The Car Guide

Bowers & Wilkins has launched its latest McLaren Edition headphones in collaboration with McLaren Automotive and the McLaren Formula 1 Team. Image: McLaren Developed in collaboration with McLaren Automotive and the McLaren Formula 1 Team, Bowers & Wilkins has launched the Px8 S2 McLaren Edition wireless headphones. Following the Pi8 McLaren Edition, this is the third set of headphones created through the McLaren and Bowers & Wilkins partnership . The special-edition headphones are finished in Anthracite Grey and features McLaren-inspired Papaya accents, as well as Speedmark details on the headband and ear cups. The former is trimmed in cushioned Nappa leather. Diamond-cut edges can be found around the Bowers & Wilkins logo. Based on the Px8 S2 wireless headphones, the McLaren Edition adds improved performance through upgraded, bespoke 40 mm Carbon Cone drive units and more advanced noise-cancellation technology. Said Giles Pocock, Vice President of Brand Marketing...

A mini rally-inspired Fiat has been announced as the global winner of Mattel’s 2025 Hot Wheels Legends Tour.  Image: Mattel Mattel has announced the winner of its 2025 Hot Wheels Legends Tour , a travelling show in which thousands of vehicles from 16 countries compete to become an actual Hot Wheels model. Pawel Czarnecki’s rally-inspired Fiat 126B, which claimed top honours at the Poland leg of the Legends Tour, was named the global champion. Czarnecki’s customised Fiat will now be inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and reimagined as a collectable 1:64-scale die-cast model that will be sold worldwide. The build captures the “Garage Spirit” that judges look for in every submission. Over 2 500 hours of work went into building the mini 126B. Rolling on HTN Motorsport wheels, the car’s widened wheel arches, front bumper, and aero were inspired by the design of 1980s rally cars. The car’s livery also pays homage to the famous Martini livery found on rally cars of that e...

Omoda has revised its C5 range, with the previously employed naturally aspirated engine now replaced by a turbocharged mill in the entry-level model. See pricing below. Image: Omoda Following the launch of the C5 Luxury X and Elegance X derivatives earlier in 2025, Omoda South Africa has announced the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine has been cut from the C5 range. Subsequently, the C5 Street and Style (now Street+ and Style X) variants have been revised; bringing with them various mechanical and cosmetic changes, and a R10 000 price increase. As mentioned, the C5 Street is replaced by the Street+, which ditches the previously employed 83 kW/138 N.m naturally aspirated engine for a turbocharged 1.5-litre unit producing a healthier 115 kW and 230 N.m. The turbocharged 1.5-litre mill in the Street+ is coupled with a CVT transmission. The package retains a MacPherson front/torsion beam rear suspension setup, as well as fore and aft disc brakes – the front units of the ven...

Chery sub-brand Lepas has officially arrived in South Africa. and is expected to launch its local operations at the beginning of 2026. Image: LEPAS In July, we reported that the Lepas brand would kick off its local operations in 2026. Now, before this Chery sub-brand officially sets up shop and launches its first model offerings on our shores, it’s announced its arrival in South Africa. Lepas’ initial model portfolio will comprise the L4, L6 and L8, with the first units expected to arrive in early 2026. The Lepas brand intends to bridge the gap between Chery cars and the Omoda & Jaecoo SUV lineups – the latter company being another Chery-owned brand. The L8 will be the first of the three models to arrive on SA soil, with the L6 and L4 following thereafter. The flagship SUV is equipped with a hybrid powertrain offering a claimed 100 km of pure electric range and a combined driving range exceeding 1 300 km. The L8 has a claimed fuel consumption of 4.2 L/100km and a top speed ...

