The Car Guide

Spearheading Koenigsegg’s performance evolution, the Swedish marque has whipped the wraps off the Sadair’s Spear. Image: Koenigsegg The ‘Sadair’s Spear’ moniker is inspired by the name of the racehorse Koenigsegg founder and CEO Christian von Koenigsegg’s father, Jesko von Koenigsegg, who the Koenigsegg Jesko was named for, held dear. The Sadair’s Spear’s carbon-fibre and kevlar bodywork wraps around the automaker’s 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, which produces a whopping 970 kW and 1 000 N.m of torque, the latter available in a broad 2 700 to 6 170 r/min swathe of the rev band. However, fuelled with E85, these figures are lifted to an eye-widening 1 212 kW and 1 500 N.m. Stopping power is provided by a cabon-fibre braking setup, comprising 410 mm fore and 395 mm aft discs, and “bespoke” Koenigsegg callipers. The latter items are sited behind the firm’s Aircore carbon-fibre wheels, measuring 20 and 21 inches front and rear, wrapped in 275/35- and 335/30-size Michelin Pilot Spor...

Hot Wheels is tapping into the hype around F1 The Movie with a new 1:64-scale die-cast car inspired by the film’s fictional Apex Grand Prix team. Image: Mattel Hot Wheels’ latest release centres on the (fictional) F1 racer driven by character Sonny Hayes (played by Brat Pitt) in the recently-released F1 film. The design closely follows the F1 racer that’s seen on the silver screen, with the 1:64-scale replica featuring a black and gold livery, the number seven on the nose and side pods, and a cast-in helmet representing Hayes sitting in the car’s cockpit. To boost this model’s appeal as a true collector’s item, the set includes three sets of wheels with Pirelli-branded tyres, a tyre rack and a protective clamshell case dubbed ‘Kar Keepers’. Mattel, which owns the Hot Wheels brand, says this new tie-in is part of a broader push to connect with enthusiasts beyond motorsport. “We’ve had a strong response from F1 fans and collectors in the past,” said Roberto Stanichi, who heads the...

UK-based EV tech firm BEDEO is partnering with Monarch Defender to bring electrified classic Land Rover Defenders to a global audience. Here’s all you need to know… Image: BEDEO At the heart of the project is BEDEO’s in-wheel motor (IWM) system, developed by its subsidiary Protean Electric. Unlike conventional EV conversions, the IWM setup fits electric motors directly into each wheel. This design removes the need for a central motor and drivetrain, which helps reduce weight and frees up space. According to BEDEO, the converted Defender maintains its original kerb weight and still delivers proper off-road ability. This reimagined classic Defender is equipped with a 75 kWh battery pack, which offers a modest claimed operating range of 247 km. This project forms part of BEDEO’s Reborn Electric: Icons initiative, which was launched in 2024 with the goal of turning classic vehicles into zero-emissions machines without altering their original design too heavily. For Monarch Defender, ...

In partnership with UK coachbuilder Wood and Pickett, CALLUM has revealed its latest reimagined Mini project. Only a limited number of examples will be made. Image: CALLUM Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! The Wood and Pickett Mini by CALLUM is based on a fully restored Mk5 Sportspack model, but incorporates an entirely bespoke styling package, the latter drawing inspiration from Wood & Pickett’s coachbuilding legacy and CALLUM’s contemporary designs. Finished in bespoke Anthracite metal paintwork, the exterior features new head- and taillamp housings, and “unique” fore and aft valances, and side sills. The revised rear end, along with the former items, have been engineered to improve the car’s cooling and aerodynamic properties. The original Wood and Pickett wheelarches further add to this Mini’s distinctive design. The set of 13-inch alloy wheels have been specially developed for this restoration project. Image: CALLUM Related: Mini’s Forgott...

Continental has announced it is increasing the use of sustainable materials in its tyre production. Image: Continental Tire Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Continental has announced it is integrating an increased amount of renewable and recycled materials into its tyre production, with the tyre manufacturer expecting their shared 2024 average (of 26%) to increase by 2% to 3% in 2025, the latter the result of the use of synthetic rubber obtained renewable or circular oil, polyester fashioned from recycled PET, recycled steel and “innovative” fillers, such as silica from rice husk ash. Noteworthy, Continental aims to surpass the 40% mark over the next five years. “We are systematically increasing the share of renewable and recycled materials in our raw material portfolio,” said Jorge Almeida, Head of Sustainability at Continental. Almeida added that, to achieve sustainable mobility, the company is constantly searching for more environmentally friendly ...

The Volvo XC60 has officially taken the crown as the best-selling model in the company’s history, passing the long-reigning Volvo 240 with more than 2.7 million units sold since 2008. Image: Volvo Looking for a new or used Volvo? Find it here with CARmag! That milestone marks a major shift in how customers define a family car. Where the boxy 240 estates once ruled the suburbs, the XC60, a mid-size SUV introduced at a time when Volvo was leaning into premium territory, now carries the torch. Since its launch, the XC60 has appealed to a wide range of drivers, thanks to its safety credentials and a design that strikes a balance between practicality and Scandinavian restraint. Originally produced in Europe, the SUV later became the first Volvo model also built in China, a move that supported its international success. The current-generation XC60 added plug-in hybrid options to the range, which helped it become the best-selling PHEV in Europe last year. Now, with the 2026 model y...

