The Car Guide

The Nissan Tekton has officially launched in South Africa. We take a closer look at how it stacks up against its Renault Duster step-sibling… Lineup The Nissan Tekton lineup comprises five derivatives, available with the choice of four trim grades. Entry-level, Visia specification can be had with either a 74 kW/160 N.m 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine or 115 kW/260 N.m 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine — the former and latter exclusively coupled with a six-speed manual and six-speed dual-clutch transmission, respectively. The remaining models — Acenta, Tekna, and Tekna+ — are all equipped with the more powerful unit. The six-strong, inclusive of an Iconic Launch Edition model, local Renault Duster range is available with the same powertrains as the Tekton. However, curiously, the 1.3T Duster’s power output is quoted at 116 kW (up 1 kW over the 1.3T Tekton), with torque remaining unchanged. The Duster lineup can be had in Evolution (1.0T and...

Chery new-energy sub-brand iCaur has confirmed the 03T REEV will launch in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2026. We detail the upcoming new model… Image: iCaur Penned in to join iCaur’s local 03T range, which currently comprises two battery-electric (BEV) models, in the fourth quarter of 2026, the 03T REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) features a single, rear-mounted electric motor coupled with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol internal combustion engine (ICE). The ICE powertrain serves as a generator for the SUV’s 33.67 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The 03T REEV produces 185 kW and 300 N.m of torque, delivered to the road via the rear wheels. iCaur claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.9 seconds and a 170 km/h top speed. For comparison, the rear-wheel-drive 03T BEV produces 135 kW and 220 N.m – good for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 10.5 seconds and a 150 km/h top speed. The 03T REEV’s LFP battery serves up a claimed electric-only...

The Nissan Tekton has officially launched in South Africa, with the Japanese automaker’s local arm revealing pricing and specs for its Renault Duster-based compact SUV. See pricing below… Image: Nissan Similar to its Renault Duster step-sibling, the Nissan Tekton is available with the choice of two turbocharged petrol engine options: 1.0-litre three-cylinder (T160) and 1.3-litre four-cylinder (T280). Exclusively coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox, the T160 unit produces 74 kW and 160 N.m of torque. The T280 powertrain produces 115 kW and 260 N.m, the latter delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Nissan claims average fuel consumption figures of 5.9 and 6.3 L/100 km for the T160 and T280, respectively. The T160- and T280-equipped models complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 12.46 and 9.89 seconds, respectively, the Japanese automaker says. The respective claimed top speeds of the former and latter are 170 and 198 km/h. Nissan Tekton price in South A...

The fourth iteration of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado was on sale for 14 years. Here’s what you should know about it as a used buy. Image: CAR magazine When Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) introduced the fourth-generation Land Cruiser Prado (J150) to our market in late 2009, it was tasked with bridging an incredibly difficult divide. It had to offer the school-run civility expected of a premium SUV while retaining the indestructible spirit of its Land Cruiser heritage. Over a staggering 14-year lifecycle, the J150 became the default currency of affluent South Africans, agricultural tycoons, and serious overlanders. Land Cruiser Prado engines For the first decade of its local tenure, the J150 Land Cruiser Prado’s mechanical narrative was defined by the legendary, albeit increasingly agricultural, 3.0-litre D-4D turbodiesel engine. Internally designated 1KD-FTV, this four-cylinder unit produced 120 kW and 400 N.m of torque, delivered to all four corners via a five-speed automa...

The Chery Tiggo 8 Apex I has landed in South Africa, with the Chinese automaker announcing local pricing and specs. See pricing below… Image: Chery South Africa Adding to its existing Tiggo 8 SUV lineup, Chery South Africa has launched the Tiggo 8 Apex I. The local arm of the Chinese marque says the Apex I offers an “enhanced design”, along with comfort and safety upgrades. As standard, the Tiggo 8 Apex I features such items as digital instrumentation, touchscreen infotainment, a 50 W wireless smartphone charging tray, dual-zone climate control, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The front seats are heated and ventilated, with the driver’s and passenger’s offering six- and four-way electric adjustability. A 540-degree surround-view camera system and tyre pressure monitoring are also present. Safety items include seven airbags and several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The ADAS suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and auto...

