The Car Guide

Hyundai Motor Company’s Ioniq 5 N models dominated the recent Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, claiming victories in both the Electric Modified and Production SUV/Crossover categories. Image: Hyundai Looking for a new or used Hyundai? Find it here with CARmag! The gruelling 20-kilometre course with 156 turns that ascends over 1 438 meters to the summit of Pikes Peak proved no match for the Ioniq 5 N. Hyundai entered the competition with three vehicles: two Ioniq 5 N TA (Time Attack) Specs and one production Ioniq 5 N. The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec, driven by Hyundai World Rally driver Dani Sordo, triumphed in the exhibition class with a scorching time of 9:30.852. The second TA Spec, piloted by Randy Pobst, crossed the finish line at 9:55.551. The Ioniq 5 N TA Spec boasts minimal modifications to showcase the prowess of the production model. It features minor software adjustments to boost the rear motor’s output by 27 kW, along with high-performance upgrades like new shock...

Taking inspiration from the galaxy, Jaguar Land Rover has whipped the wraps off the Range Rover Sport SV Celestial Collection, a range comprising five limited-edition derivatives. Range Rover Sport SV Gaea Curation. Image: Land Rover Looking for a new or used Range Rover? Find it here with CARmag! Inspired by celestial bodies, the five bespoke creations in Jaguar Land Rover’s Range Rover Sport SV Celestial Collection come in the shape of the Gaea Curation, Theia Curation, Io Curation, Vega Curation, and Sol Curation. Related: Range Rover Sport Goes Desi – The British SUV to be Produced in India The Gaea Curation takes inspiration from Earth, with this model’s bodywork gaining a Green Terre Matte finish, which is complemented by a Narvik Black contrast roof. Adding colour accents to the package, a bronze hue has been applied to the carbon-ceramic brakes. Range Rover Sport SV Theia Curation. Image: Land Rover The Theia Curation variant sports an Ilmenite Grey Satin paint fin...

Hyundai has whipped the wraps off the Inster, a sub-compact electric vehicle (EV) with which the South Korean carmaker aims to redefine its segment. Image: Hyundai Looking for your next new or used Hyundai? Find it here with CARmag! The Hyundai Inster measures 3 825 mm nose to tail, 1 610 mm in width, 1 575 mm in height, and 2 580 mm between the fore and aft axles. Hyundai claims the boxy crossover’s cabin offers 1 028 mm (987 mm when a sunroof is specified) of front and 982 mm of rear headroom, while the aft passenger compartment offers 885 mm of legroom. The Inster has a claimed luggage capacity of 280 to 351 litres (when sliding forward the rear pews). Related: Hyundai Exter Confirmed for SA Arrival As standard, the Inster’s 266 V electrical setup comprises a 71.1 kW electric motor, which is coupled with a 42 kWh battery pack. According to the automaker, when the latter is fully charged, the Inster has an electric range “exceeding” 300 km. This variant dispatches the 0-100 k...

The Nissan 370Z, launched in South Africa in 2009, continues a venerable tradition of Nissan sportscars. While the automotive industry has since shifted focus toward alternative propulsion methods, the 370Z remains a compelling option on the used-car market. 2018 Nissan 370Z Looking for a new or used Nissan? Find it here with CARmag! Nissan’s legacy in sportscars is well-established, dating back to the 1970 Datsun 240Z (Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan). This lineage includes several iconic models, each contributing to the brand’s storied history. The 350Z, which debuted in South Africa in the early 2000s, garnered significant interest as an affordable yet performance-oriented alternative to more expensive sportscars. This popularity paved the way for the 370Z in 2009, a model that refined its predecessor’s formula while becoming a formidable contender in the sportscar segment. 2018 Nissan 370Z A rundown on the Nissan 370Z The Nissan 370Z is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine, deliv...

Taking inspiration from the Valour, Aston Martin has unwrapped the Valiant, a special edition created by the British marque’s bespoke division, Q. Image: Aston Martin Looking for a new or used Aston Martin? Find it here with CARmag!  Originally conceived from a personal commission from Aston Martin Aramco Formula One driver Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin has whipped the wraps off the Valiant, a track-focused, yet road-legal, limited edition employing a V12 and (purists, rejoice!) six-speed manual transmission. Only 38 examples will be made. Related: Aston Martin unveils its limited-edition, V12-powered Valour! “[The] Valour was a spectacular celebration of Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary, and stirred me to create a more extreme, racecar-inspired version that was track-focused, while also delivering a thrilling drive on-road. [The] Valiant is born from my passion for driving at the limit and I have enjoyed working closely with the Q by Aston Martin team on both the design a...

