The Car Guide

Changan SA has revealed the Uni-S HEV at the 2026 Festival of Motoring. Here’s what we know so far about the hybrid Uni-S… Image: Changan Announced at the 2026 Festival of Motoring, which takes place from 28-30 August at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Changan South Africa is set to expand its Uni-S lineup with the inclusion of a hybrid (HEV) derivative. The new-energy Uni-S’s powertrain comprises a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and front-mounted electric motor, producing combined outputs of 166 kW and 290 N.m of torque. The electric motor is mated with a ternary lithium battery pack. Changan claims an average fuel consumption of 4.0 L/100 km, which translates to a driving range of 1 275 km from a full, 51-litre tank of fuel. The Uni-S HEV is distinguished from its petrol-only siblings, of which we sampled the flagship petrol-only model in April 2026, via a revised front grille. Five exterior colour options – white, black, Putty Grey, Shadow...

Revealed in 2025 as the brand’s first fully-electric model, Suzuki SA has previewed the e Vitara compact SUV at the 2026 Festival of Motoring. Image: Suzuki SA Aiming to potentially cross into the zero-emissions compact-SUV segment, Suzuki Auto South Africa has showcased the e Vitara, the Japanese marque’s first battery-electric vehicle, at the 2026 Festival of Motoring, which takes place from 28-30 August at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. Seen here, the model on display comes in the shape of the 4WD variant. Suzuki SA says this derivative represents the proposed local specification and shows that the brand is EV-ready for potential introduction to our market, should conditions support it. The 4WD e Vitara is equipped with two electric motors – sited front and rear, respectively – producing a combined system output of 135 kW and 307 N.m of torque. Power is delivered to the road via the carmaker’s new AllGrip-e four-wheel drivetrain. The all-paw e Vitara fea...

With the increase in local fuel prices, we’ve rounded up the five most affordable EVs currently available in SA. If you’re in the market for a value-oriented EV, especially when considering the continued rise in petrol and diesel prices, we have taken a closer look at the most affordable EVs available in South Africa as of August 2026. See the list below… 5. Dayun S5 — from R399 900 Image: Dayun Introduced to our market in July 2025, the Dayun S5 lineup is priced from a hair below R400 000. This emissions-free city car is equipped with a 31.7 kWh battery, which offers a claimed range of 330 km, and an electric motor that produces 35 kW and 105 N.m. 4. Chery Q — R349 900 Image: Peet Mocke Priced from R349 900, the Chery Q , which we sampled for a first drive in Cape Town ahead of its local launch, misses out on a podium spot on this list…by just R900! Available in Comfort (R349 900) and Elite (R389 900) specification, the Q exclusively employs a single, re...

Following receiving more than 20 000 submissions, Chery South Africa has announced a shortlist of the names its highly-anticipated KP31 bakkie could don in SA… Image: Chery Early in August 2026, Chery South Africa launched a naming campaign for its upcoming KP31 bakkie, with the Chinese automaker’s local arm inviting South Africans to submit their suggestions of what this highly-anticpated double cab should be called in our market. The Wuhu brand has now, at the 2026 Festival of Motoring, announced a shortlist of six names…from over 20 000 submitted by the public. Shortlist of names for the Chery KP31 in SA Scheduled to arrive in SA in early 2027, the KP31 could go by one of the following six names: ‘Bakkie’, ‘Grootman’, ‘Nduna’, ‘Chief’, ‘Orca’, and ‘Brahman’. The winning entrant is set to receive R100 000 towards the purchase of any new Chery vehicle and may also have the opportunity to travel to China in October (subject to final confirmation and the competition terms and condi...

Leapmotor has confirmed the B03X for SA, with the Chinese automaker’s local arm saying on its website the all-electric compact SUV is ‘coming in 2026’. Image: Leapmotor In October 2025, Leapmotor officially arrived in South Africa, with the Stellantis-backed Chinese automaker’s initial local model lineup comprising the C10 REEV . Fast forward to August 2026, and the company would expand its SA portfolio with the introduction of the B10 REEV . However, it seems the brand isn’t slowing down. Indeed, Leapmotor SA has confirmed on its website that the B03X all-electric compact SUV is ‘coming in 2026’. In terms of exterior dimensions, the B03X measures 4 270 mm in length, 1 810 mm in width, and 1 635 mm in height. The B03X’s wheelbase spans 2 605 mm. The ground clearance is rated at 175 mm. Leapmotor claims a boot capacity of 510 litres, which expands to 1 605 litres for utility purposes when folding down the 40:60-split rear seatbacks. The B03X is equipped with a single permanent magne...

