The Car Guide

BYD is recalling nearly 100 000 vehicles due to a manufacturing defect according to China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). Fortunately, South Africa remains unaffected since the recall is isolated to the Chinese market.  Image: BYD Looking for a new or used BYD? click here and find it with CARmag! BYD is set for a fairly sizable recall after confirmation that the automaker will begin recalling 96 714 Dolphin and Yuan Plus models in China on September 30, 2024, due to fire risks, reports Carnews China. The issue stems from a defect in the electric power steering column assembly’s (CEPS) controller. Specifically, the problem arises when the equipment tool cover is closed, which can interfere with capacitors on the controller’s circuit board. This interference may lead to small cracks in the capacitors, which could expand as the vehicle is used. Over time, the damage can result in short circuits, overheating, and in extreme cases, fire hazards. Image: BYD ...

There seems to be some change on the horizon for the venerable and ubiquitous Toyota Fortuner and Hilux models. The next generation bakkie and SUV are rumoured to drop the 2.8-litre diesel in favour of a potent 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder that is capable of more than 220 kW. Image: Toyota Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag! A report from Japan claims that Toyota is considering replacing the 2.8-litre turbodiesel powerplant in the current Hilux and Fortuner lineup in favour of the new 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit that is set to make its debut in the next year. This rumour aligns with the Japanese automaker’s bid to transition towards less polluting engines in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. In the application of the body-on-frame Hilux and Fortuner models, it is expected to produce 220 kW and 400 N.m while also improving efficiency and packaging constraints. The same engine platform will also be tuned to just under 300 kW and 549 N.m for o...

A chaotic scene unfolded in Cape Town as a cement truck, reportedly having lost its brakes, ploughed into 17 vehicles on Kloof Nek Road. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, showing the truck speeding down the hill and smashing into several cars, including a recently launched 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan R. Looking for a new or used Volkswagen? Find it here with CARmag! The video, shared on X by ‘The Instigator’ on Sunday afternoon, captured the terrifying moment the cement truck first hit a red Kia Picanto. Despite the driver’s apparent attempts to avoid the collision by swerving into oncoming traffic, the situation quickly worsened. After striking the Kia, the truck barreled into a row of parked vehicles, including the freshly debuted white Tiguan. It wasn’t until the truck collided with a nearby wall that it came to a complete stop. Related:  Fatal Volkswagen Motorsport truck accident outside Colesberg According to Cape Town etc, emergency services quickly responded to the...

Fiat  has simplified the product range of the popular 500 in South Africa. Here is pricing and some specification of the compact hatchback.  Image: Fiat Looking for a Fiat? Find it here with CARmag! The 2024 Fiat hatchback remains an icon of urban mobility with 67 years of history and the hatchback lineup has undergone a mild restructuring to further increase its appeal. Three iterations will be on offer, the 500 Base, 500 Style, and 500 Style Cab, all of which feature Fiat’s 1.2-litre engine paired with a five-speed MTA transmission that delivers 51 kW and 102 N.m to the front wheels only. In terms of aesthetics, the exterior continues to pay homage to its roots, while the interior adds some convenience and tech in the form of a seven-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. “Fiat 500 is as important to South Africa as it is iconic to FIAT and the world,” says Stellantis South Africa Managing Director, Mike Whitfield. “It has captured the imagin...

Dubbed the fastest-growing car brand in the world, Omoda and Jaecoo have some broad expansion plans for South Africa which will see the Chinese automaker bolster its local offering with several new models. Looking for a Chery? Find it here with CARmag! Little less than 2 years ago, Omoda and Jaecoo weren’t yet on the radar of South African car buyers but the Chery subsidiary has already established a name for itself after arriving with a splash. The global portfolio in July alone comprised 21 796 vehicles, which is a 38.5% growth year on year. This all contributes to a total 123 266 vehicles exported from January to the end of July, representing a 42.4% increase from the same time in 2023. Related: Omoda’s C9 Flagship Makes Public Appearance Before October Launch South Africa has been at the forefront of this growth plan, as have 40 other global markets that include New Zealand, Netherlands, Thailand, Vietnam, Chile, Mexico and Spain. Speaking of Spain, Omoda became the first Cher...

Car insurance premiums are influenced by a variety of factors, and while the colour of your vehicle isn’t the most significant, it can still have a subtle impact on the price you pay. Motorhappy shares what to keep in mind. A popular myth claims that red cars are charged higher premiums due to their association with aggressive driving and a supposed increase in traffic fines. However, this is a misconception. The influence of car colour on premiums is driven more by practical considerations than outdated assumptions. When setting premiums, insurers evaluate several criteria to assess the risk of insuring a vehicle. These include the location where the car is parked, the driver’s age, claim history, and driving habits. Insurers also consider the vehicle’s safety features, the likelihood of theft, and the cost of repairs. The type of insurance coverage you select—whether comprehensive, third-party fire and theft or third-party only—further impacts the premium. Related:  Guarding...

