The Car Guide

Since 2013 the Duster has been a robust and capable mainstay in the South African compact SUV segment. We revisit Renault’s tough little tyke as a used proposition and list two rivals for comparison. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Since its arrival in South Africa more than ten years ago, the Renault Duster has carved a niche for itself as a practical, rugged, and budget-friendly SUV. Launched at a time when compact SUVs began gaining traction in the market, it was a one of the few offerings in the segment capable of meeting that hard-to-find combination of affordability, durability, and genuine off-road capability, making it an appealing option for a wide range of consumers. The Duster was offered with multiple engine options, catering to different types of drivers. Entry-level models were powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine, which, while sufficient for daily commuting, was not a particularly strong performer. However, it was...

When it was unveiled in 2016, Rolls-Royce’s 103EX concept not only celebrated the British luxury carmaker’s centenary, but it also offered a forward-thinking glimpse into the marque’s take on the direction future mobility would take. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Under the guidance of the Design Director Giles Taylor, the 103EX embodied Rolls-Royce’s ambition to combine luxury, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology. The vehicle was intended to push boundaries, blending traditional the graceful styling of the firm’s traditional wares with futuristic innovations. Related: Ford Mustang Dark Horse in SA: 2024 Allocation Already Spoken For One of its most revolutionary features was the implementation of an expanded autonomous driving system. Dubbed ‘Voice of Eleanor’ (referencing the name given to the Spirit of Ecstasy sculpture adorning the bonnet of every Rolls Royce) the module was rooted in the notion of the chauffeur-driven experience for...

Toyota has handed the GR Supra a boost in power and torque, and, notably, revealed a special version dubbed the ‘A90 Final Edition’. Here’s what you can expect… Image: Toyota Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag! Toyota Gazoo Racing has whipped the wraps off a “partially upgraded” GR Supra, with Toyota’s motorsport arm handing the rear-wheel-driven coupé’s inline-six a boost in power and torque. However, considering the latter increases, “partially upgraded” seems a rather humble statement to make. Related: Review: Toyota GR Supra – CPS 2024 See, the “partially upgraded” GR Supra produces 320 kW and 570 N.m. Compared to the standard model, that’s increases of 35 kW and 70 N.m. The latter has been achieved thanks to a revised intake-air path, in addition to the adoption of a low-back-pressure catalyst (to reduce pressure loss). The result: improved response and acceleration (the company has, however, yet to release an official 0-100 km/h sprint time). A90...

In a nod to the legacy of one of the most iconic video game characters for car enthusiasts, BMW has breathed new life into one of the most celebrated vehicles in the Need for Speed franchise: the M3 GTR from the 2005 Most Wanted title. Image: BMW Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag! As the series marks its 30th anniversary, the German automaker has unveiled a modified version of this iconic race car, designed to mirror the car that adorned the game’s promotional materials nearly two decades ago. The E46 M3 first graced the automotive world in 2000, quickly establishing itself on the racing scene across various motorsport platforms. However, it faced stiff competition in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) GT category, prompting BMW to swap its in-line-six S54 engine for the more potent P60B40 V8. To comply with homologation requirements, the company produced a limited run of ten units of the M3 GTR Strassenversion, each fitted with the robust V8 engine. Imag...

Part of the Kingsley Holgate Foundation’s Africa Odyssey Expedition for humanitarian purposes, a duo of Land Rover Defenders have now completed over 60 000 km!  Image: Land Rover Looking for a new or used Land Rover Defender? Find it here with CARmag! This remarkable journey spanned 60 000 kilometres across 24 African nations, focusing on delivering essential insecticide-treated mosquito nets to vulnerable communities, particularly targeting children under five and pregnant women. Using two Defender 130 D300s affectionately named Moyo (meaning heart) and Isibindi (meaning courage), the expedition team effectively distributed 15 880 mosquito nets over the course of a year. Each net is estimated to protect a mother and two children from the dangers of malaria, illustrating the profound impact of this effort on community health. The expedition also facilitated the delivery of ‘Rite to Sight’ reading glasses and Wildlife Art templates to under-resourced areas in countries ...

