The Car Guide

It doesn’t sound familiar and that is because it isn’t but Volkswagen will reportedly replace the Tiguan Allspace with the Tayron SUV that is sold and built by Volkswagen in China. Image: Volkswagen Currently available exclusively in China to the burgeoning automotive buying public of the country, Volkswagen may decide to replace the longer-wheelbased Tiguan with the Tayron. VW CEO Thomas Schäfer mentioned that the Chinese-built model is planned for a 2024 launch in the European market and will serve as one of the final models powered by combustion engines to enter the continent pioneering new energy vehicles for the next decade. Related: 2023 Volkswagen Golf 8 R pricing The model was developed and built by a FAW-VW‎ partnership at the Tianjin‎ facility in China. It went on sale in 2018 which means it is still a relatively fresh model in the growing lineup of Volkswagen SUVs. Similar to the Tiguan which it may replace around the world, the Tayron is underpinned by the MQB platfor...

Purposed to showcase the many facets and spectacles of the motoring world, the Festival of Motoring will return to the famed Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in August this year.  Image: Alex Shahini This marks the sixth iteration of the popular motoring event and has been slated to take police from the 25th to the 27th of August.  Related: A recap of the 2023 Killarney Extreme Festival “The Festival of Motoring has become an annual must-attend consumer event for the motoring community. And we’re excited to partner with WesBank once again to bring visitors an even better experience than ever before,” said Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa Image: Alex Shahini Tickets are available at  www.howler.co.za . Ticket holders will have the option of using a shuttle service from the Mall of Africa to the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit. Ticket costs are as follows: Adults: R220 per person until the 30th of April, whereafter tickets will cost 265 per p...

Ford’s pony car garnered a cult following shortly after its release, and that cult-like following has stayed strong as the Mustang has been highlighted as the best-selling sports car in South Africa. Image: Ford Over the last decade, Ford’s Mustang nameplate has sold over 3 852 units locally since its introduction in 2016, with 239 units sold over the last 12 months. Born and bred in the States, the Mustang is most lusted after in the land of stars and stripes representing 78% of global sales. Image: Ford Related: 2024 Mustang Shelby GT500 test mule spotted clad in camo “We’re proud of the entire Mustang family, what it represents to Ford and especially our passionate Mustang owners and fans. It’s our commitment to serving Mustang’s global community, from Atlanta to Adelaide and beyond, that has earned Mustang the honour of world’s best-selling sports car for 10 years combined” — Dave Bozeman, the Vice President of Enthusiast Vehicles for Ford Blue Image: Ford The higher-...

It is done. One of Toyota South Africa’s longest-serving models has quietly been retired. After an impressive dozen years on the market, the FJ Cruiser has now removed from the Toyota catalogue.  Image: Toyota After a remarkable 12-year run, the Toyota FJ Cruiser has bid adieu to South Africa. The Toyota FJ Cruiser made its debut in 2006 and arrived in South Africa in 2011. The ladder-frame SUV was priced at R813 000 before its local discontinuation, and it came equipped with Toyota’s familiar naturally aspirated 4,0-litre V6 petrol powerplant. The FJ cruiser delivers 200 kW and 380 N.m of torque to all 4 wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission. Related:  Toyota FJ Cruiser will have one Final Edition before being retired The FJ Cruiser’s interior boasted leather seats, a leather multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, manual air conditioning, an overhead switchboard, a six-speaker sound system, and a reverse camera. The last models of the FJ Cruiser came with ...

Previewed a few months ago, JAC provided more details of the highly anticipated T9 lineup at Auto Shanghai. More impressively, the Chinese automaker will launch its double-cab range in South Africa comprising a diesel, petrol, plug-in hybrid as well as a fully electric vehicle. Image: JAC The JAC T9 caused a stir when it was announced for the South African market a few months ago. Now, the Chinese automaker has provided a few more details of the model and it is exciting news for local bakkie aficionados. The T9 lineup will first and foremost serve as a flagship model in the entire T-Series, which also includes the smaller T8 and workhorse T6 bakkies. Expectedly, the newcomer will include a full range of different powerplants in both 4X4 and 4X2 options. The T9 then, will serve as JAC’s first foray into the highly competitive and lucrative double-cab lifestyle market. Related: Another Chinese bakkie set to ruffle feathers? The 2023 JAC T9 Hunter The new T9 is the most advanced pi...

One thing we have known about almost all models of car ranges over the decades is that growth is as inevitable as human beings doing the same after birth. And so it is with the Toyota Urban Cruiser . Image: Toyota What has changed? This is much more than some tweaks here and there. The length is a significant 370 mm longer. Also stretched is the wheelbase (up 100 mm), taller and wider and perhaps the most important for that SUV/Crossover role, the ground clearance is up from 195 mm to 210 mm. The first impression as I walked up to the test units was that this car is too big. I was expecting something a bit more compact. It really is long. Related: New Haval P04 set to compete with the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser To the styling we now move. The front treatment is attractive. The headlamps are set low, while the LED strips provide high-mounted running lights that switch to amber when they double for the indicators. Very neat and highly visible. The airdam is also set low and large....

