Ryan Bubear
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Husband, father, freelance motoring editor and writer. Fascinated by vehicle-sales statistics. Owner of a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 (yes, the one with the "boot").
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Articles by Ryan Bubear
BYD Shark 6 Performance (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What are the performance and mechanical differences between the BYD Shark 6 Premium and Performance derivatives? A: While the Premium derivative pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors to produce 321 kW and 650 Nm, the flagship Performance version steps up to a larger 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This larger unit pushes total system output to 350 kW and 700 Nm, making it the most powerful bakkie in South Africa.
Jaecoo J5 BEV (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: When will the Jaecoo J5 BEV launch in South Africa, and what is its starting price? A: The fully electric Jaecoo J5 BEV is officially scheduled to launch in South Africa by the end of August 2026. It will be priced from R549 900, which represents a R70 000 premium over the top-tier, petrol-powered J5 1.5T Inferno derivative. Q: What are the electric motor and battery specifications of the Jaecoo J5 BEV?
BMW Z4 (2019-2026) Buyer’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the current production status of the G29-series BMW Z4 in South Africa? A: The G29-series BMW Z4 has reached the end of its lifecycle, with global production officially ceasing in March 2026. Following the discontinuation of the sDrive20i derivative in October 2024, the range-topping M40i was subsequently removed from BMW Group Africa’s official pricelist in early 2026, marking the end of the Z4’s availability in the local new-vehicle market.
BMW vs Mercedes-Benz: global sales race in H1 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Which German premium automotive group is leading global sales after the first half of 2026? A: The BMW Group leads the global race at the halfway mark of 2026, delivering 1 156 742 units worldwide despite a 4.2% year-on-year decline. This puts them more than 145 000 units ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Group, which registered 1 011 500 deliveries, marking a 6.0% year-on-year decline.
Solarky’s ‘solar-powered car’ on the cards for SA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is Solarky and what is its current status in South Africa? A: Solarky (also known as the Shenzhen Shengqi New Energy Vehicle Technology Company) is a Chinese automaker established in 2023 that focuses on solar-powered electric vehicles.
Kia SA rapped over knuckles for ‘insensitive’ Tasman advert
TV advert for Tasman attracts complaint Advertising watchdog rules against Kia SA Kia SA ordered to “remove or amend” ad South Africa’s advertising watchdog has ordered Kia South Africa to “remove or amend” a television advert for the Tasman bakkie, ruling that its content is likely to cause offence to “those affected by neurological conditions”. In its ruling, the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) explained it had received a complaint about a local TV commercial for the Tasman.
Kia SA wrapped over knuckles for ‘insensitive’ Tasman advert
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Why did South Africa’s advertising watchdog rule against the Kia Tasman TV commercial? A: The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) ruled against the advert because the initial scenes depict individuals shaking uncontrollably while trying to complete daily tasks (such as carrying boxes, weighing bird seeds, reading a newspaper and drinking coffee).
Audi RS e-tron GT Performance (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the starting price of the new Audi RS e-tron GT Performance in South Africa, and how does it compare to its predecessor? A: The new fully electric Audi RS e-tron GT Performance starts at R4 906 100, making it the most expensive model in Audi’s current local line-up. This represents a price increase of nearly R1.4-million over its predecessor, which was priced at R3 527 400.
Jetour refreshes Dashing and X70 Plus (and cuts starting price)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What updates have been made to the powertrains of the refreshed Jetour Dashing and X70 Plus? A: Both the refreshed 5-seater Dashing and 7-seater X70 Plus receive a substantial engine upgrade, switching to a more powerful turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
5 automakers with the sharpest sales declines in H1 2026
9 automakers logged declines in H1 2026 4 endured double-digit percentage drops Proton suffered biggest percentage decline We’ve already identified the automakers that posted the strongest sales growth in South Africa in the opening half of 2026, outpacing the local market’s 12.9% year-on-year improvement to 315 303 units. But what about the automakers that suffered the sharpest sales declines in H1 2026?
