CAR OF THE YEAR 2026 GOES TO THE JETOUR T2
The Jetour T2 was voted 2026 Car of the Year by the SAGMJ, marking China’s first victory. Competing against 18 vehicles, it also won the Mild Adventure category. The Omoda C7, Volkswagen Golf, Land Rover Defender, Audi A5, and Audi RS Q8 won various other categories.
OUTENIQUA 600 JUST WEEKS AWAY
All roads lead to the Garden Route from 8 to 10 May, where the Outeniqua 600 will officially open the 2026 South African Rally-Raid Championship. Spanning 566 kilometres over three days, the endurance format is designed to test both machine and mindset.
UNDER THE SKIN
The Porsche 992 and 718 share components from the Modular Mid-engine Platform. The 991 was re-engineered into the lighter 992, using cast, extruded and sheet aluminium with various steel alloys. The 911 Turbo S adopts an evolved version of the 2024 GTS electrified powertrain.
HONEY I STRETCHED THE JIMNY
Stuart Johnston takes a look at the updated Suzuki’s Jimny. It has such a fresh honesty about it – its no-nonsense mechanical specification, its back-to-basics squared-off trad SUV styling, and its at an affordable price. What’s not to like about that!
BMW 3 SERIES
Every seventh BMW sold is a 3 Series, making this iconic model a much sought-after car. It has a 45-year old legacy and the new 3 Series has just launched locally. Take a more indepth look here.
JAPAN INC. FIGHTS TO KEEP ‘ICE’ ALIVE
A group of Japanese vehicle manufacturers Ð Toyota, Subaru, Mazda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha Ð have banded together to explore new options for keeping internal combustion engines (ICE) alive in the face of a mad rush towards electrified vehicles (EVs).
The announcement was made at a joint media conference .
NORTON BLAZE RAPID STRIP
The Norton Blaze Rapid Strip paint and rust remover disc contains a unique ceramic structure that when in use will continuously stay sharp due to the ceramic grain technology. The ceramic grain shape is sharper with keener cutting edges that will provide an instant and rapid paint and rust removal.
PANELBEATERS DIRECTORY OWNER’S PORTAL
We all know the saying “There is only one chance to make a good impression”. The question is why would you leave that first impression in someone else’s hands? We believe every business is unique and what makes you different should be communicated to your market.
LUXOR ULTRA LIGHT ORIGINAL BODY FILLER
Luxor’s Ultra Light original is a premium lightweight polyester filler with thixotropic properties to produce a pinhole-free finish, while allowing easy sanding. It is suited for use on all metal surfaces including aluminium, galvanised steel, stainless steel, and bare steel. It can also be used on wood and polyester surfaces.
RESEARCH : SOME METALLIC FINISHES ARE DETRIMENTAL TO ADAS EQUIPMENT
Research by PPG has found that the use of some metallic finishes on repainted bumper covers can interfere with the operation of radar units located behind them, according to the company’s global products and segments director. PPG’s research, conducted in partnership with a number of OEMs