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
GWM still ‘pursuing’ SA production after losing Rosslyn bid
GWM lost bid for Nissan’s Rosslyn plant to Chery COO says he still sees “opportunity” for SA facility Firm “keeping an eye” on SA’s policy developments GWM South Africa says it’s still “pursuing” local production after losing a bid for Nissan’s Rosslyn factory to fellow Chinese automaker Chery. In January 2026, Nissan confirmed it had reached an agreement with the Chery Group regarding the sale of the facility, including all land, buildings and associated assets.
Here’s how many units iCaur has sold in SA so far
iCaur releases SA sales figures V23 accounts for 76% of sales V27 next on the menu for SA? Chery Group sub-brand iCaur has released sales figures for its opening 3 months in South Africa, revealing how many units of the fully electric V23 and 03T have been registered in Mzansi thus far. Though the Chinese marque doesn’t (yet?) report sales figures to industry-representative body Naamsa, it has now released some basic sales details.
New BYD Ti 7 ‘coming soon’ to SA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Is the new BYD Ti 7 coming to South Africa? A: Yes, official local BYD dealerships have indicated that the boxy 7-seater PHEV is “coming soon” to South Africa, following trademark filings and official evaluation by BYD Auto SA. Q: What are the key specifications and powertrain details of the SA-spec BYD Ti 7?
GWM SA eyeing new 4.0-litre V8 for 2027
New 4.0 V8 engine pencilled in for SA GWM SA aiming for late-2027 launch Tank 700 seems most likely candidate The man at the helm of GWM South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the Chinese brand is “fighting” to launch its new 4.0-litre V8 powertrain in Mzansi before the end of 2027. Conrad Groenewald, Chief Operating Officer of GWM South Africa, made the comments during a wide-ranging interview on the Cars.co.za BizCars podcast ahead of DealerCon 2026.
New Renault Niagara double-cab bakkie revealed
New Niagara revealed for Latin America Payload capacity comes in at 654 kg No talk of right-hand-drive production Almost 3 years after the concept was unveiled, the new Renault Niagara double-cab bakkie has been fully revealed in production form – though the French brand has made it clear the unibody newcomer has been developed specifically for Latin American markets. That, of course, suggests right-hand-drive production is unlikely (for the time being, anyway).
JMC Grand Avenue (2026) Price & Specs
Pair of derivatives available at launch 2.5TD delivers 155 kW and 500 Nm Some 100 mm longer than Ranger DC Late in 2025, Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) returned to South Africa, kicking off its local operations with the JMC Vigus Pro workhorse bakkie and the Carrying Plus truck, before adding the Vigus double cab in March 2026. And now the JMC Grand Avenue has arrived. Offered exclusively in double-cab form, the Grand Avenue measures 5 450 mm from nose to tail and has a wheelbase of 3 270 mm.
Tata ‘considering’ EVs for South Africa
Tata EVs under consideration for SA Brand dominates EV space in India Currently offers 7 EVs in that market A high-ranking executive at Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles South Africa has confirmed the Indian brand’s local division is “definitely considering” adding fully electric vehicles (EVs) to its growing passenger-car range at some point down the line.
Hyundai Creta (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What does the facelifted Hyundai Creta cost in South Africa? A: Cars.co.za’s information suggests the facelifted Hyundai Creta line-up starts at R434 900 for the entry-level 1.5 Premium CVT and tops out at R569 000 for the flagship 1.5T N Line DCT derivative. Q: What engine and transmission options power the updated Hyundai Creta range?
Jaecoo J5 1.5T SHS HEV (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What does the new Jaecoo J5 1.5T SHS HEV cost in South Africa? A: The Jaecoo J5 1.5T SHS HEV is priced at R459 900, positioning it as one of South Africa’s most affordable traditional hybrid vehicles. Q: What are the powertrain, performance and efficiency specifications for the Jaecoo J5 HEV?
Hyundai Stargazer coming to SA in 2027
Stargazer to launch in 2027 MPV offers 3 rows of seating 1.5-litre petrol engine likely Hyundai Automotive South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that it plans to introduce the Stargazer – a compact MPV that offers up to 7 seats – to the local market in the opening quarter of 2027.
