The Car Guide

GAC has confirmed to CAR magazine that the Yue 7 SUV will launch in South Africa in 2026. Here’s what we know so far… Image: GAC Following the global debut of the Yue 7 at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, the local arm of GAC has announced that it will launch the Yue 7 in South Africa later this year. The Yue 7, which is sold in its home market under the firm’s Trumpchi sub-brand, measures 4 999 mm in length, 2 004 mm in width, and 1 933 mm in height – dimensions comparable to the current-generation Land Rover Defender 110 and Toyota Land Cruiser 300. The GAC’s wheelbase spans 2 900 mm. The large SUV offers approach and departure angles of 30 and 33 degrees, respectively. Also read:   Toyota Prado-rivalling Denza B5 confirmed for SA – Here’s when it’s coming Underpinned by the Chinese automaker’s GMC Thunder 3.0 platform, the Yue 7 is available with the choice of two- or four-wheel drivetrains in overseas markets, and employs a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain ...

Sporting an all-electric powertrain producing up to 860 kW, Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the new GT 4-Door Coupé.  Image: Mercedes-Benz In June 2025, Mercedes-AMG whipped the wraps off the Concept AMG GT XX , a design study with which the German marque previewed a future high-performance four-door model…likely the next AMG GT 4-Door Coupé. Essentially the series-production version of the “pioneering” concept, the Affalterbach automaker has officially unveiled the new AMG GT 4-Door Coupé. The AMG GT 4-Door Coupé was revealed in two guises: GT 55 and GT 63. Both models are equipped with three of the firm’s so-called axial flux motors, which produce combined system outputs of 600 kW/1 800 N.m in the GT 55 and 860 kW/2 000 N.m in the GT 63. Power is delivered to the road via an all-wheel drivetrain. In AMGFORCE S+ driver’s setting, the powertrain produces an augmented V8 soundtrack and features simulated gear shifts. Mercedes-AMG says these figures allow the GT 55 to complete the 0-100 km...

Toyota SA has revealed pricing for the bZ4X, the Japanese automaker’s first all-electric model in SA. See pricing and specs below… Image: Toyota Following revealing local pricing for the highly-anticipated new Land Cruiser FJ , which we’ve sampled for an exclusive first SA drive, and sixth-generation RAV4 – the former and latter scheduled to launch in SA soon – Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has confirmed pricing for the bZ4X all-electric crossover/SUV. The first Toyota-badged battery-electric vehicle (BEV) offered in SA, the bZ4X is exclusively available with a dual electric-motor powertrain – producing combined power and torque outputs of 255 kW and 439 N.m – in our market. According to the Japanese automaker, these figures allow the 2 110 kg (claimed) all-wheel-drive BEV to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.1 seconds. The top speed is rated at 160 km/h. The bZ4X’s e-motors are fed by a 73.1 kWh battery pack, which serves up a claimed 480 km operatin...

Few vehicles get the tongues wagging like the Suzuki Jimny, and while not perfect, it excels at what it does – perfectly! We explore Suzuki’s characterful 4×4 as a used buy… Image: CAR magazine The current-generation Suzuki Jimny is a fascinating automotive paradox. When the JB74 generation arrived in South Africa in 2018, it triggered a manic waitlist, transforming overnight from a niche rough-‘n-tough compact SUV into a boutique fashion statement. However, buying a Jimny based solely on its retro-chic styling is a mistake, because beneath the charming, boxy facade lies an uncompromising, old-school ladder-frame chassis with rigid live axles designed to conquer the toughest terrain. While the subsequent introduction of the much-anticipated five-door variant in 2023 addressed practicality shortfalls, the Jimny remains a highly specific tool. Also Read:  Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip Road Test A rundown on the Suzuki Jimny The Jimny’s exterior design is...

Citroën has announced its entry into the local light commercial vehicle segment, with the automaker introducing the C3 Hola panel van to our market. See pricing and specs below… Image: Citroën Citroën’s local arm has entered the South African light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment with the introduction of the C3 Hola panel van, which is based on its entry-level C3 hatchback that was introduced to the SA market in May 2023. According to Stellantis, this comes as a response to a “fast-growing” need for sub-half-tonne vehicles. The C3 Hola panel van replaces the second row of seats with a fully enclosed payload bay – the latter offering a 386 kg capacity – integrated bulkhead and secure load tie-down points. The interior is fitted with a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digital instrumentation cluster, air conditioning, and a multifunction steering wheel. Safety features include six airbags, as well as ABS with ...

