The Car Guide

We have rounded up the top ten most dependable car brands based on a recent study by J.D. Power, ranking vehicle reliability based on the number of problems per 100 vehicles. Image: Lexus Global market research and consumer insights company J.D. Power has recently released its 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which identifies the most dependable vehicles based on overall problems per 100 vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership over nine problem categories. The 2026 results show a two-point increase in problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), resulting in an industry average of 204 PP100. In other words, A score of 204 PP100 means that, on average, owners reported 2.04 issues per car. A lower score indicates better vehicle quality, and vice versa. The 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study covers 184 specific problem areas throughout nine vehicle categories: climate, driving assistance, driving experience, exterior, features/controls/displays, infotainment, interior, powertr...

New spy shots suggest Ferrari is developing a track-focused 296 Challenge Stradale. Image: Derek Photography As we anticipate the full reveal of the all-electric Ferrari Luce , a camouflaged 296, believed to be a Challenge Stradale prototype, has been spotted being tested on public roads. The spy shots suggest a new limited-edition, track-focused Ferrari is set to be unveiled this year. The vehicle sports revised front and rear bumpers, a more pronounced front splitter, a large rear wing and a set of new wheels. A full interior and standard windows, as opposed to a stripped-out cabin and polycarbonate side windows, likely rule out the possibility of the prototype being a 296 Challenge Evo, a track-only variant of the road-going Ferrari 296. Unlike the 296 Speciale , which was unveiled in 2025, the 296 Challenge Stradale could employ a non-hybridised version of the Italian firm’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine. However, whether this model will be powered by a non-electrifie...

Land Rover South Africa has unveiled the Range Rover SV Platinum Edition, an ultra-limited version of the firm’s flagship SUV exclusively available in SA. Image: Range Rover Land Rover South Africa has unveiled the Range Rover SV Platinum Edition, a limited-run P615 SV exclusive to our market. Only five examples will be available. The Platinum Edition’s exterior is finished in bespoke Platinum Satin paintwork, replete with Silver Chrome and Graphite Atlas detailing. The contrast roof’s gold-coloured hue matches that of the badging, while the set of 23-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels feature Satin Gold inserts. The cabin is upholstered in Perlino and earth-toned Caraway leather, complemented by silver noble chrome accents and a natural cream Ash Burr veneer. The seats and scatter cushions feature satin stitching and unique geometric pattern embroidery – the latter inspired by traditional wooden block-printing techniques originating from the Limpopo province. A similar motif can be ...

Scheduled to launch in South Africa in 2026, iCAUR has detailed the ‘high-tech’ engineering behind the T03 all-electric SUV. Image: iCAUR As we highlighted in Every Chinese car confirmed for SA in 2026 , the iCAUR 30T is scheduled to launch in South Africa this year. Now, Chery’s new-energy sub-brand has detailed the engineering, testing, and manufacturing processes used in developing this all-electric off-roader. Assembled at Chery’s South Smart Factory – which uses 100% automation in key processes, while all 105 critical welding points and 436 dimensional measurement points are inspected using an AI-based visual inspection system – the T03 undergoes several quality testing programmes, including in cold and heat, humidity, dust, and on uneven terrain to evaluate corrosion resistance, powertrain performance, sealing integrity, body rigidity, and long-term material stability. The T03’s body structure is made of 6-series aluminium and is constructed using a combination of MIG arch...

Based on the Renault Triber, the Nissan Gravite has made its debut … and it appears likely that it could make its way to SA. Image: Nissan India In December 2025, Nissan released teaser images of its Gravite compact MPV. Now, the Japanese automaker’s Indian arm has finally whipped the wraps off its Renault Triber-based model offering. Produced at Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Chennai plant in India, the Gravite is distinguished from its Renault step-sibling via subtle exterior design elements, with the most notable coming in the shape of a new front grille. ‘Gravite’ badging can be found on the bonnet and tailgate. In India, the Gravite is available with the choice of seven trim grades, ranging from manual-only Visia to range-topping Tekna Launch Edition EZ-Shift. Based on local model denominations, if the Gravite were to make its way to our market, it will likely be offered in Visia, Acenta and Acenta Plus levels of specification. The Gravite is powered by a 52 kW/96 N.m 1.0-litre...