With the all-new, ninth-generation Toyota Hilux having arrived in SA, the previous model deserves a fresh look if you’re in the market for a durable, versatile bakkie. Image: CAR magazine The launch of the eighth-generation Toyota Hilux in 2015 marked a pivotal moment in the South African light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment, especially on the bakkie side of things. As the undisputed market leader for decades, the Hilux’s evolution from the venerable seventh generation saw Toyota adopting a ‘redefining toughness’ approach, moving beyond sheer durability to make the bakkie a vehicle that even more SA consumers could turn to as their dual-purpose leisure and work vehicle. At the foundation of the eighth-generation Hilux is an evolved version of the longstanding IMV ladder-frame platform that’s been engineered for greater torsional rigidity. The side-rail cross sections were enlarged, and the number of connection points between the chassis and the cab was increased. This increas...

Following the unveiling of the next-generation Tucson, Hyundai has revealed powertrain specs for the hybrid model. Image: Hyundai Designed around Hyundai’s new ‘Art of Steel’ design language, the new Tucson was revealed in August 2026. However, at the time, the South Korean automaker remained tight-lipped about the powertrains the fifth iteration will employ. So, we could only hazard a guess that the box-fresh Tucson will at least be offered with a similar setup as the current Santa Fe – a 1.6-litre hybrid. As a reminder, the latter unit produces combined power and torque outputs of 175 kW and 367 N.m, delivered to the road via an all-wheel drivetrain. While the engine lineup remains largely unconfirmed, the company has now released details surrounding the hybrid version of the box-fresh generation. As reported by Australian publication CarExpert , Hyundai revealed the new hybrid derivative’s powertrain specs at its CEO Investor Day in South Korea. The 2027 Tucson Hybrid will...

Including upgraded tech, Isuzu has introduced a new entry-level 4×4 model to the local MU-X lineup. See pricing below… Image: Isuzu Following the launch of the updated D-Max and MU-X in May 2026, Isuzu Motors South Africa has added further upgrades to its seven-seater SUV. Key upgrades include additional tech features, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and the addition of a new entry-level 4WD derivative. The range-topping, Onyx XT is now available with adaptive cruise control with intelligent speed limiter. Traffic sign recognition is also included with the package. USB-C ports have been fitted fore and aft, with the rear compartment also gaining a 150 kW 220 V power socket. ‘Welcome home’ headlamps are equipped as standard across the MU-X model lineup. In addition to the upgraded spec, Isuzu’s local arm has expanded its MU-X range with the introduction of a new entry-level 4×4 variant, the 1.9TD LS 4WD. The latter model is powered by th...

The iCaur V27 large SUV is set to make its SA debut at the 2026 Festival of Motoring. Here’s what you can expect from this Chery sub-brand’s flagship model. Image: iCaur Chery new-energy vehicle (NEV) sub-brand iCaur has announced the V27 will make its local debut at the 2026 Festival of Motoring, with pre-orders for the Chinese automaker’s flagship SUV opening at the time of the event. The 2026 Festival of Motoring will take place from 28-30 August at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. Positioned at the top of iCaur’s local lineup, which comprises the characterful V23 , which we sampled in 2WD format in Cape Town in June 2026, and T03 all-electric SUVs. However, compared to the former and latter, the V27 will employ an REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) powertrain. The V27’s REEV setup comprises two electric motors – sited at the front and rear, respectively – and a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol internal combustion engine (ICE). The ICE serves as a generat...

