The Car Guide

Versatility and durability are some key aspects that make the bakkie segment one of the most popular in South Africa however some have peeled away from these mantras in search of luxury and catering to niche buyers. As a result, some bakkies come with a hefty price tag – here are the 5 most expensive! Looking for a new or used bakkie? Find it here with CARmag! Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster double cab Trialmaster Edition Priced at a commanding R1 862 100 , this double cab is equipped with either a BMW -sourced 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine generating 210 kW and 450 N.m of torque, or a diesel counterpart delivering 182 kW and a substantial 550 N.m of torque. Both powertrains are paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission for effortless power delivery. Image: Ineos Built with uncompromising off-road capability in mind, the Trialmaster Edition boasts a robust suite of standard features. A centre differential lock, a two-speed transfer case, and a heavy-du...

Not the first time making waves in the news world , Zimbabwean inventor Maxwell Chikumbutso claims he has created a self-powered powertrain which requires no charging and is fuelled by radio waves invisible to the eye but ubiquitous around us. Image: Harare News If you haven’t heard about the headlines yet, Chikumbutso recently showcased his revolutionary powertrain to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Demonstrated in both vehicle and motorcycle, these machines purportedly utilize a “Microsonic energy device” to harness the ubiquitous radio frequencies that permeate our environment. While the presidential endorsement lends weight to Chikumbutso’s assertions, the scientific community remains largely unconvinced. Is this a groundbreaking leap in energy technology, or a bridge too far? Related:  Review: BMW iX5 Hydrogen FCEV Chikumbutso’s narrative revolves around the idea of capturing and converting the energy from radio waves, typically measured in minute nanovolts. He ...

For the first time ever, BMW has lifted the covers off of a more potent and visceral version of its revered M lineup that can also swallow a dog or two in the boot. Say hello to the M3 CS Touring. Image: BMW Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag! Serving as a high-performance station wagon, the model expectedly combines everyday usability with more honed track-capable dynamics in a product that would be more rewarding for drivers than a super SUV. Building on the foundation of the M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive, this latest iteration dials up performance with a more powerful engine, extensive use of lightweight carbon fibre components, and bespoke chassis tuning. At the heart of the M3 CS Touring is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, enhanced with race-derived technology. An extremely rigid crankcase, a lightweight forged crankshaft, and a cylinder head with a 3D-printed core allow for optimal strength and efficiency. Turbocharger pressure has been ...

Dubbed a vanguard of pioneering electric mobility, BMW has put its full-size iX through a refinement phase and this is the result, which will hit the market towards the middle of the year.  Image: BMW Looking for a new or used Volvo? Find it here with CARmag! Over in Bavaria, BMW’s all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) has been given a sleek overhaul. But the changes aren’t reserved for the visible and tactile aspects of the iX since the emissions-free model boasts increased performance, improved efficiency, and an extended range. Quashing any queries of range anxiety, the flagship iX xDrive60 is now rated at a WLTP range of up to 701 km, setting a new benchmark in its segment. This improvement stems from BMW’s EfficientDynamics measures and advancements in eDrive technology. Optimizations in performance electronics, wheel bearings, and tyres have resulted in a more than 8% increase in efficiency, translating to an additional 60 km of range for the iX xDrive60. Image: B...

Volvo Cars South Africa has confirmed the arrival of its flagship electric SUV, the EX90, in the first half of 2025.   Image: Volvo Looking for a new or used Volvo? Find it here with CARmag! Sizable in all regards, the people mover is built on Volvo’s SPA2 platform and will join the brand’s expanding electric vehicle portfolio, which includes the EX30, C40 Recharge, and XC40 Recharge. While the entry-level version offers 300 kW and 770 N.m, capable of a 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds, the Twin Motor Performance variant delivers a potent 380 kW and 910 N.m of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Related:  Review: Volvo EX90 Twin Motor Performance In terms of safety, this eagerly awaited vehicle features an innovative “invisible safety shield” that integrates advanced sensors like cameras, radars, and LiDAR to provide enhanced protection for occupants and other road users. “The EX90 has garnered significant international acclaim, and we a...

Audi has just whipped the covers off of the Q6 E-Tron Offroad concept which hints at the German automaker’s vision for a capable electric off-road vehicle. Not likely to see production wearing all of this kit, it still remains a cool vision of what is possible.  Image: Audi Looking for a new or used Audi? Find it here with CARmag! Debuting on Audi’s social media channels, the automaker has now released some more concrete information on what is available with the high-riding all-electric bakkie. Likely serving as a concept to gauge customer interest in a potential production version, much of the exterior borrows styling cues from the Q6 Sportback e-tron. That said, it bears much of the styling prominent on the Sportback up front but with off-roading in mind, it features significantly widened wheel arches that accommodate dark alloy wheels equipped with chunky off-road tyres. Under the ‘bonnet’, the Q6 e-tron concept boasts dual electric motors that deliver a combined output o...