Sporting several black trim elements, GWM has handed the Tank 500 the ‘Black Edition’ treatment. See pricing below. Image: GWM Featuring an array of black exterior and interior trim elements, GWM has revealed the Tank 500 Black Edition. Kitted with the Black Edition package, the Tank 500 gains a gloss black front grille, dark chrome roof rails, and black 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior features black Nappa leather upholstery and dark metal trim. Ambient lighting is also present. Said Floyd Ramabulana, Head of Marketing at GWM South Africa, “This update goes beyond style – it’s about making a statement. It embodies confidence and sophistication. Every detail, from its blacked-out exterior accents to its luxurious interior, has been designed to make an impression – showing that power and refinement can coexist seamlessly in a flagship SUV.” GWM Tank 500 Black Edition Price in SA The Tank 500 kitted out with the Black Edition package costs the same as the standard derivative – ...

Sporting an array of leisure-oriented kit and fitment of adaptive air suspension, BMW has introduced the X3 Rugged to its local model lineup. See pricing below. Image: CAR Magazine The new-generation BMW X3 made its South African debut in February 2025, with the German marque’s SA arm previewing the more adventure-focused ‘Rugged’ model at the local launch event. So, what sets this adventure-focused X3 apart from its stablemates? Well, for starters, the ‘Rugged’ package includes such items as adaptive air suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in General Grabber all-terrain rubber, a roof rack finished in black, a roof box, transparent protection film, all-weather floor mats, and heating functionality for the front and rear seats. The X3 Rugged is based on the 20d derivative, which employs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Equipped with the Bavarian automaker’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the oil-burner delivers 145 kW and 400 N.m of torque, the latter available ...

Toyota SA has launched its Hilux Custom Builds range, a conversion programme designed to give customers commercial solutions directly from Toyota dealerships. Steel dropside with guard rails. Image: Toyota Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has officially launched its Hilux Custom Builds range, a selection of OEM commercial solutions for fleet customers. The conversions are based on the single-cab flat-deck 2.4 GD-6 derivative, either with a 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain. Every unit is developed in-house, tested to OEM standards and developed by Toyota engineers through Toyota Motor Corporation’s CVPP (Conversion Vehicle Partner Programme). The Hilux Custom Builds are designed to give customers a manufacturer-backed commercial solution that can be sourced through Toyota’s dealership network as an alternative to aftermarket conversions. Toyota claims that the range of configurations was designed to provide structural integrity, compatibility and long-term durability, with all variations tes...

The two-millionth Polo has rolled off Volkswagen’s Kariega production plant in South Africa. Image: Volkswagen Following the 500 000th current-generation Polo and three-millionth car built at Volkswagen’s Kariega plant, Volkswagen Group Africa is celebrating the production of the two-millionth Polo at its Eastern Cape-based assembly facility – a milestone achieved a year ahead of 30 years of Polo production in South Africa. The Polo, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, has been produced at Volkswagen’s Kariega production plant since 1996, for both local consumption and overseas markets. The two-millionth Polo that rolled off the assembly line earlier this month is destined for Australia, and of the two million Polos produced in South Africa, 1 407 160 have been exported overseas. As of July 2024, Plant Kariega is the only Volkswagen plant to produce the Polo for Europe and Asia-Pacific regions, which include more than 30 countries. In 2024, the Polo was South Africa...

Porsche has whipped the wraps off the Cayenne Electric. We detail the first emissions-free series-production Cayenne models. Cayenne Electric Turbo. Image: Porsche The Cayenne Electric was unveiled in two guises: Cayenne and Turbo. The latter, “base” model’s twin electric-motor setup produces 300 kW when in “normal” operation; increasing to 325 kW, with 825 N.m torque on tap, when engaging launch control. Porsche claims the Cayenne completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds, before topping out at 230 km/h. Spearheading the current lineup, the Turbo derivative produces 630 kW as standard. However, if you thought this figure is eye-widening, wait until you read the next line. Activate launch control, and the the Turbo’s peak power output is lifted to 850 kW – this and the whopping 1 500 N.m on offer allowing for a whip-crack 0-100 km/h time of just 2.5 seconds. The Turbo tops out at 260 km/h. According to the Stuttgart automaker, the Cayenne Electric offers leading energy recov...

