Lepas L4 (2026) Review

The onslaught of new Chinese brands continues unabated into 2026, with the imminent arrival of a new player to our roads: Lepas. If you are wondering about the name, it is a portmanteau of “leap” and “passion”, and the brand is another branch of the rapidly expanding Chery Group.

We like: The Lepas L4 feels sophisticated inside and out, impressive engine despite modest outputs, well equipped.

We don’t like: Doesn’t really distinguish itself enough from its Chery Group stablemates, or rivals.

FAST FACTS

  • Model: Lepas L4 1.5T Premium 6DCT
  • Price: TBC
  • Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Power/Torque: 108 kW/225 Nm 
  • 0-100 kph: TBC
  • Claimed consumption: TBC
  • Luggage capacity: TBC

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Where does the Lepas L4 fit in?

The Lepas L4 joins the bigger L8 as the first models from this Chery sub-brand.

The L4 is the first model from Lepas to touch down in South Africa. It’s a compact crossover that finds itself in the thick of a very competitive segment. The L4 will be accompanied by the bigger L8 range.

Read more: Lepas L8 (2026) International Launch Review

As we discovered during an exclusive first drive, the L4 is aiming to disrupt the status quo by offering a premium experience at a price point that undercuts the established traditional rivals.

A familiar foundation

The design is neat but derivative.

While the Lepas brand might be new, the mechanical bits underneath are tried and tested. The L4 shares its chassis, suspension and powertrain with its stablemates: the Jaecoo J5 and the Chery Tiggo Cross. This is a deliberate strategy by the parent company, much like how various brands within the Volkswagen Group share platforms to ensure reliability and parts availability.

Lepas is a portmanteau of “leap” and “passion”.

Measuring almost exactly the same size as the Toyota Corolla Cross, the L4 is designed to be the “fancy” sibling in the family. It features a distinct exterior inspired by the “agility of a leopard”. The interior has been significantly upgraded to justify its “Premium” badging.

Tech & Cabin comfort

The interior follows the familiar route of few buttons and big screens.

Step inside and the L4 immediately feels more sophisticated than its price point might suggest. The centrepiece is a 13.2-inch portrait-oriented infotainment system that is impressively fluid and responsive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported. It’s paired with an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster that provides all the essential driving data.

The 50 W wireless charging pad is cooled.

One of the cleverer features is the 50 W wireless charging pad, which includes a dedicated cooling vent to prevent smartphones from overheating.

The cabin also features ventilated front seats and an extensive voice activation system. Whether you want to open a window or adjust the sunroof, the car understands natural speech remarkably well, even coping with local accents with ease.

Performance & Efficiency

If you’ve driven a Chery, Omoda or Jaecoo, you’d be familiar with the 1.5-litre turbopetrol.

Powering the Lepas L4 is Chery‘s familiar 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It delivers 108 kW and 235 Nm of torque. While those figures might seem modest on paper, the presence of a turbocharger gives it a distinct advantage over naturally aspirated rivals such as the Corolla Cross, particularly at the higher altitudes of the Reef. That’s where non-turbo cars lose a significant portion of their power.

The gearlever is neatly integrated onto the steering column.

The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting gearbox, and the driving experience can be tailored via various modes. Sport mode makes the throttle response quite immediate, while Eco mode softens everything to prioritise fuel economy. During our testing, the L4 averaged around 7.5 L/100 km. That’s a commendable figure that challenges the perception that Chinese engines are inherently thirsty.

Safety & Practicality

Safety is a major talking point for Lepas, and the L4 comes equipped with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. This includes radar guided cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Refreshingly, these systems are well calibrated and far less intrusive than earlier Chinese offerings, providing support without constant audible interruptions.

The brand says the vehicle is built to meet strict global safety standards and features 8 airbags as standard.

There’s lot of knee room aft and the boot is spacious, too.

From a practical perspective, the rear bench offers generous knee room for adults. The boot, meanwhile, includes a false floor for hidden storage. Best of all for South African buyers, a spare wheel is tucked away beneath the boot floor.

Initial verdict

The Lepas L4 is a comfortable, fuss-free drive.

The Lepas L4 1.5T Premium arrives with a strong value proposition, combining a high level of standard equipment with a refined and quiet driving experience. By plugging into the existing Chery ecosystem, it bypasses many of the hurdles typically faced by new brands regarding backup and parts availability.

Read more: Tired of high car prices? These new Chinese brands are launching in SA this year

With a predicted price point that aims to slide in just under the psychological R500 000 barrier, it presents a compelling alternative for those looking for more tech and luxury in a compact SUV. Watch the full video to see how it stacks up against the class leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the meaning behind the name “Lepas” and what is the brand’s origin?

A: The name Lepas is a portmanteau of “leap” and “passion.” The brand is a new premium-leaning branch of the rapidly expanding Chery Group, joining stablemates like Omoda and Jaecoo.

Q: What engine and transmission setup powers the Lepas L4 1.5T Premium?

A: The Lepas L4 is equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine delivering 108 kW and 235 Nm of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting automatic gearbox.

Q: How does the Lepas L4 interior compare to its rivals in terms of technology?

A: The L4 features a sophisticated cabin with a 13.2-inch portrait-oriented infotainment system, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, and a cooled 50 W wireless charging pad to prevent smartphones from overheating.

SA’s EV sales fell in 2025 (but the total NEV market grew)

While South Africa’s total new-energy vehicle (NEV) market grew 7.1% year on year in 2025, local sales of both fully electric vehicles and traditional hybrids dipped…

  • South Africa’s EV registrations dropped 13.4% in 2025
  • Traditional hybrid sales declined 5.9%, year on year
  • PHEV sales surged 280.8% to drive modest NEV growth

Industry-representative body Naamsa has released official sales figures for new-energy vehicles (NEVs) – that is, fully electric vehicles (EVs), traditional hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) – in South Africa for 2025. And the numbers paint a fascinating picture.

According to Naamsa, total NEV sales from the 30 brands active in this space in 2025 increased 7.1% year on year to 16 716 units. Though that represents a fresh high, the year-on-year improvement was well short of the 100.6% increase achieved in 2024. In addition, with Mzansi’s overall new-vehicle market growing a stronger 15.7% (to 596 818 units) last year, the NEV segment’s share declined from 3.0% in 2024 to 2.8% in 2025.

