The Car Guide

Through its agreement with Toyota, the next-generation Suzuki Swift Sport will be based on the GR Yaris. When the fourth-generation Swift was unveiled in 2024, Suzuki remained tight-lipped as to whether the latest iteration of its characterful hatchback will spawn a plucky Sport variant. Well, the Japanese automaker has now confirmed a new Swift Sport is in the works. However, perhaps the biggest news is that it will be based on the Toyota GR Yaris. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, however, as both manufacturers offer products based on existing models from each other’s portfolios. This includes the Suzuki Fronx-based Toyota Starlet Cross and the  European-based Toyota RAV4-based Suzuki Across. (the local Across is based on the Grand Vitara). As part of this agreement, the next Suzuki Swift Sport is now destined to based on a rather exciting Toyota product. Although the Swift has been viewed as “off-limits” to Toyota, it seems the GR Yaris is at full disposal to Suzuki. As suc...

Mercedes-AMG has confirmed it is developing a brand-new – and ‘most extreme’ of its kind – Black Series model. Here’s what we know so far. Image: Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG has announced it is developing a brand-new Black Series, with the German automaker saying the upcoming model will be the “most extreme” to don the ‘Black Series’ moniker yet. Developed alongside the Affalterbach brand’s next GT3 race car, although details surrounding the second-generation GT Black Series remain thin, reports have suggested it could employ Mercedes-Benz’s new flat-plane crank V8 engine. “We are developing the most extreme Black Series ever,” said Michael Schiebe, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. Schiebe added that, at AMG, they develop vehicles to exceed expectations and that the latter is exactly what the future Black Series will do. Set to spearhead the GT lineup – of which we’ve sampled the GT 63 Pro and the GT 63 S E Performance – despite being wrapped in camoufla...

The Mitsubishi Destinator has officially launched in South Africa. Here’s how much the Japanese automaker’s new seven-seater SUV costs in SA. See pricing below… Image: Mitsubishi The local Mitsubishi Destinator lineup comprises two models, GLS and Exceed – the former and latter serving as the entry point and flagship derivative in the range, respectively. As standard, GLS spec features such items as a 4.2-inch multi-information driver’s display, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker sound system, manual air conditioning, a rear-view camera that’s supplemented by park distance sensors, keyless entry and start, and six airbags. The seats are upholstered in fabric. GLS grade is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, finished in Dark Grey. Exceed trim upgrades to 8.0-inch digital instrumentation, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment, an eight-speaker Yamaha Premium audio system, dual-zone climate control, a surround-view camera array, and front and rear park distance sensors...

With fuel prices set to increase in April 2026, we’ve rounded up the nine most fuel-efficient hatchbacks currently available in South Africa as of March 2026.  7=. Suzuki Ignis – 4.9 L/100 km Image: Suzuki The Suzuki Ignis employs a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine producing 61 kW and 113 N.m. The naturally aspirated unit returns an average fuel consumption of 4.9 L/100 km in both five-speed manual and automatic manual transmission (AMT) derivatives. The Ignis is priced from R237 900. 7=. Renault Kwid – 4.9 L/100 km Image: Renault Matching the Ignis’ claimed average fuel consumption, the Renault Kwid is equipped with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol motor, coupled with either a five-speed manual or AMT with the same number of cogs. The most affordable hatchback in SA, the Kwid is priced from R178 799. Also read: 5 Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles CAR Magazine Tested in 2025 6=. Suzuki Swift 1.2 MT– 4.4 L/100 km Image: Suzuki With the new g...

The sixth-generation Hyundai Elantra had a very short tenure in South Africa. But despite the premature exit, is it a good used buy? Image: CAR magazine The arrival of the sixth-generation Hyundai Elantra in June 2017 was a massive shift for the Korean automaker in South Africa. Succeeding the wildly popular, Car of the Year-winning fifth generation, this new iteration abandoned the flamboyant curves in favour of a mature, aerodynamic design and a structure that draws on European aesthetics. However, as a crucial side note to its history, this iteration was quietly discontinued locally by early 2020. This premature exit was not a reflection of mechanical inferiority, but rather a strategic concession to the relentless consumer migration toward crossovers/SUVs like the Creta and Tucson. Consequently, the Elantra’s three-year lifecycle transformed it into a fascinating, high-value anomaly on the pre-owned market. If you’re willing to swim against the SUV current, this highly depreci...

