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The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
2025 Land Rover Defender Octa Black: South African price and specs
Land Rover has whipped the wraps off the Defender Octa Black, with the local arm of the British marque revealing how much the menacing-looking limited edition will cost in South Africa. See pricing below… Following the reveal of the Range Rover Sport SV Black, Land Rover has now applied the same formula to the flagship Defender, the Octa. And it will strictly be available in limited numbers. The Defender Octa Black features Narvik Black exterior paintwork, Satin Black Powder Coat finish for the front undershield and rear scuff plates, and gloss black exhaust outlets. Several underbody elements have also been finished in the latter hue. The limited edition is available with the choice of 20- and 22-inch wheels, replete with black centre caps. The exterior theme is carried over to the cabin, where the facia is finished in black and the seats are upholstered in Ebony semi-aniline leather and textile material. Carbon-fibre trim is available as a cost option. As a reminder, the Coventry automaker's most powerful Defender employs a 4.4l V8, sourced from BMW. The twin-turbocharged petrol unit produces a healthy 467kW and 750N.m of torque, delivered to all four corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission. According to Land Rover, these figures allow the pinnacle Defender to sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in four seconds, before topping out at 250km/h, or 210km/h when fitted with 20-inch wheels. Land Rover Defender Octa Black price in South Africa The Defender Octa Black is priced from R3 979 500, making it R315 900 more expensive than the standard Defender Octa, which we sampled in First Edition form in January 2025. Included in the pricing are a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan and a warranty spanning the same number of years and distance. Land Rover Defender Octa Black — R3 979 500 Said Mark Cameron, MD of the Defender brand: 'The introduction of the Defender Octa Black takes things up a notch [on the standard derivative]. We know our clients love giving their Defenders all-black finishes, so our designers have applied this principle to every possible surface – inside and out – to create the ultimate tough luxury Defender Octa.' Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post 2025 Land Rover Defender Octa Black: South African Price & Specs appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Review: BYD Shark 6 Premium
In South Africa, the arrival of any new double-cab offering is always likely to cause a stir, none more so in recent times than the BYD Shark 6. CAR Mag has been behind the wheel, including in off-road conditions. First impressions here. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! Fast facts: BYD Shark 6 Price: R959 900 Powertrain: 1.5l, four-cylinder turbopetrol + electric motors Transmission: Single-speed automatic Power: 321kW Torque: 650N.m Driven wheels: Four 0-100km/h: 5.66 seconds (tested) Top speed: 160km/h Claimed fuel consumption: 9.6l/100km (claimed; when battery is discharged) What are we driving? Having adopted a measured approach to establishing its South African operations, BYD (Build Your Dreams), the largest automaker in China, feels confident that it has all the necessary mechanisms in place, including a fast-growing dealership network, to introduce several of its modern vehicle offerings to our shores. Forming part of its so-called Ocean series, which draws inspiration from this body of water's sustainable energy cycles, the Shark 6 double cab joins the all-electric Dolphin, Seal and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Sealion 6 and 7. Why is the BYD Shark 6 significant? While BYD assembles the Shark 6, including its dual-motor hybrid powertrain and Dual Motor Off-road system, at its Super Intelligent Factory in Zhengzhou, Henan, this product is only destined for markets outside of China, where the brand hopes it might have a disruptive effect. Based on the average reaction to the sight of our Snowy White Shark 6 test unit, it's safe to say BYD has achieved its initial goal. What's new on the BYD Shark 6? It's likely no coincidence that the Shark 6's exterior styling draws plenty of inspiration from the US market's larger pick-up offerings, including the Ford F-150. Once you add the striking use of LED lighting, the styling of the American brand's all-electric F-150 Lightning derivative certainly comes into play. Larger than a modern Ranger double cab, it's interesting that the Ford's wheelbase trumps that of its Chinese rival by 350mm. This is a result of the Shark's unique powertrain packaging. Incorporating BYD's patented compact and relatively lightweight 29.58kWh Blade Battery setup, this dual-motor hybrid system sees a pair of electric motors, one per axle, front and