Naamsa’s figures show EV sales in 2025 came in at 1 088 units, down 13.4% from the 1 257 units registered in the prior year. Take note, however, that this number seemingly excludes local sales from the likes of Chinese brands BYD, Geely and Dongfeng, which unfortunately don’t currently report figures to Naamsa.

Meanwhile, PHEV sales in South Africa surged 280.8% year on year in 2025, growing from 2024’s tally of just 738 units to a far healthier 2 810 units last year (and, seemingly for the first time over a full calendar year, outstripping local EV sales). Again, note that BYD and Geely numbers are not included here.

Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota’s Corolla Cross HEV accounted for over 60% of total traditional hybrid sales in 2025.

What about traditional hybrids, you ask? Well, HEV sales once again accounted for the overwhelming majority of NEV registrations in 2025, making up a considerable 76.7% of total registrations in this segment. That said, Naamsa’s figures suggest traditional hybrid sales dipped 5.9% year on year, falling from a high of 13 616 units in 2024 to 12 818 units in 2025.

At its recent State of the Motoring Industry (SOMI) 2026 event in Gauteng, Toyota SA Motors shared its NEV sales figures for 2025, pointing out the Toyota and Lexus brands together captured 57.7% of last year’s overall NEV market. The locally produced Corolla Cross HEV led the charge on 7 775 units (or 60.7% of total HEV sales), with the outgoing RAV4 (906 units), Corolla (284 units) and NX (269 units) also contributing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About South Africa’s NEV Market Trends

Q: Why did plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales explode while others dipped?

 

A: The 280.8% surge in PHEVs was driven by the arrival of new, more affordable Chinese models. Unlike in previous years where PHEVs were limited to luxury brands like BMW or Volvo, 2025 saw the arrival of competitive options from GWM, Chery and others. These models offer a “middle ground” for South Africans who want electric commuting for the city but fear range anxiety or load-shedding risks on long trips.

Q: Why are fully electric vehicle (EV) sales declining in SA?

 

A: The 13.4% dip in EV sales is largely attributed to a lack of affordable entry-level models and the high “luxury tax” still applied to imported EVs. While global sales are rising, the South African market was also affected by a high 2024 baseline (driven by the Volvo EX30 launch).

Q: Is the Toyota Corolla Cross still the “king” of hybrids?

 

A: Absolutely. Despite a 5.9% dip in the overall traditional hybrid (HEV) segment, the locally built Corolla Cross HEV remains the dominant force, accounting for over 60% of all traditional hybrid sales in 2025. Its success is a key reason Toyota and Lexus currently hold nearly 58% of the entire South African NEV market.

Related content

New Haval H6 PHEV confirmed for Mzansi

Corolla hatch and sedan go hybrid-only in SA

South Africa doubled its NEV sales in 2024

New Nissan Gravite is Triber’s badge-engineered twin

The new Nissan Gravite has been revealed in India, based squarely on the Renault Triber. But this badge-engineered 7-seater MPV is not on the cards for SA “at this point”…

  • Gravite officially revealed in India
  • Based squarely on Renault Triber
  • No plans for Mzansi “at this point”

Meet the new Nissan Gravite. As you’ve no doubt already worked out, this new 7-seater MPV – which has just been revealed in India – is the badge-engineered twin of the Renault Triber.

Conceived under the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the new Gravite – set to be produced in Oragadam near Chennai alongside the Magnite, Triber and Kiger – borrows the CMF-A platform from its Renault cousin.

Nissan Gravite

So, will this Triber twin come to South Africa? Well, when the initial teaser images were released late in 2025, Nissan SA told us it had no plans “at this point” to launch the newcomer locally (a stance we’ve since confirmed with the company). For the record, Nissan filed to trademark the “Gravite” nameplate in South Africa in May 2024, so it’s seemingly not completely off the table.

As you’d expect, the Gravite shares its general silhouette with the Triber, though various cosmetic elements – from the front lighting signature, bumpers, grille and wheel designs – are specific to Nissan’s version. In addition, it gains “Gravite” lettering along the leading edge of its bonnet as well as on its tailgate.

Inside, the differences between the donor Triber and the new Gravite are trickier to spot, though the latter’s cabin does sport a model-specific colour scheme plus a few redesigned trim elements. Renault’s 8.0-inch touchscreen and 7.0-inch instrument cluster, however, carry over. Like the Renault, Nissan’s MPV features 3 rows of seating, offering space for up to 7 occupants.

With all 7 seats filled, Nissan claims a luggage capacity of 84 litres, a figure that increases to 320 litres when in 6-seater configuration and a handy 625 litres with the final row dropped flat (that is, in 5-seater mode). Naturally, those numbers match Renault’s respective claims for the Triber.

Predictably, the Gravite also inherits the Triber’s powertrain options. As such, it is offered with a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 52 kW and 96 Nm to the front axle via either a 5-speed manual gearbox or 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). In India, standard safety features include 6 airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist and ABS with EBD.

As a reminder, Renault South Africa launched the facelifted Triber locally in October 2025, trimming the range to 5 derivatives and sharpening the pricing (which currently runs from R218 999 to R259 999).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Nissan Gravite

Q: Is the Nissan Gravite coming to South Africa?

 

A: At this stage, Nissan South Africa has stated there are no plans to launch the Gravite locally. However, the company has officially trademarked the “Gravite” name in Mzansi, which suggests they are keeping the option open should market demand for budget 7-seaters increase.

Q: How does the Gravite differ from the Renault Triber?

 

A: While they share the same chassis and engine, the Gravite features Nissan’s specific design language, including a honeycomb grille, unique C-shaped LED lighting and “Gravite” branding on the bonnet. Inside, it sports a dual-tone cabin.

Q: What engine and transmission options does it have?

 

A: The Gravite uses the familiar 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 52 kW and 96 Nm. Like its Renault cousin, it is available with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT).

Related content

It’s official: Chery SA to buy Nissan’s plant

Will imported Navara stick with 2.5 DDTi?

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Crossover or SUV – what’s the difference?

