The Car Guide

Mini’s latest JCW models eschew electric drive and add an open-top option but remain unconfirmed for the local market… Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Having unveiled its first EV-powered John Cooper Works models at this year’s Paris Motor Show, Mini has now rounded off its JCW range with three-door hatch and Cabriolet variants. Related: Ford Mustang Dark Horse in SA: 2024 Allocation Already Spoken For Visually, the combustion-engined hatch differs little from the EV, rolling on the same 18-inch rims and sporting an almost identical body kit. The most notable changes are the adoption of a standard grille in lieu of the EV’s sealed item, and a rear valance that features a single-port exhaust opening. The Cabriolet’s electrically folding roof takes 18 seconds to stow and can be operated at speeds of up to 30 km/h. Related: Road Test: Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI R-Line DSG Under the bonnet, sits the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. So a...

Coming off of the back of a busy 2024, Volkswagen doesn’t seem to be slowing down with vehicles it plans to introduce into the local market going into the new year.  Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Confirmed: Volkswagen had a busy 2024, with the release of vital models such as the updated T-Cross and all-new Tiguan being particularly noteworthy. The company’s local arm has remained fairly mum on what’s officially in store for 2025 but has confirmed that the Tayron – an SUV slotting into the range between Tiguan and Toureg – will be coming. It will be joined by a new Transporter Kombi in Q3. A 1.4TSI Golf 8.5 , which could serve as an entrée to 8.5 GTI and R models, has also been confirmed. Speculation: there’s a good chance that the Tiguan range will be expanded in the new year to possibly include a mid-spec Style variant and the hybridised 1.5-litre TSI eHybrid powertrain. There’s also potential for another Polo Vivo derivative – possi...

Lamborghini’s bestselling Urus is the latest Sant’Agata product to benefit from hybrid powertrain technology. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  The new Lamborghini Urus SE completes this Italian brand’s mandate for an exclusively hybrid-powered modern product portfolio. Together with the flagship Revuelto hypercar and the forthcoming Temerario, the soon-to-be-lone Urus derivate features a 456 kW/800 N.m twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine supplemented by an electric motor housed between it and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 25.9 kWh battery above the rear axle allows the SE to travel up to 60 km in all-electric mode, yet once toggled into one of its racier settings, a staggering 580 kW and 950 N.m of torque grants the Urus SE a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 3.4-seconds. Significantly, while the battery can be charged via a cable, the Urus SE features a Recharge driving mode that focuses on replenishing stored energy while driving. R...

Signifying a new chapter in McLaren’s venerable ‘1’ car lineage, W1 is the “ground-breaking” successor to the legendary F1 and P1. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Billed as the ultimate expression of a real supercar, the W1 “elevates” the Woking-based automaker’s ‘1’ car lineage to new heights, McLaren says. According to Michael Leiters, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive, “The McLaren W1 is a celebration of both the excellence of the iconic McLaren F1 and McLaren P1.” Related: Road Test: Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI R-Line DSG The mid-mounted MHP-8 powerplant comprises a (683 kW/900 N.m) 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8, with a flat-plane crankshaft, and an electric drive module that produces 255 kW and 440 N.m of torque. Coupled with a 1.384 kWh battery pack, the hybrid powertrain develops a combined 938 kW and 1 340 N.m, exclusively sent to the rear axle via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox – good for a top speed of 350 km/h....

Toyota has kept its cards for the 2025 South African market close to its chest, but we speculate that some exciting developments for the Japanese automaker… Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Speculation: Toyota is keeping its cards close to its chest with regards to its plans for 2025, but there are a number of exciting developments that could potentially materialise in the coming months. The prospect of an all-new Hilux remains frustratingly just out of reach, but the current model and the related Fortuner could well undergo a number of updates for the 2025 model year. News out of Australia suggests the ninth-generation Hilux could feature plug-in hybrid powertrains, possibly with a switchable electrical assistance system to supplement the petrol engine for heavy towing or torque-intensive off-roading duties. There’s also talk of the boxy, utilitarian Toyota Champ coming to our market, the ladder-frame underpinnings of which will form the found...