Mitsubishi has announced when the new Pajero will make its official global debut. Here’s when the veil will be lifted off the Japanese automaker’s Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Ford Everest rival. Image: Mitsubishi Officially confirmed in June 2026, the ‘Pajero’ nameplate is set to make its return. Following the release of several teasers, including an image showcasing new off-road gauges , Mitsubishi has now confirmed when the next-generation Pajero will be unveiled. Mitsubishi has largely remained tight-lipped surrounding technical details of its Ford Everest and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado rival. However, we do know the new Pajero is based on the same ladder-frame platform underpinning the Triton bakkie. The Pajero will adopt model-specific suspension. 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero reveal date Mitsubishi has confirmed via social media that the new Pajero will be revealed on 2 September 2026 . The firm has yet to confirm powertrain options. However, we expect the Pajero to employ Mitsu...

First unveiled in 1989, the Toyota RAV FOUR would go on to dominate sales decades after its initial launch. We detail the original concept. Image: Toyota To many, the Toyota RAV4 is considered the car that essentially kicked off the trendy crossover/SUV craze when it first hit the global market back in 1994, but its progenitor can be traced back to a concept unveiled at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show. Back then, SUVs weren’t the versatile creatures that they are today. Size-wise, they tended to be considerably larger than the hatchbacks, sedans and station wagons that were the daily drivers of choice at that time. They also tended to favour utility and off-road capability over any semblance of town-friendliness or comfort – utilising ladder-frame chassis and live-axle suspension setups that, while durable, served up a decidedly uncomfortable ride and handling that could only be described as clumsy. Furthermore, in markets such as Japan, these vehicles often attracted addition...

Chery has bolstered its local Tiggo 7 lineup with the introduction of the Distinction Dark Edition, the new entry point to the range. See pricing and specs below… Image: Chery Positioned as the new entry point in the local Tiggo 7 range, Chery has introduced the Distinction Dark Edition, which brings with it “a series of exterior and interior changes”. On the outside, this model features a black front grille and window surrounds, as well as black 18-inch alloy wheels. Rear privacy glass is also included. The dark theme continues to the interior, with black synthetic leather upholstery and matching detailing. The steering wheel, with rake-and-reach adjustment, is also trimmed in synthetic leather. This derivative is available in four new colours, namely Khaki White, Carbon Black, Phantom Grey, and a two-tone Black and White. As standard, this derivative also features 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment, replete with smartphone screen mirroring, a six-speaker sound system, reverse-view...

For the 2026 model year, MG has introduced a selection of upgrades to the local MG3 lineup. See pricing below… Image: MG Included with the updates made to the MG3, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone screen mirroring are now standard across the range. Luxury+ trim gains two front USB Type-C ports and a new high-definition 360-degree surround-view camera array. MG has also introduced two new exterior colour options: Medal Silver and Andean Grey. “These updates are a direct response to what our customers value most – intuitive technology, modern design, and everyday practicality,” said Jack Wang, Vice President of MG Motor South Africa . “With these updates to the MG3 range, we continue to deliver more as standard, making advanced features and connectivity accessible to a broader audience.” 2026 MG3 price in SA Pricing for the updated MG3 range kicks off at R269 900 and tops out at R469 900. Included with the price as standard are a five-year/150 000 km warranty ...

Leaked images of the updated Jetour T2 have been leaked online ahead of its official reveal at the 2026 Chengdu Motor Show. Image: autohome.com.cn The Jetour T2 made its global debut in 2023. Now, three years later, the facelifted version of the Chinese automaker’s ever-popular SUV is set to be unveiled at the 2026 Chengdu Motor Show, which takes place from 21-30 August. And ahead of the updated model’s official reveal, leaked images have surfaced online. The revised T2 adopts a new front fascia, replete with round headlamps in lieu of the current model’s square units. Fresh daytime-running lights and a light strip are also present. The ‘Jetour’ lettering has been moved from the grille to the leading edge of the bonnet. The soon-to-be-revealed model also sports fresh fore and aft bumpers, and more prominent wheel arches. The refreshed T2 measures 4 827 mm in length, making it 42 mm longer than the current T2. The width, height, and wheelbase remain unc...

