The Car Guide

With only one vehicle export registered in September, production of the new, fourth-generation X3 has finally kicked off at BMW’s Rosslyn production plant in South Africa. Image: BMW Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag!  On 28 August, 2024, BMW ceased production of the third-generation X3, with a whopping 403 114 units of the previous iteration having been assembled (for local and global consumption) at the Bavarian brand’s Rosslyn assembly line in South Africa since 2018. However, the X3’s success story will continue locally, with production of the new model having officially kicked off on 1 October, 2024. Related: Final Third-Gen X3 Rolls Off BMW SA’s Rosslyn Production Line “We have finally arrived at the start of production of the next-generation BMW X3. We have eagerly awaited and prepared for this, and I am thrilled that we can begin this next chapter of the successful BMW X3 story here in South Africa. Our teams have worked tirelessly and diligently

The updated BMW M4 Competition models, coupé and convertible, are en route to South Africa, with BMW listing these two derivatives on their local website. Here’s how much you can expect to pay… Image: BMW Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag!  BMW has revised its complete 4 Series model line-up. We recently reported on pricing for the 4 Series coupé, convertible and Gran Coupé (in 420i, 420d and M440i xDrive flavours), in addition to the fresh-faced i4 Gran Coupé variants. However, these are not the only refreshed 4 Series derivatives en route to South Africa. Indeed, included in the updated model line-up are, of course, the full-fat M derivatives — the M4 Competition M xDrive coupé and its drop-top sibling. Updated BMW M4 Competition xDrive Price in SA Priced from R2 238 002 for the coupé and R2 338 842 for the convertible, both revised M4 Competition M xDrive derivatives ship with BMW’s two-year/unlimited km warranty and a maintenance plan spanning five yea

Peugeot has expanded its EV line-up with the introduction of the fully electric E-408,  Here’s all you need to know about the model. Image: Peugeot Looking for a new or used Peugeot? Find it here with CARmag! The E-408 blends the sleek design of a fastback with zero-emissions efficiency, offering a more environmentally friendly driving experience without compromising on style. At the heart of the E-408 is a single, front-mounted electric motor, delivering 157 kW and 345 N.m of torque. This setup enables a range of up to 453 km on a single charge, according to WLTP figures, thanks to its 58.2 kWh nickel-metal cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery pack. With a claimed energy consumption of 15.2 kWh/100 km, the E-408 aims to be both efficient and practical for everyday use. Charging flexibility is another highlight. The E-408 supports AC charging of up to 11 kW and DC fast charging of up to 120 kW, enabling a 20 to 80% recharge in just over 30 minutes. Peugeot’s integrated trip planner

En route to South African shores, BMW South Africa has announced pricing for the fresh-faced 4 Series and i4 Gran Coupé model line-ups. Here’s what you can expect… Image: BMW Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag! Updated BMW 4 Series Price in SA Priced from R998 563 for the 420i coupé M Sport, the BMW 4 Series model range comprises a total of eight derivatives, spanning across three body styles — coupé, convertible, and Gran Coupé. As standard, all models ship with a two-year/unlimited km warranty and a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. 4 Series coupé 420i coupé M Sport — R998 563 420d coupé — R1 045 373 M440i xDrive coupé — R1 499 607 4 Series convertible 420i convertible M Sport — R1 109 570 M440i xDrive convertible — R1 606 286 4 Series Gran Coupé 420i Gran Coupé M Sport — R1 012 067 420d Gran Coupé M Sport — R1 059 044 M440i xDrive Gran Coupé — R1 458 936 As a reminder, the 420i-badged variants employ a 2.0-litre, four-cylind

The BYD Seal has touched down on South African shores. Here’s what you can expect, including pricing and spec, from the all-electric sedan… Image: BYD Looking for a new or used BYD? Find it here with CARmag! Following the local introduction of the Atto 3 and Dolphin, in August 2024, we reported that BYD is set to expand its South African product portfolio before the end of the year. Now, the local arm of the Chinese automaker has done just that. The latest BYD model to join the firm’s SA model line-up comes in the shape of the Seal, an all-electric sedan, available in two flavours. Here’s what you can expect… Related: BYD to Expand Local EV Portfolio Before End of 2024 The two-strong model line-up kicks off with the Seal Lux EXT RWD. Priced from R999 900, the latter variant is equipped with a rear-mounted permanent synchronous electric motor, sending 230 kW and 360 N.m of torque exclusively to the rear wheels. According to the firm, this model sprints to the three-figure marker

