The Car Guide

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...

The facelifted Hyundai Creta has launched in South Africa, with the South Korean automaker’s local arm announcing pricing and specs for the revised model lineup. See pricing below… Image: Hyundai Serving as the entry point to the initial updated Creta lineup, the Premium derivative features 17-inch alloy wheels, rear combination lamps, and electrically folding wing mirrors. The interior – accessed via keyless entry – plays host to such items as touchscreen infotainment, replete with smartphone screen mirroring, and a 4.2-inch ‘Supervision’ driver’s information display. A first for South Africa, Hyundai is offering the facelifted Creta in N Line flavour. The N Line variant is distinguished from its siblings via the fitment of several sportier-looking exterior elements, including the fitment of 18-inch alloy wheels and twin exhaust outlets. N Line spec further includes a panoramic sunroof, digital instrumentation, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system supplemented by...

Automobili Lamborghini has presented a new Temerario to the Italian State Police at a ceremony held at the automaker’s Sant’ Agata Bolognese headquarters. Image: Lamborghini Lamborghini has presented a new Temerario to the Italian State Police at a ceremony with Prefect Renato Cortese, Central Director of the traffic, railway and special units police, representing the Chief of Police, and Director General of Public Security Prefect Vittorio Pisani. The supercar, which joins the Lamborghinis already in service, will be used for vital services, such as emergency transport of organs and medical supplies. For more than 20 years, six vehicles have entered the fleet, assisting in over two hundred organ transport missions across Italy. Lamborghini and the Polizia di Stato began this collaboration in 2004 with a first-generation Gallardo in September of that year. Later on, the Gallardo LP560-4 and a Huracán Polizia joined the fleet, and were deployed on the country’s main motorways. An U...