Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has said that winning at the Monza Grand Prix with Scuderia would be "phenomenal" as Ferrari hope to ride on the support of the home fans and the recent upgrades they have made to the SF-26 ahead of the Italian GP.

Hamilton has won the Monza GP five times, including four times with Mercedes and once with McLaren, but the Briton has not clinched victory with Ferrari at their home race, having finished sixth in his first year with the Maranello-based outfit in 2025.

"There is a first ahead of me, in the sense that if I were to win, I would go into new territory, winning for the first time with Ferrari at Monza. It would be phenomenal," Hamilton told the media on Thursday.

"The pressure's high. You want to do it for the team. Many of them will come to this race."

The Tifosi come out in huge numbers with a passion that's unmatched.

The seven-time world champion will have his mother watching from the stands and will be cheering with the Tifosi for Hamilton and Ferrari.

"And my mum's here. I don't think she's been to Monza, and certainly not (while I was) with Ferrari. I wanted her to experience this and bring any lucky dust she can bring," he said.

Hamilton also spoke on the engine upgrade Ferrari have for the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, saying that the upgrades will help but are not the whole amount they need to push their challenge for the title.

"Every little helps. Until this point of the year, even last race, we were losing 0.4 seconds a lap (on the straights). We have carried that deficit," Hamilton said.

"This is a step forward. It is not the whole amount we need, but we knew that was the case. I strongly believe we have what it takes to win. To win this weekend, the whole collective has to come together. Everything has to flow from the beginning," Hamilton added. 

It probably feels like yesterday that you could put a few hundred rand in your tank and actually see the needle move. But since the war in the Middle East erupted earlier this year and the Strait of Hormuz became a household name that nobody wants to hear, fuel costs have seemingly gone through the roof.

This has implications for all aspects of our lives, not just commuting, as transport costs have a direct impact on the price of almost all goods that we consume.

September saw South African petrol prices climb by R1.34 and diesel by up to R3.15. But how much have fuel prices changed in the past year? Or five for that matter? The numbers paint a sobering picture.

As at September 2026, a litre of 95 Unleaded costs R26.05 at the coast, but a year ago that same litre cost R20.72. That’s 25.7% in the space of one year, which is almost six times the most recent CPI (general inflation rate) figure of 4.3%. Going back a further four years shows fuel has increased by R8.43 since September 2021, when it cost R17.62 at the coast.

93 Unleaded petrol in Gauteng, for the record, has increased from R18.15 in September 2021 to R21.47 in 2025 and R26.76 in 2026.

Filling your tank with 40 litres of 95 Unleaded has increased from R828 exactly one year ago to R1,042 today.

The diesel picture is even bleaker, with 50ppm currently commanding a wholesale price of R28.79, before the retail margins - which are variable - have been worked in. In the space of one year, that figure has risen by over R10, from R18.71, which is an increase of 53.8%, outpacing general inflation by 12.5%. In five years, the price of diesel has almost doubled from its level of R14.92 in September 2021.

But let this sink in. In just one year, the cost of a 70-litre diesel refuel has increased by over R700!

Diesel 500 increased from R14.87 to R28.24 in that five-year period.

More inflation loading

Brandon Cohen, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), says the latest fuel price increases were a huge cause for concern from an inflationary perspective.

“These increases will place further pressure on household budgets and raise operating and distribution costs across the economy,” Cohen said.

The sharp increase in diesel prices will affect the cost of transporting almost every category of goods, from food to other essential items. It may also add to inflationary pressure, potentially presenting the SA Reserve Bank with difficult decisions on whether to hold or increase interest rates at its next MPC meeting.

“This will place even more strain on South Africans who are already under severe financial pressure,” Cohen added.

Saving every drop

Dewald Ranft, National Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), says rising fuel prices are a good reminder that driving habits can make a meaningful difference to running costs.

“Every kilometre counts when fuel prices are rising,” says Ranft. “Motorists cannot control what happens to the price at the pump, but they can make sure their vehicle is operating as efficiently as possible and that they are not wasting fuel unnecessarily.”

He says motorists should not be tempted by so-called fuel-saving devices that promise dramatic reductions in fuel consumption.

“There is no magic device that can suddenly transform a vehicle’s fuel consumption.”

He says regular maintenance can make a difference, along with good habits such as avoiding harsh acceleration and frequent changes in speed. Checking tyre pressures regularly, keeping wheels correctly aligned, avoiding unnecessary idling and planning trips more smartly can also make a difference.

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South Africa’s new vehicle market continued on its solid growth trajectory in August 2026, with overall sales increasing by 11.4% versus the same month in 2025.

According to Naamsa, a total of 57,898 units were sold last month, with the new passenger vehicle market accounting for 41,216 units and light commercial vehicles totalling 13,727 units. These segments grew by 11.6% and 11.7%, respectively, while the medium and heavy commercial segments, with nominal sales of 805 and 2,150 units, grew by 16.3% and 10.1%, respectively.

A total of 81.8% of new vehicle sales took place through dealer channels, while the rental industry accounted for 13.4%, followed by government and industry corporate sales at 2.4% each.

NEV sales surge

New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) are also rapidly increasing their share, accounting for 4.4% of new vehicle registrations year-to-date, with sales having increased by 88% versus the corresponding period in 2025. Hybrids account for the bulk of NEVs sold in 2026, at 8,078 units, versus 5,851 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and 2,360 battery electric vehicles (EVs).

Toyota, Suzuki top the charts

Toyota enjoyed a particularly strong sales month, with a grand total of 14,142 sales, giving the carmaker a market share of 23.9%. The Toyota Hilux retained its position as the country’s best-selling vehicle, with a total volume of 3,881 units in August. On the manufacturer podium, Suzuki Auto narrowly ousted Volkswagen, while Hyundai and Ford made up the top five.

15 top-selling manufacturers: August 2026

1. Toyota - 14,142
2. Suzuki Auto - 5,994
3. Volkswagen - 5,799
4. Hyundai - 3,058
5. Ford - 2,927
6. Chery Auto - 2,709
7. GWM SA - 2,504
8. Isuzu Motors - 2,435
9. Jetour - 2,034
10. Kia SA - 1,920
11. Omoda & Jaecoo - 1,502
12. Mahindra - 1,458
13. Renault - 1,360
14. BMW Group - 1,256
15. BYD - 860

Why are vehicle sales so strong?

Naamsa attributes August’s strong sales performance to slower inflation, improving vehicle affordability and the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged.

“For the new vehicle market, these conditions are important. Vehicle purchases remain particularly sensitive to financing costs, household disposable income and total cost of ownership. The combination of moderating inflation and stable interest rates therefore provided some relief to consumers navigating still-elevated living and borrowing costs,” Naamsa said.

“Rather than signalling a return to inexpensive credit, the August market performance suggests that greater economic stability, improving product choice and more predictable financing conditions are helping to support vehicle demand.”

While price remains the starting point for many customers, dealers are seeing buyers pay closer attention to the total cost of vehicle ownership, says Brandon Cohen, chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA).

“Customers are asking more detailed questions about fuel consumption, finance, insurance, servicing, warranties and the products available to protect their vehicles over longer ownership periods,” Cohen explained. “This indicates that the buying process is maturing. Dealers cannot compete on price alone; transparent advice and dependable aftersales support are increasingly important.”

While the domestic industry appears to be on a solid footing, export sales declined further, with July’s total of 35,091 exports being 11.9% down on the same month last year.

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Wednesday’s fuel price hikes will be nothing short of punishing for South African motorists, who have already endured a turbulent year of rising transport costs since the Middle East war sent oil prices surging.

The outlook is particularly bleak for diesel customers. On Monday the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced that on September 2, the price of 500ppm diesel will rise by R2.94 per litre, while 50ppm will see a R3.15 increase.

On the petrol front, motorists can expect an increase of R1.34 per litre for both grades.

What this means at the pumps is that Gauteng motorists will now pay R26.76 for a litre of 93 unleaded and R26.92 for 95 unleaded, with the latter now costing R26.05 at the coast. The wholesale price of diesel is now set at R29.11 in Gauteng and R28.23 at the coast, with 50ppm costing R30.05 and R28.79 respectively.

How much more will a tank cost?

Putting 70 litres of diesel into your bakkie’s 80 litre tank will cost an extra R205 from Wednesday, if you’re refuelling with 500ppm, or R220 if refuelling with the cleaner 50ppm.

Those with small petrol-powered cars can expect to pay R40 more for a 30-litre refuel and R53.60 extra for a 40 litre tank. A 50 or 60 litre refuel of a larger car or SUV will carry a premium of R67 to R80.

Close to recent highs

While September’s increases will push fuel prices close to their recent highs, 95 petrol at R26.05 a litre at the coast remains below its June peak of R27.19, while wholesale diesel at R28.23 is still below its May high of R30.30. 

Given the oil price volatility that we’ve seen in the past month, it’s impossible to predict where fuel prices are going in October.

What does the future hold?

Oil prices were trading higher on Tuesday as renewed military exchanges between the US and Iran revived concerns about disruptions to crude supplies, particularly through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude was around $91 a barrel this morning, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was above $86, after both benchmarks jumped more than 2% on Monday.

The outlook for the next month will largely depend on whether tensions escalate or diplomatic efforts gain traction. A prolonged disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could push crude significantly higher, with some analysts warning that prices could approach $100 a barrel, while a de-escalation and restoration of normal shipping could ease the current supply-risk premium.

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Petrol and diesel prices are set for sharp increases from Wednesday, September 2, after ongoing conflict in the Middle East put international oil prices under pressure.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has announced the official fuel price adjustments for September. Both grades of petrol will increase by R1.34 per litre, while diesel is set to rise by between R2.94, in the case of 500ppm, and R3.15 for 50ppm.

Illuminating paraffin will increase by R2.84 per litre.

Following the price adjustments, a litre of 95 unleaded will cost R26.05 at the coast and R26.92 in the inland regions, with the slightly cheaper 93 unleaded now retailing at R26.76. 

The wholesale price of 500ppm diesel will rise to R28.23 at the coast and R29.11 inland, with 50ppm costing R28.79 and R30.05 respectively.

Fuel price rollercoaster

2026 has been a highly volatile year for South African fuel prices, with 95 Unleaded petrol having increased by R6.58 between March and September, while the wholesale price of diesel has risen by R10.75 in that time.

The latest price hikes follow mixed adjustments in August, when both grades of petrol decreased by 52 cents per litre at the beginning of August, but diesel increased by between R1.23 (50ppm) and R1.38 (500ppm).

Petrol prices peaked at R27.19 in June, while diesel's high point was R30.30 in May.

International oil markets have seen significant volatility since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in late February, with the critical Strait of Hormuz oil passage mostly shut to shipping traffic.

Little hope on the horizon

Oil prices currently remain well above their pre-war levels of around $70 per barrel. However, while Brent Crude has traded around the $90 mark for most of August, it is still significantly lower than its highs of around $126 reached earlier in the year.

JP Morgan Global Research now expects Brent crude to average $86 per barrel in the third quarter of 2026, before easing to $80 in the fourth quarter and $78 by the end of the year.

The bank said the oil market had rebalanced as demand losses proved larger than expected, while draws from commercial inventories in OECD countries were smaller than anticipated. China was cited as an example of potential demand destruction.

JP Morgan also expects long-term damage to oil production in the Gulf region to be limited, although uncertainty over the future of OPEC could make oil price forecasts more difficult.

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Jetour’s T-Series SUVs were an instant hit after being launched in South Africa in 2025, particularly the rugged-looking T2, which also scooped the country’s official Car of the Year title in early 2026.

However, controversy has surrounded the payload ratings for the T1 and T2 models, with quoted figures of between 300kg and 375kg – depending on the model and calculation method – seeming unusually low for a five-seat midsize SUV.

These figures could easily be exceeded with five occupants on board, and that’s before factoring in any luggage.

However, Jetour has now revised the official payloads of the T1 and T2 models to 475kg. The company says this follows engagements with its head office as well as the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS).

Interestingly, no mechanical, structural or component changes were made to achieve the increased payload, which means that the new rating theoretically also applies to existing T1 and T2 models that fall within the scope of the applicable NRCS approval.

Jetour said it is currently engaging with the relevant local licensing authorities regarding the increased payload rating of existing vehicles.

“Jetour South Africa has engaged directly with Jetour Head Office and the NRCS regarding the approved payload capacity applicable to the T1 and T2 models,” the company said in a statement.

“Based on the approval obtained from the NRCS, Jetour South Africa confirms that the approved payload capacity applicable to the relevant Jetour T1 and T2 model range is 475kg, inclusive of the driver.”

When asked to elaborate on the reason for the discrepancy between the original and newly announced payloads, a Jetour representative told IOL:

“The initial payload capacity was based on the global specification for the vehicles, taking into account the requirements applicable across Jetour’s international markets.”

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“Maxxing” is quite a thing among online trendsetters these days. From “looksmaxxing” to “careermaxxing” and even “sleepmaxxing” (we’re looking at you, Gen Z), if it’s possible to “maxx” something, it’s probably trended on social media lately.

Not wanting to be left out of the action, Chinese auto giant GWM is now “maxxing” its popular Haval Jolion SUV, with this brand-new version called the Jolion Max.

Revealed at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami over the weekend, the Jolion Max looks completely different from the regular Jolion and Jolion Pro models. With an overall length of 4,590mm, it is a good 120mm longer than its siblings, while being just 113mm shorter than the H6.

For that reason, the Jolion Max won’t replace the Jolion Pro when it arrives in South Africa during the fourth quarter of 2026, but rather it will serve as a bridge between that and the H6, with pricing that reflects this too.

Given that the Jolion Pro starts at R392,100 and the H6 kicks off at R495,500, it’s likely that Jolion Max prices will start well under the R500,000 mark.

Like its siblings, the Jolion Max is a five-seater, but the advantage over the Jolion Pro is increased boot space – with international specifications listing a 560-litre capacity – as well as a likely increase in legroom thanks to the 10mm-longer wheelbase.

A GWM SA representative has told IOL that the Jolion Max will be available in three powertrain variants in South Africa: ICE, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. As with the regular Jolions, the 1.5-litre turbocharged base model will produce 105kW. It is likely that the hybrid will also match its siblings in delivering a 140kW combined output.

The cabin of the Jolion Max has a large dual-screen layout and floating-style centre console, with the gear selector moved to the steering column to create additional storage space.

The large central screen measures 12.3 inches and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

South African specifications and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

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Newly turned 20-year-old Kimi Antonelli is not looking too far ahead despite having a 59-point lead in the Formula 1 2026 championship after 12 rounds.

The Mercedes sensation has created several records on the way to leading the drivers' championship in just his second season in the series, with teammate George Russell in the same car and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in Ferrari, both of whom are 59 points behind the Italian.

Despite enjoying success with the Silver Arrows and looking primed for a world title, Antonelli knows very well that the triumph is still way too far, and considering how Oscar Piastri lost the title despite having led for the majority of 2025, it only makes sense for Antonelli to tread with caution.

"The job is not done yet. We're only halfway through, and there is still so much that needs to happen and so much to be achieved," he said, as quoted by F1.

Antonelli has won six races this season and four podiums in 12 rounds as he has made the most of the car that he has got. Heading into the F1 mid-season, he had a lead of 50 points and needed the break to ease out of "the zone" as he enjoyed time with his family.

"We watched some of the races on TV while eating dinner. We still talked about F1, but it was in a nice way, just reminding us what we achieved. You need to be happy about it, of course – but at the same time not get carried away by it and still maintain focus," he added.

The Italian had a tough 2025 when he finished seventh in the championship with only three podiums to his name. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had called his performance at the home Monza GP "underwhelming", but he has turned the tables this time around with experience under his belt.

"Experience is playing a massive role," says Antonelli. "Of course, I still have a lot of experience to make, but I think last year despite all the bad moments, the difficult periods, I think that was what I needed because that helped me to grow even more than what I anticipated. It made me stronger emotionally and mentally."

He turned 20 on August 25 and says that he enjoys the newfound fame. "I'm enjoying it. I try to embrace this moment as much as possible. Of course, there are times where you cannot please everyone, unfortunately, but I try and embrace it as much as possible.

"I try to do as much as I can because I think the fans are very special and they're a big part of our sport, and I think they're the ones that really add up and make it even greater. So for sure, also seeing the excitement and the support is always very nice," he added.

During his historic run, Antonelli became the youngest F1 championship leader, the youngest pole sitter, and the first racer to register three wins from his first three pole positions. He now eyes to become the youngest F1 world champion, a record currently held by Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years and 134 days when he won his 2010 championship.

Steep fuel price increases are forecast for September, largely as a result of international oil prices remaining elevated due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Month-end data from the Central Energy Fund points to petrol price increases of around 96 cents for 93 Unleaded and R1.07 for 95 Unleaded. 

Diesel prices are heading back in the direction of a full-blown crisis, with the CEF data indicating potential price hikes of around R2.71 for 500ppm and R2.92 for 50ppm.

Illuminating paraffin is looking set for an increase in the region of R2.12.

It's been a highly volatile year for fuel prices in South Africa, with the price of 95 Unleaded having increased from R19.47 to R24.71 between March and August, peaking at R27.19 in June. The wholesale price of diesel has risen from R17.70 in March to R25.30 in August, peaking at R30.30 in May.

Both grades of petrol decreased by 52 cents per litre at the beginning of August, while diesel increased by between R1.23 (50ppm) and R1.38 (500ppm).

Middle East war

Global oil markets have seen significant volatility since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in late February, with the critical Strait of Hormuz oil passage mostly shut to shipping traffic.

While the markets appear to have settled, with Brent crude oil trading mostly around the $90-per-barrel mark in August, down from highs of around $126 earlier in the year, prices remain well above pre-war levels of around $70.

Ole Hvalbye, commodities analyst at SEB, recently told Reuters: “A return to normal flows out of the Strait of Hormuz is now suddenly without any near-term hopes.”

On the upside, analysts do see a gradual softening of international oil prices, with JP Morgan predicting an average of around $86 for Brent in the third quarter of this year, falling to $80 in the fourth quarter and $78 in 2027.

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Changan has expanded its South African electrified vehicle line-up with the introduction of the Deepal S05 REEV and Changan Uni-S HEV at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami this week.

The Deepal S05 is positioned as a mid-sized SUV and differs from the larger S07 in its use of range-extender technology rather than a fully electric powertrain.

The S05 REEV uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine purely as a generator, meaning it does not drive the wheels. Instead, a single electric motor producing 160kW and 320Nm powers the vehicle from a 27kWh battery.

Changan claims the S05 can travel for more than 1,000km on a combined cycle, while offering up to 200km of pure electric driving. The battery can also be fast-charged, with the company claiming a 20-minute charging time when connected to an appropriate charger.

The S05 has a rear-wheel-drive layout and offers four drive modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport and Custom.

Standard equipment includes a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 14-speaker sound system, wireless smartphone charging, heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic skylight.

Safety features include six airbags, a 540-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning and automatic emergency braking, as well as front and rear parking radars.

Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

Changan Uni-S HEV

Changan has also introduced a hybrid version of its Uni-S mid-sized SUV, which was launched locally as a petrol-only model in April.

The Uni-S HEV combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 110kW and 220Nm with an electric motor, with combined system outputs of 166kW and 290Nm.

Power is sent to the front wheels through an electronic CVT, while Changan claims combined fuel consumption of 4.0 litres/100km.

The hybrid model is available in CL and CE specifications, with 18-inch and 19-inch wheels respectively.

Equipment includes six airbags, Level 2 driver assistance systems, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist and a 540-degree camera system.

The cabin features microfibre leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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With its razor-sharp body creases and triangular design elements, the GAC Emzoom stands out in the crowded compact SUV segment, where generic looks are the norm.

But initially, it was a bit on the expensive side in our market.

However, there have been attempts to resolve this, with the importer having cut prices less than a year after its introduction, and more recently introducing a new entry-level model called the Emzoom Nova.

Lowering the entry price

Retailing at R359,900, it lowers the entry price of the Emzoom by R20,000, with the Executive Collection model being the next step up the ladder at R379,900.

The new entry model can be told apart by its unique grille with horizontal elements, as well as bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels, replacing the 18-inch rims and ‘flying mecha’ frontal design of the other Emzoom models.

Unfortunately, it does lose some interior specification, chief among these being the side airbags, leaving the count at just two frontal airbags. It also loses the digital instrument cluster, lane departure warning, reverse camera and foldable mirrors found on the Executive version, while swapping the latter’s adaptive cruise control for the conventional kind.

Interestingly, you can also buy a ‘Comfort Collection’ edition at R359,900, which appears to have similar specifications to the Nova, but with electrically foldable mirrors and a reverse camera.

I missed the latter feature when driving the Nova, but the lack of noisy electronic aids was appreciated on a short weekend trip to Limpopo province.

Strong performance

The Nova base model also retains the familiar 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine fitted to its siblings, which delivers 130kW through the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The engine provided effortless performance and easy overtaking ability on the rural roads we tackled.

The engine also has a raspy tone almost reminiscent of a performance hatchback, and I was also impressed by the ride comfort, road holding and the accuracy of the steering. This vehicle feels composed and refined out on the open road.

However, the throttle calibration still needs some work, as the vehicle feels a bit jerky at low speeds, which can make town driving feel a little tedious at times. What’s more, the throttle and gearbox didn’t always communicate smoothly.

As for economy, our test car drank 6.4 litres per 100km on our long-distance run, but you can expect that figure to surpass 9.0 litres/100km once some town driving is thrown into the equation.

Is the GAC Emzoom practical?

With a length of 4,410mm, it is bigger than a Toyota Urban Cruiser but smaller than a Corolla Cross, but in a practical sense, it is on the smaller side due to its somewhat striking, sloping-roof design.

The boot, for instance, is on the small side at 341 litres, beaten by most SUVs in this price class, and rear legroom is adequate at best.

Interior quality is quite impressive, though, and the interior surfaces and materials look and feel like they belong in a more expensive car.

The infotainment screen measures 10.25 inches and incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay via the CarbitLink app, as well as Android phone screen mirroring.

The system is relatively user-friendly, and as a further bonus, there are physical controls for the climate-control system.

VERDICT

The GAC GS3 Emzoom is a refreshing alternative to the often-generic Chinese SUV alternatives. It has a genuinely sporty feel to it and is quite a pleasure to drive, for the most part. But its engine and gearbox software calibration could perhaps do with further fine-tuning.

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Arriving as the first of its kind on the South African market, Chinese automaker Geely has revealed its Riddara electric double-cab bakkie on local shores.

Making its debut at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami Raceway this week, the Riddara is not in any way meant to compete with the traditional ladder-frame bakkies on our market. Not only is it all-electric, but it also employs a car-like unibody structure. But it is interesting to note that its pricing undercuts that of mainstream bakkies like the new-generation Hilux.

Pricing for the new Geely model starts at R611,900 for the 2WD Aspire Econ, rising to R681,900 for the Aspire Econ 4WD and R781,900 for the range-topping Apex RD6 4WD.

While it’s not strictly the first time we’re seeing this bakkie in SA, given that Enviro Automotive imported a limited number in 2025, the Riddara now has the full backing of Geely Automotive.

Power and capability

Despite its unibody construction, Geely claims a payload of up to 1,030kg and a towing capacity of up to 3,000kg for the flagship version. It also boasts a 225mm ground clearance and 815mm wading depth, while drivers can choose from six drive modes, including an Off-Road mode.

But keep in mind that towing heavy objects can rapidly deplete the range.

On that note, the carmaker claims a NEDC range of up to 424km for the Apex 4WD version, and 390km for the Aspire Econ 4WD, both of which feature a 63kWh battery. The base 2WD variant has a 63kWh battery that’s said to provide a range of up to 369km.

The Riddara is capable of DC fast-charging at a rate of up to 110kW.

These bakkies pack some serious power, with even the base 2WD version delivering 180kW and 309Nm. The Aspire 4WD is good for 280kW and 485Nm, while the Apex RD6 4WD pushes 315kW and 595Nm.

Cabin features

Inside, you’ll find a 14.6-inch infotainment display as well as a 10.2-inch digital driver display and wireless phone charging.

The Apex flagship model features an eight-speaker audio system, panoramic roof and leather upholstery, with seat ventilation for the front occupants.

“For decades, the South African bakkie market has been dominated by familiar formulas, diesel engines, ladder frames and traditional bakkie design,” Geely said.

What it's (not) trying to be

“Riddara arrives with the ambition to challenge that formula. It does not attempt to turn a passenger car into a bakkie. Nor does it simply replace a diesel engine with an electric motor. Instead, it has been engineered from the outset around a new-energy bakkie architecture, combining the strengths of an electric vehicle with the functionality South Africans expect from a bakkie.”

The Riddara is backed by a six-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty, while the battery is covered for eight years or 200,000km. Customers can also look forward to a six-year or 120,000km service plan.

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Dongfeng is a relatively unknown entity in South Africa, but it has big ambitions for the local market, and this became apparent through the sheer number of new products on display at its Festival of Motoring stand at Kyalami this week.

Dongfeng is one of China’s four major state-owned car companies, and it’s currently distributed in South Africa by E Auto Motor SA, with the Box, 06 and 007 having been the first products out the, er, box.

The brand currently has 16 dealerships operating in South Africa, with plans to expand the footprint to around 40 by year-end. This will be underpinned by numerous product introductions, including the new Dongfeng Friday.

Friday vibes

This midsize family SUV with sleek, but somewhat generic lines, will be available in fully electric as well as range-extended electric (REEV) variants, with the first units set to reach showrooms around October.

Company representatives that IOL spoke to said the REEV is expected to carry a price tag in the region of R560,000 to R580,000, while the full EV should cost around R580,000 to R600,000.

Of course, the range-extended model has a much smaller (31 kWh) battery, limiting the claimed electric range to around 200km, versus the 400km range claimed for the full EV, which boasts a 64 kWh battery. However, thanks to a 1.5-litre engine generator, the REEV can manage a total range of around 1,300km.

Final South African specifications have yet to be announced, but Dongfeng’s international websites list total power outputs of 130kW for the REEV and 150kW for the EV.

Affordable new EV for SA

Dongfeng also used the Festival to preview its new Kaiyi family of compact electric vehicles.

The smallest of these, the Kaiyi e-Qute 04, is expected to cost around R280,000 to R300,000 when it launches later this year, which would make it the least expensive electric car on the market, undercutting the R339,900 Geely E2.

However, the compact hatchback is perhaps best viewed as a city car, with its 39 kWh battery allowing a range of just 280km and its 40kW motor likely offering modest performance.

The Kaiyi brand will also launch a larger SUV model called the ‘05’, which promises to be a more highway-friendly proposition with an output of 120kW and a claimed range in the region of 410km. Pricing, however, is expected to be in the R520,000 to R550,000 range.

The name is 007

The recently introduced Dongfeng 007 also attracted plenty of attention at the Festival, with its sporty lines and fastback profile inviting comparisons with the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

The 007 was never driven by James Bond, but it certainly has enough power for his exploits, with the flagship version boasting 400kW. 160kW and 200kW versions are also available, with prices starting from R799,000.

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GWM is taking on the big guns in the South African bakkie market with a brand new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine.

The Chinese carmaker announced pricing for the new 3.0-litre models, kicking off at R724,900 for the P500 Double Cab, and at R849,900 for the equivalent Tank 500 SUV.

GWM P500 Double Cab Pricing

• 3.0 TD 4x2 auto - R724,900
• 3.0 TD 4x4 auto - R799,900

GWM Tank 500 Pricing

• 3.0 TD 4x2 Super Luxury - R849,900
• 3.0 TD 4x4 Ultra Luxury - R929,900
• 3.0 TD 4x4 Overland - R999,900

Not only do these prices significantly undercut similarly powered rivals, like the Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 that starts at just over R1 million, but in the P500's case, the 3.0-litre model also costs R50,000 less than the previous 2.4-litre turbodiesel model.

If you’re going to take the bakkie wars seriously, you’re going to have to deliver the power and torque where it matters the most, and that is exactly what GWM appears to be doing with its new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine.

For starters, the new 3.0-litre motor is the most powerful non-hybrid four-cylinder turbodiesel engine available on the market. 

It produces 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, which is 35kW and 140Nm more than the current 2.4-litre unit. This means it comfortably out-powers the Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 (150kW, 500Nm) and Isuzu D-Max 3.0 (140kW, 450Nm); it even delivers more torque than the 600Nm Ford Ranger 3.0 V6, while coming close to its 184kW power output.

The new engine is paired with GWM’s in-house-developed nine-speed automatic transmission.

Exact local specifications had not been confirmed at the time of writing, but for the equivalent Australian versions, GWM claims combined fuel consumption of 7.1 litres per 100km in the Tank 500 and 7.3 l/100km in the P500. Both models have a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg.

The new engine has undergone more than six months of local engineering across a variety of local Australian roads, with testing focused on performance, durability, drivability, powertrain calibration and towing capability.

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Suzuki’s attempt to democratise electric vehicles is one step closer to the South African market, with the e Vitara having made its local debut at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami, which kicked off on Thursday.

The Suzuki e Vitara is produced exclusively at Suzuki’s Gujarat assembly plant in India and is the first vehicle to be underpinned by the Heartect-e platform, which was developed specifically for battery electric vehicles.

Suzuki Auto South Africa has brought an example into the country to gauge interest in the product and, although no launch date has been announced, it is under consideration for our market. Suzuki SA’s brand marketing manager, Brendon Carpenter, said the company was currently conducting feasibility studies into the model and its potential positioning in the burgeoning EV market.

It is thus too early to speculate on potential pricing in South Africa, but it is interesting to note that in India it rubs pricing shoulders with the range-topping versions of the internal combustion-engined Grand Vitara. However, there is a battery-rental option in India, in which case the price aligns with the base Grand Vitaras. You don’t own the battery, however; instead, you rent it for the equivalent of 67 cents per kilometre.