New SA-bound (Duster-based) Nissan Tekton revealed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the new Nissan Tekton, and when is it expected to launch in South Africa? A: The new Nissan Tekton is a box-fresh 5-seater crossover that was recently unveiled in India. It is built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-B platform and is based squarely on the Indian-built Renault Duster.
5 automakers with the strongest sales growth in H1 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Which automaker achieved the highest year-on-year sales growth in South Africa during the first half of 2026? A: Jetour achieved the strongest growth in H1 2026, with local sales rocketing a massive 228.8% year on year to reach 10 869 units. This performance pushed the brand from 15th up to 9th position overall in the market, heavily supported by the Jetour T2, which accounted for nearly half of its volume with 4 942 units registered.
GWM Ora 5 (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What are the powertrain options and performance specs for the newly launched GWM Ora 5 in South Africa? A: The new GWM Ora 5 crossover launches with three distinct front-wheel-drive powertrain options. The entry-level 1.5-litre turbopetrol models deliver 105 kW and 210 Nm via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
SA’s 10 best-selling ladder-frame SUVs in 1st half of 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Which models were South Africa’s top three best-selling ladder-frame SUVs in the first half of 2026? A: The Prospecton-built Toyota Fortuner comfortably retained its title as SA’s favourite body-on-frame SUV with 4 092 units sold, despite a minor 3.5% year-on-year dip.
Sayonara! Toyota GR Supra no longer available new in SA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Why has the Toyota GR Supra been removed from the brand’s South African website? A: The A90-series model has officially exited the local new-vehicle market due to global production coming to an end. Manufactured by Magna Steyr in Austria, assembly of both the GR Supra and its mechanical sibling, the BMW Z4 roadster, ceased in March 2026, leading to the depletion of remaining local stock.
SA’s 10 most popular Chinese vehicles in H1 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Which models were South Africa’s best-selling Chinese vehicles in the first half of 2026? A: The Chery Tiggo 4 range comfortably led the market in H1 2026 with 11 322 units sold, marking a 39.0% year-on-year increase and securing 2nd place overall in SA’s total passenger car market. The GWM Haval Jolion retained the 2nd spot with 7 588 units (+18.8%), followed by the Omoda C5 in 3rd place with 5 219 units (+62.1%).
Toyota RAV4 clocks best SA sales month since early 2021
New RAV4 and FJ launched in May 2026 RAV4 posts its best sales in over 5 years 264 units of Land Cruiser FJ registered The new Toyota RAV4 and Land Cruiser FJ both launched in South Africa in the 2nd half of May 2026. So, with June 2026 now behind us, exactly how well did these newcomers from the Japanese brand sell in their first full month on the local market?
SEE | The only 3 hybrid hatchbacks on SA’s new vehicle market
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Chery Group officially takes over Rosslyn factory in front of SA government officials
Chery Group gets keys to Rosslyn plant “Majority” of Nissan employees retained Jetour and Jaecoo production confirmed Fast-growing Chinese automaker the Chery Group has officially acquired the Rosslyn factory from Nissan, a facility in which the Japanese firm had built new vehicles for South Africa and export markets for some 60 years.
Jolion takes 4th! SA’s best-selling passenger cars in June 2026
Passenger-car podium positions unchanged Jolion’s sales high sees it grab 4th position Ertiga returns as T2 drops out of the top 10 In June 2026, South Africa’s total new-vehicle sales increased 15.3% year on year to 54 482 units, with the local passenger-vehicle market posting even stronger growth, improving 18.1% to 38 393 units. So, which passenger cars led the sales charge in Mzansi last month?
How well did the new BYD Atto 2 sell in its launch month?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: How many units of the new BYD Atto 2 DM-i were registered in South Africa during its launch month? A: Despite only hitting the market in the second week of June 2026, BYD Auto SA registered 107 units of the Atto 2. Within this total, 76 units were sold via the local dealer network, while the remaining 31 units were recorded as single registrations for internal brand use. Q: Where did the Atto 2 rank within BYD’s overall local sales portfolio for June 2026?
