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Vutomi Manzini
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NewsMalben SA and Egypt’s Elaraby look at automotive parts manufacturing
South Africa’s Malben SA and Egypt’s Elaraby Group are discussing a possible partnership in automotive component manufacturing.
NewsiCAUR V27 heads to South Africa with electric power and a petrol generator
iCAUR is bringing its V27 SUV to South Africa, with a local launch planned before the end of 2026. The vehicle joins a growing list of Chinese models entering the local market, but it takes a different approach to electric driving.
NewsGeely’s new Monjaro EM-i brings plug-in hybrid power to a large SUV
Geely has added another large SUV to its international line-up, unveiling the Monjaro EM-i at the 2026 Paris Motor Show.
NewsGWM adds another contender to South Africa's hybrid SUV market
GWM is preparing to bring the Haval H7 to South Africa, giving the company another model to compete with in the country's SUV market. The vehicle includes a hybrid option, although its local pricing and final specifications still need to be confirmed.
NewsNissan Patrol set to return to South Africa next year
Nissan's Patrol is heading back to South Africa, with the new model expected to arrive in 2027. Right hand drive production has started, bringing the large SUV closer to its return to local showrooms.
NewsHyundai recalls 162 Santa Fe Hybrid SUVs over seat-belt anchor concern
Hyundai is recalling 162 Santa Fe MX5 Hybrid SUVs sold in South Africa in 2025 after a possible problem was identified with the front seat-belt anchor.
NewsSuzuki’s electric Vitara is in South Africa, but will buyers get to drive one?
Suzuki has brought its first fully electric SUV to South Africa, although it has not yet decided whether local motorists will be able to buy it.
NewsChery is bringing its Grootman bakkie to South Africa’s production lines in 2027
Chery is preparing to build its Grootman double-cab bakkie in South Africa from 2027, adding another Chinese automaker to the local manufacturing conversation.
NewsGWM’s plug-in hybrid P300 brings electric driving to South Africa’s bakkie market
A bakkie used for work can spend a large part of the month at the petrol station. For businesses that rely on their vehicles to deliver goods, visit customers or move between job sites, fuel is an expense they cannot avoid.
NewsSouth Africa’s EV industry wants more buyers, but the cost of going electric remains a hurdle
South Africa has another industry body focused on electric vehicles, at a time when carmakers are bringing more electric models to the local market but prices remain too high for many motorists.
NewsChinese car brands are now close to Toyota in South Africa
Chinese car brands are no longer a small part of South Africa's new-car market. In September, 10 Chinese brands sold about 9,900 passenger cars between them. Toyota sold 9,964 passenger cars on its own.
NewsBMW is bringing a 326kW X3 to South Africa
BMW is bringing a more powerful version of the X3 to South Africa, although buyers will have to wait until 2027. The BMW X3 M50 xDrive Black Package is expected to arrive in the third quarter of 2027. It produces 326kW, compared with 293kW in the current X3 M50.
NewsEVs Are Getting Cheaper in South Africa. Small Businesses Are Going to Notice
The price of an electric car in South Africa has been coming down. AutoTrader says the average price of a new battery-electric vehicle fell 13% during the first half of 2026. Chinese manufacturers are also bringing more models into the country, with some competing at prices that would have been difficult to find in the local EV market a few years ago. For a small business, the interesting part isn't simply buying an electric car. It is everything that happens after the car is sold. Consider a small workshop in Johannesburg
NewsEgypt to Build $39 Million Battery Plant for Electric Trucks and Buses
Egypt is putting more money into electric vehicles, but it is starting with commercial vehicles rather than private cars. Egyptian company BME has signed an agreement with Chinese battery manufacturer CATL to build a battery plant in the country.
LifestyleInside Johannesburg's Sunday Cars-and-Coffee Culture
From modern supercars to tidy daily drivers, Gauteng's informal meet-up scene keeps car culture social and accessible.
FeaturesBMW M5 Goes Hybrid: What the New Powertrain Means for South African Performance Cars
The new M5 is heavier, faster and electrified. We unpack what that means on SA roads and for the next generation of supersaloons.
Road TripsNight Driving Across the Great Karoo: Why South Africa's Emptiest Roads Still Feel Cinematic
Long horizons, sparse traffic and fast-moving weather make the Karoo one of the most atmospheric drives in the country.
MotorsportKyalami 9-Hour Winter Preview: Why Strategy May Matter More Than Straight-Line Pace
Tyre life, yellow flags and traffic management could decide the next big endurance result at Kyalami.
NewsEvery Car Launching in South Africa in 2025: The Complete Guide
South Africa's 2025 model year is shaping up to be exceptional. We've compiled every confirmed and likely new model launch for the local market — this is your definitive preview.
