The Car Guide

Toyota has announced that the temporary suspension of shipments of three diesel powertrains that were used across ten vehicle models has been lifted. Looking for your next new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag. Image: Toyota “With regards to the certification irregularities, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism confirmed on January 19 that the cars comply with the standards of the Road Transport Vehicle Act and lifted the suspension of shipments.” – Toyota Motor Corporation. Earlier this week, Toyota announced that it would temporarily suspend the shipment of three diesel-engined models (the 1GD, 2GD, and F33A engines) used in ten vehicle models, such as the Land Cruiser Prado, Hiace, Hilux, Fortuner, and Land Cruiser 300. The decision came after an investigation conducted by a special investigation committee reported that during certification testing, vehicles would use a different ECU software than what is used in mass production. According to t...

BMW has taken its G82/G83 M4 to the operating table, imbuing it with more power and new design features that BMW believes have further developed the M4 model. Looking for your next new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: BMW The locally available iteration of the G82 M4 features the sonorous S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight six, capable of outputting 375 kW and 650 N.m. BMW has increased the maximum output by 15 kW, resulting in a total output of 390 kW generated at 6 250 r/min. BMW achieved this power increase by modifying the engine’s control system. Torque and the power band have seemingly been undisturbed. Related: BMW M Reports 200 000 Sales Milestone in 2023 For First Time Image: BMW Notable revisions to the M4’s exterior design include the new headlights and taillights. The new vertical LED headlights are a standard feature and offer low and high beams produced by the same LED module. Furthermore, adaptive LED headlights with anti-glare matrix h...

Following the destructive and disruptive floods in early 2022, Toyota has spent considerable time and resources ensuring its Durban Plant is geared to withstand flooding. In addition, the automaker is also in the process of going green to be more proficient off-grid.   Image: Toyota Looking for your next new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag.  TSAM ( Toyota South Africa Motors ) made a major announcement after it confirmed that it would bring its first pure BEV into South Africa in 2024. Dubbed, the bZ4X, this signals Toyota’s commitment and rapid investment into the BEV space which it hopes to sell 1.5 million units by 2026 and 3.5 million by the close of the decade. Lexus is taking an even more aggressive approach since it aims to be completely BEV by the close of the decade in Europe, North America and China. It will pursue this same approach of 100% BEV sales globally by 2035, or 11 years from now. Related:  Toyota’s Hilux is One Step Closer to Becom...

Citroën South Africa is mulling plans to introduce automatic versions of its C3 crossover, and a turbocharged model, featuring a six-speed automatic transmission and more power, could be on the cards. Looking for your next new or used Citroën? Find it here with CARmag. Speaking to Citroen South Africa, we’ve learned that a line-up comprising automatic models, and possibly a turbocharged powerplant could be headed our way. When approached to confirm whether or not the turbocharged C3 would be offered in their local lineup, the company stated… “We are planning the introduction of the automatic drivetrains in South Africa, but [the] timing has not yet been confirmed at this stage.” – Karl Kielblock, Citroën Product Manager in South Africa. Image: Citroën Citroën introduced the reimagined C3, which had changed from a five-door hatchback to a five-door crossover, in the middle of last year. At present, the local line-up comprises just one model – the Citroën C3 1.2 Feel. It featur...

With South Africans eager to find out if the Stallion bakkie will make its way to local roads as a right-hand drive model, TSAM’s CEO has stated the automaker is confident it will not impede Hilux single cab sales.   Looking for your next new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag.  First and foremost, Andrew Kirby, CEO of TSAM ( Toyota South Africa Motors ) stated that the Stallion, or Hilux Champ as it is known in foreign markets has no final approval to be sold in South Africa just yet. Kirby further added that the Stallion is currently not configured for our market and would only be a viable local product in terms of affordability if it was produced at the Prospecton Plant in Durban. With this in mind and the typical timeline to prepare a production line, a right-hand-drive model may only arrive on the local market in 2028 at the earliest. Related:  Toyota’s Hilux is One Step Closer to Becoming an EV By this time, a completely new Hilux should be available ...