rear, supplemented by a 1.5l turbopetrol engine. Operated via a single-speed EHS (electric hybrid system) transmission and always favouring all-wheel drive, this innovative (321kW/650N.m) powertrain can run in three configurations. With the battery fully charged (via a home wall box included in the purchase or using up to 55kW of DC public charging), the BYD has an electric-only operating range of 85km. Once this indicated range has been depleted, the system will run 'in series', using the internal combustion engine to power the front wheels, but also as a generator to recharge the battery. A third option sees the electric motors working in parallel with the engine for maximum performance, including a tested 0-100km/h sprint time of just 5.66 seconds. Interestingly, despite what the onboard readout suggests, this hybrid powertrain aims to retain at least 20% charge (it can't be completely depleted) to supplement the driving experience. This includes initial throttle uptake and overtaking acceleration, two elements often criticised on Chinese products. What does the BYD Shark 6 cost? Available in a choice of four exterior colours and sold exclusively in flagship, Premium specification, the BYD Shark 6 retails for R959 900. Included in the pricing is a five-year/100 000km vehicle warranty, an eight-year/200 000km warranty for the battery and a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan. What are the BYD Shark 6's rivals? Until the new Ford Ranger PHEV arrives and Toyota furnishes us with its powertrain plans for the next-generation Hilux, the Shark 6 has no natural rivals in the South African market. While based on performance, many have placed the modern Ranger Raptor in the same category. On price, the BYD competes against the Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo DC Wildtrak 4×4 and Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 48V DC 4×4 Legend. Related: Top 12 Best Buys 2025: Double Cab – Ford Ranger What is the BYD Shark 6 like to drive? The BYD Shark 6 ticks a lot of boxes in this segment. Its cabin is impressively well put-together and nicely isolated from the outside world. Seating throughout is broadly comfortable, and a 15.6-inch infotainment display that can rotate between landscape and portrait orientations is a neat, if somewhat gimmicky, inclusion. It needs to be horizontal when paired with a smartphone, while the latter device itself can be placed on a ventilated 50W wireless charging dock. In a best-case ownership scenario, the BYD Shark 6's powertrain is fully charged each morning, allowing it to run as an EV for most commuting and school runs. With the system unable to perform a meaningful recharge while on the move, once you're relying on the internal combustion engine, you'll be looking at an average fuel consumption of around 10l/100km. Riding on independent suspension, front and rear, and together with a 2.7-tonne kerb weight, the BYD feels suitably substantial on the road. Thankfully, the inclusion of a relatively well-weighted steering setup and a full bouquet of camera-based parking assistance systems mean this large double cab isn't too intimidating to manoeuvre around town. Including a payload of 790kg, the Shark's generously proportioned load bed features an assist-lowered tailgate (though it's heavy to close), integrated lighting and mounting points, and a set of 230V plug points for vehicle-to-load functionality, including into your home. The DMO setup has no mechanical connection between the front and rear axles, relying on software to determine where to direct torque in off-road driving scenarios. While the standard fitment of notably road-biased 18-inch tyres isn't the best starting point when it comes to this BYD's adventurous side, based on our time with the vehicle, and despite the inclusion of several pre-programmed terrain modes, the Shark 6 simply isn't as capable off-road as a traditional 4×4. While the open-road ride quality is impressive, we did note some lateral 'shimmer' at lower speeds over uneven surfaces, with the suspension seeming unsettled in this scenario. Verdict In a segment where the lead times for the introduction of all-new products remain lengthy, the arrival of the box-fresh BYD Shark 6 deserves to be viewed with enthusiasm. Where other Chinese brands have broadly followed a familiar formula with their respective double-cab offerings, BYD has taken the initiative by attempting to future-proof this popular segment. That said, while there's a lot to like about BYD's first attempt at a bakkie, unless you're willing to add another compelling element to package, like the suspension upgrade on the Ranger Raptor, as long as there is modern turbodiesel powertrain technology on offer, it's likely to remain the weapon of choice in this segment, particularly when it comes to both workhorse and adventure-focused applications. The post Review: BYD Shark 6 Premium appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Confirmed: Kia Syros Crossover heading to South Africa
