Volkswagen Tiguan (2025): Living with it

Previous generations of the Wolfsburg-based brand’s family car were very popular in South Africa. The 3rd-gen model again looks like a strong competitor, but given its stiff competition, is the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan a class leader – or an also-ran?

More than 40 000 Tiguans had found homes in Mzansi before this 3rd-gen model was launched in 2024. Its predecessors were frontrunners in the medium SUV/family segment, but the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan faces much stiffer competition than they did. The local arrivals of particularly high-value Chinese models (especially from GWM/Haval and Chery/Jaecoo/Omoda) have truly disrupted this sector of the market.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan rear three-quarter view — Our 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan test unit was specced up the Life Plus package. Onlookers praised the rear light bar design.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan (in 1.4 TSI R-Line guise) is vying for a category win in the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa. We recently spent a month with the 1.4 TSI Life derivative, taking in numerous long-distance trips, gravel-road driving along the Garden Route, and making full use of its cabin flexibility (and the fitment of a tow hitch) to discover the strengths and weaknesses of the model.

Stylish, but mind the options!

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is a slightly bigger car than before, and features more rounded styling than its chiselled predecessor – it clearly borrows styling cues from the SA-bound ID.4 electric crossover.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 18-inch Bologna alloy wheels — *18-inch Bologna alloy wheels are included in the Volkswagen Tiguan’s Life Plus trim pack.*

Some will appreciate those aesthetic elements, and others won’t, but as a team, we feel the Tiguan has lost a bit of character. Then again, it is a design that “dresses up well”. Several onlookers commented favourably on the design, particularly the rear light bar, as well as the striking 18-inch Bologna alloys.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan optional panoramic sunroof — *Our test unit was specified with the R18 000 (February 2025) panoramic sunroof.*

Those attractive wheels are optional, however (17-inch Bari wheels are standard); they’re bundled with the Life Plus package (R20 700) that also includes Adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning and brake reaction, rear-traffic alert, a lane-change system and a reverse-view camera.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan front of cabin — *The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is positioned as a tech leader in its segment; its fascia design certainly suggests as much.*

You also have to consider that the desirable tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof is optional, specifying it will add another R18 000 to the base price of R716 900.

Move inside and the changes are very easy to spot. Tech is the dominant theme, with a large (12.9-inch as standard) central infotainment screen with crisp and clear graphics taking pride of place.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan infotainment touchscreen with nav menu — *The 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen looks very smart and has crisp, clear graphics.*

Fronting the driver is a neat (and configurable) 10-inch digital instrument cluster. Available as an option is an even larger (15-inch) screen, which is combined with dual wireless charging pads.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan transmission stalk — *VW has freed up centre console space by installing a column-mounted transmission lever in the Tiguan.*

Another nice touch is the placement of the transmission stalk behind the steering wheel, which frees up space in the centre console. Speaking of which, here you can find a single rotary knob (called the Driving Experience Dial) to control both the volume of the audio system, as well as selecting driving modes.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan front seat climatic functions — *If you specify Varenna leather trim, you also gain massage- and climatic functions for the front seats.*

Overall, it’s an attractively designed cabin, but you must be mindful of the optional extras: what you see isn’t quite what you get (as standard). The lovely Varenna leather trim is optional (R24 800), but includes massage-, heating- and ventilation functions, plus electric adjustment (with memory) for the front seats.

Loading up

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is 30 mm longer and 4 mm wider than its predecessor, but has a marginally shorter wheelbase. Nevertheless, the newcomer’s cabin packaging is impressive.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan electric seat adjustment — *The test unit was specced-up to include electrically adjustable front seats (with memory and lumbar support).*

The load-bay capacity is claimed to be 37 litres bigger than before (at 652 litres), making it one of the most capacious in its segment. The rear seatbacks can be tumbled forward by using levers mounted in the walls of the load bay, and they fold almost completely flat, which aids practicality.

