The Car Guide

The automotive world is abuzz with excitement as spy footage of the upcoming 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQG electric SUV emerges from the snow . Image: Carspy Media With its classic boxy styling, the EQG retains the iconic look of the G-Class while offering an eco-friendly and sustainable electric powertrain. WATCH: 2024 Mercedes EQG does strange donuts on its own axis The EQG is set to be an extremely capable all-terrain vehicle, with its batteries integrated into a robust ladder frame for maximum durability. The SUV is expected to be powered by four electric motors, mounted on each wheel, that will be individually controllable, delivering impressive on- and off-road driving performance. Image: Mercedes-Benz One of the most exciting features of the EQG is its shiftable 2-speed gearbox, which will allow drivers to travel far off the beaten path with ease. The SUV will also feature a sophisticated independent front suspension for on-road driving, paired with a rigid rear axle for off...

Courtesy of strong sales and a growing customer base over the past two years, Haval Motors SA has taken the opportunity to investest in its parts operations and move into a larger distribution centre in Gauteng. Image: Haval Haval, a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors (GWM), has been part of the wave of success the Chinese conglomerate has been riding over the past few years. Despite being available in South Africa since 2007, the automaker has found its stride after the introduction of Haval’s new lineup of vehicles in 2022. This growing success has been the reason behind investments in parts operations and a larger distribution centre in Gauteng. Related: Haval adds two HEV models to Jolion lineup According to Yusuf Patel, Head of Aftersales at Haval Motors SA, “Our business and customer base grew significantly during the last two years adding significant year-on-year growth to our vehicle parc, number of dealers and customer base. We outgrew our current parts distribution centre ...

BMW has slowly been adding electric derivatives to its sizable sedan lineup and the next model expected to arrive is the i5, which has been conducting some winter testing in Europe. Staying true to its Bavarian roots, the civilised saloon was even photographed going sideways. Image: BMW Yet to make its global debut, BMW has ensured that these official images don’t give away too much of the exterior detailing which is why it has been copiously covered in camoglague. A strenous winter test has taken the sedan all around wintery Europe to ensure can handle the most extreme conditions its buyers will throw at it. This testing cycle has spanned for almost a year, after the BMW i5 first completed a trip from Munich to the firm’s own test centre at Arjeplog. Related: BMW teases new i5 model that may arrive later this year Throughout the year, the business sedan also took to the foothills of the Alps where chassis technology and acoustic properties were refined under a variety of conditi...

Following the EV6 GT, Kia is reportedly planning on shoehorning a more powerful electric powertrain into their sizable EV9 SUV. Have they officially gone mad!? For the sane, however, the Korean automaker has released specs on its entire EV9 lineup, including a GT-line derivative. Here is everything there is to know about the flagship. Image: Kia What is confirmed at the moment is that the EV9 will receive a potent GT-Line derivative however hot news is revolving around Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song statements regarding another electric GT model, second to the EV6 GT is on the cards for 2025. The current EV9 AWD offers 283 kW and 600 N.m dispatched to all wheels while a downloadable feature can increase torque to 700 N.m. Related: Kia’s EV9 finds a sibling in the sleek EV5 concept If Kia decides to shoehorn the dual-motor EV6 GT powertrain into the flagship SUV then outputs can be expected in the region of 430 kW and 740 N.m although being the behemoth it is, the EV9 GT would...

In March 1973, BMW took the first step of intertwining its history with that of the automotive industry in South Africa. 50 years down the line after millions of models were produced within our borders, we got to begin the celebrations at their Rosslyn manufacturing plant. Image: BMW Serving as the first manufacturing facility outside of Germany, BMW South Africa took a stride into the ever-globalising world in March 1973 when the newly established Rosslyn facility started producing vehicles bearing the Bavarian badge. This then, signals the start of an annual birthday celebration to commemorate the milestone. Presenting the momentous milestone was Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of BMW AG for Production and Chairman of the Board of Management, Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa among several other key internal figures that ensure the world-class facility continues to operate at its full potential. Related: BMW 333i among five classics to top R1 million at ...

