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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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BMW iX2 in SA: price and specs

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The BMW iX2 has landed in South Africa, with the German marque’s local arm announcing pricing and specs for the all-electric X2. See pricing below… Image: BMW Joining BMW’s local X2 lineup – the latter comprising the sDrive18i M Sport, sDrive18i M Sport, and M35i – the iX2 has touched down in South Africa. Locally, the emissions-free X2 is exclusively available in eDrive20 guise, with either “standard” or M Sport specification. The iX2 eDrive20 employs a single electric motor producing 150 kW and 250 N.m of torque – good for a (claimed) 8.8-second 0-100 km/h sprint time. The top speed is electronically limited to 170 km/h. The iX2 eDrive’s front-mounted e-motor is coupled with a 66.5 kWh battery pack, which offers a claimed operating range of up to 470 km on a full charge. BMW claims an average energy consumption figure of 14.3 kWh/100 km. In SA, the iX2 eDrive’s battery can receive up to 22 kW from an AC charger and up to 130 kW from a DC fast charger. Also read...
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GWM Ora 5: price and specs

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The Ora 5 has officially launched in South Africa, with GWM’s local arm announcing pricing and specs for its new compact SUV. See pricing below… Image: GWM In March 2026, we reported that the GWM Ora 5 compact SUV is heading to our market, with the local lineup set to include three powertrain options – internal combustion engine-only (ICE), hybrid (HEV), and battery-electric (BEV). The Ora 5 has now officially arrived in South Africa, with the range comprising six derivatives. The ICE-only Ora 5 is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 105 kW and 210 N.m of torque – the latter exclusively delivered to the front wheels via a dual-clutch transmission. GWM claims an average fuel consumption of 7.15 L/100 km. The HEV variant pairs the latter, 1.5-litre mill with a single electric motor, fed by a 1.09 kWh battery. The petrol-electric Ora 5 produces a healthier 164 kW and 476 N.m. The Ora 5 BEV is equipped with a front-mounted p...
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