The Car Guide

Ahead of its official exhibit at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea, we get to take a peek at the 2024 Kia Seltos Facelift which sports a heavily updated interior and some tweaks on the outside too. Image: Kia Kia’s subcompact crossover hasn’t been in the market for very long which means it’s abnormal to see it experiencing a mid-cycle update so soon. The competitive nature of the SUV segment means that technology introduced as few as three years ago, which is when the first Seltos arrived, may already be obsolete. Read more about our time with a long term Kia Seltos 1,5 CRDi EX + here.  Most of it relates to user interface and interior technology. As such the 2024 Kia Seltos Facelift has a comprehensively updated cabin which boasts a familiar dashboard that now accommodates two 10,25-inch screens fitted into a single bezel and angled towards the driver. A new rotary switch sits beneath the infotainment and updated air conditioner dials which replaces the formerly convention...

As we head into the 2022 British Grand Prix, Max Verstappen has a small but firm grasp over his title rival while teams are beginning to feel the effects of the stringent budget cap for in-season developments.  Image: Formula 1 Important times to look out for: Practice 1 (1 July) – 14:00 – 15:00 Practice 2 (1 July) – 17:00 – 18:00  Practice 3 (2 July) – 13:00 – 14:00 Qualifying (2 July) – 16:00 – 17:00 Race (3 July) – 16:00 – 18:00 The previous edition of the British Grand Prix may have been one of the more controversial moments of the 2021 season, where Max Verstappen was punted off of the track by Lewis Hamilton who went on to win the race and tighten the title fight that continued to provide nail biting entertainment throughout the season.  The Red Bulls have been in stellar form, winning the past 6 races on the trot after a dismaying start to the season. Ferrari have suffered reverse form with reliability issues already plaguing the Prancing Horses in more ...

Renowned rugby journalist Mark Keohane was first published as a 15 year-old and on the eve of the Springboks’ first Test against Wales, Ryan O’Connor chats to him about a rugby journey that has taken him all over the world with the Springboks. The post Watch – R.O.C interviews Mark Keohane in the Corolla Cross appeared first on CAR Magazine . The Car Guide

In this latest story developing in Germany, both Kia and Hyundai have had multiple premises raided based on suspicions relating to emissions fraud for over 200 000 vehicles sold before 2020. If the rumours are true, this may be a massive Korean Dieselgate scandal. Not too long ago, the Volkswagen Group was brought into disrepute for selling fraudulent vehicles which would cheat emissions regulation only when undergoing testing. The stage is set for another showdown however this time around, it is a Korean Dieselgate.  A Hyundai spokesperson has confirmed that raids of their premises were currently underway and that the brand was cooperating with German authorities on this matter although further confirmed details are limited. Reports claim that as many as eight Kia and Hyundai owned properties in both Germany and Luxembourg were searched by authorities with Bosch and BorgWarner also embroiled in the scandal.  The raids arranged by Eurojust and the European Union are as a re...

News of carbon emitting new vehicles being banned in Europe midway through the next decade is a stark reminder that extensive electrification looms, or does it? The F1 alternative fuels agreement signals the top flight of motorsport will not merge into full electrification for the foreseeable future. Image: F1 They may not sound as aural as the V10 or V12 powered behemoths of yesteryear but for some, the demure turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrains are still better than nothing. One thing is for certain for the foreseeable future though, F1 alternative fuels mean that the premier motoring sport in the world will avoid electrification for at least the next decade.  The 100% sustainable fuel will be introduced in 2026 when the new engines are implemented. The championship is currently running with E10 fuel powering the cars, which comprises 10% ethanol; a CO2 emissions reducer. F1 is working alongsider Aramco and other major fuel manufacturers in the championship to develop the fut...

While member countries in the European Union have agreed to ban the sales of new ICE cars from 2035, the European Parliament also wants used ICE sales to be banned too.  Image: Flickr This is big news for the future of mobility in Europe, as well as the rest of the world and a ruling that automakers will take seriously. It isn’t a major shock though considering most European based automakers and foreign brands that have a footprint in the continent have slowly been transitioning into more sustainable mobility with many intending to offer electric powered vehicles only by 2030.   As of a ruling on the 29th of June in 2022, no more ICEs will be allowed to be sold from 2035 in the European Union. Ministers from the 27 countries within the union have agreed to sign the directive which will ban the sale of exclusively new ICE powered vehicles by the cutoff date. The meeting which took place in Luxembourg also intends on banning used ICE-powered vehicles although no ruling w...

