The Car Guide

South African rugby star Eben Etzebeth has sparked online attention after showcasing a Mercedes-Benz G63 Grand Edition on social media. Limited to just 1 000 units globally, and with only 20 available in South Africa, the performance-focused SUV carries a price tag of R5.5 million. Image: Mercedes-Benz Looking for a new or used Mercedes-Benz? Find it here with CARmag! The G63 Grand Edition features an AMG 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine, delivering 430 kW from 6 000 r/min and 850 N.m of torque from 2 500 r/min. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.5 seconds. While its power is impressive, much of the online discussion has focused on its distinctive design. Finished in MANUFAKTUR ‘night black magno’, the Grand Edition stands out with contrasting gold-coloured elements. The ‘Kalaharigold magno’ hue highlights the Mercedes star, Affalterbach emblem, AMG logo, bumper inlays, spare-wheel cover surround, 22-inch alloy wheels and side decals. Inside, black Nappa leather seats ...

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched the updated Crafter 50 in South Africa, bringing a refreshed design and enhanced features to the large-van segment. Following its debut at the Volkswagen Group Africa Indaba, the Crafter 50 range now offers significant cargo capacity and modern technology. Image: Volkswagen Looking for a new or used Volkswagen? Find it here with CARmag! The updated Crafter 50 is available in extra-long wheelbase configuration, measuring 4 490 mm, and employs rear-wheel drive. Customers can choose between a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle boasts a 5-tonne maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) and offers standard high roof or super high roof options. Cargo volume reaches up to 17.5 m3, with a maximum cargo space height of 2 096 mm.  Power comes from a new 2.0 BiTDI engine, producing 120 kW. The Crafter 50 range is available in both Panel Van and Bus Conversion Ready configurations. Related:  Volkswagen Transp...

At Volkswagen South Africa’s 2025 Indaba, we were afforded a glimpse of the firm’s upcoming sub-compact SUV. Now, Volkswagen has finally whipped the wraps off the new Polo-based crossover in Brazil. Here’s what we know so far… Image: Motor1 Brazil Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Volkswagen’s box-fresh compact crossover will be built in Brazil, where it is dubbed Tera, and at the German marque’s Kariega manufacturing facility in South Africa. However, it is worth noting that the third Volkswagen model assembled South Africa — along with the Polo hatch and Polo Vivo — will don a different denomination, chosen by South Africans, in South Africa. Indeed, in March 2025, the local arm of the Wolfsburg-based brand will launch a campaign where South Africans choose which of four still-to-be-announced names they prefer for the small crossover. Positioned as the opening gambit to Volkswagen’s T SUV model line-up, the newcomer sits on the same MQB A0 platfo...

Noted for its solid build, generous specification and practical packaging, the Santa Fe has long been held as a genuine alternative to Europe’s large luxury SUVs. But does this still hold true in the used-car arena? We look at Hyundai’s halo seven-seater Santa Fe SUV as a second-hand purchase and list two of its rivals. Image: Peet Mocke Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Hyundai Santa Fe Fast Facts Power: 148 kW Torque: 440 N.m 0-100 km/h: 9.19 seconds Top speed: 203 km/h Fuel consumption index: 9.4 L/100 km The Hyundai Santa Fe debuted globally in 2001 but wouldn’t arrive in South Africa until 2005 – just two short years before the second-generation model’s arrival. The SUV’s entry into the local market was a significant step for Hyundai as it aimed to expand its ambitions from a more budget-conscious brand, to establish itself as a serious contender in the SUV market. At that time, the Santa Fe entered a segment dominated by more establ...

While some concepts are worthy of inclusion purely for their outlandish styling that showcases a manufacturer’s creative chops, others like the EQXX are worth a mention by virtue of the sheer number of innovative features… Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Unveiled at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, this concept played host to a wealth of eco-conscious technologies and features Mercedes was mulling for production viability – from an incredibly efficient electric powertrain, to solar panels, 3D printed body sections, and even an interior featuring recycled plastic drinks bottles, and materials derived from cactus, mushroom and sugarcane. At the heart of this EV sedan lay an innovative 100 kWh battery pack that utilised energy-dense silicon. This construction not only allowed engineers to make the battery pack very compact (weighing 495 kg and measuring 272 litres in volume – roughly half of an equivalent 100 kWh unit) its contribution to...