The Car Guide

Available in hybrid and, for the first time, battery-electric format, Mercedes-Benz has officially whipped the wraps off the all-new GLA. Image: Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new GLA. The latest iteration of the German marque’s premium compact crossover was revealed with the choice of hybrid and all-electric (EV) powertrains – the latter scheduled to hit the market first. The GLA hybrid will be available in two flavours – GLA220 and GLA250 – while the EV derivatives will come in the shape of the GLA200 electric, GLA250+ electric, and GLA350 4Matic electric. Underpinned by the same platform as the new CLA , the latest GLA measures 4 565 mm in length, 1 873 mm in width, 1 604 mm in height, and 2 790 mm between the front and rear axles. The new GLA is 153 mm longer and 39 mm wider than the outgoing generation. Both the (front-wheel-drive) GLA220 and (all-wheel-drive) GLA250 employ the Stuttgart automaker’s “newly developed” M252 ...

The Mahindra XUV300 may have been around for a few years, but it made a substantial impact – in more ways than one! Image: CAR magazine The compact-crossover segment is a battlefield where manufacturers routinely sacrifice structural integrity for aggressive pricing. Yet, when the Mahindra XUV300 touched down in South Africa in 2019, it subverted this paradigm to a very large degree. Derived from the SsangYong Tivoli’s X100 platform, the XUV300 proudly claimed a five-star Global NCAP safety rating. It represented a monumental shift for the Indian automaker, proving they could deliver almost European levels of dynamic refinement and safety tech at a value-oriented price point. However, as the XUV300 matures on the pre-owned market – now superseded by the XUV 3XO, which featured in CAR magazine’s 2025 SUV Shootout – buyers must weigh up their options. A rundown on the Mahindra XUV300 The XUV300 boasts 180 mm of ground clearance and a suspension setup th...

Renault SA has confirmed the Boreal midsize SUV for our market. Here is everything we know so far… Image: Renault The Renault Boreal is heading to South Africa, with the French automaker’s SA arm confirming when the midsize SUV will arrive here. The Boreal will be positioned as the new flagship SUV in Renault’s local model portfolio. Underpinned by the Renault-Nissan Alliance CMF-B platform, which also underpins the Duster and SA-bound Nissan Tekton , the Boreal measures 4 556 mm in length, 1 841 mm in width, and 1 650 mm in height – dimensions comparable to the current-generation VW Tiguan. The Boreal’s wheelbase spans 2 702 mm. The ground clearance is rated at 213 mm. Renault claims a boot capacity of 522 litres, which increases to 1 609 litres for utility purposes when folding down the second-row backrests. The local lineup is expected to employ a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 120 kW and 280 N.m of torque – the latter e...

Mercedes-Benz is saying goodbye to the Mercedes-AMG A45 S with the release of the Final Edition. See local pricing below… Image: Mercedes-Benz The Mercedes-AMG A45 S is nearing the end of its life, with the German marque’s barnstorming hot hatch set to be discontinued in 2026. Now, in a fitting tribute, the Affalterbach brand has unleashed a new special edition. Meet the A45 S Final Edition. Among an array of other items, the Final Edition package includes the AMG Night Package and AMG Night Package II, high-gloss black finish for the model badging, a darkened front grille, ‘Final Edition’ badging, and black brake callipers. Aluminium AMG trim elements are also present. Mercedes-AMG A45 S Final Edition price in SA Listed on Mercedes-Benz’s local configurator, the Final Edition package is priced at R112 700. However, selecting this option “necessitates” several “adaptations”, such as the inclusion of the AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced (R82 000), Premium Package with Digital...

Exclusively available in eHybrid format, VW South Africa has officially launched the all-new T7 Multivan Caravelle. See pricing and specs below… Image: VW Following Volkswagen South Africa’s 2026 Indaba, the German automaker’s local arm opened pre-orders for the all-new T7 Multivan Caravelle . Well, the box-fresh model – exclusively available in eHybrid format – has now officially launched in our market. The T7 Multivan Caravelle eHybrid’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain comprises a (130 kW/250 N.m) 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and a single electric motor – the latter integrated into the six-speed dual-clutch transmission for a combined system output of 180 kW and 350 N.m of torque. Power is delivered to the road via VW’s eHybrid 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The PHEV setup features a 19.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack offering a claimed electric-only operating range of 95 km on a single, full charge. The Wolfsb...

