The Car Guide

Chicanos Customs Nkabi E9 has gone on to net a Top 5 victory at one of the most prolific European car shows. This marks not only a massive milestone for not only their business but also for the South African car community. We spoke to the owner on the incredible achievement!  Looking for your next classic BMW? Find it here with CARmag. “Your limitation is up to your imagination. So if you can dream it, you can do it.” – Tariq Moosa The Build Speaking to Car Magazine, Tariq Moosa recalled the journey that led to one of the most significant milestones for the South African car culture and community. The car came first and then came the invite for the Gravity Show 2023. After a lengthy voting process, the weapon of choice was decided, a recently acquired BMW 2 800 CS. This example of one of BMW’s early Grand Tourers appeared to be the car that needed the least amount of work and touch-ups, or so they thought. Initially, the project would’ve revolved around new wheels, a new in...

As a country, we recently bagged the title of ‘Best Country’ in the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards , but we seem to have a bit of a split personality. On one hand, we’re rocking those travel awards and on the other hand, we’re apparently holding the title for the worst drivers in a study comparing us to 19 other semi-developed and developed nations. With stats like this? Find a new or used car with all the safety specifications you need here with CARmag.  Before we dive into this vehicular adventure, let’s acknowledge that we’ve got a bit of a road problem. According to Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula, our roads are like that old pair of jeans you just can’t let go of – 40% of the provincial network is past its prime and a whopping 80% of the national road network is older than your uncle’s stories about the good old days. But hey, it’s not just the roads, we’ve got a real issue with access to safe transport options. Limited access to safe and affordable transport makes people ...

Cape Town’s law enforcement is taking a significant step towards enhancing safety in the city. Roughly 800 officers will be equipped with body cameras, and 300 patrol vehicles will be fitted with dashboard cameras. This initiative represents a pioneering move in South Africa and is part of Cape Town’s R860 million investment in safety technology over the next three years. The introduction of these cameras aims to improve crime-fighting efforts by providing evidence-based policing. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Mayoral Committee Member JP Smith unveiled this technology, emphasizing that advanced technology is essential for ensuring Cape Town’s safety. The body-worn cameras and dashboard cameras are expected to enhance situational awareness, strengthen the quality of evidence collection, and increase trust and accountability in the law enforcement division. All interactions with the public will now be recorded, contributing to transparency. The dashboard cameras will feature number ...

Toyota USA has unveiled the 2024 model of its Tundra nameplate. Aligned with the “bigger is better” adage, the 2024 Toyota Tundra makes one wish that these Herculean bakkies were bought over to SA. Looking for your next new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag. Image: Toyota Although Ford’s Ranger Raptor is the largest local offering from the Blue Oval, the F-150 Raptor R variant makes it look like a toy by comparison. The same can be said for Toyota’s Hilux and its US-only Tundra, which not only features a larger powerplant, but larger everything! The chassis of the Tundra is composed of high-strength steel to aid in rigidity, whereas the bits of aluminium are introduced to help reduce overall weight. As a step up from its predecessor, the cross members have doubled in size to improve rigidity and add some reinforcements. Additionally, the Tundra also utilises a front cross member for steering, which the firm claims improves steering input and handling dynamics. The Tundra’...

Did we expect anything less? Alfa Romeo have blown the automotive world away with their all-new 33 Stradale which will only have 33 units produced – all of which have been sold and can be had in either fossil-fuel-powered flavour, or as an EV.  Image: Alfa Romeo As we expected, Alfa Romeo has rebirted the 33 badge for their newcomer supercar. This is in fact what Alfisti have been waiting for although the model will be produced in highly limited numbers like the original with which it shares its name. Looking for a new or used Alfa Romeo? Find it here with CARmag.  Undeniably sharing its silhouette and styling cues with its late 1960s predecessor, of which only 18 were crafted, the contemporary 33 Stradale still features a mid-engined design. The retro-inspired body will be painstakingly handcrafted by the artisans at Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera – the same coachbuilders that have worked with the brand for years and brought the 8C-based Disco Volante to life. This ma...

Volvo South Africa has now started to offer its guaranteed future value (GFV) finance offering to the electric fleet with the XC40 Twin Motor Recharge. Image: Volvo Looking for a new or used Volvo? Find it here with CARmag.  Previously, the Volvo Versatility Finance scheme was available only for the Swedish firm’s combustion-engined vehicles, but in response to growing local demand for electric vehicles (EVs), the company has added the XC40 Twin Motor Recharge AWD Ultimate to the list of eligible cars, while also further refining its GFV offering. Related: Review: Volvo XC60 Beast 2.0 According to Volvo, customers will now have the flexibility to choose between a 36- and a 48-month GFV contract period, with a mileage cap of 20 000 km per annum in each case. Moreover, consumers will have the option of putting down a 10% deposit to make the monthly instalment. Based on a variety of factors such as the chosen term and deposit, consumers can expect to benefit from a GFV of appr...

Chinese automakers have been on a remarkable journey of sales growth and transformation over the past five years in Mzansi. We take a detailed look at the data to see what is going right.  Image: Haval Over the past several years, Chinese automotive brands have demonstrated consistent progress in their annual sales figures, showcasing the industry’s dynamic evolution. Let’s delve into a year-on-year comparison of sales growth for these brands during this period. Looking for your next Haval? Visit our listing page and find it with CARmag This specific analysis zeroes in on Chery Auto South Africa and Haval Motors SA’s annual sales performance in the LCV and passenger segments. Both brands have risen to prominence, earning spots on the monthly best-sellers list. Notably, Chery Auto South Africa’s reentry into the market proved strategic after their shortlived first foray a few years prior but the brand has worked to alter that perception into a more positive one with their new ...