BMW Group has whipped the wraps off the Vision BMW Alpina concept, a one-of-one design study showcasing the architectural language that will define future BMW Alpina models. Image: BMW Alpina Following the acquisition of the Alpina brand by BMW Group in January 2026, the Bavarian brand has revealed the Vision BMW Alpina concept at the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Inspired by the German automaker’s heritage, and centred around the principles of speed and comfort, the one-off concept previews BMW Alpina’s design language for future models. The Vision BMW Alpina concept’s fastback profile measures 5 200 mm in length. The shark nose front facia is characterised by a new interpretation of the firm’s signature kidney grille, replete with illuminated surround. The latter item is flanked by slim LED headlamps with daytime-running lights and clear-cut illuminated crystals  The lower front apron features polished metal ‘Alpina’ lettering. At the rear, ‘Alpina’ let...

Ferrari has revealed the latest model from its One-Off programme. Based on the F8 Spider, meet the HC25… Image: Ferrari Ferrari has whipped the wraps off the HC25, a specially built model from the Italian automaker’s One-Off series – the latter forming part of the Maranello manufacturer’s Special Projects programme. Based on the F8 Spider, the HC25 employs a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 529 kW and 770 N.m of torque, available from 7 000 and 3 250 r/min, respectively. The mid-rear-mounted powertrain revs up to an 8 000 r/min redline. Power is exclusively delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to Ferrari, the HC25’s outputs allow for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 2.9 seconds, before breaching the 200 km/h marker 5.3 seconds later, at 8.2 seconds. The top speed is rated at 340 km/h. Bringing this one-of-a-kind Ferrari to a standstill is a set of 398 mm front/360 mm rear brake discs. The HC25 is finished in Moo...

Geely has expanded its E5 lineup with the introduction of the Apex Plus spec. See pricing below… Image: Geely Following the launch of the Geely E2 , which tops the list of most affordable EVs in SA , in April 2026, the Chinese automaker has expanded its E5 portfolio with the introduction of a new flagship variant, the Apex Plus. The Apex Plus is equipped with the same electric motor as its E5 stablemates. The front-mounted unit produces 160 kW and 320 N.m of torque. However, compared to its Aspire and Apex siblings, the new range-topper pairs the e-motor with a larger lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery – 68.4 vs 60.8 kWh. The E5 Apex Plus’ 68.4 kWh LFP unit serves up a claimed operating range of 450 km; in increase of 20 km over the Aspire and 40 km over the Apex. Geely claims a 10-100% 11 kW AC charge takes seven hours, while a 30-80% 100 kW DC fast charge takes 20 minutes. The E5 Apex Plus completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds; 0.7 seconds slower than t...

The first of its kind, VW has officially whipped the wraps off the ID. Polo GTI. We detail the all-electric performance-focused compact hot hatch… Image: Volkswagen In April 2026, VW’s ‘Polo’ nameplate entered a new chapter, with the Wolfsburg brand officially unveiling the first all-electric version of its popular compact hatchback. As we reported with the reveal of the ID. Polo , a GTI variant of the latter will be introduced to the lineup this year. Well, this performance-focused model has finally made its debut, with VW revealing the ID. Polo GTI. The ID. Polo GTI is equipped with a single electric motor, which produces 166 kW and 290 N.m of torque – the latter delivered to the road via the front wheels. Compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE) Polo GTI , which is exclusively built at the German marque’s Plant Kariega facility in South Africa, the emissions-free model is 19 kW more powerful. The ICE model is torquier, though, with its 2.0-litre turbocharged fo...

