Category: Popular Brands

Toyota Starlet jumps from zero to four stars after six-airbag safety upgrade

Car and Bike SA
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Toyota Starlet Safety Rating Jumps From Zero to Four Stars The Toyota Starlet has gone from a concerning zero-star safety rating to four stars for adult occupant protection in the latest Global NCAP #SaferCarsForAfrica crash tests, following a significant safety upgrade that makes six airbags standard. The result is a major turnaround for one of South Africa’s most popular entry-level cars. When Global NCAP tested the two-airbag version of the Starlet in May, it awarded the hatchback zero stars for adult occupant protection and three stars for child occupant protection.…

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Toyota bZ4X and bZ4X Touring Launch in South Africa – Pricing, Range, Specs & Features

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Toyota South Africa has officially entered the dedicated battery-electric SUV market with the launch of the Toyota bZ4Xand the new bZ4X Touring. The two all-electric SUVs share the same platform but cater to different buyers, with the standard model aimed at everyday driving and the Touring offering more space, performance and practicality for families and adventure enthusiasts. The launch marks another step in Toyota’s local electrification strategy, joining the Corolla Cross Hybrid and RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid as the brand continues expanding its range of new-energy vehicles. Toyota bZ4X and bZ4X…

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Polo GTI Edition 20 debuts in South Africa with 147kW

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The Polo GTI Edition 20 has been introduced in South Africa as a limited-run derivative, with just 400 units allocated locally. The special edition marks 20 years since the first Polo GTI arrived in the market, while also aligning with broader milestones for Volkswagen, including the Polo’s global 50-year anniversary. At R605,700, the Polo GTI Edition 20 positions itself against compact performance hatchbacks such as the BMW M135i xDrive and Mercedes-AMG A35, although at a notably lower price point. While not directly comparable in outright performance, the Polo GTI continues…

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Renault Triber Express III LCV Launches in South Africa

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The Renault Triber Express III LCV has been introduced in South Africa as a compact, cost-effective solution for small businesses, fleet operators and urban delivery services. Positioned as an entry-level light commercial vehicle, the Renault Triber Express III LCV combines passenger-car comfort with practical load-carrying capability. Renault Triber Express III LCV Load Capacity and Practicality Designed around efficiency and usability, the Renault Triber Express III LCV offers a 1500-litre load area and a payload capacity of 542kg. Rear side access doors improve loading convenience in tight urban environments, while the…

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Lexus RZ 500e launches in South Africa with 280kW AWD from R1.65m

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The Lexus RZ 500e has officially launched in South Africa, marking the brand’s first purpose-built battery electric vehicle (BEV). Pricing starts at R1 649 400, positioning it directly against the likes of the BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and select derivatives of the Audi Q8 e-tron. Unlike hybrid adaptations, this is a ground-up EV built on a dedicated electric platform. For Lexus South Africa, it signals a structural shift: electrification now defines the product architecture rather than supplementing it. Lexus RZ 500e pricing and range structure The local line-up comprises…

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Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Returns to South Africa: Giulia & Stelvio Performance Models

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Alfa Romeo has reopened orders for its flagship Quadrifoglio models, the Giulia and Stelvio, in South Africa, extending production through 2027 to meet demand from enthusiasts. The Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio continues to represent the brand’s highest-performance DNA, combining 520hp V6 engines with racing-inspired design and lightweight construction. Said Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficili: “We’re reopening orders for the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio to keep a promise made to customers who value extreme performance and the pure emotions inherent in Alfa Romeo’s DNA.” 520hp Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio V6 Both models are…

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Nissan South Africa Introduces All-New Gravite Amid Rising Chinese Competition

Ray Stewart
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The Nissan Gravite has officially launched in South Africa as the brand looks to regain market share in an increasingly competitive environment dominated by Chinese manufacturers. It has already taken the decision to sell its local manufacturing plant and in the future import product which has been built in its Indian factory. (Ironically, the buyer of the SA plant is the Chery Auto group a Chinese competitor to Nissan). In an effort to try and regain some lost market share Nissan is bringing to South Africa the all-new Indian built…

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FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA – SAFETY RECALL NOTICE

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Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has initiated a safety recall affecting certain 2025 and 2026 Ford Ranger vehicles. Reason for RecallFMCSA has identified a potential issue in which the brake boost feature may be lost. In affected vehicles, customers could experience: A change in brake pedal feel or travel Increased effort required to brake Extended stopping distances, which may raise the risk of an accident If this occurs, the vehicle will alert the driver by activating the ABS, ESC, and brake warning lights, displaying messages on the instrument…

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The all new Audi A5 Sedan delivers a dynamic reinterpretation of modern Audi design

Ray Stewart
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Over the last decade auto manufacturers have increased the amount of SUV model types they build and sell, and have reduced the amount of sedan body types they manufacture, driven by market forces which dictate todays consumer would rather have a modern SUV body shape rather than the old fashioned sedan. One good example of this is the South African BMW plant which stopped building the 3 series sedans a few years ago, and now only manufacture the X3 SUV. All that said, Audi has just launched its all new…

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Ford Drops Bold New Accessory Packs for Everest Sport & Ranger XLT

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Because sometimes stock just isn’t enough. South African car culture is all about making it yours — and Ford knows it. That’s why the brand is rolling out head-turning dealer-fitted accessory packs for two fan favourites: the Everest Sport and Ranger XLT. Think OEM quality meets custom street style. These kits are built from Genuine Ford Accessories and official Ford Licensed Accessories, tested to the same brutal standards as Ford’s factory gear. Buy them with your new ride and they’re covered by the full 4-year / 120,000 km warranty. And…