Following the global debuts of the new Continental GT Speed and its GTC sibling, and the fourth-generation Flying Spur, Bentley has now whipped the wraps off the Mulliner models, each representing the pinnacle derivative of their respective model line-ups. Image: Bentley Looking for your next new or used Bentley? Find it here with CARmag!  In June and September 2024, Bentley unwrapped the fourth-generation versions of the Continental GT Speed and Continental GTC, and Flying Spur, respectively. Now, the British luxury marque has revealed the pinnacle models of each — the Mulliner derivatives. So, what sets the flagship variants apart from their standard stablemates? Well, for starters, the Mulliner models feature a new ‘Floating Diamond’ front grille, replete with a chrome-finished surround and centre bar; chrome-trimmed lower grilles; and chrome garnish for the tailpipes. The chrome finishes are complemented by the fitment of Satin Silver mirror caps. The aforementioned items ar

The Toyota Hilux retained the top spot as Mzansi’s best-selling bakkie in September 2024. Here are the top 5 best-selling bakkies in September 2024.  Image: Toyota Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag!  In the ninth month of 2024, an impressive 2 942 new Toyota Hilux bakkies were sold in South Africa, once again making the Hilux Toyota South Africa Motors’ best-selling product, despite a decrease in sales in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment. However, according to naamsa, despite new-vehicle sales in the LCV segment suffering a decline of 11.6% in September 2024 (compared to the same month in 2023), the overall new-vehicle sales in South Africa experienced a (“modest”) decline of 4.1%, and the lingering effects of inflation, South Africa’s automotive industry remains optimistic and should show signs of recovery towards the end of 2024. Top 5 Best Selling Bakkies for September 2024 Toyota Hilux –  2 942 units Ford Ranger –  2 382 units Isuzu D-M

Scheduled to make its official debut during the Paris Motor Show on 14 October, 2024, Renault has teased the upcoming Renault 4 E-Tech. Here’s what we know so far… Image: Renault Looking for a new or used Renault? Find it here with CARmag! When the original Renault 4 was introduced in 1961, it marked a significant milestone for the French firm —   it was the first Renault family car with a front-mounted engine. However, the reimagined-for-the-modern-age Renault 4, scheduled to make its global debut at the 2025 Paris Motor Show on 14 October, will be powered by batteries alone. Indeed, soon, Renault will whip the wraps off its latest electric vehicle. Here’s what we know so far… Image: Renault According to the Boulogne-Billancourt-based brand, although employing an electric powertrain, the Renault 4 E-Tech “is as versatile as its predecessor”. Based on the company’s AmpR Small platform, the R4 E-Tech measures 4 140 mm in length, some 220 mm less than the EV with which it shar

Similar to the new car domestic market, the export figures in September reflect a shrunken data set albeit by a significant amount. The Silverton-produced Ford Ranger continues to lead the charge while BMW is key in the production decreases as a result of Rosslyn being retooled for the next-generation BMW X3. Here is who made the cut. Looking for your new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Naamsa reported that ongoing challenges such as high inflation and interest rates have hampered the new vehicle market in South Africa. CEO Mikel Mabasa echoed this, stating that 2024 was predicted to have a tough start but expected improvements in the second half amidst low fuel prices, a strengthened Rand and a stable and investment-appealing Government of National Unity bode well for better performance. In terms of the vehicle market, new vehicle sales were down by 4.1% while exports took a major hit of 38.1% with only 21 964 units registered during the month. The year-to-date data rev

