The Car Guide

Alfa Romeo has handed the Tonale a refresh for 2026. We detail what you can expect from the updated model lineup… Image: Alfa Romeo Despite only having been on the market for three years, Alfa Romeo has decided to give the Tonale an extensive update that ushers in, among other things, some styling revisions, an array of new colours and a reworked model lineup. The existing Tonale range will be augmented with the addition of Sprint, Ti and Veloce models, as well as a launch-edition Sport Speciale that features several sporty styling enhancements such as gloss black Brembo brake callipers, silver side skirts and bumper accents, and white Alfa Romeo lettering. In terms of the styling updates, the Tonale now features a redesigned nose that incorporates a new, concave scudetto – or ‘little shield’ (the signature grille) that’s inspired by that of the 33 Stradale supercar, as well as more prominent front air dams. The emblem badging has undergone some changes – now adopting the blac...

In a bid to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in South Africa, Chinese automaker BYD has announced a ‘major’ investment into our market’s charging infrastructure. Image: BYD Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) has announced its plans to “rapidly” expand its footprint in South Africa with a series of “major” investments aimed at accelerating our country’s transition towards electric mobility. According to Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, South Africa is a pivotal market for the Shenzhen-based brand and a “future springboard” for regional growth. In a bid to “transform” South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape, the company said it plans on installing between 200 and 300 public EV charging stations across the country in 2026. In addition, the firm also announced the roll-out of 1MW ultra-fast charging facilities once models compatible with this rapid charging technology reach our market. As a reminder, BYD’s current local portfolio comprises five EV...

Ferrari has whipped the wraps off the SC40, a new one-off model paying homage to the legendary F40. Image: Ferrari The latest One-Off model from Ferrari’s Special Projects programme, the SC40 was designed to pay tribute to the iconic F40. Based on the 296 GTB, which we’ve sampled in Cape Town in 2025, the SC40 employs a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain comprising a 2.9-litre turbocharged V6, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and an electric motor – the latter fed by a high-voltage 7.45 kWh battery pack. The PHEV setup produces peak power and torque outputs of 610 kW and 740 N.m, allowing the 1 550 kg (dry) mid-engined Ferrari to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in a claimed 2.9 seconds, before breaching the 200 km/h marker 4.4 seconds later, at 7.3 seconds. The top speed is rated in excess of 330 km/h. Although sharing its architecture with the 296 GTB, the one-of-a-kind model’s design language is entirely unique, the Maranello manufacturer says, though echoes...

Toyota has officially whipped the wraps off the new FJ Cruiser. We detail what you can expect from the box-fresh model. Image: Toyota Based on the firm’s IMV platform, which also underpins the Hilux , the modern FJ Cruiser measures 4 575 in length and 1 855 mm in width. In terms of length and width, this positions it between the Corolla Cross and SA-bound new RAV4 . The FJ Cruiser’s wheelbase spans 2 580 mm, making it 60 and 110 mm shorter than that of the Corolla Cross and RAV4. However, it stands considerably taller than the former and latter. In fact, the FJ Cruiser’s 1 960 mm height is comparable to the Land Cruiser 300’s (1 955 mm), and 25 mm more than the Land Cruiser Prado’s (1 935 mm). But out of interest, how does the modern FJ Cruiser’s dimensions compare to that of the five-door Suzuki Jimny? Well, it’s considerably larger in all directions – 590 mm longer, 210 mm wider, and 240 mm taller. The Toyota’s wheelbase is slightly shorter than the Jimny 5-Door’s (2 590 mm). ...

High Street Auction Company has announced a variety of sought-after classic cars will go under the hammer at its 22 October 2025 auction in Cape Town. 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (390). Image: High Street Auction Company On 22 October, High Street Auction Company will offer a selection of rare classic cars for sale at its Cape Town-based auction, held at The Norval Foundation in Tokai. The event will kick off at 3pm. The catalogue of vehicles on offer is brimming with nearly a dozen iconic classics, including the Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5, of which only 5 000 examples were built, BMW 325iS ‘EVO 2’, 35th Anniversary edition of the C4-generation Corvette – the model heading to auction being car number 1 713 of the 2 050 built – and a one-of-200 (1951) Bentley MkVI Drophead Coupé. The full list of cars are: 1951 Bentley MkVI Drophead Coupé 1991 BMW 325iS ‘EVO 2’ 1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th Anniversary 1977 Ferrari 512 BB 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (390) 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (F...