Audi has officially whipped the wraps off the Q9, the German marque’s new flagship SUV Q9. Image: Audi At launch, the Audi Q9 will be available with the choice of four (market-dependent) powertrain options: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel (TDI), 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol (TSI), 3.0-litre V6 turbopetrol (TSI), and 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol. Incorporating Audi’s MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) technology, the V6 TDI can be had in two states of tune: 220 kW/630 N.m and 180 kW/500 N.m, with an additional 18 kW boost provided by the MHEV setup for short durations. Power is delivered to the road via the German marque’s quattro all-wheel drivetrain, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Producing 315 kW and 600 N.m of torque, the 2.9-litre V6 TSI will be offered in the US. The Chinese market will receive the 3.0-litre V6 TSI, which develops 269 kW. Sited below the bonnet of the SQ9, the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol unit produces 435 kW and 800 ...

Poised to spearhead Audi’s upcoming Q9 lineup, what’s believed to be the Q9 Horch has been spotted undergoing testing. Here’s what we know so far about the ultra-luxurious model… Image: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien In May 2026, Audi offered a first glimpse of the Q9, the German marque’s upcoming new flagship SUV positioned above the Q7 and Q8, ahead of its global debut on 29 July 2026. While anticipation for the reveal builds, spy shots of what’s believed to be a Horch edition, which was previously dismissed by the Ingolstadt brand, undergoing testing have surfaced online. While the prototype remains heavily camouflaged, there are a few noticeable details that are said to indicate that this is the Q9 Horch. This includes a redesigned front fascia, replete with a grille featuring vertical slats, and new multi-spoke alloy wheels. From what we understand, the Q9 Horch will be further set apart via the extensive use of chrome trim and an (optional) two-ton...

Likely bound for SA, the Geely Galaxy Cruiser has made its official debut. We detail the Chinese automaker’s Land Rover Defender rival. Image: Geely The Galaxy Cruiser 700 is the first model underpinned by Geely’s SEA-R platform and employs a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The PHEV setup pairs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with three electric motors – the latter coupled with the Chinese automaker’s ‘Goldon Short Blade Battery’ – for a combined power output of 830 kW, delivered to the road via an all-wheel drivetrain. While the firm has yet to announce battery capacity, reports from China have suggested a capacity of 70 kWh, which is said to offer an electric-only operating range of up to 350 km (CLTC) on a full charge. The Galaxy Cruiser 700 measures 5 085 mm in length and 1 999 mm in width; making it longer (up 67 mm) and slightly narrower (down 9 mm) than the Land Rover Defender 110. The Geely’s roofline is shorter than its British rival’s, a...

GWM has confirmed a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine is ‘coming soon’ to its local P500 lineup. Here’s what we know so far. Image: GWM As we highlighted in Every bakkie confirmed for SA in 2026 , GWM is set to introduce a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine option to its local P500 lineup. Now, the Chinese automaker’s SA arm has announced the new powertrain is “coming soon” via a post published on Instagram. The 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged oil-burner produces 170 kW and 620 N.m of torque – increases of 35 kW and a substantial 140 N.m over the 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel currently available with the P500. Power is delivered to the road via a four-wheel drivetrain, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. As a reminder, the flagship double-cab in GWM’s portfolio is also available in 2.0-litre hybrid (HEV) format. The HEV derivative produces combined system outputs of 255 kW – the latter making it one of the most powerful bakkies in SA – an...

Mercedes-Benz has released a fresh teaser of the upcoming new G-Class Cabriolet. Here’s everything we know so far… Image: Mercedes-Benz In December 2025, we reported that Mercedes-Benz had begun testing the first prototypes of the new G-Class Cabriolet . Now, the German marque has released a fresh teaser, revealing more of the upcoming drop-top G-Wagon. Although the Stuttgart brand has remained tight-lipped about powertrain specifications for the convertible off-roader, judging by the signature side-exit exhausts and 22-inch alloy wheels, it seems likely that the Cabriolet will be available in G63 guise. This model would employ Mercedes-AMG’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, which produces 430 kW and 850 N.m of torque. The petrol unit incorporates 48 V mild-hybrid tech, with an electric motor integrated into the AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed transmission. While the “standard” model completes the 0-100 km/h dash in 4.4 seconds, the Cabriolet’s performance ...

Aston Martin is celebrating 25 years of the vaunted ‘Vanquish’ nameplate with the introduction of the Vanquish 25 limited edition. Image: Aston Martin Aston Martin’s bespoke division – Q – is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Vanquish with a new special edition. Available in coupé and Volante body styles, the Vanquish 25 is limited to only 50 examples – split 25/25 between the coupé and Volante. “25 years on from the unveiling of the very first Vanquish it is only right that we mark this nameplate’s contribution to our heritage,” said Head of Q at Aston Martin, Vittorio Gabba. Inspired by the specification in which the original was launched in 2001, the Vanquish 25 is distinguished from the “standard” variant with Q Skye Silver paintwork, Q Commission exhaust finisher and side sill detailing. The front wheel arches also feature ‘Vanquish 25’ badging. Inside, ‘Vanquish 25’ logos are embroidered on the headrests and there are trim patterns un...