The refreshed Toyota Hilux Raider has launched in South Africa. Here’s what you can expect, including pricing and spec, from the updated double cab. Image: Toyota Looking for a new or used Toyota Hilux? Find it here with CARmag! The fresh-faced Toyota Hilux Raider has finally touched down on local shores, with the most notable upgrade made to the revised model range coming in the shape of selected models gaining 48V mild-hybrid technology. Here are some details on the electrified model. Related: Buying Used: Toyota Hilux (2005 – 2016) Toyota Hilux Raider price in South Africa Extra cab Hilux Raider 2.4 GD-6 Xtra cab MT — R563 200 Hilux Raider 2.4 GD-6 Xtra cab AT — R587 200 Double cab Hilux Raider 2.4 GD-6 DC MT — R612 100 Hilux Raider 2.4 GD-6 DC AT — R633 200 Hilux Raider 2.4 GD-6 4×4 DC MT — R684 800 Hilux Raider 2.4 GD-6 4×4 DC AT — R716 300 Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 DC AT — R769 900 Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 DC AT 48V — R785 400 Hilux Raider 2.8 GD-6 4×4 ...

BMW has finally whipped the wraps off the new M5, with the German marque saying the seventh generation boasts “intoxicating” performance and “impressive” electric range. Yup, the latest M5’s V8 has gained electric assistance. Here’s what you can expect. Image: BMW Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag!  The box-fresh BMW M5 has officially been revealed, with the new iteration, most notably, employing a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The latter arrangement comprises the Bavarian brand’s familiar 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8, which is coupled with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, and an electric motor. Interestingly, the former produces 30 kW less (430 kW) than the previous generation. Torque has, however, remained the same at 750 N.m. The electric motor produces 145 kW and 280 N.m. However, a pre-gearing stage allows effective torque at the transmission input to be increased to 450 Nm. Related: How it Started: BMW M5 Image: BMW In total, the plug-i...

Following a 10-year absence from the British marque’s line-up, the ‘Freelander’ nameplate is scheduled to be revived through a joint venture between Jaguar Land Rover and Chery. Here’s what we know so far… Image: Land Rover Looking for your next new or used Land Rover? Find it here with CARmag!  Having signed of a letter of intent to to licence the “Freelander” brand, Jaguar Land Rover , in partnership with Chery , will reintroduce the “Freelander” nameplate to a line-up of new emissions-free SUVs, which will be jointly developed by the British and Chinese car manufacturers at Chery’s assembly facility in Changshu, China. As a reminder, the joint venture, Chery Jaguar Land Rover (CJLR), between these two automakers has spanned 12 years since it was formed in 2012. Related: Land Rover introduces Sedona Edition Defender 110 for a limited run Said Adrian Mardell, Chief Executive Officer of JLR, “Today we are taking this important step to underline our commitment to China. By wo...

British company Boreham Motorworks is bringing two iconic Fords back to life, and this time, it’s with the official blessing of the Blue Oval itself. The lucky models are the legendary mid-engined RS200 rally car and the ever-popular Mk1 Escort, both set to receive the resto-mod treatment. Image: Boreham Motorworks Looking for a new or used Ford? Find it here with CARmag! Boreham Motorworks isn’t exactly a new name in Ford’s motorsport history. Though currently separate, the company’s roots are intertwined with Ford’s racing and rally efforts for decades. This project marks a sweet reunion, with Boreham leveraging its expertise to breathe new life into these automotive icons. First up is the fearsome RS200. This mid-engined monster dominated the Group B rally scene in the 1980s, battling rivals like the Audi Quattro Sport S1. The RS200 was a technological marvel, boasting a lightweight composite body, an advanced four-wheel-drive system, and a potent Ford-Cosworth BDT engine kic...

The Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance arrives as the most potent S-Class ever created, merging modern luxury with exhilarating performance. Here’s a closer look at how much it costs and what it has to offer. Image: Mercedes-AMG Looking for a new or used Mercedes-Benz? Find it here with CARmag! This first AMG iteration of the current S-Class, locally introduced in 2021, boasts subtle design tweaks that enhance its aggressiveness. The signature AMG grille with vertical slats flanks a redesigned bumper featuring larger air intakes. Completing the imposing look are 21-inch wheels. Image: Mercedes-AMG But true brilliance lies beneath the sedan exterior. The S63 E Performance pairs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with a rear-mounted 140 kW electric motor. This formidable alliance is further bolstered by a 13.1 kWh battery pack from Affalterbach and the proven 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. Related:  Review: Mercedes-Benz E220d The combined output is a staggering 590 kW...

Great Wall Motors is shaking things up in the Chinese market with a substantial upgrade to its popular P-Series bakkie. This revamp brings not only a new, more powerful engine but also a significant overhaul of the interior. Let’s delve into the details and see what this refreshed P-Series has to offer. Image: GWM Looking for a new or used GWM? Find it here with CARmag! Let’s rewind to 2020 when GWM first introduced the P-Series in South Africa. It quickly gained popularity for its competitive pricing and feature set. Now, with the facelift in China, the P-Series boasts a more premium interior with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a wireless phone charger, and improved sound insulation. GWM even threw in a built-in dash cam for good measure. Image: P-Series Related:  DRIVEN: GWM P-Series DC 2,0TD LT 4×4 8AT The new engine steals the show. This 2.4-litre turbo-diesel produces a healthy 135 kW and 480 N.m, offering m...

Omoda South Africa has introduced to its C5 portfolio a brand-new entry-level offering. It comes in the shape of the C5 Style. Priced considerably less than the previous opening gambit to the C5 range, here’s what you can expect from the C5 Style… Image: Omoda Looking for your next new or used Omoda? Find it here with CARmag! “While the C5 range was competitively priced right from the outset, we believe this smartly specified new Style derivative will help us to welcome even more customers into the Omoda family, “ said Hans Greyling, General Manager of Omoda and Jaecoo. Omoda C5 Style Pricing The Omoda C5 Style is priced from R359 900 , making it R88 000 less expensive than the former entry-level C5, the 1.5T 230T Lux. Included in the asking price are a two-year/30 000 km service plan and a vehicle warranty spanning five years or 150 000 km. However, for the first owner, a 10-year/1 million km engine warranty is also standard. Image: Omoda Related: Jaecoo and Omoda Con...

Debuting as the first electrified Alfa Romeo in the company’s century-long history, the Junior Veloce promises the firm’s continued appeal to enthusiasts with best-in-class handling and driving dynamics. Image: Alfa Romeo Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!  In a few days, Alfa Romeo will unveil the dynamic capabilities of its new compact sports car, the Alfa Romeo Junior, at the prestigious Balocco Proving Ground in the Vercelli province. This will see the arrival of the SUV equipped exclusively with an electrified powertrain that outputs 207 kW, claimed to align it with the performance of the Giulia, Stelvio, and Tonale Veloce models. The Alfa Romeo Junior has undergone a development process that has focused on maximizing performance, road handling, and driving pleasure. Key figures include 25 mm lower sports suspension, direct steering calibration, anti-roll bars, 380 mm front discs with four-piston monoblock calipers, a toresen differenti...

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the X5, BMW has unwrapped the Silver Anniversary Edition, a limited-edition variant boasting an off-road package. Only 1 000 examples will be made. Image: BMW Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag!  Since its introduction in 1999, BMW has produced “nearly” three million X5s. Now, in celebration of the X5’s silver jubilee, the Bavarian brand has whipped the wraps off the X5 Silver Anniversary Edition, a limited edition equipped with the automaker’s xOffroad package, carbon-fibre interior finishes, and, of course, several elements that are specific to this special edition. Related: New BMW X3 Unwrapped! Starting off with the xOffroad package, BMW says the fitment of the latter reinforces the X5’s mission as a “true” adventure vehicle. Included with this package are two-axle air suspension, which provides increased ground clearance, a rear mechanical diff lock, and underbody protection plates. Image: BMW In addition, th...