Positioned between the Sonet and Seltos, Kia has confirmed the Syros is heading to South Africa. Here's what we know so far. In February, CAR Mag reported that, while the Kia Syros remained unconfirmed for South Africa at the time, the Seltos' smaller sibling is likely to make its way to our shores, considering the India-built crossover/SUV is already available in right-hand drive and our market's ever-increasing preference towards vehicles of this ilk. Now, at the recent local launch of the facelifted fourth-generation Sorento, the local arm of the South Korean carmaker confirmed that the Syros will, indeed, make its way to South Africa. So, what do we know so far about the upcoming crossover/SUV? Well, for starters, the Syros will be positioned between the popular Sonet and Seltos in Kia South Africa's crossover/SUV model portfolio. The Syros is based on a reinforced version of the Hyundai-Kia K1 platform, which currently underpins the Hyundai Exter and Grand i10. However, the Syros' 3 995mm-long frame is 115mm shorter, front to rear, compared to the Sonet's. Though, contributing to its purposeful stance, the Syros' sheet metal is 10mm wider (1 800 vs 1 790mm) than the Sonet and stands 55mm taller (1 665 vs 1 610mm) than the latter compact crossover/SUV. The Syros' 2 550mm wheelbase is also 50mm longer (at 2 550mm) than the Sonet's. The Syros was unveiled with the choice of two engine options: an 88kW/172N.m, 1l, three-cylinder turbopetrol and an 85kW/250N.m, 1.5l, four-cylinder turbocharged oil-burner, both of which available with a six-speed manual transmission. Though, the petrol and diesel can also be had with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and six-speed self-shifter, respectively. The South Korean automaker's local arm has yet to confirm which powertrain will be employed by the local Syros lineup, but we expect it will be the 1l turbo-triple, the latter probably available with both the six-speed manual in entry-level models and seven-speed dual-clutch in higher-spec derivatives. Seen here, the Syros sports a 12.3-inch, touch-enabled infotainment display, digital instrumentation, wireless smartphone charging and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. However, local specifications have yet to be confirmed. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag! The post Confirmed! Kia Syros Crossover Heading to SA appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Facelifted Kia Sorento in SA: Pricing and specs
The facelifted fourth-generation Kia Sorento has landed in South Africa, with the South Korean automaker's local arm revealing pricing and specs for the updated model lineup. Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! A 2025 Top 12 Used Buys winner, the fourth-generation Kia Sorento received a timely update in 2023. Sporting fresh exterior styling and upgraded interior tech, the facelifted model lineup has now finally arrived in South Africa, with the three-strong range priced from a hair below R1m. Related: Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Premium Midsize SUV – Kia Sorento Representing the 'Bold for Nature' pillar in Kia's 'Opposites United' design philosophy, the fresh-faced Sorento's revised front grille and bonnet, replete with 3D mesh pattern, and newly introduced vertical LED headlamps clusters, the latter incorporating with fresh daytime-running light signatures, lend the seven-seater SUV a more purposeful appearance. Round back, the LED taillamp array has received subtle updates, including the fitment of a new lighting signature. The wheel arches have also been redesigned and house 20-inch alloy wheels as standard. Three trim lines are on offer: EX+, SX and SXL. As standard, all models ship with keyless entry and start; 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment, replete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; wireless smartphone charging; dual-zone climate control; a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel; synthetic leather upholstery for the pews; a panoramic sunroof; and reverse-view camera system supplemented by fore and aft park distance sensors. On top of the aforementioned items, the mid-tier, SX model gains heated/ventilated electrically adjustable front pews, steering wheel heating, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control (as opposed to the EX+'s standard system) and additional driver safety systems. The latter includes lane-keep and following assist, rear cross traffic alert and blind-spot collision avoidance. The flagship SXL model's list of standard spec further includes a head-up display, 12.3-inch digital instrumentation, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, surround-view camera array, side parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. A single engine, exclusively coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, is