Nissan has officially whipped the wraps off the new Navara bakkie. We detail the fourth generation. Image: Nissan Introduced in 2014, the third-generation Nissan Navara has been around for over a decade. However, the time has now come for the D23 iteration to bow out, with the Japanese automaker officially unveiling the fourth generation. Sharing its underpinnings with the current-generation Mitsubishi Triton, which we’ve evaluated for a road test in 2025, the new Navara’s bodywork measures 5 320 mm in length and 1 865 mm in width, making it 60 mm longer and 10 mm wider than the outgoing iteration. The wheelbase is slightly shorter than the D23 derivative; measuring 3 130 mm compared to 3 150 mm. The new Navara was revealed with a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine – the same unit Mitsubishi will introduce to its local Triton lineup in 2026. The twin-turbo motor produces 150 kW and 470 N.m of torque, making it 10 kW and 20 N.m more powerful than the 2.5-litre, fo...

Billed as the only trail-rated all-electric SUV, Jeep has whipped the wraps off the Recon. Image: Jeep Jeep has unveiled the Recon, a purpose-built all-electric SUV with which the automaker is charging into the future. Said Bob Broderdorf, CEO of the Jeep brand, “With the Jeep Recon, we’re proving that electrification isn’t just compatible with off-road excellence, it can elevate it, delivering instant torque, precision control and a quieter, more connected driving experience that’s uniquely Jeep.” The Recon is equipped with a duo of electric motors, sited on the fore and aft axles, respectively. The twin-motor arrangement produces a combined system output of 478 kW and 840 N.m of torque, delivered to the road via all four corners. According to Jeep , these figures allow the emissions-free SUV to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in as little as 3.7 seconds. The Recon’s electric motors are coupled with a 100 kWh battery pack. According to Jeep, the 400 V item allows for an operating...

Foton has introduced the Tunland V-Series models to its local bakkie lineup, with the V9 positioned as the firm’s new flagship double-cab. See pricing below. Image: Foton Foton South Africa has expanded its bakkie lineup with the introduction of the Tunland V-Series models, which include the Tunland V9 you see here. Positioned above the V7 (local pricing for the latter here ), the V9 is the flagship offering in the Chinese automaker’s local bakkie portfolio. The Tunland V9 employs the same powertrain as the V7 –  a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine incorporating 48 V mild-hybrid tech. The unit produces 120 kW and 450 N.m of torque, sent to the driven wheels via a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. 2025 Foton Tunland V9 Price in SA The Foton Tunland V9 is priced from R725 900 for the two-wheel-drive variant, while the four-wheel-drive model will set you back R799 900. Included in the price are a five-year/75 000 km service plan and a five-year/200 000 k...

Scheduled to arrive in South Africa from the second quarter of 2026, we’ve unearthed pricing for the new BMW M2 CS. Image: BMW The new BMW M2 CS is headed to South Africa, with BMW’s local arm having confirmed the most powerful iteration of the current-generation M2 will arrive in our marker from the second quarter of 2026. Based on the second-generation M2 – which received a timely update , including an injection of power, in November 2024 – the CS-badged model ups the ante on the “standard” model. For the M2 CS, the German marque uprated the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six to produce a whopping 390 kW and 650 N.m of torque. The M2 CS’s M3/M4 Competition xDrive-matching figures signifies increases of 37 kW and 50 N.m over the “standard” derivative equipped with BMW’s M Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition, while its power outputs matches its larger siblings’, the M2 CS retains a rear-wheel-drive layout. According to BMW, these figures allow the M2 CS to ...

