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iCAUR V27 REEV South African specification and fuel efficiency ratings confirmed

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The upcoming iCaur V27 REEV brings all-wheel drive, a 1 000 km range, and advanced safety systems to the South African automotive market. Image: iCaur iCaur is set to expand its local range with the arrival of the V27 REEV , a large all-wheel-drive SUV designed to combine electric driving performance with the long-distance convenience of a petrol range-extender powertrain. Power comes from a dual-electric-motor setup driving all four wheels . Rather than directly powering the wheels, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine acts purely as an on-board generator to supply electricity when needed. This configuration allows the V27 to cover daily drives on battery power while eliminating range anxiety on longer road trips. iCaur claims an electric-only range of up to 150 km (NEDC), with total range extending to 1,000 km when utilising the range extender. Also read: iCaur V25 hits the global stage with powertrain and global rollout details Tailored performance and dual-motor capabil...
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Updated Tata Punch launches in South Africa: 2026 pricing and specs

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The updated Tata Punch has officially launched in South Africa, with the Indian automaker’s local arm revealing local pricing and specs for the refreshed model lineup. See pricing below… Image: Tata Previewed at the local launch of the sub-R250k Osprey compact crossover/SUV in September 2026, the updated Punch has launched in South Africa. The local lineup comprises three derivatives, available with the choice of three trim grades, and two engine and transmission options. Engines, transmissions and fuel consumption The Pure+ and Adventure variants employ the same engine and gearbox as the previous Punch . That’s to say the entry-level and mid-spec derivatives are powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine producing 65 kW and 115 N.m. of torque – the former and latter available from 6 000 and 3 250 r/min, respectively. Power is exclusively delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The Accomplished+ S...
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1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Fire Command sells for over R500k

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Imported from Japan, this 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Fire Command vehicle was sold for just over R500 000 in the US.  Image: Classic and Reliable JDMUSDM Representing an ever-shrinking availability of relatively affordable, low-mileage examples of the Land Cruiser 80 Series, this 1997 GX Fire Command JDM import may be the answer some are looking for. As a retired Japanese firefighting vehicle, this model is finished in an appropriate red paint finish akin to a vehicle of this nature. Faithful to its firefighting heritage, this Fire Command 80 Series features a front bull bar, aluminium roof rack, and roof-mounted emergency lights. The Japanese fire department’s emblem is sited on the grille, in lieu of the Toyota badge. The SUV further features extended wheel arches. A spare tyre cover can be found on the tailgate. Being that it was a Fire Command vehicle, no specialised equipment like water tankers was fitted, as these examples were generally used to coordinate resources at eme...
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Yangwang Altior breaks cover as China’s Rolls-Royce-rivalling luxury sedan

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The flagship luxury automotive brand of BYD has revealed its all-electric Yangwang Altior sedan at a global premiere in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Image: Yangwang The Yangwang Altior has been revealed as the BYD premium sub-brand’s ultimate luxury vehicle. The newcomer incorporates traditional Chinese design elements into a contemporary executive sedan that takes aim at the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Its name derives from the Latin word for “higher”, while its Chinese name, Dingyao, connects the significance of the ‘ding’ from an ancient ceremonial bronze vessel. Developed over three years, the vehicle’s architectural proportions and grounded stance draw direct inspiration from these historical vessels. The front end features a short overhang, a near-vertical profile, and a large grille framed like high jewellery around the signature oracle-bone-script emblem. Twelve lighting elements rotate and illuminate sequentially upon approach,...
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2026 Toyota Corolla Cross 60th Anniversary in South Africa: pricing and specs

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Celebrating 60 years of Corolla, the Toyota Corolla Cross 60th Anniversary has launched in South Africa. See pricing and specs for the special edition below… Image: Toyota In September 2026, Toyota’s local arm introduced the Corolla Hatch 60th Anniversary to South Africa. Paying tribute to the long-standing legacy of the ‘Corolla’ nameplate, the special edition features several model-specific exterior and interior design elements. Now, the Japanese automaker has handed the ‘60th Anniversary’ treatment to the Corolla Cross. What sets the Toyota Corolla Cross 60th Anniversary apart? Equipped with the 60th Anniversary package, Toyota South Africa’s best-selling passenger car adopts a bespoke front bumper, side skirts, and 17-inch alloy wheels finished in black. Two exterior paint options are available: Chromium Silver and Glacier White. A contrast black roof and wing mirror housings are standard. A roof rack with cross bars is also present. ‘60th Anniversary’ badging can be found on...
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Fabrizio Giugiaro reimagines the Lamborghini Gallardo with ultra-limited Hommage 26

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Reimagining the Lamborghini Gallardo, Fabrizio Giugiaro has unveiled the Hommage 26 at Wynn Las Vegas. Only 25 examples will be built… Image: Cavën Atelier Cavën Atelier has unveiled the Hommage 26 at the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas. The project represents a complete reimagining of the iconic Lamborghini Gallardo by its original designer, Fabrizio Giugiaro. Having conceived the initial shape at Italdesign back in 1998, Giugiaro returned to the blueprint alongside his current studio, GFG Style. The team plans to build a limited run of just 25 units. US representation for Cavën Atelier and its bespoke ventures is handled by the collector automobile specialist “Curated”. The core philosophy driving every Cavën Atelier venture is Design Authorship. Under this mandate, an original vehicle is reworked exclusively by its living designer decades after its inception. The Hommage 26 provided Giugiaro with the freedom to refine his original vision without the manufacturing limi...
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Executives confirm the Mazda3 MPS hot hatch will never make a comeback

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The Mazda3 MPS has a rich history in the hot-hatch world, but executives of the Japanese brand has confirmed we will never see a revival of this model. Image: Mazda Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi has confirmed to Drive that any chances of a Mazda3 MPS revival are dead in the water. This confirmation follows a rumour suggesting that the Japanese brand was planning a 200 kW turbocharged project set to inherit the ‘Spirit Racing’ badge. He also killed any idea that the American specification, featuring a 186 kW 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and all-wheel drive, will not be getting a right-hand-drive production run. Demand plays a role in Mazda’s decision to not consider a fully fledged hot hatch version of the Mazda3, but strict emissions regulations also play a major role. While the idea of a future Mazda3 MPS is appealing, the firm is unable to get the numbers for it to make any financial sense. Also read: Mazda considering electric MX-5,...
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