New Audi Q5 Sportback revealed and confirmed for SA!

Meet the new Audi Q5 Sportback, again defined by its sloping roofline and again set to be available in potent SQ5 guise, too. Expect a 2026 market launch in South Africa…

The new Audi Q5 Sportback has been revealed, with the Ingolstadt-based automaker describing this 2nd-generation version’s roofline – which slopes dramatically from the B-pillar and is arguably its defining feature – as “more dynamic” than that of the original.

Based on the 3rd-generation Q5 SUV revealed as recently as September 2024, the new Q5 Sportback has been confirmed for a 2026 launch in South Africa, though exact timing has yet to be announced. Since the standard-bodied Q5 is set to arrive in Mzansi late in 2025, we’d speculate the Sportback should hit local shores relatively early the following year.

Though the SA powertrain line-up has yet to be nailed down, it’s worth noting the new Q5 Sportback will be offered in Europe with a choice of 3 engines from launch (with others, including plug-in hybrid powertrains, set to follow later). Each motor is connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and features 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, with the latter able to briefly generate up to 18 kW and 230 Nm.

This mild-hybrid system, which additionally powers the electrically driven air-conditioning compressor, can feed up to 25 kW back into the 1.7 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate hybrid battery under deceleration. Interestingly, it furthermore renders the Q5 Sportback capable of what Audi describes as “limited all-electric maneuvering and parking”.

On the Old Continent, the entry-level 4-cylinder petrol engine will be a 2.0 TFSI unit churning out 150 kW and 340 Nm, and offered in either front- or all-wheel-drive form. The 2.0 TDI will do duty for turbodiesel fans, available exclusively in all-paw guise and generating peak figures of 150 kW and 400 Nm. Finally, the SQ5 will top the range, with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 mill offering 270 kW and 550 Nm (up from the current SA-spec version’s 260 kW and 500 Nm).

Based on the same Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture as the latest Q5 and new A5 (we recently drove the latter model in France), the 2nd-gen Q5 Sportback “combines characteristics typical of an SUV” with “an even more dynamic silhouette”, says the German firm.

Audi lists a luggage capacity of 515 litres in the case of the Q5 Sportback, a figure that falls to 470 litres for the SQ5 version. With the 2nd row of seats folded down, utility space comes in at 1 415 litres and 1 388 litres (just short of the Q5 SUV’s maximum of 1 473 litres), respectively.

Inside, you’ll find the latest Audi MMI panoramic display (combining an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system) as well as a 10.9-inch MMI passenger display. According to Audi, the presence of sustainable materials such as “Cascade” upholstery and “Dinamica” microfibre in the cabin demonstrate its commitment to “using resources sustainably and efficiently”.

Fascinatingly, the outgoing Q5 Sportback is currently proving more popular than the standard-bodied Q5 in South Africa, despite carrying a price premium. Year to date (at the end of October 2024), the sleeker Q5 Sportback has attracted 296 registrations, outselling its more conventionally shaped Q5 sibling (209 units) by 87 units.

Check back in with Cars.co.za in the lead-up to the new Audi Q5 Sportback’s scheduled local launch in 2026 for SA-specific details…

Mini Cooper SE (2024) Price & Specs

The new fully electric Mini Cooper SE has touched down in South Africa, offering 160 kW and a claimed range of 362 km. Here’s what this battery-powered hatch costs…

The new Mini Cooper SE has arrived in South Africa, taking its place as the entry point to the BMW-backed brand’s fully electric portfolio and thus slotting in below the Countryman SE All4 (with the new likewise battery-powered Aceman set to split these nameplates when it arrives early in 2025).

Courtesy of a tip from the ever-watchful vehicle-information specialists over at duoporta.com, we can confirm the new 3-door Cooper SE is priced from R802 000 in Mzansi (interestingly, the lower-output Cooper E variant is not available locally at launch). That represents an R18 500 premium over the outgoing generation; the last price we have for the latter being R783 500.

It also makes the new front-wheel-drive Cooper SE some R284 000 more affordable than the larger all-wheel-drive (and likewise electric) Countryman SE All4, which starts at R1 086 000. However, this battery-powered hatchback is also R155 605 pricier than the petrol-powered Cooper S 3-door (R646 395), which offers a similar power output (slightly lower at 150 kW) and 0-100 kph sprint time (a shade quicker at 6.6 seconds).

