The Car Guide

The Omoda brand is currently only represented in South Africa by the C5, which made its local debut in 2023. However, that will change over the next few months, as the company will introduce a trio of models to bolster its local line-up. Omoda unveiled the C7 in Wuhu, China. Omoda O7/C7 After the Beijing Motor Show last week, Omoda used the opportunity to reveal to the assembled motoring media in Wuhu the latest model in its stable, the Omoda 7. It will be rebadged as the C7 per the South African naming convention. This new model has been earmarked South African customers, but no timeline has been set yet.  Befitting a vehicle that’s the new kid on the block in a company that prides itself on being at the sharp end of innovation in China, the C7 was designed with three design directions in mind; that it be dynamic, avant-garde and futuristic. The C7 is 4 621 m. long, 1 872 mm wide and 1 673 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2 700 mm. The cabin features a steering wheel inspired b...

Isuzu and Engen are teaming up once again for another edition of the 1 Tank Challenge. Following the success of last year’s event, which we were proud to be a part of, this year’s challenge will showcase the new Isuzu MU-X 1.9 TD LS instead of the D-Max 1.9 Ddi manual bakkie. Image: Isuzu Looking for a new or used Isuzu? Find it here with CARmag Participants will embark on a journey from Johannesburg to Gqeberha via East London, powered solely by a single tank of Diesel. The event aims to highlight the exceptional fuel efficiency and cost-saving benefits of the ISUZU MU-X 1.9 TD LS. Selected media representatives will put a fleet of these vehicles through their paces from April 27th to April 30th 2024, on a trip from Gauteng to the Eastern Cape, testing how far they can go on one tank and their fuel consumption along the way. Related:  JHB to CPT in a Single Cab Isuzu with One Tank of Fuel Renowned for its excellent fuel economy, low operating costs, robust performance, dur...

In its sophomore outing, the BMW X2 emerges revamped and reinvigorated, boasting a complete transformation in power, design and dimensions. Here is Siya Mbaduli’s lowdown on the trailblazer of BMW’s Sports Active Coupe lineup. Image: BMW Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag! BMW X2 BMW X2 M35i  Fast Facts: Price:   R1 223 935 Engine:  2.0-litre twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine Transmission:  Steptronic DCT Power:   233 kW @ 5 750 r/min Torque:   400 N.m @ 2 000 r/min Driven wheels:  4WD Fuel consumption:  9.4 L/100 km  CO2 emissions:  178 g/km Rivals:  Audi Q3 Sportback, Volvo XC40, Jaguar E-Pace  BMW X2 sDrive 18i M Sport Fast Facts: Price:   R879 738 Engine:  1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine  Transmission:  Steptronic DCT Power:   115 kW @ 4 900 r/min Torque:   230 N.m @ 1 500 r/min Driven wheels:  FWD F...

Billed as the world’s first plug-in-hybrid super SUV, Lamborghini has whipped the wraps off the Urus SE, with the Raging Bull brand saying the latest (and most powerful) addition to the Urus stable opens up a new chapter in the history of the firm. Image: Lamborghini Looking for a new or used Lamborghini? Find it here with CARmag! Signifying a “new chapter” in Lamborghini’s history, the Urus SE is equipped with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain, comprising a “re-engineered” version of the standard, internal combustion Urus’ 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, which, here, has been tuned to produce 456 kW and 800 N.m of torque, and a 141 kW/483 N.m electric motor. The latter, permanent-magnet synchronous unit, which is coupled with a 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery (allowing for an all-electric range of 60 km when fully charged), has been fitted to the inside of the eight-speed automatic transmission. “With the Urus SE, we’ve taken another step towards the future in line with our ‘Direzione ...

Capitalising on a sizable display at Auto China in Beijing over the coming days, Alex Shahini and Kyle Kock will be getting a preview of Chery’s best and latest next-generation technology which should find its way into the Chinese automaker’s passenger cars in the coming years.  Image: Chery Looking for your next new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag! Auto China, which is taking place until early May will see international automakers display their latest wares and tech at the China International Exhibition Centre in Beijing. Chery is among them, gearing up to host a dedicated Eco Exhibition from 27 April, focusing on green energy and sustainable technology within the firm’s repertoire. “Chery will show visitors that its new products and new technologies align perfectly with traditional customer values such as performance, safety, and luxury,” – Tony Liu, the Deputy General Manager of Chery South Africa. A highlight of Chery’s exhibits at Auto China will be the new T...

JAC Motors has expanded its T-Series double-cab range by adding a new T8 2.0L CTi 4×2 Lux variant, priced at R399 900 which makes it one of the most affordable double cabs in the country.  Image: JAC Looking for your next new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag! This new addition aims to compete in the increasingly crowded double-cab bakkie market, where both new and established brands are vying for consumer attention. “As part of our T8 repositioning strategy, we aimed to offer a derivative priced under R400 000, ensuring tremendous value for buyers. The new T8 2.0L CTi 4×2 Lux derivative delivers on this; it is also packed with safety features for peace of mind motoring,” – Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa. Since its South African debut in 2017, JAC Motors has expanded significantly by growing from 10 dealerships to over 70 across Southern Africa. In more recent times, the Chinese automaker has also broadened its product range, starting with the X20...

