The Car Guide

Lexus has unveiled two electric vehicle concepts at the Japan Mobility Show, dubbed the LF-ZC and LF-ZL, underpinned by the firm’s next-generation electric mobility technology. Looking for your next new or used Lexus? Find it here with CARmag. Image: Lexus “Pushing the Boundaries of the Electrified Experience” Lexus intends to transform into an all-electric brand by 2035 and wishes to carry over its signature sense of luxury into its electrified automotive offerings founded on a new vehicle architecture. At the forefront of its combustion-less people carriers is the LF-ZC (short for Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) and the LF-ZL (also short for Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury). Related: Review: Lexus RX 500h The LF-ZC is already slated for production in 2026 and will “embody both functionality and beauty without any compromise”. The firm describes its electrified four-door as a car bearing a sleek and refined design. The LF-ZC (and all future Lexus BEVs) will be founded o...

In our November 2023 issue, we look at what our editorial team believes are the Top 12 Best Buys for 2024. Taking the crown of the Premium Midsize SUV segment is the BMW X1. Here is why… Criteria Vehicles in this category sit above the midsize SUVs in terms of price and premium feel, though not necessarily size. These are premium offerings from aspirational brands and as such offer sophistication, comfort, broad connectivity options, and elevated status.   Looking for your next new or used premium midsize SUV? Find it here with CARmag.  Winner: BMW X1  Image: BMW Now in its third generation, the role of the X1 within BMW’s product portfolio is more significant than ever before. What began in 2009 as a niche offering – catering to the shift towards hatchback-based crossovers with a modicum of adventure-focused ability – is now the entry point into this German brand’s SUV family of vehicles. The X1 is also significant in the context of the global trend towards buyi...

Touted as the pinnacle of the firm’s closed-wheel track-only offerings, the 499P Modificata is a limited-edition track-only offshoot of the Ferrari 499P LMH that took pole position at the 24 Hours of Le Mans earlier this year. Looking for your next race-ready performance car? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Ferrari The 499P Modificata is derived from the 499P Le Mans Hypercar. Additionally, it doesn’t have to adhere to the same FIA WEC technical regulations that restricted the 499P LMH. Essentially, among the many sharp track-only tools in Ferrari’s Rossa Corsa-coloured shed, the 499P Modificata is a hand-crafted chef’s knife. Ferrari hails it as the highest-performance closed-wheel Ferrari the firm has ever offered for non-competitive track use. As such, the 499P Modificata is distinguished by several revisions made to the 499P LMH’s formula that can be summed up as a decrease in inhibitions and an increase in performance. Beneath its sculpted monocoque carbon fibre chass...

No V6? No problem, as the upcoming Hilux and Fortuner could be offered with six-cylinder power in both petrol and diesel writes Braam Peens.  Looking for your next new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Toyota The staggering stubbornness of well-heeled South African off-roaders in their denial of sky-high fuel prices continues to be met with compliant glee from Ford and Volkswagen. But not from Toyota , who “sensibly” dropped the Hilux and Fortuner’s four-litre V6 petrol engine in 2020. Around the same time, Mercedes was burying the too-well-cloned Nissan Navara dud V6-powered X350d – incidentally, SA’s first seven-digit-priced bakkie. This left VW as the sole seller of six-cylinder power in the hot-hatch humbling (now previous-gen) Amarok V6. Then, in 2022, came the new current-gen Ford Ranger, now also kitted out with six-cylinder power in either diesel; or petrol in the 292 kW Raptor – the latter of which again kicked the performance bakkie goal posts i...

One of the most contested segments locally, mainstream marques vie for a piece of the Midsize SUV pie. Our editorial team has selected the well-equipped Kia Sportage as the winner. Here is why! Criteria In one of the most contested segments, we consider distinguished, practical vehicles based on midsize platforms. Same-sized premium iterations compete in the next category, so here only the mainstream marques duke it out. Looking for your next new or used compact crossover? Find it here with CARmag.  Winner: Kia Sportage  Image: Kia The new class leader of a range that kicks off with the 132 kW 1,6-litre turbo LX model. The list of features on this R585 995 entry-level version includes most of the good stuff, missing only leather upholstery, electric seats and a panoramic glass roof. Notable levels of drivetrain refinement are paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The fifth-generation Sportage offers compelling styling, a high-quality interior and segment-l...

We’ve seen the bulk of autonomous driving technology aimed at A to B transportation (among other things), but autonomous drifting is as left-field as it gets in the realm of autonomous mobility. Looking for your next new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag. Image: Toyota “Through this project, we are expanding the region in which a car is controllable, with the goal of giving regular drivers the instinctual reflexes of a professional race car driver to be able to handle the most challenging emergencies and keep people safer on the road.” – Avinash Balachandran, senior manager of TRI’s Human Centric Driving Research In 2022, Toyota’s Research Institute published a video that showcased a heavily revised Toyota Supra drifting around a race track without any input from the occupant in the driver’s seat. This auto-drift Supra test mule features a computer-controlled steering wheel, throttle, clutch, sequential transmission and an individual wheel braking system. Additionally, th...

Practical packaging and stylish aesthetics are a must in the Compact Crossover segment. Our winner; the Renault Captur well equipped at competitively priced from R469 999. See what took the runner-up spots here!  Criteria A persuasive pairing of practical packaging with stylish looks and a frugal yet punchy engine, are all must-haves in this category. This segment’s winner needs to be an accomplished all-rounder that’s competitively priced. And it should suit empty nesters and young family buyers alike. Looking for your next new or used compact crossover? Find it here with CARmag.  Winner: Renault Captur  Image: Renault Having arrived fashionably late to the party, the second-generation Captur is based on the equally impressive modern Clio hatch and in our market directly aims at the VW T-Cross and recently announced Ford Puma. Carrying the reinvigorated Renault brand’s aspirations to complement its popular portfolio of India-sourced products with a range of more...