Revealed in September 2023, the J01-generation Mini Cooper SE – the product of a joint venture between the BMW Group and Great Wall Motors (GWM) in China – generates peak outputs of 160 kW and 330 Nm, allowing it to complete the obligatory sprint to 3 figures in a claimed 6.7 seconds. The hatchback’s top speed is 170 kph.

According to Mini SA, this derivative’s single-charge range tops out at 362 km (interestingly some 40 km lower than the initial WLTP claim of 402 km), thanks to a 54.2 kWh battery pack. The consumption rate is listed as 15.1 kWh/100 km, while maximum alternating current (AC) charging power is 11 kW and maximum direct current (DC) charging power is 75 kW.

Since the Cooper SE is still to be added to Mini South Africa’s online configurator, we don’t yet have a complete understanding of this electric hatchback’s level of standard kit. However, the 19 examples (at the time of writing) listed on Mini SA’s online store were all specified with the so-called “Favoured” trim (R36 500).

Each was also fitted with the following options: a head-up display (R9 500), Driving Assist (R6 700), Driving Assist Plus (R10 900), Comfort Package Plus (R40 000) and 18-inch 2-tone alloy wheels (R10 100). More details as we have them…

Find a used Mini Cooper SE on Cars.co.za!

How much does the Mini Cooper SE cost in SA?

Mini Cooper SE – R802 000

The price above includes a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty (likely along with an 8-year/100 000 km warranty specific to the traction battery, as offered on the Countryman SE All4) and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Will SA-built Isuzu D-Max receive new 2.2 turbodiesel?

Isuzu has released details about its new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine and 8-speed auto. Question is, will this fresh powertrain be offered in the SA-built D-Max, too?

Isuzu recently released details about its newly developed 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, which will be used in both the D-Max bakkie and MU-X adventure SUV produced in Thailand. So, will we see this fresh powertrain in the SA-built D-Max, too?

Well, we asked Isuzu Motors South Africa that very question but have unfortunately yet to hear back. Still, we’d speculate this engine will indeed eventually come to Mzansi seeing as the Japanese firm’s Struandale facility imports its D-Max engines and transmissions (and indeed the fully built-up MU-X) from Thailand rather than producing powertrains locally.

In addition, it seems the new 2.2-litre unit will ultimately serve as a replacement for the 1.9-litre mill (on which it’s seemingly based) in the Thai market. Since the smaller-capacity engine is employed by lower-spec versions of the SA-manufactured D-Max and the entry-level MU-X derivative offered in our market, it may very well be phased out here, too, likely in favour of this newer 2.2-litre motor.

Of course, exactly when this might happen is anyone’s guess, though it’s worth keeping in mind Billy Tom, Isuzu Motors SA’s CEO and Managing Director, confirmed to Cars.co.za in October 2024 that the local market would see the introduction of the facelifted D-Max and a “sexier” version of the MU-X within the “next 12 months”. That might present the perfect opportunity to introduce this new engine.

So, what do we know about the newly detailed 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit? Well, according to Isuzu’s international media release, the “2.2 Ddi MaxForce” engine – which bears the “RZ4F” internal designation and has a displacement of 2 164 cc – generates peak outputs of 120 kW at 3 600 rpm and 400 Nm from 1 600- to 2 400 rpm. For the record, that’s an extra 10 kW and 50 Nm compared to the 1.9-litre motor.

Fitted with a new 8-speed automatic torque-converter transmission rather than the familiar 6-speed item, the 2.2-litre mill is “more fuel efficient by up to 10.7%”, according to Isuzu Thailand. In that market, the engine can also be combined with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox.

The global statement from Isuzu – which confirmed the new engine only for Thailand – says the fresh powertrain “brings significant improvements to start-up capability, acceleration and fuel efficiency compared to existing models”, while “maintaining excellent durability and minimising noise levels”.

As an aside, the venerable 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel continues seemingly unchanged, with its maximum outputs remaining 140 kW and 450 Nm. For now, the South African market will just have to wait and see whether the new 2.2-litre motor will be offered alongside this engine…

Hyundai Creta (2024) Launch Review

The updated Hyundai Creta has touched down in South Africa bringing with it a few updates, repositioned pricing and the option of matte paint. We drove it in the Western Cape to find out if the updated Creta should be on your compact SUV shortlist. David Taylor brings you this report…

What’s Changed?