Crossover and SUV models have replaced the traditional hatchback and sedan across nearly all segments in South Africa, from compact to large family vehicles. But how are they different?

Car categories matter. It’s not about arguing with car geeks about some mystery limited-edition model’s spec and exact original wheel size. It’s about understanding concepts and designs beyond the marketing speak in order to buy with greater insight. Like when choosing between a crossover or SUV.

One of the most problematic category distinctions in the car industry is between crossovers and SUVs. Which is which, and why?

Many knowledgeable car people and product marketing specialists will tell you there’s so much convergence between mid-sized and large crossovers and SUVs that it really doesn’t matter. But it does because there are real distinctions worth understanding.

The crossover market didn’t really exist 2 decades ago, but it’s now arguably the most influential passenger car category. It’s therefore important to know how it differs from the traditional concepts of an SUV.

The SUV came first

The International Scout traces its SUV roots back to 1961 (1980 model pictured).

Like most things about the car industry, it’s worth starting at the beginning. SUVs are much older than you think. There’s always an argument about which was the first SUV.

Land Rover claims its 1st-gen 1970 Range Rover 3-door was the first. Jeep, meanwhile, has a valid claim for the original Wagoneer, which debuted in 1963. And then there’s the Scout, a brand which is now being revived with VW money. It was originally part of International Harvester (the agricultural tech people), which launched what many believe is the first true family car SUV – the first Scout – in 1961.

What all these vehicles had in common was a ladder-frame chassis and a rugged suspension design for true off-roading. Furthermore, they all boasted a closed cabin and load area with decent seating, so an entire family and their gear could do weekend-away adventures. And that was what SUVs were originally designed to do: take families into the great outdoors in more comfort than a 1st-gen Defender or FJ40-series Land Cruiser.

The concept was transformed during the 1990s when German brands developed luxury SUVs on their large-sedan platforms. Models included the original Mercedes-Benz ML and BMW’s X5. These were SUVs with excellent high-speed cruising stability, comfort and enough all-terrain ability for traversing corrugated dirt roads and mild off-road routes.

SUVs can go off-road. Well, most of them…

You get bakkie-based SUVs in SA. You don’t get bakkie-based crossovers.

The qualification for an SUV has always been a comfy, functional passenger-car cabin and reasonable-to-great off-road ability.

Whereas the original 1960s and 1970s SUVs were all body-on-frame designs, most modern SUVs are monocoque, or unibody, vehicles. But hasn’t that made them worse off-road? Well, the entire Land Rover range is now unibody and features all-wheel independent suspension, two engineering choices that are the opposite of what you’d find underneath most traditional off-road vehicles. Even the hardcore Defender OCTA has independent rear suspension.

Advances in air suspension and electronic traction-control systems have enabled unibody SUVs to achieve very capable off-road performance. That’s without compromising on-road ride quality and passenger comfort that buyers and passengers demand.

An important marker is that most SUVs are based on vehicle platforms with some degree of off-road capability. Equipped with all-terrain tyres, they can adventure travel with confidence on punishing dirt roads and off-road routes. That’s also why most true SUVs, even if they have huge wheels with low-profile highway tyres, are rear- or all-wheel drive, instead of being primarily front-wheel drive.

Crossing over

The South African crossover nobody remembers, but should.

Where did the crossover start? Not where you think. You’d imagine that Toyota, VW, or one of the German brands marketed the first crossover in South Africa. But you’d be wrong; it was Rover. Yes, Rover.

The VW Cross Polo came to market only in 2007. Back in 2004, MG introduced the Rover Streetwise to South Africa. With plastic cladding and 10 mm more ground clearance than the Rover 25, the Streetwise was symbolic of what was to come. Crossover would eventually overwhelm the traditional South African hatchback market.

The development of crossovers has mostly been about affordability. This is why most crossovers have replaced traditional hatchbacks and sedans as a family cars.

Crossovers are more about appearance than ability, which is why many of them are front-wheel drive. They don’t have the wheel-well clearance to run larger all-terrain tyres like SUVs do. And they also have short-travel road-car suspension. It’s why you’ll rarely find a crossover, even one with impressive off-road styling bits, with decent ground clearance.

True lockable differentials and low-range gearing don’t exist in the crossover world, even on large crossovers. As a vehicle category, the crossover is about fashion, not function.

Buy a new or used crossover on Cars.co.za

Are mid-size crossovers and SUVs similar?

BMW X3 Rugged
The BMW X3 is a crossover. But do all-terrain tyres make the X3 Rugged variant an SUV?  

If SUVs are generally larger, with better all-terrain ability (when configured with their optional off-road packs and proper tyres), and crossovers are usually replacements for traditional hatchbacks, what about when they meet in the middle?

If an SUV and a crossover are a similar size, and have unibody construction, what is the difference between them?

To answer that question, it’s worth referencing Subaru. The Forester and Outbacks look like station wagons and don’t have a stance too dissimilar from some crossovers, yet these Subarus are respected as SUVs. Why? Depending on the model and trim, both Subaru ranges offer proper all-wheel drive, and even locking centre differentials, with much more off-road ability than similarly sized crossovers.

But what about something like the X3? Is that a crossover or SUV? Or perhaps a crossover-SUV? It shares a platform with the 3 Series sedan, after all…

BMW’s X3 Rugged blurs the lines between a sedan-based crossover, with enough rough-road ability and luggage space to be an SUV. The X1 is clearly a crossover, but the X3 Rugged? With its all-terrain tyres and slightly upgraded suspension, the X3 Rugged is ready to explore Namibia.

Size doesn’t always matter

The Suzuki Jimny 5-door may be small, but it’s certainly not a crossover.

Most crossovers sold in South Africa are based on front-wheel-drive vehicle platforms because they’re on sale instead of hatchbacks and sedans. Developed from these traditional model ranges, are all compact vehicles with pseudo-off-road styling crossovers? No.

Suzuki’s Jimny 5-door is the counterargument. It’s unquestionably a rugged, all-terrain SUV, but it’s also tiny. It proves the distinction between crossovers and SUVs are both purpose and capability, not size.

SUVs need to have an element of “utility”. The word’s in the name for a reason. Although many SUVs are equipped with highway tyres, a true SUV model range will always offer off-road variants with all-terrain tyres, more underbody protection and true exploration-grade capability.

