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2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV: South African pricing and specs

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Sporting a self-charging hybrid powertrain, Honda has introduced the CR-V e:HEV to South Africa. See local pricing and specs below… Image: Honda The Honda CR-V e:HEV has touched down on South African shores, with the self-charging hybrid (HEV) variant priced less than the outgoing 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol model. We highlight the new derivative’s powertrain, fuel consumption, features, and pricing. Powertrain, specifications and fuel consumption The CR-V e:HEV pairs a direct-injection Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 106 kW and 189 N.m of torque, with two electric motors — a generator motor connected to the internal combustion engine (ICE) and a traction motor incorporated into the driveshaft. The HEV arrangement produces a combined system output of 135 kW and 335 N.m, delivered to road via an all-wheel-drive system paired with an electronic continuously variable transmission (e:CVT). Compared to the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder t...
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2027 Nissan Patrol: Right-hand-drive production begins ahead of South African launch

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Scheduled to arrive in South Africa in 2027, Nissan has announced production of the first right-hand-drive units of the new Patrol has kicked off in Japan.  Image: Nissan Nissan has commenced production of the right-hand-drive new Patrol in Japan. The eighth generation is built at the Japanese automaker’s Shatai Kyushu Plant. As a reminder, the Y63 Patrol measures 5 205 mm in length and 2 030 mm in width, making it 220 mm longer and 50 mm wider than its Toyota Land Cruiser 300 rival. The Patrol stands 1 945 mm tall, with a wheelbase spanning 3 075 mm. The ground clearance is rated at up to 253 mm. Models equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in 275/60-size tyres, offer 25-degree approach and departure angles, with a 24.5-degree breakover angle. Wheels measuring 18 and 22 inches in size are also on offer. Also read: Nissan Navara Pro: 300 kW PHEV bakkie confirmed for right-hand-drive markets in 2027 While local trim grades have yet to be announced, expect the next-ge...
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2027 Ford Ranger MS-RT Champion Edition revealed as limited-run performance bakkie

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Ford has whipped the wraps of the Ranger MS-RT Champion Edition, a new limited-run version of the Blue Oval brand’s street-focused performance bakkie. Image: Ford Ford has whipped the wraps off the latest Ranger MS-RT (M-Sport Road Technology), with the Blue Oval brand unveiling the Champion Edition at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Celebrating on- and off-road racing, the limited-run model builds on the original MS-RT formula of its forebears, featuring a selection of street-focused upgrades, while gaining several model-specific design elements. Exclusive to the European market, only 500 examples will be made. Finished in Agate Black paint – replete with decals featuring gold-coloured stripes on the bonnet, doors, and tailgate – the Champion Edition is also distinguished from the standard variants via the fitment of gold-coloured 21-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Similar to its stablemates, the Champion Edition features honeycomb inserts in the front grille, extended f...
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Nissan Navara Pro: 300 kW PHEV bakkie confirmed for right-hand-drive markets in 2027

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Nissan has confirmed the Navara Pro will be introduced to right-hand-drive markets in 2027. Could this PHEV double-cab bakkie make its way to South Africa? Image: Nissan Developed by Zhengzhou Nissan, a joint venture between Nissan and Chinese automaker Dongfeng, the Navara Pro PHEV has been confirmed for right-hand-drive markets, including Australia and New Zealand, in 2027. Employing a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, the Navara Pro PHEV, or Frontier Pro PHEV as it will be known in select left-hand-drive countries, competes against the likes of the BYD Shark 6 and South African-bound Chery Grootman — the latter of which has been confirmed for local production . Down Under, the Navara Pro PHEV’s new-energy arrangement will comprise a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol internal combustion engine (ICE) — in lieu of the 1.5-litre ICE featured in the Chinese market model — and an electric motor. The preliminary (subject to homologation) combined power and torque outputs are...
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Next-generation Jeep Renegade confirmed for 2030 global launch

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The Jeep Renegade will be making an official return in 2030, as part of the US brand’s strategy to expand its global portfolio… Image: Jeep The next-generation Jeep Renegade will enter the global market in 2030 as an accessible sub-compact SUV. This announcement comes just over a year after the US carmaker discontinued the previous iteration. Jeep hasn’t provided any information regarding what we can expect from the new rendition, but it brings attention to the fact that 610 000 units of the previous model were sold globally. Die-hard Jeep fans didn’t recognise the Renegade as a true ambassador of the off-road-focused brand, but this sales performance highlights it as a winning formula. Jeep highlighted the next-generation Renegade will reinforce its position in one of Europe’s key SUV segments and offer a new point of access to the market. Beyond the new Renegade, the company has confirmed it is planning to expand its global strategy beyond 2030. Xavier Peug...
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2026 Hyundai Bayon revealed as new entry-level compact SUV

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Boasting a bold exterior design, Hyundai has officially whipped the wraps off the new Bayon at the 2026 Paris Motor Show ahead of its official launch. The newcomer enters the South Korean brand’s compact-SUV lineup as a new entry-level model. Image: Hyundai Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, introduced the Bayon at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. With the Bayon, the South Korean carmaker aims to strengthen its already comprehensive crossover/SUV catalogue. The model features a bold exterior design, with styling elements inspired by the firm’s Ioniq range. Aimed towards attracting new customers in this key segment, the European-spec units will be produced at Hyundai’s Turkey-based assembly facility. Powertrains and performance Initial internal combustion engine (ICE) models will employ a 1.0-litre T-GDI engine. The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit will be available in two states of tune: 66 and 85 kW, with a maximum torque ou...
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2027 Chery Grootman confirmed for local production in South Africa

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Scheduled to launch in South Africa in 2027, Chery has confirmed the Grootman bakkie will be produced locally from next year. The SA-bound new double cab will be one of several models built at the Chinese automaker’s Rosslyn Plant. Image: Chery/Instagram Chery South Africa has confirmed the Grootman , which will launch in our market in the first quarter of 2027, will be manufactured locally from next year. The SA-bound new double-cab bakkie will be one of several products built at the Chinese automaker’s Rosslyn Plant, near Pretoria. The latter includes the popular Tiggo Cross , Jeacoo J5, and Jetour T1 and T2 . As a reminder, while Jetour operates independently from the Wuhu brand in South Africa, it falls under the larger Chery umbrella. Previously owned by Nissan, the assembly line, where the Navara was produced, was acquired by the Chinese automaker earlier in 2026. The official opening ceremony took place in July. The first units are expected to roll off the assembl...
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