The Car Guide

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...

The VW ID. Cross compact SUV has made its official global debut. We detail the T-Cross’ all-electric sibling… Image: Volkswagen Shared with the ID. Polo , the ID. Cross is based on VW’s EV-focused MEB+ platform. The ID. Cross measures 4 153 mm in length, 1 795 mm in width, and 1 581 mm in height — dimensions comparable to the T-Cross. However, the ID. Cross’ wheelbase is longer than its internal combustion (ICE) sibling’s, at 2 601 vs 2 551 mm. Despite being similar in size as the T-Cross, VW says the ID. Cross offers more space for occupants and luggage. Front and rear headroom are rated at 1 044 and 973 mm, respectively. VW claims a boot capacity of 475 litres – an increase of 20 litres over the T-Cross – which expands to 1 345 litres for utility purposes when folding down the rear seatbacks. Sited below the bonnet, the ID. Cross’ front luggage compartment offers an additional 25 litres of packing space. The ID. Cross’ interior plays host to VW’s 10.25-inch...

Chery South Africa has quietly introduced a new entry-level Tiggo 8 Pro variant, priced from below R500 000, to our market. Image: Thorp Motor Group Chery has expanded its local Tiggo 8 Pro model lineup with the introduction of a new entry-level derivative, the Tiggo 8 Pro LS. The Tiggo 8 Pro LS is powered by the Chinese automaker’s 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developing 145 kW and 290 N.m of torque – the latter available in a broad 1 750-4 000 r/min swathe of the rev band. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Chery claims the Tiggo 8 Pro LS completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds, before topping out at 190 km/h. The Tiggo 8 Pro LS returns a claimed 7.2 L/100 km; translating to a driving range of 708 km from a full, 51-litre tank of fuel. The interior features dual 12.3-inch displays (for instrumentation and infotainment, respectively), a wireless smartphone charging tray, dual-zone climate contr...

Audi’s most powerful production car to date has arrived in SA. See pricing and specs for the RS e-tron GT performance below… Image: Audi The Audi RS e-tron GT performance has officially touched down on South African shores, with the German marque’s local arm announcing pricing and specs for the most powerful series-production Audi to date. The RS e-tron GT performance’s dual electric-motor powertrain produces combined power and torque outputs of 550 kW – the latter increasing to 680 kW when engaging launch control – and 1 027 N.m. The brand with the four rings claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 2.5 seconds when activating launch control, or 2.9 seconds as standard. The top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h. The RS e-tron GT performance’s electric motors are coupled with a 105 kWh (gross; 97 kWh, net) battery, which offers a claimed operating range of up to 592 km on a single, full charge. Thanks to 800 V electric architecture, the ...

Jetour South Africa has launched the updated Dashing and X70 Plus models. See full pricing and specs below… Images: Jetour Jetour launched in South Africa in 2024, with the Chinese automaker’s initial SUV portfolio comprising the Dashing and X70 Plus . Now, the local arm of the Wuhu-based brand has introduced the updated Dashing and X70 Plus. Both models now employ a more powerful 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which develops 125 kW and 270 N.m of torque – increases of 10 kW and 40 N.m over the pre-facelifted variants. The revised Dashing and X70 Plus ditch the previous six-speed dual-clutch transmission for a seven-speed dual-clutch. The refreshed Dashing features red exterior and interior accents, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic glass sunroof, privacy glass, and heated and ventilated seats on the range-topping derivative. The X70 Plus adopts a redesigned front grille, brushed aluminium accents and 19-inch...

Confirmed for South Africa, Subaru SA has announced when the new, seventh-generation Outback will launch on local shores. Image: Subaru The seventh-generation Subaru Outback is en route to South Africa, with the Japanese automaker’s local arm confirming when the new iteration will arrive in our market. Revealed in 2025, the box-fresh Outback is available with the choice of two boxer powertrain options: 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol and 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol. The former and latter units produce 137 kW/254 N.m and 194 kW/382 N.m, respectively. Both engines are coupled with Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which delivers power to the brand’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Outback features X-Mode and hill descent control. The new Outback has a maximum braked towing capacity of 2 000 kg. The latest Outback measures 4 880 mm in length, 1 880 mm in width, and 1 715 mm in height. Compared to ...