Taking the Grenadier’s off-roading prowess to quite literal ‘new heights’, Ineos Automotive, in partnership with LeTech, has revealed the portal-axle Grenadier Station Wagon and Quartermaster. Image: Ineos Automotive Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Ineos Automotive , in partnership with retail partner LeTech GmbH & Co KG, has, quite literally, taken the Grenadier Station Wagon and Quartermaster’s off-road capabilities to new heights, with the British marque and German tuning company introducing a raised chassis, portal axles, offset wheel hubs, and larger off-road rubber that, together, have resulted in an increased ground clearance of a whopping 514 mm (up 250 mm on the standard cars). However, that is not all, further enhancing the Station Wagon and its equally rugged double-cab bakkie sibling’s off-road prowess, these modifications have improved the cars’ water-wading capability — to an impressive 1 050 mm. That’s 250 mm more than the original ...

It could be worse, Ford South Africa could have thrown in the towel with the seventh-generation Mustang but to the joy of local petrolheads, it has arrived at the cost of being detuned – here is why. Looking for a new or used Ford? Find it here with CARmag.  The Dark Horse was recently sampled in the mountainous state of Lesotho and despite the sub 3 000-metre altitude paired with a detuned motor, the Pony car still delivered on the winding roads. Geographical limitations aside, which at Johannesburg’s altitude of 1 700 metres above sea level can sap just under 20% of power in a naturally aspirated motor, the Mustang is also significantly down on power in comparison to iterations found in other parts of the world. Related: Ford Mustang Dark Horse in SA: 2024 Allocation Already Spoken For Manufactured at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan, each Mustang starts its life with a document that determines its end market (as is the case in almost all manufacturing facilities glob...

In 2025, Chery subsidiary Jaecoo will introduce a trio of brand-new models and a box-fresh derivative of the J7 to South African shores. Here’s a closer look at each of them… J5. Image: Jaecoo Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! J5 Positioned below the J7, the J5 will serve as the entry point to Jaecoo’s local model portfolio. Taking design inspiration from its larger, midsize sibling, though the SA engine line-up has yet to be announced, the upcoming compact crossover/SUV will likely employ the brand’s 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol powertrain, which, in this application, produces 136 kW and 275 N.m of torque. In addition, we expect the J7’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox will be carried over to the J5. Stepping inside, the J5’s facia is dominated by a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The package further includes “smart” climate control, an “advanced” air filtration system, and pet-friendly accessories. A panoramic glass roof, which the compa...

Dr Esther Mahlangu’s acclaimed retrospective exhibition, “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting,” is captivating Johannesburg audiences at the Wits Art Museum (WAM). This landmark exhibition, supported by BMW Group South Africa, WAM, and the National Arts Council, is now open to the public. Image: BMW Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with with CARmag! Esther Mahlangu, a name synonymous with vibrant colours and bold patterns, is celebrated in a retrospective exhibition that traces her remarkable journey from a small village in Mpumalanga to international acclaim. The exhibition, curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, offers a comprehensive look at her artistic practice, showcasing a collection of archival materials spanning five decades. One of the most captivating aspects of the exhibition is the iconic BMW 525i Art Car, a testament to the fusion of art and automotive design. Created in 1991, this masterpiece marked a historic moment as Mahlangu became the first woman and Africa...

Volkswagen South Africa recently welcomed local fan clubs to its Kariega production facility in Gqeberha, offering an exclusive glimpse into the manufacturing process of its SA-built vehicles. Image: Volkswagen Looking for a new or used Volkswagen? Find it here with CARmag! This initiative forms part of Volkswagen’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with its enthusiasts, foster brand loyalty, and showcase the meticulous attention to detail that defines its manufacturing process. The event kicked off with a guided tour of the Kariega plant, where attendees had the opportunity to witness the assembly of Volkswagen vehicles up close. From the precision engineering of components to the final touches that ensure quality, the experience highlighted the dedication and craftsmanship that go into every model. Image: Volkswagen Related:  Living With It – Volkswagen Polo Life 1.0 TSI MT [Update 5] The tour didn’t stop at the factory floor, however. Volkswagen treated attendees t...