The Toyota Corolla is the best-selling nameplate in the world, but does the previous generation hold up well in the local market? Image: CAR magazine The automotive landscape is littered with nameplates that flared brightly and faded fast, but the Toyota Corolla remains the industry’s constant. When the eleventh-generation Corolla (internally designated E170) arrived in South Africa in early 2014, it carried the weight of 50 years of global sales dominance. Toyota recognised the sheer reliability of the outgoing tenth-generation model was no longer enough to fend off increasingly stylish Korean rivals, prompting a shift toward a sharper, more dynamic “Keen Look” aesthetic. A rundown on the Toyota Corolla The structural mandate for the eleventh-generation Corolla was to maximise internal volume without bloating the exterior footprint too much. Toyota achieved this by stretching the wheelbase by 100 mm over its predecessor, arriving at a 2 700 mm wheelbase. This resulted i...

Renault South Africa has reintroduced the Trafic Passenger people-mover to our market. See pricing and specifications below… Image: Renault The Renault Trafic was reintroduced to the local market in 2022 exclusively in panel van guise. Now, the local arm of the French automaker has launched the fourth-generation Trafic Passenger, reentering the familiy MPV segment for the first time since 2007. The Trafic Passenger is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine producing 125 kW and 380 N.m of torque – the former and latter available from 3 500 r/min and a low 1 500 r/min, respectively. The four-cylinder unit is paired with a nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Renault claims an average fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100 km. The Trafic Passenger offers seating for up to nine occupants, while the second and third row can be stowed away to increase loading capacity. With all three rows upright, the Trafic offers 1 890 litres of packing space, which expands to 3 570 litr...

Nissan and Toyota have issued safety recalls for the Qashqai, Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus 300. We detail the models affected and the reason for the recall. Image: Nissan, Toyota, Lexus The local arms of Japanese automakers Nissan, Toyota and Lexus have issued safety recalls. The National Consumer Commission (NCC) says the affected vehicles are the Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX600. Nissan Qashqai recall in SA Model affected: Qashqai, built between 4 May 2021 and 17 September 2024 Reason for safety recall: Fuel pipe movement in engine bay Number of units affected in South Africa: 314 (part of 1 688 from 23 October 2025) Nissan says that, in the engine bay, the fuel pipe in its retaining clip could possibly move when the engine is operating. This could lead to wear on the fuel pipe and, in more serious cases, a hole could form, leading to a fuel leak. Also read: What You Need to Know About Vehicle Recalls Toyota Land Cruiser 300 recall in SA Model ...

The updated D23-generation Navara is en route to South Africa, with Nissan SA revealing when the Thai-built model will arrive in our market. Image: Nissan With local production of the D23-generation Navara having ceased following Chery’s acquisition of Nissan’s Rosslyn plant, where the Tiggo Cross will now be produced from 2027, South Africa will source the Navara from Thailand; the Japanese automaker’s SA arm confirming to The Citizen a 2026 market introduction. With the (D27-generation) new Nissan Navara , which shares its underpinnings with the current Mitsubishi Triton , remaining off the table for our market, the Thai-sourced SA-bound Navara is based on the D23 iteration, but will gain several exterior and interior revisions. Built at the firm’s Samut Prakan assembly facility, the updated D23 iteration will retain Nissan’s familiar 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel powertrain. The 2.5-litre YD25DDTI unit employed by the current local Navara lineup is available in ...

The Q is heading to South Africa, with Chery’s local arm announcing the launch date and pricing of the value-focused EV. Image: Chery The Chery Q is en route to South Africa, with the Chinese automaker’s local arm confirming the all-electric model will launch in SA in early September 2026. While the local model lineup will likely be announced closer to market introduction, the Wuhu brand has said the Q will be priced from R350 000 to R400 000, which will place it as one of the most affordable EVs in SA . The Q employs a single, rear-mounted electric motor producing 90 kW and 115 N.m. The e-motor is coupled with a 42.7 kWh battery pack offering a claimed operating range of up to 400 km (NEDC). The Chery’s bodywork measures 4 195 mm in length, 1 811 mm in width and 1 570 mm in height – dimensions comparable to the Geely E2 . The Q’s wheelbase spans 2 700 mm. Chery claims a boot capacity of 375 litres, which expands to 1 450 litres when folding down the re...

Mercedes-Benz has lifted the wraps off the updated Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680, which boasts a revised V8 engine, updated exterior styling, and a revamped interior. Image: Mercedes-Maybach Following the global debut of the updated Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 , Mercedes-Benz has revealed the refreshed Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680. The thoroughly updated model boasts revised exterior styling, a revamped cabin, and a more powerful V8 powertrain. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 employs the same (M177 EVO) 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 as the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. The M177 EVO unit produces 450 kW and 850 N.m of torque – the latter available from 2 500-4 500 r/min. The powerplant incorporates 48 V mild-hybrid tech, which provides a 17 kW and 205 N.m boost for short durations. Power is delivered to the road via the German marque’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drivetrain, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. In addition to revised steering, the flagship Mercedes-Maybach SUV features the Three-p...