End of the road: 7 big-name vehicles axed in SA in 2026
Comments Gift article Bookmark 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article The Honda Civic is just one of the big-model names which can no longer be bought in South Africa as a new vehicle. Supplied 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. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
Renault Duster posts best SA sales month since early 2022
SA recently switched to Chennai-built Duster Sales quickly hit level last seen in early 2022 Latest version starts R150k lower than before Renault South Africa’s decision to switch from the Romanian-built Duster to the far more affordable Indian-made version has paid immediate dividends for the company, with August 2026 seeing the nameplate clock its highest single-month sales figure in well over 4 years.
Facelifted Suzuki Baleno revealed (with new engine)
Refreshed Baleno unwrapped in India Update includes new front-end design Indian-spec version switches to 3-pot Meet the facelifted Suzuki Baleno. Unveiled in India where it’s produced by Maruti Suzuki, the refreshed version of the 2nd-generation hatchback features not only a handful of exterior design changes but also the latest “Z Series” 3-cylinder engine familiar from the Swift and Dzire.
New vehicle brands raise repair risks for fleets and insurers, expert warns
2 days7 days30 daysBy Industry Show more Search jobs Advertise your job vacancies Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries South Africa's growing mix of vehicle brands and electric models is creating new challenges for insurers, brokers and fleet operators, particularly when vehicles need to be repaired after an accident.
Tata Osprey (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the Tata Osprey and how much does it cost in South Africa? A: The Tata Osprey is a sub-4-metre crossover (known as the Nexon in India) that serves as the 5th passenger model in Tata’s local line-up. South African pricing ranges from R249 900 for the entry-level 1.2T Smart+ 5MT to R329 900 for the range-topping 1.2T Creative+ PS 7DCT. Q: What engine and transmission options power the Tata Osprey in SA?
Tiggo 4 nips at Vivo’s heels! SA’s best-selling cars in August 2026
SA-built Polo Vivo retains first place Tiggo 4 Cross posts highest total yet Ertiga climbs 2 rankings to 7th spot Starlet Cross returns to the top 10 Polo hatch makes top 15 appearance In August 2026, South Africa’s total new-vehicle sales increased 11.4% year on year to 57 898 units, with the local new passenger-vehicle market growing 11.6% to 41 216 units. So, which passenger cars were top of the sales charts in Mzansi last month?
New Mitsubishi Pajero revealed (and pencilled in for SA)
Pajero reborn after 5-year pause Switches to ladder-frame chassis Single-turbo 2.4-litre turbodiesel After a 5-year hiatus, the Mitsubishi Pajero is back. The Japanese brand’s SUV has switched to a thoroughly updated version of the Triton‘s ladder-frame chassis (as opposed to a monocoque body with a built-in frame) and is poised to replace the Pajero Sport as well.
No stopping Hilux! SA’s best-selling bakkies in August 2026
Hilux way out in front despite 7.4% dip Ranger posts highest figure in 2 years Nissan Navara climbs back to 8th place Bolero almost cracks top 10 in August Tasman sales dwindle to just 17 units In August 2026, sales in South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 11.4% year on year to 57 898 units, with the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment growing 11.0% year on year to 13 727 units. But what happened on the list of SA’s best- and worst-selling bakkies?
Ford hits 5-year high! SA’s new-vehicle sales in August 2026
New-vehicle sales up 11.4% year-on-year in August Exports decline 11.9% year on year to 35 091 units Ford posts highest total in over 5 years to grab 4th Chery hits record figure to again rank ahead of GWM Tata Motors PV SA breaks into top 15 for first time In August 2026, sales in South Africa’s new-vehicle market increased 11.4% year on year to 57 898 units, representing the local industry’s 23rd consecutive month of year-on-year growth as well as the 2nd-highest total of the year (after...
Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the starting price for the new Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback range in South Africa? A: The new range starts at R1 275 000 for the Q5 Sportback TDI 150 kW quattro S line, while the standard body style Q5 range kicks off from R1 295 000 for the TFSI 200 kW quattro S line. Q: What powertrains and outputs are available across the new Audi Q5 line-up?
GWM SA to launch Wey luxury brand in 2027
Wey luxury brand coming to SA next year Launch expected towards middle of 2027 Marque offers large crossovers and MPVs The head of GWM South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the Chinese automaker plans to introduce its Wey luxury brand to Mzansi as a “standalone” marque towards the middle of 2027. Conrad Groenewald, Chief Operating Officer of GWM South Africa, made the comments during a wide-ranging interview on the Cars.co.za BizCars podcast ahead of DealerCon 2026.