Hyundai Automotive South Africa has announced it has teamed up with Swys de Bruin, Head Coach of the Springbok Women’s rugby team, for its latest strategic mobility partnership. Image: Hyundai In January 2026, Hyundai Automotive South Africa announced it has partnered with Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok John Smit. Now, the South Korean automaker’s local arm has teamed up with Swys de Bruin, Head Coach of the Springbok Women’s rugby team. De Bruin, who initially joined as performance coach in 2024, has been the team’s Head Coach since 2025. De Bruin was handed the keys to a new Tucson. Said De Bruin, “Coaching the national team extends far beyond the field. A large part of the job involves being on the road and working with provincial structures. Having the mobility and reliability of the Hyundai Tucson allows me to perform those duties more effectively.” Also read: Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok Canan Moodie scores new Hyundai Santa Fe “Swys de Bruin embodies leadershi...

Mercedes-Benz has whipped the wraps off the thoroughly updated Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Image: Mercedes-Benz In January 2026, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the thoroughly updated S-Class – the revised model featuring an array of fresh exterior and interior design elements, upgraded tech and, perhaps most noteworthy, a new V8 engine option. Now, the German automaker has whipped the wraps off the most luxurious variant in the revised S-Class lineup, the Mercedes-Maybach. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is available in three flavours: S580, S580e and S680. The S580 employs the Stuttgart marque’s new (flat-plane-crank) V8. The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged powertrain produces 395 kW and 750 N.m of torque. Thanks to 48 V mild-hybrid tech, an additional 17 kW and 205 N.m boost is available for short durations. Power is delivered to all four corners. The S580 dispatches the 0-100 km/h dash in a claimed 4.5 seconds. The S580e’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain comprises Mercedes-Benz’s revised (M...

The updated Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport has officially launched in South Africa. Here’s pricing and specs for the refreshed model. Image: Toyota Unveiled at Toyota South Africa’s 2026 State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event, the updated Corolla Cross GR-Sport has officially launched in SA. Distinguishing the facelifted Corolla Cross GR-Sport from its stablemates are the fitment of several model-specific exterior and interior design elements – the former including a distinct front grille, replete with ‘GR’ badging, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior features ‘GR’ branding embossed on the front seats’ headrests, ‘GR’ branding on the multifunction steering wheel, red seatbelts, and aluminium pedals. Also read: Every Toyota on the horizon for SA in 2026 Updated Toyota Corolla Cross GR-Sport price in SA Toyota’s updated Corolla Cross GR-Sport is priced from R527 000 for the non-electrified variant and R569 700 for the hybrid model. Across the range, pricing includes a thr...

Lepas SA has partnered with the Black Coffee Foundation to support youth empowerment and community development. Image: Lepas SA Lepas South Africa has announced it has partnered with the Black Coffee Foundation to bolster youth empowerment, education, and community development in South Africa. The core objective of Lepas SA’s partnership with the Black Coffee Foundation is to support the work the latter is already doing. The local arm of the Chinese marque will provide vehicles to the foundation in order to support its efforts of delivering educational content and mentorship needs, and whichever other programmes are needed to help communities develop across SA. Country Director of Lepas SA, Luke Cao, explained, “Our goal is simple. We want to enable the foundation to reach more communities, support more young people, and extend the impact of the incredible work it already does.” “We are deeply committed to uplifting young people and communities across South Africa. Education, o...

Ahead of its official global debut, Chevrolet has previewed the upcoming new Corvette Grand Sport. Image: Chevrolet Scheduled to make its official global debut on 26 March 2026, Chevrolet has previewed the new Corvette Grand Sport at the 2026 12 Hours of Sebring race. Although details surrounding the new model remain thin, the US automaker has confirmed the C8-generation Corvette Grand Sport will employ GM’s “next-generation” V8 technology, with reports suggesting the powertrain will come in the shape of the brand’s new LS6 small-block unit. The V8 is said to have a capacity of 6.7 litres and go without forced induction. The powertrain will reportedly also feature a new direct and port injection system. While Chevrolet has yet to reveal how much power the engine produces, according to reports, the naturally aspirated mill could produce around 410 kW. If the latter is proven true, in terms of power output, the Grand Sport will slot in between the Stingray and Z06 in the company’s C...

