Volvo’s brand-new ES90 is officially headed to South Africa, with local arrivals pencilled in for Q1 2026. This is Volvo’s new flagship electric sedan, and it’ll push their local EV lineup to six models. Translation: another premium EV option for people who like their luxury quiet and their safety obsessive. The ES90 will come in three trims: Core, Plus and Ultra. - Core is anything but basic. You’re looking at four-zone climate control, a panoramic roof, all the latest driver assists, and Volvo’s full safety arsenal as standard. - Plus turns the comfort dial up a notch with better seat functionality, more interior customisation options, and upgraded ambient lighting. - Ultra is where Volvo stops pretending and just goes full luxury. Soft-close doors, an electrochromic panoramic roof, laminated glass, massage seats, and a properly specced rear seat — this is the “sit in the back and judge traffic” spec. Pricing and final specs will be confirmed closer to launch, but here’s the kicker: South Africa will initially only get the Ultra spec. No messing around — straight to the top shelf.

This is the Bugatti Centodieci

I’ve got this bad boy for the weekend. It’s an absolute demon to drive.

“You don’t buy a Raptor because you need one — you buy it because you want one.” Let’s be honest: the Ford Ranger Raptor shouldn’t exist. It’s a double-cab bakkie that thinks it’s a rally car — a wild idea that somehow works. My take? The Raptor is a really fun car to drive. It should not be able to move as quickly as it does given its size. And if you want a fun, fast car but still need bakkie functionality, this is exactly what you want. ⚙️ The DNA: What Makes It Believe It’s a Hot Hatch Under the bonnet lives a 3.0 L twin-turbo V6 with 292 kW and 583 Nm — the kind of numbers that make a Hilux blush. TopAuto calls it “one of the most entertaining vehicles you can buy in South Africa … with all the adrenaline of a hot-hatchback bundled into an exceptionally capable off-roader.” “With a bespoke off-road racing suspension, muscular looks and a howling twin-turbo V6, the 2nd-gen Ranger Raptor makes an unequivocal statement.” — Cars.co.za Those FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve shocks aren’t just for show. They allow ridiculous levels of composure whether you’re jumping dunes or pretending to at the robot. You also get switchable exhaust modes (Quiet / Sport / Baja) and a bright red R-button to store your favourite settings. This isn’t a normal workhorse. It’s a mood. 🛣️ On Tar: Does It Really Act Like a Hot Hatch? Here’s where it gets hilarious. Floor it, and the Raptor lunges forward like it’s been insulted. Officially, Ford won’t quote a 0-100 km/h figure — but real tests peg it at around six seconds. That’s Golf GTI territory… in something that can carry a washing machine. Cars.co.za said it best: “There’s no doubt about it – the Raptor’s performance is awe-inspiring … we named it the ‘Dune Destroyer’.” Steering is weighty but predictable, and while it’ll never dart through corners like a Fiesta ST, it holds its line with shocking confidence. On the highway, it feels planted and alive. Tyre roar and wind noise remind you it’s still a truck, but one that’s been to finishing school.