The Ford Ranger Platinum changed perceptions of what a luxury bakkie should be, but is it still the default choice in a sea of options? Ford Ranger Platinum. Image: Ford SA Looking for a new or used Ford? Find it here with CARmag! Ford Ranger Platinum Fast Facts Price: R1 120 100 Engine: 3.0-litre, V6, turbodiesel Power: 184 kW @ 3 250 r/min Torque: 600 N.m @ 1 750 – 2 250 r/min Gears: 10-speed automatic, AWD Fuel Economy: 8.4 L/100 km (claimed) Service and Maintenance Plan: Optional Warranty: 4-years/120 000 km South Africans seeking a high-end bakkie that blends power, luxury, and cutting-edge technology are spoiled for choice. And when you consider that many options that cater to this demand cost in excess of R1 million, then you realise just how limited the considerations really are. The Ford Ranger Platinum is one of those bakkies that play in this very exclusive club. Priced at R1 120 100, the bakkie is Ford’s answer to executive off-roading, giving its o...

Two Oceans winners Onalenna Khonkobe and Gerda Steyn of the male and female classes have not only scored gold in the Cape Town event, but also a set of new wheels sponsored by Kia South Africa.  Looking for a new or used Kia? Find it here with CARmag! The Two Oceans ultra-marathon took place in April of this year and while it has been several months since savouring the silverware, both male and female winner Onalenna Khonkobe and Gerda Steyn are still reaping the rewards of the achievements courtesy of Kia South Africa. Prize presentations only commenced this month following the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) declaring the race results drug-free. “The spectacle that the Two Oceans Marathon creates each year creates a great alignment with our brand slogan, ‘Movement that inspires’, and it’s been fitting that the world’s most beautiful marathon has been supported by a car brand renowned for design over the past two years,” comments Paul Turnbull, CEO, Kia So...

The deserts and dunes of Dubai can reach a sweltering during midday in the searing summer days and while these conditions are largely unbearable for people, Ford’s bakkies prove that they can handle the heat. Looking for a Ford? Find it here with CARmag! The sands of deserts during peak summer are the opportune location for automakers to test the functionality and durability of their powertrains and their related cooling systems. Ford is no different, with its engineers taking to Dubai to test bakkies and SUVs for this purpose. In Dubai, that job falls to Ziyad ‘Z’ Dallalah and his product development team. Dallalah established the team in 2009, and they’ve become an integral part of Ford’s global test programme since. Related: Uncovering South Africa’s Forgotten Role in Ford’s Legacy “In simple terms, driving in deep, soft sand is like dragging a heavy weight around. That resistance you feel when you’re dragging that weight – it’s the same thing for vehicles in the desert,” D...

The BMW M4 Kith Edition, a limited-production sports car that marries the performance prowess of the M4 with the stylish flair of the New York-based fashion brand Kith, has made a resurgence… Image: BMW Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag! The Kith Edition boasts a distinctive appearance, featuring unique exterior and interior elements. These include a matte paint finish, Kith emblems, carbon fibre accents, and Kith-inspired interior design. In the United States, the Kith Edition commanded a substantial premium, reflecting the exclusivity and desirability of this model. While the Kith Edition may have a higher price tag, it offers a host of premium features. Standard equipment includes the Carbon Exterior Package, which adds carbon fibre accents around the vehicle. Carbon race buckets, featuring a unique light blue and red colour scheme, are also included. Related:  Fourth Time Is the Charm – BMW X3 However, the true appeal ...

The highly anticipated all-new Suzuki Swift is finally available to order with pricing aimed at making an immediate impact in the South African entry-level segment. Looking for a new or used Suzuki? Find it here with CARmag! A month after it was unveiled at the Festival of Motoring, Suzuki Auto South Africa has revealed official pricing for its entry-level sales champion. The new five-model line-up is powered by a new-generation (Z12E) 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with a five-speed manual or new CVT automatic transmission. Offering comparable performance figures (60 kW and 112 N.m) to the 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine available in the outgoing range, the benefit, says Suzuki, of this new mill, is broadly improved efficiency. The brand claims just 4.4 L/100 km in the new Swift with a manual transmission. Related: New Suzuki Swift headed to SA — Everything We Know Standard across the range is power steering, digital climate control, a digital trip readout, a three-point ...