The Hyundai Creta sells in credible numbers, with 3 589 units finding homes in 2023, and 1 272 in 2024 so far. With this updated Creta model, Hyundai’s hoping to end off the year on a sales high.

As far as rivals go, Hyundai has benchmarked the Creta against the Haval Jolion, Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-3, Renault Captur and Volkswagen T-Cross as rivals.

What’s actually changed? Visually, it’s not easy to spot the exterior updates unless you have the old and the newer car side-by-side, but the keen-eyed among you will spot repositioned daytime running lights and slightly redesigned front and rear bumpers.

*The Creta is now offered with the option of matte paint.*

Of course, the biggest change is the addition of the matte paint and that’s available in silver, black and white, and requires careful maintenance. High-power pressure washing, for example, is not recommended. Hyundai SA has non-matte finishes too, if you prefer something more mainstream.

In terms of specification changes, the Hyundai Creta Executive adds safety technology like blind-spot collision avoidance, forward collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. A new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, smart key fob and push button start are also added to the standard features list. Convenience features like wireless charging, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and two USB ports at the front highlight the connectivity features.

For the entry-level Premium model, content like faux-leather trim for the seats and steering wheel as well as LED daytime running lights and an electric folding function for the side mirrors has been added along with one-touch window functionality.

More features have been added to the Creta, but pricing has mostly been revised down.

What’s on Offer?

Hyundai SA is offering the Creta with 5 derivatives to choose from. Impressively, 3 of the models are being retailed at a slightly lower price in comparison to the outgoing Creta, while offering additional content and features. We’ll put the pricing differences at the bottom of this article.

There are 2 trim levels; Premium and Executive. The powertrain has been retained and as a reminder, the naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol motor offers up 84 kW and 144 Nm, and customers have the choice of either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

See Hyundai Creta Price and Specs

What is the Creta like to drive?

*The Creta’s 1.5-litre engine is fit for purpose, but don’t expect fireworks.*

The 84 kW / 144 Nm 1.5-litre engine is acceptable for its intended use. However, potential customers need to be mindful of open-road overtaking as we suspect that a fully-laden Creta would be somewhat lethargic in the acceleration stakes. We’ll test this when the Creta arrives for our extended test evaluation.

Petrolheads dislike CVT transmissions in general as they are uninvolving. But in a vehicle such as the Creta, it’s all about a relaxed driving experience and the real benefit of using this transmission is the fuel economy. Our open road cruise saw 6.8 L/100 km and we suspect that even in the most congested of traffic, the Creta won’t consume much more than 8.0 L/100 km.

With that said, if you’re in a hurry, you can pin the accelerator and that’s when the CVT’s typical drone noise will fill the cabin and you will get adequate forward progress, but the Creta’s engine does sound strained with this driving approach. At its heart, the Creta is best suited to light throttle applications and trundling around town.

*The Creta’s low fuel consumption is one of its highlights.*

We left the tarmac and took a detour on some gravel roads. Customers will be spending most of their time on tar, but for the occasional gravel adventure, the Creta will be adequate and there’s 200mm of ground clearance for additional peace of mind.

The steering and ride quality are par for the course, with a comfort bias. We appreciated the steering setup with a light and easy-to-wield disposition, making tight parking manoeuvres effortless. Cabin quality of the Indonesian-built Creta is fair too, and despite our pace on the dirt, there were no rattles or questionable sounds to speak of.

*The Creta’s interior is rudimentary but it covers the major necessities at this price point.*

How much does the Hyundai Creta MY24 cost in South Africa?

Pricing includes a 5-year/150 000 km warranty, an additional 2-year/50 000 km powertrain warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan and the service intervals are at every 15 000 km.

1.5 Premium 6MT	R449 900	R469 500 for old MY23 model
1.5 Premium CVT	R479 000	R490 500 for old MY23 model
1.5 Premium CVT Matte Edition	R484 000
1.5 Executive CVT	R519 900	R522 500 for old MY23model
1.5 Executive CVT Matte Edition	R524 900

Summary

While the latest Hyundai Creta hasn’t changed too much, the reduction in price while offering more standard equipment is to be lauded. The powertrain is more suited to urban commuting so don’t expect much in terms of driving engagement, but we assume the majority of customers in this segment are prioritising comfort and value for money above everything else.

The matte paint is polarising, but if you want to make a strong style statement and take the risk of maintaining it, then go for it!