Kia has unveiled the first official images of its upcoming Tasman bakkie albeit cloaked in a vibrant camouflage wrap. Image: Kia Looking for a new or used Kia? Find it here with CARmag! Collaborating with acclaimed artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop, Kia has crafted a unique theme titled ‘The Path Never Taken,’ symbolizing the Tasman’s adventurous spirit.  Despite the camouflage’s playful distraction, the Tasman’s silhouette hints at its intriguing design elements. Notably, its headlights draw inspiration from the sleek aesthetics of the EV5 and EV9 SUVs, featuring clean, rectangular lines that align with Kia’s contemporary design language. Related:  Highly Anticipated Kia Tasman Bakkie Likely for South Africa Scheduled for a global launch in 2025, the Tasman aims to captivate markets spanning Korea, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Its bold, angular wheel arches contribute to its distinctive boxy profile, signalling Kia’s innovative approach to truck design.  Whil...

Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the highly anticipated all-electric version of its iconic G-Wagon, officially named the ‘G580 with EQ Technology.’ Promising an “uncompromised” driving experience. Image: Mercedes-Benz Looking for a new or used Mercedes-Benz? Find it here with CARmag  Staying true to its legendary boxy design, the electric G-Wagon maintains its iconic appearance reminiscent of its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. At the front, a sleek gloss black panel features four horizontal vents flanking the prominent three-pointed star emblem, accented by an LED strip encircling the entire panel. Notable design elements include a subtly raised bonnet, air vents adorning the rear wheel arches, ‘EQ’ badges, circular LED headlights, LED taillights, and a rear storage box for charging cables , though  an optional spare tyre remains available. Standard features include 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Image: Mercedes-Benz Inside the cabin, the Mercedes...

Opel has just revealed the latest iteration of its Grandland SUV, signalling a significant departure from its predecessor. Here’s all you need to know about the upcoming model. Image: Opel Looking for a new or used Opel? Find it here with CARmag. Drawing inspiration from the Opel Experimental concept, the new Grandland incorporates several design elements, including the prominent 3D Vizor with an illuminated Blitz logo upfront and illuminated “OPEL” lettering at the rear. Notable additions also include the Intelli-Lux Pixel HD lighting system with over  50 000  individual elements and the utilization of the BEV-native STLA Medium platform, facilitating a sizable 98 kWh battery. Opel claims this will grant the Grandland Electric a range of approximately 700 kilometres on WLTP testing. Image: Opel In addition to the electric version, Opel will introduce a combustion engine variant, equipped with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. A plug...

The refreshed Kia Picanto has launched in South Africa, with the revised model line-up sporting more striking cosmetic enhancements and other handy features. Here’s how much you can expect to pay. Image: Kia Looking for a new or used Kia? Find it here with CARmag! Since the first generation’s introduction to South Africa, more than 100 000 Picantos have found new homes in SA. “It’s safe to say that the Picanto is just about everyone’s favourite Kia,” said Kia SA. Now, following the launch of the refreshed Kia Seltos, Kia SA has introduced the updated Picanto to SA shores, with the local arm of the South Korean carmaker saying the recently launched and cosmetically enhanced model line-up “builds on a remarkable legacy and sets the range up for even bigger successes as it enhances the notion of always moving forward”. Here’s what you can expect from the fresh-faced Picanto… Related: Facelifted Kia Seltos Arrives in SA – Pricing and Specification Facelifted Kia Picanto pricing ...

Following the announcement of its expansion into the South African marker, GAC Motor has confirmed its local product portfolio, scheduled to arrive in SA during 2024. In February 2024, GAC Motor announced its expansion into the South African market, with the Chinese automaker signing a distribution agreement with Salvador Caetano Auto. Now, GAC Motor has unveiled the models it has penned in for local shores. Scheduled to arrive in SA during 2024, GAC Motor SA’s model range will comprise three derivatives, the Emkoo, Emzoom, and Aion Y. Looking for your next new and used vehicle? Search here with CARmag! GAC Emkoo Image: GAC Motor Measuring 1 670 mm in height, 1 901 mm in width, 4 680 mm in length, and 2 750 mm between the fore and aft axles, the Emkoo comes in the shape of a five-seater SUV. Although the local arm of the Chinese carmaker has yet to confirm engine specifications, overseas, this model is available with the option of a 177 kW/270 Nm 1.5-litre turbopetrol powertrai...

Following the announcement that LDV will launch in South Africa with the introduction of its T60 double-cab bakkie, the company has now confirmed a range of additional vehicles scheduled to join its local portfolio — the D90 SUV, G90 MPV and G10+. Here’s what you can expect. Image: LDV Looking for your next new and used vehicle? Search here with CARmag! We’ve previously reported that the LDV T60 double-cab bakkie is penned in to arrive on South African shores in May 2024. Now, the automaker announced the introduction of several more LDV products to our market. The latter comes in the shape of the D90 SUV, G90 MPV and G10+. Scheduled for SA shores, the second LDV model (following the comprehensive line-up of T60 bakkies) scheduled to arrive on SA shores comes in the shape of the D90, an SUV sporting seven seats, a 160 kW 2.0-litre, twin-turbocharged diesel powertrain, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the option of 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, the latter of whic...

Aftermarket companies no stranger to converting classics into zero emissions companions for the road (and off of it), Bedeo has arrived with the first of its Icons initiative, which has converted the iconic Land Rover Defender into an EV. Image: Bedeo Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Serving in the electric mobility sector for several years now, the British-founded company has unveiled its Reborn Electric: Icons Land Rover Defender, marking the beginning of its pioneering initiative to retrofit classic cars with electric power. The Reborn Electric: Icons program signifies Bedeo’s commitment to sustainable mobility, leveraging its cutting-edge in-wheel motor (IWM) technology to offer the world’s first electric retrofit package for legendary passenger cars. Related: Stop That Bullet! The Rise of Armoured Vehicles in SA The transformation of the Land Rover Defender which has evolved into a beloved automotive icon, into an electric vehicle (EV) s...