Following an exceptionally busy year, Suzuki hasn’t confirmed anything for 2025 but we suspect the South African market will receive some updated models.  Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Speculation: The last 12 months have been exceptionally busy for Suzuki , with updates to a number of its models and the introduction of newcomers such as Fronx and 5-door Jimny. The firm’s local arm hasn’t divulged any details regarding its plans for 2025, but it’s fair to assume that the Celerio and Baleno (both launched in 2022) will be due some upgrades, and there’s potential for a hybrid version of the new Swift to join the local line up. The Indian market has just received a new DZire sedan and is anticipating a mid-sized electric SUV based on the Maruti eVX concept, both of which have the potential to make their way here. Related: Ford Mustang Dark Horse in SA: 2024 Allocation Already Spoken For Related: Fuel for Thought – SA’s Poor Fuel Quality th...

Subaru’s product lineup hasn’t evolved significantly over the past several years and 2025 looks to be a continuation of this sentiment with confirmation of an all-new Forester SUV. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Confirmed: Subaru will be launching its all-new Forester in Q3 of 2025. While it’s still based on the current car’s Subaru Global Platform, the new car will be more spacious, and feature improvements in structural rigidity and sound deadening, as well as updates to the Eyesight safety system and the portrait-oriented infotainment screen seen in the Outback. The firm’s signature symmetrical AWD system and the 2.5-litre boxer (136 kW/239 N.m) will likely remain unchanged. Related: Fuel for Thought – SA’s Poor Fuel Quality the Reason Behind Delayed Golf GTI? What new car are you most excited for? Join the conversation on our social media channels! Find the full feature in the December issue of CAR Magazine. Browse thousands of new and us...

Ferrari’s successor to the already eye-widening LaFerrari draws on winning motorsport ways to up the ante. All of the 799 examples, costing around R69 million, have been accounted for. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Ferrari F80 Fast Facts Powertrain: 3.0-litre V6 turbopetrol + 3 electric motors Power: 883 kW @ 8 750 r/min Torque: 1 075 N.m @ 5 550 r/min Transmission: 8-speed, dual-clutch 0 – 100 km/h: 2.1 seconds 0 – 200 km/h: 5.8 seconds Top speed: 350 km/h Lightweight slate Ferrari’s designs of late have divided opinion – with the likes of the 299 GTB and 12Cilindri arguably occupying polar ends of the aesthetic appeal scales – but with the F80 it could be argued that Ferrari has favoured functionality over cosmetic appeal. The construction of the car’s striking frame, which incorporates butterfly doors, takes a leaf out of F1’s book with the adoption of a multi-material construction. Related: Road Test: Volkswa...

Although unconfirmed, we speculate that Rolls-Royce could be bringing its updated Ghost Series II which employs the services of the venerated twin-turbo V12 engine under the long bonnet.  Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Speculation: there’s a chance that Rolls-Royce could bring the recently updated Ghost Series II to our market next year. While the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 engine and aluminium space frame architecture will be carried over from the previous car, the refreshed Ghost will usher in exterior cosmetic enhancements, myriad interior trim options and the firm’s new ‘Spirit’ infotainment system. Related: Fuel for Thought – SA’s Poor Fuel Quality the Reason Behind Delayed Golf GTI? What new car are you most excited for? Join the conversation on our social media channels! Find the full feature in the December issue of CAR Magazine. Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Coming to SA in 2025 – Rolls-Ro...

The 2024 TAG Heuer Carrera Extreme Sport collection celebrates racing heritage with bold, high-performance chronographs and tourbillons for motorsport fans! Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Price: R 169 600 – R173 800 TAG Heuer, renowned for its boundary-pushing timepieces used in numerous racing disciplines, has unveiled a reimagined Carrera Extreme Sport collection that blends motorsport heritage with cutting-edge design and materials. Related: Road Test: Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI R-Line DSG Encased in a robust 44 mm titanium chassis with a black ceramic bezel, the timepiece is built to withstand the rigours of an active lifestyle. The highlight of this timepiece has to be its eye-catching skeleton dial with grained black centre and orange accents evoke that, along with the sapphire-glass case back, offers a glimpse into the intricate workings of the in-house TH20-00 movement. With its bold design, innovative materials, and high-performance mov...