Look out for a thorough review before the end of 2024!

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Spy Shots: 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty

The Ford Ranger Super Duty will be launched in 2026 as a rugged, stronger and tougher Ranger. Here are the early details!

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.

Our spy photographers snapped this interesting-looking camouflaged Ford Ranger in Dearborn, Michigan – the home of the Blue Oval brand. The source suggests that what you see is the new Ford Ranger Super Duty, which will be offering additional towing capacity and be positioned as a harder-working Ranger derivative.

This prototype features a front bumper that’s positioned for higher clearance, there’s a hardcore front skid plate and we suspect that this will be more for the fleet customers in the commercial building, mining and emergency services sectors. Imagine this thing as a mountain rescue vehicle! Officially it is being developed by Ford’s IMG Product Development based out of Australia, but will be assembled in Thailand.

Ford Australia released some information as well as this teaser image and said it will offer “next-level, work-ready capability to serve the toughest customers when it arrives in 2026.”

“Ranger Super Duty blends the smart features and advanced safety of our award-winning Ranger with heavy-duty capability and delivers what our buyers told us they needed but couldn’t get anywhere else. This work-ready vehicle will give owners the flexibility they need to get the big jobs done, with the confidence of a factory-backed warranty,” said Sondra Sutton Phung, General Manager, Global Truck, Ford Motor Company.

Some figures have been released for the Ford Ranger Super Duty to give us some idea of its capabilities. Towing? 4 500 kg maximum braked towing capacity. Gross vehicle mass? 4 500 kg! Gross combined mass? 8 000 kg. This is going to be a serious workhorse when it launches. As for South African availability, nothing is set in stone, but we would bet the business feasibility study process has already begun…

Ford’s US HQ applied to register the “RANGER SUPER DUTY” trademark in South Africa as long ago as September 2021, though registration has yet to take place.

Ford Ranger Super Duty Teaser Video

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Peugeot Landtrek SC & DC (2024) Price & Specs

The Peugeot Landtrek range in South Africa has quietly expanded with the arrival of a single cab and 2 more affordable double-cab derivatives. Here’s what they cost…

Three years after the Peugeot Landtrek launched in South Africa, the local range has finally been expanded, welcoming not only the single-cab body style but also a pair of more affordable double-cab derivatives.

As a reminder, Stellantis SA currently imports the Landtrek from China but plans to start local assembly of the bakkie (from completely knocked-down kits) at a new facility in the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape towards the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026.

The firm is clearly seeking to ramp up local sales volumes in the build-up to this switch, with the previously 2-strong line-up (having been limited to the Landtrek 1.9TD Allure double cab 4×2 at R631 900 and Landtrek 1.9TD 4Action double cab 4×4 at R719 900) now numbering 5 derivatives.

Thanks to a tip from our eagle-eyed friends over at duoporta.com, we can confirm that the Landtrek’s local starting price has effectively dropped a whopping R243 000 thanks to the introduction of the entry-level Landtrek 1.9TD Professional single cab 4×2.

*The single cab has a claimed payload capacity of 1 210 kg.*

Priced at R388 900, this “Professional” grade single-cab workhorse employs the same 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor as the rest of the line-up, though here it delivers its 110 kW and 350 Nm to the rear axle via a 6-speed manual gearbox rather than an automatic transmission. ABS, dual front airbags, manual air-conditioning and electric windows are standard, while the payload is listed as 1 210 kg and the braked towing capacity as 3 000 kg.

Next comes the Landtrek 1.9TD Professional double cab 4×2, which is priced at R454 900. From what we can tell, this variant shares the single cab’s fairly modest specification level (as well as its black plastic front-bumper element), while employing the same manual-equipped powertrain. The payload capacity, however, comes in at a claimed 1 100 kg.

*The line-up now includes a quartet of double-cab derivatives.*

That leaves the Landtrek 1.9TD Active double cab 4×4 to slot in towards the middle of the revised portfolio. Priced at R545 900, this Active-badged derivative is effectively R174 000 cheaper than the auto-equipped (and likewise 4×4) 4Action flagship but sticks with the 6-speed manual gearbox mentioned above.

Compared with its lesser siblings, the Landtrek 1.9TD Active double cab 4×4 upgrades to 4 airbags and 17-inch steel wheels (rather than 16-inch items), while also gaining electrically adjustable side mirrors, front foglamps and rear parking sensors. This derivative’s payload is listed as 1 020 kg.