Ineos Automotive’s ambitious foray into the SUV market hit a major roadblock a few weeks ago as reported by CAR Magazine due to the financial troubles of a supplier. Now, it seems that the cash-strapped Recaro are the supplier in question, but things will go on!  Image: Ineos Looking for a new or used Ineos? Find it here with CARmag! The iconic German company, renowned for its high-quality seats in the automotive industry, has recently entered insolvency proceedings, forcing Ineos to halt production of its popular Grenadier and upcoming Quartermaster models. The suspension of production at the Hambach plant in France has left the Grenadier assembly line idle. The Quartermaster pickup truck, which was set to begin production later this year, has also been affected. While the exact nature of the critical trim part supplied by Recaro remains undisclosed, its absence has proven to be a significant obstacle for Ineos. Related:  Ineos Halts Grenadier Production into 2025 Amidst Suppl

The refreshed (and more powerful) BMW M3 Competition sedan and its high-performance wagon sibling, the first-ever M3 Touring, have touched down in South Africa. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for each… Image: BMW Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag!  BMW M3 Competition sedan & M3 Competition Touring Price in SA As standard, both models ship with a two-year/unlimited km warranty and a maintenance plan of five years or 100 000 km. M3 Competition M xDrive — R 2 198 002 M3 Competition Touring M xDrive — R2 218 506 Related: BMW 3 Series Gets Updated in SA – Pricing and Spec Image: BMW As a reminder, both the high-performance premium-midsize sedan and estate employ the Bavarian brand’s familiar 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged inline-six, which has been tuned to produce 390 kW, 15 kW more than before. Torque output has remained the same, with the full complement of 650 N.m available as soon as the rev needle edges the 2 750 r/min marker up to 5 73

Bruno Sacco, the renowned designer behind some of Mercedes-Benz ’s most iconic models, has passed away at the age of 90. Sacco died on September 19, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape the brand’s aesthetic for over four decades. Looking for a new or used Mercedes-Benz? Find it here with CARmag! Born in Italy, Sacco began his career in the automotive world at Turin’s Carrozzeria Ghia, but it was his time at Mercedes-Benz that cemented his place as one of the most influential designers in the industry. He joined the German automaker in 1958 at just 25 years old, marking the start of a career that would span more than 40 years. From 1974 until his retirement in 1999, Sacco served as head of styling and later as head of design. During his tenure, Sacco played a crucial role in defining Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy, which was rooted in expressing the brand’s engineering excellence. His belief that design should complement, not disguise, the technical quality of a car h

The Volkswagen Eos made quite the impression on South Africans, but is it still valued eight years after its market exit? Image: Volkswagen Group Africa Looking for a new or used Mercedes? Find it here with CARmag! The Volkswagen Eos is a stylish convertible that was first introduced to the South African market in early 2007, months after the car’s global launch in 2006. With a retractable hardtop roof that incorporated a panoramic sunroof, the Eos stood out from conventional convertibles. It blended the practicality of a coupé with the characteristics of open-air driving, combining fun with everyday usability and versatility. Following the departure of the Golf Cabriolet, Volkswagen designed the Eos with the intent of being more well-appointed than the car it replaced, but not to the point of taking attention away from the more luxurious Audi A4 Convertible. Sharing a platform with the Golf and Passat, the Eos positioned itself as a well-rounded, affordable luxury convertible. I

The Durban Metro Police Service (DMPS) has bolstered its fleet with 50 brand-new Volkswagen Golf GTIs, along with a selection of Isuzu bakkies and Ford Rangers. This acquisition, announced over the weekend, aims to enhance the department’s response time and efficiency in serving the local community. Image: DMPS Looking for a new or used Volkswagen Golf? Find it here with CARmag! Volkswagen South Afrca will have an anomaly to report for their monthly Golf sales in September after the coastal city acquired a substantial amount of the high-performance hot hatch. According to the DMPS, these potent vehicles will improve their ability to keep the streets of Durban safe. “With this new fleet, we are better equipped to respond swiftly when duty calls,” the service noted. The addition of more capable vehicles, such as the Golf GTI, forms part of their efforts to provide enhanced public safety. Related:  Cloned Polo GTI Police Vehicle and Gear Seized in Gauteng Bust The current Golf 8