Renault has unveiled the Renault Kardian, a compact crossover designed for specific markets outside of Europe. Image: Renault Looking for your next Renault? Find it here with CARmag This new model rides on Renault’s modular platform and features a freshly developed 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed DCT. The Kardian is positioned above the Kwid and is considered the successor to the Renault Sandero. It will be manufactured entirely in Brazil as part of Renault’s global strategy through 2027. Built on a CMF platform, the Kardian is tailored to the South American market and is expected to be initially available in Brazil, with later expansion to Morocco. This model represents the first vehicle outside Europe to showcase Renault’s latest design language. Image: Renault In terms of dimensions, the Kardian measures 4 119 mm in length, 2 025 mm in width and 1 595 mm in height, with a wheelbase spanning 2 604 mm. The ground clearance stands at 209 mm...

Touted as the most advanced bakkie built by the Chinese automaker, the JAC T9 is positioned as the range-topper within the firm’s local stables.  Looking for your next new or used JAC bakkie? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: JAC The double-cab-only T-Series JAC bakkie is offered in four variations, which are all founded on the same powertrain and chassis. The JAC T9 range consists of the following models:  T9 2.0L CTi 4×2 Lux: R529 900 T9 2.0L CTi 4×2 Super Lux: R579 900 T9 2.0L CTi 4×4 Lux: R599 900 T9 2.0L CTi 4×4 Super Lux: R649 900 The JAC T9, built on the firm’s third-generation LCV platform, has a similar form factor as Ford’s Ranger, with the difference in size being only a few millimetres. The T9 is 5 330 mm long, 1 965 mm wide, 1 920 mm tall and sits on a 3 110mm long wheelbase. Its ride height and 210 mm ground clearance allow for an approach and departure angle of 27⁰ and 23⁰, respectively.  Image: JAC JAC says its standoffish double ...

A limited-run, road-legal GT3-spec Audi R8 is currently in development, possibly serving as a swansong for the V10 supercar. Equipped with aggressive aero, centre-lock wheels and a roof-mounted air intake – this may be Audi’s most lunacy-filled model in several years.  Looking for your next Audi? Find it here with CARmag Audi’s decision to embark on this project is notable, especially considering that they previously unveiled the Audi R8 GT as the official send-off for the model. This raises questions about how this new offering will be positioned in the market in comparison to its 5,2-litre competitors. The car’s design reflects a strong influence from the world of motorsport, featuring race-inspired components and an aggressive aesthetic. The front end is equipped with a new bumper with canards and a substantial splitter. Heat extraction vents on the bonnet and pressure-reducing vents above the front wheel arches indicate a focus on performance. Thinner windows and a signifi...

While hatchbacks may be losing market share to their taller and more utilitarian SUV counterparts, our small car winner remains South Africa’s best-selling passenger car. Here is why the Volkswagen Polo reigned supreme. Criteria This category covers city cars such as the Mazda2 and Renault Clio, all the way to practical fare like the Honda Fit – as well as premium entries from Audi and Mini. Looking for your next new or used Volkswagen Polo? Find it here with CARmag.  Winner: Volkswagen Polo  Image: Volkswagen A perennial overachiever in our market, the locally assembled Polo continues in its winning ways, both in these awards and on the monthly sales charts. The sixth-generation Polo is a polished entrant and remains South Africa’s best-selling passenger car (complemented by its sibling the Polo Vivo). Including an extensive range of variants – with 70 kW or 85 kW engine options and two transmission alternatives, as well as the 147 kW GTI derivative – this VW strike...

On the cusp of celebrating its 100th anniversary, Ford South Africa reminisces some of its most noteworthy nameplates to ever emerge from the local production lines of the Blue Oval group. Looking for your next new or used Ford? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Ford It would be criminal to talk about Ford’s local legacy cars without starting with the hallowed V8-powered Capri Perana. The only Ford factory-sanctioned model equipped with a V8 engine, the Perana name’s weight is felt on public roads and in South Africa’s Motorsport Hall of Fame. As a result of the popularity garnered through a dominant performance in the motorsport scene, these V8-powered coupes were homologated into road-legal versions, with a total of 500 road-going models emerging from Basil Green’s workshop. The Capri Perana had a total weight of 1 100kg and an output of 210 kW and 407 N.m. Related: A Brief Walkthrough of Ford’s History Ahead of it’s 100th Year in SA Image: Ford Ford’s Cortina would pl...

In a segment dominated by value-for-money propositions, our editorial team chose the Toyota Urban Cruiser as the Budget Crossover winner.  Criteria In defining the pool of competitors, we factor in size (anything smaller than midsize SUVs) and price (roughly up to the R350 000 mark). Value is a key criterium, as are practicality and features. Looking for your next new or used budget crossover? Find it here with CARmag.  Winner: Toyota Urban Cruiser Image: Toyota For its combination of bold styling, robust quality and – in a segment where value for money is becoming ever more of a final arbiter – competitive pricing, the second-generation Urban Cruiser earns top honours in this year’s hotly contested budget-crossover category. The Suzuki-based product features a broadly efficient 77 kW/138 N.m 1.5-litre engine, is spacious and versatile enough to cater to most small families and even offers 210 mm worth of ground clearance for a modicum of adventure-focussed prowess. ...