The Car Guide

The third-generation Tucson roamed SA roads from 2016 to 2021. Should you consider it as a used buy in 2026? Image: Hyundai SA The third-generation Hyundai Tucson was introduced to South Africa in 2016 and moved away from the “ix35” nomenclature to claim the globally recognised ‘Tucson’ nameplate. This model arrived at a time when Hyundai was positioning itself as a premium alternative to established Japanese and European rivals. Lauded for its blend of high-end aesthetics, generous standard specification, and one of the most comprehensive warranty packages in the country, the TL generation quickly became a strong player in the local C-SUV segment. By the time the fourth-generation model took over in 2021, the third-gen Tucson had solidified its reputation as a reliable family transporter, consistently appearing at the top of South Africa’s best-seller lists. The third iteration’s success was further bolstered by the introduction of the locally-developed Tucson Sport derivatives. ...

Chery South Africa is set to acquire Nissan’s local manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, South Africa, in 2026. Image: Nissan Nissan opened its Rosslyn production plant, where the Japanese automaker has produced new vehicles for six decades, in 1966. Now, this historic assembly facility is set to change hands, with Chery and Nissan having reached an agreement on the Chinese automaker its acquiring the South African-based plant. This shift comes amid mounting pressure on Chinese manufacturers, with new Chinese State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) guidelines prohibiting below-cost vehicle pricing, alongside tighter export rules taking effect in 2026. While these measures limit the ability of brands to offer deep discounts in markets such as South Africa, they have also intensified discussions around localised production as a strategic response to potential import duty increases being considered by the South African government. While certain conditions are yet to be agr...

The local arm of Mercedes-Benz has announced the introduction of the GLC 200 4Matic. Here’s what you can expect from the upcoming model. Image: Mercedes-Benz Following Mercedes-Benz South Africa releasing revised pricing for its GLC SUV portfolio, the local arm of the German marque announced the introduction a new derivative to the lineup – the GLC 200 4Matic. Joining the diesel-powered models (220d and 300d) in the GLC SUV range, the GLC 200 employs a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine incorporating 48 V mild-hybrid tech. The four-cylinder unit produces 150 kW and 320 N.m of torque, delivered to all four corners via the Stuttgart automaker’s 9G-tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. Stepping inside, the GLC 200’s interior plays host to a portrait-oriented, 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring, and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. A wireless smartphone charging tray is also present. Further included as...

Volkswagen has unveiled a prototype version of the SA-bound Amarok Walkinshaw edition.  Image: Volkswagen Developed in collaboration with Australian tuning company Walkinshaw Automotive Group, Volkswagen has revealed the Amarok Walkinshaw double-cab bakkie. While the Amarok Walkinshaw, also referred to as the W600 (a nod to its maximum torque figure), has mostly been unveiled, the German marque has yet to whip the camouflage off this edition’s (model-specific) front fascia. The Amarok Walkinshaw features 3D-printed Walkinshaw badging, black wheelarch cladding, wider mud flaps, and 20-inch alloy wheels – the latter shod in Michelin Sport 4 SUV road tyres. Electrically actuated side steps are fitted as standard. The package also gains dual side-exit exhaust outlets, positioned behind the right rear wheel. Upgraded suspension comes in the form of new Koni shock absorbers, front and rear, which has been tuned by Walkinshaw. A 22 mm rear sway bar has also been fitted for improve...

Mercedes-Benz has updated the pricing of the GLC SUV model lineup for 2025. See pricing below. Image: Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz South Africa has announced it has restructured its GLC product lineup, with the local arm of the German marque releasing revised pricing for its popular premium midsize SUV. Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV price in SA The GLC 220d Avantgarde and GLC 220d AMG-Line are now priced from R1 184 474 and R1 269 175, respectively; R53 447 less than the previously. The GLC 300d Avantgarde and GLC 300d AMG-Line are now priced from R1 334 474 (previously R 1 474 718 ) and R1 419 175 (previously R1 559 419), respectively. Included in the price is a two-year/unlimited km warranty and a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d Avantgarde – R1 184 474 Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d AMG-Line – R1 269 175 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d Avantgarde – R1 334 474 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d AMG-Line – R1 419 175 As a reminder, the GLC SUV lineup employs 2.0-litre, four-c...