Foton has introduced the Tunland V-Series models to its local bakkie lineup, which includes the imposing-looking Tunland V7. See pricing below. Image: Foton Foton South Africa has expanded its bakkie portfolio with the introduction of the Tunland V-Series models, which include the Tunland V7 you see here. The Tunland V7 employs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine incorporating 48 V mild-hybrid tech. The powertrain produces 120 kW and 450 N.m of torque. Power is transferred to the road via a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2WD and 4WD include three and seven driving modes, respectively. The Tunland V7 has a braked towing capacity of 3 500 kg. The ground clearance is rated at 240 mm. 2025 Foton Tunland V7 Price in SA The Foton Tunland V7 is priced from R689 900 for the 2WD variant, while the 4WD V7 will set you back R765 900. Included in the price are a five-year/75 000 km service plan and a five-year/200 000 km warranty. Tunland V7 4×2 VLX – R689 ...

The facelifted Volvo XC60 has launched in South Africa, with the local arm of the Swedish automaker announcing pricing for the updated model.  Image: Volvo Since the initial launch of the second-generation XC60 in South Africa in 2018, the premium midsize SUV has proven to be one of the Swedish marque’s most popular SUVs locally. Following the launch of the updated XC90 in October 2025, Volvo South Africa has now introduced the facelifted XC60 to our market. Updated Volvo XC60 Price in SA The refreshed Volvo XC60 lineup comprises four derivatives, available with the choice of mild-hybrid (T5) and plug-in hybrid (T8) powertrains. The XC60 is priced from R1 058 400 for the B5 mild-hybrid Core Bright model, while the Plus Dark B5 variant is priced from R1 116 300. The T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants start from R1 460 800 for the Plus Bright, with the flagship Ultra Dark priced from R1 500 700. Included in the price are a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and a warranty o...

SVI Engineering has announced the Porsche Cayenne Coupé is the latest SUV available with its Lite armouring package. Image: SVI Engineering South African armouring solutions specialist SVI Engineering has added the Porsche Cayenne Coupé to its list of vehicles eligible for its cost-effective SVI Lite armouring package. Introduced earlier this year as a lighter, more affordable alternative to the company’s full B4 and B6 discreet 360-degree armouring options, the Level B2 SVI Lite treatment has already been applied to models ranging from the Toyota Corolla Cross and Ford Ranger to the Audi Q7. The Cayenne Coupé is now the latest recipient of the partial armouring kit, designed to offer anti-hijack protection without compromising everyday usability. As with other SVI Lite installations, the conversion focuses on the vehicle’s side closures (doors and their windows) and allows customers to choose how many of these components should be protected. Each selected door is fitted with co...

Chinese brand GAC has expanded its local product portfolio with the arrival of the head-turning M8 Master MPV. Image: GAC Showcased at the 2025 South African Festival of Motoring, GAC’s imposing-looking M8 Master looks set to ruffle a few feathers in SA’s popular people-mover segment. Standing 5.2-metres long, the M8 Master announces itself via its so-called Star Diamond Grille and ‘Lion Fang’ LED signature lighting arrangement. Imported by Salvador Caetano South Africa, the latest addition to GAC’s local product portfolio, joining the G23 Emzoom and Emkoo SUV, is a seven-seater people-mover featuring the brand’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Able to drive for up to 106 km in all-electric mode, this setup sees a 26 kWh battery pack paired with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Offering a combined 274 kW, GAC claims an average fuel consumption of 8.8 L/100 km, with an operating range of more than 1 000 km. 2025 GAC M8 Master Price ...

The updated Kiger has launched in South Africa, with Renault SA announcing pricing and specs for refreshed model lineup. Image: Renault Introduced to our market in 2021, Renault handed the Kiger refresh in August 2025, and the updated model has now launched in South Africa. See pricing below. The fresh-faced Kiger features a reworked front fascia, which includes a reshaped bonnet, new LED headlamps, and a new front bumper. Renault’s new emblem is fitted to a revised front grille. The rear receives “smoked” LED taillamps and a reworked bumper. The update model rolls on a set of 16-inch ‘Discover Flex’ alloy wheels. The Kiger is available with the choice of four exterior colour options: White, Silver, Blue, and Grey. 2025 Renault Kiger Price in SA The updated Renault Kiger is priced from R219 999, making it one of the compact crossovers available in SA for under R300k . Kiger 1.0 Evolution MT – R219 999 Kiger 1.0 Techno MT – R244 999 Kiger 1.0 Techno AMT – R254 999 Simi...