In India, the e Vitara is available in both front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive variants, with respective power outputs of 128kW and 135kW, and claimed range figures of up to 420km between charges on the WLTP cycle. This is with the 61kWh battery, which is the most likely candidate for our market. Suzuki also offers a 49kWh option in India, with a range of 344km.

The e Vitara offers DC charging capability at a maximum rate of 70kW, which should allow for a 10% to 80% charge in around 45 minutes.

The cabin of the e Vitara features a dual-screen layout that pairs a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a 10.1-inch central infotainment screen. Thankfully, it still has physical climate controls, while the ‘floating’ centre console puts many of the essential controls close to hand.

Depending on the model grade, the highlight features include a glass panoramic roof, ventilated front seats and a premium Infinity audio system by Harman.

As mentioned, the e Vitara has not been officially confirmed for our market, but more details will be made available once the local launch date is decided upon.

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Chinese brand JMC used the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami to pull the covers off its Grand Avenue, which is set to launch in South Africa next month.

Although it shares its basic platform with the new-generation Vigus bakkie that was launched earlier this year, the Grand Avenue boasts beefed-up styling, as well as a more powerful engine and higher-end cabin appointments.

Alongside the regular Grand Avenue, JMC also revealed a version of the attention-grabbing Grand Avenue Pro, a beefed-up, off-road-oriented version that will have a different name in our market.

The JMC Grand Avenue is 115mm longer than the Vigus and is powered by an uprated version of the firm’s 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, which produces 155kW and 500Nm. That’s 28kW and 70Nm more than the Vigus’s motor. It pairs up with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. That theoretically gives it the power to tackle mainstream Japanese rivals such as the Toyota Hilux.

JMC did not release any info on the special 'off-road' version that was previewed at the show, and local adaptations could certainly be made. But for what it's worth, overseas versions boast uprated suspension, complete with a multi-link rear axle, featuring Watts Linkage, and optional K-MAN Nitrogen Shocks. Local specifications have not yet been confirmed, however.

The cabin of the new Grand Avenue features a tiltable 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as automatic climate control and a leather-covered dashboard, among other more premium-level trimmings.

Pricing and other specifications will be released closer to the vehicle’s official launch, which takes place in a few weeks.

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The all-new Volkswagen T-Roc is now available for sale, with the second-generation compact SUV introducing a redesigned exterior, upgraded interior and expanded technology offering.

Positioned between the Taigo and Tiguan, the new T-Roc forms part of Volkswagen’s T-SUV family, alongside the T-Cross, Taigo, Tiguan, Tayron and Touareg.

The new model is 122mm longer than its predecessor, with a 28mm longer wheelbase contributing to increased interior space and a more commanding road presence.

Three T-Roc derivatives

The T-Roc is available in three derivatives: Life, R-Line and R-Line Black Style.

The T-Roc Life comes with 16-inch Bilbao alloy wheels, LED headlights, black roof rails, Park Assist, a rear-view camera, a 10.3-inch infotainment system and a Digital Cockpit. It also features 10-colour ambient lighting.

The sportier R-Line adds R-Line exterior and interior styling, IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, 18-inch Coventry alloy wheels and sports comfort seats.

The flagship R-Line Black Style adds black exterior mirror housings, decorative elements, roof rails, privacy glass and black alloy wheels.

Redesigned exterior

The new T-Roc adopts a more sculpted design, with elongated proportions, a wider-looking stance and stronger rear shoulders.

At the front, LED technology is combined with a continuous light strip and illuminated Volkswagen logo. Higher derivatives feature IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights.

The rear features two-part LED combination lamps connected by a continuous illuminated light strip, as well as an illuminated Volkswagen logo on higher derivatives.

Upgraded digital cabin

The interior has been completely redesigned around a driver-focused layout, with a new Digital Cockpit and infotainment systems available in 10.3-inch and 12.9-inch formats, depending on specification.

A new Drive Experience Dial provides access to driving profiles and infotainment functions, while a multifunction gear selector features an integrated OLED display.

Ambient lighting is available in 10 colours on the Life and R-Line, while the R-Line Black Style offers 30-colour ambient lighting extending across the dashboard and doors.

An optional Head-up Display is also available on higher derivatives.

The R-Line derivatives feature sports comfort seats, with the R-Line and Black Style offering Varenna leather upholstery with R-Line branding as part of the Seat Comfort package.

The front seats are electrically adjustable and include memory functionality. A panoramic sunroof is available across the range, while a Harman Kardon sound system is available as an option on higher derivatives.

Connectivity and driver assistance

Wireless App-Connect enables compatible smartphones to connect with the vehicle, while USB charging ports provide up to 45W of power.

The T-Roc also offers a range of driver assistance technologies. Park Assist and a rear-view camera are standard, while the optional IQ.DRIVE package adds features including Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring, Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, an exit warning system, Lane Keeping System with Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist.

Practicality and performance

The five-seat T-Roc has a 475-litre luggage compartment, with its increased dimensions and longer wheelbase contributing to additional interior space.

Power comes from a 1.4 TSI 110kW turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission.

The engine produces 250Nm of maximum torque between 1,500 and 3,500rpm.

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Hot on the heels of the Lepas L6 launch, the newly introduced Chinese brand has confirmed that its electric version is on course for local showrooms.

It’s set to be revealed to the public at the Festival of Motoring at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit this weekend, although the actual launch date and details such as pricing have yet to be announced.

While sharing its basic silhouette with the L6 combustion-engined model, the L6 EV has a unique frontal design, losing the large grille and gaining a more sculpted front bumper, flanked by sharply triangular headlights. 19-inch alloy wheels will be standard on the EV model.

A front-mounted electric motor powers the front wheels with 160kW and 275Nm, while a 67.09kWh battery allows for a claimed WLTC range of up to 450km between charges.

The battery supports both AC and DC charging.

The cabin features a 13.2-inch vertical touchscreen, 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, 540-degree panoramic camera, Sony eight-speaker sound system and 50W wireless smartphone charger.

Dual-zone climate control, multi-colour ambient lighting, powered tailgate and a panoramic sunroof are also part of the package, as are a wide array of ADAS driver-assistance features.

Furthermore, the synthetic leather-upholstered seats are electrically adjustable up front, with heating and ventilation, as well as a memory function for the driver.

“The L4 marked the start of our journey in South Africa earlier this year, and the imminent launch of the L6 will take our local range another step forward. The L6 EV shows how we plan to build on that foundation by giving consumers more choice, not only between models but also between powertrains,” says Lepas brand and marketing manager Letitia Herold.

Lepas is a Chery-owned brand that launched earlier in 2026 with the compact L4 and, more recently, the midsize L6.

More details on the L6 EV will be released closer to launch, the company says.

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Jaecoo, the Chinese brand known for its elegant, uncluttered design language, will soon be introducing a vehicle that is ‘smooth’ in another way.

Set to launch in September, the Jaecoo J5 BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) will enter South Africa’s hotly contested electric car market.

Priced from R549,900, it will go up against sister brand iCaur’s V23 (from R519,900), as well as the GWM Ora 5 EV (from R549,900) and Dongfeng Vigo E1 (from R499,000).

IOL got a sneak preview of the new Jaecoo J5 BEV at parent company Chery’s head office in Bryanston recently. While we couldn’t drive it far, due to the unit being a prototype not registered for road use, our short stint around the office complex did provide a taste of its inner-city road manners.

The vehicle exhibited smooth, effortless acceleration. The suspension, which includes a multi-link set-up at the rear, soaked up the complex’s large speed bumps with ease and comfort.

The J5 BEV is powered by a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that sends 155kW and 288Nm to the front wheels. It’s fed by a 58.9kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack that enables a claimed range of up to 402km between charges on the WLTP cycle.

The battery also supports 11kW AC charging, as well as DC fast charging at up to 130kW, the latter allowing for a 30% to 80% charge in around 28 minutes, according to Jaecoo.

It has a unique look

The J5 BEV isn’t trying to keep its electric status a secret and is easy to tell apart from the ICE variant. The main distinguishing feature is the slim ‘grille’ bar between the headlights, which replaces the far larger ‘waterfall’ grille found on the petrol-powered variants.

The J5 BEV also features a distinct lower bumper, with a full-width black section, and the vehicle rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. There’s also a small ‘frunk’ under the bonnet, where the engine would normally have been, and because it has a drain plug, it’s the perfect place to store dirty items or things that might leak.

What you'll find inside

Inside, it’s a familiar sight, though, with a 13.2-inch central touchscreen taking pride of place. It features a 540-degree panoramic camera, as well as Carlinko app control and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The BEV is also fitted with an eight-speaker audio system, electric front seats, a powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof and a 50-watt wireless smartphone charger.

The cabin is well appointed, and the materials have an upmarket appearance. Customers can choose between black and white interior options. There are some nice touches that you don’t normally expect at this level, including a power-operated sunshade for rear occupants. However, rear legroom is a little tighter than what we’ve come to expect in some of the more ‘cab-forward’ electric vehicles.

There is a long list of electronic driver assistance (ADAS) features, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Auto Emergency Braking, Lane-Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection and Multi-Collision Brake.

Pre-launch incentive

“The introduction of the J5 BEV will mark an important milestone for JAECOO as the brand’s first fully electric model to be offered locally,” says Omoda & Jaecoo’s marketing manager Shannon Gahagan.

“It will bring together strong performance, comfort, safety and everyday practicality in a package designed to make fully electric mobility easier to embrace.”

Pre-orders are already open for the new electric model, and those who place their order before launch will receive an incentive package valued at more than R50,000. This includes an EV Starter Kit, comprising a 7kW home wallbox charger and Vehicle-to-Load accessory that allows the vehicle’s battery to power external appliances – which will certainly come in handy during power outages.

Watch this space for a more comprehensive review once the Jaecoo J5 BEV has been officially launched.

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It’s a frustrating situation that many South African car owners face. You were in a crash and your car is now being repaired, but some of the replacement parts are on back order and your courtesy-car benefit is about to run out.

While there may be options available to you in that situation, it’s best not to assume that the insurer, repairer or manufacturer is automatically responsible for keeping you in a rental car indefinitely.

Your first step is to establish exactly what is causing the delay and what your insurance policy covers.

Why can repairs take so long?

Accident repairs can sometimes be delayed when replacement parts are difficult to source, and this is more likely to occur in the case of newer or lower-volume vehicle models.

These sourcing gaps can include a wide range of components, from body panels to airbags, wiring harnesses and even advanced driver-assistance system sensors.

According to the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), an accredited repairer cannot release a vehicle to the customer if some of the repair work has not been completed. This is particularly true if a critical safety or structural component is still outstanding, as it would affect the safety of the vehicle.

“A vehicle cannot legally or ethically be returned to its owner if critical safety or structural components are still outstanding. Even if 99% of the repair is complete, the vehicle must be restored to manufacturer specifications before it is released,” SAMBRA’s National Director Juan Hanekom says.

Owners should also keep in mind that unexpected delays can emerge after the repair process has started, as removing damaged panels can reveal additional accident damage.

Courtesy car durations

Courtesy or rental vehicles provided by insurers generally have a defined limit, rather than being tied to the repair duration.

According to SAMBRA, insurers will often consider extending the vehicle hire period in cases where the repair takes longer than expected, but only in cases where it is part of the normal repair process. It can be a different matter when the delay is caused by an ordering issue with the manufacturer.

Customers are advised to check their insurance policies carefully and to ask the insurer to confirm the following in writing: the duration of the vehicle hire benefit, whether an extension can be approved, whether you have to pay anything towards the extension, and what alternative mobility assistance is available if an extension is refused.

Furthermore, you should not assume that a verbal assurance from a workshop means the insurer has approved additional hire.

Don’t wait for the courtesy car to expire

What if you find out that a required part is on back order? In this case, it’s important to get as much information out of the repairer as possible. Ask which part is outstanding, whether it has been ordered, when the order was placed and whether the manufacturer has provided an estimated delivery date. It’s also important to ask whether the insurer has been notified.

It’s important to get specific answers because “waiting for parts” could mean “arriving within days”, “awaiting authorisation” or “back order with no firm delivery date”.

Make sure that you get the reason for the delay and the expected timeline in writing.

It is important to contact both the repairer and insurer as soon as you find out that a parts delay may delay the repair. Ask the insurer whether an extension or alternative transport is available.

If you cannot resolve a dispute with the repairer, the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud is one possible avenue for complaints. However, you should only do this after the supplier has been given a reasonable opportunity to resolve the problem.

The Ombud states that repairs need to be performed in good time and with timely notice of unavoidable delays. However, this does not mean that a repairer is required to produce an unavailable component instantly; it simply means that consumers should not be left in the dark.

Don’t just blame the repairer

While a delay may very well be outside the repairer’s control, SAMBRA says motorists are entitled to receive updates on the outstanding part, the reason for the delay, its expected arrival and the effect on the collection date.

If you are receiving vague answers, it is best to escalate the matter to the insurer’s claims department, rather than repeatedly asking the workshop receptionist for an answer that they may not have.

“While repairers are responsible for carrying out quality repairs efficiently, they cannot complete or release a vehicle until all approved safety and structural components have been fitted,” Hanekom added.

“No repairer wants a vehicle occupying workshop space longer than necessary. Our members only get paid when repairs are completed and vehicles are safely returned to customers, so everyone shares the same objective.”

Your next car purchase matters too

Your choice of car can also have a bearing on whether you’ll be stranded and waiting for parts, so it’s important to ask this question before buying a car: how easily can it be repaired in South Africa?

Momentum Insure's Executive Head of Claims and Procurement, Funeka Ngewu, says buyers should look beyond the purchase price and consider the total cost of ownership, including insurance, maintenance and repairs.

This can be particularly important with newer brands whose local parts supply chains and warehouses are still being developed. A shortage of body panels or electronic components can result in longer repair times after an accident.

Newer cars can also have sophisticated driver-assistance systems, with sensors incorporated into bumpers and windscreens. While these systems can improve safety, they can also increase repair costs.

Before buying a car, it’s a good idea to ask an insurer or broker about its insurance costs, parts availability and likely repair implications. If the vehicle relies heavily on imported parts, it might be worth paying extra for a longer car hire benefit.

For instance, motorists could consider extending a standard 30-day car hire benefit to 60 days to reduce their risk of being stranded without a car.

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Critical safety features such as airbags and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) could become compulsory on new vehicles sold in South Africa under proposed changes to the country's vehicle safety regulations.

In a Government Gazette notice issued on July 10, 2026, entitled GoN 7686, the South African government proposed significant changes to the compulsory safety specifications for new passenger vehicles sold in the country.

Among the key proposals is a requirement for vehicles to be fitted with “airbags that are intended to protect all occupants other than the driver”. While this could potentially point to side and curtain airbags being required in addition to frontal airbags, this is not explicitly stated in the draft proposal.

The Draft Compulsory Specification also calls for a prescribed minimum level of occupant protection in a side-impact crash, although the specific equipment or measures manufacturers will need to use to meet that requirement are not explicitly set out.

The proposed measures are not limited to passive protection, with the new rules also seeking to make anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) mandatory on new vehicles.

The proposal is currently open for public comment until September 10, 2026, while the proposed adoption date is February 2029.

The government has also issued similar proposals for light commercial vehicles, including bakkies, meaning the changes could have implications beyond the passenger-car market.

While, to our knowledge, all conventional passenger vehicles currently sold in South Africa are fitted with frontal airbags, many entry-level vehicles lack side and curtain airbags.

Many light commercial vehicles, meanwhile, are not fitted with any airbags, including the Mahindra Bolero, Ashok Leyland Dost, Foton Truckmate and Hyundai H100.

The Automobile Association has welcomed the proposed amendments, saying they will contribute to improved vehicle safety ratings and bring South Africa more closely into alignment with other markets that have for years insisted on these basic safety requirements.

“We trust that these comments will be noted and duly considered and look forward to the gazetting of legislation that will ensure local manufacturers and distributors are held appropriately accountable for meeting these safety requirements,” the AA said.

The association said side-impact vulnerability has repeatedly been cited as a concern in its Safer Cars for Africa campaign, which has seen a number of South African-specification vehicles crash-tested in association with Global NCAP.

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South Africans are looking for maximum value, and this is evident not only in the growing sales of affordable vehicles from Chinese and Indian manufacturers, but also in the specific models they are choosing.

But which vehicles are South Africans buying the most?

Sales data for the second quarter of 2026, released to IOL by Lightstone Auto, reveals the model derivatives that are proving most popular among local buyers.

While the Toyota Hilux is South Africa’s best-selling model range, its most popular derivative only ranks 12th on the list of top-selling derivatives.

Topping the list is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 base model, which found 3,982 homes during the second quarter, equating to a monthly average of more than 1,300 units.

It is followed by the Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Premium, Chery Tiggo 4 Cross 1.5 LiT CVT, Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 GA and Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR auto.

Notice any trends?

Four of the top five derivatives, and six of the top 10, are base-specification models. The first assumption might be that this is largely down to fleet sales, but that doesn't tell the full story, as rental sales typically account for between 5% and 11% of total sales, while corporate purchases generally account for less than 3%.

Apart from an affinity for base models, the Lightstone data also highlights South Africa’s growing preference for vehicles with automatic gearboxes. Of the 20 best-selling derivatives, 12 are fitted with automatic transmissions, including dual-clutch and CVT gearboxes. This is up from seven in the first quarter of 2026.

High-value vehicles sourced from India and China are also gaining ground, accounting for 16 of the top 20 derivatives, including Indian-built Toyotas, Suzukis and Hyundais.

South African new-vehicle sales have been on an upward trajectory in 2026, with July sales reaching a 12-year high for the month.

South Africa’s top-selling brands overall are Toyota, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Ford.

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Steep fuel price increases are forecast for September, largely as a result of international oil prices remaining elevated due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The latest daily snapshot from the Central Energy Fund is pointing to petrol price increases in the region of 90 cents for 93 Unleaded and R1.01 cents for 95 Unleaded. However, with the latest daily data being even further in the red, that over-recovery could grow further by month-end.

Diesel prices are heading back in the direction of a full-blown crisis, with the CEF data indicating potential price hikes of around R2.88 for 500ppm and R3.09 for 50ppm.

Illuminating paraffin is looking set for an increase in the region of R2.23.

It's been a highly volatile year for fuel prices in South Africa, with the price of 95 Unleaded having increased from R19.47 to R24.71 between March and August, peaking at R27.19 in June. The wholesale price of diesel has risen from R17.70 in March to R25.30 in August, peaking at R30.30 in May.

Both grades of petrol decreased by 52 cents per litre at the beginning of August, while diesel increased by between R1.23 (50ppm) and R1.38 (500ppm).

Middle East war

Global oil markets have seen significant volatility since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in late February, with the critical Strait of Hormuz oil passage mostly shut to shipping traffic.

While the markets appear to have settled, with Brent crude oil trading mostly around the $90-per-barrel mark in August, down from highs of around $126 earlier in the year, prices remain well above pre-war levels of around $70.

Ole Hvalbye, commodities analyst at SEB, recently told Reuters: “A return to normal flows out of the Strait of Hormuz is now suddenly without any near-term hopes.”

On the upside, analysts do see a gradual softening of international oil prices, with JP Morgan predicting an average of around $86 for Brent in the third quarter of this year, falling to $80 in the fourth quarter and $78 in 2027.

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Volkswagen has pulled the covers off its all-new Tukan half-tonne bakkie in Brazil, and it replaces a bakkie that South Africans have been praying for for years.

Replacing the long-serving Saveiro compact bakkie, the Tukan gives Volkswagen a more modern player in a hot market segment in South America, where it goes up against rivals such as the Fiat Toro and Strada, Chevrolet Montana and Ford Maverick.

To cover all bases in that segment, the Tukan will be available in single-cab and double-cab variants. Over the weekend, Volkswagen of Brazil revealed the double cab in range-topping ‘Extreme’ trim and the single cab in entry-level ‘Robust’ trim, complete with unpainted bumpers.

While the Volkswagen Saveiro was never earmarked for South Africa, with VWSA citing the costs of converting it to right-hand drive, it appears that the Tukan stands a better chance of hitting local streets. Although not officially confirmed, a VWSA spokesperson has told IOL that the new bakkie is under consideration for our market.

Management has been hinting for years that a small bakkie could be built locally, potentially dovetailing with the Tengo compact SUV that is set for local production at the Kariega plant from 2027. 

It’s not known how closely the Tukan and Tengo are related, but we do know that both are built on the company’s MQB modular platform. The new bakkie has completely unique rear suspension, however, and becomes the firm’s first MQB vehicle to feature rear leaf springs for greater load-carrying capacity.

Although the official payload has not been released, overseas reports state that the company is aiming for a capacity of more than 700kg.

The engine line-up also remains unconfirmed at this stage, but rumours point towards a 1.5-litre ‘Evo’ turbopetrol for top variants, while 1.0 TSI and 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engines have also been mentioned for lower-spec variants.

The Volkswagen Tukan will be produced at Volkswagen’s São José dos Pinhais plant in Paraná, Brazil, from 2027 onwards. Local rumours point more towards a 2029 introduction for South Africa, if it gets the green light.

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The new Volkswagen Tukan half-tonner was not the only bakkie to hit the limelight in South America this weekend.

Hot on the heels of the Tukan reveal, the German carmaker used a popular rodeo event to reveal a lightly disguised version of its all-new Amarok one-tonner.

There is a big caveat here, as this new Amarok appears to have been created for the South American market and is unlikely to be sold in too many markets outside the region.

That means it’s unlikely to replace the Ford Ranger-based Amarok bakkie that is built exclusively in South Africa for markets such as Europe and Australia.

Interestingly, while SA’s second-generation Amarok has Ford hardware, it appears that the new South American Amarok will have Chinese genes. According to Motor1 Brazil, the new bakkie will share its DNA with China’s Maxus Interstellar X bakkie through Volkswagen’s ties with its parent company, SAIC.

This will also result in it being the most powerful Amarok ever created, with a plug-in hybrid four-wheel-drive system inherited from Maxus and delivering outputs in excess of 340kW and 800Nm – hence its model designation, ‘800 TSI’.

The bodyshell of the prototype revealed by Volkswagen seems to corroborate the reports of it sharing a bodyshell with the Maxus Interstellar X, but Volkswagen has put its own stamp on the front end, and likely the interior too, if modifications made to the Ford-based Amarok are anything to go by.

Interestingly, South American markets never received the second-generation Ford-based Amarok; instead, an updated version of the first-generation Amarok was produced at the firm’s Argentinian plant.

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Mercedes driver George Russell powered to victory in the Dutch Grand Prix sprint race Saturday, making the most of his pole position to claw back some ground on teammate Kimi Antonelli in the world championship standings.

Russell got away cleanly at lights out and never looked challenged over the 24-lap sprint race, outpacing Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who finished second, by 1.36 seconds.

Leclerc's battle with current world champion Lando Norris was the highlight of the race, the Ferrari overhauling the McLaren in a thrilling overtake on the straight in the 18th lap.

"Obviously a great start to the weekend. If it was one more lap, it would have been a very potentially different end to the race, so glad the rain came when it did," said Russell, after the heavens opened at the chequered flag.

Norris, who complained of problems with the rear of his McLaren, came in third, just managing to hold off teenage sensation Antonelli.

"I just don't have the pace. There's nothing we can do," a downcast Norris told reporters.

Antonelli started fifth on the grid after running into the gravel during qualifying and damaging the floor of his Mercedes.

He did manage to jump McLaren's Oscar Piastri at the start to gain a place, coming in fourth with the Australian finishing fifth.

Home favourite Max Verstappen, on a high after extending his Red Bull contract until 2030, failed to improve on his grid position, ending up sixth.

He had an enjoyable tussle with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the battle between two legends of the sport exciting the Zandvoort crowd.

'Real fight'

Later Saturday, the drivers will wrestle for pole position for Sunday's Grand Prix, which promises to be one of the most open races of the season.

Very little separates the top three teams -- Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren -- and Red Bull's Verstappen can never be ruled out in his home Grand Prix.

After the sprint race, Antonelli holds a 53-point lead over his closest rival Hamilton but with every sign the gap could narrow towards the end of the season.

Antonelli and Mercedes dominated the first half of the season, with the prodigy picking up wins in six of the 11 races, including five consecutive chequered flags.

But the chasing pack have brought successful upgrades to their cars, with Mercedes admitting they are "out of sync" in terms of improvements to their own package.

"It's so close, you know yesterday there was a tenth (of a second) between the top four drivers," said Russell.

"There's probably six drivers all in the fight for pole... We have a real fight on our hands these days," added Russell, fresh from getting engaged during the summer break.

"I think that's quite fun and that's how Formula One should be -- it shouldn't just be two teammates going for race wins week in week out. Everybody should be in with a shot."

Sunday's Grand Prix will be the last edition for the Dutch since the Zandvoort circuit was reintroduced to the calendar in 2021.

Despite attracting big crowds eager to see Verstappen, promoters have pulled the plug, saying the financial risks were too great.

AFP

Chery has expanded its Tiggo 7 range with the new Distinction Dark Edition, which features updates to the styling, gearbox and safety package.

The new edition is priced at R415,900, representing a R26,000 premium over the regular Tiggo 7 Distinction on which it is based.

As the name implies, a number of new design details distinguish the Dark Edition, including a dark finish for the grille, window surrounds and 18-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle also gains rear privacy glass.

The dark theme continues in the cabin, with black synthetic leather upholstery and matching interior garnishes.

While it retains the familiar 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine, which continues to produce 108kW and 210Nm, the Dark Edition swaps the CVT gearbox previously used in the Distinction for a six-speed dual-clutch unit that promises improved responsiveness.

On the safety front, the airbag count grows from four to seven, with the addition of side curtain airbags and, presumably, a driver’s knee airbag.

Other standard features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and matching central touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and intelligent voice commands. Push-button start and dual-zone climate control are also included.

Buyers can choose from four exterior colour options: Khaki White, Phantom Grey, Carbon Black, and a two-tone Black and White finish.

After-sales back-up comes in the form of a five-year/150,000km warranty and a five-year/75,000km service plan.

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The Volkswagen Polo is one of South Africa’s export heroes, and last month it helped set a production record at the local plant in Kariega in the Eastern Cape.

In July, the VWSA plant produced 17,009 vehicles, beating its previous record of 16,670 units set in July 2025. This is likely also the highest number of vehicles ever produced by a single South African manufacturer in a month .

To put that number into context, that is more vehicles than the plant produced each year during the first 15 years of its existence, from 1948 until 1963, when it churned out Studebakers, Austins and, of course, the evergreen Beetle. In fact, in its first full year, the plant produced just 977 units.

Since opening its doors 78 years ago, the Kariega, formerly Uitenhage, plant has produced a total of 4,836,371 vehicles, comprising 40 different vehicle models.

Of the record 17,009 vehicles produced last month, 13,490 were latest-generation Polos, the vast majority of which were earmarked for export. The remaining 3,519 vehicles were Polo Vivos, which is a previous-generation Polo produced primarily for the local market.

Currently, Kariega is the Volkswagen Group’s main production site for Polo hatchbacks and the sole supplier for the European and Asia-Pacific markets.

However, VWSA’s future as a high-volume exporter is uncertain, given that the petrol-engined Polo faces potential discontinuation in the coming decade ahead of Europe’s ban on internal combustion-engined vehicles in 2035. The plant has not yet secured another high-volume export contract to replace it, and its leadership has previously stated that the company will not build an electric car at the plant for the foreseeable future.

The plant has invested in a new Polo-based SUV called the Tengo, based on the Brazilian-designed Tera, and there have also been rumours of a bakkie version. However, these do not appear to have anywhere near the export potential of the current Polo.

Parliament last month expressed concern about the plant’s future, following reports that Volkswagen Group is embarking on a significant global restructuring that could involve up to 100,000 job cuts and a reduction in production capacity from around 10 million vehicles to 9 million.

While most of the capacity and cost restructuring is expected to be centred on Europe, with no plant closures outside that region announced, a local parliamentary committee chair has referred to Volkswagen’s global challenges as a “wake-up call” for South Africa.

Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development Sonja Boshoff said the developments served as a stark reminder that South Africa could not afford to become complacent in an increasingly competitive global manufacturing environment.

“The reality is that every country is competing aggressively to retain automotive investment. South Africa cannot simply assume that future production lines and new model allocations will come our way. We have to earn them by creating an environment where manufacturers can compete successfully,” Boshoff said.

She warned that any weakening of South Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector would have consequences extending far beyond factory floors, given that the industry supports hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

“We need policy certainty, reliable electricity, efficient ports and rail infrastructure, reduced regulatory burdens and the rapid implementation of measures that position South Africa to remain a preferred destination for automotive investment,” Boshoff added.

“Our Special Economic Zones should become genuine engines of competitiveness by reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, streamlining approvals and creating conditions that encourage investment, innovation and job creation. As global manufacturers rethink where they invest, South Africa must ensure it is among the most attractive destinations.”

She stressed that, in light of the changing global automotive landscape, South Africa should reassess whether its current industrial policies are competitive enough in an era when investment decisions are increasingly influenced by speed, flexibility and cost.

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A million rand seems to be the going rate for an aspirational double cab bakkie these days.

The Hiluxes, Rangers and D-Maxes of this world have become bigger, better, shinier, more powerful and packed with enough tech to give your neighbour’s ‘luxury’ SUV an inferiority complex.

But that doesn’t mean double cab bakkies are completely out of reach for working-class South Africans. Into the gaping gap left vacant by the traditional Japanese players, Chinese and Indian players have inserted themselves with low-frills models whose price tags ask some serious questions of the established players.