Crossovers? They’re just passenger cars with redesigned proportions and a slight increase in ride height to make them look like adventure SUVs.

Buy a new or used SUV on Cars.co.za

New Jetour P5 bakkie’s design registered in SA

Fast-growing Chinese brand Jetour could be gearing up to enter South Africa’s bakkie segment in 2027. Here’s an early look at the technically unrevealed Jetour P5 pick-up…

  • Design drawings show P5 before official reveal
  • P5’s design registration already granted in SA
  • Will new Jetour bakkie launch in SA in 2027?

Chinese brand Jetour has enjoyed a strong start in South Africa, breaking into the local market’s top 10 just 15 months after arriving, with the boxy T2 crossover proving particularly popular in the passenger-vehicle segment. And it seems the fast-growing brand might just have its sights set on disrupting the local bakkie space, too, with the potential arrival of the Jetour P5 double cab.

Yes, Cars.co.za can confirm that Chery Automobile’s Wuhu head office in China – under which the Jetour marque falls, despite broadly describing itself as “independent” – in June 2025 applied to register the design of an unnamed double-cab bakkie with South Africa’s patent office. The design registration was officially granted as recently as January 2026.

A Cars.co.za render based on the design images.

While Chery South Africa is expected to launch its new ladder-frame Himla bakkie at some point in 2026 (likely followed by a “multifunctional” unibody model capable of transforming from an SUV to a double-cab bakkie), Jetour SA could potentially add its own double-cab contender in 2027, based on a late-2024 report from The Citizen Motoring.

Though it’s not yet confirmed, it seems the P5 (also known as the F700) – a name Jetour SA first briefly mentioned at its local launch event back in September 2024 – will feature a body-on-frame construction, but with a multi-link rear suspension set-up rather than a more traditional leaf-spring arrangement.

Chery submitted these design drawings to SA’s patent office in June 2025.

The design drawings we uncovered show the upcoming bakkie’s squared-off styling cues and rectangular headlamps. The grille appears broadly reminiscent of those applied to Jetour’s T-Series crossovers (the T1 and T2), while roof racks are shown, too. The top view gives us a glimpse of not only the load bed but also reveals the presence of a double-pane sunroof.

Interestingly, Jetour unveiled a concept model called the Zongheng F700 (seemingly closely related to the SA-bound G700 SUV) in China in early 2025. The as-yet-unrevealed production version of this bakkie is expected to form the basis for the Jetour P5 – if that’s what it ends up being called, of course. Naturally, spy images of the Chinese-spec F700 have already made their way online.

Jetout G700
The seemingly related G700 is on the cards for SA, too.

Though the P5’s engine details have yet to be confirmed, it’s worth keeping in mind the G700 – which is also known as the T5 and features a very similar front-end design to its bakkie counterpart – employs a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 155 kW/340 Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with dual electric motors (210 kW/360 Nm at the front and 300 kW/435 Nm at the rear) and a 34.13 kW battery pack.

If the Jetour P5 does indeed end up being offered in PHEV form, the BYD Shark 6 would serve as its most natural rival here in South Africa. Based on the aforementioned spy shots, the P5 could also be in line to inherit much of the G700’s cabin structure, including a 15.6-inch central display and a virtually dashboard-wide 35.4-inch instrument panel.

Front end with Jetour’s boxy styling cues.

Interestingly, our contact at Jetour SA says the brand’s local office is currently focusing on the upcoming G700 SUV (or T5 … or whatever it might end up being called in Mzansi), which leads us to believe the P5 is not an immediate priority. So, considering the production version of the P5 hasn’t yet been officially presented overseas, perhaps this bakkie will arrive only in 2027 after all. More info as we have it…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Upcoming Jetour P5 Bakkie

Q: When is the Jetour P5 expected to launch in South Africa?

 

A: While Jetour South Africa has not officially confirmed a launch date, industry reports and recent design trademark filings suggest a local arrival in 2027. This follows the scheduled 2026 launch of the G700 SUV, which shares much of the P5’s styling and platform architecture.

Q: What kind of performance can we expect from Jetour’s first bakkie?

 

A: Though exact specs are still under wraps, the P5 is expected to feature a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain similar to the G700. This could combine a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors, potentially delivering a massive combined output.

Q: Will the Jetour P5 be a “workhorse” or a lifestyle bakkie?

 

A: The P5 appears to be aimed squarely at the lifestyle market. Unlike traditional workhorses that use leaf springs for heavy hauling, the P5 is expected to feature a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension and a luxury-focused cabin with massive digital displays (including a 15.6-inch touchscreen), prioritising ride comfort and technology over pure payload capacity.

Related news

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Toyota Prado VX-L (2026) Review

The VX-L derivative was introduced as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado range’s new flagship. Does it justify the additional expense over the VX-R? The team jumps behind the wheel to find out.

We like: Premium features add appeal, design remains a strong drawcard, value for money in comparison to rivals.

We don’t like: Still not the most energetic or frugal performer.

FAST FACTS

  • Model: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-L
  • Price: R1 513 300
  • Engine: 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Power / Torque: 150 kW/500 Nm
  • Claimed fuel consumption: 7.9 L/100 km
  • 0-100 kph: 10.69 sec (tested)

Where does the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado fit in?

Underpinned by Toyota’s GA-F architecture, the Prado has a great blend of premium driving manners and off-road talents. It has proven popular locally with over 2 800 units finding homes in South Africa in 2025.

The Land Cruiser and Prado names are synonymous with off-road talents and go-anywhere capability. But, for all of its all-terrain expertise, the reality is the majority of Prado users spend their time mostly in urban tarred environments. I’d liken this to a Leatherman multitool: while it has a multitude of features, generally you’re only using one or two but its reassuring to know that all the options are at your disposal.

Enter the Prado VX-L, which Toyota has launched with the claim of appealing to two customer groups. The standard TX and VX-R are for the adventuring types, complete with off-road tyres and so on, while this new VX-L adds some premium features and ups the comfort levels without compromising on the adventuring talents too much.

Separated at birth: Prado and GX.