At first glance, the Hyundai Exter might seem like a Grand i10 wearing hiking boots – and that’s not too far off. Under the skin, the Exter shares its platform and mechanical bones with the Grand i10, but its styling, packaging, and positioning mean it’s aimed at a different kind of buyer in South Africa. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CAR Magazine (@carmagazinesa) Looking for a new or used Hyundai? Find it here with CARmag! Hyundai didn’t just give the Exter a plastic cladding and call it a day. No, they stretched the Grand i10 formula into the small crossover space, answering a question many buyers may have been asking: “Can I get something compact, efficient, and spacious that doesn’t look like a rental car?” Image: Peet Mocke Design: Inside-Out Let’s start with the looks. The Exter leans heavily into crossover styling cues, with square lines, exaggerated wheel arches, roof rails, and upright lighting elements. Compared to ...

Mercedes-AMG has whipped the wraps off the Concept AMG GT XX, a ‘pioneering’ technology programme showcasing a future model from the Affalterbach automaker. Image: Mercedes-Benz Looking for a new or used Mercedes-Benz? Find it here with CARmag!  The Concept AMG GT XX ushers in “revolutionary” new drivetrain technology for Mercedes-AMG , the Affalterbach automaker says. Underpinned by the company’s completely new AMG.EA platform, the design study features a single axial flux motor at the front and a duo of these “high-performance” electric motors at the rear. The trio of axial flux units produces a eye-widening combined system output of 1 000 kW, delivered to the road through all four wheels. While the firm hasn’t yet released just how quick the Concept AMG GT XX will complete the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint, it has revealed the performance-focused all-electric four-door’s top speed: “more than” 360 km/h. The axial flux motors are fed by a specially developed “high-voltage” ...

The facelifted fourth-generation Kia Sorento has landed in South Africa, with the South Korean automaker’s local arm revealing pricing and spec for the updated model lineup. See pricing below. Image: Kia Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! A 2025 Top 12 Used Buys winner, the fourth-generation Kia Sorento received a timely update in 2023. Sporting fresh exterior styling and upgraded interior tech, the facelifted model lineup has now finally arrived in South Africa, with the three-strong range priced from a hair below R1 million. Related: Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Premium Midsize SUV – Kia Sorento Representing the ‘Bold for Nature’ pillar in Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the fresh-faced Sorento’s revised front grille and bonnet, replete with 3D mesh pattern, and newly introduced vertical LED headlamps clusters, the latter incorporating with fresh daytime-running light signatures, lend the seven-seater SUV a more purposeful appearance. Roun...

Volvo is marking 30 years since the launch of the acclaimed S40, which was its first proper attempt at building a compact executive sedan.  Image: Volvo Looking for a new or used Volvo? Find it here with CARmag! Debuting at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, the S40 took Volvo’s trademark focus on safety and comfort and packed it into a smaller, more affordable package. At the time, it was a big move for Volvo since the brand was mostly known for big family wagons like the 850, but the S40 was aimed at a different market of people who wanted a more manageable size without giving up on quality. Under the bonnet, it offered a mix of petrol and diesel engines, but the standout was the T4. That version came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 147 kW and 300 N.m. It wasn’t just quick for a Volvo, it was quick, full stop. Zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds put it ahead of many hot hatches of the era. It proved itself in motorsport, particularly in the BTCC, where Richard Ry...

Volkswagen is marking 50 years of the Golf GTI with a special edition that also happens to be the most powerful production GTI yet. Unveiled over the weekend at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, the Golf GTI Edition 50 is set to go into production at the end of 2025, with deliveries expected in early 2026. Image: Volkswagen Looking for a new or used Volkswagen? Find it here with CARmag! The most important news is that it arrives as the most potent factory-prepared GTI ever! Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 239 kW and 420 N.m. That’s a 44 kW jump over the standard GTI, and it edges past the Golf GTI Clubsport, which makes 221 kW. Power is sent through a seven-speed DSG transmission. Chassis changes include a 15 mm drop compared to the standard GTI, with further tweaks available through an optional Performance Package. That setup lowers the car by an additional 5 mm, stiffens the springs, and adds revised suspension mounts. Volkswagen says the adjust...

CEF-released mid-month data portrayed a marginal increase in fuel prices for July 2025, but with escalating tensions in the Middle East, with a full scale war on the cusp, those predictions are expected to worsen significantly. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! South African motorists should brace for steeper fuel bills in July 2025, with both petrol and diesel prices expected to rise more sharply than originally expected. The looming increase comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and volatile oil prices on the global stage. According to mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), under-recoveries currently stand at around 43 to 46 cents per litre for petrol and 69 to 71 cents for diesel. However, with global oil prices climbing rapidly, these figures are climbing almost daily, making it likely that the final adjustment will be even higher. Predicted July 2025 fuel price adjustment summary (Updated) Should these conditions persist, the antic...