Suzuki South Africa has announced the Across compact SUV is ‘coming soon’ to our market. Image: Suzuki In 2026, Suzuki SA is set to expand its local SUV portfolio with the introduction of the Across. Now, while the exact launch date remains unconfirmed, the local arm of the Japanese automaker has announced that the compact SUV is “coming soon”. The Across, also known as the Victoris in the Indian market, is produced at Maruti Suzuki’s Kharkhoda, Haryana factory in India. Locally, the Across will be positioned above the Grand Vitara as the firm’s flagship model offering. The Across measures 4 360 mm in length and 1 655 mm in height, making it longer and taller than the Grand Vitara. However, it shares the latter model’s width and wheelbase measurements – 1 795 mm and 2 600 mm, respectively. While local specification has yet to be confirmed, the Across is available with the choice of two trim grades in other markets, such as the UK. This includes GL and GLX. Sounds familiar? Well, ...

A report from Japan has suggested that the new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will get the same diesel engine employed by the Hilux and Land Cruiser Prado in the future. Image: Toyota Scheduled to launch in South Africa in the second quarter of 2026, the new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ will be exclusively powered by the Japanese automaker’s long-standing (2TR-FE) 2.7-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, tuned to produce 120 kW and 246 N.m of torque. However, a report from Japan has now suggested the latest FJ-badged Land Cruiser will gain a diesel engine option in the future. Indeed, according to Japanese publication Best Car , the Land Cruiser FJ could get the firm’s tried-and-trusted 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel – the same unit employed by the Hilux and Land Cruiser Prado. As a reminder, in the former and latter applications, the 1GD-FTV motor produces 150 kW and 500 N.m. Also read: New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ to cost less than top-of-the-range Hilux Sharing ...

Ford has confirmed an affordable new Blue Oval bakkie is in the works, with production scheduled to kick off before 2030. Image: Ford Ford’s bakkie portfolio comprises an array of models, including the F-150, Ranger and Maverick. Now, the Blue Oval brand is looking to introduce a new model to its bakkie lineup before the end of this decade. In addition, it forms part of the US automaker’s plans to introduce five more affordable new vehicles – priced below $40 000 (around R637 000 at the current Rand-Dollar exchange rate) – by 2030. Although the manufacturer has remained tight-lipped about details surrounding the upcoming model, in addition to announcing targeted pricing, the company has confirmed it will be powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE). The model will be built at the firm’s Stanton assembly facility in Tennessee, with production expected to kick off in 2029. In addition, Ford CEO Jim Farley has said it will be a “different kind of truck”. Though, where this...

With the uproar surrounding the safety ratings recently awarded to a few vehicles sold in South Africa, we detail new car assessment programmes (NCAP) and what you should know about them. Image: Global NCAP Many car buyers are factoring in safety considerations when making purchase decisions. The knowledge that all vehicles sold in SA need to conform to regulations controlled by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) provides buyers with a level of assurance that minimum safety standards have been met. However, there is no way of comparing how well vehicles perform in these tests. While the safety features can be compared by manually checking specifications, this does not provide any details regarding how different vehicles perform in crash situations. New car assessment programmes The local situation is no different from that in other markets, and it was the need for reliable, independently verified information regarding the safety performance of different v...

Toyota South Africa showcased the facelifted Corolla Cross GR-Sport at its 2026 State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) conference in Johannesburg. Image: Toyota At Toyota South Africa’s ninth annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) conference, the Japanese automaker’s local arm announced a variety of new models and derivatives for our market – the latter including a Land Cruiser 300 Hybrid and the Lexus RZ – while hinting at how much the GR GT will cost once it arrives in SA in 2027. In addition, TSAM also made use of the opportunity to showcase the updated Corolla Cross GR-Sport (in hybrid guise). The revised Corolla Cross GR-Sport gains a fresh front grille, replete with ‘GR’ badging, and model-specific 18-inch alloy wheels, among several other items included with the updated. The interior features ‘GR’ branding on the headrests, steering wheel, and floor mats. Red seatbelts and aluminium pedals are also present. Paddle shifters can be found in the non-electrified variant. As ...

