The Car Guide

Toyota South Africa has officially launched the new Hilux, and we have pricing for the initial model range. See pricing below… Image: Toyota In April 2026, we reported that the new Hilux, which we detailed in the February 2026 issue of CAR magazine, is scheduled to launch in South Africa in June 2026. Now, following SA pricing for the new Land Cruiser FJ , which we sampled for an exclusive first drive in May 2026, and new RAV4 , Toyota’s local arm has officially launched the ninth-generation Hilux and confirmed how much the initial model lineup will cost in SA. The initial Hilux portfolio comprises seven models. Carried over from the eighth generation, Toyota’s tried-and-trusted 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine – available in “standard” and 48 V mild-hybrid format – is employed across the range and is exclusively coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. As a reminder, in this configuration, the 2.8GD-6 unit produces 150 kW and 500 N.m of torqu...

The Nissan Navara will soon become an import model again, but the used market still offers the locally-built models. Should you consider it? Image: Nissan In early 2026, South Africa’s motoring landscape was jolted by the announcement that Nissan South Africa would cease local production at its Rosslyn plant and sell the facility to Chinese automaker Chery. This seismic shift marks the end of an era for the locally-built light commercial vehicle hub and carries significant implications for the Nissan Navara. While international markets are beginning to receive the all-new, fourth-generation (D27) Navara – a vehicle co-developed within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and heavily based on the new Mitsubishi Triton – South Africa has been excluded from this rollout. Instead, Nissan SA will transition to a sole-importer model, continuing to sell a heavily updated version of the existing, D23 model. For local Navara fans, this means the bakkie must now soldier on as an...

Cape Town-based company Cape Advanced Vehicles has unveiled its latest Ford GT-inspired recreation, the GT MKII. Image: CAV Since 1999, Cape Advanced Vehicles (CAV) has been a source of locally produced Ford GT-inspired recreations. Now, the Cape Town-based company has added a new model to its lineup, dubbed the GT MKII – a modern take on the original Le Mans-winning GT40 racecar. The GT MKII’s exterior design largely remains faithful to the original GT40. The livery on the “60th Anniversary” launch model is also reminiscent of the Gulf GT40. Built from modern materials, the GT MKII’s body is made from carbon fibre, while the spaceframe is fashioned from the latter lightweight material and aluminium. The donor car is said to come in the form of an Audi R8. CAV also added KW three-way adjustable dampers for the suspension, Brembo brakes, and an Inconel exhaust system. Tipping the scales at a claimed 1 350 kg, the CAV GT MKII is powered by a 4.2-litre twin-superchar...

Thanks to the folks at AutoCar India, we can confirm that the updated (India-built) Renault Duster is officially on its way to SA, with the first shipment of 750 units set to arrive on our shores soon. Image courtesy of AutoCar India Earlier in 2026, Renault revealed the updated, India-built Duster. Confirmed for SA, thanks to the folks at AutoCar India , we can now report that the first shipment, comprising 750 units, of this model has left the automaker’s Chennai production facility and will arrive on local shores soon. Chennai is also where the SA-bound Nissan Tekton , which shares its underpinnings with the Duster, will be built. Said CEO of Renault Group India Stephane Deblaise, “As Renault continues to expand its international footprint, India will play an increasingly strategic role in our future plans.” The updated Duster is the first product built on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP) and has secured a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating across all ...

Isuzu South Africa has announced it will be extending the service plan of all D-Max and MU-X models sold new after 1 May 2026. Image: Isuzu Motors South Africa Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) has announced that the current-generation D-Max and MU-X models sold new from 1 May 2026 will receive a one-year extension on their service plans; lifting the previously offered five years to six years. The service plan distance remains unchanged, at 90 000 km. IMSA’s service plan extension aims to increase competitiveness in the local bakkie and SUV landscape, while also adding value to buyers who may record lower annual mileages. As a reminder, the new Toyota Hilux and current-generation Fortuner, and updated Ford Ranger and Everest are sold with service plans spanning nine services/90 000 km and six years/90 000 km, respectively. It should also be noted that Isuzu’s upgraded service plan is extended for both commercial and private parties as well. “At Isuzu, we understand that cu...