When we think of Ford , certain models spring to mind instantly—the Mustang, the GT, and the Ranger, to name a few. But some lesser-known stories of Ford’s history have left an indelible mark on both the brand and the automotive world, especially those tied to South Africa. Let’s take a nostalgic look back at some fascinating Ford facts and the surprising role South Africa played in them. Looking for a new or used Ford? Find it here with CARmag! In the mid-1970s, Lee Iacocca, then President of Ford Motor Company, visited South Africa and was introduced to a unique creation—the Granada Perana V8. This model, developed by South African automotive legend Basil Green, left such an impression on Iacocca that he requested one for his personal use in the U.S. However, there was a minor oversight. As Stuart Johnston writes, “Iacocca, after receiving the right-hand-drive Granada from Green, sent a telex asking if South Africans were aware Americans drive on the left.” This small hiccup didn...

The Tasman is fast approaching a mass production reality for Kia , and as part of development, the South Korean automaker has taken its bakkie for a scorching desert endurance test to ensure it can handle some of the most unforgiving terrain in the world. Looking for a new or used Volkswagen? Find it here with CARmag! Testing continues for Tasman, with the Kia team now taking the bakkie to Al Qudra in the United Arab Emirates to understand the vehicle’s capabilities and endurance in the sweltering heat. The body-on-frame model still wears the previously used camo which conceals most of the aesthetics but by now, there is a full sense of the overall silhouette and some key details, like the squared-off wheel arches and plastic cladding. Up front, the vertical oriented headlights make their presence known and there are also steps in the corners of the rear bumper for easy accessibility into the cargo bed. Related: Kia Reveals First Official Image of Tasman Bakkie The South Korean aut...

Explore the dynamic differences between Subaru’s two rugged siblings – the compact Crosstrek and the flagship Outback. Subaru Outback. Image: Subaru SA Looking for a new or used Subaru? Find it here with CARmag! Subaru, known for its commitment to safety and all-terrain versatility, offers two standout vehicles in its SUV lineup: the compact Crosstrek and the mid-sized Outback. Both vehicles share Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and off-road readiness, but they cater to different types of drivers. Design and Dimensions At first glance, the Crosstrek and Outback showcase distinct personalities, even though they both embrace Subaru’s adventurous spirit. The Crosstrek, having replaced the XV, sports a bolder and more playful design aimed at urban explorers and weekend adventurers. It features a hexagonal 3D grille, sharper headlights, and bulging wheel arches. And for a bit of added toughness, it has rugged cladding around its body and new C-shaped taillights. Related: Subar...

Emerging as a student design project in India, a new Volkswagen model dubbed the ‘Pickup Truck’ seems to woefully combine the Taigun SUV with the Virtus sedan. Looking for a new or used Volkswagen? Find it here with CARmag! Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) hosted a ‘Skill India’ initiative through its Student Car Project which sought to offer mechatronics students with the opportunity to show their talents. This year, the students have created the Pickup Truck by merging a Volkswagen Taigun SUV and Volkswagen Virtus sedan in a seemingly professional manner, albeit without much design direction and guidance. Despite this, the students developed the project from a collection of conceptual ideas, market analysis, research, development, procurement and final car testing spanning over a nine month period. Related: Review: Volkswagen ID.4 Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “Our unique Student Car project, is a great platform that gives win...

Legendary French coachbuilder Saoutchik of the mid-20th century fame, has made a surprising return to the automotive scene with a contemporary interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, dubbed the 300 GTC Roadster. Image: Saoutchik Looking for a new or used Mercedes-Benz? Find it here with CARmag! Limited to just 15 units, the 300 GTC Roadster attests to the coachbuilder’s legacy. While the company has been tight-lipped about the specifics, it is believed to be based on a modern Mercedes-Benz SL platform however the exterior and interior have been completely redesigned to evoke the spirit of the original 300 SL. The front fascia is a bold and controversial blend of classic and contemporary elements. Round headlights and a modest grille pay homage to the iconic original, while large air intakes and a prominent Saoutchik emblem add a touch of modernity. The bulbous wheel arches are a signature feature, reminiscent of the 300 SL’s muscular stance. Image: Saoutchik Moving t...

The Alfa Romeo Montreal remains a beloved classic sports car from the Italian automaker and the last to come with a V8 motor but what if it was produced today? Looking for a new or used Alfa Romeo? Find it here with CARmag! A digital rendering provides a preview of what a modernised version of the Italian coupe would look like which originally captured the imagination of automotive enthusiasts since its production run from 1970 to 1977. Artist Luca Serafini, known as lsdesignsrl on social media, has presented a fresh vision of this iconic vehicle, imagining a modern GT version that pays homage to its storied past. Originally designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, the Montreal made its debut at the 1967 International and Universal Exhibition in Montreal, Canada. Its striking design features a long hood, short rear, and an aggressive stance that continues to resonate with car lovers. The sharp lines and prominent air intakes reflect the bold style synonymous with Italian automotive...