Known as the most beautiful race in the world, the 1000 Miglia has become a staple for the wares of yesteryear to strut their stuff, but 2025 was the year of Alfa Romeo , with another podium finish. Image: Alfa Romeo Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Etched into the annals of automotive history and heritage, Alfa Romeo is one of many storied manufacturers that competed in the famed 1000 Miglia during its formal running. Now a regularity rally, it serves as an opportunity for the wares of yesteryear to sample the routes they once hurtled down, in a far more sedate manner. In this 43rd edition of the 1000 Miglia, the Italian automaker managed to claim the podium in several classes yet again. Related: Defender 110 Trophy Edition Spawned From Adventurer-Oriented Defender Trophy Team Villa Trasqua’s 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Super Sport, driven by Andrea Vesco and Fabio Salvinelli, claimed overall victory in what’s widely regarded as “the most beautiful race ...

With the influx of Chinese vehicles on the South African market, our overview of these often little-known brands will help you make sense of this new motoring movement – from what’s on offer to the exciting new models on the way. Today is the turn of Riddara. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Riddara Fast Facts Headquarters: Hangzhou, China Founded: 2022 SA lineup: 1 model Cheapest model: TBC Most expensive model: TBC Announced in April as the next Chinese brand to enter SA, Riddara aims to make a statement with its all-electric RD6 bakkie. Radar Auto , the parent company with strong affiliations with Geely, which, in turn, manufactures the RD6, offers the bakkie in both 4×2 and 4×4 trims, with power supplied through a 73 kWh battery. The range is slated at up to 424 km on a single charge. The 4×4 model’s dual-motor setup produces 315 kW and 595 N.m, with the 0-100 km/h run dispatched in a claimed 4.5 seconds. Enviro Automotive, the local dist...

With the influx of Chinese vehicles on the South African market, our overview of these often little-known brands will help you make sense of this new motoring movement – from what’s on offer to the exciting new models on the way. Today is the turn of Ora. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Ora Fast Facts Headquarters: Baoding, China Founded: 2018 SA lineup: 1 model Cheapest model: Ora 03 (from R686 950) Most expensive model: Ora 03 400 GT Ultra Luxury (R835 950) A major step in GWM’s SA tenure came in late 2023, when it introduced the Ora electric range. The sub-brand came into existence as the Chinese conglomerate expanded its vehicle offering, with Ora a dedicated New Energy Vehicle platform. Dubbed the Good Cat or Funky Cat in other markets, the 03 was, at the time, the most affordable EV in the country. A 48 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery powers the entry-level model, while the 400 Super Luxury, 400 Ultra Luxury, and 400 GT Ultra Luxury...

Land Rover’s Defender is returning to its roots with a global competition for real-world adventure seekers and a slick new special edition. Image: Land Rover Looking for a new or used Land Rover? Find it here with CARmag! Welcome the new Defender Trophy, which isn’t just another off-road event but a calling for off-roaders keen on demonstrating their skill, endurance, and teamwork, all leading to a global final in Africa in 2026. The idea pulls from Defender’s old Trophy and Challenge events but adds a modern spin that not only features tough driving stages, physical trials, but also mental puzzles. Winners of the global final will head straight into a conservation mission with long-time Defender partner Tusk, turning adventure into actual impact. To mark the occasion, Defender has rolled out the 110 Trophy Edition, a kitted-out model built for proper expedition work. It comes in Deep Sandglow Yellow or Keswick Green, both nods to Defender’s past. Black accents across the bonne...

With the influx of Chinese vehicles on the South African market, our overview of these often little-known brands will help you make sense of this new motoring movement – from what’s on offer to the exciting new models on the way. Today is the turn of Omoda. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Omoda Fast Facts Headquarters: Wuhu, China Founded: 2022 SA lineup: 2 models Cheapest vehicle: C5 (from R329 900) Most expensive vehicle: C9 20 TGDI 400T Explore AWD (R885 900) As part of its renewed dedication to South Africa, Chery launched its sub-brand Omoda locally in 2023 – almost a year after it was founded. The brand is positioned as a more upmarket alternative to the parent company’s offerings, much as Lexus is to Toyota. Ours was the first African country to welcome Omoda, also beating the European market to the punch. The Omoda portfolio consists of the C5 and C9 SUVs, with the former employing a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine and the latter a 2.0...

Ford Performance is heading back to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 22 (tomorrow) with a new electric contender dubbed the Super Mustang Mach-E.  Image: Ford Looking for a new or used Ford? Find it here with CARmag! No stranger to competing at the gruelling hillclimb event, Ford is upping the ante in 2025 with an all-electric prototype which forms part of the latest in a growing line of hill climb challengers from the automaker. In 2023, the SuperVan 4.2 contented and last year’s overall winner was the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck. Driving duties fall once again to Romain Dumas, who knows this mountain better than most. He still holds the overall record at Pikes Peak at 7 minutes and 57.148 seconds, set in 2018 in the electric Volkswagen ID. R. This year marks his tenth start at the event and his third with Ford. Built in collaboration with Austrian specialists STARD, the Super Mustang Mach-E has been engineered specifically for the mountain’s demanding 19.99 k...