Renault is preparing for a big year ahead, with the introduction of new and updated models to the South African market. Here is what is confirmed and what could come in 2025. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Confirmed: the eagerly awaited third-generation of Renault’s rugged Duster compact SUV is due to arrive here in SA in the first half of 2025. Underpinned by Renault’s new CMF-B LS platform (shared with the third-gen Sandero, Renault Captur and Clio) and with styling inspired by the Bigster, the new Duster’s local engine lineup is as yet unconfirmed. Internationally, there a choice of two powerplants – a hybridised 1.6 petrol (103 kW) and a 1.2-litre turbopetrol mild hybrid (96 kW) in 2WD and 4×4. The 4×4 model features five-mode Terrain Control, ground clearance of 217 mm and approach/departure angles of 31 and 36 degrees, respectively. Both the Triber and Kiger will receive facelifts in the second half of the year. Image: Dacia Speculati...

Porsche hasn’t placed all eggs in one basket and is dabbling in both electric and ICE powertrains. 2025 will potentially see the local market receive iterations of each… Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag. Confirmed: Porsche recently celebrated the 50 th anniversary of its iconic 911 Turbo with the limited-edition 911 Turbo 50 Years Edition , and a number of the 1 974 units will come to our market in Q1 wearing a R5 903 000 price sticker. Based in the current 911 Turbo S, this model features myriad Turbo-unique styling appointments and is powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo, flat-six feeding 478 kW and 800 N.m to the rear wheels via an 8-speed PDK transmission. The Carrera portfolio will be expanded to see the S and 4S joining the T-Hybrid-equipped 992.2 GTS model we drove in our October 2024 issue of the magazine. Image: Porsche Speculation: there’s a strong chance that all-electric new Macan will reach the SA market during the course...

Peugeot has not confirmed any movement for 2025, but we suspect the French automaker will be updating a few models in its local lineup. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Speculation: launched locally in 2021, the Landtrek , which will be built in SA from 2026, will possibly receive some timely updates in the coming year. Updates to the 208 and 2008 line ups also seem likely. Related: Fuel for Thought – SA’s Poor Fuel Quality the Reason Behind Delayed Golf GTI? What new car are you most excited for? Join the conversation on our social media channels! Find the full feature in the December issue of CAR Magazine. Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Coming to SA in 2025 – Peugeot appeared first on CAR Magazine . The Car Guide

Opel remains tight-lipped over its 2025 plans but we have speculated what could join the local lineup… Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Speculation: showcased at this year’s Festival of Motoring, Opel SA previewed Irmscher-tuned versions of the Corsa and Mokka . However, whether these models will, indeed, be released locally remains unconfirmed. Related: Fuel for Thought – SA’s Poor Fuel Quality the Reason Behind Delayed Golf GTI? What new car are you most excited for? Join the conversation on our social media channels! Find the full feature in the December issue of CAR Magazine. Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Coming to SA in 2025 – Opel appeared first on CAR Magazine . The Car Guide

The new year will be a busy one on the local front for Japanese automaker Mitsubishi, who has confirmed a trio of new vehicles… Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Confirmed: a trio of Mitsubishis will arrive here in 2025. Scheduled for local introduction in Q1 are the Outlander Sport and Xpander Cross , while the updated Pajero Sport will also make its debut in the coming year. Related: Fuel for Thought – SA’s Poor Fuel Quality the Reason Behind Delayed Golf GTI? What new car are you most excited for? Join the conversation on our social media channels! Find the full feature in the December issue of CAR Magazine. Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Coming to SA in 2025 – Mitsubishi appeared first on CAR Magazine . The Car Guide

BMW Group subsidiary Mini has some all-new models confirmed for the South African market, here is what is confirmed and what we speculate will reach our shores in the new year. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Confirmed: two box-fresh Mini models will arrive in SA early in 2025, with the (battery-electric) Aceman  line up, comprising the (135 kW/290 N.m) E and (160 kW/330 N.m) SE , penned in for a January/February launch, followed by a duo of Cooper Convertible derivatives (Q1), which will be available in 1.5- and 2.0-litre guises. Image: BMW Speculation: revealed at the Paris Motor Show, there could be a chance that the hotter, JCW versions of the Aceman and all-electric Cooper will join Mini’s SA portfolio. Related: Fuel for Thought – SA’s Poor Fuel Quality the Reason Behind Delayed Golf GTI? What new car are you most excited for? Join the conversation on our social media channels! Find the full feature in the December issue of CAR...

