The OMODA X made its global debut in Wuhu, China, previewing the next evolution of OMODA’s Cyber Mecha design language. The X builds on the design direction introduced by the C4, which is due to launch and later enter production in South Africa in 2027. OMODA X forms part of a broader next-generation product push, with Mecha-inspired styling set to play a central role across future OMODA models. OMODA has unveiled the all-new OMODA X, offering the clearest indication yet of how the brand plans to evolve its crossover design language in the coming years. Revealed at OMODA X Night in Wuhu, China, on 20 October as part of the 2026 OMODA & JAECOO International User Summit, the X takes the brand’s Cyber Mecha design philosophy in a bolder direction, combining geometric forms with a more purposeful and rugged appearance. The design approach is not entirely new to the brand. Cyber Mecha was also previewed on the C4, which is destined for the South African market and is scheduled to enter local production at the Rosslyn manufacturing facility from the third quarter of 2027. With the X, OMODA expands the philosophy further. Mecha-inspired styling will form a central part of the next generation of vehicles, with the X offering an early look at how that design language will evolve across future models. The X represents the next evolution of OMODA’s CROSSVOLUTION philosophy, combining the everyday usability of a crossover with more expressive styling and a stronger focus on individuality. It pushes beyond the conventional urban crossover formula while retaining the versatility expected of the segment. “The OMODA X gives us a much clearer view of where the brand is heading from a design perspective,” says Shannon Gahagan, Head of Brand and Marketing for OMODA & JAECOO and iCAUR South Africa. “The C4 will introduce South African customers to OMODA’s Cyber Mecha design direction, and the X shows how that thinking can evolve across the wider …
OMODA & JAECOO Officially Launch J5 SHS and J5 BEV, Expanding Its Electrified Line-up in South Africa
OMODA & JAECOO officially launch J5 SHS and J5 BEV, expanding its electrified line-up in South Africa OMODA & JAECOO South Africa has expanded the local J5 line-up with the J5 SHS and J5 BEV, giving customers a choice of petrol, hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The J5 SHS combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with electric assistance to produce 165 kW and 295 N.m, with claimed fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100 km and a theoretical range of up to 980 km. The J5 BEV pairs a 155 kW/288 N.m electric motor with a 58.9 kWh LFP battery, providing a claimed range of 402 km on the WLTC cycle, while supporting 11 kW AC and DC fast charging at up to 130 kW. OMODA & JAECOO South Africa has officially launched the J5 SHS and J5 BEV, expanding the local J5 range to three distinct powertrains. The two new-energy derivatives join the petrol-powered J5 introduced in September 2025, giving South African motorists the choice of conventional petrol, hybrid and fully electric propulsion according to their individual requirements. The J5 SHS is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering combined outputs of 165 kW and 295 N.m of torque. A 1.83 kWh battery enables electric propulsion at low speeds and in traffic, contributing to claimed fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100 km. Paired with a 51-litre fuel tank, the J5 SHS is theoretically capable of covering up to 980 km on a tank of fuel. Power is sent to the front wheels via a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). For buyers ready to make the move to fully electric motoring, the J5 BEV is powered by a single permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 155 kW and 288 N.m of torque. Energy is supplied by a 58.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, providing a claimed driving range of 402 km on the WLTC cycle. The J5 BEV supports 11 kW AC charging as well as DC fast charging at up to 130 kW. When connected to a compatible DC fast charger, the …
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Car Scratch? Here’s How to Tell if You Can Fix It Yourself
It only takes a second. A shopping trolley brushes against your car, you misjudge a tight parking space, or someone opens their door a little too enthusiastically. And just like that, there's a scratch that definitely wasn't there this morning. The question is, can you sort it out yourself, or is your wallet about to take a knock? According to Keagan Sloman, Head of Product and Commercial at The Unlimited, the first step is figuring out what you're actually dealing with. “Not all scratches are created equal, and not every mark that looks like a scratch actually is one. Sometimes it’s paint transferred from another object rather than damage to your car’s own paintwork. Other times it’s little more than a surface mark. And then there are scratches that cut right through the clear coat. The trick is knowing the difference before you try to fix anything,” says Sloman. The fingernail test Your car's paintwork has several layers, including primer, colour and a protective clear coat. How deeply a scratch