A now foremost event on the calendars of motoring enthusiasts from around the world, with a confirmed 70 entries, this year’s Cape 1000 rally looks set to be one of the most spectacular to date.  Image: Cape 1000   The vision of Ross and Vanessa Crichton, the inaugural Cape 1000 rally saw a fleet of 40 classic, modern classic and sportscars take to impossibly scenic driving routes around the Western Cape, with a view to both promoting this beautiful part of the world, but also to showcase the level of passion and enthusiasm that local car enthusiasts, both spectators and owners, have for these types of cars. In its fifth year of running, the entry list has grown to include 70 cars, with many participants arriving from overseas destinations to take part in what has become known as “South Africa’s most beautiful drive”. While CAR participated in the 2025 instalment behind the wheel of the then-new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 , South Africa’s oldest and most established motoring pu...

Toyota South Africa has hinted at what the SA-bound GR GT will cost when it arrives in 2027. Image: Toyota At its ninth annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) conference, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) revealed how much its flagship GR product, the GR GT, will likely cost once it arrives in SA. Unveiled in December 2025, with TSAM confirming the pinnacle GR model for our shores soon after, the GR GT employs a petrol-electric powertrain comprising a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and a duo of electric motors. The hybrid setup produces a combined system output of 478 kW and 850 N.m of torque – the latter exclusively sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with wet-start clutch for improved response. Although the Japanese automaker has yet to reveal just how quick it will complete the 0-100 km/h sprint, the firm says the apex GR model will reach a top speed of 320 km/h. Bringing the GR GT to a standstill is a Brembo carbon-ceramic braking setup. Ho...

The Steed 5 has been a staple in GWM’s local bakkie portfolio since arriving here in 2011. Now that it’s been discontinued, is it worth considering as a used buy? Image: GWM SA The GWM Steed 5 served as the backbone of Great Wall Motors’ (GWM) success in South Africa for over a decade, establishing the brand as a formidable player in our bakkie-obsessed market. Discontinued in 2026 as the automaker solidifies the P-Series as its workhorse, the Steed 5 carved out a niche as an unapologetic, value-driven bakkie. It appealed to small business owners, farmers, and fleet managers who required a one-tonne load capacity without the high-end price tag associated with established rivals. Built on a traditional ladder-frame chassis, its design was simple and functional. It was a bakkie that prioritised utility over lifestyle flair in every sense of the word. Despite being a budget-oriented offering, the Steed 5 played a crucial role in shifting South Africans’ perceptions of Chinese vehicle...

Speaking to a US publication, Mercedes-AMG’s CEO confirmed the current-generation C63 will be replaced by a six-cylinder C53 model. Image: Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe has confirmed to a US publication that the current-generation C63 and its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain are set to be axed in favour of a six-cylinder C53 model. Indeed, speaking to Edmunds , Schiebe said the Affalterbach brand will be “replacing our four-cylinder” with the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six motor found in the CLE 53. “We’re taking the combustion engine from the CLE 53 . No hybrid engine – pure inline six-cylinder.” As a reminder, the M256M unit employed by the CLE 53 produces 330 kW and 560 N.m of torque, or 600 N.m in ‘overboost’, with an additional 17 kW/205 N.m available for short durations courtesy of 48 V mild-hybrid tech. Power is delivered to the road via the automaker’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drivetrain – the latter paired with a nine-speed automatic ...