Lamborghini has noted 2025 was its most successful customer car delivery year to date.  Image: Lamborghini Automobili Lamborghini achieved a successful year for customer car deliveries in 2025. The Sant’Agata Bolognese-based automaker delivered 10 747 cars worldwide. The goal was 10 000 cars and this surpasses the number of deliveries in 2024. Lamborghini provides for three main world macro-regions. Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) was the leading market with 4 650 cars delivered. Then, not far behind,  3 347 units were delivered in the Americas. Lastly, a total of 2 750 cars were delivered in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. “2025 was marked by significant geopolitical and macroeconomic turbulence, resulting in differing dynamics across the markets in which we operate […] the offering of highly competitive products and a distribution approach designed to preserve the exclusivity of the range, Lamborghini was able to achieve strong results,” said Federico Foschin...

Scheduled to arrive in South Africa in the third quarter of 2026, Volvo has officially whipped the wraps off the EX60.  Image: Volvo Based on Volvo’s SPA3 (Scalable Product Architecture 3) platform, the EX60 was revealed in single and dual electric-motor configurations. Serving as the opening gambit to the EX60 lineup, the P6 is the sole derivative employing the former layout, while the P10 AWD and P12 AWD are equipped with the latter arrangement. The P6’s rear-mounted electric motor produces 275 kW and 480 N.m of torque. According to Volvo, these figures allow the rear-wheel-driven EX60 to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds. The P6’s 83 kWh (gross) battery pack, which is capable of receiving up to 320 kW at a DC fast-charging facility, offers a claimed emissions-free operating range of 620 km when fully charged. The P10 AWD’s fore and aft electric motors produce a combined system output of 375 kW and 710 N.m — good for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.6 secon...

Limited to just 15 examples locally, Mercedes-Benz South Africa has announced pricing for the CLA 45 S Final Edition. Image: Mercedes-Benz The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S is scheduled to be discontinued in 2026. So, bidding farewell to its performance-focused, coupé-styled compact sedan, the Affalterbach automaker announced the introduction of the CLA 45 S Final Edition in July 2025. Limited to just 15 examples locally, this special-edition CLA 45 S  is now available in South Africa. So, what sets the special edition apart from the “standard” CLA 45 S? Well, for starters, the Final Edition models available to South African customers are all finished in Night Black paintwork and feature large ‘45 S’ decals, in either black or yellow, on the doors. Yellow ‘AMG’ logos are also present on the wing mirror housings. The Final Edition is equipped with a set of 19-inch alloy wheels, replete with model-specific wheel hub covers, which are adorned with yellow ‘AMG’ logos. The brake callipers ...

Sporting impressive range, sharp looks, and numerous safety innovations, the Mazda CX-6e represents a bold step towards the electrification of its most popular models. Image: Mazda Mazda has revealed the CX-6e, the latest model in the Japanese automaker’s electric vehicle (EV) portfolio. The emissions-free SUV is equipped with a rear-mounted single electric motor, fed by a 78 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, producing 190 kW and 290 N.m of torque – good for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.9 seconds and a 185 km/h top speed. According to Mazda , the CX-6e’s battery pack is capable of receiving a maximum charging rate of 195 kW at a DC fast-charging facility; allowing for a 10-80% recharge in 24 minutes. When fully charged, the battery offers a claimed emissions-free operating range of 482 km (WLTP). Stepping inside, the minimalist interior plays host to a 26-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen...

Harking back to its heritage, Land Rover has announced a quartet of London-inspired Range Rover models are headed to South Africa, with two of these – the Evoque Hoxton Edition and Velar Belgravia Edition – already available to order in our market. Image: Range Rover Land Rover South Africa has confirmed a quartet of London-inspired special-edition Range Rover models for our market. Named for influential areas in the British capital, these include the Evoque Hoxton Edition, Velar Belgravia Edition, Range Rover Sport Battersea Edition, and Range Rover Westminster Edition. While the Coventry carmaker’s local arm has yet to announce more details, including pricing, for the latter two derivatives, it has announced the former, Evoque- and Velar-based models are already available to order in our market.  So, what sets the special editions apart from their “standard” stablemates? The Evoque Hoxton Edition sports “understated” badging, ‘Hoxton Edition’ script for the puddle lamps, Sa...