has penetrated these layers can help determine whether a DIY repair is an option. Sloman suggests a simple first check: gently run your fingernail across the scratch. “If your nail glides over it without catching, there's a good chance the damage is limited to the clear coat. Lighter scratches can often be improved with the right polishing product. But if your nail catches, or you can see a different colour or bare metal underneath, it's worth getting a professional opinion.” He cautions that the test is only a useful starting point, however, not a definitive diagnosis. When a little polish might do the trick There’s also a difference between hiding a scratch and removing it. Some waxes can temporarily disguise fine marks, but the scratch itself remains. A polishing compound, on the other hand, may remove or reduce shallow surface damage. But before reaching for any product, check that it’s suitable for your car’s finish. Most scratch removers …
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Metalcross Publishes Guide on Auto Body Repair Standards
FOURWAYS, Johannesburg – Automotive restoration specialist Metalcross Vehicle Makeover Clinic has released an industry-focused advisory examining the quality disparities within the South African collision repair market. The publication serves as an educational resource, equipping motorists with the knowledge required to distinguish professional repair facilities from substandard, informal operations. The Structural Dangers of Informal Repairs The local auto body sector is heavily saturated, making it difficult for everyday consumers to vet service providers effectively. The newly released guide explains that choosing an unverified panel beater carries significant safety risks. Informal repairers frequently lack the diagnostic equipment necessary to identify compromised safety structures. As a result, cosmetic filler is often applied over weakened frames, leaving the vehicle structurally unsound and highly dangerous in the event of a subsequent collision. Deceptive Estimates and Online Misrepresentation The publication also addresses the growing issue of digital misrepresentation. Many substandard repairers manipulate online reviews and offer initial repair estimates that severely undercut the market average. The guide notes that these low estimates are typically achieved by utilizing unsafe aftermarket parts or skipping vital preparatory steps in the painting process. Professional estimators mandate in-person, teardown inspections to generate accurate, itemized quotes that reflect the true scope of the required restoration. Advocating for Industry Accountability A central theme of the advisory is empowering consumers to demand accountability. Metalcross emphasizes that a credible repair facility will always operate transparently, offering clear explanations regarding the origin of replacement parts (OEM versus aftermarket) and providing formalized, multi-year warranties on their craftsmanship. By outlining these core operational standards, the …
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iCAUR V27 Brings Electric Efficiency and Long-Range Flexibility to Modern SUV Drivers
Built on the brand’s Golden REEV platform, the SUV offers up to 150 km of electric-only range and more than 1,000 km of combined driving range for cost-conscious consumers. The iCAUR V27 uses Golden REEV technology to deliver an electric-first driving experience with lower fuel consumption and reduced operating costs. A 34.3 kWh battery provides up to 150 km of electric-only range, while the full system extends total range to more than 1,000 km. With intelligent energy management and 6 kW V2L capability, the V27 is designed for both everyday practicality and longer-distance flexibility. Amid ongoing volatility in global energy markets and rising fuel prices, consumers are increasingly seeking mobility solutions that balance cost efficiency with flexibility and real-world practicality. This shift is accelerating demand for new energy vehicles that can adapt to diverse driving needs without compromising convenience or performance. iCAUR is responding to this transition with a broader vision for mobility, one that treats energy not simply as a power source, but rather as an integrated system shaping how vehicles perform in everyday life. At the centre of this approach is the iCAUR V27, an SUV built on the brand’s advanced Golden REEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle) architecture. Designed to address both daily commuting and long-distance travel, the V27 delivers a balance of electric efficiency and extended range, reducing dependence on charging infrastructure while maintaining a refined, electric-first driving experience. High-efficiency powertrain for lower operating costs The Golden REEV system represents a significant advancement over traditional range-extender technologies. It integrates a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (with a thermal efficiency of 45.79%), converting each litre of fuel into 3.71 kWh of electricity. This high conversion efficiency enables lower fuel consumption, reducing overall operating costs - particularly …