VW South Africa has announced pricing and specifications for the all-new T7 Multivan Caravelle. See pricing below… Image: Volkswagen Earlier in 2026, VW showcased the T7 Multivan Caravelle at its annual Indaba in East London. Now, the German automaker has revealed pricing for the latest Caravelle, as pre-orders for this new model has officially opened. The T7 Multivan Caravelle employs a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The PHEV setup pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor. The PHEV arrangement develops combined power and torque outputs of 180 kW and 350 N.m, delivered to the road via the German automaker’s 4Motion all-wheel drivetrain – the latter exclusively paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Standard equipment includes VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro, which comes in the shape of a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen incorporating wireless App-Connect smartphone s...

Spotted in China, the Chery Tiggo 7 HEV hybrid is reportedly on the cards for global export. Here’s what we know so far… Image: Chery A self-charging hybrid derivative of the Chery Tiggo 7 has been spotted in China, with reports suggesting this upcoming new model is earmarked for global export. According to reports, the Tiggo 7 HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) could employ the Chinese automaker’s ‘Kun Peng 2.0’ powertrain. The “traditional” hybrid arrangement comprises a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor – the latter likely coupled with a 5.1 kWh battery pack. The petrol-electric setup is expected to produce upwards of 200 kW. Chery says the ‘Kun Peng 2.0’ system provides improved electric-only range and supports AC vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. As a reminder, the local Tiggo 7 lineup is available with the choice of two powertrain options: petrol-only internal combustion engine (I...

Maserati is marking the 100th anniversary of the Trident logo this year with the updated GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Grecale. Image: Maserati Maserati is celebrating the centenary of the Trident logo in 2026. Although Maserati was founded in 1914, it wasn’t until 1926 that the Trident logo first appeared. And to honour ‘100 Years of the Trident’, the Italian automaker has handed the GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Grecale a selection of updates. The revised GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Grecale adopt new front bumpers, which feature reshaped lower air intakes for improved cooling. The GranTurismo and GranCabrio have also gained a central front splitter to optimise downforce. Inside, the Italian automaker has fitted a new racing-inspired octagonal steering wheel. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and head-up display feature fresh graphics. A driver monitoring system is now standard in the GranTurismo and GranCabrio. As a reminder, the coupé...

The July 2026 issue of CAR magazine has hit the shelves. We highlight what you can expect in the latest issue… Image: BMW The cover stars of the June 2026 issue, we unpack Volkswagen’s ID. Polo and the new BMW i3 — the latter bringing with it the blueprint for the highly anticipated next-generation 3 Series. In Insight , we also take a closer look at the i3’s Three-pointed Star rival, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class electric. Following Auto China 2026, we highlight the exciting developments showcased in Beijing, where we also got behind the wheel of the SA-bound Jaecoo J5 hybrid . Back home, we sampled the 2.3T EcoBoost-powered updated Ford Ranger and iCAUR V23 all-electric SUV. In the June 2026 issue, we put a quartet of new vehicles through their paces on our test strip. You can expect comprehensive road tests of the Kia Carens seven-seater, Geely E5 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), Tata Punch, and Citroën Basalt . Insight Volkswagen ID. Polo Mercedes-Benz C-Class electric Updated BMW 7...

Developed through the joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, the Freelander 8 EREV First Edition has been revealed. Image: Chery-JLR In late April 2026, the production-ready Freelander 8 EREV (extended range electric vehicle) made its official debut at the Beijing Auto Show. Now, the Freelander 8 First Edition has been revealed in China as the initial model from the new Freelander brand, established through the Chery-JLR joint venture. Built on Chery’s iMAX platform, the Freelander 8’s 800 V electric architecture incorporates a 60.3 kWh battery pack – the latter serving up a claimed EV-only operating range of 221 km (CLTC). Co-developed with CATL, the battery supports 6C charging at rates of up to 350 kW. The modular platform utilises an i-ATS all-terrain system featuring Huawei Qiankun Intelligent Driving ADS 5. The Freelander 8 First Edition’s dual electric-motor arrangement is paired with a 115 kW 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, ...