Mercedes-Benz is gearing up for a busy 2025, with a fleet of new models set to reach our shores in the new year… Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Confirmed: 2025 is set to be a busy year for Mercedes-Benz, with the brand’s local arm announcing it will launch six new derivatives, the majority of which are AMG models. This includes the CLE53 , E53 , GT 63 S E-Performance , (V8-powered) SL 63 , and latest G63 . Most noteworthy will be the first-ever all-electric G-Wagon, the G580 , which will join Mercedes SA’s Geländewagen range. Related: Fuel for Thought – SA’s Poor Fuel Quality the Reason Behind Delayed Golf GTI? What new car are you most excited for? Join the conversation on our social media channels! Find the full feature in the December issue of CAR Magazine. Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Coming to SA in 2025 – Mercedes-Benz appeared first on CAR Magazine . The Car Guide

The festive season is upon us, and while those holiday locations await showcasing either new or familiar destinations, there are potentially some of the most incredible driving roads along the way to get there. Here are a few we thought we would mention… Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Southern Africa boasts a diverse range of terrains and scenic routes. Blessed with mountaintops and perfectly flat stretches of road, there are truly some ceremonious pieces of ribboned tarmac that would be able to put a smile on any petrolheads face. You may be hitting the road this festive season so each member of our team has contributed to this curated shortlist for you to add as a bucket list drive! Related: Hybridisation – the Supercar Solution?  These recommendations are tailored for our local readers who love exploring the beauty of South Africa by car and for international visitors planning to experience the country’s breathtaking landscapes during th...

Car breakdowns can happen unexpectedly, leaving you stranded and unsure of what to do next. Understanding how to handle a mechanical or electrical failure can make a stressful situation more manageable, especially as many drivers embark on end-of-year getaways during the rainy season.  Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Various issues can lead to breakdowns, such as a faulty battery , an overheating engine , or worn-out tyres . Regular maintenance of your vehicle is crucial, particularly if you plan to travel long distances this festive season. Keeping up with oil changes, tyre checks and battery inspections helps ensure your vehicle remains dependable and reduces the risk of unexpected failures. Alternatively, certain service centres offer multi-point checks which can lead to preventative maintenance.  Related: Hybridisation – the Supercar Solution?  Regardless of proactive maintenance and some best efforts, bad luck or fa...

The successor of McLaren’s iconic F1 and P1 could very likely be making its way to South Africa in the new year… Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Speculation: we expect the latest McLaren ‘1’ car, the W1 , to make its way to SA in 2025. This successor to the iconic F1 and P1 is billed as the ultimate expression of a real supercar and features 4.0-litre V8 petrol-electric powertrain producing 938 kW and 1 340 N.m for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 2.7 seconds. Image: McLaren Related: Fuel for Thought – SA’s Poor Fuel Quality the Reason Behind Delayed Golf GTI? What new car are you most excited for? Join the conversation on our social media channels! Find the full feature in the December issue of CAR Magazine. Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Coming to SA in 2025 – McLaren appeared first on CAR Magazine . The Car Guide

The arrival of BEVs brought with it an unexpected surprise for legacy performance car manufacturers as newly introduced luxury sedans from the likes of Tesla and Lucid were able to out-accelerate their supercars and hypercars. Hybridisation is how most have responded. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag.  Anyone who has driven a battery electric vehicle (BEV) will have been impressed by the instantaneous throttle response, strong and linear torque delivery, and the lack of drivetrain noise and vibration. In fact, those drivers for whom their vehicle is a means of getting from A to B comfortably and safely – probably the majority – will likely prefer the driving experience of a BEV. Owing to the high cost of their traction batteries, some BEV manufacturers, needing to justify their vehicle’s high price position, maximised this characteristic by fitting more powerful or multiple motors, to provide even more acceleration and AWD traction. This expanded the a...