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City of Johannesburg, AIDC and GGDA to Officially Launch Alexandra Automotive Hub
The City of Johannesburg, in collaboration with the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), will officially launch the Alexandra Automotive Hub on Thursday, 22 October 2026, in Marlboro, Sandton. The launch marks an important milestone in the refurbishment and operationalisation of the Alexandra Automotive Hub, an initiative aimed at strengthening automotive industry infrastructure, promoting skills development and unlocking economic opportunities within township communities. The initiative seeks to position the automotive sector as a driver of inclusive economic growth by creating opportunities for local businesses, supporting skills development and expanding township participation in the automotive industry. The official programme will feature opening remarks by representatives of the City of Johannesburg, followed by a project overview from the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA). The AIDC will outline its vision for the hub’s operationalisation, its role in skills development and its contribution to township economic growth. The programme will also include a keynote address by the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero, followed by the formal handover ceremony and signing of handover documentation between the City of Johannesburg and the AIDC. GGDA Group CEO Sthembiso Dlamini will deliver the vote of thanks. The event will conclude with a guided walkabout of the Alexandra Automotive Hub, giving stakeholders and attendees an opportunity to view the facility and engage with the project. Members of the media are invited to attend and report on the official launch. EVENT DETAILS Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026 Time: 09:00–14:00 Venue: Alexandra Automotive Hub, 22 4th Street, Marlboro, Sandton CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. Author: reliable reliable from reliable on behalf of business. …
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iCAUR V25 Makes Global Debut With BEV and REEV Powertrains
iCAUR V25 makes global debut with BEV and REEV powertrains iCAUR has unveiled the new V25, joining the V23 and V27 to complete its V-Series SUV range. The V25 will be offered with BEV and REEV powertrains, intelligent all-wheel drive and extensive factory-integrated customisation options. iCAUR also showcased three officially customised V-Series models, with selected global market introductions planned from early 2027. iCAUR has unveiled the new V25 at the 2026 iCAUR International User Summit in Wuhu, China, completing its V-Series line-up alongside the V23 and V27. Positioned between the V23 and V27, the V25 combines the brand’s boxy SUV design language with a choice of range-extended electric (REEV) and battery-electric (BEV) powertrains, intelligent all-wheel drive and more than 20 integrated interfaces for vehicle customisation. The V25 continues iCAUR’s Future Classic design approach, retaining the upright proportions, round headlights and squared-off profile established across the V-Series. Its height-to-width ratio of 0.96 contributes to an almost square stance, while a flat front end, clamshell bonnet, upright windscreen, side-opening tailgate and full-size spare wheel reinforce its traditional off-road-inspired appearance. The packaging also contributes to a claimed longitudinal space efficiency of 66.4%, with the squared body shape intended to maximise passenger and luggage space. The cabin provides 41 storage compartments, while the V25 offers up to 1,549 litres of luggage capacity. The BEV version also adds a front luggage compartment and 22 litres of underfloor storage. The front seats can also fold flat to create a resting area with the rear seats, adding to the cabin’s versatility for outdoor use. Listed cabin features include an opening panoramic sunroof with a powered sunshade, heated and ventilated front seats with electric adjustment, driver’s seat memory and a 15-speaker sound system. Two powertrain configurations …
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Blackrock Towing Readies Gauteng Drivers for Spring Storm Season Breakdowns
As Gauteng heads into spring storm season, Blackrock Towing wants motorists, fleet managers and business owners to know that round-the-clock help is only a call away. The Johannesburg-based company offers 24/7 towing and roadside assistance across greater Gauteng. October usually brings the Highveld's first heavy afternoon storms, and the year-end travel rush follows soon after, so the team suggests drivers save its number today rather than hunt for it in the middle of an emergency. Spring weather in the province can change quickly. Downpours arrive without much warning, roads get slick, visibility drops and low-lying stretches flood. In those conditions, a minor mechanical fault can quickly become a long and stressful wait at the roadside. Because Blackrock Towing works day and night, seven days a week, weekends and public holidays included, a breakdown at an awkward hour does not have to leave anyone stranded. Dependable Support in Stormy Conditions Blackrock Towing has a simple goal: to get people