The Car Guide

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...

Although not being imported by Chevrolet or any of its affiliates, independent importer Rospa International has decided it is time the people of Mzansi receive the critically-acclaimed eighth-generation Corvette in either Stingray or Z06 guise. Image: Supplied Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Having become synonymous with Japanese performance imports into South African shores, Rospa International has recently turned some of its attention to the other side of the Atlantic. While the importer will still be sourcing cult classics like the Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota AE86, and rotary-powered Mazda RX-7, the company has now announced it will be brining in the Corvette supercar as customer demand dictates. Company founder Himal Chris Paul says the time has come to broaden the offering. “People usually think of JDM cars when they hear the name Rospa. But we’re expanding the business to cater for car enthusiasts with different tastes. We want to bring all th...

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 MG. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! MG Fast Facts Headquarters: Shanghai, China Founded: 1924 SA lineup: 3 models Cheapest model: ZS (from R289 900) Most expensive model: Cyberster Dual Motor (R1 399 900) MG ( Morris Garages ) operated in South Africa before its current spell, with the last re-entry occurring in 2011, followed by a 2016 exit. Now, with the influx of Chinese vehicles to SA, SAIC Motor (which acquired Nanjing Automotive Corporation (NAC) in 2007, which, in turn, bought MG in 2005) saw the opportunity to reintroduce the British marque to our market. This year’s return saw the introduction of new, contemporary vehicles such as the budget-friendly ZS crossover and the HS SUV. The Cy...

Volkswagen Group Africa is stepping up again to give young South Africans a shot at real-world work experience. For the seventh year running, the company is backing the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme and this time, it’s bringing in 540 participants for the 2025 intake. Image: Volkswagen Looking for a new or used Volkswagen? Find it here with CARmag! The YES programme, launched in 2019, was designed to address South Africa’s staggering youth unemployment rate. VW Group Africa has been part of the effort since day one, placing participants not just at its own sites, but also across its dealer network and with smaller business partners. Related:  Say Hello to Tengo – Volkswagen’s Next Kariega-Made Model Out of the 540 joining this year, 296 will be placed directly within VW operations, mostly in Kariega, where 232 positions are based. Another 62 are headed to Gauteng, and two will be stationed in the Western Cape. The other 244 will be placed with part...

Set to hit South African shores imminently, the Kia Tasman bakkie has been imbued with a raft of off-road-oriented accessories from Australian specialists ARB , and the results are convincing! Image: ARB Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! It may not be up to everyone’s taste, but the military-inspired Tasman bakkie is forging ahead with its unique styling cues. Local introduction is expected in the second half of 2025, but before it arrives, some intriguing aftermarket ARB modifications have emerged to accompany the boxy proportions. These, along with Kia’s own factory accessory line-up, are the beginnings of rugged accessories that are expected to be offered for the bakkie, with other aftermarket manufacturers expected to jump on the bandwagon in the near future, too. Related: Kia Tasman WKNDR Concept Revealed as Beefy Bakkie Front and centre are two off-road bumper options, which are both equipped with serious skid plates and proper recovery points. O...

JAC Motors South Africa has just unveiled a new, limited-edition version of its T9 Hunter bakkie for the local market following a record-breaking endurance test at Gerotek. Image: JAC Looking for a new or used JAC? Find it here with CARmag! Not so long ago, Chinese automaker JAC embarked on setting a new record, involving a gruelling 24-hour endurance challenge, where the T9 bakkie was pushed far beyond typical road limits. The challenge, held at the Gerotek Testing Facility in Pretoria, saw a T9 2.0L CTi cover 4 084 km at an average speed of 170.1 km/h over the period. This distance broke the previous 15-year-old record for commercial vehicles held by Isuzu. To celebrate this accomplishment, JAC is producing an exclusive run of only 24 T9 Hunter units. Each of these special bakkies will be individually numbered and will receive unique upgrades over the standard T9, including enhanced performance and comfort features. While full details are still under wraps, this limited produc...

Following a period of respite and months of fuel price decreases, July 2025 will now see the adverse, with a marginal increase expected for the month. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Unaudited mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) points to upward adjustments for both petrol and diesel, suggesting South African motorists should brace for a moderate increase in fuel prices at the start of July 2025. Related: Government Remains Final Hurdle For South African Formula 1 Grand Prix The anticipated hikes follow a series of recent price cuts that had offered some temporary relief at the pumps. However, global oil market volatility, particularly due to rising tensions in the Middle East, has sent international oil prices climbing once again. While a firmer Rand has softened the impact somewhat, the overall trend is still pointing to a fuel price increase. According to the CEF’s mid-month snapshot, all grades of petrol are expected to see an increa...

