The Car Guide

Hot off the press, the September 2026 issue of CAR magazine has hit the shelves. We highlight what you can expect in the latest issue… Image: Peet Mocke The cover star of the September 2026 issue, we evaluate the new Toyota Hilux for a comprehensive first road test on local shores; taking the ninth generation of SA’s best-selling bakkie on-road and off the beaten track. In addition to the Hilux, in the September 2026 issue, we strapped our equipment to a trio of other vehicles. The latter includes the new Audi Q3 , GAC’s entry-level Emzoom, the Nova, and the characterful iCaur V23 in 2WD format. The iCaur isn’t the only electric vehicle (EV) featured in the September 2026 issue, however. Indeed, we also get behind the wheel of Toyota’s first-ever EV, the bZ4X , and the Geely E2 , which places first among the most affordable EVs in South Africa , before heading to Germany to sample the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C , the first Porsche cabriolet to don the Stuttgart automaker’s vaunted ‘GT3’...

The larger load space and superior versatility of SUVs and double-cabs make them ideally suited to many families’ lifestyles, but do they all offer the required load carrying capacity for your needs? Image: Jetour One of the key drivers of the move from sedans to both SUVs and LCVs as family vehicles has been their practicality – large volume load space and flexible seating in the case of SUVs, and the combination of five seats with a versatile load box in the case of double-cabs. For owners, this additional load volume comes with the assumption that the reasonable utilisation of that space will not see them exceeding their vehicle’s maximum permitted load capacity. A recent check of the usable load capacities of some SUVs and LCVs has revealed this isn’t always the case and that some of these vehicles might fall short of the expectations, and requirements, of some users. Unfortunately, this usable load capacity is typically not specified in passenger-vehicle brochu...

Renault South Africa has launched the updated, Indian-built Duster in our market. See pricing below… Image: Renault Renault South Africa has introduced the updated Duster to our market. The revised model is built at Renault’s Chennai Plant in India and is underpinned by the firm’s new CMF-B modular platform. The Duster’s bodywork measures 4 343 mm in length, 1 813 mm in width, 1 656 mm in height, and 2 657 mm between front and rear axles. The refreshed Duster has a ground clearance of 212 mm. The new model is 3 mm longer, 35 mm narrower and 3 mm shorter than the outgoing variant. Buyers can choose between two powertrain options. The first is a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol developing 116 kW and 260 N.m – the latter delivered to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission (EDC). The second is a 1.0-litre turbo-triple petrol engine producing 74kW and 160 N.m. The less powerful unit is exclusively coupled with a six-speed ma...

The all-new, third-generation Mazda CX-5 has finally landed in South Africa. CAR attended a gala where the new range and pricing were confirmed. Image: Mazda Since its introduction in 2012, Mazda’s best-selling global nameplate, the CX-5, has established itself as a key contender in the midsize-SUV segment, and in doing so, reinforcing this Japanese brand’s long-standing relationship with the South African market. Developed using a Japanese philosophy known as Jinba-Itta, which focuses on the harmony between horse and rider, the new CX-5 has grown in every meaningful dimension, yet its maker claims it is more intimate, driver-focused, and comfortable than before. A key new measurement is the third-generation car’s 115 mm longer wheelbase, which translates to improved cabin space and comfort, as well as a 61-litre increase in luggage space. A lower loading height reduces the effort required to lift heavier items, while a flat cargo floor makes larger belongings easier to organise. Sh...

Mahindra SA has launched the work-focused Bolero MaXX Pik-Up as one of the most affordable single-cab bakkies in our market. See pricing below. Image: Mahindra Mahindra has expanded its local work-focused single-cab portfolio with the introduction of the Bolero MaXX Pik-Up. The Bolero MaXX is positioned below the Bolero Maxitruck, and Pik-Up S4 and S6 single-cab bakkies in the Indian automaker’s South African model lineup. At launch, the Bolero MaXX Pik-Up is one of the most affordable single-cab bakkies in SA. Three variants are available: 1.3 City, 1.5 City and 1.7 HD. As their model denominations would suggest, these models offer respective payload capacities of 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7 tonnes. The 1.3 City has a gross combination mass (GCM) of up to 2 804 kg. This model measures 4 800 mm in length, with a wheelbase spanning 3 150 mm. The load bed measures 2 500 mm long. The 1.5 City has a GCM of 3 090 kg. Compared to the 1.3 City, this derivative is 140 mm longer, front to rear, and fe...

Subaru Southern Africa has announced every new model sold will feature an upgraded, five-year/105 000 km maintenance plan. Image: Subaru Subaru Southern Africa has announced it has upgraded the maintenance plan of all new models sold from 1 August 2026. Replacing the previous, three-year/75 000 km maintenance plan, the upgraded maintenance plan spans five years or 105 000 km. The plan includes scheduled services and specified wear-and-tear items. It covers parts such as brake pads, wiper blades, and battery replacements for the vehicle and key. The local arm of the Japanese automaker also provides customers the option of extending the plan to seven years/150 000 km at additional cost. Subaru’s five-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty remains unchanged, and is still included as standard with every new model. “Moving from three years/75 000 km to five years/105 000 km represents a meaningful enhancement to the value included with every new Subaru,” said Nteo Nkoli, National Marketing Ma...