The good news is that it’s still possible to buy a double cab bakkie for well under R500,000, but are they any good? Let’s take a look at the five most affordable options available, in descending price order:

Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 CRDe S6 manual

This stalwart from India is almost as ubiquitous as the Land Cruiser bakkies in rural South Africa. SKD-assembled locally, the Mahindra Pik Up has been around for a good 20 years and will likely survive as a budget model once the new-generation, daftly-named Mahindra Lifestyler comes on stream in 2027.

In fact, it will probably survive the next few apocalypses and political transitions too.

You might call it rudimentary, but it’s certainly rugged, and its renowned 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine has no trouble keeping up with faster traffic on our highways and byways, often scaring BMWs out of the fast lane. This belies its seemingly modest outputs of 103kW and 320Nm.

There’s a wide range of models to choose from, including S6 and S11 trim grades and plenty of editions, including Karoo, Dusk, Dew, Storm, Mist and Pestilence. We’re kidding about that last one. Auto models are available from R445,299 and 4x4s from R454,249.

The pick-up has the best payload in its price bracket, at 1,095kg, and the braked towing capacity is listed at 2,500kg. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.7 litres per 100km, but real-world figures will be higher.

The interior of the S6 is relatively basic, featuring a conventional radio with USB connectivity but no touchscreen or Bluetooth – for that you need to upgrade to the S11. It does, however, come with manual air conditioning, cruise control and powered windows and mirrors. Safety features include dual front airbags and ABS, but disappointingly no stability control is fitted.

All models are sold with a four-year or 120,000km warranty, and the service plan is class-leading, with its five-year or 90,000km validity. Mahindra has 106 dealerships throughout the country.

JMC Vigus 2.5 TD – From R399,900

Unlike its price rivals, JMC’s Vigus is a brand new design that was launched earlier this year with the intention of shaking up South Africa’s double cab market.

It boasts a clean, no-frills exterior design, and the cabin is modern and digitised. The Vigus is available in just one spec grade, with the manual coming in at R399,900, the auto at R459,900 and the 4x4 at R499,900.

The cabin, while solidly put together, feels less bare-bones than many of the ‘working mules’ at this price point, and the automatic model comes with a large 12.8-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 9.0-inch digital instrument cluster. The manual model has a conventional radio with Bluetooth.

Manual air conditioning is fitted across the board, along with electric windows and mirrors, rear park distance control and a multifunction steering wheel. Those stretching to the auto model will also get to chill out with cruise control on long-distance trips.

Safety features comprise two airbags, ABS, hill descent control and tyre pressure monitoring, but disappointingly there’s no stability control on the manual.

The Vigus is powered by a newly developed 2.5-litre turbodiesel that produces 123kW and 410Nm, and is paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox. It powers the vehicle very comfortably, and the autobox, which we’ve sampled, is intuitive and smooth-shifting. Official fuel consumption is claimed at 7.0 l/100km, but expect that to be somewhat higher in real-world conditions.

The Vigus has a load capacity of 915kg and JMC is particularly proud of the chassis, crafted from 420-grade steel and boasting a bending stiffness of 1,150 N/mm.

The Vigus has a generous five-year or 200,000km warranty, and the price also includes a four-year or 65,000km service plan. JMC currently has 34 dealerships in South Africa.

As a completely modern and comfortable, yet capable package, the Vigus is quite likely all the bakkie you’re ever going to need, and is likely to hit a sweet spot for buyers seeking a modern workhorse that wasn’t designed using hieroglyphics.

Foton Tunland G7 2.0 TD – From R399,900

No need to question your eyesight, this is not a previous-generation Toyota Hilux, but rather the latest version of Foton’s Tunland.

While the Tunland V7 and V9 bring Texas to Thabazimbi with their gigantic proportions and American looks, the G7 is a variation of the original Tunland and does duty at the lower end of the bakkie market.

The Tunland G7 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 120kW and 390Nm, with claimed combined fuel consumption of 9.0 litres per 100km.

The vehicle is available in TL, TLX and Limited spec grades, starting at R399,900, with an eight-speed auto version from R469,900 and a 4x4 from R559,900.

It’s a wide range, but it’s also well equipped from the get-go, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and CarPlay, reverse camera, cruise control and auto air conditioning all fitted across the board. Safety features include two airbags, stability control and tyre pressure monitoring.

At the working end, the Tunland G7 boasts a one-tonne payload and is also rated to tow three tonnes (braked).

The aftersales deal includes a five-year or 200,000km warranty and three-year/50,000km service plan. Foton currently has 64 dealers across South Africa.

LDV T60 2.0 TD – From R389,900

Runner-up in the cheapest double cab pageant also comes from a Chinese brand, albeit with British roots.

Although not yet officially announced by LDV, vehicle information specialist Duoporta has listed a new entry-level double cab version of the brand’s T60, and with a price tag of R389,900, it undercuts the T60 Elite model by R90,000.

Like its JMC counterpart, the new T60 Utility double cab rolls on steel wheels and lacks a touchscreen interface in the cabin. However, it does still pack a conventional radio with Bluetooth, as well as manual air conditioning, remote central locking and electric windows. As for safety, it has two airbags and ABS but lacks stability control.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 2.0-litre turbodiesel that pushes a hearty 120kW and 410Nm to the back wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The vehicle is capable of towing three tonnes (braked) and boasts a payload of exactly one tonne.

The warranty is valid for five years or 100,000km, and a service plan is not included in the price. The dealer footprint is rather limited, however, with just 17 outlets that we are aware of.

JAC T8 – From R349,900

The JAC T8 is South Africa’s least-expensive double cab bakkie, starting at R349,900 for the recently introduced ‘Comfort’ base model and rising to R449,900 for the 4WD Lux version.

The T8 is an older-generation product that soldiers on as a price leader in the JAC range, which now also includes the more upmarket T9 that starts at R599,900.

Powering the T8 is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers 104kW and 320Nm to the back wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. JAC claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.8 litres per 100km, but expect real-world consumption to be higher than that. The payload is listed at 900kg and the braked towing capacity at two tonnes.

As you’d expect at the price point, specification is relatively basic, with painted steel wheels giving the T8 a rugged but utilitarian look on the outside, while the cabin has a conventional radio with Bluetooth connectivity. If you want a touchscreen, you’ll have to upgrade to the Lux version.

Other than that, the cabin is well stocked, with standard features including manual air conditioning, electric windows and cruise control, while safety kit includes dual front airbags and traction control.

The JAC T8 Comfort is sold with a five-year or 100,000km warranty, and you’ll have to pay extra for a service plan. JAC has over 70 dealerships throughout South Africa.

What other options are available?

If you can stretch your bakkie budget towards R500,000, there are still plenty of options available in the market.

The most sophisticated of these is GWM’s P300 SX, which costs R446,950 in manual guise and R489,950 as an auto. It features a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 120kW and 400Nm, and standard specification is generous, including a touchscreen infotainment system and cruise control. All round, it’s a very solid option.

The Changan Hunter 1.9 TD is another Chinese contender that’s well worth a look, boasting a similar specification sheet to the GWM, but a slightly less powerful 1.9-litre engine that delivers 110kW and 350Nm.

If you’d really like a European badge on your bonnet, the Peugeot Landtrek is your entry ticket, at R463,900. It’s closely based on the aforementioned Changan, but lacks items like a touchscreen and cruise control, while also looking somewhat utilitarian with its unpainted black bumpers.

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Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said Thursday he had spent the summer break training not partying, in the best shape of his life as he chases another title.

The 41-year-old sits 50 points behind current championship leader Kimi Antonelli but said his Ferrari was in a "sweet spot" that gave him hope of being able to close the gap.

"This has been the most different summer break that I've ever had in all of my championship seasons," the veteran Briton told reporters.

Previous summer breaks involved a week or two off "with a bit of partying and stuff," he said.

But this year was different. "I took this as an opportunity to really level up. So I trained for three weeks."

"I come back the fittest I've ever come back in summer in the 20 years or whatever that I've been here," he said in an ominous warning to his rivals.

Hamilton cut a very different figure to the man who arrived at Zandvoort last year.

Following a frustrating start to his career at Ferrari, he had suggested the team should find another driver and that he was "useless".

One year on, he said what had changed his outlook was that the team was moving in the right direction and the changes he had demanded had been implemented.

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Newcastle United expected to struggle like Spurs last season End of an Era: Newcastle United and Spurs could be trading places this season, with the Magpies’ sale of their biggest players surely a recipe for disaster. Spurs, meanwhile, have been praised for their transfer business that will have their fans dreaming of a return to the Big Six in no time. 📸 Rowan Callaghan/IOL

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"I think we're in a real sweet spot. We're just going to continue to build on this foundation that we've built," he said.

Further driving Hamilton on is the fact he has never won at Zandvoort in his long F1 career.

This will be his last chance, as the Dutch Grand Prix is being removed from the calendar after this season.

"I've won at pretty much all the other tracks... So I definitely want to change that. So massively driven, it's just such an incredible circuit," he told reporters.

In the space of two model generations, the Suzuki Swift has gone from being an interesting alternative in the hatchback market to one of the country’s most popular cars. It is currently outsold only by Volkswagen’s evergreen Polo Vivo.

The latest-generation Suzuki Swift arrived on our shores in late 2024 and has regularly sold more than 1,500 units a month.

The secret to its success, in my view, is that while it has become more refined and substantial over the years, it remains true to its original purpose of providing practical and affordable motoring to the masses. That contrasts with many rivals that have moved further upmarket, with some seeing their sales plummet as a result.

While thoroughly modernised, the latest Swift retains the cheeky visual character of its predecessors. As far as I’m concerned, however, the front end is a little too bulbous. Less bumper and more bonnet would have given it a neater appearance.

User-friendly cabin

The interior follows the modern trend of placing a large touchscreen high up on the dashboard, giving it a ‘floating’ appearance. However, the housing looks a little bloated for our liking.

Other than that, the cabin has a neat appearance and the build quality is impressive. Many of the plastic surfaces are hard and shiny, but everything feels like it has been built to last, and that’s what counts most at this level.

GL models get a 7.0-inch touchscreen, while the flagship GLX upgrades to a 9.0-inch unit. The infotainment system is relatively straightforward and user-friendly, with physical shortcuts for commonly used functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included.

The climate-control system is equally easy to operate, thanks to physical controls located beneath the central air vents.

Is the Swift practical?

Sitting behind my own driving position, at 178cm tall, I found rear legroom and headroom to be more than adequate for a vehicle in this category. While some have criticised the 265-litre boot for being on the small side, it is relatively deep and offers perfectly acceptable space for a small hatchback at this price point.

Structure and safety

Architecturally, the latest Swift is built on an updated version of its predecessor’s Heartect platform. Although it has gained some weight, with the range-topper now tipping the scales at 945kg, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

The latest Swift feels like a safer and more solid product. It also feels more planted on the road and less susceptible to crosswinds. While lightness is generally beneficial for performance and fuel economy, the previous Swift was arguably too light when it came to ride comfort and stability.

Global NCAP has not yet performed a crash-test assessment of the new Swift, but it is encouraging that its sedan sibling, the Suzuki Dzire, became one of the first small cars to score five stars. That is certainly a big improvement over the previous Swift’s one-star assessment, although it should be noted that those results apply to the Indian-market specification as local variations may exist.

Standard safety features in the Swift include six airbags, ESP stability control and ABS brakes.

Smaller engine, impressive economy

Suzuki has attempted to offset some of the weight gain by replacing the previous 1.2-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with a three-cylinder unit of the same displacement.

Our GLX test car was certainly economical, sipping 5.4 litres per 100km over a week, albeit in a highway-heavy mix of conditions. Interestingly, the launch car that we sampled in the Western Cape at an earlier date also stayed below the six-litre mark, despite us pushing it through numerous mountain passes.

The Swift’s engine produces 60kW and 112Nm. Given that the car has gained weight while losing one cylinder and one kilowatt, I was concerned about how it would perform at Gauteng altitudes. Yet during my week with the car, I never once felt frustrated by its performance.

Granted, you will need to plan your overtaking manoeuvres carefully at times, but in everyday conditions, and even on the highway, it feels adequately powered.

The three-cylinder engine also emits a pleasant, rorty thrum that a friend who owns one even likened to that of a sports car.

It certainly makes commuting a little more interesting, and I also enjoyed rowing through our test car’s five-speed manual gearbox, which is slick and easy to operate.

Suzuki also offers a CVT, which I experienced briefly at the Cape Town launch in 2024. When pushed hard, it did produce the unpleasant drone that continuously variable transmissions typically emit. I imagine that effect would be even more pronounced at Gauteng altitudes.

Bottom line: if you enjoy driving, stick to the manual – it’s surprisingly fun to chuck around. If you’re happy to plod along at a relaxed pace, and clutch gymnastics are no longer your thing, the CVT might be worth considering, but expect considerable gearbox noise at higher revs.

While the new Swift can be mildly fun at times, it also ticks the boxes for those seeking a refined everyday driving experience. Its suspension dishes up a composed ride, while road-noise suppression is decent for a car in this class.

Pricing and features

The Suzuki Swift GLX starts at R276,900 and represents great value within its segment. It costs little more than the entry-level Polo Vivo (R271,900) and also compares favourably with smaller mid-range models such as the Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Premium (R269,900) and Kia Picanto 1.0 EX (R284,995). 

Those looking to spend less on their car can also consider the Suzuki Swift GL, at R228,900, and the GL+, from R250,900.

Standard features on the Swit GLX include 15-inch ‘diamond-cut’ alloy wheels, LED projector headlights, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch driver information display, automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start and a leather-covered steering wheel.

The Suzuki Swift is sold with a two-year/30,000km service plan and a five-year/200,000km promotional warranty.

VERDICT

The Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX makes an incredibly strong case for itself in the compact hatchback market by simply ticking all the boxes for those seeking something that’s economical, refined, relatively practical and even a little fun.

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Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has signed a new contract with Red Bull until the end of 2030, the team announced Thursday, ending speculation over his future in the sport.

"I have always said it: The team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home," said Verstappen.

"I came to the team hoping to be able to win races. What we went on to achieve together has been simply lovely," added Verstappen, using his trademark phrase.

Verstappen is one of the most successful Formula One drivers of all time, dominating the sport with four consecutive world championships from 2021.

But results have been harder to come by this season, with the 28-year-old failing to see a chequered flag in the first half of the year and sitting sixth in the drivers' championship.

The uncompetitive nature of the Red Bull car this year has led many to speculate that the mercurial Dutchman could switch to another team or even leave Formula One entirely.

Verstappen revealed to reporters that he had been "probably closer to retiring than moving to another team" and did not hide his frustrations with the new regulations brought in this season.

"I have to say after the first few races, I said to (team boss) Laurent (Mekies), 'don't come to me with every kind of question about the future, because I don't even know if I want to stay'," Verstappen told a packed news conference at the Red Bull trailer.

"I love racing... and we are slowly working towards something that becomes better and better. I accept the situation we are all in and just trying to make the best of that," he said.

Verstappen said he was keen to get the team back to winning ways.

"We have the best people and I'm excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again," he said.

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Newcastle United expected to struggle like Spurs last season End of an Era: Newcastle United and Spurs could be trading places this season, with the Magpies’ sale of their biggest players surely a recipe for disaster. Spurs, meanwhile, have been praised for their transfer business that will have their fans dreaming of a return to the Big Six in no time. 📸 Rowan Callaghan/IOL

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 'Special send-off' -

Mekies hailed the Dutchman's "uncompromising competitiveness, relentless determination and the courage to challenge convention".

"What to say guys, it's phenomenal news, certainly for Red Bull racing, I could also say for Formula One and even more globally for all sport," Mekies told reporters.

He thanked Verstappen for the "trust" he has shown in the team and stressed it was now up to Red Bull to deliver a competitive car for their star driver.

"We don't take it lightly. With this trust comes a huge amount of responsibility in living up to be able to give him the best package for the years to come," he told reporters.

The news came with preparations in full swing for Verstappen's home race, the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, and will delight his thousands of orange-clad fans.

The promoters decided not to continue racing at Zandvoort, partly due to uncertainty over Verstappen's future given his importance for the popularity of the event.

Verstappen was unbeatable on his home track, winning the first three editions since it was reintroduced to the circuit in 2021.

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But he has since been chasing McLaren in his own backyard, with Papaya drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri claiming the last two races.

"To make this announcement during the last Grand Prix at Zandvoort is a great moment for me as well," said Verstappen.

"Hopefully we can give the fans a special send-off for the final race."

Securing Verstappen's signature is also a huge boost for Red Bull, as they chase Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren in the teams' championship.

The Dutchman is always mentioned in conversations about the greatest driver of all time and seemed destined for success from birth.

His Dutch father Jos drove in eight Formula One seasons while his mother, Sophie Kumpen, was a Belgian karting champion.

He started karting in 2005 and mopped up titles as he progressed through classes, finishing with a record-setting season in 2013.

When he made his race debut in a Toro Rosso in Australia in the 2015 season opener, he became the youngest ever Formula One driver by almost two years.

He was just 17 years, 5 months, 15 days old and had taken part in 14 Grand Prix races before he passed his driving test on his 18th birthday.

South African motorists are facing steep fuel price hikes in September as international oil prices remain elevated due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The latest information from the Central Energy Fund is pointing to petrol price increases in the region of 80 cents for 93 Unleaded and 90 cents for 95 Unleaded. However, if the sharper over-recovery figures that we've seen in recent days persist until month-end, we could see increases in the R1.00 to R1.10 range.

The diesel price outlook is far more severe, with the CEF data indicating potential price hikes of around R2.85 for 500ppm and R3.05 for 50ppm, and these could rise further if current trends persist.

Illuminating paraffin is looking set for an increase in the region of R2.23.

The past few months have been volatile and punishing for motorists, with the price of 95 Unleaded having increased from R19.47 to R24.71 between March and August, peaking at R27.19 in June. The wholesale price of diesel has risen from R17.70 in March to R25.30 in August, peaking at R30.30 in May.

Both grades of petrol decreased by 52 cents per litre at the beginning of August, while diesel increased by between R1.23 (50ppm) and R1.38 (500ppm).

Oil prices remain elevated

International oil markets have seen extreme volatility since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in late February, with the critical Strait of Hormuz oil passage mostly shut to shipping traffic.

While the markets appear to have settled, with Brent crude oil trading mostly around the $90-per-barrel mark in August, down from highs of around $126 earlier in the year, prices remain well above pre-war levels of around $70.

Ole Hvalbye, commodities analyst at SEB, recently told Reuters: “A return to normal flows out of the Strait of Hormuz is now suddenly without any near-term hopes.”

However, analysts do see a gradual softening of international oil prices, with JP Morgan predicting an average of around $86 for Brent in the third quarter of this year, falling to $80 in the fourth quarter and $78 in 2027.

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Hyundai has released the first images of its fifth-generation Tucson SUV, representing another bold change in direction for the Korean company’s family-sized SUV.

It swaps the almost overwhelmingly edgy design of the current model, with its abundance of creases and slashes, for a simpler yet boxier set of shapes that fits in well with Hyundai’s latest design idiom – Cybertruck-inspired front end included.

It has essentially moved away from the company’s “parametric” design language to a new philosophy called “Art of Steel”.

Measuring 4,700mm in length, it is around 60mm longer, 40mm wider and 20mm taller than the current version.

The cabin is as significant a departure as the exterior, featuring a large ‘Pleos’ central infotainment system, elaborate ambient lighting and a slim instrument cluster positioned close to the windscreen.

As this is the first picture reveal, Hyundai has not yet released any technical details about its new SUV, but it is likely to be powered by variations of the company’s 1.6-litre turbopetrol engines in conventional ICE, hybrid and plug-in hybrid guises.

More information, as always, will be released closer to launch.

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One of South Africa’s original Chinese brands is effectively coming full circle with the reintroduction of the Changan Commercial range of products.

The Changan brand first entered the South African market in 2006 with a range of compact light commercial vehicles wearing ‘Chana’ badges and modelled on the old Suzuki ‘Half Loaf’ vehicles.

After being liquidated in 2012, the Changan brand returned to our shores in 2025 as a completely different car company, distributed by Jameel Motors and offering a far more sophisticated range of passenger vehicles and a modern double-cab bakkie.

Now Jameel Motors is expanding its local portfolio with the Changan Commercial range, which will go on sale in September.

The importer has not released details on the products that will be offered, but says the line-up will consist of five models that are a “modern evolution” of the Suzuki-based vehicles that the brand sold in the early 2000s.

These are presumably the models shown in a picture it released with the announcement, which shows three bakkies – a chassis cab, single cab and double cab – as well as a panel van and a minibus.

These appear to be the latest versions of the Chana Star lineage, which are also badged M8 and M9 in Pakistan, where they feature 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines.

The company says the new commercial range will be backed by a five-year or 200,000km warranty in South Africa.

“Chana built a strong reputation in South Africa as a trusted partner for small and medium-sized enterprises,” says Marinus Venter, country manager of Jameel Motors South Africa. “With Changan Commercial, we are building on that legacy by reintroducing a product that is proven, trusted and ready to support a new generation of South African businesses.”

More details will be made available closer to launch.

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The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been given a major update that is far more than just skin-deep, with the sedan and estate receiving significant design changes, new AI-powered cabin technology, and engine and chassis enhancements.

Due to reach South Africa in 2027, the reworked C-Class receives a significantly larger illuminated grille that brings it into line with the recently revealed electric version of the C-Class. Like its EV sibling, it also features star motifs in the headlights, while resculpted front and rear bumpers set it apart further.

The updated range also introduces new 18-inch and 19-inch wheel options, as well as two new exterior paint colours in the form of Lavender Silver and Moody Sky Grey.

The cabin retains its familiar architecture, including the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch vertical display, but the steering wheel has been given a fresh design and now sports physical rocker switches and volume rollers. Customers can also look forward to new upholstery colours, such as Beech Brown and Cherry Red, along with new trim choices.

But the technology has changed in a big way, with the updated C-Class featuring the fourth-generation MBUX interface and MB.OS operating system.

Here, the car’s ‘virtual assistant’ uses a combination of AI agents, including ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Bing, to deliver a highly personalised, conversational and context-aware driving experience. The assistant can now also remember short-term context across a conversation.

Furthermore, drivers can select between three customisable avatar styles to personalise their user experience.

AI is also deeply embedded into the navigation framework to make finding destinations more intuitive, while the display combines Google Maps data with 3D graphics for enhanced visual guidance.

Sound quality has improved too, particularly for those ordering the enhanced Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos and a 710-watt amplifier.

On the engine front, the 2.0-litre mild-hybrid turbopetrol engine option receives a few revisions, including a newly developed auxiliary compressor designed to deliver stronger pulling power at low engine speeds. The 2.0-litre engine is available in three guises, with the C200 producing 130kW, the C250 delivering 160kW and the C300 pushing 190kW.

Depending on the market, Mercedes also offers a C400e 4Matic plug-in hybrid with a system output of up to 290kW and an electric range of 100km.

The revised C-Class also features revised suspension with retuned spring and damping rates. As before, customers can opt for a rear-wheel steering system that can turn the rear wheels by up to 2.5 degrees.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa says the new model is expected to reach local showrooms in 2027, with more details set to be released closer to launch. The company would not comment on whether it has been confirmed for local production at the firm’s East London plant, whose future remains uncertain following the loss of export sales due to US tariffs.

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South Africa’s 10-year driving licences are now a step closer to reality, with the Department of Transport having officially gazetted the proposed extension to the card validity period.

This comes less than three weeks after Cabinet approved the proposal. While the law has not yet been enacted, its gazetting moves the process a step forward, with the proposal now open to public comment for 30 days.

Until the amendments are formally brought into force, motorists must continue to renew their driving licence cards under the existing rules.

What does it mean for existing licence cards?

Basically, your current card remains valid only for the period stated on it.

The notice in the Government Gazette confirms that existing cards remain valid for their current period of validity as listed on the card, which is five years for A, A1, B and EB licence cards.

This means your card will only gain 10-year validity when a new card is issued after the amendments have been formally brought into force.

Will this affect all licence types?

According to the proposal, A, A1, B and EB licence cards will be valid for 10 years from the date on which they are ordered from the Card Production Facility.

However, while licences for light vehicle types will have a 10-year validity period, the existing two- or five-year renewal cycles will remain for heavy commercial and public transport licences.

To that end, the C1, C, EC1 and EC licence codes, which cover heavier vehicles and vehicle combinations above 3,500kg, will retain five-year validity periods.

The C1 and EC1 codes cover vehicles or combinations above 3,500kg and up to 16,000kg, while C and EC cover vehicles or combinations above 16,000kg.

Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs) will also retain their current two-year validity period. This means a professional heavy-vehicle driver could have a five-year driving licence card while still being required to renew their PrDP every two years.

The proposal does not change the validity period of learner’s licences, which will remain two years.

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South Africa’s fuel prices look set to rise again in September, as hopes of peace in the Middle East remain as elusive as ever.

The latest snapshot from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) is pointing to steep diesel price increases in the region of R2.73 for 500ppm and R2.90 for 50ppm.

The petrol price predictions are less severe but significant nonetheless, with CEF data indicating under-recoveries of 66 cents for 93 Unleaded and 77 cents for 95 Unleaded. However, if current trends persist, these are likely to grow into increases of around 80 to 90 cents by the time the final sums are done at month-end.

Illuminating paraffin is looking set for an increase in the region of R2.14.

This follows a volatile few months, during which the price of 95 Unleaded has increased from R19.47 in March to R24.71 in August, peaking at R27.19 in June. The wholesale price of diesel has risen from R17.70 in March to R25.30 in August, peaking at R30.30 in May.

Both grades of petrol decreased by 52 cents per litre at the beginning of August, while diesel increased by between R1.23 (50ppm) and R1.38 (500ppm).

Volatile oil markets

International oil markets have seen extreme volatility since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in late February, with the critical Strait of Hormuz oil passage mostly shut to shipping traffic.

While the markets appear to have settled, with Brent crude oil trading mostly around the $90-per-barrel mark in August, down from highs of around $126 earlier in the year, prices remain well above pre-war levels of around $70.

Ole Hvalbye, commodities analyst at SEB, recently told Reuters: “A return to normal flows out of the Strait of Hormuz is now suddenly without any near-term hopes.”

However, analysts do see a gradual softening of international oil prices, with JP Morgan predicting an average of around $86 for Brent in the third quarter of this year, falling to $80 in the fourth quarter and $78 in 2027.

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Toyota is taking a staggered approach to the launch of its hotly anticipated ninth-generation Hilux. Following the launch of the Double Cab and Xtra Cab models in June, the first versions of the Single Cab have now gone on sale.

As with the other body styles, for now only the 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel models are being made available, with SRX being the only trim line on offer. Buyers can expect to pay R587,200 for the Raised Body 4x2 SRX and R663,800 for the 4x4 version, which is about R70,000 less than the equivalent Double Cab models.

However, the smaller-engined versions of the eighth-generation Hilux remain on sale for the time being, with the 2.0-litre petrol version starting at R379,700 and the 2.4-litre GD-6 priced from R426,300 to R553,800.

The 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine will be introduced to the new-generation Hilux range at a later stage, and it will once again be paired with a manual gearbox.

The newly launched Hilux 2.8 GD-6 SRX model is currently offered only with a six-speed automatic gearbox and, as before, the turbodiesel engine delivers 150kW and 500Nm.

The payloads are listed at 845kg for the 4x2 and 920kg for the 4x4, while the braked towing capacities are 2,800kg and 3,500kg respectively.

The new Hilux SRX is equipped with 17-inch steel wheels and a rear diff-lock.

The interior features cloth seat upholstery, manual air conditioning, an 8.0-inch infotainment system with a reverse camera, two USB-C ports, electric windows and mirrors, and a height- and reach-adjustable multifunction steering wheel. Safety kit comes in the form of seven airbags, ABS brakes and vehicle stability control.

Both models are sold with a three-year/100,000km warranty and a nine-service/90,000km service plan.

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Lepas has expanded its South African line-up with the new L6, a larger five-seat SUV positioned above the smaller L4 and offering a technology-rich specification, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and prices falling below the R500,000 mark.

The L6 is available in Javan and Pantera derivatives, priced at R469,900 and R499,900 respectively. Both use a 108kW/225Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the front wheels.

The new model measures 4,554mm long, 1,852mm wide and 1,681mm high, with a 2,700mm wheelbase. Luggage capacity is 435 litres with the rear seats upright, increasing to 1,255 litres with the 40:60 split-folding rear seats lowered.

Both versions come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, dual-zone climate control and a 13.2-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 50W wireless charging pad and 540-degree HD surround-view camera are also standard.

The L6's cabin features faux-leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats, a digital instrument display and rear air vents. The Javan also comes with heated front seats, while the Pantera adds heated and ventilated front seats with power lumbar adjustment, an eight-speaker Sony sound system and multi-colour ambient lighting.

Safety and driver assistance features include front, front-side and curtain airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, hill-start and hill-descent assist, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and rear cross-traffic braking.

The Pantera receives a more comprehensive Level 2 driver-assistance package, adding adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, emergency lane keeping, forward collision warning, intelligent headlight control and traffic-jam assist.

Power is delivered through Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes, with Lepas claiming combined fuel consumption of 7.2 litres/100km. The SUV has a 51-litre fuel tank and independent rear suspension.

The L6 is covered by a five-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, a 10-year/1,000,000km engine warranty and a five-year/75,000km service plan.

We had an opportunity to briefly inspect and drive the L6 ahead of its official launch. Initial impressions were of a comfortable, technology-focused SUV with light steering and an easy-going ride, although the turbocharged engine required some patience when pulling away. More detailed driving impressions will follow separately.

The L6 will make its public debut at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from August 28 to 30.