A model of many firsts, Lamborghini’s unruly V12-powered hybrid Revuelto will also become the most powerful Raging Bull ever, with outputs of 736 kW from a motor that sings its tune to 9 250 r/min! Image: Lamborghini Ladies and gentlemen, a day that comes around roughly once a decade is here since Lamborghini has just unveiled their all-new V12-powered Aventador successor. Previously known as codename LB744, this unruly Revuelto is a car of many firsts for the Italian automaker. Related: Lamborghini unveils first ever V12 HPEV codenamed: LB744 Diving straight into the powertrain, the two-seat flagship doesn’t deviate too far away from the traditions of V12 power for the Raging Bull however this time around, Lamborghini has opted for hybrid assistance in the form of electric motors and a small battery. The reason we are all here though is for that 6,5-litre naturally aspirated V12 which sings to 9 250 r/min and can produce 598 kW all on its own. But, as was mentioned in the openi...

Lancia recently teased a coupe-looking model, waiting to be unveiled in their Multiverse. Could this then, signify the return of a historic moniker like the Stratos to the struggling automaker? Image: Lancia #MakeLanciaGreatAgain – a social media phrase that has been making the rounds for the better part of a decade. World Rally Championship titles, Formula 1 single-seat winners and some other gems in between. The Italian automaker litters dates in history and motorsport, with some truly revolutionary ideas and models that aided their bid to become one of the most successful motorsport manufacturers of all time. But that is all in the past. Lancia now contends sole markets with a platform-shared model but there have been ambitious plans under Stellantis ownership to kick-start the automaker and make them great again… words that delight so many enthusiasts and aficionados. Related: Automobili Amos debut Martini Racing Livery Lancia Delta and Safarista What better way to do this th...

Fashion is never more than temporary, and the same is true of vehicle bodyshapes. This is evident in the Crossover/SUV becoming South Africa’s favourite Passenger vehicle bodyshape. According to Lightstone Auto data, the Crossover/SUV is the favourite Passenger vehicle bodyshape, while one-time leader, the Hatch, is now in second spot. In fact, the Crossover/SUV was third choice in 2013, behind the Sedan in second place and the Hatch, then riding high as leader of the pack with just under 50% share of the Passenger vehicle market. Jaco van Staden, Head of Sales at Lightstone Auto, says, “The Hatch is down from 48% to 37% in 2022, but its decline is modest compared to the Sedan, which has seen its market share plummet from 26% in 2014 to just 8% in 2022.” The big winner has been the Crossover/SUV, which has soared from 22% to 50% market share in 10 years. The changing consumer preferences have been recognised by the OEMs – in 2013 there were around 530 available Crossover/SUV opti...

Over the past several weeks, global branches of the Blue Oval have been adding tweaked derivatives of the Ford Ranger bakkie into their lineups. Europe has been the latest to receive a new XLT-based iteration; titled the Ford Ranger Tremor. Image: Ford The Ranger Tremor has seismically arrived in Europe, using the XLT as a foundation for some bespoke add-ons to create a more appealing and rugged counterpart. The suspension has been borrowed from the Wildtrak X, which means it has a wider track and heightened ground clearance than the standard model. Looking closely at the images will reveal that the chunky tyres and added width mean that the bakkie has received new black-plastic fender arches. Related: 2023 Wildtrak X added to growing Ford Ranger lineup In addition to the exterior aesthetic, Boulder Gray details litter the aesthetic and contrast the paintwork while a tubular sports bar lines the loading bin. Also included are aluminium side steps and twin front tow hooks giving t...

A few months ago, Ford announced the latest addition to their compact bakkie lineup with the 2023 Maverick Tremor Off-Road Package. This new model is designed for buyers who want to take their off-road adventures to the next level, while still enjoying a comfortable ride in the city. Would it have been a strong unibody contender in South Africa? Image: Ford Equipped with the 2,0-litre EcoBoost engine that produces an impressive 186 kW of power and 375 N.m of torque, the Maverick Tremor is built for all types of terrain. The all-wheel-drive system is new to the Maverick lineup and includes a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock feature that allows for greater off-road capability. With five selectable drive modes, this compact bakkie can quickly and easily adapt to different driving conditions, whether on the road, in mud, sand, snow, or even for towing. Image: Ford On the outside, the bakkie features a unique grille finish, blacked-out Ford logos, headlamps, ta...