We can confirm the BYD Ti 7, replete with 360 kW plug-in hybrid powertrain, is en route to South Africa. Here’s when it’s coming… Image: BYD Fangchengbao In May 2026, we pondered the question on whether the BYD Fangchengbao Tai 7 could make its way to South Africa. Earlier this month, a BYD dealership posted on its Instagram page that pre-orders for the Ti 7, as it will be known in our market, are open. We reached out to the dealership to find out more. We can confirm when the Ti 7 will launch in South Africa, along with which powertrain it will employ. Locally, the Ti 7 will be offered with BYD’s DM-p (Dual Mode-performance) powertrain, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup comprising a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors. From what we were told, the DM-p arrangement produces combined power and torque outputs of 360 kW and 620 N.m of torque – good for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.3 seconds. Power is delivered t...

Billed as the most powerful GTI to date, and sporting rear-wheel drive, Volkswagen has whipped the wraps off the ID.3 GTI… Image: Volkswagen Based on the ID.3 Neo, Volkswagen has revealed the ID.3 GTI. Billed as the most powerful GTI to date, the ID.3 GTI joins the ID. Polo GTI in the German marque’s all-electric hot-hatch portfolio. Unlike its smaller sibling – which is equipped with a single, front-mounted electric motor – the ID.3 GTI features a rear electric motor. Driving the aft wheels, the latter item produces 240 kW and 545 N.m of torque. As a reminder, the “standard” internal combustion engine (ICE) Golf GTI’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol develops 195 kW and 370 N.m, with the Clubsport derivative endowed with 221 kW and 400 N.m. According to the Wolfsburg brand, the ID.3 GTI dispatches the 0-100 km/h dash in 5.6 seconds, before topping out at an electronically governed 200 km/h. The apex ID.3’s electric motor is cou...

Available with the choice of 4×2 and 4WD drivetrains, the GWM Tank 500 employing a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine has officially launched in South Africa. Image: GWM In July 2026, GWM’s South African arm announced via social media that a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine is “coming soon” to the local Tank 500 lineup. Well, the Tank 500 3.0TD has now officially launched in SA. Sharing an engine with the P500 3.0-litre turbodiesel , the new Tank 500 model is endowed with 170 kW and 620 N.m of torque, delivered to the road via either a 4×2 or four-wheel drivetrain. The 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged oil-burner is exclusively coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission, replete with low-range transfer case in the 4WD. GWM claims an average fuel consumption of 6.8 and 7.1 L/100 km for the 4×2 and 4WD, respectively. Matching  GWM’s figures translates to a driving range of 1 147 km for the 4×2 and nearly 1 100 km in the 4WD from a full, 78-litre tank of fuel. ...

The local new Subaru Outback lineup will comprise two derivatives, the latter including a rugged Wilderness grade, and two engine options. Image: Subaru Subaru South Africa has confirmed the local new Outback lineup ahead of its launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. The range will comprise two derivatives, Premium and Wilderness, with the former and latter employing 2.5- and 2.4-litre flat-four petrol engines, respectively. The opening gambit to the two-strong lineup, the Premium’s 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer powertrain produces 137 kW and 254 N.m of torque. The Wilderness variant adopts the Japanese automaker’s 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer unit, which produces a healthier 194 kW and 382 N.m. Both engines are coupled with Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard. Wilderness grade further gains an X-Mode all-wheel-drive management system. Compared to the Premium mod...

Designed as a continuation of the ‘Modificata’ designation, Ferrari has unveiled the 296 GT Modificata, a track-only limited edition based on the 296 GT3 Evo. Image: Ferrari Ferrari has whipped the wraps off the 296 GT Modificata, a track-only model based on the 296 GT3 Evo. Produced in limited numbers, the 296 GT Modificata is for exclusive use in non-competitive events of the Club Competizioni GT programme.   The 296 GT Modificata employs the same 3.0-litre V6 as the 296 GT3 Evo. However, in this application, the twin-turbocharged unit produces 537 kW (130 kW more than the GT3 Evo), with 800 N.m of torque delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission. The peak power output is available from 7 500 r/min, with the full complement of torque on tap from 5 000 r/min. Bringing this Ferrari to a halt are 400 mm front and 332 mm rear disc brakes, sited behind 18-inch wheels. The latter items are wrapped in slick tyres measuring 325/680 and 325/705 in siz...