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South Africa’s Used Car Scene is Heating Up – Practical Rides Take the Spotlight

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South Africa’s used car market just had its best month of 2025 – and it’s not all bakkies and Beemers anymore. July saw buyers leaning harder into practical, affordable, and fuel-efficient models, with a few surprising shake-ups in the top 10. Record-Breaking Month AutoTrader’s July 2025 stats paint a bullish picture: 33,919 cars sold – up +7% year-on-year and +9.4% month-on-month. Total value? A whopping R14.1 billion in used car sales. Average price: R415,983. Average mileage: 73,579 km (down from 75,227 km last year – newer cars are hitting the…

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Volkswagen’s New Transporter Lineup Just Got Way More Versatile – and a Lot More Fun to Spec

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Volkswagen’s New Transporter Lineup Just Got Way More Versatile – and a Lot More Fun to Spec Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is turning up the volume on the new Transporter generation. Already loved in panel van and Kombi form, the range now welcomes three fresh variants that crank up both practicality and personality: Dropside with double cab – rugged, roomy, and ready for everything from construction sites to surf trips. (From €41,158¹) Panel van Plus – a clever mashup for hauling both crew and cargo. (From €38,525¹) Panel van with L-shaped…

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New Range Rover Sport SV Black Edition

Ray Stewart
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If the prestigious Range Rover SUV is your dream car, then you will be blown away with the all-new Black Edition just released in South Africa. Dipped in Black, the icon Sport has been taken to a new level in aesthetics. Exquisite finishes for both the exterior and interior will leave you gasping with envy. Available later in 2025 the new “Boss” celebrates timeless appeal, building on a specification already hugely popular among Range Rover Sports clients. Black badges on the black front grill deliver a bold and defiant attitude…

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The Mahindra XUV700 Latest Black Edition!

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Introducing the Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition: A Stylish Blend of Performance and Luxury For car enthusiasts and style aficionados alike, the Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition—also referred to as the Ebony Edition—promises a fresh twist on an already well-received vehicle. This special edition not only embraces a chic, blacked-out aesthetic but also introduces subtle enhancements that elevate the driving experience while preserving the core strengths that have made the XUV700 a preferred choice in its segment. Exterior & Styling: The first thing that strikes you about the Black Edition is its…

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All New Volvo EX90 Arriving in 2025

Ray Stewart
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If the time has arrived to try a fully electric car, moving away from the conventional combustion engine, this maybe the right vehicle to offer you that opportunity. The new flagship luxury SUV all-electric Volvo EX90 will be arriving in South Africa before the end of the first half of 2025. Not only is this the safest Volvo ever built, but it will take you from 0 to 100km/h in only 4.9 seconds, a similar time to many  expensive sports cars. The EX90 delivers an impressive 380 kW of power…

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The Toyota Corolla Cross: South Africa’s Favourite Compact SUV Just Got Better (2025)

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Since its arrival in 2021, the Toyota Corolla Cross has won the hearts of South African families, offering the perfect mix of trusted reliability, sleek design, and modern innovation. In the competitive compact SUV market, the Corolla Cross has cemented its place as a top choice, with more than 22,000 units sold last year alone. This remarkable achievement has made it South Africa’s second-best-selling passenger vehicle. What’s New in the Corolla Cross? Toyota South Africa Motors’ Vice President of Marketing, Glenn Crompton, highlights the car’s evolution: “The new Corolla Cross…

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Mitsubishi Motors South Africa Introduces the All-New Outlander Sport: A Stylish and Dynamic Compact SUV

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Mitsubishi is thrilled to expand its compact SUV lineup with the launch of the all-new Outlander Sport, designed to elevate everyday driving with its robust yet refined styling, advanced technology, and superior practicality. Purpose-Built for Modern Lifestyles Engineered to meet the demands of compact SUV owners, the Outlander Sport embodies Mitsubishi’s “Silky & Solid” design philosophy. It combines contemporary aesthetics with authentic SUV DNA, offering a versatile, comfortable, and cutting-edge driving experience. Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at MMSA, states: “The Outlander Sport is our response to the thriving compact…

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The Chinese Invasion on South Africas car market!

Ray Stewart
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Maybe about +/- ten years ago, I read a quote in a newspaper article that said in the next 30 years China would produce 90% of the cars built in the world. Now that is not just for Chinese brands as some of the European car manufactures such as Volkswagen and Volvo have factories in China which must be included in the total. Now that is an incredible prediction, so let us just have a look at where we are today and let us take South Africa as an example.…

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Range Rover SV Onyx Edition – Exclusive 7

Ray Stewart
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Range Rover has revealed its latest exquisite Range Rover SV Onyx Edition inspired by the black talismanic qualities of Onyx and just seven examples produced exclusively for Africa.  The exterior bodywork features a Bespoke Black paint, extended to the mirror caps with a contrast Corinthian Bronze roof which accentuates the exterior look. 23-inch diamond turned alloy wheels in Dark Oblivion Grey with Corinthian Bronze inserts and black callipers.  This treatment extends to the interior which features Caraway and Ebony leather seats, scatter cushions and interior surfaces. The front and rear…

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All New Suzuki Swift(2024)

Ray Stewart
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One auto manufacturer who has made a serious impact into the South African vehicle market is Japanese carmaker Suzuki. While traditional manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen etc. continue to lose market share, Suzuki has made its way into third overall spot in sales. The Suzuki dealer network of 113 locations hit an all-time high in sales for October 2024 achieving an incredible record of 6 006 units, which is an average of 194 units sold every day, exceeding sales of 6 000 vehicles in a month for the first…

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