The next-generation VW Tiguan has been spied wearing minimal exterior coverings, exposing what a final production version of the model may become. Like what you see? Image: CarSpyMedia According to CarSpyMedia, who uploaded the video onto their YouTube channel, these may logically be the final winter tests of Volkswagen’s next-generation SUV. Taking place in Scandinavia, the model would have expectedly been exposed to the harsh elements to ensure all componentry works without fault in the freezing conditions. Taking a closer look at the footage and it becomes apparent that even though exterior camouflage has been removed, this test mule is still sporting some vinyl on both fascias to deceive the eyes. The horizontal line between the C-shaped air intakes on the lower extremity of the front fascia are just an optical illusion, closer inspection reveals a grille that does not feed into the flanks. Related: Electrified Tiguan test mules spotted in South Africa The same treatment has...

Rev your engines car enthusiasts, because the moment we’ve all been waiting for is almost here! The unveiling for the Lamborghini Aventador successor codenamed LB744 is taking place this week!  Image: Lamborghini It’s hard to believe it’s been over a decade since the LP700-4 wowed us all, but the new plug-in hybrid V12 supercar is about to take the world by storm. The LB744, as it’s currently known, is shrouded in secrecy, with Lamborghini only teasing us with hints of what’s to come. But what we do know is that this new supercar is set to be a game-changer. With up to 13 different driving modes, including an all-wheel drive electric mode, the LB744 is set to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the road. The Citta Hybrid mode is designed for zero-emissions driving and maximum comfort, while the Sport Recharge mode takes things up a notch with lightning-fast battery charging. But it’s not just the driving modes that have us drooling. Image: Lamborghini In a recent vi...

Introducing Microlino, a groundbreaking and captivating electric scooter car from the innovative urban mobility company; Micro Mobility . With a rich history of pioneering electric kickscooters, Micro Mobility has turned its attention to creating a compact, efficient, and stylish solution for urban transportation. Image: Micro Mobility At first glance, the Microlino is nothing short of remarkable. It’s not just another electric car, but a city runabout that is space-saving and effortlessly cool. Despite being a new company, Micro Mobility has succeeded in creating a desirable vehicle, something that even established companies have tried and failed to do. Microlino’s unique design is inspired by the legendary BMW Isetta bubble car of the 1950s and 1960s. It’s a modern reinterpretation of that classic design, complete with a single refrigerator door in the front and headlights mounted on pods affixed to the sides of the body. These same pods house the side rear-view mirrors, showca...

Set to hit showroom floors in the month of March, Ford has now expanded their Ranger lineup by welcoming several derivatives of the Single Cab and Super Cab body styles, including a first-ever Wildtrak Super Cab. Here is everything there is to know about the Blue Oval additions. Image: Ford Launched in December last year, Ford states that the next-generation Double Cab model has been a roaring success and will hope that their new additions will continue to bolster the popular nameplate. “The Next-Generation Ford Ranger Double Cab models have been exceptionally well-received thanks to the bold styling, outstanding comfort and refinement, exceptional safety and superb performance,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa. The newest addition to wear the Ranger badge boasts increased dimensions, with the upgraded chassis boasting a wheelbase 50 mm longer than before. The track has also been lengthened by the same number which makes the cargo bay...

Prowling along European roads adorned in obstructing camouflage, the new Ferrari hypercar test mule has frequently been spotted on camera . Image: Varryx Ferrari’s LaFerrari has for some time held the title of the firm’s only hypercar, and since its inception, no other hypercar offering has graced the Maranello lineup, until now. Rumoured to arrive in 2025 with production set for the third quarter of 2024, the LaFerrari successor has been spotted in regular test rule guise with notable physique traits such as the gaping from air intakes, staggered side air intakes contouring a geometric flank, high-riding haunches, a billboard-sized rear wing stretching from one hip to the other, twin-exit exhausts similarly styled to the rival firm’s STO offering curtailed by taillights similar to those found on the 296 GTB. Related: Introducing Ferrari’s all new drop top; the Roma Spider Image: Varryx As with any Maranello-bred performance car, specs and other information have been kept un...