Hot off the press, the June 2026 issue of CAR magazine has hit the shelves. We highlight what you can expect in the latest issue… Image: Peet Mocke The cover star of the June 2026 issue, we got behind the wheel of the highly anticipated new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ for an exclusive first SA drive ahead of its official local launch. In the June 2026 issue, we also sample the Volvo ES90 , the Changan Uni-S , and the Land Rover Discovery Tempest. In the latest issue of CAR magazine, we put a quartet of vehicles – ranging from a hot hatch to crossovers and SUVs – through our stringent road-test regimen. The latter includes the Mitsubishi Destinator , Suzuki Across , all-wheel-drive BAIC B30 hybrid, and the Toyota GR Corolla automatic. In Insight , we detail the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C , the first 911 Cabriolet to don the vaunted ‘GT3’ moniker, the Mini-Vagabund co-developed duo of one-off Countryman S models, the Rolls-Royce Project Nightingale, Hyundai Boulder Concept, and Honda...

Confirmed for Australia, a market that largely mirrors ours, could the Chinese-built Ford Bronco make its way to SA? Image: Ford Developed by JMC Ford, the joint venture between Ford and Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC), the Ford Bronco New Energy is heading to Australia, a market that largely mirrors ours. So, could the Chinese-built Bronco make its way here? Available in all-electric (EV) and REEV (range-extended EV) – the latter featuring an internal combustion engine (ICE) to recharge the battery pack – formats in China, the Bronco New Energy is based on a monocoque chassis…as opposed to the ladder-frame platform underpinning the US-built Bronco. The Bronco New Energy measures 5 025 mm in length and 1 960 mm in width; making it 84 mm longer and 55 mm narrower than the Everest . The Bronco New Energy’s wheelbase is longer, too – 2 950 vs 2 900 mm. The Bronco New Energy sports a ground clearance of up to 220 mm. The water-wading depth is rated at 600 mm. The E...

Unveiled in December 2025, the new Kia Seltos is heading to South Africa…and it will retain the South Korean automaker’s frugal 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine option. Image: Kia The second-generation Seltos was revealed with a selection of powertrain options: 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol producing 110 kW/179 N.m, 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol (T-GDI) available in 132 kW and 142 kW states of tune, and hybrid – the latter setup pairing a 1.6-litre atmospheric four-pot with either a single or dual electric motors for combined power outputs of 113 and 131 kW, respectively. At the time, there was no word on whether the frugal 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel unit that’s available with the outgoing model, which claimed top honours in the ‘Compact crossover’ category at CAR magazine’s Top 12 Best Buys awards, will be offered with the box-fresh Seltos. However, at the May 2026 launch of the Carens seven-seater in Johannesburg, Kia’s local arm tol...

Set to join the revised local Everest lineup in 2026, Ford South Africa has announced the adventure-focused Everest Tremor for our market. Image: Ford Forming part of Ford’s revised local Everest lineup, the Blue Oval brand’s SA arm is set to introduce a Tremor variant of its Ranger-based seven-seater SUV to our market. Billed as the “ultimate” family-focused adventure vehicle, the Everest Tremor employs its maker’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, producing 184 kW and 600 N.m of torque – the latter delivered to all four corners via a 10-speed automatic transmission. To enhance its adventure-focused proviso, the Everest Tremor adopts “specially developed” suspension, which incorporates Bilstein position-sensitive dampers and new springs. The Tremor package further includes General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres. Thanks to the fitment of the former and latter, the Everest Tremor benefits from a 26 mm increase in ground clearance compared to the standard model. The Everest Tremor...

Billed as the Sant’Agata Bolognese brand’s most powerful open-top yet, Lamborghini has whipped the wraps off the Fenomeno Roadster. Image: Lamborghini In August 2025, Lamborghini unveiled the Fenomeno. Now, the Italian automaker has whipped the wraps – and roof! – off this special-edition Raging Bull. Limited to just 15 examples, meet the Fenomeno Roadster. Similar to the coupé, the open-top Fenomeno employs a hybrid powertrain comprising a 6.5-lite naturally aspirated V12 and three electric motors – two sited at the front and a single unit positioned above the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission – fed by a 7 kWh lithium-ion battery. The petrol-electric setup produces combined power and torque outputs of 794 kW and 1 075 N.m – good for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 2.4 seconds and top speed in excess of 340 km/h. Penned by Lamborghini Centro Stile, the official in-house design studio and creative hub of Automobili Lamborghini, the F...