Mini South Africa has expanded its John Cooper Works (JCW) model lineup with the introduction of the Daredevil edition derivatives. See pricing and specs below… Image: Mini Equipped with the Daredevil edition package, the Mini Cooper JCW 3-Door hatch gains a Chilli Red rear spoiler extension and AC Schnitzer rear diffuser and exhaust. JCW front, side and rear winglets are also present. This model rolls on 18-inch Rallye Spoke alloy wheels. The latter items can also be found on the Daredevil edition Cooper JCW Convertible. The JCW Countryman Daredevil edition features a high-gloss black roof spoiler. The all-electric JCW Daredevil edition models (Cooper Electric and Aceman) are distinguished by unique red-and-black roof trim. All Daredevil edition models are dressed in Midnight Black exterior paintwork and feature red racing stripes. A chequered red-and-black pattern has been applied to the wing mirrors. Also read: Mini Cooper JCW test figures Mini JCW Daredevil edition price in ...

A 2005 Porsche Carrera GT is expected to fetch over R70 million at a Bring a Trailer auction. Image: Bring a Trailer A 2005 Porsche Carrera GT is currently up for auction in the US. Only 1 270 units were built over a four-year production run from 2003. The Carrera GT incorporates a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic monocoque and subframe, and features carbon-fibre body panels and a colour-coded removable roof. This example is finished Fayence Yellow. The Carrera GT employs a mid-rear-mounted 5.7-litre V10 producing 451 kW and 590 N.m of torque – the former and latter available from 8 000 and 5 750 r/min, respectively. A six-speed manual transmission delivers power to the rear wheels through a limited-slip diff. This Carrera GT is also fitted with an aftermarket GRP exhaust system. The drive belts were replaced in 2021, with a new battery fitted four years later. Wrapping around 19-inch front/20-inch rear forged magnesium wheels, this Carrera GT’s Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2...

GWM has unveiled the Haval H10, the new flagship product in the Chinese automaker’s Haval SUV portfolio. Image: GWM Based on GWM’s ‘Guiyuan’ unibody platform, the Haval H10 is available in five- and six-seater configurations. The five-seater measures 5 138 mm in length, 2 050 mm in width, and 1 970 mm in height; making it larger than the Ford Everest, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Land Rover Defender in all directions. The wheelbase spans a substantial 3 000 mm. To accommodate a third row of seats, the six-seater H10 is longer, at 5 299 mm. The width, height, and wheelbase remains unchanged from the five-seater. The ground clearance is rated at 220 mm. The H10 employs GWM’s second-generation Hi4 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The PHEV setup comprises a 1.5-litre turbcharged four-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE) and dual electric motors, sited on the front and rear axles, respectively. The ICE component of the PHEV arrangement produces 123 kW/243 N.m. The fore and aft el...

Expected to fetch up to R18 million, a ‘Tailor Made’ example of Ferrari’s all-electric Luce is set to go under the hammer at the 2026 Monterey Auction Week.  Image: RM Sotheby’s The first production model of Ferrari’s wildly-debated all-electric Luce has been reserved for auction at the 2026 Monterey Auction Week, hosted by RM Sotheby’s . Finished in “Tailor Made” specification, the car has been valued at an excess of $1 100 000, or around R18 123 875. Proceeds from the auctions will go towards various Ferrari Foundation charities. Developed specifically for “Chassis 0”, the car’s Madreperla Semi-Gloss exterior paint finish aims to produce “evolving green and violet iridescent reflections depending on the angle of the light”. The wheels, bespoke brake callipers, and the Prancing Horse logo are set against an optical white background complete the look. Also read:   10 things to know about the Ferrari Luce Another Tailor ...

Boasting 350 kW, the BYD Shark 6 Performance has arrived in South Africa.  See pricing and specs below… Image: BYD In April 2026, BYD announced the Shark 6 Performance, a more powerful version of the Chinese automaker’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) double-cab bakkie. However, at the time, the Shenzhen brand had yet to confirm whether the new flagship model will make its way to South Africa. Well, it’s now here, with BYD’s local arm revealing pricing and specs. The Shark 6 Performance employs BYD’s latest DMO (Dual Mode Off-road) Super Hybrid system, which comprises a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and a duo of electric motors sited at the front and rear, respectively. As a reminder, the Shark 6 Premium’s dual electric motors are coupled with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The Shark 6 Performance produces combined power and torque outputs of 350 kW and 700 N.m – increases of 29 kW and 50 N.m over the “standard” Shark 6, which we evalu...