In terms of premium alternatives at this price point, there are numerous options and all offer a degree of off-tar talents. We’d urge you to take a look at the Land Rover Defender, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ineos Grenadier. Let’s not forget its sibling, the Lexus GX, which is armed with a potent 3.5-litre turbo V6!

Prado vs Defender and Grenadier: See how they compare using the Comparison Tool

If you’re after a large premium SUV with a focus more on luxury, then look at the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Prado vs the Germans: How does the Prado stack up against the premium players?

How the Toyota Prado VX-L fares in terms of…

Design & Packaging

The Prado VX-L can be identified via larger 20-inch alloy wheels, illuminated side steps, headlamp washers, a subtle VX-L badge on the rear as well as colour-coded wheel arches.

In terms of the premium enhancements, the VX-L interior gains an uprated audio system, leather door trim and some silver metallic interior accents.

VX-L (top) and VX-R (bottom). Note the colour-coded wheel arches.

Climb inside and you’re greeted by a high-riding setup with excellent outward visibility. The latest iteration of Toyota’s products have addressed the old-school cabin layout and lack of tech (looking at you, Fortuner) and the Prado’s cabin blends robust ergonomics with modern tech and convenience.

Prado VX-L cabin.

That said, in an era where we’re increasingly seeing vehicle functionality integrated into the touchscreen at the expense of physical buttons, its great to see the Prado adopt a balance approach. The climate controls, for example, are tweaked using old-but-gold physical controls.

I’m an audio enthusiast and take an interest in fidelity and musical quality, so with the promise of a 14-speaker audio system from JBL, we loaded up our favourite numbers. Is it a great system? Definitely.

Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” went down a treat.

One of the strengths of the Prado is its three-row practicality and high levels of comfort enjoyed by all on board. Rear passengers benefit from seat heating and a brace of USB charging ports for their devices, plus there’s ample head and legroom. The second and third row of seats are motorised and controlled via buttons located in the boot.

VX-L rear-cabin space is generous.

When you’re paying R1.5 million for your family SUV, value for money doesn’t really feel like the appropriate term; you’re now firmly in premium/luxury territory. Yet, compared to its immediate rivals, the Prado VX-L comes armed with every modern convenience feature. A heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated seats are standard, as is a digital instrument cluster and expansive central infotainment screen.

Buttons and switchgear feel durable.

When it comes to safety tech, the high-spec Prado comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) which is the Japanese brand’s term for its assisted safety tech. This includes things like emergency auto braking, lane-keep assist, rear cross traffic alert and park distance control. There are no fewer than 9 airbags.

Ride, Handling & Comfort

Larger wheels for the VX-L.

The biggest change can be found in the ride quality and handling. In terms of mechanical differences, the VX-L operates with a single differential at the rear, unlike its siblings which have both rear and central diffs. This flagship model gains adaptive variable suspension, and for those seeking additional engagement, there are gear-shift paddles on the steering wheel.

In comparison to the VX-R, the L model swaps out the 265/65 R18 tyres for a 265/60 R20 composition. The latter is slightly less plump, but is still an all-terrain so you retain that peace of mind when it comes to the variable road conditions in Mzansi. A full-size spare is included.

Gear shift paddles! But the 8-speed auto is good enough on its own.

Essentially, Toyota’s AVS system is able to soften and stiffen the suspension depending on mode and road scenarios. Impressively, the vehicle can stop the nose from diving under hard braking and help reduce pitch and roll. This tech isn’t groundbreaking but it helps minimise the agricultural feel of your typical ladder-frame SUV. Adaptive dampers make a positive difference and the result is that, despite its heavy-duty underpinnings, the Prado drives with maturity and feeling which reflects its premium positioning.

This blanked-out plate where the additional diff activation button was.

While we didn’t conduct an off-road test of this particular derivative, the on-paper 4×4 specs of the vehicle are worth sharing again. The Prado VX-L has ground clearance of 215 mm and there’s a transfer case offering low range. As a reminder, there’s just the single differential now.

Performance & Efficiency

The digital instrument cluster with the additional modes.

The powertrain for the new derivative is identical to the rest of the range. As a reminder, it is the GD-series 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder that makes 150 kW and 500 Nm. Interestingly, the VX-L has gained three additional drive modes (Sport S+, Comfort and Custom) on top of the usual Normal, Eco and Sport.

Do they make a difference to the performance? In terms of straight-line sprinting, not really. We compared our acceleration testing data of the VX-L (10.69 seconds) to the VX-R (10.89 seconds) we had in October 2024. It should come as no surprise the identical powertrains ran near-identical times. Worth mentioning is that the vehicle doesn’t feel very energetic, even its sportiest of settings.

10.3 L/100 km in a built-up environment is decent for a large family SUV.

When it comes to fuel consumption, the Prado struggles to come close to its (optimistic) claim of 7.9 L/100 km. Despite our lightest foot and regular use of Eco mode, we weren’t able to beat 10.3 L/100 km in an urban and congested environment. That said, it should go comfortably under 10 L/100 km on the open road. As a reminder, the Prado remains an excellent adventure vehicle thanks to large-capacity 80-litre main and 30-litre reserve fuel tanks.

Toyota Prado VX-L Price & Aftersales support

The pricing below includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan. It is important to note the service intervals are every 10 000 km, which is less than the industry norm of 15 000 km.

Toyota Prado 2.8 GD TXR1 342 200
Toyota Prado 2.8 GD VX-RR1 500 200
Toyota Prado 2.8 GD VX-LR1 513 300
Pricing correct as at February 2026.

Verdict

We’ll stick with the regular VX-R!

The addition of the VX-L rounds up the local Prado range. We do wish it had a bit more punch and power, but understand that treading on the toes of the bigger Land Cruiser 300 family would make things a touch awkward.

With the pricing difference between the VX-R and VX-L coming down to just R13 100, we then find ourselves asking which derivative we’d opt for if we had the money. Given its adventuring credentials, plus plumper tyres and differential setup, we reckon the standard VX-R is perfect for all scenarios. That said, if you never venture further than your local wine farm and have no need for that additional differential, go for the VX-L.

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How good is the Prado off-road?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the Toyota Prado VX-L in South Africa?

As of late 2025/early 2026, the flagship Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-L is priced from approximately R1 513 300. It positions itself as the top-spec model, sitting just above the VX-R.

