NEW MODELS
AUDI RS3 SPORTBACK
Discerning car collectors will tell you that rare engine configurations guarantee future collectability. It’ s why Ferrari V12 cars from the 1960s are so much more valuable than V8 supercars from the same era.
In a modern world where scale is everything in engine design, the high-performance 5-cylinder turbopetrol is exceedingly rare. In fact, only Audi’ s RS3 has it. Its unique sound and immense 294kW power delivery anchor the RS3 driving experience.
Active differentials ensure a more agile, truer Quattro driving experience than with Audi’ s larger, more expensive, RS-themed SUVs Sportback bodystyle is wonderfully versatile, too, which makes this RS3 a true family supercar.
CHERY TIGGO T9 1.5T CSH PHEV
Immensely powerful, with seating for 7, a real-world driving range of more than 1000km and all the in-car tech you’ d ever need. All for under R1m.
Chery’ s lead model in South Africa has deeply impressive specs. Its 1.5 turbopetrol engine and large battery pack combine for 455kW, giving the T9 incredibly potent overtaking acceleration.
But it’ s all about the spacious cabin, comprehensive digitisation, luxury specification, and incredible range. Pure electric drive is good for 160km, ideal for commuting in heavy traffic. With a brimmed tank of fuel and a fully charged battery pack, the T9 will easily run for over 1000km, making it an outstanding luxury family road trip vehicle for South African distances.
LEXUS RX 500E
Toyota’ s luxury sub-brand has been delivering hybrids to South African buyers longer than any other luxury brand. But RX 500e is its first EV.
A daringly styled crossover with typically handbuilt cabin quality, the RX 500e is also the first car in South Africa with wireless steering. That means even a 90-degree turn into a parking space never requires you to cross over the hands or twirl the steering wheel through a full rotation.
RX 500e has 280kW of power, from a 74.6 kWh battery pack. Acceleration is sportscar-fast( 0-100km / h in 4.6 seconds), but more importantly, RX 500e’ s driving range is 500km between charges. And best of all, there’ s an 8-year battery warranty.
VW TRANSPORTER
Bold exterior design, built on Ford’ s proven Transit platform. The VW Transporter’ s driving position is brilliant, allowing terrific visibility when you need to edge into narrow delivery or parking spaces.
There’ s plenty of clever storage around the cabin, much of it out of view, which is a valuable security consideration for South African delivery van drivers. Load space is enormous, big enough for three Euro-spec pallets.
VW’ s Transporter is powered by Ford’ s single-turbo 2.0 diesels, which use maintenance-sensitive wet timing belts. These are also EcoBlue engines, which means you need to keep the 20-litre AdBlue tank topped up as required.
WORDS IN ACTION 27 MARCH 2026