*Each of the 3 new derivatives uses a 6-speed manual gearbox.*

It’s worth keeping in mind that while the top-spec double cabs continue to come standard with Peugeot’s 5-year/100 000 km service plan, this aftersales arrangement is optional on the 3 new variants.

Year to date (at the end of October 2024), Stellantis SA has sold 592 units of the Peugeot Landtrek in Mzansi, with its best effort so far being June (137 units), which saw it crack the list of SA’s 10 best-selling bakkies for the month.

How much does the Peugeot Landtrek cost in SA?

Peugeot Landtrek 1.9TD Professional single cab 6MT 4×2 – R388 900

Peugeot Landtrek 1.9TD Professional double cab 6MT 4×2 – R454 900

Peugeot Landtrek 1.9TD Active double cab 6MT 4×4 – R545 900

Peugeot Landtrek 1.9TD Allure double cab 6AT 4×2 – R631 900

Peugeot Landtrek 1.9TD 4Action double cab 6AT 4×4 – R719 900

*The Professional single- and double-cab derivatives have black front bumpers.*

The prices above include Peugeot’s 5-year/100 000 km warranty. The Professional and Active derivatives do not come with a service plan (though one is optional), while the Allure and 4Action variants feature a 5-year/100 000 km service plan as standard.

Most Fuel Efficient Compact SUVs Under R300k

What are the most fuel-efficient Compact SUVs currently on sale in South Africa for under R300k? Take a look at the list below!

Compact SUVs account for significant sales every month and if you’re shopping in the lower end of the segment (under R300 000) you’d be wise to know what the most fuel-efficient cars are in this popular segment.

The cost of fuel is something that you must plan for as it has a direct impact on your overall cost of ownership, which also includes car insurance and regular maintenance. It’s therefore in your best interest to factor fuel efficiency into your buying process!

This list highlights the most fuel-efficient new compact SUVs available on the market for under R300 000.

Note that claimed manufacturer fuel efficiency figures are used to generate this list but real-world fuel consumption is likely to vary depending on a variety of factors including driving habits, location, road conditions, weather, load and so forth. This list should therefore only be used as a guide.

Pricing is accurate as of November 2024.

Most Fuel Efficient Compact SUVs Under R300k

1. Renault Kiger 1.0 Zen Automatic – 5.2 L/100km

The naturally-aspirated Renault Kiger Zen automatic claims 5.2 L/100km and offers 52 kW and 96 Nm of torque while it’s manual counterparts claim 5.3 L/100km. The Kiger Zen automatic is priced from R274 999 while pricing for the Kiger Life manual starts from R249 999 but fuel consumption for this derivative is claimed at 5.3 L/100km/

The turbocharged Kiger Zen and Intens is even more fuel efficient, claiming 5.0 L/100km but pricing starts from R319 999.

Read our review of the Renault Kiger

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2. Mahindra 3XO 1.2T MX2 / MX3 Manual – 5.3 L/100km

The new Mahindra 3XO recently arrived in South Africa and it’s already selling strongly thanks to an appealing combination of performance and fuel economy. Mahindra claims 5.3 L/100km for the 3XO manual derivatives paired with a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine.

The Mahindra 3XO is priced from R254 999 for the MX2 derivative while the higher specced MX3 manual derivative is priced from R274 999.

Buy a new Mahindra 3XO on Cars.co.za

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3. Suzuki Fronx GL Manual – 5.5 L/100km

The new Suzuki Fronx is selling strongly in Mzansi and for under R300k you can step into the Fronz 1.5 GL manual priced from R298 900. With a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine under bonnet offering 77 kW and 138 Nm, Suzuki claims 5.5 L/100km for the Fronx and buyers can also opt for an automatic transmission offered in in both GL (R317 900) or top-spec GLX guise (R354 900), but pricing will then exceed the R300k barrier set for this particular list. Note that the automatic derivatives are slightly thirstier with Suzuki claiming 5.7 L/100km.

Also see: What to Buy: Suzuki Fronx vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro vs Nissan Magnite

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4. Renault Triber – 5.5 L/100km

The Renault Triber offers seating for 7 and is equipped with Renault’s proven 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine, which produces 52 kW and 96 Nm of torque is paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT. All Triber derivatives claim 5.5 L/100km and all derivatives are priced under R300k!