We’ve rounded up the five most affordable plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) available in South Africa in 2026. See the list below… 5. Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T CSH Plug-in Hybrid Plus – from R619 900 Image: Peet Mocke Claiming fourth spot on the list is the Chery Tiggo 7 CSH (Chery Super Hybrid) in Plus specification, priced from R619 900. The new-energy SUV’s PHEV powertrain pairs a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a single electric motor. The Tiggo 7 CSH is produces a combined system output of 265 kW and 310 N.m, delivered to the front axle via a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). On a full charge, the Tiggo 7 CSH’s 18.3 kWh battery serves up a claimed 93 km electric-only operating range. Chery claims a combined driving range of 1 200 km. 4. Geely E5 EM-i Aspire – from R599 999 Image: Geely Placing third, the Geely E5 EM-i Aspire is priced from R599 999. The Geely’s PHEV system pairs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine...

Leapmotor has introduced the B10 REEV compact SUV to South Africa. See pricing and specs for the two-strong model lineup below… Image: Leapmotor Leapmotor has expanded its local model portfolio with the B10 REEV (range-extended electric vehicle). Positioned below the C10 REEV, which we sampled in October 2025, the newcomer is available in two trim levels, with a single powertrain option employed across the range.  Based on Leapmotor’s LEAP 3.5 architecture, the C10 REEV measures 4 515 mm in length and 1 873 mm in width. The wheelbase spans 2 735 mm. The C10 REEV’s new-energy powertrain comprises a single, rear-mounted electric motor and 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine – the latter serving as a generator for the 18.8 kWh battery pack. The REEV setup produces 158 kW and 240 N.m of torque – good for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7.5 seconds and 170 km/h top speed. The Chinese automaker claims a combined fuel consumption of ...

The first Ferrari Luce – ‘Chassis 0’ – has been sold for a staggering $40 million at RM Sotheby’s 2026 Monterey Car Week auction, becoming the most expensive new car ever sold at auction. Image: RM Sotheby’s Ferrari’s first official production example of the opinion-splitting Luce EV has gone under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s 2026 Monterey Car Week Auction for the sum of $40 million, or R648 903 200 at the current Rand-Dollar exchange rate. The “Tailor Made” specification model, which was previously valued in excess of $1 100 000, or around R18 123 875 has greatly exceeded expectations, and all proceeds in its sale will go towards various Ferrari Foundation charities. Finished in Madreperla Semi-Gloss exterior paint, this Luce also wears the desirable “Chassis 0” moniker, which is demarcated in a dedicated plaque. Bespoke brake callipers, wheels, and the Prancing Horse logo are also set against the optical white shade developed specifically for this vehicle. Accordi...

An already carefully curated offering, Porsche South Africa has now added a five-year/150 000 km service plan to its pre-owned programme Image: CAR magazine Curated by LSM Distributors since 1995, one of the several drawcards of the Porsche ownership experience in South Africa, including dedicated showrooms and workshops, advanced driving courses, tailored road-trip experiences, and world-class aftersales service, is a broad portfolio of pre-owned products, which, once aligned with this importer’s database to ensure timely servicing and genuine parts replacement, are sold with enviable levels of assurance. Backed by a comprehensive vehicle archive, Porsche South Africa has more than 400 pre-owned models available at any given time, each sold with a credible service history, including mechanical or body shop repairs and detailing, and even which replacement tyres are fitted to the vehicle. Porsche Centre South Africa can now also assist with upgrading the infotainment systems in popu...

Gordon Murray Special Vehicles has whipped the wraps off the S1, an ultra-limited touring-focused supercar. Image: Gordon Murray Automotive Gordon Murray Special Vehicles has revealed the S1 supercar at The Quail during the 2026 Monterey Car Week. Serving as the spiritual successor to the legendary McLaren F1, penned by Gordon Murray, production of the British automaker’s new touring-focused supercar is strictly capped at 64 units. At its core is a bespoke 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V12 that revs to a howling 12 100 r/min. Producing 508 kW and 500 N.m of torque, with the full complement of the latter available from 7 000 r/min, the Cosworth co-developed unit delivers power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission engineered to offer a tactile “rifle-bolt” shift feel. The engine bay houses a polished Inconel exhaust setup alongside a 24-carat gold-plated heat shield. Built on a lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque derived from the S1 LM platform, the ...