Pagani Automobili has unveiled the Huarya 70 Derecho, the Italian automaker’s second one-off model honouring company founder Horacio Pagani’s 70th birthday. Image: Pagani Pagani Automobili has revealed a new ultra-limited Huarya, known as the 70 Derecho, built to honour the 70th birthday of company founder Horacio Pagani. It is the second creation to do so from the Italian marque’s Grandi Complicazioni division. The first was the Trionfo shown in January 2026. Only one example of this special Pagani will be made. The name ‘Derecho’ stems from a rare and powerful storm system that generates intense straight-line winds and energy. The Pagani’s exterior has an exclusive Pearl Orange and Blue livery, designed to reveal the automaker’s carbon-fibre fish-bone weave. Solid milled aluminium components, anodised in Glossy Titanium, are detailed in the 70 Derecho’s bodywork. Interior highlights include Ceramic White and Tricolore Blue leather and Pearl Orange centre steerin...

Set to make its debut in 2027, MG has previewed its upcoming all-electric compact hatchback with the MG GO! concept. Image: MG MG Motors has unveiled the GO! concept. The Chinese-owned British automaker whipped the wraps off the GO! at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Though officially unconfirmed, this B-segment battery-electric (BEV) hatch, which is due in 2027, could be named ‘MG2’, reports have suggested. Finished in a vibrant matte body hue, the five-door concept car features pronounced wheel arches, a rear diffuser and a wing. While MG remains tight-lipped on technical details, what is known so far is that the GO! is approximately 4 000 mm long – shorter than the MG3 and similarly proportioned as the new Renault 5 . The latter and Mini Cooper SE will likely be its rivals. The retro-futuristic styling was inspired by MG’s youthful designs from the 20th century, such as the GT, Metro Turbo, ZR and EX4. Said Design Director of Advanced Design at MG Design C...

The Renault Logan had a brief, and underwhelming, stint in South Africa. Is it actually worth considering as a used buy? Image: Renault When the Renault Logan arrived in South Africa in late 2008, it carried a singular, unapologetic mandate, to provide maximum interior space for minimum financial expense. Born from a joint venture between Renault and Mahindra in India, the Logan was a masterclass in aggressive cost-cutting and basic engineering. Launching with a sub-R100 000 price tag, it offered the cabin dimensions of a C-segment sedan for the price of an entry-level A-segment hatchback. While it was widely criticised for its spartan interior, unrefined road manners, and dated styling, it found a willing audience in South Africa. The Logan’s tenure in the local market was relatively brief, officially bowing out around 2012 to make way for the more modern and vastly superior Sandero platform. A rundown on the Renault Logan Visually, the Renault Logan was governed entirely by a rul...

Land Rover has introduced the Vertex spec to its local Defender lineup. See pricing and specs below… Image: Land Rover Adding a multitude of model-specific design elements, the Land Rover Defender Vertex sports a look the British automaker describes as “refined ruggedness”. The new spec sits alongside X-Dynamic trim and is available with the choice of five exterior paint finishes – the latter including Fuji White, Santorini Black, Woolstone Green, Borasco Grey, and Carpathian Grey. A Patagonia White Matte wrap is also on offer. In a bid to enhance its on-road presence, the Defender Vertex features bespoke body-coloured cladding and extended fore and aft bumpers. An enlarged front grille is also present. As standard, Vertex grade includes 22-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, finished in Satin Dark Grey. However, customers have the option of specifying 20-inch Dark Grey and 22-inch Gloss black alloys. All Defender Vertex models (90, 110, and 130) are available with the British mar...

Mercedes-AMG has whipped the wraps off the new CLA 45, with the latest generation employing an all-electric powertrain producing 500 kW. Image: Mercedes-Benz Similar to the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé , the next-generation CLA 45 is equipped with a trio of axial flux electric motors – the latter producing combined power and torque outputs of 500 kW and 1 759 N.m. According to the German marque, these figures allow the (2 280 kg, claimed) all-wheel-drive performance sedan to complete the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.0 seconds. The top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h. However, specifying the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package lifts the limit to 270 km/h. (As a reminder, the previous CLA 45 S’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol internal combustion engine (ICE) produced 310 kW and 500 N.m – good for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.0 seconds and 270 km/h top speed.) Stopping power is provided by six-piston front/single-piston rear callip...

