The Car Guide

The new flagship in Chery’s local SUV portfolio, the Tiggo 9 CSH has launched in South Africa. See pricing below. Image: Chery Following the introduction of several new new-energy models, including the Tiggo 7 CSH and Tiggo 8 CSH, to its lineup, Chery South Africa has now launched the Tiggo 9 on local shores. Chery offers the Tiggo 9 CSH with the choice of two drivetrains: front-wheel and all-wheel, with both derivatives employing the automaker’s 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol-electric powertrain. Equipped with FWD, the Pinnacle variant produces 280 kW and 610 N.m of torque, while the all-paw Vanguard, which gains three electric motors, is endowed with 455 kW and 920 N.m. Chery claims average fuel consumption figures of 1.5 and 1.4 L/100 km for the Pinnacle and Vanguard, respectively (when their battery packs are fully charged, or 5.5 and 6.2 L/100 km when the batteries are discharged). Speaking of the batteries, the Pinnacle’s 18.3 kWh item allows for a claimed EV-only op...

The MG3 has launched in South Africa. See pricing and specs below. Image: MG Motor MG Motor has expanded its local product portfolio with the introduction of the MG3, a budget-oriented hatchback priced from a hair below R270 000. The MG3 is available with the choice of two powertrains: a 81 kW/142 N.m 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol and a hybrid setup that pairs a 75 kW/128 N.m atmospheric 1.5-litre four-pot with an electric motor, fed by a 1.83 kWh battery, for a combined system output of 155 kW and 425 N.m of torque. The non-electrified 1.5-litre is available with a five-speed manual gearbox and CVT, while the hybrid model sends drive to the front axle via a hybrid transmission. MG claims average fuel consumption figure of 6.0 L/100 km for the CVT-equipped petrol-only models and 4.3 L/100 km for the hybrid variant. The former and latter’s fuel tanks have a capacity of 45 and 36 litres, respectively. Image: MG Motor The MG3’s bodywork measures 4 113 mm in...

Land Rover South Africa has announced the Defender Trophy Edition is heading to South Africa in limited numbers. See pricing and specs below. Image: Land Rover In June 2025, Jaguar Land Rover announced the introduction of the Defender Trophy Edition, a special-edition model inspired by the Trophy and Challenge events of yesteryear. Now, the local arm of the British marque has announced how many units of this model is destined for our shores. Land Rover Defender 110 Trophy Edition Price in SA Limited to 60 units locally, the Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition is priced from R2 227 800, which includes a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and a warranty of similar duration and distance. Image: Land Rover The Defender Trophy Edition will be available with the choice of two heritage-inspired body hues: Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green. The limited-edition further features gloss black finishes for such items as the bonnet, lower sides of the body, and brake callipers – th...

Backed by the Motus Group, Tata Motors’ plans for re-introduction to the South African market include launching up to 17 new products by 2030. Tiago. Image: Tata Motors At a gala event held in Johannesburg, Tata Motors Managing Director Shailesh Chandra confirmed that his brand’s aspirations for expansion outside its home Indian market include aligning its modern product lineup with the needs of the South African consumer. Should these plans succeed, with up to 17 new products waiting in the wings for South Africa, Tata Motors hopes to capture up to 8% of SA’s passenger-car market . Chandra was quick to point out that the key determining factors in Tata Motors’ extraordinary growth in the Indian market over the past five years have been bold, “disruptive” designs, class-leading safety, and advanced technology, including in the field of all-electric mobility. The brand will officially begin taking orders for a range of four initial products – the Tiago compact hatchback, the Punch...

Introduced in 2024, the GWM P500 has now been handed a refresh for the 2025 model year. See pricing below. Image: GWM GWM South Africa has introduced the updated P500 bakkie lineup – of which we sampled the range-topping, HEV derivative at the local launch in 2024 – to South Africa, with the revised model now sporting “bold” new black exterior trim finishes. In lieu of the pre-facelifted model’s chrome-finished front grille, the refreshed models gain black trim for the latter item, as well as wing mirrors, roof rails, and sports bar. The LED head- and taillamps have received the “smoked-glass” treatment. Updated GWM P500 Price in SA Pricing for the updated GWM P500 range remains unchanged from the pre-facelifted model, with the entry-level, 2.4T Luxury model priced from R799 900; the mid-tier, 2.4T Super Luxury priced from R889 900; and the flagship, HEV Ultra Luxury priced from R999 900. Included in the sticker price are a seven-year/200 000 km warranty and service plan spann...

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has announced it has commenced with several recalls for select Ranger, EcoSport, Everest, Mustang, and Transit Custom models. We detail the cars affected and how you can check if the recall applies to your model. Image: Ford In July 2025, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) issued safety recalls for certain Ranger, EcoSport, Everest, and Puma models. Now, the local arm of the Blue Oval brand has announced it has commenced with several new recall notices for select models. This is what you need to know. Transmission Main Control Valve Body Replacement Models affected: Ford Ranger (2025) Number units affected in South Africa: eight Reason for recall: transmission main valve body’s dimensions do not meet engineering print specifications FMCSA has identified that the dimensions of the transmission main valve body in certain 2025 Ford Ranger models do not meet engineering print specifications, which may result in the driver exp...