Lexus has whipped the wraps off its first all-electric three-row SUV, the TZ. Here’s what you need to know about the new model… Image: Lexus Billed by Lexus as the “Driving Lounge”, the Japanese luxury automaker has unveiled the TZ, an all-electric three-row SUV positioned as the flagship model in the firm’s BEV portfolio. The TZ’s DIRECT4 all-wheel drivetrain features two eAxles, developing a combined 300 kW and 537 N.m of torque. Lexus claims the 2 630 kg TZ is capable of completing the 0-100 km/h dash in 5.4 seconds but has not specified a top speed. The TZ is equipped with a 95.82 kWh lithium-ion battery, which offers a claimed driving range of up to 530 km from a full charge. According to Lexus, the TZ is capable of recharging from 10-80% in approximately 35 minutes at a 150 kW DC fast-charging station. While an official energy consumption figure has not yet been disclosed, based on the claimed range, battery size, and taking into consideration a drag coefficient of ...

We’ve rounded up the top five best-selling Chinese car brands in South Africa in April 2026. See the list below… In April 2026, 47 979 new vehicles were sold in South Africa. Of the latter figure, the passenger-car and light commercial vehicle (LCV) segments accounted for 34 414 and 10 966 units sold, respectively. Now, we take a closer look at the five Chinese automakers that performed best in the fourth month of 2026. (It is worth noting that, for this list, we’ve listed the subsidiaries of each company individually. For example, GWM and Haval, and Chery and Omoda & Jaecoo.) 5. GWM – 719 Image: GWM Despite a 305-unit decline (compared to March 2026 ) in sales in April 2026, GWM retained its position as the fifth best-selling Chinese car brand in the fourth month of the new year. The P-Series, which claimed fourth spot among the best-selling bakkies in SA in April 2026 , was once again the best-selling GWM-branded product, with 588 units sold. Two new Steed bakkies,...

The new Toyota Hilux will officially launch in SA in June 2026. We detail the upcoming, ninth-generation model… Image: Toyota Introduced in 1968, over 58 years, the ‘Hilux’ nameplate has carved a place for itself in automotive history, both globally and in South Africa, where it’s been produced for over five decades and remains the best-selling vehicle. Following eight generations, the hour has now come for the Japanese automaker’s popular bakkie to write a new chapter in its long-standing legacy. While its profile remains familiar to its forebear’s, the ninth-generation Hilux sports decidedly sharper exterior styling, front and rear. A neat addition, the redesigned rear bumper incorporates side steps for easier access to the load bay. The new Hilux retains its forebear’s IMV (Innovative international Multi-purpose Vehicle) architecture, which has underpinned every generation of Hilux since the seventh iteration was introduced in 2004. However, a few revisions, including the f...

Engen has partnered with premium-placed Chery sub-brand Lepas to play strategic part in its value chain. Image: Engen Engen has partnered with Chery Group South Africa for the South African launch of its premium sub-brand, Lepas; specifically the L4 . The activation included a branded experience at the Engen Lonehill service station, where Lepas hosted the L4 pre-launch drive and exclusive unveiling. The aim of the collaboration is to “strengthen [their] position within the automotive value chain”, said Jason Heath, General Manager: Lubricants at Engen. He further adds, “By engaging directly with Chery’s leadership, dealer network, and customers, we are not only showcasing our products but also building long-term relationships that support mutual growth. As Chery prepares for its manufacturing expansion in South Africa, Engen is well positioned to support this journey with our trusted fuels and lubricants offering.” The collaboration is an opportunity to engage with customers, deal...

We’ve rounded up the top 10 best-selling car brands in South Africa in April 2026. See the list below… Image: Toyota Naamsa , the Automotive Business Council of South Africa, reported a total number of 47 979 new cars were sold in April 2026 – an increase of 5 512 units compared to the 42 467 units sold in April 2025. Despite recording a strong year-on-year increase, April 2026’s aggregate new-car sales represented a decline of 10 081 units compared to the 58 060 units sold in March 2026 . Leading the sales charts, despite a decline of 3 135 units sold compared to March 2026, Toyota remained the best-selling car brand in SA in the fourth month of the year. In April 2026, 10 188 new Toyota vehicles rolled off showroom floors. Suzuki SA reclaimed second spot from Volkswagen, with a total of 5 363 new Suzukis finding homes in April 2026 – an increase of 316 units over March 2026 – while 4 814 new Volkswagens left showroom floors in April 2026. Hyundai returned to fourth po...