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Ultra-limited SA-only Range Rover SV Platinum Edition: price & specs

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Land Rover South Africa has unveiled the Range Rover SV Platinum Edition, an ultra-limited version of the firm’s flagship SUV exclusively available in SA. Image: Range Rover Land Rover South Africa has unveiled the Range Rover SV Platinum Edition, a limited-run P615 SV exclusive to our market. Only five examples will be available. The Platinum Edition’s exterior is finished in bespoke Platinum Satin paintwork, replete with Silver Chrome and Graphite Atlas detailing. The contrast roof’s gold-coloured hue matches that of the badging, while the set of 23-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels feature Satin Gold inserts. The cabin is upholstered in Perlino and earth-toned Caraway leather, complemented by silver noble chrome accents and a natural cream Ash Burr veneer. The seats and scatter cushions feature satin stitching and unique geometric pattern embroidery – the latter inspired by traditional wooden block-printing techniques originating from the Limpopo province. A similar motif can be ...

iCAUR details engineering behind SA-bound T03 all-electric SUV

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Scheduled to launch in South Africa in 2026, iCAUR has detailed the ‘high-tech’ engineering behind the T03 all-electric SUV. Image: iCAUR As we highlighted in Every Chinese car confirmed for SA in 2026 , the iCAUR 30T is scheduled to launch in South Africa this year. Now, Chery’s new-energy sub-brand has detailed the engineering, testing, and manufacturing processes used in developing this all-electric off-roader. Assembled at Chery’s South Smart Factory – which uses 100% automation in key processes, while all 105 critical welding points and 436 dimensional measurement points are inspected using an AI-based visual inspection system – the T03 undergoes several quality testing programmes, including in cold and heat, humidity, dust, and on uneven terrain to evaluate corrosion resistance, powertrain performance, sealing integrity, body rigidity, and long-term material stability. The T03’s body structure is made of 6-series aluminium and is constructed using a combination of MIG arch...

Nissan Gravite revealed: Renault Triber-based compact MPV for SA?

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Based on the Renault Triber, the Nissan Gravite has made its debut … and it appears likely that it could make its way to SA. Image: Nissan India In December 2025, Nissan released teaser images of its Gravite compact MPV. Now, the Japanese automaker’s Indian arm has finally whipped the wraps off its Renault Triber-based model offering. Produced at Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Chennai plant in India, the Gravite is distinguished from its Renault step-sibling via subtle exterior design elements, with the most notable coming in the shape of a new front grille. ‘Gravite’ badging can be found on the bonnet and tailgate. In India, the Gravite is available with the choice of seven trim grades, ranging from manual-only Visia to range-topping Tekna Launch Edition EZ-Shift. Based on local model denominations, if the Gravite were to make its way to our market, it will likely be offered in Visia, Acenta and Acenta Plus levels of specification. The Gravite is powered by a 52 kW/96 N.m 1.0-litre...

Suzuki Across ‘coming soon’ to SA

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Suzuki South Africa has announced the Across compact SUV is ‘coming soon’ to our market. Image: Suzuki In 2026, Suzuki SA is set to expand its local SUV portfolio with the introduction of the Across. Now, while the exact launch date remains unconfirmed, the local arm of the Japanese automaker has announced that the compact SUV is “coming soon”. The Across, also known as the Victoris in the Indian market, is produced at Maruti Suzuki’s Kharkhoda, Haryana factory in India. Locally, the Across will be positioned above the Grand Vitara as the firm’s flagship model offering. The Across measures 4 360 mm in length and 1 655 mm in height, making it longer and taller than the Grand Vitara. However, it shares the latter model’s width and wheelbase measurements – 1 795 mm and 2 600 mm, respectively. While local specification has yet to be confirmed, the Across is available with the choice of two trim grades in other markets, such as the UK. This includes GL and GLX. Sounds familiar? Well, ...

New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ to get Hilux’s diesel engine – report

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A report from Japan has suggested that the new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will get the same diesel engine employed by the Hilux and Land Cruiser Prado in the future. Image: Toyota Scheduled to launch in South Africa in the second quarter of 2026, the new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will be exclusively powered by the Japanese automaker’s long-standing (2TR-FE) 2.7-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, tuned to produce 120 kW and 246 N.m of torque. However, a report from Japan has now suggested the latest FJ-badged Land Cruiser will gain a diesel engine option in the future. Indeed, according to Japanese publication Best Car , the Land Cruiser FJ could get the firm’s tried-and-trusted 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel – the same unit employed by the Hilux and Land Cruiser Prado. As a reminder, in the former and latter applications, the 1GD-FTV motor produces 150 kW and 500 N.m. Also read: New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ to cost less than top-of-the-range Hilux Sharing ...

Ford confirms plans for ‘affordable’ new bakkie positioned below Ranger

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Ford has confirmed an affordable new Blue Oval bakkie is in the works, with production scheduled to kick off before 2030. Image: Ford Ford’s bakkie portfolio comprises an array of models, including the F-150, Ranger and Maverick. Now, the Blue Oval brand is looking to introduce a new model to its bakkie lineup before the end of this decade. In addition, it forms part of the US automaker’s plans to introduce five more affordable new vehicles – priced below $40 000 (around R637 000 at the current Rand-Dollar exchange rate) – by 2030. Although the manufacturer has remained tight-lipped about details surrounding the upcoming model, in addition to announcing targeted pricing, the company has confirmed it will be powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE). The model will be built at the firm’s Stanton assembly facility in Tennessee, with production expected to kick off in 2029. In addition, Ford CEO Jim Farley has said it will be a “different kind of truck”. Though, where this...

NCAP safety ratings explained

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With the uproar surrounding the safety ratings recently awarded to a few vehicles sold in South Africa, we detail new car assessment programmes (NCAP) and what you should know about them. Image: Global NCAP Many car buyers are factoring in safety considerations when making purchase decisions. The knowledge that all vehicles sold in SA need to conform to regulations controlled by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) provides buyers with a level of assurance that minimum safety standards have been met. However, there is no way of comparing how well vehicles perform in these tests. While the safety features can be compared by manually checking specifications, this does not provide any details regarding how different vehicles perform in crash situations. New car assessment programmes The local situation is no different from that in other markets, and it was the need for reliable, independently verified information regarding the safety performance of different v...