Marking the final evolution of the supercar series comprising the 720S, 750S and 765LT, McLaren has whipped the wraps off the 788HS. Image: McLaren McLaren Automotive has revealed the concluding chapter to the 720S , 750S and 765LT supercar series. Meet the 788HS. Donning the ‘HS’ (High Sport) designation – a moniker reserved for the British automaker’s most “extraordinary” production cars, and last seen on the MP4-12C HS and MSO (McLaren Special Operations) HS – only 200 examples, split between the Coupé and Spider, will be made. Based on the 765LT , the 788HS features an advanced aerodynamic package. Said to increase downforce by 10% over the 765LT, the latter comprises a front multi-zone carbon-fibre splitter, S-Duct bonnet, an active rear spoiler, a louvred under-wing panel and an F1–inspired diffuser. Sitting 5 mm lower than the 750S, the 788HS is equipped with Proactive Chassis Control III linked-hydraulic suspension for enhanced agilit...

Toyota SA has confirmed the new Hilux single-cab models will launch in our market towards the end of 2026. Image: Toyota Currently, the eighth-generation Hilux single-cab derivatives are sold alongside the new double-cab and Xtra Cab models. However, Toyota South Africa has confirmed the ninth-generation single-cab lineup will launch in SA towards the end of 2026. Although Toyota SA has yet to officially confirm which engine options will be offered with the new single-cab variants, those with a keen eye will notice ‘2.8GD-6’ badging on the model pictured here. As such, the ninth-generation single-cab lineup – similar to the double-cab and Xtra Cab models – will likely (initially, at least) employ the Japanese automaker’s trusted 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. A glance at the rear of the vehicle reveals a ‘4×4’ badge on the tailgate. So, the single-cab will once again be available with a part-time 4×4 drivetrain. Also read: New Toyota Hilux SA p...

We’ve rounded up the five most affordable hybrid vehicles available in South Africa in 2026. See the list below… 4=. Omoda C5 SHS hybrid – R469 900 Image: Omoda & Jaecoo Launched in SA in April 2026, the C5 SHS (Super Hybrid System) spearheads Omoda’s local C5 portfolio. The flagship C5 model’s new-energy powertrain comprises a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor – the latter fed by a 1.83 kWh battery pack. The C5 SHS’s (traditional) hybrid system produces combined system outputs of 165 kW and 295 N.m. The C5 SHS has a claimed fuel consumption of 4.9 L/100 km. 4=. MG MG3 1.5 Hybrid+ Luxury – R469 900 Image: MG Motor The MG3 Hybrid+ combines a 75 kW/128 N.m 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor, fed by a 1.83 kWh battery, for a combined system output of 155 kW and 425 N.m. MG claims its hybrid compact hatchback returns an average fuel c...

The Jetour T1 and T2 have accumulated a total number of 700 000 sales globally, with the T2 proving particularly popular for the Chinese automaker. T2 i-DM (left) and T1 i-DM. Image: Jetour Since their global debut in 2023, Jetour’s duo of T-Series models, the T1 and T2, have raked up a combined sales figure of 700 000 units sold – a new milestone for the Chinese automaker. Noteworthy, the ever-popular T2, which we sampled in March 2026, accounted for over 500 000 units of the overall figure. According to the Wuhu-based brand, this makes the T2 the fastest-selling “boxy” SUV to hit this milestone. Also read:   SA-bound Jetour F700 bakkie revealed The carmaker recorded the aforementioned global sales figure in May 2026, the same month it hit a new sales record in South Africa; establishing itself as the eighth best-selling car brand in SA in the fifth month of the year. In June 2026, Jetour placed ninth among the best-selling car brands in SA . Overall, si...

The BMW iX2 has landed in South Africa, with the German marque’s local arm announcing pricing and specs for the all-electric X2. See pricing below… Image: BMW Joining BMW’s local X2 lineup – the latter comprising the sDrive18i M Sport, sDrive18i M Sport, and M35i – the iX2 has touched down in South Africa. Locally, the emissions-free X2 is exclusively available in eDrive20 guise, with either “standard” or M Sport specification. The iX2 eDrive20 employs a single electric motor producing 150 kW and 250 N.m of torque – good for a (claimed) 8.8-second 0-100 km/h sprint time. The top speed is electronically limited to 170 km/h. The iX2 eDrive’s front-mounted e-motor is coupled with a 66.5 kWh battery pack, which offers a claimed operating range of up to 470 km on a full charge. BMW claims an average energy consumption figure of 14.3 kWh/100 km. In SA, the iX2 eDrive’s battery can receive up to 22 kW from an AC charger and up to 130 kW from a DC fast charger. Also read...