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Showing posts from November, 2024

All-New Triton Boasts Widest Range of Accessories Yet

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Mitsubishi’s sixth generation Triton has made landfall in South Africa and the Japanese automaker is sporting its widest range to date with customizability at the core with a broad selection of accessories too. Looking for a new or used Mitsubishi? Find it here with CARmag! Launched into Mzansi earlier this week, Mitsubishi reaffirmed that while the tale of the Triton in South Africa has previously featured the revered Colt nameplate, it intends to continue forging forward as a durable and reputable companion for those needing a versatile partner. Unlike the era of the Colt from the late 80s to early 2000s, the bakkie market has shifted significantly. Now, more than ever, configurability and customizability with bakkies will determine to some extent, their success. The all-new Triton is no exception and has 11 derivatives for prospective buyers to choose from across single and double-cab body styles. All are founded on the same new ladder frame chassis, which has a completely new bo

Updated Hyundai Creta — Pricing and Specs

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The updated Hyundai Creta has launched in South Africa, with the local arm of the South Korean carmaker revealing pricing for the revised model range. Here’s what you can expect… Matte Edition. Image: Hyundai Looking for a new or used Hyundai? Find it here with CARmag! The refreshed Hyundai Creta has made landfall on South African shores, with the revised line-up not only gaining updated convenience and safety items, but also a brand-new derivative coming in the shape of the Matte Edition. Noteworthy, the local arm of the South Korean automaker has also dropped the prices of select models. Updated Hyundai Creta Price in SA Priced from R449 900 for the entry-level, Premium model equipped with a manual gearbox, Hyundai SA has dropped the price of this variant by 4.17%, while the similarly specified IVT (‘Intelligent Variable Transmission’) derivative’s price has been decreased by 2.16%. The Executive IVT model’s price has been cut by 0.50%. The Premium Matte Edition and Executive

The TWR V12 Is a Modernised Jaguar for the World to Appreciate

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Nearly 40 years after Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) made waves on the motorsport stage, the name returns with a bold statement in the form of the TWR V12 Super-GT Supercat. Image: TWR Jaguar has recently unveiled its new corporate design direction, which looks to an all-electric future. For those who reject modernity, this TWR V12 is the answer! At its core is a modern reinterpretation of the Jaguar XJS. Limited to just 88 bespoke examples, the Supercat offers a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to own a piece of motorsport heritage reimagined for the road and track amidst the new energy revolution. No EV here, but instead is a heavily reworked 5.6-litre supercharged V12, delivering 492 kW of power and 730 N.m of torque. This marks a significant leap over the original naturally aspirated 5.3-litre V12, which produced 212 kW and 431 N.m. The upgraded powertrain is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and a plated limited-slip differential, ensuring a pure, engaging driving experien

Gauteng to Pilot ‘Self-Destructing’ Number Plates to Combat Crime

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Gauteng is set to revolutionize its road safety and crime prevention efforts with the introduction of advanced number plates. These innovative plates, equipped with cutting-edge security features, are designed to deter vehicle-related crimes and streamline the licensing process. The initiative, spearheaded by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, addresses a critical issue: the pervasive use of motor vehicles in criminal activities. From hijackings and theft to fraudulent activities, criminals often exploit vulnerable vehicle identification systems. The new plates aim to thwart these efforts by incorporating a self-destructing decal and a barcode for authentication. The bold red design of the plates and the inclusion of various security markings make them instantly recognizable and difficult to counterfeit. The barcode, linked to manufacturing information, enables authorities to verify the authenticity of each plate. Should anyone attempt to tamper with the plate, the self-destructing dec

Road Test Figures: Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance

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One of the quickest SUVs ever tested by CAR, the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S, with its 500 kW/1 020 N.m, recorded jaw-dropping performance figures on our test strip. Here’s a closer look… Image: CAR Looking for a new or used Mercedes-Benz? Find it here with CARmag!  A 2 360 kg SUV that sprints to the 100 km/h marker from a standstill in less than 3.5 seconds? Indeed, that is just what the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance achieved on our test strip. To be more specific, the pinnacle GLC completed the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in a whip-crack 3.41 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs ever tested by CAR. Related: Road Test Figures: Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance Undoubtedly impressive for a vehicle of its size, according to our test equipment, the GLC 63 S E Performance is a mere 0.04 seconds slower to 100 km/h from a standstill than the C63 S E Performance we tested in the July 2024 issue of CAR. Making the AMG GLC’s figure even more astounding is when taking into ac