NewsFord Ranger Breaks SA Sales Record — Again
Ford's Ranger sold 5,247 units in a single month — a new all-time record for any vehicle in South Africa. We unpack why the bakkie built in Silverton is unstoppable.
Buying AdviceBest Road-Trip SUVs in South Africa Right Now
Comfort, range, luggage space and driver-assist calibration matter more than brochure bravado on a 1 200km haul.
LifestyleLearning to Drive in South Africa: The Complete 2024 Guide
Getting a driver's licence in South Africa involves the K53 learner's test, yard test and road test. We guide you through every step of the process with current 2024 information.
Industry InsightsPotholes Destroyed Your Car? Here's How to Claim from the Municipality
South African municipalities are legally liable for pothole damage. Few motorists successfully claim because they don't know the process. Here's your complete guide.
Road TripsThe 10 Best Road Trips in South Africa for 2024
South Africa is one of the world's great road trip destinations. We rank the 10 best routes for 2024 — with vehicle recommendations and practical advice for each.
Road TripsThe Ultimate Garden Route Road Trip: Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in 5 Days
The Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth is arguably South Africa's greatest road trip. We did it over five days in a BMW X3 xDrive20d — here's our definitive guide.
LifestyleSouth African Fuel Quality Guide: Which Petrol is Best for Your Car?
Most South African drivers don't know the difference between 93 ULP and 95 ULP petrol, or why some cars require one over the other. We explain everything you need to know.
Industry InsightsChinese Brands Are Coming for Your Customer: How SA Dealers Are Responding
Chinese automotive brands have taken 12.3% of South Africa's new vehicle market in 2024. We investigate how established dealers are responding to the Chinese challenge.
Industry InsightsSouth Africa's Fuel Price Crisis: A 2024 Annual Review
The 2024 fuel price cycle saw 95 ULP fluctuate between R20.15 and R23.47 per litre. We analyse what drove the volatility and what it means for South African motoring in 2025.
LifestyleChild Car Seat Safety in South Africa: The Law, the Science and Best Buys
South Africa has strict child car seat regulations but enforcement is inconsistent. We explain every parent's legal obligations and recommend the best seats available locally.
Road TripsDriving the Mountain Kingdom: A Week in Lesotho by Road
Lesotho is entirely surrounded by South Africa and sits entirely above 1,400m altitude. Its mountain passes — including the legendary Sani Pass — offer some of the most dramatic driving in Southern Africa. Here's our guide.
FeaturesThe Used Performance Cars South Africans Are Quietly Buying Instead of New SUVs
M3s, Golf Rs and V6 bakkies are returning to shopping lists as buyers chase character over touchscreens.
ReviewsToyota GR Yaris: The Homologation Special That's Legal on SA Roads
The Toyota GR Yaris is a 192kW, AWD, motorsport-derived hatchback that costs R699,900. It's one of the most extraordinary production cars ever made — and it's on sale in South Africa.
EV & TechElectric Vehicle Myths Busted: The Truth About EVs in South Africa
South African motorists have specific concerns about EVs that European buyers don't face. We address every myth with data from real South African EV owners.
Buying AdviceHow to Negotiate a Better Car Price in South Africa: The Complete Guide
South African consumers consistently pay more than necessary for new vehicles. Dealerships have significant margin to play with — here's how to negotiate effectively.
MotorsportSA Touring Car Championship Round 1 — Kyalami: Chadwick Takes Dominant Win
Bradley Chadwick and his Mercedes-AMG C63 dominated the opening round of the 2024 South African Touring Car Championship at Kyalami, leading every lap of both races to open the season in style.
Road TripsCederberg Gravel Escape: The Western Cape Route That Makes Every Bakkie Feel Right at Home
Sand, corrugations and mountain passes combine into a road-trip loop built for capable 4x4s and patient drivers.
Buying AdviceThe 5 Best Sports Cars Under R1 Million in South Africa for 2024
South Africa's performance car market has excellent options under R1 million. We rank the top five sports cars that deliver genuine driving rewards without a seven-figure price tag.
Buying AdviceUsed Car Fraud in South Africa: How to Protect Yourself
South Africa's used car market has significant fraud risk. We document the most common scams and provide a step-by-step guide to buying used cars safely.
ReviewsToyota GR86: The Last Great Affordable Sports Car in South Africa
The Toyota GR86 costs R849,900. It has rear-wheel drive, a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine and a manual gearbox option. It's the most fun you can have for under R1 million in South Africa.
