The Car Guide

The Mazda CX-5 has been discontinued in the South African market and has been succeeded by the all-new CX-60 flagship. Here are details on the newcomer.  Image: Mazda Mazda South Africa confirmed that the CX-5 will be replaced by the CX-60. Like its predecessor, the CX-60 is a five-seater SUV available in two distinct configurations: the CX-60 2.5L Dynamic RWD and the CX-60 2.5L AWD. Both models are powered by Mazda’s Skyactive-G 2,5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering a power output of 129 kW. The latest SUV from Mazda’s stable is positioned in the same market segment as the outgoing CX-5 and is equipped with a range of advanced technologies and driver assistance systems, placing it on par with other leading models in its class. Image: Mazda Mazda South Africa has expressed the possibility of adding a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant to its lineup. According to Mazda South Africa MD. Craig Roberts “That (a hybrid five-seater SUV offering in SA) wou...

Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa is preparing to introduce an exciting addition to its lineup in June—the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, V300d Special EDITION. This exclusive release, available only in the South African market and with limited availability, represents a significant milestone for the automaker. Image: Mercedes Marinus Venter, Head of Product & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Vans SA, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to meeting the expectations of V-Class customers. Venter stated, “Our V-Class customers value safety, comfort, spaciousness, and luxury while making a statement with their vehicles.” Related: Mercedes-Maybach Unveils Night Series design package The Mercedes-Benz V-Class, V300d Special EDITION, signifies a new era of luxury in the South African market. With its captivating design, powerful performance, a pricetag of R2 190 00 and comprehensive safety features, this limited-edition release is set to captivate luxury vehicle enthusiasts seeking a distinct leve...

Land Rover has unveiled the highly anticipated Range Rover Sport SV toting 467 kW, a vehicle that sets new benchmarks in luxury and high-performance capabilities for the Range Rover Sport moniker. Image: Land Rover The new Range Rover Sport SV will be available exclusively to select clients in limited edition SV Edition One specification for its first year of production. The launch also coincides with updates across the Range Rover Sport family, including a new plug-in electric hybrid variant and the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system. In terms of pricing, this will most likely rank above the P615 SV which is accompanied by a R4 million price-tag. Image: Land Rover At the heart of the Range Rover Sport SV lies the most powerful engine ever fitted to a Range Rover. The 4,4-litre Twin-Turbo MHEV V8 petrol engine delivers an impressive 467 kW and 750 N.m, which is 44 kW more than the supercharged SVR’s power output. This hearty power plant enables the super SUV to accelerate fro...

A rich blue, inspired by the phenomenon of earth’s surface mixing with the darkness of space is chief among many bespoke details embued onto 62 of Rolls-Royce’s Cullinan Black Badge bearing the new Blue Shadow moniker. Image: Rolls-Royce It’s called the Kármán line and it’s the arbitrary zone that attempts to mark the boundary between the final layer of Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. Measured approximately 62 miles or 100 km above the surface of the planet, it is essentially where the final frontier begins. Related: A ghost from the past, the Rolls-Royce Spectre prototype review Accustomed to creating products that would be no stranger to the heavens, Rolls-Royce has now used this intangible phenomenon to usher 62 of the Cullinan SUVs into the terrestrial world – all of which are already accounted for. This number represents one for every mile from Earth to the Kármán Line. Image: Rolls-Royce Its captivating presence is amplified by the mesmerizing Stardust Blue paintwor...

Toyota’s all-new TRD Tacoma has left many South Africans hoping the next-generation Hilux shares some of its butch exterior styling but the interior is equally as much of a marvel. With inbuilt seat shock absorbers, this bakkie is built for some serious off-road fun! Off-roading can be pretty tough, not only on the mechanical components of the vehicle beneath but on the driver and passengers too. Thrown from side to side over undulating terrain at a rate of knots and subject to inconceivably dangerous angles on sloping paths, bolsters and seat support can only provide so much assistance. Toyota believes they have a solution which they have installed on the all-new TRD Tacoma Pro. Related: The all-new Toyota Tacoma may be a preview of the next-gen Hilux  In the first row of seats, all seems normal however open the rear doors and peer into the second row and an artistic display of mechanical components awaits. Dubbed IsoDynamic Sport Seats by boffs at Toyota, these front-row seats...

A Kia bakkie to rival the likes of the revered and well-established Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger? The South Korean automaker is preparing a double-cab which may be unveiled as early as 2024!  Image: Autospy Kia is gearing up to make a significant impact in the Australian automotive market with its highly anticipated double-cab pickup truck. Set to arrive at dealerships in the Land Down Under around 2025, this new addition to Kia’s lineup aims to rival established titans in the industry from the likes of Toyota, Ford and Isuzu. We’ve been following the development of Kia’s double-cab bakkie for some time. To learn what is known about Kia’s Ranger rivalling double-cab, click here . Australian dealerships have reportedly been earmarked as the first recipients of Kia’s double-cab pickup truck. Consequently, a global unveiling is likely to occur sometime in the middle of 2024, setting the stage for its anticipated arrival in Australian showrooms by 2025. Related: Kia Sportage 1....