Volkswagen Group Africa is celebrating a new production milestone, with the German marque’s local arm announcing the 500 000th facelifted current-generation Polo has been built at its Plant Kariega facility in South Africa. Image: Volkswagen Earlier in October 2025, Volkswagen Group Africa announced the three-millionth car built at Plant Kariega has rolled off the assembly line. Now the German marque’s local arm is celebrating another milestone – production of the 500 000th facelifted current-generation Polo since the introduction of this model in August 2021. Of the half-a-million units, 452 207 were built for export, with the remaining 47 793 produced for local consumption. Since the Wolfsburg brand started building Polos at Plant Kariega in 1996, a whopping 1 992 464 units of this popular hatchback has been built in South Africa. And since 2024, the Polo hatchback, including its GTI sibling, has been exclusively produced at this facility. In addition, accor...

The Changan CS75 Pro has arrived in South Africa, with the Chinese marque’s local arm revealing pricing and spec for its midsize SUV. Image: Changan Chinese automaker Changan has arrived in South Africa with an initial product portfolio spanning an array of models – the Alsvin sedan, Hunter 2.0 and Hunter REEV bakkies, Deepal S07 all-electric flagship SUV, and the car you see here, the CS75 Pro midsize SUV. 2025 Changan CS75 Pro Price in SA The current CS75 Pro lineup comprises two derivative, each specified in top-tier, CE trim grade. The five-seater variant is priced from R474 900, with the seven-seater priced from R499 900. However, come the first quarter of 2026, the firm will introduce two CS-spec models, available in five- and seven-seater guise, to the range. As standard, pricing includes a five-year/150 000 km warranty and a five-year/90 000 km service plan. Changan CS75 Pro 1.5T CS 5-seater AT – R429 900 (Q1 2026) Changan CS75 Pro 1.5T CS 7-seater AT – 449 900 (Q1...

The new flagship in Chery’s local SUV portfolio, the Tiggo 9 has arrived 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, Chery South Africa has now launched the Tiggo 9 on local shores, and thanks to the folks at duoporta , we can report on pricing for the flagship Tiggo. Spearheading the lineup, 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 discharg...

The fourth-generation Kia Sportage made a splash in our market. Here’s what you should know if you’re considering a used option. Image: CAR Magazine The Kia Sportage has evolved into a strong player in South Africa’s midsize-SUV segment. The fourth-generation model (QL series), available locally from 2016 to 2022, was a high point for the badge, with sharp looks, refined driving dynamics, and a tech-laden cabin that punched above its price class. For South African buyers eyeing the used market, it’s a smart pick – especially if it’s a later model backed by Kia’s seven-year/200 000 km warranty – often still active on lower-mileage examples. Rundown on the fourth-generation Kia Sportage Launched in South Africa in October 2016, the fourth-gen Sportage replaced the third generation with a bolder design that was inspired by the larger Sorento . It featured the ‘tiger-nose’ grille, LED headlamps, and a sportier stance. A 2019 facelift refreshed the styling with new bumpers, wheels, a...

A tradition revived by Speed Classic Cape Town with the support of Motorsport South Africa and the City of Cape Town, hillclimb racing will return to the Mother City on 25-26 October 2025. We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the upcoming event.  Image: Speed Classic Cape Town The 2025 Speed Classic Cape Town aims to reintroduce competitive hillclimb racing to the Mother City. Set against the picturesque backdrop that is Cape Town, the tradition started in 1912, when drivers would compete on Signal Hill Road, Kloof Road, and Camps Bay Drive – the latter of which where the last Cape Town-based hillclimb reportedly took place in 1962. Now, over six decades later, the tradition will be revived with the support of Motorsport South Africa and the City of Cape Town. When and where will the 2025 Speed Classic Cape Town take place? The 2025 Speed Classic Cape Town will take place at Philip Kgosana Drive on 25 October and 26 October across two categories – Classic Car ...