South Africa’s festive season road fatality rate has seen a worrying increase for the first time in three years. The rate jumped by 5.3%, translating to an additional 75 lives lost over the period. Looking for a new or used EV? Find it here with CARmag! South Africa boasts infamous road fatality statistics, but the past few years following th COVID-19 pandemic have yielded a slight decline to the mean annual loss of live. The 2024/2025 festive season seemed to revert to standard with the fatality rate higher than it has been for the first time in three years. Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive , expressed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that these fatalities are more than just statistics. “The 1 502 lives lost are parents, children, siblings, friends, colleagues; human beings that leave a huge void behind,” he said. He likened the number of fatalities to more than three Boeing 747 aeroplanes or four times the number of people killed in the KwaZulu Natal floods, highlighti...

Not just reserved for unveiling the new models anticipated to hit the local market in the year, Toyota’s SOMI also provided some valuable insight for the South African motoring sphere. Image: Toyota Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag! Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) once again used its annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event as a platform to provide insights into the continually evolving automotive landscape. The event featured key presentations from TSAM’s President and CEO, Andrew Kirby, and Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Leon Theron. Related: Toyota Confirms Four Refreshed Models for SA at SOMI In his presentation, Kirby shared a few industry-related trends being noticed: Consumers are increasingly opting for smaller, more affordable vehicles, as evidenced by a shift from C- and D-segment cars to the B-segment. Data from Lightstone Auto reveals that the average selling price of passenger vehicles declined by 2.27% in 2024, ...

The field has narrowed in the prestigious 2025 Car of the Year (COTY) competition, sponsored by Old Mutual Insure. After a rigorous selection process, 17 finalists remain, vying for the coveted title in the 39th edition of this annual event organized by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists.    These finalists, chosen by a panel of esteemed automotive experts, will now undergo a series of demanding tests. An intense three-day evaluation period in Johannesburg will assess their performance across various criteria, culminating in dynamic testing at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane. This year, the COTY competition has evolved, incorporating a more comprehensive scoring system. Jury evaluations will be combined with data from Lightstone Auto, utilizing automated scoring based on market segment sales volumes and spec-adjusted competitor pricing. This integrated approach provides a more holistic assessment, reflecting both expert opinion and real-world market dyn...

Last week, the familiar MG logo adorned a conference centre in Johannesburg, signalling the return of the British automaker to the local market. With three models arriving from the advent, here is what else the storied nameplate said they have in store for Mzansi. Image: MG Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag! Following a dotted past in the country, the MG brand signalled its return to the market during a grand launch event in Johannesburg last week. The iconic MG octagon hasn’t changed, but the people who managed and controlled it have. Very shrewdly, the MG branding rights were purchased by SAIC Motor (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), a Chinese state-owned carmaker based in Shanghai and also the owner of new local entrant LDV (and Maxus). It is a continuation of the original MG marque that had Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of South Africa, Wu Peng in attendance. The diplomat expres...

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse made extensive use of advanced wind tunnel technology with a vehicle-sized treadmill that allows it to slice through the air as efficiently as possible.  Image: Ford Looking for a new or used Ford? Find it here with CARmag! This Rolling Road Wind Tunnel (RRWT) is capable of simulating wind and road conditions at speeds of up to 322 km/h, making it an essential tool for enhancing the efficiency and performance of Ford’s vehicle lineup, which includes electric, hybrid, and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. One of the standout advantages of the RRWT is its ability to deliver more precise data regarding both aerodynamic drag and downforce. These factors are crucial for optimizing vehicles for improved range and efficiency. Additionally, the RRWT enables extensive in-house testing that replicates real-world driving scenarios. This capability not only lowers design costs but also accelerates the overall development timeline. John ...

Audi South Africa has officially handed over a R500 000 donation to the Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and Technology. The funds were raised during the auction of a rare Audi RS 6 Avant GT at an exclusive event in Cape Town in November 2024. Image: Audi Looking for a new or used Audi? Find it here with CARmag! The real reason we are all here is the RS 6 Avant GT, which has a V8 delivering an impressive 463 kW and 850 N.m of torque, allowing it to reach 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h. Not just any RS 6, the model came in Arkona White with accents in Audi Sport’s signature black, grey, and red, along with high-gloss white alloy wheels. The auction, held at Cavalli Estate on 7 November, brought together enthusiasts, collectors, and philanthropists. The star of the evening was the final edition RS 6 Avant GT, a vehicle that epitomizes Audi’s commitment to engineering excellence. The event also highlighted a broader purpose, dedicating part of the proc...

Following another year leading the charts, Toyota South Africa took to its SOMI event to outline the vehicles the local market can expect in the next 12 months. Image: Toyota Looking for a new or used Toyota? Find it here with CARmag! The State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) serves as Toyota South Africa Motor’s premier event for data sharing from the previous year and a peek into what it has planned in the near future. Bundled with the Corolla Cross launch in Johannesburg attended by Digital Editor Alex Shahini, the Japanese automaker gave us a preview of four models making their way to our shores. None of them are box-fresh but each update seeks to consolidate the respective moniker’s appeal in the ever-evolving new car market. Image: Toyota As mentioned, a key highlight was the refreshed Corolla Cross, showcasing an updated design and enhanced interior features. Toyota also introduced the Hilux Legend 55, commemorating 55 years of the Hilux legacy. Other significant reveals ...