motoringlatest news & developments
Bells and whistles: Audi RSQ8 is built on the same platform as the Lamborghini Urus provides a good balance between comfort driving and thrill-seeking speed.

Audi RSQ8: Like a god on wheels

Next week marks the Mail & Guardian’s annual God Edition and during one of our daily diary meetings, our acting news editor Sheree Bega jokingly asked me how do we write a motoring story for that edition?  I was puzzled until I received the Audi RSQ8 on test last week. When I received it, the […]

Finalist of the year: The Leapmotor C10 REEV. Photo: Supplied

A hotel room that can drive 1 000km

The Leapmotor C10 REEV has some frustrations, but it has great practicality and some cool features that outweigh those frustrations

Efficiency: The Suzuki Across SUV. Photo: Lethabo Temogo, XploreZA

A moving return to the driver’s seat

The Across represents Suzuki’s value-driven approach: a refined, efficient and reliable mild hybrid SUV rooted in Japan’s disciplined engineering culture

South Africans are increasingly open to hybrids as petrol prices and affordability pressures weigh on households. (AI generated image)

Fuel costs are reshaping the next-car decision

South Africans are increasingly open to hybrids as petrol prices and affordability pressures weigh on households

The VW Tayron has a stylish front with an illuminated VW badge

VW Tayron is a comfortable and stylish family SUV but the small engine lets it down

The Tayron replaces the Tiguan Allspace and sits as VW’s seven-seater vehicle. A 2-litre variant would’ve done it more justice

The iCAUR V23 will be customisable and you can either get it in a base or retro look. (Eyaaz Matwadia)

iCAUR launching in May: We get a sneak peak of the two variants

iCAUR will launch with two models, the V23 and the 03T, which will both be electric and affordable, with an added element South Africans might love

The Mazda CX-3 Carbon Edition is too little car for too much money

While there’s not much to argue about in terms of ride quality, this is as compact as a compact SUV gets and the price point is set way too high

The Polo Vivo was the best-selling passenger vehicle in South Africa in 2025, selling 26 067 units.

National Consumer Commission announces the recall of more than 25 000 Polo Vivos

The affected vehicles were made available for sale from February 2025 to February 2026

The Alfa Romeo Junior: A tale of two variants

While the model is fully electric, it feels like an Alfa Romeo but there’s a big difference between the entry model and the top-of-the-range model

A burst of tone: There’s meaning behind every shade of colour we see on
our roads. Photo: Supplied

The psychology of car colours in focus

As cars become more digital, colour becomes a branding tool — almost like choosing a smartphone finish

Head-turner: The Jetour T2 commands attention everywhere it goes.

Jetour T2 is really not a pretender

It’s probably been one of the most hyped cars of the year and it’s very difficult to argue against it because it does everything right

As Europe tightens emissions rules and imports gain market share, carmakers say South Africa must urgently align industrial policy with the global shift to new-energy vehicles

Surge of imports and lack of EV readiness disrupts the automotive industry

As Europe tightens emissions rules and imports gain market share, carmakers say South Africa must urgently align industrial policy with the global shift to new-energy vehicles

The Harrier is a bold statement from Tata but pricing lets it down

At R699 900 for the top spec, there are other mid-sized SUVs that offer better value for money

Chery has acquired Nissan’s plant in Roslynn, Pretoria.

Auto industry urges ‘fine-tuned’ tariffs, not a 50% import hike

Greater tariffs are expected on imports of completely built-up vehicles but BMW CEO says 50% could have unintended consequences

Coming down:
If current trends
hold, February
could deliver the
most meaningful
fuel-price relief
South Africans
have seen in
years.

Huge fuel price cuts on the horizon

South Africa’s long-squeezed motorists might find fresh relief next month as recent datafrom the Central Energy Fund (CEF) data points to meaningful  fuel price cuts  in February — a rare bright spot in a world rattled by geopolitical theatrics and jittery oil markets. In an unexpected twist, the rand has staged its strongest run in […]

Take your pick: For those who just need a workhorse, the XL, right, is perfect, and for those who want luxury and comfort, consider the Platinum.
Photos: Supplied

From Ford Ranger Platinum to entry-level ease

After spending almost six months in the Platinum model, the adjustment to the entry-level XL was tough but refreshing

Festive treat: Chery Tiggo 9 strikes a balance between grandeur and poise and is a surprisingly good drive
too. Photo: Supplied

Festive drive: Chery Tiggo 9 and all its might

Spending December with Chery’s flagship SUV meant that we were surrounded by luxury and the fuel consumption was not bad either

The Suzuki Dzire isn’t trying to impress with gimmicks or performance figures. Instead, it focuses on the fundamentals like space, efficiency, safety and value.

The Suzuki Dzire is sensible and affordable

The Dzire has never pretended to be sporty or luxurious. Instead, it has always leaned into being sensible, affordable and easy to live with

The Everest XLT will make way for the Everest Active in 2026, but it was fun while it lasted

Review: The last of the Ford Everest XLT will be missed

The Everest XLT will make way for the Everest Active in 2026, but it was fun while it lasted

Value for money: The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is the best-selling used Chinese car. Photo: Supplied

Chinese vehicles gain serious traction in SA’s used market

AutoTrader’s latest pricing and mileage figures highlight a decisive shift in buyer behaviour as Chinese brands convert sceptics into confident second-hand shoppers