BAIC has announced the local launch date for the B30. Here’s when the boxy SUV will arrive in South Africa. Image: BAIC While a raft of new Chinese cars have been confirmed for our market in 2026, there are several that will arrive in South Africa before the end of 2025. And the latter includes the SUV you see here – the BAIC B30. BAIC B30 SA Launch Date BAIC South Africa has confirmed the B30 will launch in our market later this year. So, you can expect to see this boxy SUV on our roads before the end of 2025, with local pricing and specifications likely released before its official arrival. Underpinned by a monocoque chassis, the B30 measures 4 730 mm in length and 1 910 mm in width, making it slightly larger than its B40 off-roader sibling and the Haval H7 . The B30’s 2 820 mm wheelbase is also longer than that of the latter two SUVs. The ground clearance is rated at 215 mm. While local powertrain options have yet to be announced, in overseas markets the B30 is available in...

We’ve rounded up the five most affordable passenger EVs you can buy in South Africa in 2025.  With reports from China having suggested BYD is hoping to launch the Atto 1 in South Africa for under R400 000, we were curious what are the most affordable electric vehicles (EVs) currently available in our market. So, before the Atto 1’s imminent arrival, we’ve compiled a list of the five least expensive passenger EVs you can buy at the moment. 5. ⁠Mini Aceman E — from R800 000 Image: Mini The Mini Aceman E is powered by a single electric-motor arrangement that produces 135 kW and 290 N.m of torque, exclusively delivered to the road via the front wheels. The entry-level Aceman (we’ve sampled the flagship, Aceman SE in March 2025) has a claimed operating range of 300 km from a fully charged 42.5 kWh battery. 4. BYD Atto 3 — from R768 000 Image: BYD The Atto 3 is the first BYD on this list. The Atto 3 is available in two flavours, with the Standard Range derivative serv...

A member of Ferrari’s Icona Series of limited-production vehicles, the unique Daytona SP3 fetched an astonishing price at the recent Monterey Car Week Auction. Image: Ferrari In 2021, Ferrari announced the Daytona SP3 as the newest member of its vaunted Icona Series, a limited-production series blending advanced engineering with design rooted in the marque’s most celebrated racing cars. The car was limited to just 599 units, with each example spoken for by VIP clients even before production began. Announced by auction house RM Sotheby’s ahead of the recent Monterey Car Week in the US, car number 599+1 was added to the production run by the brand’s Tailor Made team. This unique SP3 features a striking two-tone exposed carbon fibre and Giallo Modena livery, complemented by glossy black carbon-composite elements on the front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser. A full-length logotype stretching from the front to the back of the car is a first for a Ferrari road car. The vehicl...

The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut has claimed the title as fastest car to accelerate to 400 km/h and back to a standstill. Image: Koenigsegg Koenigsegg has set a new 0-400-0 km/h world record, with the Jesko Absolut completing the 0-400-0 km/h run in a lightning-fast 25.21 seconds at the Örebro Airport in Sweden; eclipsing the previous record, set just last month by the Rimac Nevera R, of 25.79 seconds. The Jesko Absolut sprinted to the four-tonne in just 16.77 seconds, before decelerating back to a standstill in 8.44 seconds. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that it was accomplished with a rear-wheel-drive car. Noteworthy, the time achieved by the Jesko Absolut is 2.62 seconds less than what it managed in 2024. Indeed, before Rimac’s all-electric hypercar claimed the title as fastest vehicle to complete the 0-400-0 km/h run, the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut set a 0-400-0 km/h time of 27.83 seconds. However, since then, the Swedish marque has refined the Jesko Absolut –...

The Opel Grandland X arrived in South Africa in 2018, but is it a good choice in SA’s used car market? We explore this European crossover/SUV as a used buy.  Image: CAR The Opel Grandland X launched in South Africa in 2018. As part of the Stellantis (formerly PSA) family, it shares its platform with the Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C5 Aircross, bringing European flair, modern tech, and versatile space to the local market. The first-generation Grandland X, produced from 2017 to 2021, provides an affordable entry into the premium crossover segment on the used market. However, like many European vehicles, it requires diligent maintenance to avoid costly surprises. Depreciation makes it accessible, but potential issues with electronics and parts availability in South Africa warrant careful inspection. Opel re-entered the South African market in 2018 after a hiatus, with the Grandland X as one of its flagship models going up against established players like the Volkswagen Tiguan and T...