Hilux sales surge! SA’s best-selling bakkies in June 2026
Hilux registrations surge as 9th-gen launches Ranger records its best month of 2026 so far Government order sees D-Max sales rocket Pik Up grabs back 4th; Amarok climbs to 6th Triton and Tasman down in 16th and 17th In June 2026, sales in South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 15.3% year on year to 54 482 units, with the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment registering its 16th consecutive month of year-on-year growth, improving 8.4% to 13 171 units.
Close race for 2nd! SA’s new-vehicle sales in June 2026
New-vehicle sales up 15.3% year-on-year in June South Africa’s highest June sales total since 2009 Toyota leads as market share rebounds to 22.8% Isuzu hits best month-on-month growth in top 10 Jetour breaks own record again (but slips to 9th) Chinese brand BYD Auto breaks into the top 15 In June 2026, sales in South Africa’s new-vehicle market increased 15.3% year on year to 54 482 units, representing not only the local industry’s 21st consecutive month of year-on-year growth but also its...
New BMW X5 line-up for South Africa confirmed
New X5 unwrapped in South Carolina Coming to South Africa in early 2027 3 powertrain options confirmed for SA Meet the new BMW X5. Revealed in South Carolina in the United States, where it will be built at Plant Spartanburg, the 5th-generation model is scheduled to arrive in South Africa in “early 2027”, according to the brand’s local division. But which powertrain options will be available in Mzansi?
BMW iX3 (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What are the local pricing and derivative options for the new BMW iX3 in South Africa? A: The fully electric BMW iX3 has arrived in South Africa with two launch derivatives. The iX3 50 xDrive M Sport is priced from R1 690 000, while the higher-spec iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro starts at R1 720 000. Both prices position the newcomer above the local flagship petrol model, the X3 M50.
New Toyota Hilux range to gain 2.4GD-6 engine in 2027
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: When will the 2.4GD-6 engine join the 9th-generation Toyota Hilux lineup, and how will it be configured? A: Toyota SA Motors has officially confirmed that the 2.4GD-6 turbodiesel motor is scheduled to join the local 9th-generation Hilux range in the first quarter of 2027. Unlike the initial 2.8GD-6 derivatives which use a 6-speed automatic transmission, the incoming 2.4GD-6 powertrain is expected to be offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Remember the Hyundai Elantra? This is it now…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: When did the Elantra nameplate exit South Africa, and where was the new model revealed? A: The Hyundai Elantra officially exited the South African new-vehicle market around 2021 (the 6th-generation model being the final iteration sold locally). The radically styled, 8th-generation model has just been unwrapped globally at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show in South Korea. Q: What are the dimensions of the 8th-generation model and how does it compare to its predecessor?
Tata Nexon to launch in South Africa as ‘Osprey’
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: When will the Tata Nexon launch in South Africa, and what nameplate will it use? A: The crossover is scheduled to launch in South Africa in the third quarter of 2026. However, instead of using its global “Nexon” nameplate, the Indian manufacturer’s local division has announced it will be badged as the Tata Osprey in the South African market. Q: What are the dimensions of the upcoming Tata Osprey, and which vehicles will it compete against locally?
Ineos SA cuts prices across entire Grenadier range
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the maximum price reduction introduced for the Model Year 2027 Ineos Grenadier range in South Africa? A: Ineos South Africa has significantly repositioned its line-up, dropping prices by up to R280 500 (or 15.6%). This maximum price cut applies directly to the entry-level 3.0T Station Wagon and 3.0T Quartermaster double-cab models, reducing their retail figures from R1 799 500 to R1 519 000.