Porsche South Africa has donated a modified second-generation Cayenne as ‘rapid response’ vehicle to The Black Mambas to combat rhino poaching in the Greater Kruger. Image: Porsche Porsche South Africa and Porsche Middle East and Africa have collaborated to provide a rapid response vehicle to The Black Mambas for their work in preventing rhino poaching in the Greater Kruger. Formed in 2013, The Black Mambas is the world’s first all-female, unarmed anti-poaching unit. They patrol around 20 000 hectares of wildlife regions in north-eastern South Africa. “The team at Porsche Centre Johannesburg took on the challenge of upgrading this Cayenne with great enthusiasm and responsibility,” said Toby Venter, CEO of Porsche South Africa . “Our focus was to ensure the Cayenne could operate reliably across the vast and demanding terrain of the reserve. It combines performance, durability, and capability, and will serve as a valuable asset to the team.” Wrapped in green and black cam...

The Chery KP31 double-cab bakkie has officially been named in Australia. However, what it will be called in SA remains to be seen… Image: Chery Codenamed ‘KP31’, while Chery is “pushing hard” to launch its diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) double-cab bakkie in South Africa in 2026, the Chinese automaker has confirmed what the ‘KP31’ will be called in Australia. Following a competition in which Chery asked Australians what the ‘KP31’ should be called Down Under, a name has finally been decided. According to the Wuhu brand, it received “more than” 20 000 submissions – the latter narrowed down to a shortlist including names such as Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra and Mate. However, ‘Stockman’ ultimately received the most votes (over 25%) from “over” 12 000 Australians during the public voting phase. Indeed, the ‘KP31’ will be officially called ‘Stockman’ in the Australian market. Though, whether it will be known by the latter name in ...

Boasting a revised V8 engine, Mercedes-Benz has whipped the wraps off the thoroughly updated Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. Image: Mercedes-Benz In April 2026, Mercedes-Benz revealed the updated GLS – the initial lineup comprising the 350d, 450d, 450 and 580. Now, the German automaker has unveiled the barnstorming Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. Touted as a central component of Mercedes-Benz’s performance DNA, the (M177 EVO) 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 employed by the GLS 63 has been revised with a flat-plane crankshaft, updated intake camshaft, “optimised” fuel-injection system, and “state-of-the-art” exhaust treatment. Peak power and torque remain unchanged from the pre-facelifted model, however, with 450 kW and 850 N.m, the latter available from 2 500-4 500 r/min, delivered to the road via the German marque’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drivetrain. The M177 EVO unit is supplemented by 48 V mild-hybrid technology, which features an integrated starter generator. This setup provides an additional 17 kW...

With the new Toyota Hilux launching in South Africa soon, we detail the local model lineup — specs, powertrains and more.   Legend. Image: Toyota Highlighted in Every Toyota on the horizon for SA in 2026 , the ninth-generation Hilux is one of the most anticipated new Toyota products penned in to launch in South Africa this year…along with the new RAV4 and box-fresh Land Cruiser FJ , both of which have already arrived in SA. We detail the local new Hilux model range. New Toyota Hilux lineup    Listed on Toyota SA’s website, the local new Hilux lineup comprises seven derivatives across two body styles – double-cab and Xtra Cab. All models are equipped with the Japanese marque’s proven 2.8GD-6 powertrain, with the flagship double-cab variants incorporating 48 V mild-hybrid tech. A six-speed automatic transmission is employed across the range. Two drivetrain options are on offer: 4×2 and 4×4. The double-cab is available in SRX, Raider and Legend trim,...

