The Car Guide

The July 2026 issue of CAR magazine has hit the shelves. We highlight what you can expect in the latest issue… Image: BMW The cover stars of the June 2026 issue, we unpack Volkswagen’s ID. Polo and the new BMW i3 — the latter bringing with it the blueprint for the highly anticipated next-generation 3 Series. In Insight , we also take a closer look at the i3’s Three-pointed Star rival, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class electric. Following Auto China 2026, we highlight the exciting developments showcased in Beijing, where we also got behind the wheel of the SA-bound Jaecoo J5 hybrid . Back home, we sampled the 2.3T EcoBoost-powered updated Ford Ranger and iCAUR V23 all-electric SUV. In the June 2026 issue, we put a quartet of new vehicles through their paces on our test strip. You can expect comprehensive road tests of the Kia Carens seven-seater, Geely E5 plug-in hybrid (PHEV), Tata Punch, and Citroën Basalt . Insight Volkswagen ID. Polo Mercedes-Benz C-Class electric Updated BMW 7...

Developed through the joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, the Freelander 8 EREV First Edition has been revealed. Image: Chery-JLR In late April 2026, the production-ready Freelander 8 EREV (extended range electric vehicle) made its official debut at the Beijing Auto Show. Now, the Freelander 8 First Edition has been revealed in China as the initial model from the new Freelander brand, established through the Chery-JLR joint venture. Built on Chery’s iMAX platform, the Freelander 8’s 800 V electric architecture incorporates a 60.3 kWh battery pack – the latter serving up a claimed EV-only operating range of 221 km (CLTC). Co-developed with CATL, the battery supports 6C charging at rates of up to 350 kW. The modular platform utilises an i-ATS all-terrain system featuring Huawei Qiankun Intelligent Driving ADS 5. The Freelander 8 First Edition’s dual electric-motor arrangement is paired with a 115 kW 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, ...

Porsche South Africa has donated a modified second-generation Cayenne as ‘rapid response’ vehicle to The Black Mambas to combat rhino poaching in the Greater Kruger. Image: Porsche Porsche South Africa and Porsche Middle East and Africa have collaborated to provide a rapid response vehicle to The Black Mambas for their work in preventing rhino poaching in the Greater Kruger. Formed in 2013, The Black Mambas is the world’s first all-female, unarmed anti-poaching unit. They patrol around 20 000 hectares of wildlife regions in north-eastern South Africa. “The team at Porsche Centre Johannesburg took on the challenge of upgrading this Cayenne with great enthusiasm and responsibility,” said Toby Venter, CEO of Porsche South Africa . “Our focus was to ensure the Cayenne could operate reliably across the vast and demanding terrain of the reserve. It combines performance, durability, and capability, and will serve as a valuable asset to the team.” Wrapped in green and black cam...

The Chery KP31 double-cab bakkie has officially been named in Australia. However, what it will be called in SA remains to be seen… Image: Chery Codenamed ‘KP31’, while Chery is “pushing hard” to launch its diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) double-cab bakkie in South Africa in 2026, the Chinese automaker has confirmed what the ‘KP31’ will be called in Australia. Following a competition in which Chery asked Australians what the ‘KP31’ should be called Down Under, a name has finally been decided. According to the Wuhu brand, it received “more than” 20 000 submissions – the latter narrowed down to a shortlist including names such as Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra and Mate. However, ‘Stockman’ ultimately received the most votes (over 25%) from “over” 12 000 Australians during the public voting phase. Indeed, the ‘KP31’ will be officially called ‘Stockman’ in the Australian market. Though, whether it will be known by the latter name in ...

Boasting a revised V8 engine, Mercedes-Benz has whipped the wraps off the thoroughly updated Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. Image: Mercedes-Benz In April 2026, Mercedes-Benz revealed the updated GLS – the initial lineup comprising the 350d, 450d, 450 and 580. Now, the German automaker has unveiled the barnstorming Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. Touted as a central component of Mercedes-Benz’s performance DNA, the (M177 EVO) 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 employed by the GLS 63 has been revised with a flat-plane crankshaft, updated intake camshaft, “optimised” fuel-injection system, and “state-of-the-art” exhaust treatment. Peak power and torque remain unchanged from the pre-facelifted model, however, with 450 kW and 850 N.m, the latter available from 2 500-4 500 r/min, delivered to the road via the German marque’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drivetrain. The M177 EVO unit is supplemented by 48 V mild-hybrid technology, which features an integrated starter generator. This setup provides an additional 17 kW...

With the new Toyota Hilux launching in South Africa soon, we detail the local model lineup — specs, powertrains and more.   Legend. Image: Toyota Highlighted in Every Toyota on the horizon for SA in 2026 , the ninth-generation Hilux is one of the most anticipated new Toyota products penned in to launch in South Africa this year…along with the new RAV4 and box-fresh Land Cruiser FJ , both of which have already arrived in SA. We detail the local new Hilux model range. New Toyota Hilux lineup    Listed on Toyota SA’s website, the local new Hilux lineup comprises seven derivatives across two body styles – double-cab and Xtra Cab. All models are equipped with the Japanese marque’s proven 2.8GD-6 powertrain, with the flagship double-cab variants incorporating 48 V mild-hybrid tech. A six-speed automatic transmission is employed across the range. Two drivetrain options are on offer: 4×2 and 4×4. The double-cab is available in SRX, Raider and Legend trim,...

The Jaecoo J5 EV is gearing up for its SA launch. Here’s what we know about this new SA-bound compact electric crossover… Image: Jaecoo In May 2026, Jaecoo confirmed when the J5 hybrid will launch in SA. Now, the Chery sub-brand has announced when the all-electric (EV) version of the J5 will officially arrive on our shores. While Jaecoo has largely remained tight-lipped about local specifications, the local arm of the Chinese automaker has revealed the J5 EV will ship with black leather upholstery, 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment, an eight-speaker audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and several driver assistance systems as standard. The driver’s seat will offer electric adjustment, while the tailgate will be power-operated. Jaecoo J5 EV SA launch date Jaecoo has confirmed the J5 EV will launch in SA in August 2026 . Local pricing and specifications are expected to be revealed closer to the launch date. Also read: 5 Most affordable EVs in South Africa in 2026 The J5 E...