Another plus is the fitment of an actual spare tyre underneath the boot floor, instead of a tyre repair kit.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan rear bench — *Rear passengers are afforded more than enough head- and legroom in the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan.*

Our Tiguan test unit was also fitted with the optional mechanical swivelling and power-detachable trailer hitch (a R20 700 extra cost) as well as the electric Easy-Open tailgate (R11 700).

Even when the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was fully occupied during longer trips, there were no complaints from passengers: rear legroom is excellent, and rear ventilation outlets keep passengers seated in the back cool. And, at the front of the cabin, several more nice touches boost the VW’s overall practicality.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan central storage area

There is a large, configurable storage area between the front seats (as shown above – it’s located underneath a welcome armrest), and we love the flap over the charge pads, which creates a neat additional surface (rubberised, too) for storage of smaller items.

In addition to dual wireless charge pads fitted to our vehicle (shown below), there are also two USB-C ports to keep devices charged.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan dual wireless charging pads

Performance and Efficiency

This Tiguan derivative is powered by Volkswagen’s well-known 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that delivers up to 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque. Both these outputs are on the low side, compared with those of its segment rivals, but the Tiguan is a significantly lighter vehicle: it tips the scales at 1 384 kg.

Consequently, its performance hasn’t been impacted too much, with the claimed 0-100 kph figure (9.2 seconds) being more or less on par with rivals.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan digital instrument cluster — *Although the test unit didn’t match Volkswagen’s claimed fuel consumption for this model, it was not much thirstier either.*

Mated with the brand’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the focus has really been on delivering a balance of performance and efficiency, with the weighting slightly balanced towards the latter.

Volkswagen claims an average consumption of 7.6 L/100km, and we averaged about 8.4 L/100 km during the month-long test. Given the 55-litre tank, you should be able to travel around 650 km between refills.

*These functions make parking and manoeuvring the Tiguan a cinch.*

Under full load, there is a noticeable dip in performance at or near the speed limit, and it’s something to bear in mind especially if you are considering towing regularly. The tow rating is 1 900 kg (braked trailer).

General Driving Experience

There is a fairly noticeable difference in the driving experience provided by the new Tiguan vs that of the previous-gen model. The low-speed ride is not very supple, perhaps exacerbated by the bigger wheels.

*The Tiguan has a less pliant ride quality than its predecessors, but the optional (bigger) wheels don’t help in that regard.*

As a result, poor road surfaces can be felt (and heard) in the cabin. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is also lighter than the previous model (even though it’s a bigger vehicle), pointing to potential weight-saving measures that could explain the “thinner” feel (in terms of cabin insulation).

Also, the 1.4 TSI Life’s throttle mapping is not ideal. The test unit exhibited significant lag, particularly in start-off/pull-away conditions, followed by a quick ramp-up in power delivery that sometimes resulted in undesired wheelspin (and traction problems on gravel/sand); remember, this variant is front-wheel drive.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan drive mode controller — *You can switch between drive modes and adjust the audio by using the animated rotary controller (Driving Experience Dial).*

That said, the Volkswagen’s throttle mapping is, however, something one can get used to with time.

Happily, both the ride comfort and throttle mapping issues largely disappear on the open road, where the Tiguan feels a lot more comfortable. In such conditions, it is a comfortable, refined cruiser.

On gravel, the Tiguan is a sure-footed companion (provided the surface is relatively good), but its firm ride quality does make it feel skittish on corrugations.

A few niggles

As stated earlier in this review, Volkswagen has positioned the 3rd-gen Tiguan as somewhat of a tech leader in the segment; it boasts various advanced safety features – some are standard, but some are not.

As part of the optional Life Plus Package, the Tiguan gains adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning and braking reaction to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as rear-traffic alert.

This package costs a not insignificant R20 700 and also includes a useful reverse-view camera and those lovely 18-inch wheels. Unfortunately, some of the tech features were problematic.

Very early during the 1.4 TSI Life‘s tenure in our fleet, the test unit’s Front Assist function failed, which made adaptive cruise control unavailable. This system would have been particularly helpful on the long-distance trips we were planning, but it remained unavailable for the duration of the evaluation.

