CAR is Southern Africa’s leading automotive-interest magazine – and has been since 1957. It’s aimed at petrol-heads of all ages looking for, expert reviews, road tests, driving impressions of the latest models available and great motoring content from the country’s leading motoring journalists.
From the editor’s desk
CAR
THE NEXT 3 PHASE • Set to arrive here in 2027, BMW’s second Neue Klasse model brings full-on electrification to the 3 Series for the first time
CHERY ON TOP • Could the ‘world-first’ diesel-electric powertrain in Chery’s upcoming double-cab shake up the local bakkie establishment?
BUZZIN’ BUS • The Mercedes-Benz VLE all-electric people-mover combines ‘limousine-like’ levels of comfort with MPV versatility
FIRE YOUR GUNS • Audi celebrates 50 years of five-cylinder firepower with the RS 3 competition limited, of which only 750 examples will be made
talk Tech • We look at the latest advancements in technology and their application on current and future vehicles
GOING ELECTRIC A REALITY CHECK • International motor industry headlines have been dominated by the recent public disclosures from legacy motor manufacturers of EVrelated operating losses and write-downs of more than $100 billion – what does this mean for the transition to electrification?
AN OFFICER AND AN GENTLEMAN • Kia’s first foray into the doublecab territory earns its stripes with military training and civilian sensibilities
CAPE CRUSADE • Official media partner of the 2026 Cape 1000 rally, it seemed only appropriate that CAR dressed the part for this year’s event
Domo Arigato, Mr Roboto • Toyota’s renewed RAV4 gains a dramatic ‘robot’ face at the front, but it’s more familiar when you start digging
In the Zone • Porsche’s GTS models have always balanced road-going civility with race-inspired excitement, but adding a hybrid element could be a masterstroke
Effortlessly Electric • Lexus and full electrification? In the RZ, it seems like the perfect match
Sealing the deal • Can BYD’s Sealion 5 deliver the same impressive showing as its Top 12 Best Buys-winning sibling?
Volkswagen Golf GTI • Finally available in South Africa, how significant are the updates handed to the eighth-generation Golf GTI?
Renault Kiger 1.0 Turbo Iconic CVT • Adding a turbocharger has improved the Kiger’s overall appeal, but it’s still got stiff competition
Audi S3 Sportback TFSI quattro • The badge that introduced the motoring world to the possibilities of all-wheel-drive hot hatches has come of age
Plug-in and Play • Volvo’s best-selling product is better for its PHEV powertrain, and worse for its software frustrations
CHERY TIGGO 7 1.5T CSH PLUG-IN HYBRID ULTRA • With prices at the pumps set to soar, the arrival of the PHEV Tiggo 7 couldn’t come at a better time
Toyota RAV4 • The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 is nearing its end in South Africa, with an all-new generation set to make its debut. We explore this popular midsize SUV as a second-hand purchase
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car guide • Your definitive guide to all the new cars in SA
car dealer • Shopping around for the best deals on wheels
Feature: Bidvest McCarthy Mercedes-Benz. A celebration of 140 years of innovation. • From the invention of the motor car to ground-breaking innovations and the thrill of motorsport – these are the milestones that have made one Brand iconic worldwide. Mercedes-Benz has been reinventing the automobile again and again for 140 years. This unique tradition began with the pioneering innovations of Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler in 1886 – and it continues to lead the way into the future of mobility.
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