The Car Guide

The LDV D90 has arrived on South African shores, with the Chinese automaker’s local arm announcing pricing and specs. See pricing below. Image: LDV The D90 joins its double-cab bakkie sibling, the Terron 9 , in LDV’s local model portfolio. The D90 employs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which churns out 160 kW and 500 N.m of torque – the latter available from a low 1 500 r/min. Power is sent to all four wheels via a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. 2025 LDV D90 Price in SA The LDV D90 can be had with the choice of two trim lines – Elite and Flagship – and is priced from R699 900 to R849 900 in South Africa. Pricing includes a five-year/100 000 km service plan, as well as a five-year/200 000 km warranty. LDV D90 Elite –  R799 900 LDV D90 Flagship – R899 900 The seven-seater D90 is available in four body hues and ships with seven airbags, a sunroof, reverse-view camera and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise con...

Highlighting its flagship model’s deep ties to music and pop culture, Rolls-Royce has recreated one of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s most enduring myths to celebrate the Phantom’s centenary.  Image: Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce has celebrated the Phantom’s 100-year anniversary by putting one in a swimming pool. Yes, you read that right – the British luxury marque actually put an example of its flagship model into a swimming pool. The reason? Well, to recreate one of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s most endearing legends and pay homage to this car’s association with the music industry. The company also highlighted the prominent figures who have owned Phantoms over the years.  Iconic musicians who have owned Rolls-Royce Phantoms include Elton John, John Lennon, Duke Ellington, Édith Piaf, Liberace, and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, Elvis Presley. These artists, among many others, saw the Phantom as a symbol of success and a canvas for self-expression, with several of them creating unique Phantom model...

The 2025 Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK has crowned a father-and-son-built E21 BMW 3 Series build, a project spanning 14 years, as the winner. Image: Hot Wheels A 1982 e21 BMW 3 Series has taken home first prize at the UK leg of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, which was hosted at the Gravity Show in Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. A passion project of Paul Foster and his son, Ethan, this car is the culmination of 14 years of work. The father-and-son duo’s BMW, which competed against over 200 vehicles, will now progress to the European final, where it will compete to earn its place in the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends…and possibly become a globally available 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast model. Paying homage to Group 2 race cars, this 900 kg track-focused e21 3 Series sports a fibreglass wide-body kit, extended front splitter, an alloy rear diffuser, and a large rear wing with a carbon blade. Completing the look is a racing-inspired livery. Replacing the original four-cylinder engine...

Following the successful development of the P39 Prototype, RML Group has unveiled the first example of its limited-production 40th Anniversary GTH hypercar. Image: RML Group Drawing on its four decades of championship-winning motorsport experience, RML Group has debuted the Grand Touring Hypercar (GTH), a new limited-run model bringing the spirit of Le Mans hypercars to the road. Based on the 992.1 generation Porsche 911 Turbo S, which is one of the fastest cars ever tested by CAR Magazine , the GTH was developed under the codename P39, signifying it as the 39 th project car produced by RML Group since its inception. The GTH includes technology such as driver-selected active aero and damping systems. The GTH you see here is the first of 39 units that will be produced, as well as one of ten 40 th Anniversary Special Edition (SE) examples. The SE adds even more exclusivity to the GTH with the inclusion of bespoke interior details and upgrades, as well as the British marque’s Perf...

The seventh-generation Volkswagen Transporter has arrived in South Africa, with the German marque’s local arm revealing pricing and specs for the brand-new model lineup. See pricing below. Image: Volkswagen The latest iteration of the Volkswagen Transporter, which we sampled in Greece earlier in 2025, will be available locally from September 2025. Volkswagen’s seventh-generation Transporter shares its underpinnings with the Ford Tourneo, which we drove earlier this month. Volkswagen Transporter price in SA Kombi 2.0 TDI 4×2 Commerce Auto SWB (8-seater) – R1 055 200 Kombi 2.0 TDI 4×2 Life Auto SWB (8-seater) – R 1 116 845 Kombi 2.0 TDI 4×2 Edition Auto SWB (8-seater) – R1 167 400 Kombi 2.0 TDI 4Motion Style Auto SWB (8-seater) – R1 301 400 Locally, the new Transporter Kombi is available in four flavours: Commerce, Life, Edition and range-topping 4Motion Style. The T7 features reworked front and rear bumpers, a T5-inspired grille and T6.1-style headlamps. Inside, the c...

