The Car Guide

Budget Insurance has released its findings based on accidents reported in 2023 to determine which provinces and cities have the best drivers.  Looking for your next new or used car? Find it here with CARmag.  According to accident claims data from 2023, the Northern Cape, Freestate and Limpopo are the three provinces with the lowest number of accident claims which is logical considering the amount of registered vehicles on the roads in these provinces. Additionally, East London, Rustenburg, Centurion, and Pietermaritzburg were highlighted as cities with the lowest accident claims in 2023.  “Music can make car journeys good fun, but do consider the below safety measures to help you keep your cool and ensure you are driving like a Good South African each time you’re behind the wheel.” –  Head of Budget Insurance, Tyrone Lowther.  In contrast, the provinces with the highest number of accident claims, in ascending order, were KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and ...

Discovery has officially launched the Discovery Pothole Patrol Academy, which seeks to provide individuals from previously disadvantaged communities with the opportunity to learn new skills and achieve a new qualification during the national pothole pandemic.   Looking for your next new or used car? Find it here with CARmag. Image: Discovery It is no secret that the majority of provinces in South Africa are in desperate need of road repair. Unable to keep up with the growing amount of rutted roads and gaping trenches which shred tyres and crack rims, Discovery’s privateer Pothole Patrol is a shining light for regular motorists who simply can’t afford to replace damaged components or wait several months or even years for the road agencies on potential payouts. In this scenario, prevention is better than cure and Discovery, after an impressive pilot project, will be equipping previously disadvantaged individuals with a qualification to conduct long-lasting road repair. Th...

Aston Martin has unveiled the latest addition to its illustrious GT racing lineup, the Vantage GT4. This new offering complements the recent debuts of the AMR24 Formula One racing car and the Vantage GT3 challenger, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to motorsport excellence. Image: Aston Martin Looking for a new or used Aston Martin? Find it here with CARmag. Crafted by Aston Martin Racing (AMR), the Vantage GT4 is engineered to cater to racing teams and circuit enthusiasts, showcasing Aston Martin’s prowess on the track. Adam Carter, Head of Endurance Motorsport at Aston Martin, underscores the evolutionary nature of the Vantage GT4. Leveraging advancements from the new Vantage road car while preserving the core attributes that made its predecessor a favourite among drivers, the GT4 boasts significant aerodynamic and cooling enhancements. Utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) insights and drawing from Aston Martin’s design department, the car’s sleek exterior de...

Renault’s modern-day reimaging of its famed Renault 5 moniker has been unveiled with an E-Tech electric drivetrain and retro-futuristic styling. Looking for your next new or used Renault? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Renault “Renault 5 E-Tech electric is a car unlike any other. Its release coincides with a major shift by millions of Europeans towards a new mobility which is electric, connected, and sustainable. It also triggered the transformation of Renault Group into a next-generation automotive company.” – Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group. “Retrofuturistic” is the term Renault has used to describe the styling of the Renault 5 E-Tech. The Renault 5 E-tech is distinguished, by way of several exterior design elements, such as the headlights with flared tips, vertical taillights, sculpted wings, a coloured roof trim, a bonnet with vents and bespoke wheels. The all-electric Renault 5 E-Tech is founded on the AmpR Small platform, which is a new Ampere platform intended...

Honda has unveiled the plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric derivative of its new-generation CR-V, offering zero emissions mobility atop a laundry list of modern amenities. Looking for your next new or used Honda? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Honda “Honda has laid out an electrification strategy leading to 100% zero-emission automobile sales by 2040, including the introduction of both battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles like this new CR-V e:FCEV model.” – Mamadou Diallo, senior vice president of Auto Sales, American Honda Motor Co. The 2025 CR-V e:FCEV is distinguished by its unique styling intended to distinguish this model from the likes of the CR-V turbo and hybrid models. A new lower-lying upright grille design and long bonnet are credited for the five-seat’s sleek physique. A front spoiler and strake are some of the aerodynamic elements introduced to this version of the CR-V. Additionally, the e:FCEV offshoot features a full underbody cover. Curtailin...