Lexus ES (2026) Price & Specs
New ES range set to comprise 3 variants Pair of HEV derivatives and EV flagship New starting price crosses into 7 figures The new Lexus ES is scheduled to hit the market in South Africa soon, offered in both traditional hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and fully electric vehicle (EV) guise. And Cars.co.za can confirm pricing for this 8th-generation luxury sedan ahead of launch.
It’s official: GWM Tank 400 and 700 coming to SA
Tank 400 and 700 locked in for Mzansi Upcoming Tank 800 could arrive, too Tank 400 likely to employ 2.4TD in SA New twin-turbo 4.0 V8 PHEV for 700? The head of GWM South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the Chinese brand plans to expand its off-road-focused Tank range in Mzansi, with the Tank 400 and Tank 700 ladder-frame SUVs already locked in – and the upcoming Tank 800 under consideration as well.
Geely Riddara RD6 (2026) Price & Specs
Riddara RD6 officially launches in SA Trio of double-cab variants on offer Flagship Apex AWD makes 315 kW Geely Auto South Africa has expanded its local portfolio with the official introduction of the Riddara RD6 electric bakkie, offering this unibody double cab in a trio of outputs – with the flagship derivative boasting 315 kW, enough for it to rank as SA’s 2nd most powerful bakkie.
Volkswagen T-Roc (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the starting price for the new 2nd-generation Volkswagen T-Roc in South Africa? A: The new Volkswagen T-Roc range starts at R599 900 for the entry-level 1.4 TSI Life derivative. This represents a price decrease of R49 000 compared to the starting price of the outgoing model. Q: What engine and transmission options are available in the new SA-spec VW T-Roc lineup?
Hyundai Creta facelift: new ‘N Line’ turbo variant for SA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: When will the facelifted Hyundai Creta be launched in South Africa? A: Hyundai Automotive South Africa is scheduled to officially roll out the facelifted 2nd-generation Creta during the second week of September 2026. Q: What variants will make up the local facelifted Hyundai Creta range? A: According to Cars.co.za, the refreshed local line-up will feature two derivatives: an entry-level Creta 1.5 Premium CVT and a new range-topping Creta 1.5T N Line DCT variant.
BYD 'assessing' Dolphin G PHEV hatch for SA
BYD Auto considering Dolphin G for Mzansi SA market currently has no PHEV hatchbacks Could it arrive as SA’s most affordable PHEV? BYD Auto South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that it is “assessing” the new Dolphin G DM-i for the local market, suggesting there might be a place in Mzansi for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) hatchback.
PHEV market drives SA’s strong NEV growth in H1 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: How significantly did South Africa’s overall new-energy vehicle (NEV) market grow in H1 2026? A: Total NEV sales in South Africa surged by 84.2% year on year to reach 13 196 units during the first half of 2026. This performance allowed NEVs to capture a 4.2% share of the country’s total new-vehicle market (315 303 units) over the same 6-month period. Q: What drove the massive surge in PHEV and EV sales during H1 2026?
New VW Tukan small bakkie (including single cab) revealed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the new Volkswagen Tukan and what variants have been revealed? A: The Volkswagen Tukan is a new compact bakkie designed as a replacement for the Saveiro. Revealed in Brazil, the line-up features both a workhorse single-cab in basic “Robust” trim with a long load bed and steel wheels, and a lifestyle double-cab shown in top-tier “Extreme” specification with Canary Yellow paint, alloy wheels and a styling bar.
Hilux grabbed SA’s double-cab sales crown from Ranger last month
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Which double-cab bakkie won the South African sales race in July 2026? A: The Toyota Hilux Double Cab took the top spot in July 2026 with 1 922 units registered, outperforming the Ford Ranger Double Cab (1 599 units) and the Isuzu D-Max Double Cab (889 units), according to Cars.co.za and Lightstone Auto. Q: Who leads the South African double-cab and overall bakkie sales year to date?
End of an era: Honda Civic (including Type R) exits SA
Honda discontinues Civic derivatives in SA Civic RS sedan & Type R hot hatch both gone Brand’s local arm cites “market dynamics” Honda Motor Southern Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the Civic RS sedan and Civic Type R hot hatch have been discontinued in South Africa, bringing down the curtain – locally, anyway – on one of the Japanese automaker’s most iconic nameplates.
