The Car Guide

Few vehicles get the tongues wagging like the Suzuki Jimny, and while not perfect, it excels at what it does – perfectly! We explore Suzuki’s characterful 4×4 as a used buy… Image: CAR magazine The current-generation Suzuki Jimny is a fascinating automotive paradox. When the JB74 generation arrived in South Africa in 2018, it triggered a manic waitlist, transforming overnight from a niche rough-‘n-tough compact SUV into a boutique fashion statement. However, buying a Jimny based solely on its retro-chic styling is a mistake, because beneath the charming, boxy facade lies an uncompromising, old-school ladder-frame chassis with rigid live axles designed to conquer the toughest terrain. While the subsequent introduction of the much-anticipated five-door variant in 2023 addressed practicality shortfalls, the Jimny remains a highly specific tool. Also Read:  Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip Road Test A rundown on the Suzuki Jimny The Jimny’s exterior design is...

Citroën has announced its entry into the local light commercial vehicle segment, with the automaker introducing the C3 Hola panel van to our market. See pricing and specs below… Image: Citroën Citroën’s local arm has entered the South African light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment with the introduction of the C3 Hola panel van, which is based on its entry-level C3 hatchback that was introduced to the SA market in May 2023. According to Stellantis, this comes as a response to a “fast-growing” need for sub-half-tonne vehicles. The C3 Hola panel van replaces the second row of seats with a fully enclosed payload bay – the latter offering a 386 kg capacity – integrated bulkhead and secure load tie-down points. The interior is fitted with a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digital instrumentation cluster, air conditioning, and a multifunction steering wheel. Safety features include six airbags, as well as ABS with ...

BMW Group has whipped the wraps off the Vision BMW Alpina concept, a one-of-one design study showcasing the architectural language that will define future BMW Alpina models. Image: BMW Alpina Following the acquisition of the Alpina brand by BMW Group in January 2026, the Bavarian brand has revealed the Vision BMW Alpina concept at the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Inspired by the German automaker’s heritage, and centred around the principles of speed and comfort, the one-off concept previews BMW Alpina’s design language for future models. The Vision BMW Alpina concept’s fastback profile measures 5 200 mm in length. The shark nose front facia is characterised by a new interpretation of the firm’s signature kidney grille, replete with illuminated surround. The latter item is flanked by slim LED headlamps with daytime-running lights and clear-cut illuminated crystals  The lower front apron features polished metal ‘Alpina’ lettering. At the rear, ‘Alpina’ let...

Ferrari has revealed the latest model from its One-Off programme. Based on the F8 Spider, meet the HC25… Image: Ferrari Ferrari has whipped the wraps off the HC25, a specially built model from the Italian automaker’s One-Off series – the latter forming part of the Maranello manufacturer’s Special Projects programme. Based on the F8 Spider, the HC25 employs a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 529 kW and 770 N.m of torque, available from 7 000 and 3 250 r/min, respectively. The mid-rear-mounted powertrain revs up to an 8 000 r/min redline. Power is exclusively delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to Ferrari, the HC25’s outputs allow for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 2.9 seconds, before breaching the 200 km/h marker 5.3 seconds later, at 8.2 seconds. The top speed is rated at 340 km/h. Bringing this one-of-a-kind Ferrari to a standstill is a set of 398 mm front/360 mm rear brake discs. The HC25 is finished in Moo...

Geely has expanded its E5 lineup with the introduction of the Apex Plus spec. See pricing below… Image: Geely Following the launch of the Geely E2 , which tops the list of most affordable EVs in SA , in April 2026, the Chinese automaker has expanded its E5 portfolio with the introduction of a new flagship variant, the Apex Plus. The Apex Plus is equipped with the same electric motor as its E5 stablemates. The front-mounted unit produces 160 kW and 320 N.m of torque. However, compared to its Aspire and Apex siblings, the new range-topper pairs the e-motor with a larger lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery – 68.4 vs 60.8 kWh. The E5 Apex Plus’ 68.4 kWh LFP unit serves up a claimed operating range of 450 km; in increase of 20 km over the Aspire and 40 km over the Apex. Geely claims a 10-100% 11 kW AC charge takes seven hours, while a 30-80% 100 kW DC fast charge takes 20 minutes. The E5 Apex Plus completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds; 0.7 seconds slower than t...

The first of its kind, VW has officially whipped the wraps off the ID. Polo GTI. We detail the all-electric performance-focused compact hot hatch… Image: Volkswagen In April 2026, VW’s ‘Polo’ nameplate entered a new chapter, with the Wolfsburg brand officially unveiling the first all-electric version of its popular compact hatchback. As we reported with the reveal of the ID. Polo , a GTI variant of the latter will be introduced to the lineup this year. Well, this performance-focused model has finally made its debut, with VW revealing the ID. Polo GTI. The ID. Polo GTI is equipped with a single electric motor, which produces 166 kW and 290 N.m of torque – the latter delivered to the road via the front wheels. Compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE) Polo GTI , which is exclusively built at the German marque’s Plant Kariega facility in South Africa, the emissions-free model is 19 kW more powerful. The ICE model is torquier, though, with its 2.0-litre turbocharged fo...