Furthermore, the car’s assistance systems are way too sensitive in general, causing heartstopping braking situations when manoeuvring at low speeds. Of course, some of these features can be switched off, but then what would be the point of having them in the first place (let alone paying for them)?

Finally, the left centre ventilation outlet in the front of the car (shown above) “seized”, meaning that the horizontal direction of the airflow could no longer be altered.

Price and after-sales support

The Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI Life retails for R716 900, which includes a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. Note, however, that the vehicle as tested (and fitted with the options outlined in this article) costs R812 800.

New Volkswagen Tiguan Specs & Prices in South Africa

Find a new/used Volkswagen Tiguan listed for sale on Cars.co.za

Verdict

At its list price (pre-options), the 2025 Volkswagen 1.4 TSI Life looks like an attractive option in this segment, with a desirable badge, pleasing spaciousness and an admirable spread of features. At the price as tested, however, it is considerably more difficult to make an argument in the Tiguan’s favour.

The winner of the 2024 #CarsAwards’ Family Car category – the Kia Sportage – can be had in 1.6T-GDi GT Line Plus guise for considerably less than the Tiguan 1.4 TSI Life, and the same goes for powerful and fully-loaded Haval H6 HEV Ultra Luxury. Those are just 2 examples of more keenly-priced competitors.

As it stands, we think the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan will continue to appeal to VW brand loyalists (of which there are MANY in Mzansi), but for brand-agnostic consumers, particularly those who prioritise value-for-money, the purchasing proposition offered by the Tiguan may no longer be strong enough.

Watch Jacob Moshokoa’s video review of the Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI R-Line

Best Budget Cars in South Africa (2025)

Looking for the best new budget cars in Mzansi? Then consider the finalists in that category of the 2025 #CarsAwards, sponsored by Absa. This article examines the major differences between the Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Exter and Mahindra XUV 3XO.

The Budget Car segment is one of the most important sectors of the new-car market because it yields significant sales volumes. Budget Cars are likely to be the first new cars that many motoring consumers will buy; therefore, value for money, low running costs, good after-sales support and even safety features are important. The best budget cars each represent “as much new car as you can get for your money”.

The #CarsAwards Budget Car finalists are, therefore, excellent propositions for budget-car shoppers.

The finalists in the Budget Car category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa are:

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX: The Suzuki Swift is a multiple-budget car winner and the new Swift is already proving its dominance. The Swift, for the first time ever, was the best-selling passenger car in South Africa in January 2025. View the Suzuki Swift’s price & specs

Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive: The Exter arrived in South Africa in September 2024, just in time for qualification and it’s already selling strongly on the local market. View the Hyundai Exter price & specs

Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T MX3: The Mahindra 3XO deserves its finalist position because it’s a strong buying proposition and proving to be popular on the local market. View the XUV 3XO’s price & specs

Watch Ciro De Siena compare these 3 budget cars at the Gerotek proving grounds:

This article aims to help you, the consumer, make an informed buying decision when shopping for the best budget cars. To help you do this, we will provide you with the need-to-know information and insight based on available vehicle information and our experience with the cars in question.

This article will cover key aspects including Performance & Efficiency, Interior Features & Safety, Dimensions & Practicality, as well as Pricing & Warranty details.

If, at the end of this article, you are still undecided about what to buy, you are more than welcome to contact us for advice via X, Facebook or Instagram. Our experienced test team will gladly assist you.

What to buy? Suzuki Swift vs Hyundai Exter vs Mahindra XUV 3XO

Performance & Efficiency

	Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX	Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive	Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T MX3
Powertrain	1.2-litre, naturally-aspirated, 3-cylinder, petrol	1.2-litre, naturally-aspirated, 4-cylinder, petrol	1.2-litre, turbocharged, 3-cylinder, petrol
Power Output	60 kW	61 kW	82 kW
Torque Output	112 Nm	114 Nm	200 Nm
Transmission	5-speed manual / CVT	5-speed manual	6-speed manual
Fuel Consumption	4.4 L/100 km	5.7 L/100 km	5.3 L/100 km

Suzuki Swift

Built on Suzuki’s Heartect platform, the 4th-gen Swift is still one of the most fun and engaging cars to drive in this segment. Under the bonnet is a 60 kW/112 Nm naturally-aspirated 3-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with either a 5-speed manual- or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

While its outputs on paper are average at best, the Swift’s performance delivery will surprise you and its low real-world fuel consumption makes it a strong buying proposition for budget-sensitive buyers.