VW Group Africa Goes Further off Grid at Kariega Plant with Solar Power

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Volkswagen Group Africa has made significant strides in its renewable energy initiatives, commissioning an additional 3 megawatts of solar power at its Kariega manufacturing plant in South Africa. This brings the plant’s total solar energy capacity to 5.9 MW, which is enough to power around 2 000 two-bedroom homes with electrical appliances and geysers. Image: Volkswagen Looking for a new or used Volkswagen? Find it here with CARmag! The move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and increase the share of renewable energy in its operations. Volkswagen has now installed a total of 12 097 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels across the site, with 5 710 of these newly added to the employee car park. The first phase of the solar installation project began two years ago, with PV panels placed on the roofs of the Engine Plant and Final Assembly building. More panels are planned for the next phase of expansion. The company has invested nearly R100 million in

New Mitsubishi Triton Launches in SA — We Have Pricing!

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Following its reveal in 2023, the new Mitsubishi Triton has finally made landfall on South African shores, with the local arm of the Japanese automaker announcing pricing for the sixth-generation model. See pricing below… Image: Mitsubishi Looking for a new or used Mitsubishi? Find it here with CARmag! Ahead of its official local launch, we were handed the opportunity to sample the brand-new Mitsubishi Triton on South African shores. Now, the new iteration, in both single- and double-cab body styles, has finally touched down in SA. New Mitsubishi Triton Double Cab Price in SA Priced from R639 990, the double-cab Triton model range comprises nine derivatives, all of which employing a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, coupled with the choice of a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission with the same number of cogs. 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains are available. As standard, all models ship with a five-year/unlimited km warranty and a service plan spanning the same durati

Porsche’s Sonderwunsch Special Will be the Final 911 Dakar Ever Produced

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Porsche has unveiled the final 911 Dakar, a one-of-a-kind Sonderwunsch Special that marks the end of the 2 500-unit production run for the rugged, off-road-ready 911. Finished in a striking Rallye Design Package, this unique model showcases a bespoke three-tone paint scheme, meticulously applied by hand. Image: Porsche Looking for a new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag! The lower half of the car is coated in Gentian Blue Metallic, while the upper section is painted in Signal Yellow. A thin line of Lampedusa Blue, named after the Italian island, separates the two colours and runs around the car’s curves. The Lampedusa Blue accents also appear on the wheels, where the spokes are painted in Signal Yellow and the rim edges are finished in Lampedusa Blue. The LED Matrix headlights feature a custom Lampedusa Blue accent ring, while black stainless steel protective elements are added to the front, rear, and sills. Image: Porsche Inside, the colour scheme continues with yell

Ticket sales for the 15th Simola Hillclimb are Officially Open

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Ticket sales for the 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna, are now open. Taking place from May 1st to 4th, 2025, the event promises thrilling action on the iconic Simola Hill as drivers battle it out for supremacy in the King of the Hill competition. Image: Simola Hillclimb General Admission For those looking to attend the event, General Entry tickets are available at R170 per day when purchased online, with a 3-day pass priced at R420. This pass covers the full experience, including Classic Car Friday on May 2nd and the two days of King of the Hill competition on May 3rd and 4th. For those purchasing tickets at the event itself , prices rise to R190 for daily access and R500 for the 3-day pass. Children under 12 enjoy free entry when accompanied by an adult. Pit Access & Grandstands For a closer look at the action, Pit Access tickets are available at R270 per day or R750 for the full 3-day experience when bought online. At the gate, these tickets will cost R30

Ford’s Wet Weather Testing Replicates Monsoon Conditions on Ranger Bakkies

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Summer has arrived across Southern Africa and with it comes the Highveld’s wettest season. With the drenching downpours, Ford has shared how to stay on the roads during these adverse conditions.  Image: Ford Looking for a new or used Ford Ranger? Find it here with CARmag! Derek Kirkby, Training Director at MasterDrive , underscores the importance of vigilance. “Many drivers exercise great caution in snow or off-road conditions but often underestimate the dangers of rain,” he notes. While responsible driving is crucial, your vehicle also plays a vital role in navigating adverse weather. Automotive quality and durability has become a paramount aspect for automakers in the past few decades with a spectrum of tests ensuring a new vehicle rolling off of the production line can withstand the elements across the spectrum. The Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor are prime examples of vehicles designed to handle the we conditions with the “Leak Test”, which simulates extreme rain to guarantee t