Lepas L6 pricing

Javan: R469,900

Pantera: R499,900

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Stellantis-backed Chinese brand Leapmotor is expanding downwards with its new B10 ‘Hybrid EV’, which has become the country's least expensive range-extended electric vehicle (REEV).

It’s available in two variants, with the B10 Style priced at R499,900 and the B10 Design retailing at R549,900, effectively undercutting the base price of the larger Leapmotor C10 by R275,000.

Like its C10 sibling, the B10’s wheels are turned exclusively by an electric motor, which in this case produces 158kW.

While REEVs are sometimes considered to be “the best of both worlds”, there are various pros and cons. In this case, an 18.8kWh battery allows a claimed electric range of 86km, which is significantly shorter than a typical EV range. The upside, however, is that its 1.5-litre petrol engine, which acts purely as a generator, extends the driving range to around 900km.

Customers of the new B10 can choose from five exterior colours, including the ‘Starry Night Blue’ launch colour inspired by Van Gogh’s The Starry Night. There are also two interior themes to choose from.

Speaking of the cabin, the Leapmotor B10 features a 14.6-inch HD central touchscreen as well as a modern digital interface, seven airbags and 17 ADAS driver assistance systems. The safety argument is also backed up by a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

There’s also a Leapmotor app, which allows owners to remotely lock or unlock the vehicle, activate the air conditioning, check battery levels and driving range, monitor driving statistics, schedule charging and receive over-the-air software updates.

The vehicle is also sold with a five-year or 100,000km service plan and warranty.

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Mahindra has pulled the wraps off its new-generation double-cab bakkie, the Lifestyler, which is set to take the Indian brand upmarket and into the crosshairs of rivals such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max.

Its name might be cringeworthy, but the newcomer's chunky looks are likely to win the brand even more fans when it arrives on local shores, likely in 2027.

What you see here is the production version of Mahindra's Global Pik Up concept, which was revealed in 2023.

The new Mahindra shares its platform with the Scorpio-N SUV, although the exterior sheet metal and front-end panels appear to be unique to the bakkie.

Mahindra hasn't confirmed the engine line-up, but the Lifestyler is widely expected to inherit the Scorpio-N's 2.2-litre mHawk turbodiesel, which produces 128.6kW and 400Nm, with power sent to the rear or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. 4x4 versions will use Mahindra's 4XPLOR system with selectable terrain modes.

At the reveal event in India recently, Mahindra revealed three launch editions.

The Valley Edition, finished in Artemis Grey, is positioned as a blend of work and leisure, with an emphasis on practicality and comfort.

The Reef Edition is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and features an Aquareef finish inspired by the colours of the ocean.

The Trail Edition, finished in Sahara Beige, has a more adventure-focused theme intended to highlight the Lifestyler's off-road capabilities.

The interior of the new bakkie features a large vertical touchscreen, while retaining physical controls for the climate system. A fully digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver.

Watch this space for more details on the new Mahindra Lifestyler as its launch approaches.

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With the MG3 and older-generation ZS firmly established at the value end of the range and the MG HS leaning towards a more premium SUV experience, the MG ZS Pro takes the middle ground for this Chinese-owned brand with British ancestry.

The MG ZS Pro is actually the latest-generation ZS in other markets, but it gained the ‘Pro’ label to differentiate itself from the older-generation ZS that continues as a budget offering in our market.

Its exterior and interior design take inspiration from the larger HS, following the same formula that aims to be sporty without being too challenging or over-the-top. Looks are subjective, of course, but we doubt there will be many haters here.

The ZS Pro is a good 116mm longer than the older ZS, with an overall length of 4,430mm, making it larger than a Chery Tiggo Cross and similar in size to a Haval Jolion.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine that produces 125kW and 275Nm, powering the front wheels through a CVT gearbox.

What's it like to drive?

After spending a week with the 1.5T ‘Luxury’ derivative, we were impressed with its road manners.

The engine powers this vehicle very comfortably, allowing effortless cruising in the urban jungle and relatively easy overtaking on rural roads. The CVT gearbox is among the better of its kind, with built-in ‘steps’ lending a more natural feel, and thanks to the engine’s strong mid-range torque, it hardly ever goes into ‘drone mode’.

Fuel consumption in our vehicle amounted to 9.1 litres per 100km in an urban-heavy mixture of conditions.

The ZS Pro also served up a comfortable ride and neat handling, while the steering offers reasonable feel and feedback by today’s low standards. But what impressed us the most was just how quiet and well insulated the cabin is – its ability to cruise silently seems akin to that of a more expensive vehicle.

But it almost seems ironic, then, that the electronic noise pollution levels are so excessive in this car, given that this is something so easy for the manufacturer to control.

The speed limit warning system is very intrusive and deeply flawed. It ‘bings’ three times when once would have been more than sufficient, and because it relies on the presence of road signs, it gets the speed limit wrong on a regular basis. You’ll be driving in a 40km/h zone and then turn into an 80km/h road, but because the next speed limit sign is many kilometres up the road, it’ll keep binging at you every time you go over 40km/h. Throw in a few traffic lights, and it becomes deeply frustrating.

All of this would be forgivable if one were able to permanently disable the system, but instead it reactivates every time you start the car, and turning it off means a good dig through the touchscreen’s settings menu.

What's the interior like?

Speaking of cabin tech, the central screen measures 12.3 inches in the Luxury model, and it’s neatly integrated into the dash – not the ‘floating’ type that is so common these days. The layout gives the cabin a sporty feel, somewhat reminiscent of the Lamborghini Urus’s cockpit.

A separate digital instrument cluster is positioned in front of the driver. Unfortunately, the climate system is primarily controlled via the central screen.

On the upside, the start-up procedure is painless and easy in this vehicle, as the start button, electronic handbrake control and gear lever are all positioned in close proximity on the centre console.

The cabin is roomy and generously equipped, while the boot boasts a volume of 443 litres with all seats in place.

The Luxury derivative ships with heated front seats, with electric adjustment for the driver, automatic climate control with rear ventilation, a panoramic sunroof, auto headlights with Intelligent High Beam Control, reach-adjustable steering and a slew of ‘MG Pilot’ driver assistance systems, such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Auto Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Verdict

The MG ZS Pro makes a strong case for itself with a punchy engine, comfortable ride, impressive cabin refinement and generous equipment. Its intrusive speed-limit warning system is a significant irritation, but beneath the electronic nagging lies a well-rounded and surprisingly sophisticated family SUV.

MG ZS Pro Pricing (August 2026)

• 1.5T Comfort - R397,600
• 1.5T Luxury - R431,500

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The third-generation Renault Duster arrived in South Africa in 2025 as a more sophisticated product, but with two drawbacks keeping its potential sales success on ice.

Like its predecessors, the new Duster was initially sourced from Renault’s Dacia division in Romania, the company that originally created it. But with prices hovering around the half-a-million mark, even at base level, and its predecessor’s beloved diesel engine making way for a hybrid powertrain, Duster fans were not impressed.

Now Renault South Africa has solved at least one of those problems by sourcing the new Indian-built version of the Duster. It looks a little different and the specifications have changed, but most importantly, it is significantly cheaper than the Romanian version, with prices starting a rand shy of the R340k mark.

2026 Renault Duster pricing

• 1.0 Turbo Evolution manual - R339,999
• 1.3 Turbo Evolution manual - R379,999
• 1.3 Turbo Techno EDC - R399,999
• 1.3 Turbo Techno+ EDC - R439,999
• 1.3 Turbo Iconic EDC - R499,999

Built on the Renault Group’s new modular platform, the Indian-built Duster is 3mm longer than the outgoing Romanian model, at 3,343mm, while remaining on the same 2,657mm wheelbase. Boot space is claimed at 518 litres.

Under the hood, it does away with the previous hybrid drivetrain, and while the 1.3-litre turbopetrol remains the mainstay of the range, a new 1.0-litre turbopetrol option arrives as an entry-level option.

The 1.0T unit produces 74kW and 160Nm, and pairs exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox, and the company is almost certainly missing a trick by not offering an automatic here.

The 1.3T produces 116kW and 260Nm, and can be had with either a six-speed manual (highly unnecessary in this application) or a six-speed EDC dual-clutch gearbox.

There are no four-wheel-drive derivatives in the range, which some Duster fans will not appreciate. However, the more cost-effective front-wheel-drive format is certainly in line with modern market demands.

What features does the new Duster have?

The Evolution trim grade ships with 17-inch alloy wheels, black cloth seat trim, manual air conditioning with rear ventilation, a 7.0-inch TFT driver display, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a reverse camera.

Safety features include six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, ESP stability control and traction control.

The Techno gains brown seat upholstery and a wood finish on the upper dashboard, as well as auto hold, paddle-shift gear change and an electronic parking brake.

Over and above that, the Techno+ features full LED headlights, an electric panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, automatic dual-zone climate control, push-button start, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a wireless phone charger and an armrest with cooling storage.

At the top of the line-up, the Iconic is distinguished by 18-inch ‘diamond-cut’ alloy wheels, ventilated seats with synthetic leather upholstery and matching dashboard finishes with yellow stitching.

Additional features include a 10.25-inch driver display, electric front-seat adjustment, rain-sensing wipers, 48-colour ambient lighting, three driving modes and a slew of ADAS driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control with stop & go, blind-spot warning, traffic-sign recognition, lane-departure warning and auto-braking.

The new Renault Duster is sold with a three-year or 45,000km service plan and a five-year/150,000km mechanical warranty.

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Chinese carmaker GAC is entering the premium off-road SUV space with this chunky new offering designed to cater for overlanding enthusiasts.

Featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it’s set to go up against Chinese rivals such as the Denza B5, and although it is a unibody product, don’t be surprised if it seeks to poach a few Toyota Prado customers along the way too.

Engineered with overland customisation in mind, it features 37 modification points, as well as dedicated engine bay wiring and dual waterproof power ports integrated into the roof rails. This will allow owners to add accessories and equipment without needing to drill into the vehicle’s wiring.

What’s more, numerous wheel and tyre combinations, as well as three rear tailgate configurations, provide a flexible foundation for overland set-ups.

The 5,045mm-long SUV is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a system output of around 400kW. Its 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine serves primarily as a generator, and buyers get to choose between two battery sizes, with the flagship 46kWh unit providing a claimed all-electric range of up to 188km.

Its 1.6-tonne towing capacity does lag behind rivals, however.

The chassis aims to combine comfort with real off-road capability, with available air suspension and adaptive damping, as well as three differential locks. It also features a single-wheel escape function that can direct torque to just one wheel when the vehicle is stuck.

The interior is certainly interesting, featuring a ‘panoramic’ head-up display that stretches 1.1 metres across the dashboard, while a traditional-looking octagonal instrument cluster sits in front of the driver. At the centre of the dashboard is a 15.6-inch 2.5K central touchscreen with continuous OTA upgrade capability.

The seats were designed to look ‘tough’, with grid stitching inspired by tactical vests and tank armour, yet they cosset occupants with premium ‘soft’ leather and airbag massage functions.

You can sleep in it too. At the touch of a button, the electric folding seats fold flat to transform the cabin into a 1.9-metre flat sleeping platform with 23 square metres of usable space.

The GAC Yue 7 is a likely contender for South African introduction. IOL has reached out to GAC for further comment on the local release, and this story will be updated once feedback has been received.

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As South Africa’s automotive sector undergoes rapid change, legal and compliance specialists are playing an increasingly prominent role in helping dealerships adapt to new regulations, digital transformation and shifting consumer expectations.

According to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), governance and regulatory oversight are becoming increasingly important as dealerships navigate evolving consumer protection standards, digital retail channels and a more competitive market environment. The association says this shift is elevating the role of legal, risk and compliance professionals across the industry.

While women remain underrepresented in many areas of the motor industry, they are increasingly occupying senior roles in legal, governance and compliance, where strategic decision-making and risk management are becoming critical to long-term business resilience.

Inge Wever, in-house legal counsel at Rola Motor Group and vice-chairperson of NADA’s Western Cape regional executive committee, said the industry’s future depends on balancing technological innovation with consumer trust and sound governance.

“The future of our industry lies in balancing innovation with trust,” Wever said.

She argued that dealership networks would need to become more agile and adaptable while continuing to invest in staff development and stronger compliance frameworks as technology reshapes the automotive market.

Industry analysts have noted that dealerships are increasingly operating in an environment where vehicle sales, financing, servicing and customer engagement are becoming more digitally integrated, requiring businesses to manage data, consumer rights and regulatory obligations more carefully than in the past.

Advocate Suzette Neuhoff, group compliance executive at Halfway Group and a member of NADA’s legal and compliance structures, said regulatory requirements, digital acceleration and the arrival of new international vehicle brands were changing the retail automotive landscape.

“The retail automotive ecosystem is experiencing rapid structural disruption, driven by tightening regulatory requirements, digital acceleration, and the swift entry of modern global brands into the South African market,” Neuhoff said.

She said compliance should be integrated into day-to-day business decision-making rather than treated as a purely administrative or back-office function.

“Compliance should not exist in an ivory tower. It must directly inform how we make decisions, serve customers, and build resilient businesses,” she said.

Neuhoff argued that legal and regulatory compliance should form part of an organisation’s broader culture and strategy, particularly as businesses expand into new markets, adopt digital technologies and respond to changing consumer expectations.

For South Africa’s dealership sector, that means legal and compliance teams are increasingly involved in decisions around customer protection, operational risk, contractual obligations and the adoption of new technologies. As competition intensifies and regulatory scrutiny grows, governance is becoming less of a support function and more of a strategic business consideration.

Women’s Month has increasingly become a platform for highlighting leadership across sectors where women remain underrepresented, including parts of the automotive industry beyond traditional technical and manufacturing roles.

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The long-awaited third-generation Mazda CX-5 has landed in South Africa, featuring sharper looks, larger dimensions and fresh cabin technology.

Yet pricing remains close to that of the outgoing version, with the new four-model range kicking off at R578,250 and rising to R749,100. The previous version, for what it’s worth, had bookends of R570,500 and R688,400.

New Mazda CX-5 pricing

• 2.5L Active FWD – R578,250
• 2.5L Dynamic FWD – R636,000
• 2.5L Individual FWD – R717,000
• 2.5L Homura AWD – R749,100

The newcomer goes up against the Hyundai Tucson (from R559,900), Jetour T2 (R569,900), Ford Territory (R584,900), Nissan X-Trail (R599,900), Volkswagen Tiguan (R668,100), Subaru Forester (R699,000) and Toyota RAV4 (R770,500).

While its design is a relatively gentle evolution of its predecessor, the newcomer is significantly larger, with overall length having grown by 115mm to 4,690mm, while the width has increased by 15mm. All of that extra length goes into the wheelbase, which bodes well for interior space.

Mazda promises increased leg, knee and headroom, while boot space has grown from 438 to 466 litres. Flagship models feature a new panoramic sunroof and Mazda’s largest-ever touchscreen display, measuring 15.5 inches.

Whereas most of the previous range was powered by a 2.0-litre engine, the new line-up receives a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated unit that produces 132kW and 240Nm – an improvement of 11kW and 27Nm. The engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels in the Active, Dynamic and Individual variants and all four wheels in the case of the Homura flagship.

The mild-hybrid powertrain, available abroad, is also being considered for local introduction at a later date.

What features does the new CX-5 have?

The base 2.5L Active variant kicks things off with 17-inch Grey Metallic alloy wheels, a 12.9-inch touchscreen with built-in Google, seven airbags, Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitoring, to name the highlights.

The 2.5L Dynamic gains 19-inch Black Machined alloy wheels, synthetic leather seat upholstery with electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, a head-up display and a powered tailgate.

Over and above that, the 2.5L Individual receives a 12-speaker Bose sound system, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, heated outer rear seats, a 360-degree View Monitor and Front Cross Traffic Alert.

Finally, the Homura distinguishes itself further with Adaptive LED headlights, genuine leather seat trim in Black or Sports Tan, a hands-free liftgate function, a larger 15.5-inch touchscreen and all-wheel drive.

High-mileage drivers can also take advantage of a five-year, unlimited-kilometre service plan and warranty, which appears to be standard across the range.

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If you’re looking for a low-cost SUV, the Renault Kiger certainly ticks the budget boxes, with its starting price of R219,999 making it one of the most affordable crossovers on the South African market.

However, the flagship Turbo Iconic derivative that we recently tested commands a far heftier R329,999. For that premium, you get considerably more power, as well as additional style and equipment. But is it worth the extra outlay?

The Renault Kiger was recently given a facelift, with a slimmer mesh grille and redesigned bumpers giving it a cleaner appearance up front, while also complementing Renault’s new corporate diamond logo.

@jason.woosey Today we review a yellow car.. But is the latest Renault #kiger 1.0T Iconic flagship model worth the R330k price tag? #carreviews #renault #suv #affordable ♬ The Final Battle - Steve Ralph

The newly introduced Autumn Yellow exterior paint colour adds further visual appeal among the sea of white, grey and black SUVs that dominate our roads. It is one of six colours available on the updated Kiger, alongside blue, red, white, grey and silver.

Classy cabin, but flimsy in places

Our test car also featured yellow stitching throughout the cabin, including on the steering wheel, gear shifter and embroidered Renault logos on the front seats.

While the basic cabin architecture remains unchanged, the trims and finishes have been refreshed, along with the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.

The seats are upholstered in two-tone synthetic leather, with the centre inserts finished in a particularly light shade of grey. While this looks smart when new, the lighter colour is likely to show dirt and scuff marks as the vehicle ages.

While the cabin has a modern appearance, build quality is somewhat questionable, with certain panels – such as the centre tunnel – feeling a little loose.

The boot floor is also one of the flimsiest I have encountered in a modern vehicle. It consists of a thin masonite hardboard panel covered in lightweight carpeting, and it flexes noticeably when heavier items are loaded. A more robust solution would certainly have improved the overall impression of quality.

The boot is at least reasonably spacious, offering 408 litres of luggage capacity.

User-friendly cockpit

The Kiger’s cockpit scores points for its simplicity and user-friendliness. Physical dials and buttons – including some particularly classy-looking controls for the climate system – mean you don’t have to navigate through menus just to adjust the fan speed.

The 8.0-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen is a little basic by modern standards, but it is functional and easy to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, although they require a cable connection.

Rear legroom is adequate for an entry-level SUV. Sitting behind my driving position, I was not cramped, but there was not a great deal of stretching space either. On the upside, rear passengers get their own air vents.

Let’s start her up.

Punchy turbo performance

While the entry-level Kiger models are powered by a naturally aspirated engine, the turbocharged versions offer significantly more performance – perhaps even more than this compact SUV really needs.

The 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder motor is a little thrummy at idle, and some vibrations make their way into the cabin. However, once underway, it delivers impressive punch and there is no shortage of performance for keeping up with traffic or overtaking on the open road.

The engine produces 74kW and 160Nm, with the latter available between 2,800 and 3,600rpm. Thanks to turbocharging, the engine’s performance is also less affected by the reduced air density at Highveld altitudes compared with a naturally aspirated engine.

Power is sent to the front wheels through a CVT gearbox, which is actually more pleasant than many continuously variable transmissions. Because the engine produces most of its torque low down in the rev range, the typical CVT drone is rarely noticeable.

The comfortable ride quality is another highlight, with the suspension absorbing bumps and rough surfaces with relative ease. While body roll is evident through corners, the Kiger remains predictable and stable, while the light steering makes it easy to manoeuvre in urban environments.

As for fuel consumption, our test vehicle recorded an average of 8.5 litres per 100km in mixed driving conditions.

VERDICT

The Renault Kiger Turbo Iconic makes a strong case for itself as a budget-friendly compact SUV. It combines eye-catching styling, a punchy turbocharged engine, a comfortable ride and a user-friendly cabin at a price that undercuts many rivals.

However, the low-cost nature of the Kiger does reveal itself in places, particularly in interior materials and some questionable build-quality details.

It offers strong character and performance, but while the less expensive turbo models, starting at R278,999, make a relatively strong case among normally aspirated rivals, the flagship at R329,999 is encroaching on turbocharged Chinese rivals that offer more space and better finishes. Thus the mid-range is likely the sweet spot for Kiger, if you can live with a manual gearbox.

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Audi has made its Q2 crossover more accessible with the introduction of a new S Line derivative.

Priced at R679,000, the new Q2 S Line undercuts the Urban Edition by R69,000 and the Black Edition by just over R100,000.

It represents the final chapter for Audi's Q2, which is being discontinued globally later this year, with no direct internal combustion-engined replacement model planned as yet. Instead, the new A2 e-tron is expected to become the Ingolstadt firm's new entry-level model.

But what does the Q2 S Line have to offer in the meantime?

The seats of the new entry-level model are upholstered in cloth, while standard features include the MMI Radio Plus touchscreen infotainment system with Park System Plus and a reverse camera, Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, multifunction leather steering wheel, automatic climate control, cruise control and ambient lighting.

Externally, it doesn’t shout base model, thanks to standard 18-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, as well as Matrix LED headlights with dynamic light sequencing and dynamic turn signals.

However, upgrading to the Urban Edition gets you a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, synthetic leather upholstery, Comfort Key and unique design elements, including Graphite Grey alloy wheels and unique bumpers with a contrasting paint finish.

At the top of the range, the Black Edition gains black exterior finishes, 19-inch alloys, 10-colour ambient lighting and a flat-bottom sports steering wheel, among other additions.

All three models are powered by the familiar 1.4-litre TSI turbopetrol engine, which produces 110kW and 250Nm, delivered to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

A five-year/100,000km maintenance plan is also included in the price.

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The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has confirmed a new provisional world land speed record for a hydrogen-powered internal combustion vehicle after the JCB Hydromax reached an average speed of 406.320 mph (653.909 km/h) on Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats in the United States.

The record was set over a flying mile and flying kilometre and remains subject to final ratification by the FIA Land Speed Records Commission.

The achievement was recorded by British driver Wing Commander Andy Green, who completed two runs in opposite directions as required under FIA regulations. The official record is based on the average speed across both runs.

The new benchmark significantly surpasses the previous FIA-recognised hydrogen internal combustion record of 185.5 mph (298.5 km/h), which was set in 2004 by the BMW H2R.

The FIA, which has overseen world land speed records for more than a century, worked with the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States (ACCUS) and local officials at Bonneville to verify the attempt. Officials conducted vehicle scrutineering, safety inspections, timing verification and independent performance recording during the event.

The record marks JCB's return to Bonneville two decades after the company's Dieselmax vehicle, also driven by Green, set the FIA world diesel land speed record of 350.092 mph (563.418 km/h) in 2006.

Green is also the holder of the outright FIA World Land Speed Record of 763.035 mph (1,227.986 km/h), achieved in the jet-powered ThrustSSC in 1997.

According to the FIA, the Hydromax project has involved collaboration between the governing body and JCB's engineering team on hydrogen combustion technology. While the FIA's technical development work has increasingly focused on liquid hydrogen applications in motorsport, data from gaseous hydrogen research has continued to inform safety and engineering standards for emerging hydrogen-powered racing categories.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the record as an example of how performance and sustainability can be pursued simultaneously through motorsport innovation.

The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah remain one of the world's most significant venues for land speed record attempts, with a history stretching back more than a century.

JCB said the Hydromax uses production-based hydrogen engines derived from those currently used in some of the company's construction equipment, highlighting the potential of hydrogen combustion technology beyond motorsport applications.

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Growing up in Bela-Bela, Limpopo, Olly Ngobeni was fascinated by cars long before she considered a career in engineering.

Conversations with friends about engines, exhaust systems and the distinctive sound of different vehicles sparked a curiosity that eventually led her to study mechanical engineering and pursue a career in South Africa's automotive manufacturing sector.

Ngobeni is now a PVT Body Interior Supervisor at Ford South Africa, where she leads a team supporting the company's production environment.

Her journey reflects a broader shift taking place across engineering and manufacturing, industries that have historically been dominated by men but are seeing a growing number of women entering technical and leadership roles.

When Ngobeni began studying mechanical engineering, women were still a minority in the field. She recalls being the only woman in some of her classes, an experience that reinforced rather than discouraged her ambition to become an engineer.

A strong aptitude for mathematics and science during her school years provided the foundation for her studies, and she actively pursued vacation work and workplace training opportunities to gain practical engineering experience while completing her BTech degree.

That exposure eventually led her to Ford, where she joined the company's development pipeline and gained hands-on experience during university breaks before beginning her career full-time in 2015.

In the early stages of her career, Ngobeni was often the only woman in her engineering team. She has since witnessed a gradual increase in the number of women entering the manufacturing environment, a change she believes has strengthened teamwork and problem-solving by bringing different perspectives into the workplace.

Her career took another step forward in 2023 when she moved from a technical engineering position into a supervisory role. The transition required a shift from primarily technical responsibilities to managing people, processes and production-related changes across the plant environment.

As PVT Body Interior Supervisor, Ngobeni oversees engineering and production changes, manufacturing processes, systems and capacity planning, while also focusing on the development of the people in her team.

Alongside her professional career, she completed a master's degree in business leadership, exploring leadership in male-dominated environments and the role that inclusive leadership can play in organisational change.

Ngobeni hopes to continue progressing into senior leadership positions where she can influence organisational culture, people development and operational performance.

Her story forms part of a wider conversation during Women's Month about women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. While women remain underrepresented in many engineering disciplines, Ngobeni's experience illustrates the opportunities that can emerge when access to education, training and workplace development are available.

Outside work, she enjoys reading, running, going to the gym, listening to music and volunteering in her church's children's ministry.

For young women considering careers in engineering, Ngobeni's journey from a small Limpopo town to a leadership role in one of South Africa's automotive manufacturing operations highlights the increasing visibility of women in technical professions and the changing face of leadership in the industry.

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South Africa sold 13,193 new-energy vehicles (NEVs) between January and June 2026, accounting for 4.1% of the total new vehicle market, according to new data from Naamsa.

Conventional hybrid vehicles made up the largest share of NEV sales, with 6,667 units sold during the first six months of the year. This represented 50.5% of all NEV sales.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) followed with 4,623 units sold, giving them a 35% share of the NEV market.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 1,903 sales, or 14.4% of NEV sales.

NEV sales surge in June

Naamsa's June figures showed that the shift towards electrified vehicles continued to gain momentum.

NEVs accounted for 5.5% of the total new vehicle market during the month, with 3,045 units sold.

This represented year-on-year growth of 104.2%.

Conventional hybrids remained the largest NEV category, with 1,488 units sold, giving them a 48.9% share.

PHEVs recorded 990 sales and a 32.5% share, while BEVs accounted for 419 sales, or 13.8%.

Commercial electric vehicles made up the remaining 148 sales, representing 4.9% of June's NEV market.

Naamsa said sustained growth across the three technology categories indicated increasing consumer interest in electrified vehicles as awareness grows and more NEV models become available.

However, the industry body said South Africa was not following a rapid transition towards fully electric vehicles.

Instead, the market was taking a more diverse approach, with hybrid technology making the largest contribution to electrified vehicle uptake.

Naamsa attributed this to factors including affordability, consumer driving patterns, charging infrastructure and technology choice.

The organisation also cautioned that South Africa's automotive policy framework should remain technology neutral, allowing manufacturers and consumers to choose technologies as the market develops.

Interest in EVs growing

Separate AutoTrader data suggests interest in electric vehicles is also increasing, although from a relatively low base.

Research by OLX Group showed that EV leads on the platform increased by 154.6% year on year in June 2026.

South Africa nevertheless remains at an earlier stage of EV adoption than European markets.

The data also showed that Chinese brands are attracting demand in South Africa mainly for petrol and hybrid SUVs rather than electric vehicles.

Chinese automakers accounted for 7.31% of demand among Chinese brands on the platform, the highest share across the five markets analysed.

However, only 0.3% of that demand was for EVs.

Chinese brands drive EV affordability

Chinese manufacturers are expected to play an important role in South Africa's eventual transition to electric vehicles, particularly as more affordable models enter the market.

According to the data, all fully electric vehicles currently available in South Africa for less than R800,000 are Chinese models, with 13 vehicles competing in this price range.

Among the most affordable are the Geely E2 Aspire, priced from R339,900, and the BYD Dolphin Surf, from R341,900.

Chery's Q hatchback, which is expected to launch in South Africa, is also expected to be priced below R400,000.

The most affordable hybrids currently available include the GWM Ora 5, from R424,900; the Chery Tiggo Cross CSH, at R439,900; and the BYD Atto 2 DM-i, from R449,900.

Naamsa has not released detailed sales figures for individual electric and hybrid models in South Africa.

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South African motorists spend an average of more than 10 days a year behind the wheel simply commuting, placing the country at the top of a global comparison of driving times.

South African drivers spend an average of 10 days, four hours and 48 minutes a year commuting, according to a global study commissioned by AutoTrader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace.

The figure is significantly higher than the global commuting average of eight days, five hours and 53 minutes.

South Africa narrowly topped the international ranking, ahead of India, where motorists spend an average of 10 days, one hour and 55 minutes commuting annually, and Ireland, at nine days, 14 hours and 10 minutes.

The study also highlighted Australia, whose drivers have the longest average daily commute globally at one hour and 49 minutes.

Public transport makes a difference

The research found a stark contrast between South Africa and countries such as the Netherlands and the UK, where drivers spend less time behind the wheel, partly because of established public transport systems.

Dutch motorists average about eight days and 19 hours of driving annually.

German and French drivers, meanwhile, record increased driving during holiday periods, suggesting that while their everyday journeys may be shorter, long-distance road trips contribute significantly to their annual mileage.

Tom Roberts, a car leasing expert at AutoTrader, said the findings highlighted how differently people around the world use their vehicles.

The research, he said, showed the importance of understanding how much time motorists spend driving when choosing a vehicle suited to their lifestyle.