Volkswagen Caravelle 1.5 eHybrid (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the launch price of the new T7-series Volkswagen Caravelle in South Africa? A: The new Volkswagen Caravelle Style 1.5 eHybrid 4Motion is priced from R1 794 000. This makes it the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer’s most expensive local model behind only the outgoing flagship Touareg V6 TDI R-Line Final Edition. Q: What makes this specific Caravelle model historically significant for Volkswagen in Mzansi?
New Chery Q for SA: what we know so far
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: When is the Chery Q launching in South Africa, and how will it be positioned in the market? A: The Chery Q is scheduled to launch locally in the third quarter of 2026, likely arriving late in that period. It will mark the Chery brand’s first fully electric model in South Africa and is being strategically positioned to compete as one of the country’s most affordable electric vehicles (EVs).
Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What are the body styles and entry-level pricing for the third-generation Audi Q3 in South Africa? A: The new Audi Q3 arrives in both traditional SUV and sloped-back Sportback body styles across a massive 16-derivative launch line-up. The range kicks off with the petrol-powered Q3 TFSI 110 kW at R814 200 for the SUV (and R849 200 for the Sportback), which represents an entry-point increase of R74 100 over the outgoing second-generation model.
New Chery Tiggo 7L being lined up for SA?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What move indicates that Chery is considering the Tiggo 7L for South Africa? A: Chery’s global headquarters in Wuhu applied to protect the exterior design of the new Tiggo 7L in South Africa in November 2025. The official registration was granted and finalised in early June 2026, creating the framework for a potential local introduction. Q: How does the new model compare in size to the existing South African Tiggo 7 line-up?
Hyundai i30 N (2020-2025) Buyer’s Guide
It was a bold move from Hyundai. The South Korean firm pitched the very first mass-production model from its “N” sub-brand of high-performance vehicles squarely at the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Yes, the Hyundai i30 N had the segment’s archetypal front-wheel-drive hot hatch in its sights right from day one.
Geely Coolray (2026) Price & Specs
Coolray officially touches down in SA Trio of trim levels offered from launch 1.5T engine offers 128 kW & 290 Nm Geely Auto South Africa has expanded its local portfolio with the launch of the Geely Coolray crossover, the 3rd model to be introduced since the Chinese automaker returned to Mzansi late in 2025.
Chery’s upcoming small bakkie exposed!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What evidence suggests Chery is developing a new compact unibody bakkie for South Africa? A: According to Cars.co.za, Chery’s global headquarters officially applied to register the exterior design of an unnamed compact pick-up with South African patent authorities in November 2025, with the registration granted in early June 2026.
New Hyundai i20 gains crossover-inspired looks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What are the key architectural and design upgrades featured on the newly revealed Hyundai i20? A: The new-generation Hyundai i20 transitions from the previous K2 architecture to an evolved version of the K3 platform. Visually, the model embraces a crossover-inspired aesthetic, utilising raised ride height and protective black-plastic exterior cladding to act as a bridge between a conventional hatchback and a compact SUV.
Nio’s Firefly hatchback heading to South Africa?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the official status of Nio’s Firefly electric vehicle launch in South Africa? A: While localised trademark applications, social media pages and a web domain point to infrastructure preparations, Nio’s global headquarters in Shanghai has clarified that the official launch timing for South Africa is “still to be determined”. Furthermore, the global division indicated that the existing “Firefly South Africa” Facebook page is not an official company channel.
Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the launch pricing for the new Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 in South Africa? A: The 3rd-generation (C178) Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 launches with a base price of R937 000. Once emissions tax is factored in, the final starting price is R939 519. This places the sleek sedan R36 645 above the previous-generation model and slightly under the entry-level C-Class (C200 Avantgarde) pricing threshold.
Global NCAP says Sonet and Jolion ‘fall short’ on safety
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What were the specific Global NCAP crash-test scores for the SA-spec Kia Sonet and Haval Jolion? A: In the recent safety assessments conducted in collaboration with the AA of South Africa, the entry-level Kia Sonet LS received a 1-star rating for adult-occupant protection. The entry-level GWM Haval Jolion City performed slightly better, securing a 2-star rating for adult protection. Both compact crossovers achieved a 3-star rating for child-occupant protection.
