CAR

CAR is Southern Africa’s leading automotive-interest magazine – and has been since 1957. It’s aimed at petrol-heads of all ages looking for, expert reviews, road tests, driving impressions of the latest models available and great motoring content from the country’s leading motoring journalists.

From the editor’s desk

CAR

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PACKED WITH PROMISE • Volkswagen’s 2025 Indaba ushered in a host of exciting models headed our way in the coming months

TOURING DE FORCE • BMW gives its high-performance wagon the renowned ‘CS’ treatment

VORSPRUNG 4X4 • Based on the Q6 e-tron, Audi’s latest concept adds all-terrain cred to its stylish EV

POLAR PRADO • In partnership with Toyota, Arctic Trucks has revealed the hardcore, purpose-built Land Cruiser Prado AT37

ACCORDING TO PLANS • New vehicles are sold with a standard manufacturer warranty but buyers often have to decide between a service or maintenance plan, and even whether to service at official or independent service centres. We unpack the impacts of these choices

Slow rider • Volkswagen’s iconic Kombi is the antithesis of today’s fast-paced motoring, and this neat example in Pretoria takes us back to a time when the journey was as much a part of the adventure as any destination

Bigger, Better, Octa • It’s about as niche as SUVs come but the Defender Octa’s blend of technology and ruggedness makes it a formidable all-road performer

Family matters • Volkswagen’s latest Transporter is a fusion of past-model values and future-friendly family transit

TOP 12 BEST BUYS 2025 • LOOKING TO UPGRADE TO A NEW VEHICLE IN 2025? THESE ARE THE CAR TEAM’S TOP PICKS IN EVERY CATEGORY

01 BUDGET CAR (UNDER R260 000)

02 BUDGET CROSSOVER

03 SMALL CAR

04 COMPACT CROSSOVER

05 MIDSIZE SUV

06 NEW-ENERGY VEHICLE

07 PREMIUM MIDSIZE SUV

08 ADVENTURE SUV

09 LUXURY CAR

10 LUXURY SUV

11 PERFORMANCE CAR

12 DOUBLE-CAB BAKKIE

COMPANY OF THE YEAR • SUZUKI AUTO SOUTH AFRICA

FORM AND FUNCTION • For more than two decades, the Lexus GX has come to represent a perfect blend of luxury and all-terrain ability. Now, it’s finally poised to arrive in South Africa

Great X-pectations • With its legacy as the progenitor of the premium midsize-SUV segment, the new BMW X3 has some big shoes to fill

Mini Cooper S Hatch 3-Door • Mini’s S is not about express pace, but rather putting a smile on your face

MG ZS 1.5 4AT Luxury • A somewhat unlikely relation to the striking new Cyberster roadster, does the generation-old MG ZS offer enough substance?

GWM P300 2.4TD LT 4X4 AT • Updated styling and additional grunt breathe new life into GWM’s capable, value-packed double cab

iX1 and done • Following six months in the CAR garage, the iX1 has proven it is no one-hit wonder

car TOP 12 BEST BUYS 2025 • WE HAVE CURATED A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF THE BEST USED CAR BUYS FOR 2025, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION FUEL ECONOMY, LONG-TERM OWNERSHIP SATISFACTION, DEPRECIATION AND MORE

SUBSCRIBE SAVE UP TO 32% • 12 ISSUES FOR ONLY R489

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE UP TO 37% • 12 ISSUES FOR ONLY R529

car guide • Your definitive guide to all the new cars in SA

car dealer • Shopping around for the best deals on wheels

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