In South Africa, the findings also point to the pressures faced by commuters amid urban sprawl, limited public transport alternatives and rising fuel costs.

For many motorists, the time spent on the road represents not only a significant commuting burden but also an ongoing financial cost.

Public transport makes a difference

The research found a stark contrast between South Africa and countries such as the Netherlands and the UK, where drivers spend less time behind the wheel, partly because of established public transport systems.

Dutch motorists average about eight days and 19 hours of driving annually.

German and French drivers, meanwhile, record increased driving during holiday periods, suggesting that while their everyday journeys may be shorter, long-distance road trips contribute significantly to their annual mileage.

Tom Roberts, a car leasing expert at AutoTrader, said the findings highlighted how differently people around the world use their vehicles.

The research, he said, showed the importance of understanding how much time motorists spend driving when choosing a vehicle suited to their lifestyle.

In South Africa, the findings also point to the pressures faced by commuters amid urban sprawl, limited public transport alternatives and rising fuel costs.

For many motorists, the time spent on the road represents not only a significant commuting burden but also an ongoing financial cost.

The venerable Mahindra Bolero is back in updated form, and with a price tag that should appeal to commercial buyers seeking the lowest cost per kilometre.

The new Bolero MaXX Pik-Up, while not a stickler for grammar, represents the next step in the company’s single-cab bakkie strategy, with prices starting just below the R200,000 mark.

The Bolero MaXX City 1.3T model kicks things off at R199,000, and that doesn’t refer to its engine size but rather the load it can carry, with the entry model boasting a payload of 1.3 tonnes. Next up is the City 1.5 (tonne) at R229,000, while the ‘Heavy Duty’ HD 1.7 (tonne) comes in at R259,000.

These prices put it among South Africa’s most affordable bakkies, which include the Ashok Leyland Dost, offering a 1.25-tonne payload from R179,900, as well as the Suzuki Super Carry 1.2 (from R197,900, 750kg payload), DFSK K01S (R198,950, 985kg) and Foton Truckmate TM3 (R199,900, 1.2 tonnes). For what it’s worth, the Mahindra is larger than its rivals and also has the biggest engine, albeit without turbo assistance.

All three models are powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre ‘m2Di’ diesel engine that produces 52kW and 200Nm in the 1.3 City and 1.5 City models, and 60kW/220Nm in the 1.7 HD. Power goes to the rear wheels in all cases through a five-speed manual gearbox.

Like its rivals, the Bolero MaXX lacks critical safety features, with none of the versions featuring airbags, and ABS only featuring on the 1.5 City upwards.

Creature comforts are also extremely sparse on the base model, with power steering and rear park distance control being the only notable features.

You have to upgrade to the 1.5 City to get a ventilation system, with air conditioning, heating and demisting, and in this case occupants are also treated to a “powerful blower system”, Mahindra says. The 1.5 and 1.7 models also gain interior lamps, a 12V power socket, bottle holders and a lockable, air-cooled glovebox.

Mahindra says all three models can be driven with a standard Code B driver’s licence. In terms of load capacity, all three versions can carry a standard pallet between the wheel arches, while load box length varies across the three models, from 2.5 metres on the 1.3 City to 2.64m on the 1.5 City and 3.05m on the 1.7 HD.

“The launch of the Bolero MaXX marks an important step in the evolution of our Single Cab portfolio,” says Ankit Taneja, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

“Built on the Bolero nameplate, which has earned the trust of South African customers over the past 22 years, it strengthens our ability to offer purpose-built solutions for a wider range of commercial applications.”

The Mahindra Bolero MaXX Pik-Up is sold with a four-year or 120,000km warranty and roadside assistance, while service plans are optional.

Mahindra Bolero MaXX Pricing (August 2026)

• City 1.3 – R199,000
• City 1.5 – R229,000
• HD 1.7 – R259,000

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The official fuel price adjustments for August have been announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, and it's a mixed bag for motorists, with petrol decreasing in price and diesel increasing significantly.

The department announced that both grades of petrol would decrease by 52 cents per litre, while diesel is set to increase by between R1.23, for 50ppm and R1.38 in the case of 500ppm.

Following the price adjustments, a litre of 95 Unleaded petrol will cost R25.30 at the coast and R26.17 inland, where 93 Unleaded will cost R25.42.

The wholesale price of 500ppm diesel will increase to R25.29 at the coast and R26.16 inland, with the respective prices for 50ppm rising to R25.64 and R26.39 respectively.

While initial projections, based on CEF data has pointed to a much smaller petrol price cut and larger diesel increases, the Slate Levy has come to the rescue this month - having been reduced from R1.13 to 61 cents. This mechanism compensates fuel companies for oil price fluctuations that took place in the preceding month, as not all fuel is purchased at “the end of the month” when fuel prices are determined.

Volatile oil market

International oil prices have experienced significant volatility this month, with markets caught between concerns over a potential Middle East supply disruption and optimism that diplomatic efforts could avert a wider crisis.

Oil prices began the month at three-month lows of around $72 a barrel. However, escalating tensions in the Middle East, including exchanges of fire between the US and Iran, sent Brent crude prices sharply higher as traders priced in the risk of disruptions to oil flows through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Brent eventually climbed above the $100 mark before renewed hopes of a ceasefire pushed prices lower, with the benchmark falling to around $88 a barrel this week after dropping more than 8% in a single trading session.

The outlook for global oil prices – and the impact this could have on fuel costs in the months ahead – remains highly uncertain.

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New BMW owners were left fuming last week after their vehicles' dashboard screens prompted them to watch a trailer for the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie—marking a deeply frustrating escalation in the controversial trend of in-car digital advertising.

While commercial displays inside modern automobiles have been quietly expanding for a while, pop-up notifications appearing across BMW models manufactured after July 2020 quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons.

The unwanted promo stems directly from a multi-million-dollar cross-promotional partnership between BMW, Sony Pictures, and Marvel Studios.

The explicit goal of the campaign was to highlight the German automaker's prominent product placement throughout the superhero blockbuster, where high-end BMWs feature heavily in the action.

BMW’s Controversial Move: Commercial Ads on iDrive System Spark Outrage

To be completely fair, the full trailer did not launch automatically upon starting the ignition; drivers still had to manually select an interactive banner on the iDrive system before the video played.

However, the mere presence of the prompt directly contradicts BMW’s previous public assertions that the dashboard remains a "private space" strictly free from commercial clutter. Money talks, and the executive team clearly had an abrupt change of heart when Hollywood came knocking.

While outrage directed at BMW exploded across social media platforms, the brand is hardly the first automaker to pull this exact stunt. Back in October 2025, Tesla pushed an infotainment software update that included a heavily criticized ad campaign for Disney’s Tron: Ares.

Even when these notifications are technically skippable, commercial prompts inside personal vehicles cross a distinct line for drivers. Consumers readily accept intrusive ads when playing a free game on a smartphone because ad revenue subsidises the experience.

However, when a global titan in the motoring industry pushes commercial pitches onto a piece of machinery costing tens of thousands of dollars, it feels like little more than a shameless, greedy cash grab that leaves an intensely sour taste in the mouth.

@Michael_Sherman

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With snow forecast across parts of South Africa on Tuesday, motorists are being urged to exercise caution as some areas experience significant snowfall while others face rain.

Uncertainty remains over whether conditions will develop into snow, sleet or freezing rain, but wet and icy roads can all pose serious risks to drivers.

Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, said snow and ice were rare enough in South Africa that many motorists had little experience driving in such conditions.

“Heavy rain catches just as many drivers off guard, especially in the highveld which does not often experience winter rainfall,” Herbert said.

He said the fundamentals of defensive driving remained important whenever conditions changed.

Driving in snow and icy conditions

Motorists should reduce their speed, accelerate and brake gradually, and avoid sudden movements that could cause the vehicle to lose traction.

Drivers should check that their tyres are properly inflated and ensure their anti-freeze is topped up.

They should also gently test their brakes to assess how slippery the road is.

Cruise control and sport mode should be avoided in snowy or icy conditions.

Motorists should increase their following distance to three times the normal distance in snow, while leaving eight to 10 seconds between vehicles on icy roads.

Headlights should be switched to dimmed beams, while fog lights should be avoided as they can make it difficult for oncoming traffic to see.

If the wheels begin to spin, drivers should ease off the accelerator and avoid harsh braking. They should steer in the direction of the spin until control is regained, then gently straighten the vehicle.

Driving in heavy rain

Many of the same precautions apply when driving in rain.

Motorists should slow down, increase their following distance and check that their tyres have adequate tread and pressure.

Worn or underinflated tyres are more prone to aquaplaning.

If a vehicle begins to aquaplane, drivers should ease off the accelerator, keep the steering straight and avoid sudden braking until the tyres regain grip.

Headlights should be switched on, even during the day, to improve visibility to other road users.

Drivers should avoid standing water where possible, as its depth can be difficult to judge and hidden hazards may be present beneath the surface.

Wipers and demisters should also be checked before setting off.

Watch out for black ice

Sleet and rain can freeze on contact with the road, creating black ice – a thin, transparent layer that can be difficult to see.

Black ice is more likely to form on bridges and shaded sections of road and may appear as a glossy, slightly wet patch.

Drivers should remain particularly alert in these areas.

If black ice is suspected, motorists should keep the steering straight, avoid braking, ease off the accelerator and allow the vehicle to slow naturally.

When approaching corners, steering should be gentle to avoid over-steering and losing control.

Motorists are urged to follow these precautions whenever rain, ice or snow is possible, regardless of previous driving conditions or what the forecast indicates.

When the Jaecoo J7 first arrived in global markets, its smooth lines attracted plenty of praise but also invited some tongue-in-cheek comparisons, with some dubbing it the “Range Rover you bought on Shein”.

But regardless of how closely it resembles a certain luxury British SUV, the Jaecoo J7 has surged up the sales charts in the UK, becoming one of the nation’s top-selling vehicles almost overnight.

Buckingham Palace style on a council-house budget?

According to official sales figures published by Auto Express, the Jaecoo J7, which is badged simply as the '7' in that market, was Britain’s third best-selling vehicle in the first seven months of 2026, with a total of 26,549 units sold. Topping the list were the Ford Puma (33,173) and Kia Sportage (29,033), while the Chinese podium finisher was followed by the Nissan Qashqai (26,326) and Vauxhall (Opel) Corsa (20,796). Another Chinese SUV also made the top 10, with the MG HS taking seventh spot ahead of the Volkswagen Golf, with 19,424 sales.

Risen "out of nowhere"

Omoda & Jaecoo celebrated another milestone in July, becoming the third best-selling brand in the UK with sales of 8,905 units, giving it a market share of 5.7%, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

While the Jaecoo 7 posted another impressive performance, with 2,709 registrations making it the country’s fourth best-selling model, the more recently introduced Jaecoo 5 (badged as the J5 in some markets) followed closely in seventh position with 2,481 sales. The Omoda 5 was the firm’s third most popular model, with 1,815 examples finding homes.

Omoda & Jaecoo’s rise in the UK has, for all intents and purposes, come “out of nowhere”, with the dual-brand company having entered the market only two years ago.

Omoda & Jaecoo entered the South African market in 2023, and although the group has yet to break into the local top 10 sales charts, it has hovered around 11th place for the past three months, with the Omoda C5 proving particularly popular with local buyers, recording between 800 and 900 sales per month.

Chinese vehicle sales surging in South Africa too

Jaecoo does not enjoy the same relative popularity in South Africa as it does in the UK, with the J5 finishing 39th in July with a respectable 367 sales, according to The Citizen. However, its parent company, Chery, saw its Tiggo 4/Cross range rank among the country’s top-selling vehicles, finishing third overall in July with 2,110 sales.

It forms part of a broader Chinese surge in South Africa, with TransUnion’s Q1 2026 Mobility Insights Report showing that Chinese vehicle sales increased by 75% year on year in the first quarter, significantly outperforming the 2% growth recorded by traditional OEMs. As a result, Chinese brands now account for one in every five new vehicles sold in South Africa.

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“They don’t make them like they used to” is a common saying, which may be true more often than not in the case of many products, but certainly not when it comes to vehicle safety.

“But modern cars crumple like paper,” I hear you say. “My [insert name of 1970s fortress on wheels] holds steady in an accident because it’s built like a tank.”

But strong body panels and safety don’t always go hand in hand – it’s the way the vehicle crumples around you that really makes the difference.

A car that crumples in the right way, in the right places, is doing exactly what it was designed to do, says MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert. This is because modern vehicles are built with dedicated crumple zones that are engineered to deform and absorb kinetic energy during a crash, effectively slowing the deceleration experienced by occupants.

The passenger cell, by contrast, is built to stay rigid and resist impact. Thus, while the wreckage of a crash can look dramatic, that damage may be the reason occupants walked away with minor injuries, Herbert says.

Consumers should therefore be careful not to judge a vehicle’s safety credentials too quickly based solely on how severely the car crumbles in its crash-test video.

“Organisations like Global NCAP and ANCAP go far beyond what is visible on camera. Their star ratings combine data from dummy sensors measuring head, chest, pelvis and leg forces,” Herbert added.

“It also includes assessments of child seat compatibility, whiplash protection, and the presence of active safety systems such as electronic stability control (ESC). A vehicle with a five-star adult occupant rating is assessed against dozens of measurable criteria, not simply on how intact the bodywork looks afterwards.”

Older cars don't crash like tanks

There are many famous crash tests that pitted modern cars against their “classic” forebears with devastating results. The most famous of these was the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash demonstration between a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air and a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The latter was also pitted against an older version from 2004, with the slightly older car also suffering extreme deformation.

Another sobering crash test pitted the 2010s Nissan Versa (Almera in SA) against the 1990s Nissan Tsuru sedan that enjoyed an extended production run in markets such as Mexico.

Airbags are incredibly important too

“My car doesn’t need airbags, it’s built tough,” is another common misconception.

The airbag is often referred to as a Supplemental Restraint System, hence the SRS logo on your steering wheel. This is because, without the use of the Primary Restraint System – your seatbelt – an airbag is of virtually no use.

However, combined, these two systems can dramatically increase your chances of surviving an accident.

A few years ago, independent crash-testing authority Latin NCAP put a now previous-generation Mitsubishi Triton through a crash test, and it failed to score a single point. That same vehicle, supposedly with an identical structure, scored five stars in the Australian ANCAP test.

So what went wrong? At the time, Latin American versions of the Triton were not fitted with any airbags. In fact, the mystery shopper who bought the crash-test vehicle was even told by a salesman that “airbags are not needed as the structure is robust”.

But crash-test dummies clearly don’t tell silly stories.

In other examples around that time, the Indian-market Volkswagen Polo and Tata Zest both improved from zero-star to four-star Global NCAP ratings after they were upgraded with airbags, while the Honda Mobilio and previous-generation Renault Duster improved from zero to three stars.

Thankfully, all of South Africa’s new passenger vehicles are currently fitted with at least two airbags, and many entry-level models, such as the Suzuki Celerio and Toyota Vitz, even have six.

Worryingly, there are still a few commercial vehicles on the market that, judging by the data available to us, are not fitted with any airbags. These include the “GTI-killing” Ashok Leyland Dost that gave us all a much-needed chuckle earlier this year, as well as the DFSK K01S, Foton Truckmate, Mahindra Bolero and even Hyundai’s H100, among others.

Not all modern cars are as safe as they seem

While modern vehicles are generally far safer than their predecessors, that does not mean every new vehicle is automatically safer. Some budget models have recorded poor crash-test results in certain markets, such as the Datsun Go and Hyundai Grand i10, while some versions of these and many other vehicles also lack important safety features in their base derivatives. The water becomes even muddier when the same nameplate is sold in different markets with varying safety specifications.

Thus, when viewing crash-test results, buyers should keep in mind that not all Global NCAP results apply to the equivalent vehicle sold locally.

Herbert warns that there are sometimes lower-specification versions of models available elsewhere that are missing features such as side or curtain airbags and electronic stability control (ESC).

“Often, vehicles carrying familiar nameplates score poorly here despite versions of the same model performing well overseas, as those vehicles are legally required to have certain safety features. When researching a new vehicle, check not just whether a model has a Global NCAP or ANCAP rating, but whether that rating applies to the exact specification sold in South Africa,” Herbert added.

Still a dangerous game for those buying compact vehicles

Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA), said the sub-R400,000 vehicle market was a “dangerous game” at present, particularly in the case of entry-level models.

He warned that in a side impact, curtain airbags were often the difference between life and death.

“Because otherwise, what protects everything from your rib cage to your head? It’s just a sheet of glass,” Ramagwede told IOL.

“So, in the absence of some additional barrier, you’re either being decapitated, you end up with a laceration on the neck that’ll leave you bled out, or you’ll have your neck snapped because you’ve got no real protection.”

Ramagwede lamented South Africa’s minimum vehicle safety requirements, which he described as “wheelbarrow standards”, and said many manufacturers were complicit by not raising the safety standards of their own vehicles.

“They know how to do better,” Ramagwede said. “In fact, you have cases where exactly the same car has been stripped down for the African market. I just don’t understand how you go through a moral process of stripping down a car from a safety perspective. I get removing sunroofs, maybe alloy wheels, but when you remove safety features and you introduce that car to a market, you are implicitly trying to kill people,” Ramagwede said.

He urged South African vehicle buyers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing new or used entry-level vehicles, as recent crash tests have shown a worrying trend of budget models lacking adequate crash protection.

“Perhaps more worryingly, very few of the vehicles tested offer safety ratings similar to those of the same models on sale abroad,” Ramagwede concluded.

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It’s a well-known fact that South Africa’s best-selling vehicle is the Toyota Hilux. It trumps Volkswagen’s evergreen Polo Vivo and its biggest bakkie rival, the Ford Ranger, by a considerable margin.

But when sales are broken down by body style, the picture changes completely.

According to sales data for the first half of 2026, released by Cars.co.za in conjunction with Lightstone Auto, South Africa’s top-selling double cab bakkie is actually the Ford Ranger.

Lightstone’s data showed that 10,075 Ranger double cabs were sold between January and June, comfortably ahead of the Toyota Hilux DC (7,887) and Isuzu D-Max DC (4,415).

However, Ford falls sharply behind in the single cab market, with just 707 workhorse models sold during that period. The Hilux leads the way here with 8,101 units, while Isuzu’s D-Max SC also outsold its DC equivalent with 4,849 units sold. Toyota also led the extended cab bakkie race, with 2,598 sales, compared with Ford’s 1,740 and Isuzu’s 804.

When all three body styles are tallied, the Toyota Hilux still leads the way with a total of 18,862 units in the first half of 2026. This is despite the previous model having been in its “run-out” phase for most of this period. Runner-up was the Ranger with 12,472 units, followed by the Isuzu D-Max with 10,068.

Overall light commercial vehicle sales in South Africa increased by 10.1% to 75,219 units in the first half of 2026, according to figures released by naamsa last month. Passenger vehicle sales, by contrast, grew by 14.2% to 223,911 units.

“The H1 2026 figures illustrate the ongoing competitiveness of South Africa’s bakkie market,” said Cars.co.za Innovation Chief Alan Quinn.

“The Ford Ranger leads in double cabs, but the Toyota Hilux maintains overall dominance, reflecting strong and sustained demand throughout the segment,” Quinn added.

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We’re seeing an increasing number of electric and hybrid vehicles on our roads, but how popular have they become compared with traditional petrol and diesel models?

New data released by Naamsa this week sheds some light on “New Energy Vehicles” (NEVs) and the share of the sales market they command in 2026. It also shows that hybrid vehicles remain significantly more popular than fully electric vehicles (EVs).

According to Naamsa, a total of 13,193 New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) were sold in South Africa between January and June 2026, representing 4.1% of the total new vehicle market.

Hybrids dominate NEV sales

Just over half of NEV sales were conventional hybrid vehicles, with 6,667 units sold during the first half of the year, giving them a 50.5% share of the NEV market.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) followed with 4,623 units sold, accounting for a 35% share, while battery electric vehicles (BEVs) achieved a 14.4% NEV share with 1,903 sales.

ALSO READ: SA car sales reach 12-year high: These were the top 15 carmakers in July

Naamsa also released sales figures for June, showing that NEVs’ share of the total market had grown to 5.5%. The industry sold 3,045 NEVs during the month, representing year-on-year growth of 104.2%.

Conventional hybrids remained the dominant NEV category in June, accounting for a 48.9% share with 1,488 sales. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) followed with 990 units sold and a 32.5% share, while battery electric vehicles (BEVs) recorded 419 sales for a 13.8% share. Commercial electric vehicles accounted for the remaining 148 sales, representing a 4.9% share.

Naamsa said sustained growth across all three technology categories demonstrates that consumers are increasingly embracing electrified vehicles, as awareness and the sheer amount of NEV options grow.

“The current market composition also provides important insight into South Africa’s electrification trajectory. Rather than a rapid transition to battery-electric vehicles, the domestic market is following a technology-diverse pathway, with hybrid technologies continuing to make the largest contribution to electrified vehicle uptake,” Naamsa said.

“This reflects prevailing market conditions, including affordability considerations, consumer driving patterns, charging infrastructure availability and technology choice.”

However, the industry organisation cautioned that South Africa’s policy framework for the motor industry should remain “technology neutral”, allowing manufacturers and consumers to adopt the most appropriate vehicle technologies as the market evolves.

Growing interest in EVs

Separate data from AutoTrader suggests that interest in electric vehicles is accelerating in South Africa, albeit from a low base.

Research published by OLX Group shows that EV leads on the platform increased by 154.6% year on year in June 2026, the second-highest growth rate among the five markets analysed.

That said, South Africa remains at an earlier stage of EV adoption than European markets, with Chinese brands currently attracting demand mainly for petrol and hybrid SUVs rather than electric models.

Chinese automakers accounted for 7.31% of demand among Chinese brands on the platform — the highest share across the markets studied — but only 0.3% of that demand related to EVs.

Affordability fuelling demand

However, Chinese brands are expected to play an important role in South Africa’s eventual transition to EVs, as they continue to introduce more affordable models. 

In fact, every fully electric vehicle currently sold in South Africa for less than R800,000 is a Chinese model, with 13 different vehicles competing in that price bracket.

The most affordable among these are the new Geely E2 Aspire, priced from R339,900, and the BYD Dolphin Surf, from R341,900, while Chery’s upcoming Q hatchback is also expected to cost less than R400,000.

The least expensive hybrids currently available in South Africa are the GWM Ora 5, from R424,900, the Chery Tiggo Cross CSH (R439,900) and the BYD Atto 2 DM-i (R449,900).

Naamsa has not released any granular data showing sales figures of individual electric and hybrid models in South Africa.

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The second-generation Kia Seltos has landed in South Africa, featuring a sharper but potentially polarising design that wraps around larger dimensions and a more digitised cabin.

The line-up remains similar to before, with three engine options and five grades spanning LS, LX, GT-Line, GT-Line S and X-Line. Pricing is broadly in line with the outgoing model, starting at R389,995 for the entry-level version and rising to R614,995 for the turbocharged flagships.

2026 Kia Seltos pricing

• 1.5 LS manual – R389,995
• 1.5 LS CVT – R414,995
• 1.5 LX CVT – R464,995
• 1.5 GT-Line CVT – R514,995
• 1.5 CRDi GT-Line auto – R544,995
• 1.5 T-GDi GT-Line S DCT – R614,995
• 1.5 CRDi X-Line – R614,995

Based on Kia’s new-generation K3 platform, the 2026 Seltos measures 4,430mm in length, making it 80mm longer than its predecessor and similar in size to the Toyota Corolla Cross and Haval Jolion. The wheelbase has grown by 80mm while the luggage capacity is now listed at 447 litres, an increase of 13 litres over the older model.

Most models in the range are fitted with a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 85kW and 144Nm, paired with either a six-speed manual transmission, available only in the base version, or a CVT.

Also available towards the top of the range is a 1.5-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine producing 85kW and 250Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, as well as a 1.5-litre T-GDi turbopetrol engine delivering 119kW and 253Nm through a dual-clutch transmission.

What do you get for your money?

Buyers opting for the base LS grade can expect a 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a multifunction steering wheel, voice recognition and rear park distance control. Safety features include six airbags and electronic stability control.

The base model also rides on 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.

The Seltos LX gains a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, cruise control and front park distance control.

The GT-Line adds 18-inch alloy wheels, ambient mood lighting, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, rain-sensing wipers and a range of unique exterior and interior design accents.

At the top of the range, the GT-Line S and X-Line derivatives further gain a Bose sound system, powered driver’s seat, dynamic welcome lighting and a host of ADAS driver assistance features, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (rear) and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.

Visually, the X-Line can be identified by its black alloy wheels, exclusive matte Dark Gun Metal Grey finishes and two-tone Hunter Green and Dark Grey interior.

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Toyota’s Land Cruiser 300 hybrid is now available in South Africa, topping the line-up with a new powertrain that delivers more power while using less fuel.

The 3.5T Petrol HEV hybrid model launches in ZX guise with a price tag of R2,287,700, representing a premium of R96,400 over the regular 3.5T equivalent. A GR-S hybrid model is set to join the range later this year, priced at R2,343,800.

The new HEV models pair Toyota’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with the company’s compact hybrid system and a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing combined system outputs of 341kW and 790Nm. That represents an increase of 36kW and 140Nm over the non-hybrid V6 model. The 3.3-litre turbodiesel engine continues unchanged.

Toyota claims an average fuel consumption figure of 10 litres per 100km for the hybrid, an improvement of 2.1 l/100km over the regular 3.5T petrol model.

The hybrid model also features a waterproof AC inverter, positioned below the centre console, which provides an external power supply of up to 1,500W for various devices.

The arrival of the hybrid model also introduces a few subtle updates across the range, including new Magnetite Black and Classic White exterior colour options, as well as new interior trim combinations.

“The introduction of the new HEV demonstrates that customers no longer have to choose between legendary capability and modern electrified performance. It is another important step in Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy, offering customers the right technology for their individual needs,” says Toyota South Africa marketing vice-president Glenn Crompton.

2026 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 pricing

• 3.3 Diesel GX-R – R1,596,800
• 3.3 Diesel ZX – R2,150,400
• 3.5T Petrol ZX – R2,191,300
• 3.3 Diesel GR-S – R2,210,100
• 3.5T Petrol GR-S – R2,247,500
• 3.5T Petrol ZX HEV – R2,287,700
• 3.5T Petrol GR-S HEV – R2,343,800

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NEW DELHI - India's aggressive drive to expand ethanol-blended petrol is facing growing resistance, with a protest march on Tuesday demanding the government rethink its decision to make E20 fuel the national standard.

Opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal marched towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence carrying petitions signed by more than 200,000 people, but was stopped by police before reaching his destination.

India, the world's third-largest auto market, says the biofuel move is helping curb dependence on imported crude and boost farm incomes.

But motorists have voiced concerns over vehicle performance, and the government's campaign has upset India's vast middle class -- a key voter base for Modi, who worry that they are being forced to shoulder the costs of the transition.

AFP breaks down the speed bumps on India's fuel blending road.

What's ethanol-blended petrol?

E20, the fuel at the centre of the controversy, is essentially petrol mixed with 20% ethanol -- which is produced largely from sugarcane.

India has flirted with the idea of biofuels for decades, primarily because it depends on other countries for over 80% of its crude oil requirements.

Over the last decade, Modi's government has accelerated the biofuel programme, with ethanol blending going from less than 1.5% in 2013-14 to 20% in 2025-26.

This has allowed India to save roughly $20 billion (R328 bn) in foreign exchange since 2014-15 and boosted farmer incomes by $16.4 billion in the same period, government figures show.

Why are drivers concerned?

Many motorists fear that the E20 petrol blend will harm engines and raise maintenance costs in vehicles designed for lower ethanol blends.

A flurry of videos showcasing alleged damage to vehicle parts and drops in mileage have gone viral on social media in recent months.

Political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla, who led a street protest against E20 last month, has accused the government of rushing the nationwide rollout while dismissing legitimate public concerns.

The government has acknowledged that E20 could lead to a small dip in fuel efficiency -- in the range of 3% to 5% -- but has rejected allegations of engine damage.

Junior Oil Minister Suresh Gopi told parliament last week that more than 200 million two-wheelers and 300 million cars had operated on E20 without any "verified evidence of widespread engine failures or vehicle breakdowns".

The government has also cited manufacturer data over the last year to state that "no E20-linked corrosion, abnormal wear or reduction in component life" was reported, even in vehicles not originally designed for the blend.

India's road transport minister, Nitin Gadkari, has cited a study that suggested some older vehicles may require replacement of rubber components and gaskets, but argued such work could be "easily managed during routine servicing".

What are car companies saying?

India's auto industry has largely supported the government.

Officials at Maruti Suzuki, the country's largest car manufacturer, have said the company's testing of E20 fuel on vehicles designed for E10 showed no areas of concern.

And one of the biggest domestic producers of motorcycles, Hero MotoCorp, says its own service data showed no incidence of higher damage in vehicles running on E20 compared to older fuels.

Some automakers have warned against misinformation.

Toyota India said issues raised in a viral complaint were caused by fuel contamination and "not related to E20 fuel usage".

What next?

Critics have asked the government to offer vehicle owners a choice between E10, E20 and unblended petrol without paying a premium.

Despite opposition parties taking the fight to the streets, the government has shown little signs of relenting.

In a statement last month, India's oil ministry said that offering multiple options at the pump would be logistically difficult and costly.

"Maintaining multiple grades of base petrol across this vast supply chain would create an enormous logistical challenge, increase handling costs, complicate inventory management and reduce operational efficiency," it said. -AFP

The first-ever Ford Ranger Super Duty is essentially a “heavy-duty” version of the Blue Oval’s popular one-tonne bakkie, and it’s coming to South Africa in 2027.