Pricing for the Renault Triber starts from R228 999.

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5. Citroen C3 – 5.6 L/100km

Citroen introduced the new C3 in 2023 and it’s available with a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. Citroen claims 5.6 L/100km for the C3. Note that the C3 is currently not offered with an automatic transmission.

Pricing for the Citroen C3 1.2 Feel starts from R242 900 while the C3 1.2 Max is priced from R255 900.

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New Mahindra XUV 3XO Review: Is this the best budget car on sale right now?

The new Mahindra 3XO has arrived to take on rivals in the budget car segment and if the initial sales numbers are anything to go by, the 3XO means business! Jacob Moshokoa takes the 3XO for a whirl in Cape Town to bring you this video review. Watch the video!

Mahindra has gone from strength to strength in the South African market with an increasingly strong and desirable line up of vehicles, at very attractive price points.

The alphabet soup model, the XUV 3XO A7XL is the Indian brand’s very latest offering, with the most affordable variant coming in at a smidge under R300 000.

The Mahindra 3XO is also finalist in the 2024/25 #CarsAwards!

With good looks, mini-SUV presence and a strong list of comfort and tech features as standard, the new Mahindra 3XO is almost certain to appeal to South African motorists.

In this video, Jacob Moshokoa takes an in-depth look at the newcomer, including fuel consumption, specs and pricing, interior, boot and comfort features.

Watch the video!

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Nissan Navara Warrior enters ‘pre-production’ in SA

Though not yet officially confirmed by Nissan South Africa, the hardcore Navara Warrior double-cab bakkie has entered the “pre-production” phase in Mzansi…

Long rumoured for South Africa, the hardcore Nissan Navara Warrior double-cab bakkie has finally entered “pre-production” locally, according to the company tasked with carrying out the conversions.

To refresh your memory, the Navara Warrior was revealed Down Under way back in mid-2021. The OEM-backed package (as well as a separate kit for the outgoing Patrol) was developed by Australian engineering firm Premcar, which furthermore carries out the conversions in that country.

*The Navara Warrior at Premcar’s Australian facility.*

With rumours of a local launch gathering pace in June 2024, Cars.co.za started digging, eventually discovering that a private company called “Premcar SA” was incorporated in Mzansi in September 2023 (the very same month the Australian head office applied to trademark “Premcar” in South Africa).

We’ve since confirmed that Premcar SA was set up in partnership with Pretoria-based AIH Group, just as we suspected. Now, the AIH Group – which incidentally also assembles Pik Up models for Mahindra in KwaZulu-Natal and counts former BMW Plant Rosslyn general manager Corrie Kotze as its director and CEO – has quietly added a block to the “contract assembly” page of its website, stating the Navara Warrior is “now in pre-production”.

*A screenshot from the AIH Group’s website confirming the Warrior has entered the pre-production phase.*

“This hardcore flagship conversion of the double-cab bakkie is now in pre-production by AIH Group subsidiary Premcar SA. This follows [an] agreement between Nissan South Africa and Melbourne-based Premcar – the Australian automotive engineering firm that developed the Nissan-backed package – to offer the Warrior derivative in South Africa,” says the AIH Group on its website.

Elsewhere on the website, the AIH Group lists the Australian division of Premcar as a “partner”, describing the company as the “go-to partner for car manufacturers who want to add excitement to their new vehicle model ranges, whether through a discreet engineering project or a total new-model enhancement program[me], from sketch to showroom”.

*The Warrior version of the Navara was revealed in Australia back in 2021.*

While it’s not yet clear exactly where Premcar SA’s conversion centre is based, an earlier report from Australian publication carsales.com.au suggested Warrior conversions would be carried at a dedicated facility near the Japanese firm’s Rosslyn factory in Gauteng, where the Navara is built for South Africa and other markets on the continent.

So, when can we expect the Navara Warrior be added to the local Nissan range? Well, earlier this year, Nissan SA would tell us only that it is “exploring introducing new specifications and special versions” of the Navara, opting not to comment specifically on the Warrior. However, our sources suggest a local launch date towards the middle of 2025 is looking likely.

As a reminder, the D23-generation Navara built at Rosslyn uses the older 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine as opposed to the bi-turbo 2.3-litre unit employed by the Thailand-sourced version offered Down Under. The SA-spec version of the Warrior seems likely to be based on the range-topping Navara Pro-4X derivative, though this is not yet confirmed.