Already responsible for all Polo GTI production, VWSA ’s Kariega Plant outside of Gqeberha (formally Port Elizabeth) is poised to assume the role of sole global production hub for Volkswagen’s top-selling hatch batch.  Image: Volkswagen Looking for a new or used Polo? Find it here with CARmag. Already a hive of activity on any given day, Volkswagen South Africa’s Kariega Plant is about to get even busier with both an all-new so-called “third model” that is set to be added to the production line, and the imminent announcement that this facility will assume sole responsibility for the supply of the Polo Hatch to all relevant global markets, including left- and right-hand drive. Related: Volkswagen Kariega Hits 1.5M Export Vehicles Milestone Volkswagen’s Pamplona Plant in Spain has ceased production of Polo to tool up for a future all-electric ID. model, meaning all versions of the still-popular Polo Hatch will now be assembled and shipped from Kariega. The largest current mark...

CAR Magazine will participate in the 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Cup, with digital editor Alex Shahini at the helm of a race-prepped GR Corolla. Looking for your next new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag.  Image: Toyota The 2023 GR Cup culminated in a fierce battle for second overall, but it was Setshaba Mashigo who would ultimately be the winner of the 2023 GR Cup. Now, the third instalment of the GR Cup features a new lineup of South African motoring journalists piloting Toyota’s GR Corolla. The Corollas are standard production vehicles outfitted with a roll cage, an OMP racing bucket seat with harnesses, and a black GR livery. Power output is undisturbed, with all four corners of the car deriving motivation from the 221 kW, three-cylinder powerplant. There have been several alterations made to the GR Corolla. These range from a modified exhaust, a Powerbrake big brake upgrade, Ferodo track spec brake pads, lowering springs and Dunlop Direzza semi-slick tyres. Dr...

In the realm of car customization, here is one of the more unconventional – a BMW E65 7 Series emerges as an overlanding barge. Going beyond surface-level changes, this is likely to be the only 7 Series ever prepared for venturing where the road ends. Image: e65overland Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag. Czech-based e650overland has taken this luxury Bavarian model and created a bespoke piece of motoring. Elevating the car by 50 mm and upgrading the suspension with polyurethane bushes has provided it with increased ground clearance and enhanced durability for off-road adventures. But it’s not just about toughness, it’s about style too. The incorporation of rally-style Rota alloys, complemented by rugged off-road biased tyres, presents a bold aesthetic statement. Let us not forget the iconic Rothmans livery adorning the body, a nod to motorsport heritage that commands attention wherever it roams. Image: e65overland Beneath the surface, substantial mechan...

The Model T is one of the most important monikers to ever exist in Ford’s lifetime, and one South African owns twelve of them. Image: Ford Looking for your next new or used Ford? Find it here with CARmag.  The Model T is credited with being the key factor in Ford’s ascension in the automotive world in the early 1900s. Launched in 1908, the Model T became one of the most popular vehicles the brand ever produced. Closer to the tail-end of the 1920s, Ford produced 9 000 vehicles every day in Detroit. To satiate the demand for the revolutionary vehicle, Ford began building production plants outside of the US, with branches like Ford of Canada offering vehicles to the British Commonwealth markets, which included South Africa. Related: Review: Ford Territory 1.8 EcoBoost The model garnered a significant following in South Africa, and soon after its debut locally, the Ford Motor Company of South Africa was founded in Gqerberha, serving as a subsidiary of Ford of Canada. The plant ...

Despite fuel levies expected to be increased at this year’s budget speech, it seems the finance minister has listened to the cries of local organisations to freeze it amidst a prohibitive cost of living. fuel petrol Looking for your next new or used frugal companion? Find it here with CARmag.  During Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s budget speech on Wednesday, it was noted that the government is mindful of the high cost of living and how fuel prices affect food and transport expenses. ‘In this regard, we are proposing no increases to the general fuel levy for 2024/25. This will result in tax relief of around R4 billion. This is money back in the pockets of consumers.’ This comes after many economists had expected Godongwana to increase the general fuel levy and other related taxes for this financial year, which would have skyrocketed the cost of fuels been further amidst the current geo-political distrubances in the production and distribution of fuel. Related: Massiv...