Ahead of its launch next year, Ford South Africa has released the initial range details and indicative pricing for the new model.

The Ford Ranger Super Duty will be available in Single Chassis Cab, Super Chassis Cab, Double Cab Chassis Cab and regular Double Cab formats, with the four variants being introduced in a phased approach.

Single Cab models are expected to start around the R1.1 million mark, with Double Cabs kicking off at approximately R1.3 million.

For the record, the Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 Raptor currently retails at R1,307,300.

Beneath the skin, the Super Duty is a far cry from the regular Ford Ranger models, adopting a TT frame that’s said to provide significantly increased strength and load-carrying capacity. The model boasts a thickened frame, as well as reinforced suspension, box and tow bar mounts, allowing it to achieve a 4.5-tonne GVM rating. Customers can also opt for an uprated tow bar that increases the maximum towing capacity to 4.5 tonnes.

The Super Duty also features stronger front and rear driveshafts, a new heavy-duty rear axle, a stronger rear differential and eight-stud wheel hubs.

A plethora of high-strength steel bash plates protects the underbody of the Super Duty, from the engine to the front differential, transmission and fuel tank. The latter’s capacity has been increased to 130 litres to allow for longer off-road excursions.

Power comes from a retuned version of Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine. Calibrated for heavy-duty emissions standards, it delivers 154kW and 600Nm to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission with a reinforced two-speed transfer case.

Front and rear locking differentials are standard on all variants, while the low-range gearset has also been upgrade d.

Ground clearance on the new model has been raised to nearly 300mm, while the wading depth is listed at 850mm.

“The Ranger Super Duty really is the sum of all its parts, and we’re confident that whether your job is extreme or you’re an adventurer who likes to go off the beaten track, Ranger Super Duty will get you there and back again,” says Ford SA’s sales director Ryan Searle.

“We listened to what the hardest-working customers told us they needed, and we’ve developed a hard-working vehicle with heavy-duty hardware and enhanced capability, allowing them to stay on the job longer and get it done sooner,” Searle added.

Look out for further details on the new Ford Ranger Super Duty closer to launch.

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South African new vehicle sales continued their strong run in July, with the market posting another solid month of double-digit growth.

According to figures released by Naamsa, 57,708 new vehicles were sold in July 2026, which is an 11.9% increase over the same month last year.

Passenger vehicle sales led the way, growing by 12.5% to 40,912 units, which is the highest number seen since September 2014. It was a strong month for rental industry sales, which accounted for 13.8% of the passenger market.

The light commercial and bakkie market grew by 10.6% versus July 2025 to reach 13,710 sales, while medium commercials (843 units) and heavy commercials (2,097 units) grew by 19.4% and 7.0% year-on-year, respectively.

Dealer sales accounted for 84.8% of total new vehicle volumes in July, followed by the rental industry (11.2%), government sales (2.2%) and corporate fleets (1.8%).

On the sales charts, Toyota enjoyed a bumper month, increasing its total sales by 13.9% year-on-year to 14,142 units.

Suzuki emerged in second place, increasing its sales by 5% to 5,994 units, while Volkswagen followed closely in third place with 5,799 sales. Hyundai and Ford completed the top five, while emerging Chinese brands Chery and GWM took sixth and seventh spots. 

Top 15 carmakers: July 2026

• Toyota - 14,142
• Suzuki Auto - 5,994
• Volkswagen Group - 5,799
• Hyundai - 3,058
• Ford Motor Co - 2,927
• Chery Auto - 2,709
• GWM SA - 2,504
• Isuzu Motors - 2,435
• Jetour SA - 2,034
• Kia SA - 1,920
• Omoda & Jaecoo - 1,502
• Mahindra - 1,458
• Renault - 1,360
• BMW Group - 1,256
• BYD - 860

Affordability more important than ever

According to Naamsa, the interplay between elevated inflation, the pause in monetary tightening and the substantial fuel price reductions implemented in July has created a divided consumer environment that is increasingly reshaping retail buying behaviour, as consumers balance affordability constraints against lower operating costs when making purchase decisions.

This, in turn, is contributing to stronger demand for compact and fuel-efficient passenger vehicles, value-oriented brands and more flexible and innovative financing solutions.

“As affordability considerations become more pronounced, vehicle purchasing decisions are being driven not only by upfront acquisition costs but also by total cost of ownership considerations and the availability of innovative financing structures, including extended loan terms and balloon payment arrangements, as households adapt to maintain personal mobility,” Naamsa said.

Export sales decline

Naamsa figures show that vehicle exports remained under pressure in July, with sales declining by 11.6% year-on-year to 32,801 units. Exports were also down 2.2% month-on-month, which the industry body attributes to softer demand in key European markets.

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The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has welcomed Cabinet's approval to extend the validity of South Africa's driving licence cards for light motor vehicles from five years to 10 years, describing the decision as "long overdue" and a victory for motorists and common sense.

"This decision is almost six years overdue, but it is a victory for motorists and for common sense," OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage said.

"The government has finally accepted that forcing motorists through an inefficient renewal system every five years wastes time and money without making our roads safer."

The organisation, which has campaigned for the change since 2020, said the move would reduce unnecessary administrative burdens while easing pressure on the country's licensing system.

Cabinet approves 10-year validity period

The announcement was made by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during a media briefing on Thursday following Wednesday's Cabinet meeting.

"Cabinet approved the extension of the validity period of driving licences for Codes A, A1, B and EB from five to 10 years," Ntshavheni said.

The extended validity period will apply only to light motor vehicles. 

Heavy commercial and public transport vehicles will continue to follow the existing two- or five-year renewal cycles, while Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs) will remain subject to a two-year renewal period.

Ntshavheni said the change aligns with international best practice, improves administrative efficiency, reduces the frequency of renewals and eases demand on licensing centres.

However, the new validity period is not yet in effect.

"The implementation of the extended validity period requires legislative amendments," she said.

Motorists must continue renewing expired driving licence cards under the current five-year validity period until the necessary amendments have been processed and gazetted.

Research supports longer validity

OUTA said its research examined driving licence validity periods in 35 countries across six regions, finding an average validity period of 8.5 years, with renewal periods ranging from three to 20 years.

The organisation also surveyed 3,685 motorists in June 2021.

According to the findings:

• 65% were frustrated by the ineffective online booking system.
• 60% complained about long queues.
• About 45% cited poor staff attitudes.
• More than 10 per cent said they had witnessed bribery.

Duvenage said the research found no evidence that longer licence validity periods for ordinary motorists are associated with higher road fatality rates.

"Road safety depends on effective law enforcement, properly trained and responsible drivers, roadworthy vehicles and safer roads - not how frequently an administrative card is renewed," he said.

Motorists urged to wait for legal changes

Despite Cabinet's approval, Duvenage cautioned that motorists must continue complying with the current renewal requirements until the law is amended.

He called on the Department of Transport to clarify when the 10-year validity period will take effect and whether it will apply only to newly issued licence cards or also to existing cards.

"OUTA calls on the Department to complete the required amendments without unnecessary delay, publish a clear implementation timetable and explain the transitional arrangements," he said.

"This clarity is essential to prevent confusion and ensure that motorists do not mistakenly allow their current cards to expire."

Shift from earlier eight-year proposal

The Cabinet decision extends the validity period to 10 years, exceeding the eight-year period previously proposed by the Department of Transport.

IOL previously reported that Director-General Mathabatha Mokonyana told Parliament's Select Committee on Public Infrastructure that the department had completed its assessment on extending the validity period.

"They don't want to come back to us every five years. So we definitely will be moving to eight years soon," he said at the time.

The proposal has since been revised, with Cabinet approving a 10-year validity period instead.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa welcomed the decision, saying it was based on a Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) study.

“The change was informed by a study undertaken by the RTMC, which recommended that the extension of the validity period will align with international best practice, enhance administrative efficiency, reduce the frequency of renewals for motorists and ease service demand pressures within the licensing system," they said in a joint statement.

The two added that Cabinet's approval clears the way for the draft notices to be submitted to the Shareholders Committee, the Secretary of Parliament for public comment and the Office of the State Law Adviser for legal scrutiny before the amendments can take effect.

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German luxury carmaker Porsche will eliminate another 5,000 jobs by 2035, bringing its planned workforce reduction to around 9,400 positions as Germany’s once-dominant automotive industry struggles with soaring costs, collapsing competitiveness and government policies that have deprived manufacturers of affordable energy.

The Volkswagen subsidiary reached an agreement with labor representatives on Monday to eliminate the positions without compulsory redundancies, primarily through natural attrition, partial retirement and voluntary severance programs. Under the deal, however, the remaining employees will accept slower wage growth, smaller bonuses, stricter remote-work limits and changes to break arrangements and production cycles.

Porsche had previously announced 3,900 job cuts, while another 500 positions are being lost through the closure of subsidiaries. The combined cuts represent roughly one fifth of its workforce but will fall disproportionately on its high-cost German operations, where nearly 40% of positions will be eliminated.

Porsche has blamed weak demand, competition from Chinese manufacturers, US tariffs and costly electric-vehicle missteps, but the company’s troubles are unfolding against a broader industrial decline aggravated by decisions made in Berlin and Brussels.

Germany abandoned the Russian pipeline gas on which its energy-intensive manufacturing sector had been built while simultaneously shutting down its remaining nuclear power plants and pursuing an expensive transition to intermittent renewable energy. Even German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged earlier this month that the country is experiencing an “ongoing energy crisis due to the lack of Russian gas.”

The consequences have spread across Germany’s entire industrial base. The economy contracted in both 2023 and 2024, marking its first back-to-back annual decline in more than two decades, while corporate insolvencies rose by more than 22% in each year. BASF, Bosch, Volkswagen and numerous other manufacturers have shut down factories or announced major reductions since 2022.

Berlin and Brussels have simultaneously required manufacturers to invest heavily in electric-vehicle production, but demand has failed to keep pace with political targets. Germany further disrupted the market by abruptly withdrawing EV purchase subsidies in late 2023.

Porsche became one of the most prominent casualties of that approach, abandoning a planned all-electric platform after years of investment. The reversal contributed to €3.9 billion in extraordinary expenses in 2025, while its operating profit plunged nearly 93%, from €5.6 billion to just €413 million. The company has also been hit by collapsing sales in China, which have fallen to less than half their 2021 peak.

The cuts come as parent company Volkswagen considers doubling its previously announced workforce reduction from 50,000 to as many as 100,000 positions. Germany’s automotive industry has already shed around 125,000 jobs since 2019, with Mercedes-Benz, BMW and major suppliers also reducing costs and staff.

Any further petrol price cuts have been put on hold as the resumption of hostilities in the Middle East wreaked havoc on oil markets this month, while diesel prices are looking set to shoot up in August.

Month-end data from the Central Energy Fund currently points to an unchanged price for 95 Unleaded and a five cent decrease for 93 Unleaded. 

It is a far harsher reality for diesel customers, with current data pointing to increases of between R1.75 for 50ppm and R1.91 for 500ppm. 

However, a potential wildcard is the Slate Levy, a mechanism that helps compensate fuel companies for oil price fluctuations in the preceding month. If the Slate Levy sees a significant reduction from the current R1.14 per litre, then a more substantial petrol price reduction could be on the cards. However, given that it compensates for oil price volatility, a decrease in the levy is certainly not guaranteed.

The official petrol and diesel price adjustments for August will be announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources early next week.

The Middle East war has wreaked havoc on South African fuel prices this year, with sharp increases in April and May followed by some relief in July.

While a peace deal did bring some relief last month, the resumption of hostilities in July means it is likely to be a long time before petrol and diesel prices retreat to pre-April levels.

For the record, a litre of 95 Unleaded petrol currently costs R25.23 at the coast and R26.11 in Gauteng, where 93 Unleaded retails for R25.94. The wholesale price of 500ppm diesel is listed at R23.91 at the coast and R24.78 inland, with 50ppm costing R24.41 and R25.16 respectively.

This comes after significant fuel price reductions this month, with petrol having fallen by R2.01 per litre and diesel by between R3.14 and R3.58 per litre.

What’s going on with oil prices?

International oil prices have been extremely volatile this month, largely because markets have been swinging between fears of a Middle East supply shock and hopes that diplomatic efforts will prevent one.

Oil prices started the month at three-month lows of around $72 per barrel. However, the subsequent escalation in Middle East tensions, with the US and Iran trading fire, led to a price surge, with Brent eventually moving above $100 as markets priced in risks to flows through the critical Strait of Hormuz passage.

However, hopes of another truce have pushed prices down to around the $88 mark this week, following a drop of more than 8% in a single session.

How things will transpire in the coming months is anyone’s guess.

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After experiencing an almost endless array of SUVs, it was refreshing to get behind the low-slung wheel of a hatchback again.

Although a handful of hatchbacks remain popular in our market, such as Volkswagen’s Polo and Hyundai’s i10, we haven’t yet seen a strong contender from China — but the latest MG3 seems to be all that and more.

Despite its hot-hatch looks, the MG3 brings the usual Chinese bargain pricing. The latest MG3 is positioned firmly at the budget end of the segment. Priced at R269,900 in Comfort manual form, R309,900 as a CVT and R344,900 in Luxury CVT guise, it aims to offer a Polo competitor for Polo Vivo money. It even comfortably undercuts the Hyundai i20, which starts at R329,900.

Oh, and there’s also a rather powerful hybrid version, but with a price tag of R469,900, it is likely to fall outside the budgets of most hatchback buyers.

A week with the MG3 1.5 Comfort CVT

It's got the look

We spent a week with a 1.5 Luxury CVT model, which looked rather arresting in its metallic blue hue. It could almost have been the latest Ford Fiesta if the Blue Oval hadn’t given up on anything that isn’t a two-tonne truck or a bellowing sports car.

The MG’s edgy, striking looks certainly attracted attention from onlookers, with one even asking how it compared with a Polo GTI.

Performance: The CVT blues

In truth, the MG3 is very much an ordinary hatchback beneath the skin, with power coming from a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine delivering 81kW and 142Nm. Not exciting, granted, but it is on par with what you would expect at this price point. Urban performance is more than adequate, but overtaking on rural roads can require some patience.

I suspect the manual version, which I haven’t driven yet, could hit the sweet spot for those still willing to stir the gears and operate a clutch. However, when paired with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), the MG3 feels decidedly unsporting, with a noticeable drone at higher revs. A CVT certainly makes sense in terms of cost and efficiency, but a conventional six-speed automatic would have been a better fit from a driveability perspective.

Fuel consumption is fair, however, with around 8.0 litres per 100km being a realistic target for everyday mixed driving conditions.

On the upside, the chassis certainly feels like it can handle more, and the little MG3 feels agile and composed through corners and over rough surfaces, while the ride is impressively comfortable.

What is the MG3's interior like?

The cabin feels contemporary and well put together, with dark grey materials matching the car’s sporty persona. Thanks to some harder plastic surfaces, it is perhaps not quite in the same league as the Volkswagen Polo when it comes to perceived quality, but it is certainly more than acceptable at this price point.

Electronics include a 10.25-inch colour touchscreen and a smaller 7.0-inch driver display. Phone connectivity is provided via wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The central screen controls most functions, but there are still physical controls for features such as fan speed and volume. A few more physical buttons would have been welcome, but overall the MG3’s cabin is fairly user-friendly.

The Luxury specification also comes well equipped, with standard features including synthetic leather upholstery, a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control. Driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist are also included. There’s even a central airbag, bringing the total tally to seven, to complement the four-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

But how practical is the MG3?

The front cabin feels fairly spacious. However, rear legroom and boot space — the latter measuring 293 litres — are more adequate than class-leading.

MG3: THE VERDICT

The MG3 is an impressive debut from China’s growing hatchback contenders, offering sharp styling, a comfortable ride, generous standard equipment and pricing that undercuts many established rivals. While the CVT gearbox dulls the driving experience and the naturally aspirated engine won’t excite performance seekers, it delivers adequate everyday performance and reasonable efficiency.

It may not have the polish of a Volkswagen Polo, but the MG3 makes a strong value proposition for buyers looking for a well-equipped, affordable hatchback that feels like more than just a budget offering.

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Cabinet has approved extending the validity of South Africa's driving licences from five to 10 years.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced the decision during a media briefing on Thursday following the post-Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

“Cabinet approved the extension of the validity period of driving licences for Codes A, A1, B and EB from five to 10 years.”

She said the 10-year renewal period will apply only to light motor vehicles.

“Heavy commercial and public transport vehicles will remain subject to the existing two- or five-year renewal cycles while Professional Driver Permits will also remain on the two-renewal cycle.”

Ntshavheni said the change aligns with international best practice, enhances administrative efficiency, reduces the frequency of renewals for motorists and eases service-demand pressures within the licensing system.

“The implementation of the extended validity period requires legislative amendments.”

“Motorists must therefore continue to renew expired driving licence cards until the new law takes effect,” she said.

The 10-year validity period is two years longer than the eight-year period previously proposed by the Department of Transport.

IOL News previously reported that the validity period for driving licences in South Africa was set to increase from five years to eight, a long-mooted move welcomed by motorists and lobby groups.

The department’s Director-General, Mathabatha Mokonyana, confirmed the proposal last week while briefing Parliament’s Select Committee on Public Infrastructure.

“We have just concluded, although it took a little bit of time, the issue around extending the validity period of the driver’s licence card from five to eight years,” he told the committee.

The decision followed a detailed assessment, which found that South Africans favour a longer validity period.

“They don’t want to come back to us every five years. So we definitely will be moving to eight years soon,” he previously said.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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Formula One has already shown it is prepared to adapt. Earlier this season, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled because of security concerns linked to the conflict in the region.

Rather than reducing the number of races, F1 shifted the Bahrain GP to Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit on October 4, allowing the championship to remain on a 23 race calendar.  But the conflict in the Middle-East has not quelled which brings the next challenge at the business end of the season.

The current schedule still ends with a triple header of Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. However, Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed the sport has drawn up contingency plans if the situation in the Gulf deteriorates further. A final decision will be made by mid September. If Qatar and Abu Dhabi are deemed unsafe to host, the championship will conclude in Europe instead.

Two circuits have emerged as the leading candidates. Portugal's Portimão and Italy's Imola are understood to be at the front of the queue, although F1 has not officially confirmed which venue would receive the races should the contingency plan be activated.

The switch would have significant sporting consequences. Instead of deciding the world championship under the floodlights of Lusail and Yas Marina, drivers could be battling for the title on traditional European circuits in far cooler conditions.

Teams would need different aerodynamic packages, tyre strategies and setup philosophies, potentially altering the competitive order at the most important stage of the season. For championship contenders, every point collected before September could become even more valuable.

With uncertainty surrounding the final rounds, teams are unlikely to gamble on future opportunities that may never materialise. For now, F1 remains committed to finishing the season and delivering a full race schedule.

Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch

YouTube personality Cody Detwiler, better known as WhistlinDiesel, has built a huge following by subjecting some of the world’s most expensive and capable vehicles to extreme durability tests.

His latest series of “torture” tests involves two American pick-up trucks: the best-selling Ford F-150 and Tesla’s controversial battery-powered, stainless steel-bodied Cybertruck.

After a series of durability tests, in which the Tesla did not always perform as expected, Detwiler decided to put the two vehicles through an unconventional crash test at around 180km/h.

Granted, it was not a conventional crash test, where an offset head-on collision would normally be used, nor did it feature the professional crash-testing equipment typically associated with such assessments. Instead, crash test dummies were amusingly replaced with plastic dolls strapped to the dashboard.

However, the “crash test” certainly made for dramatic viewing, with the remotely controlled Tesla Cybertruck T-boning the stationary Ford F-150 at an indicated 111mph (179km/h).

You can view it at the 24-minute mark in the video below.

At that speed, severe destruction was inevitable, with the Ford’s cabin significantly crushed and separated from the chassis. The Cybertruck appeared more intact immediately after the impact, although the forces involved would likely have resulted in fatal injuries for occupants of either vehicle.

The two pick-ups were not exactly in showroom condition before the crash, however. They had already endured a series of extreme durability tests, including off-road driving over rough terrain, navigating concrete obstacles, towing exercises that placed strain on their structures, and explosive tests designed to damage the vehicles and test their resilience.

Interestingly, the Ford managed to continue operating through much of the punishment, while the Cybertruck required repairs after suffering damage during the challenges, reportedly resulting in repair costs of around $53,000 (approximately R882,000).

As a result, Detwiler declared the Ford F-150 the overall winner of his “durability” challenge.

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Mercedes-Benz’s entry point into the SUV world has become significantly more sophisticated with the arrival of the third-generation GLA.

Electric-only at launch, with hybrid versions to follow, the new GLA is built on the company’s new multi-energy MMA platform, which also underpins the new CLA. It sits 20mm lower than its predecessor, but the wheelbase has grown by 61mm to free up additional interior space. Boot capacity has also increased by 70 litres to 410 litres.

Externally, the GLA is distinguished by a large, optionally illuminated grille featuring 608 polycarbonate light points. Combustion models will receive a unique grille with 150 hot-stamped stars in a chrome finish.

Talks to you like a 'friend'

The cabin is dominated by a large MBUX Superscreen featuring graphics powered by the Unity Game Engine and a Virtual Assistant with built-in generative AI.

Mercedes describes the assistant as a "genuine conversation partner" capable of engaging in complex dialogues, much like speaking with a friend. Combining artificial intelligence from ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Bing, the system also features short-term memory.

"With this unique 'multi-agent approach', the MBUX Virtual Assistant revolutionises the relationship between the vehicle and the driver, transforming it into a natural, intuitive interaction," Mercedes says.

Surround Navigation, passenger-side streaming

Another technology highlight is MBUX Surround Navigation, which combines a real-time 3D view of the vehicle's surroundings with live route guidance and driver assistance information, giving drivers a clearer picture of traffic, pedestrians, cyclists and what the vehicle's safety systems are detecting.

Front-seat passengers can be entertained via a separate 14-inch display that offers more than 40 apps and a wide range of premium streaming services.

The extensive options list also includes a new 16-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system with an 850-watt amplifier.

A panoramic roof is fitted as standard, while buyers can opt for a Sky Control upgrade with adjustable transparency across seven individual segments, as well as a "starry sky" effect for evening drives.

Electric and hybrid power

The first models to leave the factory in November will be fully electric, with the initial line-up comprising three variants: the GLA 200 (165kW), GLA 250+ (200kW) and GLA 350 4Matic (260kW).

The GLA features an 800-volt electrical system, allowing up to 270km of range to be added in just 10 minutes. Top versions of the GLA have a claimed driving range of up to 657km between charges.

Mercedes will also offer a mild-hybrid model, pairing a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 22kW electric motor integrated directly into the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. At lower urban speeds, the vehicle can run on electric power alone thanks to a 1.3kWh, 48-volt battery.

South African pricing, specifications and availability will be announced at a later date.

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If you’re going to take the bakkie wars seriously, you’re going to have to deliver the power and torque where it matters the most, and that is exactly what GWM appears to be doing with its new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine.

Revealed in Australia this week, the Chinese carmaker’s new 3.0-litre motor is set to become the most powerful non-hybrid four-cylinder turbodiesel engine on the market. 

It produces 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, which is 35kW and 140Nm more than the current 2.4-litre unit. This means it comfortably out-powers the Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 (150kW, 500Nm) and Isuzu D-Max 3.0 (140kW, 450Nm); it even delivers more torque than the 600Nm Ford Ranger 3.0 V6, while coming close to its 184kW power output.

The new engine is paired with GWM’s in-house-developed nine-speed automatic transmission.

On the Australian market it will replace the current 2.4-litre turbodiesel unit in the Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha (known as the GWM P500 in South Africa) from September in that market. For now, it appears the engine will remain exclusive to those models.

Coming to South Africa

The new 3.0-litre engine has been confirmed for South Africa. A spokesperson for GWM SA told IOL: "We can't confirm any replacement plans for the 2.4-litre at this stage. However, we can confirm that the 3.0-litre turbodiesel is coming to our market."

The local model mix and pricing remain unconfirmed at this stage, however.

GWM claims combined fuel consumption of 7.1 litres per 100km in the Tank 500 and 7.3 l/100km in the Cannon Alpha. Both models have a braked towing capacity of 3,500kg.

The carmaker says the development of the new 3.0-litre engine comes in direct response to Australian buyers, who have shown a consistent demand for larger-capacity diesel engines. 

It added that the new engine has undergone more than six months of local engineering across a variety of local Australian roads, with testing focused on performance, durability, drivability, powertrain calibration and towing capability.

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The chief executive of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Källenius, says Germany needs to launch a “productivity offensive” to remain competitive amid increasing pressure from countries such as China.

Källenius was speaking to journalists after the company reported that earnings from its car division fell by 26% during the second quarter of 2026. Mercedes also reduced the value of its investments in China by €704 million (R13.1 billion), an accounting adjustment that contributed to a nearly 94% decline in profits from its car division.

This followed a further 30% decline in Mercedes vehicle deliveries in China during the final quarter, after sales had already fallen to their lowest level since 2016.

On the positive side, the company’s overall net income increased by 13.5% to €1.09 billion (R20.4 billion), helped by strong performances from its vans and financial services businesses.

Nonetheless, Källenius said Europe, and Germany in particular, needed to improve its competitiveness.

“We are firmly convinced that Germany needs a productivity offensive in the face of international competition, not least from China,” Källenius told reporters.

The chief executive also highlighted a cost gap that needed to be addressed, citing a 70% difference between Mercedes’ German and Hungarian operations.

“It would not be realistic to make Germany into eastern Europe, let alone China,” he said.

“But we need to increase our competitiveness relative to where we are now.”

Carscoops reports that Mercedes-Benz is reassessing its strategy as it faces a challenging market environment, with the luxury carmaker looking to increase sales volumes through a broader range of models, including more affordable vehicles. The company is also planning a major product rollout as it seeks to restore profitability.

Mercedes is not the only vehicle manufacturer under pressure. Volkswagen is considering cutting up to 100,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring programme across the group, while BMW is reportedly considering around 8,000 job cuts in Germany by the end of 2027.

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Decisions at the Hungarian Grand Prix have raised uncomfortable questions about Ferrari's treatment of Lewis Hamilton.

A curious strategy call in the closing stages left the seven-time world champion searching for answers, just as he had begun to re-establish himself as the Scuderia's leading driver over the weekend.

Hamilton had done almost everything right in Budapest. He out-qualified teammate Charles Leclerc, locked out the front row alongside pole-sitter Lando Norris, and looked poised to secure another important podium.

After difficult weekends in Austria and Belgium, Hungary felt like the race where Hamilton was finally beginning to stamp his authority on Ferrari.

Then everything changed under the Virtual Safety Car. Ferrari called Hamilton into the pits while several rivals stayed out, instantly sacrificing track position.

Instead of fighting for a place on the podium, Hamilton found himself swallowed by Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli, with his afternoon effectively unravelled.

The Briton was as puzzled as anyone.

"I'm not really sure why we stopped," Hamilton admitted afterwards. "The tyres felt good and I thought we could have stayed out."

It was not an emotional outburst. It was a measured assessment from a driver who has won more than 100 grands prix by reading races as they unfold. Hamilton believed Ferrari had taken the safer option when a bolder approach could have delivered a much bigger reward.

We've seen all too well how poor choices ruined Ferrari's chances at points last season, and those bad habits may have seeped into this campaign by the sound of things.

Hamilton's confusion only deepened when Ferrari explained that leaving him out may have compromised Leclerc's race.

That justification inevitably raises an awkward question: why should the driver running ahead on merit be asked to sacrifice his own result for the benefit of his teammate?

Hamilton stopped short of accusing Ferrari of favouritism, but his words hinted at frustration.

"I thought staying out would have been the better decision. I don't really understand the thinking behind it."

Viewed in isolation, Budapest may simply have been another strategy mistake. Ferrari has made enough of them over the years.

But viewed within the wider picture, the questions become harder to ignore. Hamilton had finally rediscovered the pace that made Ferrari sign him. He had beaten Leclerc when it mattered most and was on course to strengthen his position within the team. Instead, a decision from the pit wall shifted the momentum away from him.

Ferrari insists both drivers receive equal treatment, and there is no concrete evidence to suggest otherwise. Yet Formula One is a sport where perception is often shaped by split-second decisions. For Hamilton, Hungary was not just about losing a podium. It was about leaving with the feeling that the team did not back the driver who had earned the stronger hand.

BMW is reportedly planning to offer almost half of its German staff voluntary redundancy in a bid to cut 8,000 jobs by the end of 2027, a company source told AFP on Wednesday.

About 40,000 of BMW's roughly 85,000 permanent German employees would receive the offers from October, the source said, adding that production line workers would be spared the cuts.

"The workforce will ultimately be reduced by around 8,000 people by the end of 2027," the source said. "We're planning on the basis of that."

BMW employs about 154,000 people worldwide, and the offer would be open to German employees in desk-based roles, the source said.

The plan had taken about six weeks to negotiate between the board and BMW's works council, the source added.

Suffering from slimmer margins on electric cars, US tariffs and above all intense Chinese competition, German carmakers have sought to cut overheads.

Volkswagen is weighing up to 100,000 job cuts across its 10 brands while Mercedes-Benz has its own voluntary redundancy program.

Deciding early on to maintain petrol and diesel options for its customers, BMW has so far been widely seen to have weathered the storm better than its peers, avoiding costly strategy changes at the same time as seeing its electric sales rise.

But the carmaker issued a shock profit warning last month, saying that business in China was proving even worse than expected amid fierce competition and a sluggish economy.

BMW's vehicle deliveries in China were last year already at their lowest level since 2017 and they fell 30 percent year-on-year in the three months to June.