We expect the SA-spec Warrior to boast plenty of added off-road capability thanks to various wheel, tyre and suspension enhancements. In Australia, for instance, the top-spec version features 275/70/R17 Cooper Discoverer All Terrain AT3 tyres along with an increased ground clearance (to 260 mm), wider track (from 1 570 mm to 1 600 mm) and an improved approach angle (from 32 degrees to 36 degrees).

The revised suspension set-up features new spring rates for “more front-end support”, while front and rear damping has also been suitably adjusted. The Aussie-spec flagship furthermore gains items such as a winch-compatible bullbar, Navara-branded bashplate and additional underbody protection, along with a modified towbar and a 100 kg GVM upgrade.

Further distinguishing features include Warrior-specific fender flares, special decals and “Warrior” embroidery on the headrests. Look out for more local details as the Navara Warrior’s inevitable launch in South Africa nears…

New base Citroën C3 Aircross to drop entry price by R75k

Pricing scoop! A new entry-level version of the Citroën C3 Aircross will soon launch in South Africa, effectively dropping the range’s starting price by a further R75 000…

Back in July 2024, Cars.co.za broke the news that the new Indian-built Citroën C3 Aircross would undercut the outgoing European-made version by a whopping R105 000. Now we can confirm that a fresh entry-level derivative will soon launch in South Africa, reducing this crossover range’s base price by a further R75 000.

Yes, while the C3 Aircross 1.2T Max 6AT (which is also offered in 7-seater form) that arrived in Mzansi in July uses a turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, the soon-to-launch C3 Aircross 1.2 Plus 5MT instead employs a naturally aspirated motor of the same capacity, along with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

According to our information, the new entry-level C3 Aircross 1.2 Plus 5MT will be priced at R269 900, effectively dropping the CC24-generation’s starting price by a significant R75 000. For the record, that makes this variant just R14 000 more expensive than the smaller C3 1.2 Max (R255 900).

Interestingly, this pricing also sees the new entry-level C3 Aircross derivative positioned right alongside the likes of the Renault Kiger 1.0 Zen 5MT (R264 999), Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium 5MT (R269 900), Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT 5MT (R269 900) and Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T MX3 6MT (R274 999) in the increasingly competitive sub-R300 000 crossover space.

From what we understand, the new C3 Aircross 1.2 Plus 5MT’s peak outputs are the same as those of the C3, with 61 kW and 115 Nm delivered to the front axle through the aforementioned manual cog-swapper. However, we’ve yet to unearth a claimed combined fuel-economy figure for this naturally aspirated derivative.

Moreover, official specifications for the new base variant have yet to be announced, so it’s not clear what sort of equipment the “Plus” grade might miss out on when compared with the “Max” trim level of the turbocharged, auto-equipped derivatives (or, indeed, whether it will feature the same 4-year/60 000 km service plan).

As a reminder, while the outgoing C3 Aircross was imported from Spain, the new CC24-generation version is instead shipped over from Citroën’s Tamil Nadu plant in India. The CC24-series model measures 4 323 mm from nose to tail, making it 181 mm longer than the model it ultimately replaced.

This new crossover’s wheelbase comes in at 2 671 mm (up 67 mm on the Euro version), while it stands 1 796 mm wide and 1 654 mm tall, with ground clearance listed as 200 mm. The standard 5-seater has a claimed luggage capacity of 444 litres.

How have South African new-vehicle buyers received the C3 Aircross thus far? Well, local registrations increased to 86 units in this model’s launch month of July 2024 (perhaps including a smattering of outgoing Euro-built units), before growing to 151 units in August. That number fell to 115 units in September and then to 82 units in October.

As a reminder, the Indian-sourced CC24-gen C3 Aircross and the CC21-gen C3 form part of Stellantis South Africa’s drive to reposition Citroën as the group’s most budget-friendly brand.

How much does the new Citroën C3 Aircross cost in SA?

Citroën C3 Aircross 1.2 Plus 5MT – R269 900

Citroën C3 Aircross 1.2T Max 6AT – R344 900

Citroën C3 Aircross 1.2T Max 6AT 7-seater – R354 900

The prices above include the brand’s standard 5-year/100 000 km warranty. The turbocharged derivatives feature a 4-year/60 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km), while we’ve yet to confirm the parameters of the new naturally aspirated variant’s service plan.

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