This is what a 4,0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six sounds like when using all of its 9 500 rev range in the hills of the Nürburgring. This is the undisguised Porsche 911 GT3 RS during some high performance testing.  Image: CarSpyMedia It is rumoured to pack as much as 383 kW from the 4,0-litre flat-six mill which is the same amount from the last derivative of the RS. The standard 992.1 GT3 puts out 375 kW and 470 N.m for context . As its predecessor is also synonymous with, the latest video from CarSpyMedia on YouTube so succinctly shows the raw naturally aspirated sound emanating from the road-legal Stuttgart race car as it shares the famed Ring with other camouflaged BMW and Mercedes models.  What is even better is that the model isn’t donned in any camouflage either which means this could potentially be what we can expect to hit showroom floors when it arrives in 2023. No debut date is confirmed but based on this video we can presume that the 911 GT3 RS here is c...

The swoopy EV design is accompanied by a minimalist interior illuminated with cyberpunk neon-lighting. The Ioniq 6 is the Korean answer to the segment Tesla has dominated for so long. Image: Hyundai There isn’t much to dislike about the groundbreaking swoopy EV design that embodies its exterior. The entire language boasts a minimal, clean aesthetic which we can get a closer look at without camouflage covering each panel and element for the first time . The soft, rounded lines which give it the illusion of it being an “electrified streamliner” are subtly broken by sharp design elements like the C-pillar window, front and rear lights.  Image: Hyundai The front end includes dark headlights which feed into bonnet linework that works its way up to the A-pillar while the mostly horizontal bumper elements are broken up by a single vertical feature under each headlight. The rear end boasts a pair of ducktail spoilers, one below the rear windscreen and the other above the single-...

The Mercedes compact models will not live to see another generation after rumours emerged that the German automaker will discontinue the A-Class and B-Class by 2025.  Image: Mercedes-Benz It seems that Mercedes-Benz are planning on reducing their conclusive range of vehicles to focus on larger, more expensive three-pointed star models that yield higher profit margins. In our local market, Mercedes product offering of 27 different vehicles is on the higher side of the spectrum, competing directly with BMW and Audi.  Image: Mercedes-Benz In a bid to simplify their product offering, the A-Class hatchback and B-Class will be the first Mercedes compact models to go. The CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, GLA and GLB will all live to fight another day, for now at least.  Future Mercedes lineups will be split into three categories which comprise Entry Luxury, Core Luxury and Top-End Luxury. The German automaker will focus on segments from the C-Class and above in its effort to be...

The DS 7 facelift retains all of the sophistication and luxury from before although the new French SUV has been subtly refined to keep it relevant over the course of its mid cycle-refresh.  Image: DS Automobiles This is only a mid-cycle update so don’t expect too many changes on the DS 7 facelift from before. What the French automaker has done is update the design , include more relevant technologies and a more powerful plug-in hybrid option. Starting at the bottom with the PHEVs, the base spec receives a 165 kW powertrain which powers solely the front wheels. The two remaining options in the range are all-wheel-drive and can be had in either 221 kW or 265 kW flavour.  Image: DS Automobiles The most powerful option boasts DS Performance team development which includes 21-inch wheels, 380 mm brakes up front and revised suspension. It is no slouch either, with a sprint time to 100 km/h coming in only 5,6 seconds. Non PHEV derivatives can also be had for old fashioned o...

Along with updated rebranding , our local market will also receive the all new Mahindra Scorpio-N which will hit the sales floors in 2023 and boast some zippy utilitarian performance with a dash of luxury.  Image: Mahindra South Africa’s SUV craze grows by the day and one of the long-standing Indian competitors in the segment has been completely refreshed; the all-new Scorpio-N. This isn’t just another pumped up hatchback with rugged plastic trim, the Scorpio is a body-on-frame D-segment SUV and while it has always been a more unfamiliar choice in the market from the onset, the newcomer hopes to bolster future brand success.  Image: Mahindra As the dealer network grows in Southern Africa, Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa stated: “Our decision to include South Africa in the global reveal of the Scorpio-N is a clear sign of our commitment to the country as our second home outside of India.” Propelling the newcomer forward will be a choice of either petrol or d...

To celebrate 40 years of turbocharging, the Bentley Goodwood parade boasted several key models that lumbered up the hill in a plush and sedate manner including the original 1982 Mulsanne Turbo.  Image: Goodwood Included with the models from yesteryear in the Goodwood Twitter video were also the 2022 Continental GTC S, 2022 Flying Spur S and 2022 Continental GT Mulliner but these current models in their range were less the focus than those that ushered in the turbocharged era for the British brand.  Image: Goodwood In 1982, a decision to bolster sales was made in which the 6,75-litre V8 of the naturally aspirated Mulsanne would be fed with forced induction. As a result, the Mulsanne Turbo came to reality and raised the mediocre 148 kW output from the sizable motor to a substantially improved 224 kW.  The other 10 models included in the Bentley Goodwood parade include the 1981 Turbo R, 2001 Arnage Red Label, 2003 Continental R Mulliner Final Series, 2010 Brookl...