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in the Americas, Aston Martin has unveiled the Thrillseeker Collection at the 2025 Monterey Car Week. Image: Aston Martin Aston Martin is celebrating its 75-year anniversary in the Americas with the introduction of the Thrillseeker Collection. Unveiled at the 2025 edition of the Monterey Car Week in California, this exclusive range of Aston Martins comprises a trio of models, each dressed in a distinctive body hue – the Vantage Roadster in Mako Blue, DB12 Volante in Seychelles Blue , and Vanquish Volante in Ultramarine Black . In addition, each model also gains unique bronze detailing for the wheels and side fins, and, inside, the rotary dial. A bespoke luggage set is also included. Only nine examples of the Thrillseeker Collection will be built, all of which are already sold. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. “Monterey Car Week is the perfect backdrop to celebrate Aston Martin’s 75 th anniversary in the Ameri...

Toyota Motor Corporation has unveiled the Lexus Sport Concept, a future-focused concept car. Could this be the LFA’s successor?  Image: Lexus Revealed at the 2025 Edition of The Quail motorsport gathering during this year’s Monterey Car Week, while a camouflaged prototype of this car was showcased at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the unveiling of the Lexus Sport Concept marks the first time this future-focused concept car has been seen undisguised by the public. Official powertrain specifications remain under wraps, but from the howling soundtrack it produced when running up the Goodwood Hill (watch the footage here …and remember to turn up the sound), it could just be what reports have suggested – a V8 equipped with forced induction in the form of turbocharging and incorporating electric assistance. Reports have also suggested the hybrid setup could be coupled with a transaxle transmission. (As a reminder, the Lexus LFA employed a 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V10. C...

Shelby has once again worked its magic with the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, with the US company unveiling the new Super Snake-R.  Image: Shelby America Shelby has whipped the wraps off the new Super Snake-R. Based on the Mustang Dark Horse, which we evaluated for a road test in the March 2025 issue of CAR magazine, the US company’s latest limited edition is the third in its lineup of reworked seventh-generation Mustangs. Under the bonnet, Shelby has handed the Blue Oval brand’s 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 breathing apparatus in the form of a 3.0-litre Whipple supercharger. Thanks to the fitment of the latter, the Coyote unit’s peak power output has been bumped up to a healthy 633 kW, delivered to the rear axle via either a 10-speed automatic transmission or, for those who prefer rowing cogs themselves, a Tremec TR-3160 six-speed manual. The Super Snake-R further gains an upgraded cooling system, reinforced suspension, and a Borla cat-back exhaust. To enhance its handling ...

Lamborghini has whipped the covers off its latest limited-edition hypercar, the Fenomeno. Image: Lamborghini Early last month, we reported on Lamborghini’s teaser for the then-upcoming Fenomeno hypercar, and now the covers have finally come off at Monterey Car Week. Under the skin, the Fenomeno (“phenomenon”) shares its underpinnings with the Revuelto, but features a slightly reworked version of Lamborghini’s 6.5-litre hybridised V12 powerplant. The hybrid system has been upgraded with a 7 kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering more power and extending electric-only range from 5 km to a claimed 20 km. This unit’s combined output is a staggering 794 kW – 47 kW more than that of the Revuelto. According to Lamborghini, the Fenomeno accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a lightning-fast 2.4 seconds – 0.1 seconds quicker than the Revuelto – before hitting a top speed of 350 km/h. Image: Lamborghini Visually, the Fenomeno makes a bold statement with its lower half finished in exposed ca...

Hot off the press! Here’s what you can expect in the September 2025 issue of CAR magazine… Image: Peet Mocke In the September 2025 issue of CAR Magazine, we celebrate 50 years of the hot hatch that started it all with an exclusive first drive of the now-confirmed-for-SA Golf Mk8.5 GTI alongside a pristine example the original Mk1. In addition to sampling the more powerful eighth-generation Golf GTI, we get behind the wheels of Ford’s new flagship Territory, the Dark Edition, and the facelifted Kia Sorento. We then strapped our test equipment to a quartet of SUVs to find out how each performs in our comprehensive road test regimen. The latter includes BYD’s Sealion 6 , the refreshed Hyundai Tucson, the updated Haval H6 GT, which now employs a 321 kW/762 N.m plug-in hybrid powertrain, and the Audi RS Q8 performance. Feature 50 years of the Golf GTI Driving Impressions Ford Territory Dark Edition Kia Sorento 2.2CRDi AWD SX Classic Drive 1932 Chrysler CI6 Roadster Road...

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class brought the luxuries for which this German automaker is renowned to the masses at a more attainable price. We explore the fourth-generation model as a used buy.  Image: CAR Magazine The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class was introduced to the South African market in 2018, not long after its global debut. The car was a significant upgrade over the third generation, which, at its 2012 debut, presented one of the most prominent design changes between generations ever seen on any car. But design aside, it also represented something else for the German automaker: it made premium motoring more attainable, and the tech-forward experience was fun. Remember the “Hey Mercedes” voice prompts for the early MBUX infotainment systems? Locally, the fourth-generation A-Class lineup comprised the A200 , A250, and A200d in hatchback and sedan body styles, with the A35 AMG and A45 S AMG later joining the fray. The A200 comes with a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol en...