By Taki (Hippocrates) Bogiages, Head of Sales and Technical for Motul South Africa The Expensive Myth Hiding in Your Car’s Service Book Most drivers in South Africa are diligent about engine oil changes. Given current vehicle prices and general cost-of-living pressures, keeping our cars running efficiently for as long as possible is a top priority. We stick strictly to engine service intervals, check the dipstick, and replace the filter like clockwork. Yet, there is a massive oversight hiding beneath the surface: transmission fluid. While engine oil gets all the attention, gearbox maintenance is often completely neglected until something goes wrong. Much of this stems from a persistent automotive urban legend: the “lifetime fill.” Transmission Maintenance versus Oil Maintenance Decoding the “Lifetime Fill” Myth Many owner’s manuals use phrases like “filled-for-life” or “sealed transmission.” It sounds appealing—one less maintenanc...

We’ve rounded up the five most affordable hybrid vehicles available in South Africa in 2026. See the list below… 5. 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 the hybrid compact hatchback returns an average fuel consumption of 4.3 L/100 km. 4. Jaecoo J5 1.5T SHS hybrid – R459 900 Image: Omoda & Jaecoo The Jaecoo J5 SHS hybrid, which we sampled in China for a first drive ahead of its official local launch, arrived in South Africa in September 2026. The J5 SHS features a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and and single electric motor, producing combined power and torque outputs of 165 kW and 295 N.m. The Chery sub-brand claims a combined average fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100 km. 3. BYD Atto 2 DM-i ...

Imported from South Africa, a Volkswagen Citi Golf, finished in green and adorning Springbok decals, was spotted in Baltimore, US on Saturday, 12 September 2026, when the Springboks went head to head with the All Blacks in the final match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. How did they get a Chico in downtown Baltimore I’m crying #RSAvNZL pic.twitter.com/hX1ZUy6OKu — Blake Logan (@BlakeCapa) September 12, 2026 Bringing a touch of South African flavour to Baltimore, US, a green Volkswagen Citi Golf Chico, replete with KwaZulu-Natal number plates and featuring Springbok decals, has went viral after being spotted on 12 September 2026 ahead of the Springbok men’s rugby team’s fourth and final match against New Zealand’s All Blacks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivaly series. The Springboks beat the All Blacks 43-28 to win the series 3-1, and claim the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy. The Citi Golf Chico – owned by Ali Farzad ( @networktheking ), a social media personality and car...

Hyundai has confirmed the Stargazer will launch in South Africa in 2027. We detail the SA-bound seven-seater compact MPV. Image: Hyundai The Hyundai Stargazer measures 4 575 mm in length and 1 780 mm in width, making it 25 mm longer and 20 mm narrower than the Kia Carens. The Hyundai’s roofline is 24 mm lower than its Kia cousin’s, though sports a 25 mm increase in ground clearance, at 205 mm. The Stargazer’s wheelbase matches the Carens’, at 2 780 mm. Hyundai claims a luggage capacity of 185 litres behind the third row of seats, with 585 litres on offer behind the second row when the third row is folded flat. The Stargazer exclusively employs Hyundai’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. The atmospheric unit, which is also available with the entry-level Kia Carens , produces 84 kW and 144 N.m of torque. Power is delivered to the front axle via either a six-speed manual gearbox or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Depending on the trim grade, the Sta...

The second-generation Ford Everest disrupted the game during its tenure, but how viable is it as a used buy in 2026? Image: CAR magazine The bakkie-based SUV segment in South Africa has historically been a one-horse race, especially because it’s been dictated by the towering market share of the Toyota Fortuner. When Ford introduced the second-generation Everest (codenamed U375) to local shores in late 2015, it arrived with a singular mandate: disrupt this monopoly. Leveraging the wildly successful T6 Ranger platform, Ford executed a masterclass in mechanical adaptation. Engineers discarded the agricultural leaf springs of the bakkie in favour of a more sophisticated coil-spring rear suspension setup. This was not merely a Ranger with a canopy, but a refined, capable seven-seater that challenged the segment’s benchmarks for ride comfort and active safety. Browse used Ford Everest models right here on CARmag! A rundown on the Ford Everest The architectural brilliance of the sec...