"BMW is now responding to the slump in the Chinese market whilst simultaneously working to strengthen the competitiveness of its German sites," said Horst Ott, head of the Bavarian branch of the powerful IG Metall union, who sits on BMW's supervisory board under a German system giving labour representatives half the seats.

But he warned that "provisions under collective bargaining agreements are non-negotiable. The company is also making use of natural staff turnover."

'Immense' pressure

The redundancy program is expected to meaningfully reduce BMW's costs by 2028, the source said, with the bulk of departures coming next year.

Cutting its profit outlook last month to a margin potentially as low as one percent at its cars business, BMW said restructuring measures would cost it in the second half of 2026.

The costs this year would probably run into the hundreds of millions, the source said, adding that the exact figure was uncertain and depended on uptake.

The news throws a spotlight on the woes of Germany's crucial automotive sector.

Industrial companies in Germany last year cut 124,000 jobs, according to consultancy EY, about double the figure for 2024, and losses were concentrated in the automotive sector.

BMW last year opened a new plant in lower-cost Hungary and Mercedes-Benz earlier this month unveiled an extension to its Kecskemet plant in the same country that more than doubled its size, making it the firm's largest in Europe.

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kaellenius, speaking to reporters and investors at the carmaker's financial results presented Tuesday, said that given international competition, German carmaking needed to do more with less.

"The whole sector could benefit from improved productivity, no two ways about it," he said. "The pressure is immense."

AFP

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Audi is gunning for the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS with its first-ever Q9 SUV, a vehicle that the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer describes as "unapologetically high status".

That is reflected in both its size and levels of luxury.

At 5.31 metres long, it is a substantial 238mm longer than its Q7 sibling and even outstretches its Bavarian rival by 130mm.

"Business Class" cabin

But it is not just size that counts; it is what you do with it. To that end, the Audi Q9 elevates the brand with true business-class features such as individual electric seats in the second row, automatic doors and the largest panoramic sunroof ever fitted to an Audi.

The latter is standard across the range and can be opened in segments. At a later date, Audi will offer switchable transparency technology as an option, allowing each of the nine segments to be controlled individually.

A three-row, seven-seat interior layout is standard, but buyers can opt for a 2+2+2 configuration with six power-adjustable seats.

A Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 4D sound is also available, using an "Experiences" feature that synchronises with the rhythm of the music to create what Audi describes as an "authentic concert hall atmosphere".

Occupants can also interact with the vehicle via ChatGPT, which is integrated into the virtual Audi Assistant. The cabin also features an MMI panoramic display comprising three screens spanning the dashboard.

The Audi Q9 introduces several lighting firsts, including the world's first curved digital OLED rear lights with customisable animated light signatures and an illuminated Singleframe grille. Top-spec models also feature digital Matrix LED headlights, ground-projected turn signals, communication lighting with hazard warnings, connected exit alerts and a welcome light projection.

Among the extensive list of driver assistance features is Emergency Assist, which can bring the vehicle to a controlled stop on the roadside if it detects that the driver has become unresponsive, while activating the hazard lights and automatically contacting emergency services.

What powers the new Audi Q9?

The only engine confirmed for now is a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, available in 180kW and 220kW outputs, depending on the European market. Mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology provides an additional 18kW boost. A range of petrol engines is also expected to be offered in markets outside Europe.

In all cases, power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel-drive system. Adaptive air suspension is also standard, helping to deliver a cushioned ride.

South African availability and further details will be announced at a later date.

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South African motorists hoping for further fuel price relief in August may be disappointed, with current estimates pointing to only marginal petrol price cuts and diesel increases of more than R1 per litre as global oil market volatility takes its toll.

While the latest snapshot from the Central Energy Fund currently points to petrol price decreases of between 21 cents (95 Unleaded) and 26 cents (93 Unleaded), the strong under-recoveries seen over the past week are likely to erode this further by month-end, with our calculations pointing to only marginal decreases in the region of five cents.

It is a far harsher reality for diesel customers, with current calculations pointing to increases of between R1.63 (50ppm) and R1.80 (500ppm). These predictions are based on the assumption that the under-recoveries will persist at their current levels. Should oil prices continue to retreat, as they have done over the past day, the increases could be in the R1.30 to R1.50 range.

Another potential wildcard is the Slate Levy, a mechanism that helps compensate fuel companies for oil price fluctuations in the preceding month. If the Slate Levy sees a significant reduction from the current R1.14 per litre, then a more substantial petrol price reduction could be on the cards. But given how volatile oil prices have been this year, do not hold your breath.

Although it is difficult to make an accurate fuel price prediction given the recent market volatility, the most likely outcome is that petrol prices will remain close to current levels in August, while diesel will see increases of more than R1.

The Middle East war has wreaked havoc on South African fuel prices this year, with sharp increases in April and May followed by some relief in July.

While a peace deal did bring some relief last month, the resumption of hostilities in July means it is likely to be a long time before petrol and diesel prices retreat to pre-April levels.

For the record, a litre of 95 Unleaded petrol currently costs R25.23 at the coast and R26.11 in Gauteng, where 93 Unleaded retails for R25.94. The wholesale price of 500ppm diesel is listed at R23.91 at the coast and R24.78 inland, with 50ppm costing R24.41 and R25.16 respectively.

This comes after significant fuel price reductions this month, with petrol having fallen by R2.01 per litre and diesel by between R3.14 and R3.58 per litre.

What’s going on with oil prices?

International oil prices have been extremely volatile this month, largely because markets have been swinging between fears of a Middle East supply shock and hopes that diplomatic efforts will prevent one.

Oil prices started the month at three-month lows of around $72 per barrel. However, the subsequent escalation in Middle East tensions, with the US and Iran trading fire, led to a price surge, with Brent eventually moving above $100 as markets priced in risks to flows through the critical Strait of Hormuz passage.

However, hopes of another truce have pushed prices down to around the $88 mark this week, following a drop of more than 8% in a single session.

How things will transpire in the coming months is anyone’s guess.

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World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli said he was proud of his and Mercedes’ damage-limitation efforts on Sunday after he finished third to extend his advantage in the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The 19-year-old Italian battled for a podium finish, having been hit with a grid penalty that dropped him to seventh place after a yellow-flag infringement in qualifying.

"I think it’s a good result," he said. "It was damage limitation after yesterday and we really had to fight for it because this weekend we struggled a little bit overall, but also other teams, like Ferrari and McLaren, brought upgrades, so it was kind of expected."

Antonelli has six wins this season and extended his championship lead over seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari by five points to 50, and to 59 ahead of his teammate George Russell.

"Hopefully, it is going to be our turn, in the second half of the season, to bring some upgrades."

Antonelli had started seventh and worked his way forward in a complex race of mixed tyre strategies to finish behind world champion Lando Norris of McLaren and four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

"It was a really good team effort," he said. "And this half of the season we have done a tremendous job."

Looking ahead to the second half, he added: "It’s going to be tight. McLaren did a massive step forward, Ferrari are quick and you can never write off Max — so it is going to be a big fight.

"And George is going to be back in shape for sure. We just need to raise the bar and come back stronger because it is going to be a big push."

Russell said his "terrible start" was beyond his control, just another setback to add to the list of things that had gone against him this year.

"Right now, we don't know what happened, but it's added to the list of the things that have happened in the first half of this season.

"I just pray things calm down in the second half. Honestly, I'm staying positive because I've gone through being so disappointed with everything that's happened.

"At some point, you've got to pick yourself up and accept there's things that aren't in your control that may work against you.

"I'm not happy with how things have gone, but I'm just going to keep on staying positive and keep on pushing."

Team boss Toto Wolff conceded that "once again, we made a mistake on screwing George’s start. It is just not acceptable and not good enough from us."

Russell recovered from a poor start, when he was halted by anti-stall software that dropped him to 20th, to finish seventh.

Lewis Hamilton said he remained optimistic about his hopes of winning a record eighth drivers' world championship this year despite collecting another penalty in Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The seven-time champion Ferrari driver, who was classified fifth having finished fourth on the road before taking a five-second penalty, said he had to "work hard not to give the stewards any more opportunities to give me penalties".

He was adjudged to have exceeded the pit-lane speed limit by 0.1 km/h during a stop that he said, after the race, was unnecessary and a mistake by the team.

"I definitely don't think we should have taken the last stop," he said, referring to Ferrari's decision to call him in during a late Virtual Safety Car intervention to swap from hard tyres to softs for the final laps.

"The call came just before the pit entry and I didn't have time to debate it. You've got to trust the decision that's been taken, but in hindsight my tyres were totally fine.

"I probably would have lost out to Max (Verstappen, who finished second), but I think I could have kept third at least. It just opened the door to getting that penalty at the end."

Asked if he was upbeat for the second half of the season, as he seeks to close a 50-point deficit behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes, Hamilton was positive.

"I definitely am," he said. "I'm massively grateful to the team because they've done a really great job in the first half.

"I think the last three races from me have not been great, with lots of mistakes. I've had a lot of penalties... I've got to work hard not to give them any more opportunities for penalties."  |  AFP

McLaren's first success of 2026 owed as much to poor weekends, by their own high standards, for Ferrari and Mercedes as Lando Norris demonstrated that this year's title race is anything but a foregone conclusion.

The champion's victory showcased his talent and a new sense of maturity that, coupled with McLaren's excellent upgrades package, left the rest floundering in pursuit in the Hungaroring heat.

As the 2026 season evolves into a "development war" following the summer break, we look at three things we learned from the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Ferrari in danger of wasting title chance

Despite having arguably the fastest car at a circuit that suited them, a wasteful weekend of errors left Ferrari ruing poor decision-making and sloppy execution as Charles Leclerc and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton finished fourth and fifth.

With Mercedes having a rare off day, form suggested the scarlet Scuderia had the pace to finish 1-2, but a sense of complacency gave the initiative to McLaren and Norris, with Red Bull also exploiting their opportunity.

"It's not a good Sunday when you were 1-2 on Friday (in practice)," said team boss Fred Vasseur. "You expect much more.

"On top of that, we made too many mistakes starting with the penalty, and that Max (Verstappen) overtook us and that at each pit stop we were losing a position for 0.2 or 0.3 seconds. Then we spent our lives behind those guys!

"Everything went wrong. For sure, we have to do a much better job on Sundays."

Vasseur was referring to Leclerc's poor start from second on the grid, Hamilton's five-second penalties for impeding Oscar Piastri's McLaren in qualifying and then speeding in the pit lane, and his failure to prevent Verstappen swooping past him after an undercut had worked.

He could also have questioned several strategy calls, including the choice of soft tyres to start the race, pit-stop timing, and the late stop under a virtual safety car that proved so costly for Hamilton.

Hamilton has now received four penalties in three outings, the last gifting championship leader Kimi Antonelli a podium finish that increased his tally to 219 points. He is 50 ahead of Hamilton after 11 of the 23 races, while Mercedes lead Ferrari by 72 points in the teams' title race.

"You can't make these kinds of mistakes if you want to challenge for a title," Hamilton admitted.

Maturing Norris shows championship fight is on

McLaren team chief Andrea Stella articulated clearly why Norris and McLaren cannot be discounted from the championship scrap, noting how his title triumph last year had added confidence and maturity to the 26-year-old Briton.

"Lando is much more confident," he said.

"He's much more aware of the tools that he has in his driving and how to deploy these tools. And I think he's also ... more in control of his emotions."

He added that he had seen "a great trajectory of development in Lando" during the last 18 months since he regrouped ahead of winning last year's drivers' title. He is now 91 points adrift of Antonelli, who was third behind Verstappen, ahead of what promises to be a fiercely fought second half of the season.

As McLaren exploited the first of two major upgrades, Mercedes' early-season advantage was reduced to create a three-team tussle with Red Bull in close pursuit.

"I'm really not happy with too many mistakes from us," said team boss Toto Wolff, acknowledging that their rivals have closed the gap.

Antonelli hoping upgrades restore Mercedes edge

As Aston Martin celebrated the success of an extensive upgrades package that lifted them into the midfield, Antonelli called for a major Mercedes boost. While luckless team-mate George Russell lamented another technical failure, the 19-year-old Italian admitted he faced a battle to protect his 50-point lead.

McLaren's Piastri led by 34 points last year, but failed to take the title.

"Lando had the upper hand this weekend, even on us," Antonelli said.

"On pure pace, I couldn't challenge him ... I didn't expect to find myself in this position, but the car has been extremely good – and now there's still a lot of work to do. We must keep pushing — and we need some upgrades, too."

Subaru has built its reputation around a distinctive engineering philosophy centred on boxer engines, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and safety technologies that continue to define the brand today.

The company's origins date back to Japan's aviation industry through Nakajima Aircraft. Following the Second World War, the business was restructured into several companies before forming Fuji Heavy Industries in the 1950s. 

The first Subaru-badged vehicle, the Subaru 1500, was introduced in 1954, although only 20 examples were built.

The Subaru name is derived from the Japanese word for the Pleiades star cluster, represented by the six stars in the company's logo.

@willemvan4 Subaru isn't always top of mind when it comes to looking for a new car, but it's one of the safest and most reliable brands on the road. they have built their reputation around a distinctive engineering philosophy centred on boxer engines, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and safety technologies that continue to define the brand.#subaru #scooby #subaruwrx #carsoftiktok #safecars @IOL Lifestyle ♬ original sound - Willemvan

Kei cars to boxer engines

Subaru's first mass-produced passenger car arrived in 1958 with the Subaru 360.

The compact kei car played an important role in making personal transport more accessible in post-war Japan, with almost 400,000 units produced over a 12-year production run.

The brand adopted its signature horizontally opposed boxer engine in the 1960s with the Subaru 1000. Unlike conventional inline engines, the boxer layout places the pistons horizontally, lowering the engine's centre of gravity while improving balance and reducing vibration. 

Subaru has continued using the configuration across its passenger cars, SUVs and high-performance models, while also introducing the world's first production boxer turbodiesel engine in 2007.

Local is lekker

The brand recently held a media day to introduce an improved five-year/105,000km maintenance plan across its new vehicle range, replacing the previous three-year/75,000km plan, but also to become reacquainted with the Crosstrek, Forester and Outback. 

It’s interesting to note that Subaru isn’t always top of mind when it comes to shopping for a new car, but Subaru says that owners continue to stay in the family; in fact, many don’t trade in their old ones but keep them and purchase a new one.

Our drive to the ADA testing facility near Hartebeespoort dam was in the Outback. I hadn’t driven one for a good few years and you forget how good the cars are. 

Launched in the mid-1990s, the Outback combined estate car practicality with increased ground clearance and off-road capability, and offered an alternative to traditional SUVs long before crossovers became mainstream.

Sure, they don’t have swaths of glass screens but they’re big enough, have all the technology you’ll ever need and you know they are reliable and safe. 

On the gravel skidpan the cars perfectly displayed their balance and agility through a series of tight slalom courses. 

They also demonstrated the camera-based EyeSight driver assistance system that uses stereo cameras to support functions such as adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking.

Introduced in 2008 with continuous updates and refinements, the system is still one of the best and safest in the business. 

On the off-road course the three cars showed that while you’re not going to be driving grade four and five obstacles, the all-wheel drive system is more than capable of taming some rough, rocky and muddy terrain.

Iconic STI

You can’t mention Subaru without referring to their rally success.

Subaru Tecnica International (STI) was established in 1988, initially demonstrating its engineering through endurance racing before turning its attention to the World Rally Championship.

The breakthrough came in 1995 when Colin McRae secured the World Rally Championship drivers' title while Subaru claimed its first manufacturers' championship.

The flame spitting Impreza WRX and WRX STI became icons both on rally stages and among enthusiasts, helped by their appearance in racing games and popular motoring culture.

New Outback

Subaru also used the event to display the new Outback.

It still retains the quirky Japanese Subaru exterior design while the interior has been completely redesigned. 

The new Outback is set to be released later this year with technical details revealed closer to the time. 

Commenting on the brand's position, Subaru Southern Africa managing director Toshimitsu Tanaka said: "Subaru is a purposefully selective, specialist brand that believes in quality over quantity."

As South Africans look for smarter ways to manage rising transport costs and ongoing cost-of-living pressures, loyalty programmes that reward regular spending are gaining renewed attention as a practical way to unlock additional value from unavoidable expenses such as fuel.

While the recent fuel price decrease has provided welcome relief, fuel remains one of the biggest monthly expenses for many households. 

In response to this, TotalEnergies is introducing the 45c per litre cashback rewards on fuel to give Club members a leg-up during this time, recognising that a little bit of savings can go a long way. When members fill up at any participating TotalEnergies service station on a Friday, they will earn 45c back for every litre of fuel purchased.   

 According to Mduduzi Sikhakhane, SFS Retail Marketing Manager at TotalEnergies, the 45c per litre cashback rewards on fuel campaign is designed to be easy to use and accessible to TotalEnergies Club members.

“At a time when increasing cost pressures are affecting all South Africans, we want to offer support where it matters most. Whether it’s fuelling up for the school run, the work commute, the holiday trip or the daily drive, we want to reward our customers in a way that makes a difference.”  

 Like with all financial habits, staying constant is where the reward comes in. By consistently filling up at TotalEnergies, customers can maximise their rewards and steadily build meaningful savings from their weekly fuel spend.  

 “We are seeing customers becoming more intentional on how and when they spend money, and fuel is one of those unavoidable expenses. That’s why we believe in helping members receive more value from the regular tasks, like buying fuel,” says Sikhakhane. “When you build this intentionality into your spending routine, then savings can develop meaningfully over time.” 

Furthermore, joining the TotalEnergies Club is easy and free and gives you access to ongoing promotions and rewards to continuously earn and save. Sikhakhane concludes, “We encourage South Africans to take advantage of an opportunity like this to add value to what you’re spending.

By planning your fill-ups to fall on a Friday, you can start building on meaningful savings to fuel your future. Every rand counts.” 

It’s a cliché, I know, but don’t judge a book by its cover, which is what I did when the Tata Tiago arrived in the driveway.

Perhaps it was because I had just stepped out of a Land Rover Defender 110 and all the bells and whistles that come with it, but on reflection the price of the little hatchback would likely not even cover the deposit for the luxury SUV.

The point is that we need to take context into account when it comes to the budget segment.

This is where many South Africans are looking to enter the market and it’s fraught with challenges but presents decent options for those that get it right.

One of those is the mid-spec Indian built Tata Tiago 1.2 XT Manual which we recently had on test. 

Exterior

At 1,677mm wide, 3,767mm long, 1,537mm high and a 2,400mm wheelbase the Tiago is a small car to be sure.

It’s not exactly eye candy but it’s pleasantly styled with a gloss black grille with chrome accents flanked by swept-back halogen headlamps. Sharp lines along the sides add a nice touch without being overstyled.

Body-coloured door handles and mirrors, along with 14-inch dual-tone steel wheel covers complete the look.

At the back, vertically positioned tail lamps and a roof-mounted spoiler give it a sporty impression.

Interior

Inside it’s a straightforward functional affair but it does show its budget positioning with hard plastics dominating the dashboard and door panels.

The seats are on the hard side and although comfortable enough for city driving on longer journeys additional thigh and lumbar support would be welcome.

The centrally mounted 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is positioned within easy reach with smartphone connectivity and a rear camera view and while it’s easy to use, it lacks crisp and sharp graphics. This is countered however by a very decent sound system.

It doesn't have the best ergonomics in the business but considering its positioning it’s acceptable.

Rear passengers have sufficient head and legroom but on a long trip taller people are likely to feel a bit cramped. 

Boot space is rated at 242-litres which is sufficient for shopping trips and a couple of overnight luggage bags.

I just wonder though why there are no straps to lift the parcel shelf. I mean, how much can that cost in terms of the scale of production?

A nice touch is the Tata logo that lights up on the multi-functional steering wheel when the car is turned on. 

Powertrain

Driving the Tiago forward is a three cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 63kW and 113Nm powering the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

It may not sound like a lot but with a 980kg kerb weight it does pretty well.

Driving

It’s here that the judged book cover came off.

It took a while for me to find the correct clutch biting point on pullaway, initially sounding like a learner driver getting used to a manual box. 

The clutch is extremely light which doesn't help, but once you’re on the go it makes for quick shifts. 

The three-pot thrum is inevitable as it goes along its way but what is surprising is how well it’s insulated at highway speeds. 

Sure, there is some engine and wind noise, especially when pushed hard but for what it is, the cabin is a relatively pleasant space to be when cruising. 

I took it for a long drive towards Magaliesberg that included short fast stretches around the Cradle of Humankind.

During hard driving there tends to be some over-revving between quick gearchanges which isn’t ideal for mechanical sympathy but I doubt very much whether owners are going to be pushing the car hard enough for it to be an issue. 

Steering does feel a bit vague when tight cornering is involved but during regular suburban driving this won’t matter.

Ride quality is on the firm side but not uncomfortably so.

Against a claimed fuel consumption of 5.0l/100km it returned 5.8l/100km which with some spirited driving is very frugal. 

Safety

It has a four-star Global NCAP rating (2020 test certification), a high-strength body structure, dual airbags, hill hold control, ABS with EBD and an Electronic Stability Program. 

Verdict

At R209,900 the Tata Tiago will definitely have some shortcomings and limitations but for the company’s re-entry into the South African market it’s not half bad. 

It’s been around for a while globally so if and when there’s an update some of those limitations are likely to be addressed but overall it’s a decent package.

It comes up against the Suzuki Swift, Suzuki S-Presso, Renault Kwid, Toyota Vitz, Hyundai Grand i10 and the Kia Picanto which offer prospective buyers in the segment a wide choice.   

World champion Lando Norris claimed his first win of the season and 12th of his career with a resounding triumph for McLaren ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen in Sunday's helter-skelter Hungarian Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old Briton, who started from pole position but had to recover after a poor opening lap, came home 15 seconds clear of four-time world champion Verstappen, with world championship leader Kimi Antonelli finishing third for Mercedes.

The Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton ended up fourth and fifth ahead of Isack Hadjar in the second Red Bull, George Russell in the second Mercedes and Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson. Nico Hülkenberg scored his first points of the season in ninth place for Audi ahead of rookie Arvid Lindblad in the second Racing Bulls.

Norris repeated his success from last season at the Hungaroring, where McLaren have won for the last three years. Antonelli's determined drive, in a frantic race of divergent tyre strategies, lifted him 50 points clear of Hamilton in the championship standings.

"Beautiful," said Norris on team radio. "The car was unbelievable today! Flying!

"It's probably the best pace I've ever had," he added. "This track is good for us."

Verstappen was critical of his car, but happy to claim another podium finish.

"I didn't expect it – we had to work very hard for this," he said.

Antonelli said it had been a hard race.

"It was so tough to overtake, but it is the best result for me to go into the break and now we can keep pushing."

The race began in scorching heat with the highest temperatures of the weekend – 31°C air temperature and 51°C on track.

Ferrari gambled on soft tyres for the start, while all the other teams started on mediums. Oscar Piastri made a fast start to pass Leclerc. When Norris went wide at Turn Two, Piastri took the lead while Hamilton passed Leclerc for fourth behind Verstappen.

Behind them, the luckless Russell's Mercedes went into anti-stall on the grid. He fell from sixth to 20th while teammate Antonelli advanced to sixth. Hamilton attacked Verstappen without success and by lap 10 was losing grip.

"Max is slow," reported Hamilton, who pitted to undercut Verstappen on lap 14, rejoined 10th and stormed past Lindblad before Red Bull brought the Dutchman in on lap 15.

Verstappen came out behind Hamilton, but regained his place with a lunge down the inside at Turn One. Piastri pitted from the lead, followed by Leclerc. It was frantic stuff and when Norris came in, Antonelli took over as leader.

When the Italian pitted, he returned in sixth.

Piastri led, followed by teammate Norris. The Briton requested a stop, but McLaren brought in Piastri first.

At halfway, Norris led Verstappen by five seconds.

The Briton then pitted from the lead on lap 40 and returned in third ahead of Piastri, the Australian having narrowly avoided a heavy collision with Carlos Sainz's Williams at Turn Two where they clashed. Sainz was given a five-second penalty.

After Verstappen pitted again, Antonelli led with Norris in pursuit. Norris, on fresher tyres, regained the lead on lap 46 with a dive inside the young Italian at Turn One and built his advantage before Antonelli stopped again.

Hopes of a McLaren 1-2 ended when Piastri slowed and retired with gearbox problems, prompting a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) deployment. Norris, Hamilton and Leclerc pitted for softs immediately.

In a final flurry, Norris led Verstappen with Antonelli third, fending off Hamilton – who was penalised five seconds for speeding in the pit lane.  |  AFP

Seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton kept momentum firmly in his corner as Ferrari's fascinating internal battle gathered pace, qualifying second for the Hungarian Grand Prix ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.

For a few glorious moments, it looked as though Hamilton had retained his King of Hungary title. 

After spending Friday leading Ferrari's one two in second practice, the Briton backed it up with another inspired performance on Saturday, extracting everything from the SF26 around the tight and twisting Hungaroring.

His final lap appeared good enough for a record 10th pole position at the circuit, until Lando Norris found just 0.012 seconds to snatch top spot at the death.

Pole position slipped away. But the momentum inside Ferrari did not. Hamilton's qualifying performance marked another statement in what is becoming one of Formula One's most compelling teammate rivalries.

Just weeks ago, Charles Leclerc had seized the initiative with consecutive podium finishes that reignited his championship ambitions and re established himself as Ferrari's benchmark. Hungary, however, belonged to Hamilton.

From the opening laps on Friday, the seven time champion looked comfortable in the car, topping FP2 ahead of Leclerc while insisting Ferrari had made "some positive steps", although he warned there was "still plenty of work to do."

Those positive steps translated into qualifying, where Hamilton once again finished ahead of his Monegasque teammate, giving Ferrari its strongest grid position of the season with both cars locked inside the top three.

The stopwatch may show Norris on pole, but inside the Scuderia garage another score has been settled. Hamilton's adaptation to Ferrari has not always been straightforward.

There have been weekends where Leclerc's familiarity with the team gave him the upper hand. Yet the balance has begun to shift. Spain brought Hamilton's breakthrough victory, and Hungary has reinforced the feeling that the momentum is swinging back towards the most successful driver in Formula One history.

The battle, however, is far from over. Leclerc remains within touching distance and has shown throughout the season that he can respond immediately when challenged.

Sunday's race presents another opportunity to wrestle back control, while Hamilton knows converting superior qualifying pace into victory is the next step.

Ferrari may have narrowly missed out on pole position, but they head into race day with the fastest looking package and two drivers capable of winning.

Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch

World champion Lando Norris of McLaren narrowly outpaced Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton to seize his first pole position of the year on Saturday with a flawless lap in the final seconds of qualifying for this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old Briton clocked a best lap of one minute and 17.207 seconds to wreck Hamilton's bid for an unprecedented 10th pole at the same track by just 0.012 seconds with Charles Leclerc qualifying third in the second Ferrari before Sunday's race in Budapest.

World championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes was fourth, 0.260 seconds adrift, ahead of Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren and four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

"I am very happy to be back on top," said a beaming Norris.

"It was a tough session and these guys (Ferrari) were very quick. It's been tough all weekend, but we have been quick and our upgrades have helped – it's so nice to be on pole especially at this track."

Hamilton, 41, had been within reach of becoming the oldest pole-sitter since Mario Andretti at the 1982 Italian Grand Prix while for Norris it was a second Budapest pole and the 17th of his career, his most recent coming in Las Vegas in November.

"Congratulations to Lando," said Hamilton. "I think we did a great job all weekend and we were solid in qualifying, but going out first was not the right call. On top of that, the grip just wasn't there for Charles and I at the end.

"We were quickest, but it got away from us ultimately."

Leclerc said: "There was quite a bit of wind change today and I didn't anticipate it well. It was all a bit messy."

The session began in hot conditions with a track temperature of 52C as Valtteri Bottas led the way in his Cadillac followed by his team's main rivals, both Williams and the Aston Martin duo in their updated 'B-spec' cars.

Ferrari sent both cars out on mediums and Hamilton promptly set the pace in 1:18.730 ahead of Leclerc before the Monegasque's lap was deleted for exceeding track limits.

The rest took softs with Norris topping Verstappen and Antonelli ahead of Hamilton while elsewhere Aston Martin had a reason to be cheerful with Alonso in 16th and into Q2 for the first time this year.

Out went both Cadillacs, both Williams, Lance Stroll in the second Aston Martin and Haas's Oliver Bearman.

"That was terrible," said Williams' Alex Albon.

"Why is the balance changing so much?"

Alonso, on used softs, was first out for Q2, but was half a second slower as Hadjar, who had called his car "undriveable" during FP3, spun at turn 12 before Hamilton, on softs, posted 1:17.931 to take control, two-tenths clear of a grumpy Antonelli.

Amazingly, Alonso went 10th before Hadjar, back out after a pit-stop, went top only to be pushed off by Norris as Leclerc squeezed through behind him with a lap in the final seconds.

Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls, the two Alpines, Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto, Esteban Ocon of Haas and Alonso, ultimately 16th, were eliminated.

The top-10 shootout began with Hamilton seizing provisional pole in 1:17.219 to beat Norris by a tenth ahead of Leclerc and Antonelli after their first flying laps.

Hamilton and Leclerc led out for their second runs, but were unable to improve as, behind them, Verstappen spun his Red Bull at turn 13 to prompt yellow flags that affected several following cars, but not the McLaren of Norris. | AFP

Lewis Hamilton topped the times ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc as Ferrari set the pace with a dominant 1-2 in Friday's second free practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The seven-time champion, who could become the first driver to claim 10 pole positions at the same circuit, clocked a best lap time of 1:18.729 to beat Leclerc by 0.148 seconds.