Since entering the South African market in 2004, the Indian automaker has sold as many as 75 000 units with the latest Mahindra rebranding set to take them to new heights.  Image: Mahindra Described as the Twin Peaks logo by the Mahinda Global Design Team, the updated corporate identity embodies the company’s willingness to change and embrace a new world order with new-age products that have been designed to deliver a new-age ownership experience. This contemporary update is to usher in a growing network of dealers ahead of an array of new products which are scheduled to arrive in the coming months. Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa stated: “In the coming months customers will see a complete rejuvenation of our approach and several exciting new additions to our range of authentic SUVs and lifestyle bakkies.” Considering the Indian automaker has been in our midst for 18 years with 75 000 units sold during this time and a dealer network expanding into other sub-Sahar...

The topic of the collective decommissioning of the beloved IC engine in favor of battery power has been talked about ad nauseam. Now, however, there’s been an alternative for automotive propulsion for quite some time now and that is hydrogen-powered cars , specifically, the Apricale built and developed by Viritech. Image: Apricale Media Centre The Viritech Apricale is a hydrogen-powered all-wheel-drive hypercar that weighs less than 1 000 kg, propelled by two motors producing an astonishing 800 kW and 1 000 N.m. The powertrain is mated to a single-speed transmission, and its claimed acceleration figures are  0-100 km/h in less than 2,5 seconds. Possessing an almost mythic power-to-weight ratio, the main attraction of the Apricale is the groundbreaking tech stored throughout its body. Image: Apricale Media Centre Let’s get the standard stuff out of the way – its chassis is a carbon fibre monocoque with the body comprised of recycled carbon fibre. Both the front a...

With so many wonders being ushered into the world for the first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed , we can finally get a better look at the Prodrive P25. The completely overhauled Subaru 22B comes with plenty of carbon fibre and a half a million pound sticker price. Image: Prodrive Before you get excited by this rally icon, Prodrive has confirmed that each of their Prodrive P25 models has now been sold to 25 fortunate members of the public that have a wallet big enough to fulfil the 90s rally nostalgia. Image: Prodrive If you are wondering why a Japanese model from 30 years ago has been dug up from the past to form the basis of the Prodrive restomod, it might be worth knowing that the 22B was a limited run of 424 models to celebrate Subaru’s rallying success of the era with an even higher performance version of the already high performance STI.  Image: Prodrive Thus, Prodrive will start the P25 project with an original two-door Subaru Impreza chassis and clad it wi...

It’s officially unofficial after BMW M boss teased a modern iteration of the 3.0 CSL Hommage on his instagram profile and it will reportedly come with as much as 447 kW. Image: Franciscus van Meel That’s right, Frank van Meel has teased a 3.0 CSL Hommage on his personal Instagram profile after the automaker stated it would be releasing one more new BMW M car this year, that of their 50th year of existence.   Straight into the gritty shall we? Reports suggest that the new M car will offer as much as a whopping 447 kW and 700 N.m of torque powering the rear wheels only via a ZF gearbox. We speculate that there may be a show of good faith to petrolhead purists with an appetite for manual transmissions since a sticker on the body artwork reads “6MT FTW”. All of this means that it can achieve a 100 km/h sprint from standstill in only 3,5 seconds and onto a top speed around 320 km/h.  Image: Franciscus van Meel Since the bodywork is plastered with artwork and contrasting...

One of the world’s most prestigious motoring events has now come and gone but these are our best bits from the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Image: Goodwood With hillclimb records being broken by diminutive machines, highly anticipated model launches and the aural sounds of fire-breathing race cars of yesteryear dominating the displays and entertainment for the weekend at the Goodwood Estate, it is easy to understand why this is the premier event of its kind. There are however a few standout occasions from the four days of action that resonate with us.  Image: Goodwood The first of which is the rapid and record breaking McMurtry Speirling which managed to set the fastest time ever up the Goodwood hill, dethroning the Volkswagen ID. R driven by Romain Dumas in 2019. Watch the whole timed shootout here.   Image: Goodwood While we don’t normally cover two-wheeled content, we couldn’t help but have a soft spot for paraplegic and former World Champion Wayne Rai...

The first McLaren P1 Spider by Lanzante will be delivered by the end of the year with the remaining four production iterations coming shortly thereafter.  Image: Lanzante The Goodwood Festival of Speed has provided us with much eye-candy over the past few days but this one is a little bit different. Believe it or not but the seductively styled Woking hypercar originally debuted just under 9 years ago so you may find it hard to believe that it is only receiving a drop top version now, seven years after production ceased in December 2015.  That is because British automotive company Lanzante Limited , who services in the restoration and servicing of classic vehicles has decided to take it upon themselves to create the McLaren P1 Spider. Don’t be fooled though, this project is as thorough as it gets considering Paul Howse; creator of the original (as well as many other remarkable automotive creations), worked in conjunction with the engineering firm. That means that the fi...