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 • July 2025 | Vol 69.06 | Issue no 821

CAR

Letters

AT THE 4FRONT • Toyota has lifted the wraps off the sixth-generation RAV4, which ushers in a variety of distinctive model lines, new safety and convenience technologies, and hybrid powertrains

THIRD DIRECTION • The new Compass seeks to blend Jeep’s hallmark attributes with future-focused technology and powertrains

SINGING SIX • Singer Vehicle Design’s latest reimagined Porsche is a homage to the decadence of 1980s 911s

A COOL THING • Comprising the complete Formula 1 grid, LEGO’s Speed Champions F1 models allow enthusiasts, young and old, to build and display each team’s car in brick format

PRECIOUS CARGO • A key aspect evaluated during our latest SUV Shootout is how well each package suits those with young families. Let’s take a closer look at the evolution of rear passenger occupant protection

SUV SHOOTOUT 2025 • A domain previously dominated by the humble hatchback, the compact-SUV segment’s steady rise in popularity has seen both established and emerging car brands scrambling for market share. Including representation from best-selling products, as well as those causing a stir in this popular segment, and armed with a budget of around R500k, we set out to see which of these family-focused favourites offers the most for your money

Renault Duster

Mitsubishi Outlander

Hyundai Creta

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Volkswagen T-Cross

Omoda

Chery Tiggo

Opel Mokka

Kia Seltos

BAIC X55

Honda Elevate

Toyota Corolla

Haval Jolion

Features Checklist

Specifications

The Finalists

The Winner

Behind the scenes

BOOT BUSINESS • The new 2 Series Gran Coupé adds a welcome new dimension to BMW’s broad entry-level offering

Dzired effect • Based on the impressive modern Swift, Suzuki is keen to lend the Dzire a breakaway character of its own

3 of a Kind • What better way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of South Africa’s most noteworthy in-house developed cars than to spend time behind the wheel of perhaps the finest example still on the road?

Premium economy • The sister vehicle to the business-class V300d, the updated Mercedes-Benz Vito people carrier introduces a compelling blend of comfort with van-based versatility

Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend • The most sensible way to spend R255 000 for a small family or a ride-hailing entrepreneur, with plenty of room for luggage and solid around-town fuel economy

Jaecoo J7 SHS DHT • Jaecoo enters the local new-energy arena with the J7 PHEV…and it looks promising

FORD RANGER 2.0 BITURBO DOUBLE CAB TREMOR 4WD • There are some promising rumblings coming from the blend of town- and off-road-focused features in our newly-arrived Ranger Tremor

VOLKSWAGEN T-CROSS 1.0 TSI 85 KW DSG • Fresh from a stern test in our SUV Shootout, the base T-Cross joins our long-term test fleet for further familyferrying duties

MINI COOPER C HATCH 3-DOOR • Early-morning photography outings have highlighted some of the Mini’s otherwise unrealised talents

AUDI Q8 45TDI QUATTRO BLACK EDITION • This month, the Q8’s air-sprung underpinnings prove both versatile and attention-diverting

TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY • The 15th Simola Hillclimb was arguably the most successful episode in the event’s history, but also a stark reminder of the...