Developed with the input from Australian engineers, Mitsubishi has teased the Triton Raider, a new, rally-inspired flagship model in the Japanese automaker’s Australian Triton lineup. Image: Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Australia has teased the Triton Raider. Drawing inspiration from the heavily modified Triton rally-raid bakkie that claimed victory at the 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally, the upcoming model will sit at the top of the Japanese automaker’s Triton lineup (in Australia, at least). The Triton Raider was developed with input from Australian engineers and completed its durability testing in the largest mountain range in South Australia, Flinders Ranges. Designed for Australia’s challenging terrain, the Triton Raider is equipped with upgraded suspension and model-specific alloy wheels – the latter shod in all-terrain tyres. To enhance its go-anywhere capability, this model also gains additional underbody protection. The Triton Raider will employ Mitsubishi’s new twin-turbocharge...

Billed The Legendary, Toyota has whipped the wraps off a retro-styled new Land Cruiser FJ concept. Image: Toyota While we wait for the new Land Cruiser FJ to officially launch in South Africa – the latter scheduled for the second quarter of 2026 – the most compact member in Toyota’s Land Cruiser family has been released and Thailand, and with it, the Japanese automaker has showcased a quartet of concept models, each designed to to “inspire” the aftermarket car market. Among the latter was the version pictured here. Paying homage to the “Land Cruiser” nameplate’s vaunted legacy, this variant is named The Legendary. According to Toyota, this retro-inspired model was built for enthusiasts with a deep trust in the Land Cruiser legacy. Finished in Sandstone Yellow paintwork, The Legendary features several exterior elements inspired by the original FJ. The Legendary sports the heritage-inspired circular daytime-running lights, heritage badging above the wheel arches, and chrome trim o...

The plug-in hybrid Haval H6 has launched in SA, with the Chinese automaker’s local arm revealing pricing and specs for the PHEV models. Image: Haval In a bid to strengthen its local new-energy vehicle (NEV) portfolio, GWM has introduced the Haval H6 PHEV (plug-in hybrid) to South Africa. Positioned as the new flagship powertrain in the carmaker’s local lineup, the PHEV setup is available with the choice of two drivetrains: front-wheel drive (FWD) and Hi-4 all-wheel drive. The FWD derivative’s 110 kW/240 N.m 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is supplemented by a single electric motor – the latter producing 130 kW and 300 N.m of torque. The FWD model produces a combined system output of 240 kW and 540 N.m. The Hi-4 variant is equipped with the same internal combustion engine (ICE). However, here, the ICE is coupled with two electric motors for a combined system output of 268 kW and 760 N.m. Both models are equipped with a 19.1 kWh battery pack, which offers a cla...

American comedian and actor Jerry Seinfeld’s Mercedes-Benz 500 E has been sold for a record price at Gooding Christie’s 2026 Amelia Island Auction. Image: Gooding & Company In addition to his stand-up comedy and acting, Jerry Seinfeld is well known for his collection of sought-after, and especially rare, Porsches. However, his collection not only comprised cars donning the Porsche badge. Indeed, it also included the car you see here, the Mercedes-Benz 500 E. It seems curious, but let us explain. See, the W124-generation Mercedes-Benz 500 E, which was produced between 1991 and 1995, was developed in close collaboration with Porsche. So, it makes sense that this performance sedan would form part of Seinfeld’s collection. Now, the 500 E that was formerly owned by Seinfeld himself has been sold at Gooding Christie’s 2026 Amelia Island Auction … and it fetched a record price. Seinfeld’s 1992 500 E sold for a whopping $357 000, which, at the current Rand-Dollar exchange rate, trans...

Ahead of its official SA launch in the third quarter of 2026, Volvo has announced it is ramping up EX60 production to meet demand. Image: Volvo Volvo Cars has announced it is ramping up EX60 production. Indeed, since the release of the Swedish automaker’s all-electric midsize SUV in January 2026, demand for the SA-bound EX60 has shown a substantial increase; higher than what was initially expected. Volvo has stated its intent on creating a production plan that serves its high quality standards, while increasing the numbers of EX60 units produced at its Torslanda plant in Sweden. The company has reportedly been in talks with the relevant labour unions in order to keep the factory open for an extra week to meet the spike in demand – a measure said to have never before taken by the Gothenburg brand. “That so many customers ordered the EX60 in the first month has surpassed our expectations, and it’s a good ‘problem’ to have,” said Erik Severinson, Chief Commercial Officer of Volvo ...