World champion Lando Norris, who won at the Hungaroring last year, was third for McLaren, but adrift by half a second, ahead of four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull and George Russell in a Mercedes.

Hamilton has a career record 104 poles and will hope on Saturday to repeat his last qualifying success, which was in Hungary in 2023. He is second in the drivers' championship, 45 points behind Kimi Antonelli.

On a hot, dry day with a gusting wind, Isack Hadjar was sixth in the second Red Bull ahead of Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls, Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren and Nico Hülkenberg of Audi.

Racing Bulls' rookie Arvid Lindblad was 10th, while Antonelli struggled to 13th in his Mercedes after sitting out opening practice earlier when the team gave his car to their test and reserve driver.

Struggling Aston Martin's two-time champion Fernando Alonso was 19th in his heavily updated car, but his team-mate Lance Stroll missed the session following a suspension failure in FP1.

The team had introduced virtually new cars carrying 16 upgrades for Stroll and Alonso, with an engine upgrade to follow after the summer break.

Franco Colapinto was first to clock a lap time, before Leclerc and then Hamilton took command for Ferrari, the Briton lapping in 1:19.648 as Antonelli completed his first lap to go eighth.

Honouring the king of the Hungaroring 👑

Turn 2 has been named after Lewis Hamilton in recognition of his record-breaking eight wins at the circuit 🏆#F1 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/C9moEcGsvI

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 24, 2026

His team-mate Russell reported poor balance, complaining that "it feels dreadful, like the car is out of balance" as he went fourth, before Antonelli said he had "almost spun twice — what's going on?"

With 20 minutes gone, Hamilton had improved to 1:19.585 to lead Leclerc by a tenth, with Verstappen third ahead of Russell and Antonelli. The Dutchman reported that he was troubled by his seat.

Norris took to softs after 25 minutes and went top in 1:19.228, followed by Verstappen, two-tenths adrift, before Colapinto spun and crashed at the final corner to prompt a red flag. The Argentinian was unhurt.

Action resumed after six minutes with Antonelli struggling and running off at the chicane, while Leclerc and Hamilton regained the initiative in 1:18.877 and 1:18.914 respectively — 0.351 ahead of Norris in third.

Hamilton then improved to go top with 15 minutes remaining as a frustrated Antonelli floundered and locked up at turn two in a cloud of dust.

AFP

The Hungarian Grand Prix has barely begun, yet some of the spotlight has already shifted to the fight unfolding inside the Ferrari garage.

Charles Leclerc fired the opening shot on Friday by topping the first practice session at the Hungaroring, continuing the momentum that has seen him emerge as one of Formula One's form drivers.

Fresh from back-to-back podium finishes, the Monegasque looked at home around the tight Budapest circuit, comfortably finishing ahead of Max Verstappen while Lewis Hamilton could only manage third.

It may only be practice, but the psychological battle has already begun. Hamilton arrived in Hungary believing the circuit offers Ferrari one of its best chances to challenge Mercedes.

The King of Hungary has spoken confidently about the team's recent progress, insisting the gap to the front has become much smaller and that Ferrari finally has a package capable of fighting at the sharp end.

But before Hamilton could make his own statement, his team-mate stole the headlines during the first practice session on Friday.

Leclerc's fastest lap was another reminder that he has rediscovered the form that made him Ferrari's leading contender earlier this season.

Although his session ended prematurely with a mechanical issue, the pace had already been shown. The benchmark had been set. Now the pressure shifts across the garage.

Hamilton has steadily grown more comfortable with the SF26, showing flashes of the speed that convinced Ferrari to bring him to Maranello.

But flashes alone will not be enough if Leclerc continues to gain the edge in the internal battle. Every session, every qualifying lap and every race weekend matters when two elite drivers share the same machinery. Even if Hamilton was pivotal in preparing said machinery.

For Hamilton, Hungary represents more than another Grand Prix. It is an opportunity to remind the paddock that champions respond when challenged. The Briton has built his legacy on answering adversity with performance.

Time and again throughout his career he has bounced back after difficult weekends, and Ferrari will be hoping another response is on the horizon.

Friday's first session belonged to Leclerc, whose blistering pace ensured he landed the first punch in Budapest. The battle for Hungary may only just be beginning, but the fight for Ferrari's bragging rights is already in full swing.

Lewis Hamilton believes the Hungarian Grand Prix offers the perfect opportunity to reignite his Formula One title challenge after enduring a frustrating run over the past two race weekends.

The seven time world champion has watched momentum slip away following a difficult Belgian Grand Prix, where mistakes across the weekend left him chasing the pack.

While teammate Charles Leclerc has surged into form with back to back podium finishes, winning at Silverstone before finishing second at Spa Francorchamps, Hamilton has been forced to play catch up.

Yet the Ferrari driver remains confident that Budapest can mark the beginning of a turnaround.

"I want to win," Hamilton said ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. "That's the target every weekend, but particularly here because I believe this circuit can suit our car much better."

The Hungaroring has long been one of Hamilton's happiest hunting grounds. The tight and technical circuit has rewarded precision rather than outright straight line speed, an area where Ferrari has looked increasingly competitive in recent races.

Leclerc's recent resurgence has also provided Ferrari with renewed belief. The Monegasque has steadily reduced the gap to the front after a difficult start to the campaign, giving the Scuderia genuine confidence that it can challenge Mercedes more consistently over the second half of the season.

For Hamilton, Hungary is more than just another race but a chance to stop championship leader Kimi Antonelli from extending his advantage before Formula One heads into its summer break.

After accepting responsibility for Ferrari's disappointing weekend in Belgium, Hamilton insisted the focus has already shifted forward.

"I've just got to step it up," he admitted.

"Spa was a difficult weekend and I take full responsibility for that. The important thing is how you respond, and I believe we can bounce back here."

A victory in Budapest would not only revive Hamilton's title ambitions but also reinforce Ferrari's growing momentum in both championship battles. With Leclerc rediscovering his best form and Hamilton eager to respond after two difficult weekends, the Hungarian Grand Prix could prove to be the race that finally ignites Ferrari's championship charge.

Renault South Africa has reintroduced the Trafic Passenger to the local market, bringing back the people mover after an absence of almost two decades.

Positioned for large families, shuttle operators and businesses, the Trafic Passenger is offered in three derivatives, with prices starting at R979 999.

Interior

It seats up to nine people and features a modular cabin that allows for different seating configurations depending on passenger or cargo requirements.

Cargo capacity can be increased to 6,000 litres when the seating layout is adjusted, while the cabin offers up to 84.2 litres of storage space.

The dashboard features an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Depending on the model, there’s a wireless smartphone charger, a heated driver's seat and upgraded upholstery.

Exterior

The Trafic Passenger adopts Renault's latest design language with C-shaped Pure Vision LED headlights, the updated Renault diamond badge and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Customers can also choose from a range of accessories including roof bars, roof boxes, side steps, towbar options and illuminated door sills.

Powertrain

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine producing 125kW and 380Nm paired with a nine-speed EAG9 automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

Safety

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, including front driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Higher-specification models receive 360-degree parking sensors.

Owners also benefit from Renault's broader Human First Programme, a global safety initiative dedicated to protecting all road users through advanced technology, driver support and collaboration with first responders to accidents. 

Pricing and warranty

The Renault Trafic Passenger range is covered by a five-year/150,000km mechanical warranty, a five-year/90,000km service plan and 24-hour roadside assistance.

• Renault Trafic 2.0 dCi Evolution: R979 999.
• Renault Trafic 2.0 dCi Evolution+: R1 016 999.
• Renault Trafic 2.0 dCi Techno+: R1 049 999.

Range Rover has confirmed the addition of the new GT as the fifth member of its model line-up as an all-electric luxury model.

The Range Rover GT will be the first all-electric Range Rover to be built on the company's new EMA platform. Production will take place at Halewood in the United Kingdom alongside internal combustion engine and hybrid models.

Initially, the GT will be offered as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), with a hybrid electric (HEV) derivative planned later in its lifecycle.

Interior

The GT's cabin adopts a minimalist layout with a strong focus on technology and reduced visual clutter.

The traditional instrument cluster has been replaced by a driver display, while a new single-screen infotainment system forms the centrepiece of the dashboard. A full-width concealed air vent stretches across the cabin, continuing a familiar Range Rover design feature.

The dashboard is wrapped in woven textile trim, with the material also concealing the audio system's speakers.

Range Rover says the layout has been designed to reduce both visual and acoustic distractions while making frequently used vehicle functions easier to access.

Electric platform

The GT is based on Jaguar Land Rover's EMA architecture, which has been developed to support electric powertrains while also allowing hybrid technology later in the model's lifecycle.

According to Martin Limpert, managing director of Range Rover, the GT has been developed to combine long-distance comfort with the capability expected of the brand.

"The Range Rover GT will redefine the grand-touring segment with the ability to deliver beautiful and engaging GT poise, proportions and long-distance refinement while offering capabilities no conventional GT can match."

Final testing underway

Prototype vehicles are currently undergoing final road testing ahead of the official reveal.

The test vehicles wear a camouflage finish inspired by the landscape around Gaydon, home to Range Rover's design and engineering teams, featuring a gold topographical pattern intended to reflect the vehicle's grand touring focus.

Further technical details and specifications for the new GT will be announced later this year.

Nissan South Africa says it has completed its transition from a local manufacturer to a national sales company and is now turning its attention to rebuilding market share through an expanded range of imported models.

Speaking at the launch of the updated Nissan X-Trail, managing director Juan Wheeler said the first six months following the announcement that production would end at the Rosslyn plant had been focused on winding down manufacturing operations before attention shifted to new products.

"To be honest, the first six months after we made the announcement has been hectic," Wheeler said.

@willemvan4 There's a place in Bothaville in the Free State that has the biggest collection of Datsuns and Nissans outside of the land of the rising sun. They belong to Freek de Kock a true gentleman and car historian. Nissan SA is looking to tap into his collection and knowledge in the next few months. @nissan @IOL Lifestyle #nissannavara #nissanskyline #nissanz #nissan #GTR ♬ original sound - Willemvan

"To clean out the plant and hand that over has been a very busy period for all of us to get that done by the end of June."

With that process now complete, Wheeler said the company could focus entirely on its future as an importer.

"Now that those six months are settled, we can focus on our next step, from being a manufacturer to becoming a national sales company. Today is the first new product that we are bringing in, so now we can focus on the new products that we want to bring in for the rest of the year."

X-Trail flagship

Wheeler described the X-Trail as Nissan's current flagship model in South Africa, a position it will hold until the arrival of the Patrol later in the company's financial year.

"It's very important for us. At this point in time it's our halo vehicle, so it's the top model that we've got in the range."

He added that the model showcases the technology Nissan continues to offer while reinforcing the company's commitment to the South African market.

"We want people to see the technology that Nissan's improved, that Nissan is investing in Africa, and more importantly in South Africa."

Competitive pricing

The pricing of the new X-Trail places it firmly among established rivals as well as an increasing number of Chinese SUVs entering the local market.

Wheeler said competition had influenced Nissan's pricing strategy, but welcomed the growing number of brands competing in South Africa.

"We're open to competition. Any competition that we are getting in the market is good. It's obviously good for the customers."

Following the transition to a national sales company, Nissan reviewed its pricing strategy with the aim of attracting previous Nissan owners back to the brand.

"We wanted to have our legacy customers coming back that maybe have not bought Nissan or X-Trail for quite a while. Having a very attractive price and being competitive within the segment helps us."

More models on the way

While the Magnite remains Nissan's highest-volume model locally, Wheeler confirmed that several new products are on the way.

The recently revealed Tekton SUV is currently undergoing final local testing ahead of its South African launch in the coming weeks.

"As we are speaking, it is actually being tested in South Africa to make sure the final version that we are getting is fine. "

He added that Nissan would continue to price new arrivals as competitively as possible.

Navara coming from Thailand

Following the closure of Rosslyn, the Nissan Navara sold in South Africa is now being imported from Thailand.

He confirmed that the incoming Navara will remain the familiar South African model rather than adopting the Mitsubishi Triton-based version sold in some international markets.

The Navara Warrior, which was assembled in Rosslyn, will for now be off the cards, but Wheeler said that Nissan is investigating the possibility of bringing the programme back to South Africa.

"The Warrior is not a standard produced version. We are looking at how we can produce Warrior in South Africa again."

The updated Navara is also expected to receive technology upgrades aimed at making it more competitive in the increasingly crowded bakkie segment.

"There's a big update that will be coming. I don't want to give away too much, but it's going to be a lot more up to date."

Patrol confirmed

Nissan also confirmed that the new Patrol has been approved for South Africa and will arrive during the current financial year.

"Patrol will definitely be coming. We're just working through the final stages of when the right-hand drive market can get the product, so we are definitely on the list. The programme is approved, and it will be coming."

Rebuilding market share

Looking further ahead, Wheeler said Nissan's priority over the next three to five years is to rebuild its market share by introducing more products suited to South African buyers.

"The medium term is for us to launch as much product as possible for our market and get back to a decent market share again."

He said the decline in Nissan's market share over recent years was largely due to a lack of new products, something the company now intends to address through its renewed import strategy.

Ferrari's revival has injected fresh life into the 2026 Formula One season, but the Scuderia still faces an enormous task if it hopes to prevent Mercedes from disappearing into the distance in the Constructors' Championship.

The signs have been encouraging. Charles Leclerc has rediscovered his best form, winning at Silverstone before backing it up with a second place finish at the Belgian Grand Prix.

More importantly, Ferrari finally appears to have unlocked the potential of the SF26 after months of struggling to understand the car's behaviour.

Leclerc himself has admitted the team now has a much better understanding of the package, although he cautioned there is still work to do before Ferrari can consistently match Mercedes at every circuit.

The bigger concern for Ferrari is that Mercedes has two drivers regularly scoring points, even when one of them has an off weekend.

Kimi Antonelli continued his sensational rookie campaign with victory at Spa, extending his championship lead to 50 points over teammate George Russell.

Despite Antonelli emerging as the clear title favourite, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has rejected any suggestion of team orders, insisting both drivers will remain free to race each other while they are still mathematically in championship contention.

That philosophy could prove crucial in the Constructors' battle. With Antonelli and Russell both capable of finishing on the podium, Mercedes has built a consistency that Ferrari has lacked for much of the season.

Lewis Hamilton's Belgian Grand Prix summed up Ferrari's challenge perfectly. A crash in final practice compromised his weekend before a five second penalty and a difficult race left him finishing fourth.

Hamilton later accepted full responsibility, admitting he failed to maximise the pace Ferrari had available.

Had Hamilton joined Leclerc on the podium, Ferrari would have taken a much bigger bite out of Mercedes' championship advantage. Instead, Mercedes once again left a race weekend with a healthy haul of points.

If that wasn't enough, Ferrari has openly admitted their interest in Kimi Antonelli, as the Italian teenager would be a perfect fit to the Scuderia identity. But Toto Wolff has hit back at them, stating they should have "looked at him six years ago". 

Wolff told media that he's aware they're interested because he is Italian but that Antonelli is a product of the Mercedes junior program. 

The Hungarian Grand Prix now feels like a pivotal moment. Ferrari needs both Leclerc and Hamilton operating at the front if it is to mount a serious challenge over the remaining races. One fast car is no longer enough in modern Formula One.

Recent upgrades have transformed Ferrari from midfield contenders into regular podium challengers, but beating Mercedes over a full season requires consistency rather than occasional brilliance.

If Leclerc maintains his outstanding form and Hamilton can avoid the mistakes that have been interrupting his recent momentum, Ferrari has the driver pairing and pace to make life uncomfortable for Mercedes.

Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch

Chery South Africa is set to launch the fully electric Chery Q in early September, with pricing starting from R350 000.

This puts it up against the Geely E2 Aspire at R339 900, the BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort at R341 900 and the Dongfeng Box E2 430 priced at R349 000.

"The Q has been developed to make electric driving a realistic option for more South Africans," said Verene Petersen, national marketing and communications manager at Chery South Africa.

"Its compact dimensions make it well suited to the city, but it still offers the space, range and everyday practicality buyers expect from their primary vehicle."

Exterior

The Chery Q measures 4,195mm long, 1,811mm wide and 1,570mm high, with a 2,700mm wheelbase designed to maximise interior space while maintaining compact exterior dimensions.

The EV features a closed-off front grille, Q-shaped LED headlights, semi-flush door handles, two-tone exterior mirrors and a floating C-pillar design. Depending on the model, it rides on either 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels.

The exterior design has received a Red Dot Product Design Award, and the six-layer high-gloss paint finish is backed by a 10-year anti-fade promise.

Interior

Inside, the cabin features a dual-tone dashboard, contrast-coloured air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel. A column-mounted gear selector replaces the conventional centre console shifter, creating additional storage space.

The luggage compartment offers 375 litres of capacity, expanding to 1,450 litres with the rear seats folded. There is also a 70-litre front storage compartment.

Technology

The Q is fitted with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch 2.5k central touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor. The infotainment system supports a customisable home screen and gesture controls.

Elite derivatives add intelligent driver assistance systems and automatic parking functions.

Powertrain

Positioned as an entry point into electric motoring, the compact EV is powered by a 90kW electric motor paired with a 42.7kWh battery pack, offering a claimed driving range of up to 400km on the NEDC cycle.

Warranty and pre-order package

Customers who pre-order the Chery Q receive a seven-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, a home charging wallbox and portable charging equipment.

Buyers will also have the option of receiving either a charging card to the value of their holding deposit or a discount of the same value off the vehicle's purchase price.

Final model specifications and derivative pricing will be announced closer to the launch in September.

The Nissan X-Trail has taken many forms, from the boxy first- and second-generation models to the smoother third iteration and the fourth generation, which attempted to strike a balance between the two design philosophies.

The facelifted model, launched in South Africa this week as part of the company’s strategy to bolster its imported range after ending local production, builds on the latter with a fresh look and new interior technologies aimed at keeping it current amid fierce competition from Chinese rivals. The company is also planning to introduce the new Tekton SUV later this year.

Lower prices for the new X-Trail

As before, the Nissan X-Trail is available in three variants, but prices have been reduced significantly. The 2.5 Visia kicks things off at R599,900, down from the previous version's R687,900 sticker price. The 2.5 Acenta occupies the middle ground at R688,900, while the 2.5 Acenta Plus all-wheel drive tops the line-up at R770,900. These models previously cost R751,900 and R812,900 respectively.

This not only makes the X-Trail significantly cheaper than the recently introduced Toyota RAV4, which starts at R770,500, but also brings it closer in price to numerous Chinese alternatives such as the Chery Tiggo 8, Haval H6 and American-badged Ford Territory, all of which start in the R500,000 to R600,000 range.

What the Nissan does offer is a solid, tried-and-tested package with proven mechanicals, while the 2026 refresh brings a new look and improved technology.

Updated exterior design

On the outside, the X-Trail retains the split-headlamp design that defined the current generation, but it gains a new black front grille, with the previous 'V' border making way for a wider mesh pattern. The lower bumper has also been reprofiled to match the new detailing.

At the rear, you'll find new LED light clusters, while redesigned diamond-cut alloy wheels come in three sizes, from 17-inch items on the Visia to 18-inch versions on the Acenta and 19-inch wheels on the Acenta Plus.

Styling is subjective, I know, but I do feel they could have given this vehicle a more purposeful look and a more distinct identity. Nissan has created some iconic sports cars and trucks - would it not be nice to see a bit more of that attitude in its family-sized SUV?

New cabin tech

The cabin of the new X-Trail has been given a major technology boost, with one of the highlight features being a new '3D' eight-point Around View Monitor system, fitted from the Acenta upwards.

Now using wide-angle cameras, the system features an 'Invisible Bonnet' mode as well as a T-Junction View. The former helps drivers avoid obstacles such as kerbs and rocks, while the latter offers a wide forward perspective at low speeds when emerging from intersections with limited visibility.

In terms of standard features, the base Visia comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless charging, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters and keyless access.

The base model also gains a wider range of active safety features, including Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking and Trailer Stability Control.

In addition to all that, the Acenta gains genuine leather seat upholstery, dual-zone climate control, new powered front seats with heating, and a fully digital instrument cluster.

The Acenta Plus adds a head-up display, Terrain Mode Selector and a third row of seats.

Speaking of practicality, all X-Trail variants boast a second row that slides, folds forward and reclines, which, surprisingly, is an unusual feature in modern SUVs.

What's it like to drive?

As before, all X-Trail models are fitted with Nissan’s tried-and-tested 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 135kW and 244Nm. Power is channelled to the front wheels via a CVT transmission engineered to provide more natural-feeling shifts. The Acenta Plus is equipped with Nissan's Intelligent 4WD system and also gains Hill Descent Control as well as a Terrain Mode Selector with Mud, Snow and Sand settings.

The front-wheel-drive versions feature a conventional drive mode selector with Eco, Normal and Sport modes. Furthermore, all versions are fitted with a limited-slip differential that improves traction and control under hard acceleration.

On the road, the Nissan X-Trail delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience. At altitude, however, the naturally aspirated engine delivers performance that is more adequate than brisk, but it gets the job done comfortably and has enough urge for safe overtaking. What's more, the CVT transmission feels more natural than many similar units and, thanks to the abundant low-down torque, it doesn't drone to the point of annoyance.

The X-Trail is also quiet on the open road, while the ride quality remains comfortable even over uneven surfaces and large speed humps.

The new Nissan X-Trail is sold with a three-year/90,000km service plan and a six-year/150,000km warranty.

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Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff said he intended to put an arm around an emotional George Russell ahead of the Hungarian GP, after the driver appeared distraught following a first-lap retirement at the Belgian GP.

For Wolff, it was a bittersweet afternoon this past Sunday as Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli claimed a fighting victory — his sixth of the season — to extend his lead in the drivers’ championship to 50 points ahead of team-mate Russell.

Russell, who began the race 25 points shy of his teammate, fell to third in the title race after a collision with former teammate and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari.

Speaking to Sky Sports soon after his enforced retirement, Russell blamed his car’s lack of power for his plight and accident.

"I got totally swallowed up down the straight," he said.

"I lost three positions going down into Turn 5. It was a racing incident. Maybe I could have gone a bit wider, maybe he could have braked a bit more."

Hamilton was adjudged responsible for the accident and handed a five-second penalty by the stewards, but Russell repeated his complaint from previous days that his lack of performance was due to a power deficit in his car.

"The incident shouldn't have happened if I had the speed down the straight ... I’m very, very disappointed. I appreciate everyone's working hard to solve the problem, but I'm stood here now on lap five of the race.

"I felt like I was in a good position to fight for the lead at Turn 1, and then suddenly no power. It was all gone."

Wolff defended Mercedes power units, which are used by the factory team and others including rivals McLaren.

"We came out with a product this year that is so strong, and I'd rather have to fix reliability than accelerate a slow engine," he said.

"We're giving it 100%. We need to because we have lost a lot of points due to reliability. We should be further ahead.

"George has 100% our support. He had a difficult weekend. Half of it is to be attributed to the power unit, that wasn't as good as it should have been, and the other half maybe on the driving.

"We are in this together. We all make mistakes. Today is the mistake of the team and another day the driver. We just need to minimise it and support each other."

He said he understood why Russell felt emotional and nonplussed.

‘The moment you're out of this race, it's so frustrating and the emotions boil. We are trying to solve the issues.

‘He's doing everything he can to get on top of his driving, and I'm going to try to put my arm around him.’

Mercedes may appear to be the runaway Formula One leaders, but closer examination suggests rivals Ferrari have found the consistency and reliability to fight for both championships after the summer break.

As the 22-race season approaches its halfway point, with the 11th race in Hungary next weekend, the Silver Arrows are experiencing a run of alternating bitter-sweet weekends. In Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli shone for a first win in four races, while George Russell crashed out on the opening lap.

Here, we look at three things we learned from an intriguing Spa-Francorchamps.

Furious Russell title bid unravels

Normally mild-mannered Russell, who was a pre-season favourite to win the drivers' title, struggled to hide his feelings during an expletive-laden outburst after his first-lap retirement following a collision with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari.

He had lost all his battery power on the Kemmel Straight before clashing with Hamilton at Les Combes and blamed this for the accident and his exit.

"I'm out," said the 28-year-old Briton, who slipped from second, 25 points behind teammate Antonelli, to third, 50 adrift as the Italian teenager secured his sixth win of the year.

"It was dangerous. I got swamped by three cars and I shouldn’t have been in the position and that’s why I am angry," he added, to explain his rant.

Russell's season has been punctuated by power management problems in F1's new 'hybrid era', with Mercedes conceding his troubles were not due to his driving style. Team boss Toto Wolff said the team were to blame for Russell's Belgian issues.

Hamilton's series of 10 points-scoring races, including victory in Spain, has lifted him up to second, 45 behind Antonelli, with updates to come as Ferrari gain momentum.

Antonelli finds a style

As Russell flounders, his 19-year-old teammate flourishes under the guidance of race engineer Peter 'Bono' Bonnington, who was previously in charge of Hamilton and has vast experience.

Bonnington's calming influence and expertise have helped the precocious Italian handle the pressure of success, controlling his emotions and managing the complexities of battery deployment this season – leaving him to focus on his natural gift for speed.

His pure talent, giving him an innate feel for racing, has also played a significant role as he bids to become F1's youngest champion. He will be 20 next month and may therefore be three years younger than Sebastian Vettel, who took his first title aged 23 in 2010, if he succeeds this year.

Hamilton in the title hunt, Verstappen open to offers

At 41, Hamilton has shown he remains a force to be reckoned with by making the best of a difficult weekend when he crashed in FP3, collided with Russell, was given a five-second penalty, survived a narrow miss in the pits and drove a damaged Ferrari to fourth place.

It confirmed his determination to keep alive his bid for an eighth title at a time when the future of great former rival and four-time champion Max Verstappen, who finished third behind Charles Leclerc on Sunday, remains unresolved.

A performance clause in his contract may allow him to leave if Red Bull are not in the title race at the end of July, but there are no known attractive vacancies elsewhere – thus generating speculation, denied by all parties, of a swap deal with McLaren for Oscar Piastri.

In F1, this time of year is known as 'silly season'.  |  AFP

Lepas is one of the latest brands to emerge from the Chery Group, and many are questioning whether the Chinese auto giant really needs so many nameplates.

Well, Volkswagen has executed the multi-brand strategy rather well by sharing technology between mainstream brands like VW, Seat, Skoda and Audi, while differentiating them at the crucial sensory levels. It makes sense on some level because it allows manufacturers to cater for a wider range of style preferences and budgets.

Chery appears to be taking a leaf out of this book with its striking Omodas, retro-funky iCaurs, rugged-looking Jetours and smoothly sculpted Jaecoos.

Lepas says its models embody ‘feline-inspired’ styling, with marketing references made to leopards, although in the automotive sense there is another feline that springs to mind when I look at the L4, as well as the upcoming L6 and L8 models. If Omoda does sporty and Jaecoo does elegance, this one seemingly aims to be both, and out on the street it certainly attracts its fair share of admirers.

Beneath its skin, the Lepas L4 shares much of its hardware with the Chery Tiggo Cross and Jaecoo J5, and it is likely to be built alongside these siblings in South Africa when the newly acquired Rosslyn plant comes on stream from mid-2027.

But is the Lepas L4 any good?

On the inside, it bears a resemblance to its Jaecoo J5 sibling, with a large angled vertical touchscreen taking pride of place in the middle of the dashboard. Yet the Lepas is set apart in places by swankier trimmings, such as wave-like patterns on the dashboard’s middle section and diamond-shaped embossing on the door cards.

The cabin looks modern and professional, while fit and finish are impressive for the price.

The large 13.2-inch vertical central touchscreen is relatively user-friendly, boasting crisp 2K graphics and responsive operation. The system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, while functionality is further enhanced by a decent voice assistant.

What’s more, certain climate functions, such as temperature and fan control, can also be operated via piano-style levers positioned below the screen, minimising screen fumbling and the resulting distraction that occurs in so many modern cars.

The range-topping Pantera is well stocked, with standard features including synthetic leather seats, ventilated front seats and six-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat. An electric panoramic sunroof is also part of the deal, along with wireless phone charging, automatic climate control and a 540-degree HD surround-view camera.

Safety kit includes six airbags and a full suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and rear cross-traffic alert, to name a few.

But is the Lepas L4 practical? Rear legroom is more adequate than generous, and while there isn’t a great deal of leg-stretching space, I didn’t feel too cramped sitting behind my driving position. The 458-litre boot is quite generously proportioned.

What’s it like to drive?

The overall driving experience leaves little to complain about.

Under the bonnet is the familiar Chery Group 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which provides 108kW and 235Nm. It is sufficient to provide relatively effortless performance in both urban and highway settings.

There is a teensy bit of lag on pull-off, but the engine and six-speed dual-clutch gearbox are otherwise well calibrated and smooth operating.

Our test car consumed an average of 8.6 litres of petrol per 100km in mixed conditions.

The L4’s ride quality is actually quite comfortable, and handling feels safe and neutral, although, as with most SUVs these days, the steering lacks feel and feedback.

Verdict

The Lepas L4 is a convincing addition to Chery’s expanding stable, combining striking styling, a well-equipped cabin and comfortable driving manners.

It may face questions over brand positioning, but its strong value proposition and polished execution make it a compelling alternative in the increasingly crowded premium Chinese SUV space.

In a nutshell, it's not quite the Chery premium brand that some might have expected, but it does add a bit more sparkle and polish to the equation without commanding too much of a premium. Consider that the Lepas L4 range costs between R299,900 and R419,900, whereas the equivalent Chery Tiggo Cross has bookends of R279,900 and R449.900.

While the L4 1.5T Pantera that we drove is really well appointed, in fairness the mid-spec 1.5T Javan, at R369,900, is likely where the value sweet spot lies.

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