What is the difference between the Prado VX-R and VX-L?

The VX-L distinguishes itself with unique styling and tech upgrades over the VX-R. Key differences include:

  • Exterior: Full colour-coding (removing the black plastic cladding found on the VX-R) and larger 20-inch alloy wheels.
  • Tech & Comfort: A 14-speaker JBL premium sound system, paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, and a digital rear-view mirror.
  • Performance: The inclusion of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and three additional drive modes (Comfort, Sport S+, and Custom).

What engine does the Toyota Prado VX-L use?

The Prado VX-L is powered by Toyota’s proven 2.8-litre GD-6 turbodiesel engine. It delivers 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Does the Prado VX-L have a sunroof?

Yes, the Toyota Prado VX-L comes standard with a tilt-and-slide moonroof, adding to the premium feel of the cabin.

What warranty and service plan comes with the Prado VX-L?

The vehicle is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan. Owners can also extend these plans through Toyota’s genuine extended warranty and service products.

Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 20 (2026) Price & Specs

The Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 20 celebrates 2 decades of the brand’s small hot hatch in South Africa. Here’s what this locally built special edition will cost you…

  • Polo GTI Edition 20 to launch soon
  • Marks 20 years of Polo GTI in SA
  • Package listed as R19 900 option

The Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 20 is due to launch locally later in the opening quarter of 2026, celebrating 20 years of this hot-hatch nameplate in South Africa. However, we already know what it will cost…

Yes, while perusing VW’s configurator, we discovered that the optional “Edition 20” package for the Polo GTI – a hot hatch built exclusively at the German firm’s Kariega facility in the Eastern Cape – will cost R19 900, effectively taking this special-edition derivative’s starting price from the base figure of R585 800 to R605 700.

Note the decals along the flank and the red detailing on the rear faux-diffuser.

So, what do you score for the extra cash? Well, the package includes the automaker’s 18-inch “Faro” alloy wheels (wrapped in 215/40 R18 tyres), which are usually an R8 000 option. The roof and side-mirror caps gain a black finish, while red detailing has been added to the rear faux-diffuser. Decals (complete with “20” numerals) have been applied along the hatchback’s flanks, too.

Privacy glass for the rear-side windows and rear screen are seemingly also included, while the front sports seats appear to gain the otherwise optional “Varenna” leather treatment (but with additional red vinyl detailing specific to this package). There’s also a “GTI | 20” logo on the passenger side of the dashboard, an emblem that is repeated on the floor mats. Interestingly, the Edition 20 package also forces the selection of the optional reverse-view camera, though seemingly at no additional cost.

The passenger side of the dashboard features a small “GTI | 20” logo.

While the example of the Polo GTI Edition 20 displayed at the recent Volkswagen Indaba 2026 event was finished in “Crystal Ice Blue” paint (a colour incidentally also offered on the Polo Vivo Edition 15), the configurator currently lists “Kings Red” and “Ascot Grey” – each in combination with a black roof – as the available hues. However, we believe all 3 will be offered.

As with the Black Style package for the Polo GTI, ticking the “Edition 20” box doesn’t result in any upgrades to the powertrain. As such, the familiar turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine delivers an unchanged 147 kW and 320 Nm to the front axle via a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. Expect a 0-100 kph sprint of around 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 238 kph.

The Edition 20 package includes VW’s 18-inch “Faro” alloys.

As a reminder, though the original Polo GTI debuted globally back in 1998, the first iteration to reach South Africa was based on the Mk4 Polo and arrived in 2006 – some 20 years ago. Meanwhile, local production of the Polo GTI started in 2018.

What will the VW Polo GTI Edition 20 cost in SA?

DERIVATIVEPRICE
Volkswagen Polo GTIR585 800
Volkswagen Polo GTI Black StyleR595 800
Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 20R605 700

The prices above include Volkswagen’s 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).

Find a used VW Polo GTI on Cars.co.za!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Volkswagen Polo GTI Edition 20

Q: What makes the Edition 20 different from a standard Polo GTI?

 

A: It’s a local anniversary model celebrating 20 years of the Polo GTI in South Africa. It features exclusive styling cues, including “20” numerals on the side decals, red detailing on the rear diffuser, a black roof and side mirrors, and 18-inch “Faro” alloy wheels. Inside, you’ll find a “GTI | 20” logo on the dashboard and floor mats, along with red-stitched leather seats.

Q: How much extra does the Edition 20 package cost?

 

A: The package is priced at R19 900. When added to the base Polo GTI price of R585 800, the total starting price comes to R605 700. This is roughly R10 000 more than the “Black Style” package, but it includes the upgraded 18-inch wheels, which are normally an R8 000 standalone option.

Q: Does the Edition 20 have more power than the regular Polo GTI?

 

A: No. Like other special “styling” packages from Volkswagen, it focuses on aesthetics rather than mechanical upgrades. It retains the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 147 kW and 320 Nm, paired with a 6-speed DSG transmission. It still delivers a brisk 0–100 kph time of approximately 6.7 seconds.

Related content

VW Polo GTI Black Style (2025) Price & Specs

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5 most affordable AWD SUVs in South Africa (2026)

Keen on a high-riding vehicle with 4 driven wheels? These are the 5 most affordable AWD SUVs on the market in South Africa right now…

While most relatively budget friendly SUVs and crossovers feature front-wheel drive, there are a few available that offer the option of all-wheel drive (AWD). We’ve rummaged around South Africa’s new-vehicle market to identify the 5 most affordable AWD SUVs (pricing correct as of February 2026).

For the record, the Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip would previously have made this list, but the Japanese firm’s local division quietly axed this derivative late in 2025. Similarly, BAIC has seemingly discontinued the more affordable versions of its B40 Plus, leaving only the high-spec Honor Edition (which is too pricey to make this list).

While there’s some debate around the precise definitions of terms like “AWD”, “4×4” and “4-wheel drive”, for the purposes of this list, we’ve considered any SUV or crossover on the local new-vehicle market able to deliver drive to all 4 wheels. These, then, are SA’s 5 most affordable AWD SUVs.

1. Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip 3-Door – R436 900

Suzuki Jimny

All 5 derivatives in Suzuki’s ladder-frame Jimny range ship standard with a pukka 4×4 system, including a low-range transfer case. The GLX version in 3-door guise (fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox) is the most affordable option. As with all Jimny variants, a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine offers peak outputs of 75 kW and 130 Nm.

2. Renault Duster 1.2 TCe 130 MHEV Zen 4WD – R549 999

Renault Duster off-road

The flagship version of Renault’s 3rd-generation Duster draws its urge from a turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol unit featuring a mild-hybrid system (the latter 48-volt arrangement comprises an integrated starter generator drawing from a 0.8 kWh battery pack). Driving all 4 wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox, this lightly electrified engine delivers maximum outputs of 96 kW and 230 Nm. Note Renault SA plans to switch from this European-sourced Duster to the new Indian-built version later in 2026.

3. Haval H6 2.0T Luxury 4WD – R574 500

Like the Duster, GWM’s Haval H6 is a unibody vehicle that’s optionally available in 4WD form (in this case, in the so-called Luxury and Ultra Luxury grades). Thanks to a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, this model boasts peak outputs of 170 kW and 380 Nm. A 9-speed dual-clutch transmission ships standard.

  • Ground clearance: 170 mm (approximately)
  • Claimed consumption: 8.3 L/100 km
  • Warranty: 7-year/200 000 km
  • Service plan: 7-year/75 000 km
  • Find a Haval H6 on Cars.co.za

4. Mahindra Scorpio-N 2.2D Z8 4XPlor – R587 999

Mahindra Scorpio-based global bakkie coming?

Like the Jimny above, Mahindra’s Scorpio-N features a body-on-frame construction. Rear-driven variants sit at the foot of the range, but the Indian brand also offers various 4×4 derivatives. Interestingly, this is the only oil-burning model to make the list of SA’s 5 most affordable AWD SUVs (and the only 7-seater, too), employing a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit delivering 129 kW and 400 Nm via a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

5. Jetour T1 2.0T Xplora XWD – R594 900

Jetour T1

While the base front-wheel-drive versions of Jetour’s unibody T1 feature a 1.5-litre petrol motor (making 125 kW and 270 Nm), the high-spec Xplora and Odyssey derivatives upgrade to a 180 kW/375 Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which drives all 4 wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

  • Ground clearance: 190 mm
  • Claimed consumption: 9.0 L/100 km
  • Warranty: 7-year/200 000 km (plus 10-year/1-million km engine cover)
  • Service plan: 7-year/75 000 km
  • Find a Jetour T1 on Cars.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Affordable AWD SUVs in SA (Feb 2026)

Q: Which of these SUVs is best for actual heavy-duty off-roading?

 

A: For serious trails, the Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Scorpio-N are the top picks because they feature body-on-frame construction and a low-range transfer case. The Scorpio-N is particularly notable as the only ladder-frame diesel 7-seater available for under R600 000, making it the most capable “all-rounder” for families who travel deep into the bush.

Q: Why did the Suzuki Grand Vitara AllGrip disappear from this list?

 

A: Suzuki South Africa quietly discontinued the 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip derivative late in 2025.

Q: Are there any affordable diesel AWD options left?

 

A: Yes, but only one makes the top 5. The Mahindra Scorpio-N 2.2D Z8 4XPlor (R587 999) is the sole diesel representative in this price bracket. It is also the only vehicle on this list that offers 7 seats, making it the “bang-for-your-buck” choice for families needing off-road capability.

Related content

5 cheapest double-cab bakkies in SA (2026)

SA’s best-selling ladder-frame SUVs in 2025

SA to switch to new Indian-built Renault Duster

New Toyotas for SA in 2026

We headed up to Gauteng for the Japanese brand’s annual State of The Motoring Industry event. Here’s a preview of the new Toyotas for SA in 2026.

All appears to be well for Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) with our market sales increasing by almost 16% year-on-year, taking the total to new vehicles sold to almost 600 000! While we are a bakkie-obsessed nation, it was the passenger car sales which did the heavy lifting.

If you look at the top 15 best-selling passenger vehicles in South Africa in 2025, 6 of them were Toyotas. Cynically you could say Suzuki also deserves some applause as the Toyota-badged creations such as the Starlet Cross and Urban Cruiser featured. The locally-assembled Corolla Cross was SA’s best-selling crossover and 3rd-placed passenger vehicle with 22 191 units sold.

Of course we can’t talk about Toyota and not mention the bakkies, and the (LCV) segment grew 7.8% year-on-year to 143 637 units, and again the Hilux dominated the sales charts, an accolade it has held for over 50 years. Will the new 9th-generation Hilux continue this run?

What about the future of the Prospecton plant?

Now while 2025’s sales were great and the 2026 forecast looks positive, Toyota South Africa Motors CEO Andrew Kirby shared concerns about the future. Having attended Volkswagen Group’s Indaba just a week earlier, the parallels were uncanny.

As a reminder, SA’s car manufacturing operations supply vehicles for both local consumption and export and the majority of those are headed to the United Kingdom and European Union. With both markets heading towards internal-combustion bans and severe reductions in emissions over the next 5 years, demand for SA-built vehicles which won’t comply with EU regulations will stop.

“We cannot become a purely import-driven market. With the right small policy adjustments, we can strengthen competitiveness, attract new investment and grow the economy,” Kirby said.

New Toyotas for SA in 2026

As you can see by the list below, Toyota/Lexus will be focusing a lot on new energy vehicle launches and range expansions. Curiously, there was no sign of the all-new 9th-generation Toyota Hilux and very little mention of it. We’re going to assume that TSAM will be holding a separate event for its locally-assembled legend.

Toyota bZ4X/Lexus RX BEV

Toyota will be launching its first battery-electric vehicle in the form of the bZ4x and it promises all-wheel drive, around 450 km of range and a claimed 0-100 kph of 5.1 seconds.

Its premium twin, the Lexus RZ is also earmarked for introduction and will be hitting SA roads as soon as the end of February 2026. It too will have all-wheel drive and will be available with the updated 80.5 kWh battery.

Lexus RZ 600e BEV

lexus rz 600e

This outrageous-looking creation is the sportiest iteration of the electric Lexus RZ. It makes 315 kW and features plenty of carbon fibre parts.