BYD Atto 2 DM-i (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the pricing for the new BYD Atto 2 DM-i in South Africa, and what title does it hold? A: The new BYD Atto 2 DM-i launches in South Africa in two variants: the entry-level Comfort priced from R449 900 and the higher-spec Dynamic from R489 900. With this aggressive pricing, the Atto 2 DM-i officially becomes South Africa’s most affordable plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), undercutting its larger stablemate, the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i.
New Hilux BEV listed on Toyota SA’s website, but…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Why is the new Toyota Hilux BEV listed on the South African website if it is not commercially available? A: While the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is listed alongside the 9th-generation diesel derivatives, Toyota South Africa Motors is seemingly utilising it as a proof of concept.
Bentley Bentayga Artenara Edition (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the pricing for the new Bentley Bentayga Artenara Edition in South Africa? A: The standard-wheelbase Bentley Bentayga Artenara Edition is priced from R5 259 000, while the extended-wheelbase (EWB) Artenara Edition starts at R5 808 000. These figures represent a premium of R617 000 for the standard model and R545 000 for the EWB variant over their respective baseline counterparts.
Bentley Continental GT S (2026) Price & Specs
New S-badged versions of Continental GT unleashed PHEV set-up makes unchanged 500 kW and 930 Nm Newcomers gain Bentley’s sportier chassis set-up At the end of January 2026, the new Bentley Continental GT S and Continental GTC S were revealed overseas. Now these S-badged twins have touched down in South Africa. So, what will they cost you?
Toyota Hilux (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What are the launch configurations and engine options for the 9th-generation Toyota Hilux in South Africa? A: The 9th-generation Toyota Hilux launch lineup is initially truncated to 7 derivatives, available exclusively in extended-cab (Xtra Cab) and double-cab body styles. All launch models utilise the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine (producing 150 kW and 500 Nm) paired solely with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
SEE | SA’s only 5 sub-R1.5m plug-in hybrid electric vehicles not from China
4m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article 2026 Toyota RAV4 Motorpress Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial.
SA’s NEV sales for Q1 2026: PHEV market surges 430%
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: How did South Africa’s overall new-energy vehicle (NEV) market perform in Q1 2026? A: Total NEV sales in Mzansi grew by 31.5% year-on-year during the first quarter of 2026, reaching 4 585 units. This total accounted for 2.8% of South Africa’s overall new-vehicle market (161,978 units) for the opening three months of the year, perfectly matching the market share achieved throughout 2025.
How well did the new Kia Carens sell in its launch month?
New Carens falls just short of 50-unit mark Still outsells Carnival, Sportage & Sorento Local range comprises 4 turbodiesel variants On 4 May 2026, the new Kia Carens officially hit the market in South Africa, with the local line-up numbering 4 derivatives. So, how well did this fresh-faced 7-seater MPV sell in its launch month?
Grand i10 on the podium! SA’s best-selling passenger cars in May 2026
Polo Vivo reclaims passenger-car title in May Grand i10 posts highest sales yet to take 3rd Starlet and Urban Cruiser back in the top 10 In May 2026, South Africa’s new-vehicle sales increased 12.8% year on year to 51 071 units, with the local passenger-vehicle segment registering even stronger growth, gaining 16.3% year on year to reach 36 871 units. But which passenger vehicles were most popular with local buyers last month?
New Toyota Land Cruiser FJ: early SA sales figures revealed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: How many Toyota Land Cruiser FJ units were registered during its South African launch month? A: Following its official arrival at South African dealerships on 18 May 2026, Toyota SA Motors registered 127 units of the new Land Cruiser FJ during May 2026. The vast majority (116 units) were sold directly through the dealer network, while 11 units were recorded as single registrations for internal use.
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