Boasting several off-road-ready upgrades, including the option of specifying a Sasquatch package for improved capability, the Ford Bronco RTR has made its debut. Image: Ford Ford has whipped the wraps off the Bronco RTR, a dune-ready model featuring several of off-road upgrades – the latter including RTR Evo 6 beadlock wheels, wrapped in  33-inch tyres, HOSS 2.0 suspension, and anti-lag turbo tech, which maintains boost pressure. However, enthusiasts looking to venture even further off the beaten track can specify the optional Sasquatch package, which ditches the standard tyres for 35-inch items and upgrades to HOSS 3.0 suspension, replete with Fox internal bypass dampers. Further distinguishing the new Bronco RTR from its stablemates, it features a model-specific front grille and and ‘Hyper Lime’ exterior accents – the latter available as an option. There are also several decals to choose from. The Bronco RTR is equipped with the Blue Oval brand’s 2.3-litre, four-cylinder t...

Hyundai South Africa has responded to the recent zero-star NCAP safety rating awarded to the Grand i10 for adult occupant safety. Image: Hyundai Following a recent Global New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) where the Grand i10 received a zero-star safety rating for adult occupant safety and three stars for child safety, Hyundai Automotive South Africa has responded that the Grand i10 meets all local safety and homologation requirements according to the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS). All vehicles are required to meet 53 NRCS compliance requirements to be approved for use on South African roads. This includes braking performance, frontal impact protection, door latch integrity, child restraint anchorage systems, and airbags, among other regulated safety features. Hyundai states that the Grand i10 meets all 53 of these compliance requirements. “The Hyundai Grand i10 has been engineered to meet all South African road and safety requirements, and the NRCS c...

Ferrari has unveiled the Tailor Made 12Cilindri, a one-of-one version of the Italian marque’s flagship grand tourer. Image: Ferrari Ferrari has whipped the wraps off the 12Cilindri Tailor Made, a one-off model designed in collaboration with four South Korean artists and Cool Hunting, a lifestyle media brand and online publication. The 12Cilindri Tailor Made is finished in a bespoke iridescent ‘Yoonseul’ hue, which shifts from green to violet with blue highlights. The exterior of the one-of-a-kind 12Cilindri is further distinguished by translucent Scuderia Ferrari shields, Prancing Horse emblem and “Ferrari” lettering. Completing the exterior specification are white brake callipers. Inside, the seats, floor and several other interior surfaces are upholstered in a unique 3D-patterned fabric. The same pattern is screen-printed onto the glass roof. A hand-woven piece made from Mongolian horsehair is integrated into the dashboard. The centre console is finished in a translucent hue. ...

Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya has partnered with Jaecoo South Africa as new brand ambassador for the Chinese marque’s plug-in hybrid J7. Image: Jaecoo Jaecoo South Africa has announced it has partnered with Olympian Caster Semenya, who will serve as brand ambassador for the Chinese automaker’s flagship J7, the J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System). “I love the J7’s style. It’s sleek, spacious, and packed with advanced safety features, which is especially important for me as a parent,” said the two-time Olympic gold medalist. “For someone like me with kids and a family, it just fits perfectly.” Semenya admitted that, before getting behind the wheel of the new-energy J7, which we evaluated for a road test in 2025, she had her reserves about the quality of Chinese vehicles. “I was one of those people who had preconceived notions about Chinese cars not being of a certain quality.” However, Semenya said the J7 SHS proved her wrong. “The J7 SHS is one of the best driving experiences I’...

Mini South Africa has revealed pricing for the adventure-focused Countryman Rugged Edition models. Image: Mini Mini South Africa has introduced the Rugged Edition to its local Countryman model lineup. The Countrymen Rugged Edition is exclusively available in South Africa and limited to only 100 examples. The limited-edition Countryman distinguishes itself from its stablemates through the fitment of several unique exterior styling cues and adventure-focused accessories. The new model receives decorative bonnet stripes, a grille decal, and 18-inch Y-spoke wheels, finished in Frozen Midnight Grey and shod in all-terrain tyres. Additionally, buyers can specify an optional roof box or a roof-mounted bicycle carrier from the firm’s Original Accessories catalogue. The special edition is available can be had with the choice of four exterior hues: Nanuq White, Smokey Green, Melting Silver and Legend Grey. Mini Countryman Rugged Edition pricing in SA The Rugged Edition models are priced ...

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has released the GLA Night Edition to its local model lineup. See full pricing below… Image: Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz South Africa has the introduction of the GLA Night Edition to its local GLA model lineup. The GLA Night Edition is finished in MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey, complemented by the Night Package, which adds gloss-black accents on the wing mirrors, window surrounds, and roof rails. The GLA Night Edition also receives a set of model-specific AMG wheels; building on the model’s standard AMG Line specification, which includes power domes on the bonnet and front grille, complete with the Mercedes-Benz star pattern. Adding to the GLA’s exterior aesthetic are standard LED headlamps and LED taillamps, as well as a sportier rear diffuser. Inside, the special-edition GLA’s interior remains largely untouched; featuring digital instrumentation, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, replete with the firm’s latest MBUX software, turbine-styled air vents, and a N...