In its short time on the market, Toyota’s very own 3-cylinder pocket rocket has impressed enthusiasts with its driver-focused appeal. Despite producing 198 kW as standard, some Aussies have managed to harness almost 3 times as much from this Tuned GR Yaris. Image: Powertune Australia Straight to this jaw-dropping figure then? Powertune Australia caused a stir by posting images of their tuned GR Yaris on Facebook with a dyno graph showing 552,5 kW which they claim is at the hubs! Nicknamed Rodent by the Sydney-based specialists, the tuned GR Yaris now delivers almost three times as much power from the original figures while retaining most of its internals. The tuning company has been tinkering with the little motor for over a year and has subjected ‘Rodent’ to over 30 dyno runs without any reliability issues, keeping true to Toyota’s reputation even with some ludicrous modifications! Speaking of which, this includes the original pistons, crank and conrods. What’s new on the mode...

In the realm of off-road mastery, one name stands tall, Delta4x4. Renowned for their extraordinary ability to transform vehicles into rugged beasts that conquer any terrain. The outfitter has now imparted their expertise on their latest creation, the All Terrain Volkswagen Amarok “Beast 2,0.” Image: Delta4x4 Sheer muscularity. This modified masterpiece is sure to captivate off-road enthusiasts as Delta4x4 elevates the Amarok to new heights. Without much introduction, it becomes abundantly clear that the Amarok has undergone a metamorphosis. Delta4x4 has bestowed upon it a formidable lift kit, causing it to rise almost 4 inches (100 mm) higher than its factory counterpart. The result? A commanding presence that demands attention, ready to conquer even the most unforgiving landscapes. Additional suspension modifications have been artfully integrated, bestowing the Beast 2,0 with an impressive ground clearance of 150 mm. Image: Delta4x4 Looking at the enormous tyres, what you fi...

Suzuki Auto’s journey within the South African market has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the past decade, the brand has transformed from an underdog to a formidable contender rivalling industry stalwarts. With its recent achievements in the first quarter of 2023, Suzuki has marked a significant milestone in its brand history, celebrating its most successful quarter to date with the Swift achieving most popular passenger vehicle.  Image: Suzuki Between the period from January to April, Suzuki Auto recorded an impressive sales figure of 16 020 vehicles. This remarkable feat translates to a market share of over 13% in the highly competitive South African passenger vehicle market. Such an accomplishment is a testament to the brand’s unwavering pursuit of customer satisfaction. Henno Havenga, the Manager of Dealer Sales at Suzuki Auto South Africa, acknowledges the pivotal role played by the brand’s dealerships in this triumph. He emphasizes that the dealers not only ac...

Anticipation mounts as Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division prepares to unveil a new GR-badged concept car at this year’s 24 Hour of Le Mans. While speculation runs rampant, one intriguing possibility emerges: the next concept car could very well be a race-ready Prius, blending performance and sustainability. Image: Toyota Toyota’s presence at the 24 Hour of Le Mans event will feature several exhibitions showcased in the Manufacturer’s Village and ACO fan zone. Among these exhibitions, one stands out—a concept car that Toyota plans to leverage the introduction of groundbreaking technological innovations, furthering the company’s commitment to carbon-neutral aspirations. It’s a bold conjecture, but there are compelling reasons to believe that this concept car might indeed be a Prius, donning the exhilarating mantle of Gazoo Racing. Related: Toyota to go on African hybrid offensive for reduced CO2 emissions Analyzing the teaser image with enhanced exposure settings, intriguing details e...

Volvo’s eagerly anticipated EX30 is set to make history as the Swedish automotive giant pledges to achieve its lowest carbon footprint ever.  Image: Volvo With a grand unveiling scheduled for the 7th of June, the EX30 is generating a buzz of excitement, as it promises to embody the very essence of Volvo Cars . A small, fully electric SUV designed to embrace the demands of the modern era while prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility is on its way. Building on the impressive strides made by Volvo’s 2024 model year C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge EVs, the EX30 will elevate the sustainability game even further. Volvo aims to achieve a remarkable 25% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions when compared to its electric counterparts. While electric vehicles already possess the advantage of zero “tailpipe” emissions, the company recognizes that emissions from other sources, such as production and grid electricity, must also be addressed. Image: Volvo Volvo’s commitme...

Mercedes-Maybach , the pinnacle of luxury within the Mercedes-Benz Group, has once again pushed the boundaries of opulence with the unveiling of its latest design package, the Night Series, imparted onto its lineup. Image: Mercedes-Maybach This exclusive collection, announced at a lavish event in New York’s West Village on the 23rd of May, introduces a captivating nocturnal aesthetic that is set to captivate discerning customers and redefine the concept of automotive luxury. Crafted in response to the desires of existing clientele while considering the evolving tastes of new customers, the Night Series represents a daring evolution for the renowned German automaker. Serving as a visually striking cosmetic upgrade, this package exudes an air of sophistication with its elegant black and rose gold accents, perfectly harmonizing with the sleek lines and refined presence of Mercedes-Maybach vehicles. Image: Mercedes-Maybach The illustrious S-Class and the all-electric EQS SUV, both...