Springboks score tries in Nissan Navara Pro4X
Two leading Springbok rugby players, Aphelele Fassi and Jordan Hendrikse, have taken delivery of their new Nissan Navara Pro4X bakkies in Durban.
- Industry News
- 12 May 2026
Toyota has followed the launch of the Suzuki Baleno with a new Toyota Starlet.
Revised front and rear styling have upped the visual ante with sleek headlamps up front, chrome detailing, a sloping rear roofline with boot spoiler and two-piece rear light clusters that complete the profile.
A revised interior design features swooping accent lines and blue detailing, with a large centrally mounted infotainment screen and easy-to-read instrument binnacle. A sporty, three-spoke steering wheel with large Toyota insignia and steering switches, is also provided.
The newcomer gets a boost in performance with the adoption of a larger 1.5-litre engine (as employed in the Baleno, Rumion, Jimny and Urban Cruiser), replacing the outgoing 1.4-litre engine. This enhances performance by 9 kW (for a total output of 77 kW), while the torque receives an 8 Nm amplification to take it to a max of 138 Nm.

Despite the increase in performance, the fuel index remains low, ranging between 5.4 and 5.7 l/100 km.
In response to customer feedback and market trends, the new Starlet also boasts an upgraded specification roster. All models now come equipped with a touchscreen audio system (either 18 or 23 cm) with USB, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto interface, as well as a rear USB charger. Automatic Climate Control, power-retractable mirrors and electric windows.

Driver assistance is aided by rear parking sensors (PDC), Hill Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Control, ABS and EBD across the board. Driver and passenger airbags are also provided with the flagship Xr grade featuring side and curtain versions too.
The top-tier Xr model adds Smart Entry, Push Start and Cruise Control, amongst other niceties.
The three-grade strategy has been retained (Xi, Xs and Xr). Buyers have a choice between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission on Xs and Xr models, resulting in a model matrix of 5 variants.

* The prices (May 2022)
1.5 Xi MT (R226 200), 1.5 Xs MT (R239 100), 1.5 Xs AT (R261 100), 1.5 Xr MT (R294 900) and the Starlet 1.5 Xr AT (R313 300).
All Starlet models are sold with a 3-services/45 000 km service plan – with 15 000 km service intervals. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided.
The BYD Atto 8 is the latest addition to the Chinese brand’s line-up in South Africa. Unlike the Sealion 7, which is a midsize fully electric coupe-SUV, the Atto 8 is a large seven-seater plug-in hybrid SUV designed to combine practicality with extended driving range. It is offered locally in two versions: Premium and Performance AWD.
The Kia Carens nameplate makes its return to South Africa, this time as a seven‑seater designed with families in mind. It combines Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) styling with Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) practicality, offering space, comfort and efficiency, Kia says.
The Omoda C4 has been unveiled at the Beijing International Auto Show, marking the latest addition to the brand’s crossover lineup.