New BYD Ti 7 ‘under evaluation’ for South Africa
BYD Ti 7 is under consideration for SA Local exec says it would be a “great fit” PHEV powertrain generates 300 kW The new BYD Ti 7 is officially “under evaluation” for South Africa, with the Chinese brand’s local commercial director suggesting the boxy 7-seater vehicle “would be a great fit for our market”.
Next Hyundai Tucson revealed with bold new design
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: How do the dimensions of the 5th-generation Hyundai Tucson compare to its predecessor? A: The 5th-gen Tucson grows significantly larger, measuring 4 700 mm in length (+60 mm) and 1 905 mm in width (+40 mm), with a 2 785 mm wheelbase (+30 mm). This expanded footprint increases rear headroom by 29 mm (to 1 031 mm). Q: What new interior features and exterior styling highlights define the 5th-gen Hyundai Tucson?
Leapmotor B10 REEV (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: How much does the new Leapmotor B10 REEV cost in South Africa? A: The Leapmotor B10 REEV line-up starts at R499 900 for the entry-level Style derivative, while the higher-spec Design variant is priced at R549 900. Q: How does the Leapmotor B10 range-extender (REEV) system work and what is its range? A: The rear wheels are driven strictly by a 158 kW/240 Nm electric motor powered by an 18.8 kWh battery, providing up to 86 km of pure electric driving.
Toyota RAV4 (2019-2026) Buyer’s Guide
In 2019, the year the 5th-generation Toyota RAV4 launched in South Africa, the Japanese brand’s compact crossover ranked 3rd on the global list of best-selling vehicles. The following year, the RAV4 claimed the runner-up spot, before finally grabbing the title of the world’s most popular vehicle in 2021. Of course, the XA50-series RAV4 was far removed from the original model that debuted way back in 1994. But it also represented a significant step forward compared to its direct predecessor.
New Mahindra Lifestyler bakkie locked in for SA launch
New Lifestyler double cab revealed in India Three versions shown at global premiere Expected to launch in South Africa in 2027 Back in August 2023, the Mahindra Global Pik Up concept was revealed in South Africa. Now, some 3 years later, the production version of this double-cab bakkie – which will wear the Mahindra Lifestyler badge in international markets – has finally been unveiled in India.
Toyota Hilux Single Cab (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the starting price for the 9th-generation Toyota Hilux Single Cab in South Africa? A: The 9th-generation Toyota Hilux Single Cab range starts at R587 200 for the 2.8GD-6 SRX 6AT 4×2 derivative, with the 4×4 configuration priced from R663 800. Q: Will cheaper manual or 2.4-litre engine options be added to the 9th-generation Hilux Single Cab range?
Mazda CX-5 (2026) Price & Specs
4 derivatives available at launch 2.5-litre petrol mill offers 132 kW Both FWD & AWD configurations New Homura grade tops portfolio The new Mazda CX-5 has officially touched down in South Africa, with this 3rd-generation crossover – which was revealed globally in July 2025 – gaining a new Homura flagship grade at the top of its 4-strong line-up. As Cars.co.za reported in late July, the new KM-series CX-5 portfolio in South Africa comprises 4 derivatives at launch.
Mahindra Bolero Maxx (2026) Price & Specs
Bolero Maxx offers choice of payload capacities Single-cab dropside body style comes standard Pricing for Maxx starts at just under R200 000 Mahindra South Africa has officially launched the Bolero Maxx range, with all 3 derivatives offered in a single-cab dropside bakkie body style. The Maxx-badged model replaces the standard Bolero and gives local buyers a choice of 3 payload capacities.
Diesel is dear, but still efficient: SA’s 5 most affordable turbodiesel passenger cars
12 Aug 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 Kia's new Seltos and Carens are both two affordable turbodiesel options in the local market. Motorpress Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
LDV T60 Utility Single Cab (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the starting price for the new LDV T60 Utility Single Cab in South Africa? A: The LDV T60 Utility 2.0TD Single Cab 4×2 6MT starts at R299 900, positioning it as one of the country’s most affordable traditional single-cab bakkies. Q: What engine and capability specs does the LDV T60 Single Cab offer? A: The workhorse is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 120 kW and 410 Nm paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
How well did the new GWM Ora 5 sell in its launch month?
