The Car Guide

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...

Limited to only 30 examples, each hand-built in Affalterbach, Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung. Image: Mercedes-AMG Mercedes-AMG has whipped the wraps off the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung. The second model in the German marque’s Mythos series (following the PureSpeed ), the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is limited to just 30 units…and all examples have already been spoken for. Finished in a two-tone paint finish comprising Majove Silver Magno and Obsidian Black Magno, the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung’s bodywork is wider (up 60 mm) than the CLE 53 with which it shares a platform. The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung measures 1 987 mm in width. Standing 1 420 mm tall, the limited edition is also lower than the former Mercedes-AMG. According to the Affalterbach brand, this is to ensure greater stability. Further enhancing the latter, the tracks have also been widened. The CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is fitted with a set of 20-inch forged alloy wheels, wrappe...

Celebrating 60 years of Corolla, Toyota South Africa has introduced a special-edition Corolla Hatch. See pricing below… Image: Toyota Exclusive to the hatchback, the ‘60th Anniversary’ treatment includes a selection of model-specific exterior and interior elements. Starting with the exterior, the Corolla Hatch 60th Anniversary edition’s bodywork is finished in Platinum White Pearl, the latter complemented by a contrasting black roof. Present and correct, ‘60th Anniversary’ badging can be found inside and out. As a reminder, in January 2026, Toyota’s local arm announced it had streamlined its Corolla Hatch and Sedan lineups to include only high-spec (XR) hybrid models. As such, in addition to the ‘60th Anniversary’ elements, the special edition features such items as 12.3-inch digital instrumentation, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charging dock, a six-speaker audio system, and dual-zone climate control. Further included...

Renault has whipped the wraps off the Niagara. We take a closer look at the automaker’s new double-cab bakkie. Image: Renault The Niagara is underpinned by Renault’s RGMP (Renault Group Modular Platform) unibody architecture. The Niagara employs a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 115 and 120 kW in the 4×2 and 4×4 variants, respectively. Renault quotes a maximum torque output of 270 N.m. The powertrain is available with the choice of two transmission options: six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch. According to the brand, the RGMP setup also supports hybrid powertrains. The 4×4 version measures 4 940 mm in length. For comparison, this makes it 380 mm shorter than a Toyota Hilux . It is worth noting that the 4×2 derivative is 30 mm shorter than its 4×4 sibling, at 4 910 mm. The Niagara measures 1 833 mm wide and stands 1 720 mm tall, with a 2 956 mm wheelbase. Also read: Likely SA-bound VW Tukan half-tonne bakkie officially revealed T...

Hyundai South Africa has confirmed when the new Venue will launch in SA. Here’s what you can expect from the box-fresh model. Image: Hyundai The all-new Hyundai Venue was unveiled in October 2025. Now, the local arm of the South Korean automaker has confirmed when the second generation will officially launch in our market. Similar in length than the outgoing model, the box-fresh Venue measures 3 995 mm long, front to rear. However, the wheelbase has been stretched, by 20 mm to 2 520 mm. The new model is 30 mm wider, at 1 800 mm, and 48 mm taller, at 1 665 mm. Locally, the new Venue will be available with the choice of two engine options: 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol (MPi) and 1.0-litre turbopetrol (Kappa GDi). Exclusively coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox, the MPi unit produces 61 kW and 115 N.m of torque, available from 6 000 and 4 200 r/min, respectively. The Kappa GDi powertrain produces 88 kW and 172 N.m, with the full complement of twisting force on tap in a br...

Kia has revamped the local Sonet lineup with the introduction of an LS+ model. See pricing below… Image: Kia As part of its #SaferCarsforAfrica campaign, the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa announced in June 2026 that the entry-level Sonet scored one star for adult occupant protection at a Global NCAP safety test, with three stars awarded for child occupant protection. Among the AA’s concerns for the LS-spec Sonet was the lack of front side airbags. (The Sonet LS features two airbags, for the driver and front passenger, respectively.) In Kia SA’s response to the AA and Global NCAP, the South Korean automaker’s local office announced it will be introducing an LS+ derivative, which is equipped with six airbags, to its Sonet lineup in the third quarter of 2026. The updated Sonet, including the LS+, has now arrived in SA. In addition to the introduction of the LS+, which is positioned between LS and LX trim, the EX has received a sunroof. The SX flagship now features a Bose...

The JMC Grand Avenue has landed in South Africa, with the Chinese automaker’s local arm revealing pricing and specs for the new double-cab bakkie. See pricing below… Image: JMC Positioned as the flagship double cab in JMC’s local product portfolio, the Grand Avenue is priced from a hair below R530 000. The initial lineup comprises two models. A single engine option is employed across the range. JMC Grand Avenue engine The Grand Avenue is equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing 155 kW and 500 N.m of torque, the latter available from a low 1 500 r/min. The four-cylinder unit is exclusively coupled with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Avenue is available with the choice of either a 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain. The Chinese automaker claims an average fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100 km. The 0-100 km/h sprint time is a claimed 10.4 seconds. JMC Grand Avenue size In terms of size, the Grand Avenue measures 5 450 mm in length and 1 935 ...

Confirmed to launch in South Africa by the end of 2027, we take a closer look at how the new Mitsubishi Pajero stacks up against four rivals. Image: Mitsubishi The new Mitsubishi Pajero was officially revealed on 2 September 2026, with the Japanese automaker’s local arm confirming the fifth-generation Pajero will arrive in South Africa by the end of 2027. In the ever-competitive local adventure family SUV segment, the Pajero will have to prove its mettle against an array of rivals. We take a closer look at how the Pajero compares to the Ford Everest, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, GWM Tank 500, and Isuzu MU-X. Dimensions The new Mitsubishi Pajero shares its ladder-frame underpinnings with the Triton. The Pajero measures 4 920 mm in length, 1 925 mm in width, 1 910 mm in height, and 2 870 mm between the front and rear axles. The Pajero has a ground clearance of up to 230 mm. The approach, breakover, and departure angles are 30.4, 22.6, and 25.8 degrees, respectively. Compared to its r...