The wait is finally over! The much anticipated 2024 McLaren 750s has finally been unveiled, this specific model has been designed with the purist driver in mind, and it promises to deliver an unparalleled driving experience that will most likely take your breath away. Image: McLaren At the heart of the 750s is a twin-turbocharged 4,0-litre V8 engine that is capable of producing a whopping 551 kW of power and 800 N.m of torque. Paired with an updated seven-speed sequential gearbox with a shorter final drive ratio, this supercar can go from 0-100 km/h in just 2,7 seconds, leaving everything else in its wake. But the 750s is not just about raw power, it has been designed and engineered to perfection, with advances in weight-saving, powertrain performance, aerodynamics, and dynamic excellence that will elevate your driving experience to new heights. Around 30% of the car’s components are either new or changed to deliver these improvements, and with them comes an even greater emotiona...

The 2024 Land Rover Defender range has just gotten even more impressive with the introduction of the new Defender 130 Outbound variant, as well as the availability of the Defender 130 with a glorious 5,0-litre supercharged V8 engine. Image: Land Rover This new addition to the Defender family is the epitome of luxury and all-terrain capability, making it the perfect choice for those with active and adventurous lifestyles. This new Defender boasts a luxurious interior space that seamlessly combines with unparalleled off-road capabilities. With its five seats and ample cargo space, this model enables its passengers to bring everything they need to explore the great outdoors. The nearly flat load space at the rear provides a claimed 2 516 litres of space, making it ideal for hauling heavy objects with ease. The cabin is equipped with durable rubber floor mats that can be folded out over the rear bumper, providing extra protection and stability when loading and unloading cargo. Imag...

Killarney will be the staging ground for one of the biggest car enthusiast events of the year. This is all you need to know about Honda Day 2023. Image: Car Magazine Related: All grown up – Honda Civic Type R (FL5) review Honda Day returns after its last running in 2019. Tickets will be sold at the gate and will cost R80. Children younger than 12 years old and WPMC members can enter for free. The gates will be open from 6:30 am. Drag racing will follow the Steet2Strip format from 10 am until 4 pm. From 10 am till lunchtime the drag racing will adhere to bracket racing. After lunch, the drag racing will continue using a knockout system to crown the winner. A parade lap will take place during lunch and will include every Honda in attendance. Image: Car Magazine Alongside drag racing will be the Show and Shine display. This portion will showcase some of the most unique and noteworthy Hondas Cape Town’s enthusiasts have to offer. Additionally, Show and Shine competitors will comp...

Know the Car, Buy the Car. As with anything in life, crucial decisions like acquiring a new set of wheels require careful consideration that comes from knowledge. Whether it be new or used, CARmag now offers this service to best equip prospective buyers browsing for a car. Welcome to the future of #BuyWithCar. Serving as South Africa’s conclusive motoring authority since 1957, CAR Magazine has offered its readers a platform to find impartial and unbiased opinions on new vehicles since its inception! Further supplementing this is in-depth technical data obtained through thorough independent empirical testing. All of this serves to better prepare readers in their pursuit of finding the perfect vehicle to serve their specific needs. Comprised of industry-leading automotive journalists, CAR Magazine has always served in translating the physical experiences of new vehicles into palatable pieces of information for readers. With a conclusive review section within the CARmag website coverin...

BMW continues to expand its selection of electrified M-badged models by introducing the most high-strung and high-performing electric the firm has ever produced. This is all you need to know about the 2023 BMW I7 M70 xDrive. Image: BMW The I7 M70 xDrive debuts as the 7 series’ range-topper and features a slew of BMW M-specific adjustments the firm claims to aid in delivering a perfect balance between electric mobility and performance. The M70 M-badge is well deserved as the latest electric offering is much more than a skin-deep badge treatment and is afforded the title of the most powerful and fastest electric M-model the firm has to offer. Related: BMW i7 xDrive60 Review BMW have tinkered with the chassis, suspension components, powertrain architecture, and many more, but the most evident changes can be found on the car’s modified powertrain. The electric luxury sedan is powered by two electric motors that can be found on the front (190 kW) and rear (360 kW) axles. Image: BMW...

At this year’s Milan Design Week, Maserati has unveiled three one-of-a-kind models based on their new GranTurismo, showcasing the capabilities of their Fuoriserie personalization program. Image: Maserati Among these models is the impressive Maserati GranTurismo Ouroboros, a digital-only creation by Hiroshi Fu jiwara, a Japanese “street culture innovator” and avid Maserati enthusiast. The Ouroboros, which is based on the fully electric GranTurismo Folgore, boasts a unique styling treatment with bespoke parts that make it look like a coach-built special. The redesigned front end features round headlights inspired by the Tipo 151 racecar and a shiny grille reminiscent of the A6GCS Berlinetta Pininfarina. The profile has been updated with fender vents from the classic 3500 GT and a new set of forged wheels styled after the magnesium wheels of the Bora. The rear, on the other hand, takes cues from the Shamal and features hidden pixel LED taillights behind a full-width fascia. Image:...

The highly anticipated sixth-generation 2024  Mercedes-Benz E-Class has finally been unveiled, and it’s packed with advanced technology and a sleek design that unmistakably bears the tri-pointed star. Image: Mercedes-Benz   This luxury sedan is set to continue its long-standing rivalry with the BMW 5 Series, and is launching just weeks before the unveiling of the G60 from Bavaria. The new E-Class has an evolutionary design, with the taillights incorporating the Mercedes logo serving as a daring design detail. The car’s overall aesthetic borrows cues from its two siblings, the C-Class and S-Class, to create a cohesive look that is both elegant and timeless. Image: Mercedes-Benz Inside, the E-Class has been transformed to mimic the EQE electric sedan, with a modern approach that is both luxurious and functional. The upper grades will come equipped with the MBUX Superscreen, a large infotainment system that sits between the digital dials behind the steering wheel and t...