Hyundai Exter

With similar outputs to the Swift, the Hyundai Exter offers a similar level of performance, but is perhaps less sporty or engaging to drive than its Japanese rival.

Nonetheless, the Exter is a capable urban runabout with good general driving dynamics and thanks to its low kerb weight, it can scoot around town with zeal, even if its performance wanes at highway speeds.

Mahindra 3XO

In this company, the Mahindra XUV 3XO’s 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine stands out by virtue of its superior power and torque outputs (82 kW/200 Nm). As such, the XUV 3XO is a strong performer with its gutsy engine delivering a good turn of pace that many buyers in this segment will appreciate.

Even with more power, the XUV 3XO still manages to return good fuel economy, thereby striking an attractive balance between performance and economy (a claimed 5.3 L/100 km).

Interior Features and Safety

For this feature comparison, we will compare the finalist derivatives from each model range.

Try our Compare New Cars tool to compare the prices and specs of up to 3 cars side-by-side.

See the full specification comparison

	Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX	Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive	Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T MX3
Infotainment system	9-inch touchscreen	8-inch touchscreen	10.25-inch touchscreen
Digital Instrument Cluster	4-inch colour TFT display	4.2-inch colour TFT display	10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
Android Auto / Apple CarPlay	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth, Voice Control, USB, Wireless Charging	Bluetooth, front USB, no wireless charging	Bluetooth, Voice Control, USB-C, no wireless charging	Bluetooth, 2 USB (front and rear) front USB
Rear View Camera	Yes, rear	Yes, rear	None
Steering Adjustment: Rake / Reach	Yes, rake and reach	Yes, rake and reach	Yes, rake and reach
Cruise Control	Yes	Yes	Yes
Air Conditioning	Climate control	Manual air conditioning	Manual air conditioning
Panoramic Sunroof	No	No	No
Upholstery / electric seats	Fabric upholstery	Fabric upholstery	Fabric upholstery
Front / Rear Park Distance Control	Rear only	Rear only	Rear only
Safety Features	6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control (no traction control).	6 airbags, ABS (no EBD), tyre pressure monitoring. Note: No Brake Assist or ESP	6 airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control (no traction control) Note: No EBD, Brake Assist

Interior features summary

As for the cars’ feature lists, the Swift 1.2 GLX offers an admirable array of standard equipment including safety features, which partly explains why the Suzuki is a popular choice in the budget segment.

The Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive is also reasonably specced, but bear in mind that it doesn’t have climate control (automatic aircon) and, in terms of safety, it lacks brake assist and electronic stability control. If a (relatively) comprehensive safety spec is important to you, the Korean offering loses some points here.

Jumping inside the Mahindra, the XUV 3XO impresses with its tech-forward design approach with its large touchscreen and digital instrument cluster adding a more premium look and feel to the cabin.

Even so, a reverse-view camera is not included in the MX3 trim grade and buyers will have to live with manual- instead of auto aircon. Brake assist and EBD are also not fitted to this variant of the XUV 3XO.

Dimensions and Practicality

	Suzuki Swift	Hyundai Exter	Mahindra XUV 3XO
Length	3 860 mm	3 815	3 990 mm
Width	1 735 mm	1 710 mm	1 821 mm
Height	1 520 mm	1 631 mm	1 647 mm
Wheelbase	2 450 mm	2 450 mm	2 600 mm
Ground Clearance	145 mm	185 mm	201 mm
Rear Seating Configuration	60:40 split	Single folding backrest	60:40 split

Load Bay Capacity	265-580-948 L	290-1275 L	364 L

Practicality Summary

*The Exter and 3XO have higher ground clearance which is useful for gravel driving.*

As highlighted in the table above, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is the largest of the 3 models and importantly, it also has the longest wheelbase. That translates into more space for luggage and passengers.