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 Maxus. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Maxus Fast Facts Headquarters: Shanghai, China Founded: 2010 SA lineup: 3 models Cheapest model: eDeliver 3 (from R919 994) Most expensive model: T90 EV (R1 100 000) Maxus came into being after SAIC Motor (formerly known as Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) acquired LDV ( Leyland DAF Vans ) in 2010, with Maxus a result of the buyout. The SAIC sub-brand was then introduced in SA in 2013, with the imported vehicles’ distribution and sales handled by Mandarin Motors. Today, Maxus’ SA portfolio consists of the eDeliver 3 Panel Van and single-cab bakkie (though it’s technically a small truck), and the T90 EV bakkie. The latter is an all-electric alternat...

Volkswagen is ready to roll with its new MQB A0 Entry SUV on the African continent, and it won’t share the Tera nameplate from South America, but will be called the Tengo instead. Image: Volkswagen Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Volkswagen has confirmed Tengo as the official name of its forthcoming SUV, which will be locally built at Volkswagen’s Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape from 2026, with sales expected to begin in 2027. Previously referred to as the Tera, the newcomer will become Volkswagen South Africa’s third locally produced model alongside the Polo and Polo Vivo. It emerges from a R4-billion investment in the Kariega facility, part of a broader global project involving Skoda India and Volkswagen do Brasil, with South Africa leading the development. Related: Volkswagen Hands Over To SA To Select Locally Produced SUV’s Name Last week, Volkswagen opened a voting poll to the public and the Tengo name was selected, beating out Tavi, Tiva, and...

The updated Haval H6 will soon launch in South Africa, and we have unearthed how much it will cost! Have a look at pricing for the facelifted third generation below. Image: GWM Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! The third-generation Haval H6 was introduced to our market in 2021, followed by the HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) variant and sportily styled GT model a year later. In addition to the former derivative ’ s 179 kW/530 N.m 1.5-litre petrol-electric powertrain, the six-strong pre-facelifted H6 line-up could also be had with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol producing 150 kW/320 N.m in the standard model and 155 kW/325 N.m in the GT. Select standard H6s employing this engine were available with all-wheel drive, while the more powerful version of the latter was exclusively equipped with an all-paw configuration. The engine options and drivetrains have been carried over to the revised H6 range, though the 2.0-litre turbopetrol has received a 20 k...

Mansory is no stranger to turning heads and causing controversy, and its latest take on the G90 BMW M5 does just this. The German tuner has now taken the already bold super sedan and dialled everything up to eleven. Image: Mansory Looking for a new or used BMW? Find it here with CARmag! The stock G90 M5 already splits opinion with its design, but Mansory has gone all in with a wild body kit. The most obvious change is around the back, where the traditional quad-exhaust layout has been replaced by a centre-mounted triple-exit setup that looks like it belongs on a concept car. It’s surrounded by an aggressive diffuser with three vertical fins on either side, just in case anyone needed more confirmation that this is no ordinary M5. Up front, things get just as dramatic. A vented bonnet with a prominent carbon fibre bulge dominates the view, while Mansory’s signature illuminated badges are everywhere, from the fenders and grille to the Hofmeister kink and even the charging port. The...

Following suit from the A5, Q5, fully electric A6 and Q6 E-Tron models, Audi has now revealed its next-generation Q3. Image: Audi   Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Now in its third generation, Ingolstadt’s compact SUV has been given a much-welcomed overhaul and promises several powertrain options and a thoroughly updated interior to match the bold and personable exterior. Speaking of which, Audi’s smallest SUV adopts split headlights, which is interestingly a design element that the larger Q5 skips. The upper DRLs are cited below the bonnet, while the matrix LED clusters are positioned lower down, behind darkened glass – Audi says each unit boasts a whopping 25 600 micro-LEDs. The rear has been given similar treatment with a divided LED light bar, which complements an OLED upper section and offers six customisable lighting signatures. Further down, there aren’t any faux exhaust tips but instead a clean diffuser and hidden tailpipes across the ran...

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 LDV. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! LDV Fast Facts Headquarters: Shanghai, China Founded: 1993 SA lineup: 1 model Cheapest model: T60 (from R480 000) Most expensive model: T60 Max Lux DC 4WD D/C AT (R790 000) The name Leyland DAF Vans ( formerly Leyland DAF Vehicles ) was introduced in 1993 after a successful buyout, followed by a rebrand to LDV in 1994. SAIC’s 2010 acquisition was a much-needed reset for the struggling automaker as its fortunes were, fortunately, turned around. In South Africa, LDV is operating relatively under the radar, with only the T60 bakkie in its portfolio. This model is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, with the highest output coming in at 160 kW and 500 N.m. ...

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 Jetour. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Jetour Fast Facts Headquarters: Wuhu, China Founded: 2018 SA lineup: 2 models Cheapest model: Dashing (from R699 900) Most expensive model: X70 Plus 1.5T (R484 900) Arriving in the second half of 2024, Jetour is a Chery sub-brand operating as a standalone entity in South Africa. Despite its Chery roots, it operates, as far as possible, independently, be it in R&D, vehicle production, or sales. This same approach is applied in SA, where Jetour is adamant about affirming its independence. Locally, it offers two models: the Dashing and X70 Plus, with the latter offering seating for up to seven passengers. A 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine powers the portfol...