If you’re in the market for a high-riding, capable vehicle but are not keen on an SUV, then the Subaru Outback may be an interesting option. We explore this all-road station wagon as a second-hand purchase. Image: Subaru Unveiled in the mid-1990s, the Outback is one of the longest serving vehicles in Subaru’s lineup. Bridging the gap between station wagons and SUVs, its combination of practical, spacious packaging, along with civilised road manners and off-road capability has ensured its longevity across six generations. Over the years, the Outback has refined Subaru’s vision of a capable all-round vehicle. Each generation incorporates increased ground clearance and the brand’s signature symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, with the concept continually evolving over the last three decades. When the fifth-generation Outback arrived in South Africa in 2015, it ushered in a new design, improved active and passive safety systems, and an interior that included a new touchscreen infotain...

MG has bolstered its local lineup with the introduction of the ZS Pro compact crossover/SUV. See pricing below. Image: MG Motor Until now, MG’s local lineup comprised the recently-introduced MG3 hatchback, ZS compact crossover/SUV, HS midsize SUV, and Cyberster all-electric convertible sportscar. Now, the brand has announced a brand-new model for our market, and it comes in the shape of the ZS Pro. 2025 MG ZS Pro Price in SA Locally, the MG ZS Pro will be available in two trim lines: Comfort and Luxury – the former and latter priced from R397 600 and R431 500, respectively. 1.5T Comfort CVT – R397 600 1.5T Luxury CVT – R431 500 Compared to the (first-generation) MG ZS, which currently serves as the opening gambit to the automaker’s local crossover/SUV portfolio, the Pro’s 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine is equipped with breathing apparatus (in the form of turbocharging). This model’s turbocharged petrol unit produces 125 kW and 275 N.m of torque. (As a reminder,...

Sporting stealthy exterior trim elements, Isuzu South Africa has announced the D-Max X-Rider Black. Only 150 examples will be available. See local pricing below. Image: Isuzu Isuzu South Africa has introduced the D-Max X-Rider Black limited edition to our market. Limited to only 150 examples, the special edition D-Max is set apart from its standard stablemates through the addition of Gun Metallic finishes for the grille, which features red ‘Isuzu’ lettering, 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, replete with red ‘Isuzu’ lettering on the centre caps, and a black styling bar. The D-Max X-Rider Black is exclusively available in Onyx Black body hue. 2025 Isuzu D-Max X-Rider Black Price in SA The X-Rider Black will be available with six-speed manual and automatic transmission, and in 4×2 and 4×4 flavour. Pricing for the limited edition kicks off  R664 100 to R770 400 and includes a five-year/90 000km service plan and a five-year/120 000km warranty. 1.9 Ddi D/Cab HR X-Rider Black ...

Volkswagen Group Africa has announced local pricing for the Mk8.5 Golf GTI. See pricing below. Image: Peet Mocke Earlier in August 2025, we broke the news that the Mk8.5 Golf GTI has been confirmed for South Africa, while detailing how this model – which remained on ice for our market owing to fuel quality concerns – finally got approved for South Africa . Now, the more powerful eighth generation has officially touched down on our shores. 2025 VW Golf Mk8.5 Price in SA The VW Mk8.5 Golf GTI is priced from R908 000 in South Africa, making it R54 600 more expensive than the Mk8 model. It is worth noting that only 300 examples will be available in South Africa in 2025. The Mk8.5 Golf GTI, which we’ve sampled for an exclusive first local drive , retains the German marque’s familiar EA888 powertrain. However, for the updated eighth generation, the Wolfsburg brand handed the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol unit an injection of power – lifting the latter to 195 kW (up 15 kW ove...

The LDV Terron 9 has touched down on South African shores, with the automaker’s local arm announcing pricing and specs. See pricing below. Image: LDV Earlier in August 2025, LDV confirmed when the Terron 9 will make its official South African debut at the 2025 SA Festival of Motoring. Now, before the automaker’s new flagship bakkie is displayed to the public at the latter event, which takes place from 29-31 August, the company has revealed how much its pinnacle pick-up offering will cost in our market. Employed across the Terron 9 is an 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Coupled with a ZF-sourched eight-speed automatic transmission, the oil-burner delivers 164 kW and 520 N.m of torque – the latter available from a low 1 500 r/min – to the road via a four-wheel drivetrain. 2025 LDV Terron 9 Price in SA The Terron 9 is available in three flavours – Elite, Premium, and Flagship – and is priced from R699 900 to R849 900 in South Africa. LDV Terron 9 Elite – R699 900 L...