On the subject of luggage space, the XUV 3XO is claimed to have the largest load capacity at 364 litres. Note that the Exter’s practicality is impinged by its rear seatback that folds down, yes, but doesn’t split.

Finally, the XUV 3XO has the highest ground clearance, followed by the Exter – which will be useful if you plan on driving on gravel roads regularly. The Swift, by contrast, is more suited to driving on tar only.

Price and Warranty

	Suzuki Swift	Price	Hyundai Exter	Price	Mahindra 3XO	Price
Entry	Swift 1.2 GL	R219 900	Exter 1.2 Premium MT	R269 900	3XO 1.2T MX2 MT	R254 999
			Exter 1.2 Premium AT	R294 900	3XO 1.2T MX2 AT	R274 999
Mid	Swift 1.2 GL+ MT	R239 900	Exter 1.2 Executive MT	R289 900	3XO 1.2T MX3 MT	R274 999
	Swift 1.2 GL+ AT	R259 900	Exter 1.2 Executive AT	R314 900	3XO 1.2T MX3 AT	R294 999
Top	Swift 1.2 GLX MT	R264 900			3X0 1.2T AX5 MT	R319 999
	Swift 1.2 GLX AT	R284 900	Exter 1.2 Elite AT	R334 900	3X0 1.2T AX5 AT	R344 999
	Swift 1.4T Sport MT	R454 900			3X0 1.2T AX5L AT	R374 999
	Swift 1.4T Sport AT	R478 900			3X0 1.2T AX7L AT	R404 999

Warranty	5-year / 150 000 km		5-year / 150 000 km (vehicle) 7-year / 200 000 km (drivetrain)		5-year / 150 000 km
Service Plan	5-year / 100 000 km		3-year / 45 000 km		3-year / 55 000 km

Not sure what you’re able to afford? Look at our Car Affordability Calculator

Use our Car Finance Calculator to work out your potential monthly premiums

What should you buy?

All 3 finalists in the Budget Car category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa are excellent choices in their own right and your final decision will depend on your needs and budget.

From an affordability perspective, the Suzuki Swift is a strong value proposition with the 1.2 GLX manual priced well below R300k. Similarly, the Hyundai Exter will appeal to buyers looking for a quirkily-styled compact crossover and Hyundai’s comprehensive vehicle and powertrain warranty sweetens the deal.

If you’re looking for a car with a larger footprint and, therefore a more spacious interior, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is certainly worth considering as it offers punchier performance and a modernised interior.

We hope that this article has helped you to make an informed car-buying decision.

Note that the #CarsAwards winners will be announced on 27 February 2025.

Find a Suzuki Swift listed for sale on Cars.co.za

Find a Hyundai Exter listed for sale on Cars.co.za

Find a Mahindra 3XO listed for sale on Cars.co.za

V8-powered Range Rover Sport P530 back in SA line-up!

The Range Rover Sport P530 has returned to the local line-up, offering 390 kW from its twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance. Here’s what it costs…

When the 3rd-generation Range Rover Sport debuted in South Africa back in 2022, fewer than 60 units (all in “First Edition” guise) of the P530 flagship were allocated to Mzansi. Now, however, this V8 powertrain has quietly returned to the local line-up.

Yes, after a bit of a hiatus, the Range Rover Sport P530 is back, again powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance. As a reminder, this BMW-sourced (N63) motor generates 390 kW and 750 Nm, peak outputs delivered to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

That’s enough, according to the British automaker, to propel the Solihull-built premium SUV from zero to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds. The powertrain’s listed combined fuel consumption, meanwhile, comes in at 11.8 L/ 100 km.