employed across the range. The 2.2l, four-cylinder turbodiesel produces 148kW and 440N.m of torque. The EX+ variant delivers power to the front wheels, while the SX and SXL are equipped with all-wheel drivetrains. Kia claims an average fuel consumption of 6.1l/100km for both drivetrains Facelifted Kia Sorento price in SA The facelifted Sorento is priced from R999 995 for the EX+ to R1 299 995 for the SXL. Pricing includes a six-year/90 000km service plan and five-year/unlimited km warranty. Sorento 2.2CRDi EX+ DCT — R999 995 Sorento 2.2CRDi AWD SX DCT — R1 199 995 Sorento 2.2CRDi AWD SXL DCT — R1 299 995 Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles with CARmag! The post Facelifted Kia Sorento in SA – Pricing and Specs appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Hyundai Exter brings SUV attitude to compact car practicality
At first glance, the Hyundai Exter might seem like a Grand i10 wearing hiking boots – and that's not too far off. Under the skin, the Exter shares its platform and mechanical bones with the Grand i10, but its styling, packaging and positioning mean it's aimed at a different kind of buyer in South Africa. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CAR Magazine (@carmagazinesa) Looking for a new or used Hyundai? Find it here with CARmag! Hyundai didn't just give the Exter a plastic cladding and call it a day. No, it stretched the Grand i10 formula into the small crossover space, answering a question many buyers may have been asking: 'Can I get something compact, efficient and spacious that doesn't look like a rental car?' Design: Inside-out Let's start with the looks. The Exter leans heavily into crossover styling cues, with square lines, exaggerated wheel arches, roof rails and upright lighting elements. Compared with the hatchback's softer curves and the sedan's more subdued shape, the Exter appears chunkier and more SUV-like, even though it's not much bigger. The boomerang LED daytime running lights, H-shaped elements, and plastic body cladding aren't just for show – they give it presence. In contrast, the Grand i10 hatch is friendlier and more youthful, while the sedan plays it safe and practical. Inside, the Exter builds on the Grand i10's foundation but brings a few surprises. The basic layout is familiar – touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, manual aircon – but the Exter feels more upmarket in how it uses space and materials (even though plastic is abundant). The higher seating position gives drivers better visibility, and there's a sense of more headroom and width thanks to the boxier shape. Like the hatch and sedan, the Exter offers rear air vents, USB ports, and split-folding rear seats on higher trims, but it feels slightly more premium in execution, particularly in its cabin colour themes. In our initial impressions of the little crossover, we noted: 'The Exter has a big role in enhancing Hyundai's local portfolio. In taking over from the Venue as the automaker's most affordable crossover, it must convince potential buyers of its prowess. The eye-catching price point will draw in consumers, but how the buying public reacts to the overt use of plastic will be key.' Size compared to siblings Dimensionally, the differences are subtle but meaningful. The Exter has a slightly longer wheelbase and sits taller than the Grand i10 hatch, which improves rear seat comfort and boot access. At 3 815mm long, it's a tad shorter than the sedan (3 995mm) but more upright, which means more usable interior space in a smaller footprint. It rides higher off the ground, too – an important consideration for rural or less-than-perfect urban roads in South Africa. That extra ride height gives the crossover the advantage over speed bumps and gravel, something the low-slung Grand i10 hatchback and sedan sometimes need a more gracious hand for when crossing. In summary So, where exactly does the Exter slot in? It doesn't replace the Grand i10 – instead, it builds on it. Think of it as the adventurous sibling in a sensible family. The Grand i10 hatchback still makes perfect sense for city drivers looking for efficiency and value in a small footprint. The sedan adds more boot space and a slightly more grown-up appeal. The Exter, however, adds some flair and versatility for those who want SUV looks without SUV costs. Importantly, Hyundai hasn't priced the crossover out of reach. Its value proposition is strong, and for many buyers, the newcomer will feel like a more substantial car without asking for much more money than a top-spec Grand i10. And that's the point. Hyundai Exter pricing Exter 1.2 Premium MT – R269 900 Exter 1.2 Executive MT – R289 900 Exter 1.2 Premium AT – R294 900 Exter 1.2 Executive AT – R314 900 Exter 1.2 Elite AT – R334 900 Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Where the Hyundai Exter Fits in the Grand i10 Line-Up appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