A ‘more exclusive’ Mustang for Ford’s ‘enthusiast customers’, SA’s 2024 allocation of Dark Horse units have already been spoken for. However, more is coming! Image: Ford Looking for a new or used Ford? Find it here with CARmag.  The Ford Mustang Dark Horse has officially launched in South Africa, with the first 50 units already allocated to customers. However, there is good news — as the pinnacle Mustang in the Blue Oval brand’s local portfolio is not a limited-run model, more units are, indeed, penned in to be unleashed on South African shores in 2025, with Ford South Africa saying they will manage the ongoing demand for this variant. “As the halo model in the Mustang line-up, the Dark Horse will be a more exclusive offering for our enthusiast customers in South Africa, but it forms part of our normal Mustang line-up and is not a limited-run or special-edition version,” said Sunil Sewmohan, Executive Director of Product Marketing at Ford South Africa. Related: Ford Mustang...

Sporting a “sleeker” profile and enhanced tech, Audi has whipped the wraps off the new Q5 and SQ5 Sportback. Here’s what you can expect… Image: Audi Looking for a new or used Audi? Find it here! According to the brand with the four rings, the new Q5 Sportback’s bodywork is “sleeker” than its predecessor. The revised ‘Singleframe’ grille is flanked by redesigned headlamp clusters, replete with daytime-running lights. A light strip spans the tailgate. Two trim grades are on offer: exterior advanced and S line, with the SQ5 (seen here) sporting model-specific exterior design elements. Underpinned by Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture — the same platform on which the new A5, which we sampled on the international launch, and, of course, its Q5 SUV sibling is based — the Q5 Sportback was revealed with a duo of petrol engine options and a single oil-burner, all of which incorporating 48 V mild-hybrid tech for an additional boost of 25 kW and 230 N.m for short duratio...

The 1967 Jaguar E-Type convertible, famously known as the ‘Shaguar’, from the ‘Austin Powers’ movie trilogy, is set to cross the auction block in the United States. This celebrated vehicle will be one of the star attractions at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction, which is scheduled to take place on 18 January, 2025. Image: Mecum Auctions Looking for a new or used Jaguar? Find it here with CARmag! The Jaguar E-Type is revered not only as a symbol of British motoring at its finest but also for its impact on pop culture, and this particular example played a memorable role in all three of Mike Myers’ Austin Powers films. Adorned with Union Jack livery, it encapsulated the films’ over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek homage to 1960s British pop culture. Its scenes alongside Austin Powers — whether escaping villains or cruising in comedic style — cemented its place as an icon in cinematic car history. This convertible is powered by a 4.2-litre inline-six engine, which is mated to a four-speed manual...

Ahead of its scheduled deliveries, which commences in December 2024, Alfa Romeo recently put a prototype of the striking 33 Stradale through its paces at the Nardò Technical Centre in southern Italy, with the rigorous testing session focusing on assessing the car’s performance under extreme conditions. Image: Alfa Romeo Looking for a new or used Alfa? Find it here with CARmag! The Nardò circuit, renowned for its cutting-edge facilities, was an obvious choice for Alfa Romeo to evaluate the 33 Stradale’s dynamic capabilities. During testing, the Italian marque concentrated on crucial parameters such as aerodynamics, cooling efficiency, noise insulation, and high-speed stability … And the results reaffirmed the car’s exceptional performance credentials, including a top speed of 333 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration time of under three seconds. Powering the 33 Stradale is a 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which produces over 462 kW. Mounted mid-ships, the powertrain is paired...

SVI Engineering’s newly launched sister company Ulterio Motiv has announced a six-wheel conversion for the Ford Ranger. Here’s what you can expect… Image: Ulterio Motiv Looking for a new or used Ford? Find it here with CARmag! Aimed at tackling extreme terrains and carry heavy loads, all while offering “relative” luxury and comfort for its occupants, SVI Engineering’s newly launches sister company Ulterio Motiv has whipped the wraps off its latest project — a six-wheeler Ford Ranger. Available with the single-cab, SuperCab and double-cab 4×4 models, for the six-wheeler conversion, the Ranger’s standard ladder-frame chassis is extended to cater for the third axle. The latter, load-carrying axle, the firm says, does not impact the car’s four-wheel-drive arrangement. Related: Ford’s Racey Ranger Raptor Gets Bulletproof SVI Treatment The rear suspension configuration works on the principle of a “bogie” system, which results in the additional axle carrying “around” 40% of the rear ...