Posts

Every Bakkie Confirmed for SA in 2026 [Updated]

Image
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...
Post a Comment
Read more

Every compact SUV in SA for under R300k

Image
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...
Post a Comment
Read more

Top 10 best-selling car brands in SA – February 2026

Image
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...
Post a Comment
Read more

New entry-level Volvo XC40 in SA: price and specs

Image
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...
Post a Comment
Read more

BMW M2 handed new track-focused M Performance kit

Image
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...
Post a Comment
Read more

SA-bound Denza B8 SUV scores five stars for safety at ANCAP

Image
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...
Post a Comment
Read more

Top 10 most dependable car brands according to J.D. Power 2026 study

Image
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...
Post a Comment
Read more