The safest car tested in 2025 by Euro NCAP was the new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA, which also won European Car of the Year for 2026. Image: Mercedes-Benz The 2025 electric Mercedes-Benz CLA was the safest car of 2025, tested by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). Given the title “Best Performer” by the crash-test organisation, it achieved the top rating of five stars and the top scores in all four safety disciplines during testing. The electric CLA was the safest in occupant protection for adults and children, protecting vulnerable road users and in safety assistants. Jörg Burzer, Chief Technology Officer and responsible for Development and Procurement of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, says, “We have redesigned the CLA from the ground up. This also includes development or the safety features that are part of Mercedes’ DNA.” Prof. Dr. Paul Dick, Director of Safety and Accident Research at Mercedes-Benz AG, further adds that to protect occupants in a Mercedes-Benz and al...

Toyota South Africa has confirmed official pricing for the updated GR Corolla ahead of this flagship model’s local introduction.  Image: Toyota In anticipation of the launch of the updated GR Corolla, which we covered in our list of every Toyota confirmed for South Africa in 2026 , Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has confirmed official pricing for the latest iteration of its pinnacle hot hatch. The updated GR Corolla is exclusively available in the top spec “Circuit” guise, with the entry-level “Core” derivative falling away. Standard specification on the Circuit spec includes a limited-slip differential on each axle, a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof and bonnet vents as well as bi-LED auto-high-beam headlamps, faux leather-and-suede upholstery, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display and 18-inch alloy wheels. Updated Toyota GR Corolla in SA Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit 6MT – R985 200 Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit 8AT – R1 010 700 While the upd...

Range Rover Bespoke introduces a fresh layer of elegance to its new paint finish, available to all Bespoke clients and special releases Image: Land Rover South Africa High-quality paint finishes aren’t new to Range Rover or its Bespoke division. However, the firm’s newly developed “mirror-like” finish looks to add that extra layer of shine to an already imposing vehicle. The new process incorporates a thicker topcoat lacquer and extended polishing that achieves a claimed 25 percent increase in finish smoothness, allowing for a “mirror-like paint finish” .  Image: Land Rover South Africa As expected, the process is a very labour intensive one, with each example taking three days to finish. This includes hand spraying, sanding, and polishing. Specialists use sophisticated instruments such as scanners to inspect the vehicles’ surfaces for smoothness and imperfections. The finishing stage of hand polishing removes 15 microns of lacquer to ensure a longer-lasting shine. ...

For buyers of AWD vehicles, choosing a drivetrain appropriate to their needs is only one consideration. Less understood is the suspension’s influence on driving dynamics, off-road capability and comfort. Image: Ford For those requiring proper 4×4 and off-road capabilities, the choice comes down to vehicles offering part-time or full-time AWD, with low-range gearing, diff locks, and brake traction control all contributing to the vehicle’s capability. While the choice of drivetrain will determine how, and under which conditions, drive will be delivered to each wheel, it is the suspension that has a major influence on how that drive is effectively transferred to the tyre contact patch. Its performance largely defines not only a vehicle’s capability in more extreme off-road conditions, but also its on- and off-road driving dynamics and comfort. Types of suspension At the most fundamental level, 4×4 suspension designs can be categorised as being either independent or solid (live) axle...

We’ve rounded up every Toyota scheduled to launch in South Africa in 2026, including the New Hilux, Land Cruiser FJ and more. As highlighted in our Cars for 2026 feature in the December 2025 issue, on the back of a successful 2025, 2026 looks set to be another busy year for Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM). Here’s a closer look at what this Japanese automaker’s local arm is planning to introduce over the next 12 months. New Toyota Hilux Image: Toyota Finall reveal on 10 November 2025, the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux has been confirmed for South Africa. The latest Hilux will retain its tried and tested GD-6 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which will also be available as a 48 V mild-hybrid powertrain. New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Image: Toyota Revealed ahead of the Tokyo Mobility Show, the new 4.5-metre-long Land Cruiser FJ is set to feature Toyota’s 2.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with the brand’s six-speed Super ECT automatic transmission...