We’ve rounded up the most expensive SUVs available in South Africa in 2025. Here’s the list… SUVs have become a common sight on South African roads – especially those of the more value- and family-focused variety. However, while the market leans towards models of this ilk (SA’s second best-selling passenger car in July 2025 was a crossover/SUV, no less), there are an array of more aspirational SUVs on offer. Though, they come at a premium. But which of these are the most expensive in SA? We take a look at the top five. 5. Range Rover P615 SV L Black – R5 718 700 Image: Range Rover Limited editions of already luxurious models further add to their exclusivity, and over the years, Land Rover has produced several special versions of its flagship SUV. Revealed in July 2025, the Range Rover Black is the fifth most expensive SUV in SA…until the (R5 765 000) Bentley Bentayga Speed, which we sampled at the international launch event in Montana in the US officially arrives here. Based ...

A new Volkswagen Golf R prototype has been spotted on the Nürburgring. Could this be a more powerful, Clubsport version of the German marque’s halo hot hatch? The ‘Clubsport’ badge has adorned several Golf GTIs. However, could this moniker make its way to the Golf R? Well, in June 2024, Martin Hube, global spokesperson for the German marque, said to US publication Road & Track the company is working on another “interesting” car – a Clubsport version of the pinnacle hot hatch in Volkswagen’s arsenal. Though, at the time, this project had yet to be approved. However, it seems this project might, indeed, become a reality, with what looks like a more hardcore version – replete with a more pronounced front grille and bonnet vents – of VW’s apex hatchback having been spotted testing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Reports have also suggested it could be known as the 350 – this number likely indicating the metric horsepower produced by an uprated EA888 powertrain – and thus be the ...

Audi has whipped the wraps off the new Q3 Sportback. We highlight what you can expect from the second generation. Image: Audi In June 2025, Audi unveiled the third-generation Q3. So, it was arguably just a matter of time before the brand-new Sportback model will follow suit. Now, the German marque has revealed the second iteration of its coupé-styled premium compact SUV. The Q3 Sportback was revealed with a quartet of powertrains: 110 kW/360 N.m 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel (TDI); 110 kW/250 N.m 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol (TFSI); 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TFSI available in 150 kW/350 N.m and 195 kW/400 N.m states of tune, and equipped with quattro all-wheel drive; and 1.5-litre TFSI plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which produces a total system output of 200 kW and 400 N.m. According to the Ingolstadt automaker, the PHEV (or e-hybrid in Audi speak) offers an electric-only operating range of up to 116 km when its 19.7 kWh (usable) battery is fully charged. Stepping inside,...

Following the release of leaked images of the upcoming new Toyota Hilux, fresh spy shots of the ninth generation have surfaced online. Image: Headlight Magazine In August 2025, leaked brochure images and illustrations gave us a glimpse into the new Toyota Hilux’s exterior and interior . Now, more spy shots of the ninth iteration have surfaced. Shared by Instagram account AutonetMagz , the fresh spy shots show a camouflaged single-cab derivative on the road. While the exterior remains under wraps, the front end of the model seen here seemingly resembles that of the virtual render (above) that was shared by Thailand-based publication Headlight Magazine .   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by AutonetMagz (@autonetmagz) It seems the most significant exterior revisions have been made to the front facia, while the silhouette remains seemingly familiar to that of the current Hilux models – of which we sampled the Legend 55 b...

Audi South Africa has confirmed the new S5 Avant will join its A5 portfolio. Here’s what we know so far. Image: Audi In August 2025, the new Audi A5 arrived in South Africa, with the lineup at launch comprising the 146 kW/340 N.m 2.0TFSI rear-wheel-drive variant and 200 kW/400 N.m 2.0TFSI quattro derivative – both exclusively available in sedan body style. However, the local arm of the German automaker has confirmed several other A5 models for our market, and one of these is the S5 Avant. Positioned below the yet-to-be-revealed RS5, the Audi Sport station wagon is equipped with a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, replete with mild-hybrid tech – the carmaker’s MHEV plus setup. Coupled with the marque’s seven-speed S tronic transmission, the petrol unit delivers 270 kW and 550 N.m of torque to the road via Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. The full complement of twisting force is available in a broad 1 700 to 4 000 r/min swathe of the rev band, while peak power is on tap a...