Mitsubishi has introduced three new derivatives to its Outlander range, offering new entry-level and range-topping trims.  Looking for your next new or used Mitsubishi? Find it here with CARmag.  Pricing:  Mitsubishi Outlander GL: R699 995 Mitsubishi Outlander GLS: R759 995 Mitsubishi Outlander GLS Plus: R769 995 Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire: R789 995 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed: R809 995 “The expansion of the Outlander range will allow more South Africans to get behind the wheel of this exciting vehicle by offering exceptional value for money across a wider variety of models, fitted with the equipment that meets the exacting requirements of our modern customers.” – Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA). Image: Mitsubishi The Mitsubishi Outlander range consists of five derivatives. All derivatives derive power from a 2.5-litre Duel VVT DOHC four-cylinder petrol engine feeding power to all four wheels. Mat...

Maserati has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated Quattroporte EV will make its debut in 2028, marking a significant stride in the brand’s shift away from traditional internal combustion engines. Image: Maserati Looking for a new or used Maserati? Find it here with CARmag. Last year, the automaker bid farewell to its 3.8-litre V8 engine, signalling a strategic move toward electrification. Initially slated for a 2025 launch, rumours about a delay surfaced late last year, and it appears those speculations were accurate. The upcoming seventh-generation Quattroporte sedan, set to be manufactured at Stellantis’s Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, will be a smaller, more opulent, and battery-powered successor to both the current V8 Maserati Quattroporte and the smaller Maserati Ghibli. Ahead of the Quattroporte’s electrified debut, Maserati is set to introduce the Maserati MC20 Folgore in the upcoming year, followed by the Maserati Levante Folgore in 2027. The impending ...

Pricing for Range Rover’s new Velar and Evoque has been made available, and models can be ordered directly on the JLR South Africa eCommerce websites or from any JLR retail agent across SA.    Looking for your next new or used Range Rover? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Jaguar Land Rover The Velar features a refreshed design, a slightly reimagined interior layout, and an accompaniment of various pieces of tech. Most notably, the new Velar model features a wider array of technology from the new floating 11.4-inch curved touchscreen featuring the Pivi Pro infotainment system to the Cabin Air Purification Pllus air filtration system.   Related: Range Rover Velar will Arrive with Minor Updates Image: Jaguar Land Rover Range Rover Velar Pricing:  Range Rover Velar D200 Dynamic SE: R1 670 900 Range Rover Velar D200 Dynamic HSE: R1 814 300 Range Rover Velar D300 Dynamic SE: R1 857 100 Range Rover Velar D300 Dynamic HSE: R1 984 100 Range Rov...

The Prancing Horse is preparing for its maiden voyage in the world of sailing as a way of improving its technological capabilities. Looking for your next new or used car? Find it here with CARmag.  “We are about to embark on an exciting journey that will expand our racing soul. With this new competitive challenge, motivated by our innovative capacity and commitment to sustainability, we will push beyond current boundaries. We are happy to be able to count on Giovanni, who is extraordinary in terms of experience, determination and team spirit.” – John Elkann, Chairman of Ferrari. The project will be helmed by Team Principle and seasoned navigator, Giovanni Soldini. Ferrari claims that this new venture will allow the brand to improve its “technological know-how”, which is in line with its desire for continuous progress. The bespoke sea-faring project will rely on a host of advanced tech from its concept to the real-world example. No information has been released yet that offer...

The European People’s Party is the largest political party in the European Parliament and has vowed to “revise” the ban on combustion engines that would take effect from 2035. Looking for your next new or used set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag.  “We reject a ban policy – such as the ban on combustion engines – and will also revise it as soon as possible.” The Euro 7 regulations have been a hot-button issue since the European Commission proposed more stringent air pollutant standards for combustion-engine vehicles in 2021. The fallout of these stricter standards has resulted in celebrated performance vehicles (among others) being discontinued or altered to adhere to stringent CO2 regulations. In December 2023, the EU Council amended the Euro 7 regulations, which retained the emission limits outlined by the Euro 6 regulations for light-duty vehicles. Image: European Parliament “Our position is to continue the path of leading the mobility of the future and adopting re...