Touted as the most driver-focused Bentley ever produced, the Continental Supersports has made its debut. Image: Bentley The latest Bentley to don the ‘Supersports’ moniker is a hardcore Continental GT-based limited edition signifying the British marque’s return to building more extreme cars. Revealed on this nameplate’s centenary, the Continental Supersports is only the fourth Supersports model in history. Only 500 examples will be made. Billed as the most driver-focused vehicle ever created by the Crewe carmaker, the Continental Supersports employs the same 4.0-litre V8 motor as the Continental GT, which we sampled at the international launch in the US in July 2025. However, whereas the twin-turbocharged unit incorporates an electric motor (for a combined system output of 500 kW and 930 N.m) in the latter model, the Supersports goes without electric assistance. Image: Bentley The Supersports is endowed with a healthy 489 kW and 800 N.m of torque, which, unlike its Continenta...

Toyota SA, the best-selling car brand in our market, has yet again recorded the highest monthly sales for new vehicles in October 2025. Image: Toyota Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recorded a total of 13 559 new-vehicle sales in October 2025; earning the local arm of the Japanese automaker a 24.2% market share. Despite a 587-unit decrease in sales compared to September 2025 , Toyota retained the top spot among the best-selling car brands in SA . TSAM’s total year-to-date new-vehicle sales reached 55 956 units in the 10th month of the year. According to naamsa, Toyota sold 8 432 new passenger cars last month. The most popular models included the Corolla Cross , which led the charge with 1 613 units sold, followed by the Starlet and Urban Cruiser, which recorded 1 613 and 1 360 units sold, respectively. The Vitz recorded 1 200 units sold, while 1 011 Starlet Cross units were sold in October 2025. In the light-commercial vehicle segment (LCV), Toyota achieved a 27.9% market share...

Haval has updated the Jolion and Jolion Pro, adding subtle styling changes and revised tech to its compact-crossover packages. See pricing below. Image: Haval Haval has handed its best-selling crossover/SUV styling and tech updates, with the Chinese marque’s local arm introducing the refreshed Jolion Pro to our market. The lineup receives a smoked black package, which adds black trim to the front grille, windows and rear diffuser. The interior has been updated with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, voice command, a 50W wireless smartphone charging pad and USB-C ports. The updated Jolion Pro also features a thicker, slightly sportier steering wheel. Updated Haval Jolion Pro Price in SA As standard the package comes standard with a seven-year/200 000km warranty, a service plan of similar duration or 75 000km. Jolion 1.5T City –  R348 950 Jolion 1.5T City Plus 7DCT –  R373 950 Jolion Pro 1.5T Premium 7DCT –  R392 150 Jolion Pro 1.5T Super Luxury 7DCT –...

SA’s best-selling vehicle, the Toyota Hilux is set to be replaced by an all-new model in 2026. Should you consider the outgoing generation as a used buy? Image: CAR Magazine The Toyota Hilux is more than a bakkie in South Africa – it’s become a national icon. The eighth-generation model, launched locally in May 2015 and still going strong ahead of the ninth iteration’s 2026 launch , redefined the double-cab segment with sharper styling, turbodiesel grunt, and a ladder-frame toughness when it arrived. For used buyers, it’s a resale rockstar, combining a work-ready payload capacity (up to 1 000 kg) with 3 500 kg (braked) towing muscle – all backed by Toyota’s three-year/90 000 km warranty and nine services/90 000 km service plan. In SA, the Hilux dominates local sales charts. Over 30 000 units are shifted annually, but abuse (read: careless driving) and urban short trips can brew diesel dramas. Assembled at Toyota’s Prospecton plant in Durban, the eighth-gen Hilux (AN120/130 series...