The Car Guide

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...

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...

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...

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...

New spy shots suggest Ferrari is developing a track-focused 296 Challenge Stradale. Image: Derek Photography As we anticipate the full reveal of the all-electric Ferrari Luce , a camouflaged 296, believed to be a Challenge Stradale prototype, has been spotted being tested on public roads. The spy shots suggest a new limited-edition, track-focused Ferrari is set to be unveiled this year. The vehicle sports revised front and rear bumpers, a more pronounced front splitter, a large rear wing and a set of new wheels. A full interior and standard windows, as opposed to a stripped-out cabin and polycarbonate side windows, likely rule out the possibility of the prototype being a 296 Challenge Evo, a track-only variant of the road-going Ferrari 296. Unlike the 296 Speciale , which was unveiled in 2025, the 296 Challenge Stradale could employ a non-hybridised version of the Italian firm’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine. However, whether this model will be powered by a non-electrifie...

Land Rover South Africa has unveiled the Range Rover SV Platinum Edition, an ultra-limited version of the firm’s flagship SUV exclusively available in SA. Image: Range Rover Land Rover South Africa has unveiled the Range Rover SV Platinum Edition, a limited-run P615 SV exclusive to our market. Only five examples will be available. The Platinum Edition’s exterior is finished in bespoke Platinum Satin paintwork, replete with Silver Chrome and Graphite Atlas detailing. The contrast roof’s gold-coloured hue matches that of the badging, while the set of 23-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels feature Satin Gold inserts. The cabin is upholstered in Perlino and earth-toned Caraway leather, complemented by silver noble chrome accents and a natural cream Ash Burr veneer. The seats and scatter cushions feature satin stitching and unique geometric pattern embroidery – the latter inspired by traditional wooden block-printing techniques originating from the Limpopo province. A similar motif can be ...