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

The new FJ will serve as the entry point to the Land Cruiser brand. It’ll be powered by a 2.7 naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine making around 120 kW. It will feature low-range as well as a rear differential, so the LC offroad legacy remains!

Toyota RAV4 HEV and PHEV

The new-generation RAV4 will come to market with three engine options, ICE, HEV and Plug-In Hybrid electric vehicle. There’ll be three grades and we’ll see the debut of the GR-Sport badging on the RAV4.

Corolla Cross GR-S HEV

The new Corolla Cross GR-S will be available in both hybrid and internal-combustion engine configurations, will feature unique styling elements like bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels and some cabin enhancements.

Land Cruiser 300 1M-HEV

The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 range will gain a hybrid powertrain. We suspect its the same engine as the Lexus LX 700h and those outputs pack a punch! There’s 341 kW and 790 Nm, and it should use less fuel than its non-hybrid siblings.

Looking to the future!

Toyota South Africa confirmed its looking at bringing in a few of its brand-new GR GTs. This promises supercar performance with a new 4.0-litre V8 engine with an electric assist making 478 kW and 850 Nm. There are no performance figures as yet, but Toyota says it’ll have a top speed of 320 kph and feature things like carbon ceramic brakes from Brembo. Start saving!

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All the latest Toyota news and reviews

What happens after Vivo?

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is locally built and very popular. But like the Citi Golf, there will be a time when it doesn’t exist anymore. How will VWSA possibly manage that transition?

Continuation models like the Polo Vivo are the real South African vehicle heroes. The local automotive industry might build some of the world’s best-quality luxury cars (BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class). And two of the world’s most popular global bakkie models (Hilux and Ranger). Yet, for South Africans who want to buy local, it’s the humble continuation hatchback that has always delivered value.

Before Suzuki launched a flood of budget Indian-built hatchbacks and compact crossovers, the Polo Vivo was by far South Africa’s most popular budget family car. And if you remember back far enough, to the early 1990s and 2000s, South Africans had many locally built budget hatchbacks to choose from: the Opel Corsa, Ford’s Fiesta, the Mazda 121 Soho, Toyota’s Tazz, and of course, the Citi Golf…

During the 1990s and early 2000s, a competitive used-car market created real value for South African budget-car buyers. And because all those budget hatchbacks were made with a lot of local content, there were robust parallel supply chains for spare parts and independent servicing.

Why continuation models work

How strong was the Citi Golf brand? Check prices for one of these…

But in 2026, it’s very different. The only locally built “affordable” family car is the Polo Vivo, and VW is under pressure to secure the next round of future investment from Germany to keep its Kariega assembly plant running at the required capacity. That’s potentially a very big problem.

VW’s success has been building the new and previous-gen Polos concurrently during the last three decades. It’s a simple but brilliant strategy. Why? Because you have all the technical labour skills and suppliers in place to keep building the older version, which has given you a much broader price spread in the market.

Read more: Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2024) Launch Review

In a price-sensitive South African market with low-enforced safety and emissions requirements, VW has been sensible and smart by keeping its previous-generation Polos in production since 1996 and marketing them as Vivos.

When old tech becomes expensive

Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Pure German engineering, but the Vivo is based on an aged vehicle platform from the late 2000s…

One of the biggest problems for VWSA and its future product planning for South African production is engine technology. This has been a problem that the VW Group has been warning about regarding South African fuel for a very long time.

Product planners foresaw the chasm in fuel quality and underinvestment back in the early 2010s, warning that South African diesel and petrol quality, country-wide, would decouple from European engineered powertrain specifications. This would effectively render future turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines unserviceable on local fuel. It’s one of the reasons why the Ford ST brand died early in South Africa.

The Euro7 fuel risk is real for VWSA. There could be a future compact-car platform where the form factor of legacy VW engines, which can run on South African fuel, becomes a real packaging, sensor integration, or engine-control-software issue. Lagging South African fuel quality will age out the options VW engineers have for South African-market engines. Plus, more importantly, the small but vital components to build them: like injectors, emissions systems, and engine control units.

Advanced injectors, engine control units, ABS/ESP sensors, and safety systems are a complex investment, but also a scale business. And controlled by a select few global suppliers, the most important of which for German brands is Bosch. You need very large numbers to secure a specific future-spec commitment from Bosch for engine and safety-system production components.

There is a point at which keeping the order book open for the “simple” engine components and ABS/ESP sensors can become too costly as production volumes drop and the technology ages. Because all things Polo predicts everything Vivo into the future, the engine tech runway is a real concern.

Polo Vivo can’t become Citi Golf 2.0

Iconic. But aged-out components and supply costs eventually caught up with the Citi Golf.

What happens when the next generation of Polo doesn’t happen? VW can’t keep building a legacy Polo Vivo indefinitely if the current Polo is VW’s last compact city car.

Rmours have been swirling for years that VW Kariega will become the new global hub for an entry-level model. However, that would require a big investment from Germany at a time when VW is struggling with European production plant overcapacity, rising energy costs and pressure to keep jobs back in Germany.

VWSA is preparing to build the new Tengo crossover in Kariega from 2027. But it desperately needs a more affordable bakkie model beyond the Amarok, too. And that’s where the Tukan could become a make-or-break decision point for VWSA.

Small bakkie – big challenge

Yes or no for local Tukan production might define VWSA’s future.

For years, South African automotive marketers have wondered whether the South American Saveiro could be a success in South Africa, where the once-robust compact bakkie market is there for the taking. Securing Tengo, Tukan and some legacy Vivo production, a version based on the current Polo, could ensure VWSA’s Kariega plant and assembly future well into the early 2030s.

The big risk is that the current Polo could reach sunset without a successor. That will mean only one more generation of Polo Vivo before it’s discontinued. And can you imagine VW South Africa dealerships without Vivos to reach first-time car buyers or parents seeking a proven, locally built budget car for their kids?

You might think VWSA create a Citi Golf with the Vivo and keep building them for a decade after the final-generation Polo is discontinued. But what was doable with continuation models in the 1980s and 1990s no longer works in a globally integrated market with increasing safety and emissions standards in the 2020s.