New Ora 5 hits the ground running in SA Already well past Ora 03’s overall total Available with choice of 3 powertrains The new GWM Ora 5 officially hit the market in South Africa on 8 July 2026, available with a choice of 3 distinct powertrains. So, how well did the Chinese brand’s newest crossover sell in its launch month?
New Lepas L6 for SA: starting price revealed
Lepas L6 deliveries to commence soon Local range to comprise pair of variants Both derivatives to use 1.5T and 6DCT Although the new Lepas L6 – the Chery Group sub-brand’s 2nd model after the L4 that arrived in March 2026 – has yet to officially launch in South Africa, we now have a strong idea of this fresh-faced Chinese crossover’s starting price in our market. As a reminder, pre-orders opened back in June 2026, with Lepas SA saying deliveries were “scheduled to begin in late July 2026”.
Swift back on podium! SA’s best-selling passenger cars in July 2026
SA-built Polo Vivo extends its lead Tiggo 4 posts its highest sales yet Suzuki Swift returns to the podium Corolla Cross climbs; Grand i10 falls Jolion slips 4 places after June high In July 2026, South Africa’s total new-vehicle sales increased 11.9% year on year to 57 708 units, with the local passenger-vehicle market growing 12.5% to 40 912 units – its highest level since September 2014, according to Naamsa. So, which passenger cars led the sales charge in Mzansi last month?
How well is GAC selling in SA? Sales figures revealed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: How many vehicles did GAC Motor sell in South Africa in July 2026? A: In its first month reporting sales figures to Naamsa, GAC Motor registered 103 units in South Africa during July 2026, with all sales routed through the dealer channel. Q: What is GAC Motor’s best-selling vehicle in South Africa? A: The 7-derivative GS3 Emzoom crossover range (priced from R359 900) led the lineup with 69 units sold in July 2026.
Kia Seltos (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What is the starting price for the new 2nd-generation Kia Seltos in South Africa and how many variants are available? A: The new 2nd-generation (SP3-series) Kia Seltos starts at R389 995 for the entry-level 1.5 LS manual derivative. The local portfolio consists of 7 derivatives spanning LS, LX, GT-Line and a new darkened X-Line trim level, with most variants priced lower than their predecessors.
Hilux’s highest total of the year! SA’s best-selling bakkies in July 2026
Hilux breaches the 4 000-unit barrier again Top 5 positions unchanged month on month Land Cruiser 79 grabs back 6th spot in July JAC’s T-Series range moves up to 8th place Navara sales slide to lowest level in years JMC Vigus sales reported for the first time In July 2026, sales in South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 11.9% year on year to 57 708 units, with the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment posting its 17th straight month of year-on-year growth, improving 10.6% to 13...
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro LS (2026) Price & Specs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: How much does the new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro LS cost in South Africa and which model does it replace? A: It is priced at R499 900, effectively lowering the starting price of the 7-seater range by R30 000. It replaces the Executive+ derivative (previously priced at R529 900) as the entry point into the local line-up. Q: What engine performance and fuel consumption figures are offered by the Tiggo 8 Pro LS?
Record month for Chery! SA’s new-vehicle sales in July 2026
SA’s new-vehicle sales up 11.9% year-on-year in July July represented the 2nd-highest total of 2026 so far Passenger-car market’s best effort since Sept 2014 Toyota SA Motors boosts its market share to 24.5% Chery climbs to 6th place overall with a record total Kia returns to the top 10 at the expense of Mahindra In July 2026, sales in South Africa’s new-vehicle market increased 11.9% year on year to 57 708 units, representing not only the local industry’s 22nd straight month of year-on-year...
Toyota recalls over 2 000 Urban Cruiser units in SA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Why has Toyota South Africa recalled the Urban Cruiser and how many units are affected? A: Toyota South Africa Motors initiated a safety recall for 2 208 units of the Urban Cruiser crossover (sold between 17 January 2025 and 3 June 2025) due to a potential fuel-level indicator defect. The recall covers 2 015 units sold in South Africa, as well as 193 exported units across Namibia (151), Botswana (23), Eswatini (14) and Lesotho (5).
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