The Car Guide

SVI Engineering has whipped the wraps off their most luxurious armoured vehicle yet. We highlight the SA company’s Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Image: SVI Engineering South African armoured vehicle specialists SVI Engineering has handed the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter the bulletproof treatment. However, in addition to the German bus gaining bespoke B6 armouring, SVI has transformed the interior to feature an array of luxury appointments. Based on the Sprinter 517 CDI LWB, the SVI-armoured model was designed to transport passengers in comfort, all while providing protection against assault rifles such as AK47, R1 and R5s. The rear compartment features two reclining captain’s chairs, replete with massage functionality, a dedicated kitchen area with two fridges, and an enclosed restroom. A standalone air-conditioning system is also present, while extensive sound-proofing measures have been taken to improve noise insulation. SVI has also introduced modified suspension for improved rid...

Serving up a combined system output of 300 kW and 800 N.m of torque, Nissan has unveiled the all-new Navara Pro PHEV double-cab. Image: Nissan Forming part of Nissan’s ‘From China’ export strategy, the Japanese automaker has unveiled the all-new Navara Pro PHEV. Nissan’s new-energy bakkie will be produced in China and exported to “select” global markets. The Nissan Navara Pro PHEV, which is also known as the Frontier Pro in China, is equipped with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and a single electric motor. The PHEV setup produces a combined system output of 300 kW and 800 N.m of torque. Power is delivered to the road via an all-wheel drivetrain, replete with an electromechanical rear diff-lock. Dedicated drive modes include Hybrid, Pure electric, Performance, and Snow. Nissan claims the Navara Pro PHEV offers an electric-only operating range of 135 km. Measuring 5 520 mm in length and 1 960 mm in width, the Navara Pro PHEV ...

Toyota South Africa has has confirmed local pricing for the initial new Hilux model range. See pricing below… Image: Toyota In April 2026, we reported that the new Hilux, which we detailed in the February 2026 issue of CAR magazine, is scheduled to launch in South Africa in June 2026. Now, following revealing SA pricing for the new Land Cruiser FJ , which we sampled for an exclusive first drive in May 2026, and new RAV4 , Toyota’s local arm has confirmed how much the initial local ninth-generation Hilux lineup will cost in SA ahead of its official debut. The initial Hilux portfolio comprises seven models. Carried over from the eighth generation, Toyota’s tried-and-trusted 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine – available in “standard” and 48 V mild-hybrid format – is employed across the range and is exclusively coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. As a reminder, in this configuration, the 2.8GD-6 unit produces 150 kW and 500 N.m of torque ...

BYD has announced when the Atto 2 DM-i will launch in South Africa. Here’s what we know about the SA-bound new-energy compact crossover/SUV… Image: BYD As we highlighted in Every Chinese car confirmed for SA in 2026 , the BYD Atto 2 is set to be introduced to our market this year. Now, the Chinese automaker’s local arm has confirmed when the new-energy compact crossover will arrive on our shores. While the Atto 2 is also available in all-electric format in overseas markets, the local lineup will employ BYD’s DM-i (Dual Mode intelligent) powertrain. The petrol-electric setup comprises a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE) and a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor – the latter fed by either a 7.8 or 18 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery. Equipped with the former, the Atto 2 produces 122 kW and 300 N.m of torque, while the model featuring the larger Blade Battery is endowed with a combined power output of 156 kW, with torque remaini...

Set to be introduced to SA in 2026, VW has officially revealed the Amarok Walkinshaw W600. Here’s what you can expect… Image: Volkswagen As we highlighted in Every bakkie confirmed for SA in 2026 , Volkswagen is set to introduce the Walkinshaw-developed Amarok W600 to our market in the fourth quarter of 2026. However, at the time, VW had yet to fully reveal this new model. Well, the German marque has now officially whipped the wraps off the Amarok W600. We highlight what you can expect from the SA-bound Amarok Walkinshaw W600 . The Amarok W600 is based on the Style derivative, though is set apart from the latter model via the fitment of several bespoke exterior and interior design elements, and uprated suspension – the latter for improved handling on tarmac. The W600 adopts a 22 mm rear anti-roll bar and Walkinshaw-tuned Koni shock absorbers and dampers. The Amarok W600 is fitted with a set of model-specific 18-inch matte black ‘Amadora’ alloy wheels, s...

Volkswagen Group Africa has achieved a new manufacturing milestone, with the one-millionth Polo rolling off the German marque’s Plant Kariega assembly line. Image: Volkswagen Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has announced the one-millionth sixth-generation Polo has been produced at its Kariega production facility in the Eastern Cape. This comes after the 500 000th unit built for export rolled off the production line in April 2026. Local production of the sixth-generation Polo kicked off in 2017, and VWGA has been manufacturing four generations of the popular hatchback since 1996. Finished in Smoky Grey exterior paint, the one-millionth Polo is a right-hand-drive GTI, destined for the South African market. The current-generation Polo makes up almost half of all Polos ever produced at Plant Kariega, as well as around a fifth of the 4 803 424 vehicles built at this factory over the past 75 years. It will also continue to build up to a significant portion of cars as it will remain in pro...