Jeep’s Renegade city-slicker may not have adhered strictly to the brand’s ethos, but it found a receptive audience with style-conscious buyers looking to detach from the hatch pack. We explore this model 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! The Renegade’s arrival on our market back in 2015 was no doubt met with some misgivings; bringing out an FWD boutique model seemed somewhat out of character for a manufacturer renowned for producing a long line pf hard-as-nails SUVs. But with the market for fashionable, town-friendly crossovers and compact SUVs really taking of, the baby Jeep’s introduction was in fact a masterstroke that proved a sales success and injected life into a Jeep brand that was beginning to stagnate. Underpinned by a modified version of FCA’s SCCS platform, which serviced a wide variety of B-segment models – from hatchbacks to mini-MPVs and crossovers, including the close...

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 JAC Motors. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! JAC Motors Fast Facts Headquarters: Hefei, China Founded: 1964 SA lineup: 6 models Cheapest model: T6 (from R359 900) Most expensive model: T9 2.0 CTI double cab 4WD Super Lux (R659 900) JAC Motors was officially launched in South Africa in 2017 and has gradually increased its footprint across the country. Today, the Chinese automaker boasts more than 70 dealerships nationwide and has doubled the size of its parts warehouse in 2024. While the model count is six (nine, if you include the trucks), only the T6, T8, and T9 bakkies will find favour with the broader public, whereas the X200 single cab, X200 double cab, and X200 EV classify as small trucks. ...

There is plenty of motorsport happening today, including Formula 1 and Le Mans, but here is a look at something that takes aero to another level. Hyundai and Evasive Motorsports have prepared a bespoke Ioniq 5 N for this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on the 22nd of June. Image: Hyundai Looking for a new or used Hyundai? Find it here with CARmag! Driving duties fall to Rob Walker, a Pikes Peak veteran who previously ran a Scion FR-S. The car has been overhauled specifically for the 103rd running of the event. Evasive Motorsports calls it their “most ambitious EV project to date,” and that’s not just marketing talk. The Ioniq 5 N has dropped 227 kg thanks to a fully stripped cabin and extensive use of carbon fibre. That includes new doors, a custom tailgate, and other lightweight components. Finding race-ready parts for the Ioniq 5 N wasn’t easy. With limited aftermarket support, Evasive turned to Japanese aero firm Voltex, which came up with a bespoke body kit. It in...

The 2025 running of the 1 000 Miglia gets underway on the 17th of June, and Alfa Romeo has confirmed that it will be entering along with more than 400 vintage cars. At the helm of a 1956 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint for the 1 900 km loop will be Max Sirena, skipper and team director of Luna Rossa.  Image: Alfa Romeo Looking for a new or used Alfa Romeo? Find it here with CARmag! Alfa Romeo is no stranger to the 1000 Miglia, both when it ran as a race and now as a regularity rally – the Italian brand remains the most successful marque in 1000 Miglia history, having claimed 11 wins between 1928 and 1957. In 2025, following the announcement of a partnership with racing team Luna Rossa, it will be returning with a 1956 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint. Behind the wheel will be Max Sirena, who is the skipper and team director of Luna Rossa. The car comes from Stellantis’ heritage collection and normally resides at the Alfa Romeo museum in Arese. Related:  Alfa Romeo Is Goin...

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 Haval. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Haval Fast Facts Headquarters: Baoding, China Founded: 2013 SA lineup: 5 models Cheapest model: Jolion (from R345 950) Most expensive model: H6 GT 2.0 GDIT 4WD Super Luxury (R662 250) Established in 2013 as a standalone GWM sub-brand , Haval specialises in SUVs and crossovers. Having entered South Africa in 2017 with the H2 – albeit with varying degrees of success – the Jolion’s arrival in 2021 was a massive turning point for the brand. It was one of the first Chinese vehicles to offer an array of technologies, including active and passive safety features, at a significantly lower price point, opening the proverbial door for tech-laden Chinese vehicles. Fi...

Just outside Cape Town, we visit a collector who not only has an impressive classic-car collection but has also furnished the building with all things relevant to his family’s history, the motoring world and historical objects. Read Wilhelm Lutjeharms’ experience below.  Image: Peet Mocke Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Family, cars, history, memories and custodianship. These were just a few of the thoughts that went through my mind as I stepped into Albert Bester’s barn. A common theme runs through the artefacts in the room. Apart from his collection of classics, Albert’s passion for history and tradition is evident. And like his cars, each artefact is kept safe and in meticulous condition so that it can be enjoyed by the next generation. Albert grew up among cars, with a father who, many decades ago, enjoyed the journey of finding an old car, repairing it and owning it. I took a stroll through the collection and walked along the walls. There are...