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 3 Series, BMW South Africa has introduced the 50 Jahre Edition models to our shores. Only 50 examples will be available. See pricing below. 320i 50 Jahre Edition. Image: BMW Based on the seventh-generation 3 Series, the 50 Jahre Edition, as its name suggests, was designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of BMW’s premium midsize sedan. Inspired by 3 Series iterations of the past, the special edition is available with several “signature” exterior paint finishes – Aegean Blue and British Racing Green from the third generation, Stratus Grey from the fourth generation, and Lime Rock Grey from the sixth generation. 2025 BMW 3 Series 50 Jahre Edition Price in SA Limited to only 50 examples locally, the 50 Jahre Edition is exclusively available with the 320i and M340i xDrive derivatives. The 320i M Jahre Edition is priced from R1 067 730.80, making it R104 000 more expensive than the 320i M Sport model. The limited-edition M340i xDrive costs R1...

The Volkswagen Tayron has officially touched down on South African shores. See local pricing below. Image: Volkswagen Unveiled in 2024, the Volkswagen Tayron has finally arrived in South Africa, with the three-strong local model lineup priced from R811 800 (see full pricing below). Replacing the Tiguan Allspace in the German marque’s SUV portfolio, the Tayron is positioned between the new-generation Tiguan and Touareg. 2025 VW Tayron Price in SA The three-strong local VW Tayron model lineup is priced from R811 800 to R899 900. Pricing includes a three-year/120 000 km warranty and a service plan spanning five years or 90 000 km. Tayron 1.4 TSI 5-seater DSG – R811 800 Tayron 1.4 TSI Life 7-seater DSG – R853 800 Tayron 1.4 TSI R-Line 7-seater DSG – R899 900 As you may have noticed, the Tayron is available with the German marque’s familiar 1.4 TSI powertrain. As a reminder, this 1.4-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol unit, which is also employed by select Tiguan derivat...

Tata has relaunched its passenger-vehicle operations in South Africa, and we have pricing for the automaker’s most affordable local offering, the Tiago hatchback. Image: Tata Motors Tata has returned to South Africa’s passenger-car market, with the first shipment of the firm’s four-strong product portfolio having arrived on local shores. Included in the lineup are the Harrier flagship SUV, Curvv coupé-styled crossover, Punch compact crossover (see pricing for the latter here ) and the Tiago budget-oriented hatchback. 2025 Tata Tiago Price in SA Comprising a quartet of models, Tata’s local Tiago lineup is priced from a hair below R230 000 for the entry-level, XM derivative to R295 900 for the top-of-the-range, XZ+ variant. Tiago 1.2 XM MT – R227 900 Tiago 1.2 XT MT – R257 900 Tiago 1.2 XT AMT – R275 900 Tiago 1.2 XZ+ AMT – R295 900 The Tiago is equipped with the Indian marque’s 1.2-litre Revotron powertrain, which is also employed by the company’s entry-level crossover...

GWM’s brand-new Haval Raptor Hi4 is the Chinese marque’s answer to the Ford Everest and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado…and it’s powered by a powerful plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Image: Haval The new GWM (Great Wall Motor) Haval Raptor’s boxy bodywork measures 4 800 mm in length and 1 950 mm in width, making it slightly larger than the GWM Tank 300, which we evaluated in diesel guise for a road test in the June 2025 issue of CAR Magazine. The Haval Raptor PHEV tips the scales at a claimed 2 135 kg. The new-energy Haval Raptor employs the Chinese marque’s Hi4 plug-in hybrid powertrain, which comprises a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol internal combustion engine (ICE) and a duo of electric motors – the latter fed by a 35.43 kWh ternary lithium battery pack, which allows for a claimed electric-only operating range of 151 km on the WLTP cycle. The PHEV setup produces a total system output of 330 kW and 750 N.m for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.9 seconds. Stepping inside, the ...

The first shipment of Tata passenger cars has arrived in South Africa, and we can reveal local pricing for the firm’s entry-level compact SUV, the Punch.  Image: Tata Motors Tata has officially re-entered the South African passenger-car market, with the Indian automaker’s first shipment of products having arrived on our shores. The company’s initial portfolio comprises the Tiago budget-oriented hatchback and a trio of crossover/SUVs – the Harrier flagship, Curvv, and the model you see here, the Punch compact SUV, which serves as the firm’s entry-level crossover/SUV. 2025 Tata Punch Price in SA The five-strong Tata Punch lineup is priced from R305 900 for the entry-level, Adventure+ derivative to R407 900 for the range-topping, Creative+ variant. Punch 1.2 Adventure+ MT – R305 900 Punch 1.2 Adventure+ S MT – R335 900 Punch 1.2 Adventure+ S AMT – R358 700 Punch 1.2 Accomplished+ AMT – R371 900 Punch 1.2 Creative+ AMT – R407 900 The Punch is powered by the same 1....