new global sales milestone

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The Jetour T1 and T2 have accumulated a total number of 700 000 sales globally, with the T2 proving particularly popular for the Chinese automaker. T2 i-DM (left) and T1 i-DM. Image: Jetour Since their global debut in 2023, Jetour’s duo of T-Series models, the T1 and T2, have raked up a combined sales figure of 700 000 units sold – a new milestone for the Chinese automaker. Noteworthy, the ever-popular T2, which we sampled in March 2026, accounted for over 500 000 units of the overall figure. According to the Wuhu-based brand, this makes the T2 the fastest-selling “boxy” SUV to hit this milestone. Also read:   SA-bound Jetour F700 bakkie revealed The carmaker recorded the aforementioned global sales figure in May 2026, the same month it hit a new sales record in South Africa; establishing itself as the eighth best-selling car brand in SA in the fifth month of the year. In June 2026, Jetour placed ninth among the best-selling car brands in SA . Overall, si...
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