According to a report, the new Toyota FJ Cruiser’s global debut is closer than anticipated, with the Japanese automaker rumoured to be planning an October 2025 reveal. Render of new Toyota FJ Cruiser. Image: Best Car Since Toyota unveiled the Compact Cruiser EV Concept in 2021, the anticipation for a spiritual successor to the revered FJ Cruiser was high. It would take some time (a few years, to be more precise) for such a model to be confirmed for production, though. However, a compact Land Cruiser is, indeed, penned in for production, and according to reports from Japan, its long-awaited reveal may just be closer than what we expected. New Toyota FJ Cruiser Reveal Date According to Japanese publication Magazine X , the new FJ Cruiser will be previewed to select media on 20 October 2025, with the global reveal reportedly taking place on 21 October 2025. Official information about the new FJ Cruiser remains scarce, with the Japanese automaker remaining tight-lipped about this up...

Chery has whipped the wraps off the T1TP, a seven-seater SUV that can transform into a double-cab bakkie. But could it come to South Africa? Image: Cale Nuttall We are currently attending the 2025 Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, China with the Chinese automaker’s local arm, and while there are several Chery products to get excited about, the unveiling of the T1TP is arguably of most interest. See, while it arguably looks like a double-cab bakkie kitted out with a canopy, it is, in fact, also a seven-seater SUV. The keyword here is “also”, as this vehicle can be transformed from an SUV to a double-cab bakkie. The company has yet to reveal detailed specifications surrounding this unique vehicle’s powertrain, though we’d speculate it could share (at least one of) the powertrains available with the SA-bound Himla bakkie . This will likely be either turbodiesel or hybrid, or both. We’ll also place our bets that this model will be exclusively available with an automatic transm...

With big plans to shake up the local off-road SUV segment, Dongfeng has confirmed to CAR Magazine the M-Hero is en route to South Africa. Image: Dongfeng In our A-Z of Chinese Brands in SA feature, we detailed all the Chinese automakers currently trading in South Africa and, notably, those that have announced their plans to set up shop in our market in the future. Dongfeng, who announced its entry into our market’s passenger-car segment in 2024, along with unveiling its Box compact EV, was one of the carmakers featured in the write-up, and 2026 looks to be a big year for this Wuhan-based company. Dongfeng South Africa, whose first and main showroom is Dongfeng Pretoria , will introduce several new models to our market in the coming 12 months, and this includes the car you see here. Dubbed M-Hero, Dongfeng has confirmed to CAR Magazine that this SUV is penned in for our market. Dongfeng M-Hero SA Launch Date The Dongfeng M-Hero will launch in SA in 2026. While an all-electric ve...

Renault South Africa has repositioned its Kwid lineup, with the French firm’s local arm handing the budget-oriented compact hatchback a price reduction. Image: Renault Introduced to South Africa in 2016, Renault SA says over 70 000 units of the Kwid has been sold in our market to date. Now, in a bid to offer customers even fore bang for their buck, the French firm has repositioned the model lineup, and along with the latter, the automaker has strengthened this compact hatchback’s budget-oriented proviso with new retail pricing. Renault Kwid Price in SA Previously priced from R196 999, as per CARguide in the October 2025 issue of CAR Magazine, the model range now kicks off at R178 799 , making the entry-level, Evolution (formerly Life) variant the most affordable passenger car in SA …by R1 (the base-spec Toyota Vitz costs R178 800). Kwid 1.0 Evolution MT – R178 799 Kwid 1.0 Techno MT – R199 999 Kwid 1.0 Techno AMT – R209 999 Kwid 1.0 Climber MT – R212 999 Kwid 1.0 Clim...