The Ranger and Hilux rivalling Kia Tasman bakkie has been spotted wearing heavy camouflage likely concealing a pre-production model. Looking for your next new or used Kia? Find it here with CARmag. Having enriched its lineup with a plethora of SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks, Kia is gearing up to make its mark in the lucrative full-size bakkie segment. Unlike the company’s Bongo over-cab pickup, this new model is eyeing global markets. Prior to its unveiling, a heavily camouflaged prototype was caught on camera up close. Now, the Kia bakkie has been discovered in a South Korean underground parking lot as a double cab body style concealed under extensive camouflage. From the cutouts in the camo, it seemed to feature a front fascia reminiscent of the Telluride (not available in South Africa), with vertical headlights flanking a broad grille. However, it’s unlikely that the two will share a platform since the bakkie is expected to adopt a ladder frame chassis while the full-size SUV boast...

Complimenting the vast aftermarket industry of restomoddoing 911s, Kalmar Automotive has now debuted its RS-6 as an off-road ready 996 coupe. Image: Kalmar Automotive Looking for your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag.  Porsche 911 Dakar for who?! Kalmar Automotive has prepared a 996 coupe which promises to deliver the spirit of adventure with a budget-friendly twist. Kalmar’s debut water-cooled, Safari-style 911 dubbed the RS-6, stands tall with the ground clearance akin to a Cayenne, yet without breaking the bank like its air-cooled counterparts. While the Porsche 911 has long been hailed as a versatile sports car for everyday use, the recent introduction of the Dakar version elevated its all-around capabilities. However, with a hefty price tag R4 501 000 locally, the Dakar model resides in the realm of the affluent. This converted 996 is the solution! Related: Modified Porsche 911s Climb Volcano and Set New World Record Building upon Kalmar Automotive’s ...

Mid-month speculation for February fuel prices points to a less-than-favourable upswing in the price of petrol and diesel.  Looking for your next new or used car? Find it here with CARmag.  The price of petrol is expected to increase by as much as 44 cents per litre, whereas the price of diesel is expected to increase by 40 to 45 cents per litre. Reports warn that if the current Rand and oil price trends continue until late next week, it might result in a more dramatic increase in the price of petrol and diesel. Economists warn that February will be the first price hike in the last three months. Price speculation, motivated by the Central Energy Fund’s daily snapshot that indicated the prices of petrol and diesel are aligned in their under-recoveries, points to the price of fuel increasing. The under-recovery can be attributed to the instability of the Rand alongside its weakened. Additionally, higher global oil prices and international geopolitical tensions have been high...

Toyota’s annual State of the Motor Industry hosted in Johannesburg provides some crucial insight into the local motoring sphere from one of the biggest players in the space. With all the numbers aside, flashes and camera actuation went abuzz when the new models Toyota has earmarked for local launch appeared on stage. Here is what is in store. Looking for your next new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag.  With 2023 signalling a return to form following Covid-19-related sales disruptions, Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Toyota stated that the 142 612 units sold in the year was not only the highest volume sold since 2007 but also the company’s best market share on record. The magic number? A whopping 53%. This has also affirmed Toyota as the best-selling automotive brand in South Africa for the past 44 years but now is no time to rest on its laurels since there are several new products South Africa can look forward to this year. Toyota Land Cruis...

Unveiled in 2018, the Lexus LC 500 made quite a splash with its distinctive style and performance. Now, as it strides into its second generation for the 2024 model, a few noteworthy changes have been introduced.  Image: Lexus Looking for a new or used Lexus? Find it here with CARmag. Externally, the spindle grille, now chrome-finished with a mesh design, steals attention with a dynamic tension that evolves across the car’s front. The LC’s unique lighting signature, featuring independent daytime running lights in an arrowhead layout and ultra-compact triple LED headlamp units, contributes to a sleek headlight design, facilitating a low bonnet line and a short front overhang. The exterior boasts a no-compromise design, complete with 21-inch run-flat forged alloy wheels, a standard retractable-wing boot spoiler, and a carbon-fibre roof. At the rear, the roof gracefully tapers between muscular wheel arches, emphasizing the car’s wide and stable stance, while the spindle shape re...