Renault Bigster ‘Probably’ Coming to SA in 2026

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Renault South Africa has revealed to CAR that the Bigster will, in the near future, join its expanding local model line-up. Here’s what we know so far… Image: Dacia Looking for a new or used Renault? Find it here with CARmag! In the question-and-answer session, we asked Renault South Africa about the possibility of the Bigster (seen here donning the ‘Dacia’ badge) being introduced to the South African market. The answer? Well, the local arm of the French firm said that the new Duster’s seven-seater sibling will, indeed, form part of its expanding South African model line-up, with the Bigster “probably” arriving here late in 2026. Related: Renault Confirms Third-Gen Duster Coming to SA in 2025 Based on the same underpinnings — Renault’s CMF-B platform — as the Duster, the Bigster’s larger bodywork measures 4 570 mm in length (230 mm more than the Duster) and 1 810 mm in width, which matches the width of the Duster. Compared to the latter model, the Bigster’s wheelbase measures 5

Renault Confirms Third-Gen Duster Coming to SA in 2025

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Scheduled to touch down on South African shores in 2025, Renault has revealed key details about the local third-generation Duster model line-up. Here’s what we know so far… Image: Dacia Looking for a new or used Renault? Find it here with CARmag! At a recent media conference, held in Gauteng, Renault South Africa for the first time, showcased the new Duster (seen here donning the ‘Dacia’ badge) on local shores. In addition, though the automaker remains tight-lipped about some details, the company has revealed a few key details of the third generation, which is scheduled to officially launch here in March 2025. Related: Speculative SA Pricing for All-New Renault Duster, but No Diesel? So, what has the local arm of the French firm revealed so far? Well, for starters, the SA model range will comprise a trio of derivatives, each of which employing a mild-hybrid petrol engine. Indeed, the box-fresh Duster has ditched the outgoing iteration’s characterful 1.5-litre, four-cylinder tur

Hyundai Unveils Elantra N TCR Edition as Road Car With Race Car Bits

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Hyundai has officially revealed the Elantra N TCR Edition, a performance-focused variant that brings motorsport-inspired design and engineering to the brand’s popular sedan lineup. Image: Hyundai Looking for a new or used Hyundai? Find it here with CARmag! Building on the expertise Hyundai has gained in the Touring Car Racing (TCR) World Tour since joining the series in 2017, the TCR Edition draws heavily from the brand’s racing success and technical know-how. The Elantra N TCR Edition is equipped with several race-bred upgrades designed to enhance both its performance and visual appeal. One of the standout features is the lightweight, adjustable carbon-fiber Swan Neck spoiler, which helps optimize downforce for various driving conditions. The sedan also boasts 19-inch N TCR forged wheels, offering both reduced weight and improved rigidity, while N Performance four-piston brakes provide enhanced stopping power. Image: Hyundai Under the bonnet, this edition remains closely al

The Ultimate Air-Cooled Garage in South Africa

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On the back of decades involved with aviation and classic air-cooled cars, Leon Potgieter’s four-car garage has to be one of the most interesting we’ve come across. Looking for a new or used set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag! Taking a look at some of the motoring and technological trinkets scattered around Leon Potgieter’s garage, it would be something of an understatement to call this workspace merely ‘interesting’. There are artefacts from road trips through South Africa and Lesotho, aeroplane parts, car tools from several decades ago, and even some bodywork from a modern-day Porsche 911 racecar. In front of Leon’s desk, two chairs from a Mirage fighter jet serve as seating for both business visitors and friends popping in for a beer. Leon’s wife’s taste is partly responsible for this unconventional but character-packed setup. He explains: “It all started with my wife, who wanted an old house, and myself wanting a house with enough garages. Thankfully, we found this propert

Veyron’s Predecessor – The Volkswagen W12 Nardò Concept

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Hard to believe, Volkswagen’s W12 Nardò Concept is nearing its 25th year of existence! We take a look back on one of the German automaker’s wildest endeavours.  Looking for a new or used set of wheels? Find it here with CARmag! Unveiled at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, the Volkswagen Nardò Concept remains a cornerstone of automotive innovation and design from the early 2000s. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, this prototype showcased Volkswagen’s ambitious leap from the practical family vehicles for which it was known into the realm of ultra-fast sports cars. The concept was a daring exploration of aerodynamics, featuring a low, sweeping profile and sharp lines designed for minimal drag and high-speed stability. A single, curved glass windshield extended into the roofline, splitting the gullwing doors and flowing into a glass engine cover that showcased a powerful W12 engine. This 5.6-litre unit comprised two 2.8-litre VR6 engines joined on a common crankshaft and developed 309 kW, whic