Joining the likes of the EX30 and flagship EX90 all-electric SUVs, as well as an existing range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in Volvo’s extensive new-energy vehicle portfolio, the EX60 will make its global debut in January 2026, before arriving in our market later in the year.  Image: Volvo The EX60 will be positioned between the XC40 Recharge compact SUV and the EX90 flagship, and will be underpinned by Volvo’s scalable SPA3 platform, which already underpins such all-electric products as the EX90 SUV and ES90 sedan. Technical details are thin in the ground at the moment, but it’s believed that the firm’s upcoming emissions-free midsize SUV could be offered with a choice of single- and dual-motor electric powertrains, fed by a lithium-ion battery pack that offers an operating range in excess of 600 km. When will the Volvo EX60 launch in SA? According to Volvo’s local arm, the EX60 will arrive in our market in mid-to-late third quarter of 2026. “The upcoming EX60 si...

Leapmotor has launched its local operations with the introduction of the C10 REEV. See pricing and specs below. Image: Leapmotor Confirmed for South Africa in 2024, Leapmotor has officially launched its local operations, and with it, the Stellantis-backed Chinese automaker has introduced its first local model offering, the C10 REEV (range-extended electric vehicle). The C10 measures 4 739 mm in length and 1 900 mm in width — dimensions comparable to that of the BYD Sealion 6 , for example. The C10’s wheelbase spans 2 825 mm. The ground clearance is rated at 180 mm. According to the company, the boot serves up 435 litres of packing space, which expands to 1 410 litres for utility purposes. The C10 REEV’s rear-mounted electric motor is supplemented by a 63 kW/125 N.m 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, which acts as a generator (much like in the BMW i3 REx) to power the permanent synchronous item – the latter fed by a 28.4 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery ...

Nissan has released a fresh teaser image of the upcoming new Navara bakkie…along with announcing when the next generation will make its global debut. Image: Nissan It’s no secret, bakkies enjoy long lifecycles. Take, for example, the current-generation Nissan Navara. Introduced in 2014, this Japanese automaker’s midsize bakkie has been around for over a decade. However, the D23 iteration will soon bow out for its successor. Indeed, Nissan has announced when the new Navara will make its global debut. In addition to the announcement, the Yokohama-based brand also released a teaser image previewing the upcoming model’s front end. Though, apart from this, the firm has kept its cards close to its chest about detailed specifications (powertrains and the like). 2026 Nissan Navara Reveal Date Nissan has confirmed the next-generation Navara will be revealed on 19 November 2025. (The D27 Navara isn’t the only bakkie that will be unveiled this year, however. According to reports, the reve...

Maserati and Italian wine company Marchesi Antinori have collaborated on a tailor-made Grecale. Image: Maserati Created as part of the Maserati Fuoriserie personalisation programme, the Grecale Tributo Il Bruciato was designed by Maserati in collaboration with renowned Florance-based wine company Marchesi Antinori. Finished in Alchimia Scarlatta, a shade inspired by the intense red of wine in motion in a glass, this bespoke Grecale’s sculpted bodywork takes on “a thousand” different hues depending on how it reflects in light, the carmaker says. To create this unique paintwork, a special pigment known as Chromaflair was used. The Grecale Tributo Il Bruciato can be had with the option of two 21-inch wheel designs – Pegaso Forgiati or Crio Fuoriserie. Gloss black finish for the alloys are available as an option. Sited behind the rims, the brake callipers are finished in black and feature the Fuoriserie logo. Stepping inside, the interior is upholstered in dual-tone Tan and Dark Red ...

Mercedes-Benz whipped the wraps off the Vision Iconic, a new design study previewing the Three-pointed Star brand’s design direction and the technologies expected to feature on future models.  Image: Mercedes-Benz The Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic embodies the German automaker’s new design language. At its core is the brand’s ‘iconic’ grille, first introduced on the all-electric GLC in September 2025. Alongside this signature styling cue, the concept debuts innovations such as neuromorphic computing, steer-by-wire, solar paint, and Level 4 automated driving. The front fascia features an illuminated chrome grille inspired by the upright designs of classic models like the W108, W111, and 600 Pullman. It combines a chrome surround, smoked-glass structure, and integrated lighting, topped with an illuminated upright Mercedes-Benz star emblem on the bonnet. The firm describes the interior of the Vision Iconic as “hyper-analogue luxury” infused with “lounge-like” comfort, designed a...