Mitsubishi SA has confirmed that the Eclipse Cross will be replaced by a new seven-seater model sharing its platform with the Xpander and Outlander Sport. Here is all we know so far. Looking for a new or used Mitsubishi? Find it here with CARmag.  In a recent “What’s Up” interview with Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa, Thato Magasa, Ian McLaren had the opportunity to take a glimpse into the roadmap of the Japanese automaker on local soil. Part of their plans are to introduce a third model that will share its platform with the Xpander and Outlander Sport as a seven-seater to replace the Eclipse Cross. Related: Confirmed: ASX Out and Xforce in for Mitsubishi South Africa While news on the Xforce/ASX replacement badged as an Outlander Sport is chief for the short term in South Africa, the Japanese automaker will also be unveiling the aforementioned 7-seater SUV within the next two years. Once the Indonesian-sourced model arrives, it will replace the current Ecli...

Porsche’s most potent Cayenne is coming to South Africa! Ahead of its recent unveiling, we got the official pricing for the luxury SUV for the local market. Here is how much it will cost the people of Mzansi. Image: Porsche Looking for your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag. Touted as the most potent model to ever wear the Cayenne badge, this 544 kW offshoot employs electrification as a way to retain the performance pedigree of its Turbo GT sibling while complying with automotive regulations. Read more about it here: The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is the Most Powerful Cayenne to Ever Exist Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Pricing Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid   – R3,412,000 Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupé – R3,490,000 The Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is offered with a 5-year drive plan. Browse over 26 000 new and used cars here with CARmag. The post Official: Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Pricing for South Africa appeared first on CAR Magazine . The Car Guide ...

Mercedes-Benz has been making subtle changes to its SUV lineup this year, and the EQB is the latest to receive a facelift. Image: Mercedes-Benz The updates include a revised front grille with the brand’s signature star pattern, redesigned rear LED lights, an upgraded infotainment system, and improved driving assistance features. While the visual changes are not drastic, they align the EQB with Mercedes’ growing range of electric vehicles. The front bumper has been reshaped, and the taillights now have parallel lines instead of rectangular LEDs. Additionally, there are new wheel options, including an 18-inch design, two 19-inch designs, and a 20-inch wheel. Stepping inside, the EQB boasts a new steering wheel with haptic controls. Mercedes has also introduced two “sound experiences” that mimic engine noise during acceleration and deceleration, but this feature is only available with the Burmester surround-sound system. The infotainment system has been updated with the latest soft...

Porsche has upset the Cayenne hierarchy by unveiling the most powerful Cayenne model to date. This is all you need to know about the ludicrously potent 2023 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Looking for your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag. Image: Porsche As the name suggests, the new king of the range utilises a hybrid setup, which is composed of an electric motor and the same 4,0-litre twin-turbo V8 that motivates its Turbo GT sibling. That electric motor, which sources its oomph from a 25,0 kWh high voltage battery, exerts a total of 130 kW. According to Porsche, the familiar turbocharged V8 has been “extensively reworked” although they are rather tightlipped about what has changed. Related: Porsche 914 Restomod Barely Resembles What it is Based On What has undoubtedly changed is the power output. It’s lower than the all-motor output in the Turbo GT (485 kW). The E-Hyrbid’s V8 produces 441 kW, but the V8 works in tandem with that electric motor to conjure up...

The Amarok stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of the best in the local bakkie segment. The recently unveiled camper conversion kit enhances the Amarok’s overlanding ability and competence. Looking for your next new or used Amarok? Find it here with CARmag. Image: Volkswagen The new Camper conversion kit was displayed at the 2023 Caravan Salon trade fair in Düsseldorf and utilises an all-wheel-drive PanAmericana model as the basis of the display vehicle. Powered by a 3,0-litre V6 TDi producing an output of 177 kW/ 600 N.m, the engine has to deal with the added weight of the kit’s additions. Related: Million rand bakkies: Ford Ranger Raptor VS VW Amarok Aventura The altered PanAmericana features a modified suspension system to improve its off-road capability. Aside from an adjusted suspension system, the burly double cab retains the vanilla variant’s powertrain, which includes components such as the rear differential lock. Image: Volkswagen The most notable additions i...

The Range Rover Velar was designed to provide a luxurious driving experience, focusing on comfort and refinement for all passengers. This recent update introduces new features to enhance that experience, here’s all you need to know. Image: Range Rover Key to this is a suite of advanced technologies that work together to create a serene atmosphere during every journey. These technologies include cutting-edge cabin air purification, noise cancellation, and chassis systems. A standout feature is the Active Road Noise Cancellation technology. This system monitors road vibrations and generates sound waves to counteract road noise, ensuring a quiet cabin. Using accelerometers in each wheel arch, it detects vibrations and reduces noise inside the cabin by at least four decibels. Related: The Brabus 600 is the First Range Rover to Ever be Tuned by Brabus The Enhanced Cabin Air system, available with the optional Comfort Pack, ensures a healthier cabin environment too by filtering out h...