Buying AdviceCar Insurance in South Africa: The Complete Buyer's Guide for 2024
Car insurance in South Africa is mandatory for third-party liability but comprehensive cover is the sensible choice for financed vehicles. We break down every option.
Buying AdviceBest First Cars Under R300k in South Africa: 2024 Definitive Guide
Buying a first car in South Africa on a R300,000 budget? There are more options than ever. We test six leading contenders to find the best new car for first-time buyers in 2024.
ReviewsBMW M3 Competition xDrive: The Perfect Daily Supercar?
The BMW M3 Competition xDrive produces 375kW and 650Nm. It does 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds. It costs R2,299,900. We drove it for a week to answer the question: should you daily a supercar?
MotorsportWhy South African Karting Keeps Producing Drivers the World Takes Seriously
The talent pipeline is not accidental. It is built on hard circuits, tight budgets and ruthless competition from a young age.
Road TripsThe Panorama Route, Mpumalanga: South Africa's Most Spectacular Drive
The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga is South Africa's most dramatic single-day drive — from the Escarpment's edge at God's Window to the canyon depths of the Blyde River. Here's how to do it perfectly.
EV & TechVolkswagen iD.4: Germany's Most Important EV Finally Arrives in South Africa
The Volkswagen iD.4 Pure has arrived in South Africa at R859,900. It's the electric vehicle that could change the local market. We drove it from Cape Town to Hermanus.
FeaturesPetrol vs Diesel: Which Engine is Better for South African Drivers in 2024?
South Africa's fuel price convergence between petrol and diesel raises a question many drivers haven't reconsidered in years: does diesel still make financial sense?
Buying Advice7-Seat SUVs Under R700k: The Complete SA Buyer's Guide for 2024
The seven-seat family SUV segment is one of South Africa's most competitive. We've driven every contender under R700,000 to identify the winner in this comprehensive buying guide.
LifestyleFive Detailing Products That Are Actually Worth Buying in South Africa
A practical shortlist for owners who want a cleaner car without wasting money on gimmicks.
LifestyleThe Ultimate Bakkie Camping Guide for South Africa
South Africans love bakkie camping. Here's how to set up your bakkie for overlanding, from a basic canopy to a full expedition-spec overland vehicle.
FeaturesBakkie Towing Guide: Everything South African Drivers Need to Know
South Africans tow more than almost any other nation per capita. Yet most bakkie owners are unaware of the legal requirements, maximum GCM and how to safely tow a caravan or trailer.
ReviewsLand Rover Defender 110 P400 X: Six Months with Britain's Greatest 4x4
The new Defender divides opinion but there's no denying its capability. After six months and 25,000km in the P400 X, we know exactly what the Defender gets right — and where it falls short.
Industry InsightsSA New Vehicle Market: Q1 2024 Sales Up 3.2% — But Headwinds Remain
South Africa's new vehicle market grew 3.2% in Q1 2024, with passenger car sales rising 5.8% while commercial vehicles declined 1.4%. We analyse the data and what it means for the industry.
Buying AdviceWhich Bakkie Should You Buy in 2026? Workhorse, Family Tool or Weekend Toy
The right answer depends on towing, rear-seat use and how often you genuinely leave tar.
Buying AdviceThe 5 Best Off-Road 4x4s Under R700,000 in South Africa for 2024
Not every 4x4 can handle a Sani Pass or a Kalahari dune. We identify the five genuinely capable off-roaders available under R700,000.
Buying AdviceSouth Africa's Hidden Gem Used Cars: Best Value Under R200k in 2024
Budget R200,000? The South African used car market in 2024 offers extraordinary value in specific models. Here are the hidden gems that punch far above their price.
NewsSuzuki Jimny 5-Door: The Cult Classic Goes Practical
Suzuki has launched the five-door Jimny in South Africa at R549,900. It's 340mm longer than the three-door but shares the same 1.5-litre engine and ladder-frame 4x4 system. We drove it in the Magaliesberg.
FeaturesMountain Pass Driving Safety: A South African Guide
South Africa has some of the world's most spectacular — and most dangerous — mountain passes. We explain the specific techniques for safe mountain driving.
Motorsport2024 South African Motorsport Mid-Season Review
We review every major South African motorsport series at mid-season — who's leading, who's fighting back and what's expected in the second half of 2024.
EV & TechBYD Atto 3: China's EV Giant Takes on South Africa
BYD's Atto 3 starts from R649,900 and promises up to 420km of range. We spent a week with the Standard Range model to find out if Chinese EVs are finally ready for South African roads.
LifestyleFirst Track Day in South Africa: The Complete Beginner's Guide
Track days are among the safest, most legal ways to experience your vehicle's limits. Here's everything you need for your first South African track day.