Ferrari has whipped the roof off the Amalfi, with the Italian automaker revealing the Amalfi Spider. Image: Ferrari When Ferrari unveiled the Amalfi in July 2025, we stated that we expect a convertible version of the Roma’s replacement will follow in due course. Well, now, the Prancing Horse brand has officially revealed the Amalfi Spider. Just like its coupé sibling, the Amalfi Spider is powered by the “latest evolution” of Ferrari’s F154 engine. As a reminder, the front-mid-mounted 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 produces 470 kW and 760 N.m of torque – the former and latter available from 7 500 and 3 000 r/min, respectively. Despite weighing 86 kg more than the coupé (1 556 vs 1 470 kg), the drop-top Amalfi completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in the same (claimed) time – 3.3 seconds. The coupé is four-tenths of a second quicker to the 200 km/h marker, however – 9.0 vs 9.4 seconds. The Amalfi Spider tops out at 320 km/h. The Spider also benefits from a brake-by-wire system for imp...

Nissan has whipped the wraps off the updated fourth-generation X-Trail in urban-focused Tekna and rugged N-Trek guises. Image: Nissan Introduced in 2021, Nissan has handed handed the fourth-generation X-Trail a mid-cycle update, with the Japanese automaker revealing the refreshed current iteration in Tekna and N-Trek flavours. Both models feature a redesigned front fascia with a more pronounced ‘V-Motion’ grille. Urban-focused Tekna grade sports 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and gloss black bumpers, wheel-arch trim, side sills and mirror housings. Round back, the Tekna features a body-coloured rear bumper and a new LED taillamp array. The Tekna also introduces two new exterior colours, Sukomo Blue and Coastal Dune, both of which also available in a two-tone finish. The more rugged N-Trek model rolls on 19-inch alloy wheels, and feature black roof rails, lower bumper cladding, and N-Trek badging. Magma Red trim is also present. Adding to its adventure-focused proviso, the cab...

Suzuki South Africa has announced pricing for the latest member in its compact-SUV portfolio, the Across. Image: Suzuki The Suzuki Across , known as the Victoris overseas, will launch in South Africa soon. Now, before this compact SUV’s imminent arrival, the Japanese marque’s local arm has revealed pricing for the newcomer. See pricing below. The Across, produced at Maruti Suzuki’s Kharkhoda assembly plant in India, is underpinned by the brand’s Global C architecture. The Across measures 4 360 mm in length and 1 655 mm in height, making it both longer and taller than the compact SUV with which it shares a platform, the Grand Vitara. However, it shares the latter model’s width and wheelbase –  1 795 mm and 2 600 mm, respectively. Locally, the Across will be powered by Suzuki’s ‘K15C’ powertrain, which pairs a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with the firm’s 12 V SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) tech – the latter utilising an integrated starter generator (ISG) ...

VW has teased the next Golf, with the German marque releasing a shadowy image of the ninth generation’s silhouette. Image: Volkswagen Although an official release date for the ninth-generation VW Golf has yet to be announced, unofficial reports have suggested the new model will make its debut either in 2028 or nearer to 2030. However, while we wait for official word on the latter, VW has released a shadowy teaser image of the all-electric next iteration. The emissions-free Golf will be underpinned by the carmaker’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which will incorporate an 800 V electrical system. From what we understand, single- and dual-electric motor configurations will be available. The ninth iteration will likely also spawn GTI and R variants in the future. While the ninth-generation Golf will be fully electric, and thus likely wear the ‘ID.’ badge, from what we understand, the current internal combustion (ICE) model will remain in production – the latter moving to Mexico in...

The Suzuki S-Presso made everyone take note as a new car, but can it move the needle (again) as a used option in 2026? Image: CAR magazine Most South Africans are in a constant pursuit of accessible mobility – a motivation driven by harsh economic realities and escalating costs of living. Suzuki addressed this in 2020 with the introduction of the S-Presso, instantly claiming the title as the country’s most affordable new car and igniting a fierce battle in the budget-hatchback segment. Marketed as a “micro-SUV” owing to its elevated, 181 mm ground clearance and boxy proportions, the S-Presso promised the allure of crossover styling without the associated financial burden. However, beneath the clickbait-worthy price tag (even now on 2026’s used market ) and plastic cladding lies a vehicle that demands a critical eye. While it undeniably made – and makes – owning a new car feasible for thousands of South Africans, it also introduced compromises on several fronts. A rundown on the Su...