The Car Guide

The new Toyota Hilux will officially launch in SA in June 2026. We detail the upcoming, ninth-generation model… Image: Toyota Introduced in 1968, over 58 years, the ‘Hilux’ nameplate has carved a place for itself in automotive history, both globally and in South Africa, where it’s been produced for over five decades and remains the best-selling vehicle. Following eight generations, the hour has now come for the Japanese automaker’s popular bakkie to write a new chapter in its long-standing legacy. While its profile remains familiar to its forebear’s, the ninth-generation Hilux sports decidedly sharper exterior styling, front and rear. A neat addition, the redesigned rear bumper incorporates side steps for easier access to the load bay. The new Hilux retains its forebear’s IMV (Innovative international Multi-purpose Vehicle) architecture, which has underpinned every generation of Hilux since the seventh iteration was introduced in 2004. However, a few revisions, including the f...

Engen has partnered with premium-placed Chery sub-brand Lepas to play strategic part in its value chain. Image: Engen Engen has partnered with Chery Group South Africa for the South African launch of its premium sub-brand, Lepas; specifically the L4 . The activation included a branded experience at the Engen Lonehill service station, where Lepas hosted the L4 pre-launch drive and exclusive unveiling. The aim of the collaboration is to “strengthen [their] position within the automotive value chain”, said Jason Heath, General Manager: Lubricants at Engen. He further adds, “By engaging directly with Chery’s leadership, dealer network, and customers, we are not only showcasing our products but also building long-term relationships that support mutual growth. As Chery prepares for its manufacturing expansion in South Africa, Engen is well positioned to support this journey with our trusted fuels and lubricants offering.” The collaboration is an opportunity to engage with customers, deal...

We’ve rounded up the top 10 best-selling car brands in South Africa in April 2026. See the list below… Image: Toyota Naamsa , the Automotive Business Council of South Africa, reported a total number of 47 979 new cars were sold in April 2026 – an increase of 5 512 units compared to the 42 467 units sold in April 2025. Despite recording a strong year-on-year increase, April 2026’s aggregate new-car sales represented a decline of 10 081 units compared to the 58 060 units sold in March 2026 . Leading the sales charts, despite a decline of 3 135 units sold compared to March 2026, Toyota remained the best-selling car brand in SA in the fourth month of the year. In April 2026, 10 188 new Toyota vehicles rolled off showroom floors. Suzuki SA reclaimed second spot from Volkswagen, with a total of 5 363 new Suzukis finding homes in April 2026 – an increase of 316 units over March 2026 – while 4 814 new Volkswagens left showroom floors in April 2026. Hyundai returned to fourth po...

Kia has launched  its Indian-built Carens seven-seater crossover SUV, starting from under R400k. Image: Kia Following the launch of the Tasman in April 2026, Kia’s local arm has introduced the Carens to its model portfolio.  Manufactured at Kia’s Anantapur plant in India, the Carens is positioned as a budget-friendly, three-row crossover SUV to rival the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar , Mitsubishi Xpander, and Suzuki XL6 .  The Carens lineup comprises four derivatives, the entry-level LS, mid-tier LX and EX offerings, and the range-topping SX. As standard, the LS variant ships with automatic headlamps, keyless entry and ignition, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Standard safety features include front thorax and curtain airbags, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, ABS, ESC, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). The LX variant adds 17-inch alloy wheels, electric folding mirrors, roof rails/roof rack, artificial leather seats and console...

With the all-electric VW Polo having made its global debut, what’s the future of the SA-built internal combustion (ICE) model? In 2025, CAR Editor Ian McLaren spoke to Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkwagen Passenger cars, at IAA Mobility in Munich to find out. Image: Volkswagen The Polo has entered a new era, with VW officially unveiling the ID. Polo – the first all-electric version of the German marque’s popular hatchback. However, what does this mean for its locally-built ICE sibling? Well, at IAA Mobility 2025, which took place from 9-14 September in Munich, the Wolfsburg brand revealed to CAR magazine that the ICE variant will remain in production – at Plant Kariega – until “at least” 2033. Speaking to CAR Editor Ian McLaren, CEO of VW Passenger cars Thomas Schäfer quipped, “While they still play Boney M at Christmas in South Africa, this market will have Polo.” As a reminder, while the ID. Polo, which was officially revealed on 29 April 2026, is set to be bui...

CAR Intern Cale Nuttall reports back from the Omoda & Jaecoo stand at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, which kicked off on 24 April 2026. We attended the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, which kicked off on 24 April, with Omoda & Jaecoo to get up close to this Chery sub-brand’s latest wares and find out what the automaker has in store for our market in the future. Here’s a summary of what stood out, as well as what’s been confirmed for South Africa. Omoda C4 Image: Supplied The series-production Omoda C4  made its official debut at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. Confirmed for SA in 2026, the strikingly styled compact crossover will be available with the choice of atmospheric and turbocharged 1.5-litre, four-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE) options. Omoda is currently mulling transmission options for our market – the latter including CVT, dual-clutch and, potentially, manual. Traditional hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and  battery-electric (BEV) variants are set to ...