The Jaecoo J5 EV is gearing up for its SA launch. Here’s what we know about this new SA-bound compact electric crossover… Image: Jaecoo In May 2026, Jaecoo confirmed when the J5 hybrid will launch in SA. Now, the Chery sub-brand has announced when the all-electric (EV) version of the J5 will officially arrive on our shores. While Jaecoo has largely remained tight-lipped about local specifications, the local arm of the Chinese automaker has revealed the J5 EV will ship with black leather upholstery, 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment, an eight-speaker audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and several driver assistance systems as standard. The driver’s seat will offer electric adjustment, while the tailgate will be power-operated. Jaecoo J5 EV SA launch date Jaecoo has confirmed the J5 EV will launch in SA in August 2026 . Local pricing and specifications are expected to be revealed closer to the launch date. Also read: 5 Most affordable EVs in South Africa in 2026 The J5 E...

Suzuki has unveiled the Jimny Sierra Gozel Outdoor Concept, a more rugged-looking version of the current, fourth-generation Jimny 3-Door. Image: Suzuki Suzuki has whipped the wraps off the Jimny Sierra Gozel Outdoor Concept, developed in collaboration with Suzuki-approved accessories partner AWIN. The prototype, which features rugged-looking exterior accessories, is set to debut at the Jimny Sunlight 2026 event on 14 June at Yamanakako Koryu Plaza Kirara near Mount Fuji in Japan. The Jimny 3-Door-based Sierra Gozal Outdoor Concept gains an aluminium-look front bumper insert, more prominent underbody protection, and a skid plate featuring red accents. A honeycomb front grille with ‘Suzuki’ lettering replaces the standard item. Red mud flaps and metallic-look side sill and skirt trim are also present. As a reminder, the Jimny is available in three- and five-door body body styles – the former of which recently received a range of updates in our market (see pricing and specs here ...

Audi has whipped the wraps off the new Q7. We highlight what you can expect from the third-generation model… Image: Audi Audi has officially unveiled the new Q7, with the third generation sporting the German marque’s latest design language, a tech-laden interior, and a V6 turbocharged diesel engine incorporating mild-hybrid tech. The box-fresh Q7’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel powertrain is available in two states of tune: 180 kW/500 N.m and 220 kW/630 N.m. As mentioned, the internal combustion engine (ICE) is paired with Audi’s MHEV plus technology, an “advanced” 48 V mild-hybrid setup providing up to 18 kW and 370 N.m of boost for short durations. The system also assists in throttle response through an electric compressor. Power is exclusively delivered to the road via the Ingolstadt automaker’s quattro all-wheel drivetrain – latter coupled with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission – featuring a new limited-slip centre d...

SVI Engineering has whipped the wraps off their most luxurious armoured vehicle yet. We highlight the SA company’s Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Image: SVI Engineering South African armoured vehicle specialists SVI Engineering has handed the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter the bulletproof treatment. However, in addition to the German bus gaining bespoke B6 armouring, SVI has transformed the interior to feature an array of luxury appointments. Based on the Sprinter 517 CDI LWB, the SVI-armoured model was designed to transport passengers in comfort, all while providing protection against assault rifles such as AK47, R1 and R5s. The rear compartment features two reclining captain’s chairs, replete with massage functionality, a dedicated kitchen area with two fridges, and an enclosed restroom. A standalone air-conditioning system is also present, while extensive sound-proofing measures have been taken to improve noise insulation. SVI has also introduced modified suspension for improved rid...

Serving up a combined system output of 300 kW and 800 N.m of torque, Nissan has unveiled the all-new Navara Pro PHEV double-cab. Image: Nissan Forming part of Nissan’s ‘From China’ export strategy, the Japanese automaker has unveiled the all-new Navara Pro PHEV. Nissan’s new-energy bakkie will be produced in China and exported to “select” global markets. The Nissan Navara Pro PHEV, which is also known as the Frontier Pro in China, is equipped with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and a single electric motor. The PHEV setup produces a combined system output of 300 kW and 800 N.m of torque. Power is delivered to the road via an all-wheel drivetrain, replete with an electromechanical rear diff-lock. Dedicated drive modes include Hybrid, Pure electric, Performance, and Snow. Nissan claims the Navara Pro PHEV offers an electric-only operating range of 135 km. Measuring 5 520 mm in length and 1 960 mm in width, the Navara Pro PHEV ...