The Nissan Qashqai has long been a trailblazer in the automotive world, credited with kickstarting the crossover trend and now the model will undergo a refresh. Image: Nissan Looking for a new or used Nissan? Find it here with CARmag. Since its debut in 2021, the third-gen Nissan Qashqai has boasted a robust design, featuring bold lines, an elongated wheelbase, and striking 19-inch alloy wheels paired with sleek LED headlights. But as the automotive landscape evolves, so too must the Qashqai. The upcoming facelift is set to draw inspiration from Nissan’s Ariya EV, showcasing a revamped front grille flanked by stylish panels and redesigned headlamps with separate DRLs. Notable changes include chrome accents on the lower door cladding and a fresh rear bumper design, while the signature LED taillights receive a modern update. Related:  The new Nissan Qashqai 1,3 Acenta Plus Inside, the Qashqai’s cabin maintains its functionality while receiving subtle enhancements. Expect new ...

Offered in either an all-electric or electric range extender configuration, the INEOS Fusilier is the third model to enter the fold and the first as a zero emissions vehicle.  Looking for your next new or used rugged off-roader? Find it here with CARmag.  The Fusilier relies on the DNA of its Grenadier stablemate, although it features a slightly different exterior design. The characteristic round headlights are retained and flank a revised front grille underscored by a redesigned front bumper. Body colour-matched wheel arches and a bespoke roof rail system are further distinguishers of the Fusilier’s design. The new model will be slightly shorter in length and lower in height compared to its Grenadier counterpart. For some context, the Grenadier 3.0T station wagon is 4 855 mm in length and 2 050 mm in height.  Image: INEOS “ As we developed this vehicle, we quickly concluded that in order to move towards decarbonisation but continue making cars that consumers want...

Fiat has remained the Stellantis best seller for 2023 and it looks as though the Italian brand aims to keep things that way with the introduction of five retro models in the future, including a funky double cab bakkie. Image: Fiat Looking for your next new and used Fiat? Find it here with CARmag.  Fiat is planning a fairly exciting expansion after Olivier Francois, Fiat’s CEO and Stellantis Global CMO, presented the brand’s forthcoming launches from Italy’s very own “Geneva” in a video . “ Fiat is a global brand with 1.3 million cars sold last year and solid leadership in many parts of the world. We are in a global game and our next step will be to transition from local products to a global offer that can benefit all of our customers everywhere in the world. We are excited to share this glimpse into our future; a very near future, actually, since the first car will be presented in 4 months during the brand’s 125 th anniversary celebration. That car will then be followed by...

Following its hiatus in 2023, Red Bull’s Shay’iMoto event returns this year with sixteen of South Africa’s top spinners duking it out for the top spot.  Looking for your next new or used car? Find it here with CARmag.  The pinnacle of organised spinning events will take place on the 16th of March at Canal Walk in Cape Town. The competition will be judged by Veerjaro, Jeff James, Magesh Ndabam, and Shahiem Bell. Additionally, the crowd will also have the opportunity to decide who will be crowned the Red Bull Shay’iMoto 2024 champion. As for the drivers, the lineup is a medley of returning veteran drivers, alongside a few new drivers making their debut in the competition. Notably, two-time Shay’iMoto champion Samkeliso “Sam Sam” Thubane is among the sixteen drivers this year and seeks to defend his title.   “I’m excited for the return of Red Bull Shay’iMoto in a different province and venue. Every year is a new challenge for me, but I’m motivated and I look forwar...

Italian coachbuilder Zagato has unveiled its latest project, the AGTZ Twin Tail, which draws inspiration from the Alpine A220 that raced at Le Mans. Image: Zagato Based on the mid-engined Alpine A110 sports car, the AGTZ Twin Tail features a unique removable carbon fibre appendage that allows owners to customize its appearance. This detachable bumper adds a dramatic long-tail silhouette to the car, harking back to the iconic design elements of its racing predecessor. While the removable long-tail rear bumper is a standout feature, Zagato has not provided specific details about its impact on performance or weight. Nonetheless, the addition of this feature adds a distinctive touch to the AGTZ Twin Tail, allowing owners to alter the car’s aesthetic according to their preferences. Image: Zagato CEO Andrea Zagato underscores that, despite its performance capabilities, the AGTZ Twin Tail is primarily designed as a grand tourer rather than a racecar. This focus on touring comfort al...