and vehicles to safety fast, at a fair price, and with care. Its flatbed fleet is fully insured and equipped to carry many different vehicle types without causing further damage. That matters most when a car has already been in a collision or has stalled in tough conditions. The company's tow truck services cover automatic vehicles, low-suspension cars, vehicles with a flat or dead battery, accident-damaged vehicles, and forklifts and other machinery. When a vehicle has slid off the road or is stuck in mud, a ditch or another hard-to-reach spot, the team uses winch-out recovery to pull it safely back onto solid ground. Drivers also get transparency. Blackrock Towing charges no hidden fees and quotes a clear price upfront, before any vehicle is hooked up. That takes away one of the biggest worries people have when they phone a tow operator during an emergency. Everyday Cars, Handled With Care Ordinary passenger vehicles make up most of the company's calls, …
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Damaged Cars Wanted Buys Hail-Damaged Cars as Gauteng Storm Season Starts
JOHANNESBURG, October 2026. A car that has been battered by hail or written off by an insurer is not worthless, and Damaged Cars Wanted wants Gauteng motorists to know it. The vehicle buying service is run by Lou Appel's Auto Spares from its yard on Booysens Road in Selby. With the Highveld summer storm season starting, it is asking owners of hail-damaged, accident-damaged and non-running vehicles to request a same-day offer rather than let the car stand idle and lose value. Spring is when Gauteng gets its first heavy afternoon thunderstorms, and hail often comes with them. One storm is enough to dent a roof and bonnet, crack the glass and damage the trim. Some owners face only a simple repair. Others find that their insurer has decided the car is not worth fixing. That leaves them with a salvage offer that seems too low and a vehicle they no longer trust to drive. When an insurer declares a write-off Damaged Cars Wanted buys hail-damaged vehicles straight from their owners. If an insurer plans to write a car off and its salvage offer is weak, the business will pay the owner directly. It takes cars the insurer has classified as Code 2, Code 3 or Code 4, and its own guidance confirms that Code 3 and Code 4 vehicles can be sold provided the paperwork matches the car. For motorists who want to sell damaged cars without delay, the attraction is a direct path from a damaged vehicle to money in the bank. There are no months of repair quotes and no private buyers asking what still works. A few photos are enough for the team to assess the car, and it then makes a same-day cash offer with no obligation to accept. More than storm damage Storm damage is this month's seasonal focus, but the business buys nearly any make, model or year in nearly any condition. That covers accident-damaged cars with front, rear or side impacts, as well as rolled and smashed vehicles and non-runners. It also covers cars with seized engines, blown gearboxes, slipping clutches or failed …
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AutoTrader Dealer Connect 2026 Brings the Dealer Community Together to Navigate What’s Next
South Africa’s automotive retail sector is changing rapidly, with advances in artificial intelligence, growing access to data and evolving customer expectations transforming how dealerships attract buyers, manage stock and make business decisions. Against this backdrop, AutoTrader will bring the dealer community together for Dealer Connect 2026, the most anticipated automotive event of the year, taking place in Sandton on 12 November 2026. More than a traditional dealer conference, this year’s Dealer Connect will put the changing automotive retail landscape at the centre of the conversation, bringing together dealers, industry leaders and international expertise to examine what is changing, what it means for dealerships and where new growth opportunities are emerging. Technology will be a central theme throughout the event, with a particular focus on the growing role of data and artificial intelligence in dealership operations, customer engagement and vehicle retail. “Automotive retail is moving quickly, and dealers are having to navigate changes in technology, customer behaviour and the competitive landscape at the same time,” says George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. “Dealer Connect allows us to bring the industry together, examine what is happening in the market and, importantly, translate those shifts into what they mean for dealers. The focus is not technology for technology’s sake. It is about using innovation to help dealers make better decisions, operate more efficiently and ultimately grow their businesses,” adds Mienie. From global trends to local action Dealer Connect 2026 will combine South African market intelligence with perspectives from beyond the local automotive industry. Timo Bolse, an experienced international product and technology executive with a background in some of the world’s major digital marketplace businesses, will examine the forces shaping marketplaces internationally and what those developments could mean for …