Lepas has announced its plan to secure consumer confidence through a ‘robust’ aftersales infrastructure. Image: Lepas As Lepas prepares to launch its local crossover/SUV range, which includes the L4 and L8 , in the first quarter of 2026, the Chinese automaker has confirmed its commitment to “exceptional” aftersales service, with this Chery sub-brand planning on leveraging its parent company’s dealership network and central parts warehouse to allow for quicker access to inventory and replacements when and where needed. The central parts warehouse exceeds 6 000 m 2 and currently stocks over R180 million worth of inventory, allowing for a parts fulfilment rate of 98%, the firm says. According to Lepas, “a streamlined logistics system enables delivery to major centres like Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town within 48 hours.” Lepas also inherits access to a nationwide network of over 330 certified paint and body repair centres, and a 24-hour roadside assistance programme. “Our...

An ad on the new Toyota Hilux has received complaints for depicting “dangerous and potentially illegal” behaviour. Image: Toyota Australia/YouTube Toyota Australia’s latest ad on the new Hilux has caused quite a stir – receiving complaints that it depicts “dangerous and potentially illegal behaviour”. Watch the ad below. Titled ‘Pied Piper’, in the opening scene of the ad, we see the owner walking towards his Hilux and signalling to his dog to come along. His loyal companion then jumps into the loading bay and they set off; traversing a gravel road en route to town. During the drive, they pass several other bakkies (of different makes, mind) with dogs in the back – the latter deciding to ditch their owners and the bakkies they drive, some of which broken down or stuck, in favour of the new Hilux. What follows is a pack of dogs chasing the ninth generation before hopping into its loading bay. Packed with dogs, the new Hilux finally arrives in town, with an elderly gentleman quip...

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) is celebrating three decades of Polo production at Plant Kariega. Image: Volkswagen In 2026, VW is celebrating its 75th year in South Africa. However, that’s not the only milestone the German marque’s local arm is celebrating. Indeed, 2026 also marks 30 years of Polo production at the automaker’s Kariega assembly facility in the Eastern Cape. Since local Polo production kicked off in 1996 with the Polo Classic sedan, the Kariega plant has manufactured four generations of Polo, including the sixth iteration (from 2021), of which the 500 000th example rolled off the Kariega assembly line in October 2025. Overall, over two million Polos have been produced at Plant Kariega , which, since 2024, is the sole manufacturer and exporter of the Polo for Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Of the two million Polos built at Plant Kariega, 1 421 960 (around 70%) were exported. In addition, the Polo GTI has been produced in SA for 20 years, and exclusively built...

Ferrari has showcased the interior of the Luce, the Modena marque’s first all-electric model, which will be fully revealed in the coming months. Image: Ferrari While we’ll have to wait until May 2026 to see what form the Ferrari Luce (Italian for “light”) will take, the Italian automaker has showcased the interior of its first all-electric model. For the Luce’s interior and interface, Ferrari worked with LoveFrom, a creative collective founded by former Apple Chief Design Officer Sir Jony Ive – who led the design of products such as  the iPhone and Apple Watch – with fellow designer Marc Newson. Ferrari has been collaborating with LoveFrom for five years on every aspect of the upcoming car’s design. According to the Modena manufacturer, its intention with the Luce’s interior was to blend its heritage with modern innovations. The interior is a study in minimalism. Taking pride of place on the facia, the central control panel, replete with Corning Gorilla glass, can be posit...

Powered by a ‘high-revving’ six-cylinder motor, Mercedes-AMG has whipped the wraps off the GLC 53. Image: Mercedes-Benz Positioned between the GLC 43 and barnstorming GLC 63 S E Performance – one of the fastest-accelerating SUVs tested by CAR magazine to date – the Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 employs a revised version of the Affalterbach automaker’s 3.0-litre inline-six powertrain. Equipped with breathing apparatus in the form of turbocharging, the “high-revving” six-cylinder unit produces 330 kW and 600 N.m – the latter lifted to 640 N.m for up to 10 seconds in ‘overboost’. The GLC 53 also offers an additional 17 kW/205 N.m boost for short durations, courtesy of 48 V mild-hybrid technology. Delivered to the road via the firm’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drivetrain, peak power and torque are available between 5 800-6 100 and 2 200-5 200 r/min, respectively. According to Mercedes-AMG, the GLC 53 completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in “just” 4.2 seconds with Race Start, which forms part of the AMG Dyn...