Thanks to the eagle-eyed folks over at duoporta.com, we can confirm this powertrain is again available locally, though now in the following 2 forms (with the “First Edition” having long since fallen away): the Range Rover Sport P530 Dynamic HSE starting at R2 859 000 and the Range Rover Sport P530 Autobiography kicking off at R2 928 200.

That sees the returning P530 slot in above the P360 (6-cylinder turbopetrol), D350 (6-cylinder turbodiesel) and P460e (6-cylinder plug-in hybrid) but below the likewise V8-powered P635 SV Edition Two. Of course, the latter – which costs R3 971 500 and generates an even headier 467 kW and 750 Nm – is a limited-run derivative, with very few units having been set aside for SA.

For the record, the Dynamic HSE grade includes features such as 22-inch “Satin Dark Grey” alloy wheels, Pixel LED headlights, a Meridian 3D surround-sound system, semi-aniline leather seats, 20-way adjustable (heated and ventilated) front seats, heated-and-ventilated power-reclining rear seats and the “Dynamic Exterior Pack”.

The Autobiography trim level, meanwhile, upgrades to 22-way power-adjustable front pews, complete with a massage function, plus “winged” headrests (front and rear). It furthermore scores a black contrast roof (with a sliding panoramic sunroof), an “SV Bespoke” leather upgrade and premium cabin lighting with illuminated treadplates featuring the “Autobiography” script.

How much does the Range Rover Sport P530 cost in SA?

Range Rover Sport P530 Dynamic HSE – R2 859 000

Range Rover Sport P530 Autobiography – R2 928 200

The prices above include a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a maintenance plan with the same parameters.

7 Tips to Becoming a Smarter Car Shopper

Depending on your relationship with your needs, money, neighbours and approach to mobility – your experience as a car shopper could either be painless, even fun – or harrowing and unpleasant, especially if you make an unwise purchase. These tips may help you to avoid the common mistakes that too many car shoppers make.

Tech has come a long way towards empowering the car shopper, with online automotive retail portals such as Cars.co.za offering buyers thousands of new and used listed vehicles that are searchable by a range of user-defined criteria – and for which news stories and reviews can be found on the same site.

Combined with tools such as an affordability calculator and resources devoted to car finance, -insurance and -warranties, websites like Cars.co.za exist to inform and empower the car shopper (wherever they are on their car-buying journey) to ultimately make a smarter, well-informed purchasing decision.

Still, as the 2nd-biggest purchase most people will ever make, along with social pressures to manifest an aspirational aspect of upward mobility or portray a certain image, consumers are often (mis)guided by a range of emotional needs and responses to their tyre-kicking trip, ranging from to the rarely-rational to the all-too-often-ridiculous. Forethought and knowledge, however, will make you a smarter car shopper.

The feverish car-buying impulses I allude to are particularly prevalent among automotive enthusiasts and amplified in the realm of highly-sought-after models, where the temptation to buy a rare collectable paired with the prospect of the social status it would bring all too predictably steamrollers sensibility.

And all the more so when there are no alternatives to consider as a benchmark, or the purchase decision is rushed for fear of losing out. A smarter car shopper, by contrast, lets their head override their heart.

What to keep top-of-mind when car shopping

Do proper research about a product – study its line-up and model-life evolution. From SUVs to sportscars, certain models are deemed more stylish or “must-have” than others. Alternately, stock shortages of new vehicles necessitate buyers to look to used units. In both cases, the hyped notion of “a must-have” limits the options available to the buyer, and crucially, in many cases, clouds their judgement.

By implication, even though a desirable model has been subject to a recall or is known to suffer from poor reliability, that fact matters little to an eager would-be buyer. Had the vehicle been a parlously-kept garden-variety Toyota Corolla or compact crossover, the car shopper wouldn’t have given it a 2nd look!

So would-be buyers may eye popular models such as Volkswagen’s Golf 5 and 1st-gen Tiguan oblivious to the fact the short-lived twin-charged 1.4 TFSI engine (with a super- and turbocharger) was a piston-muncher best avoided. Or, evolution-wise, that BMW’s B58 3.0-litre inline-6 that replaced the N55 was more economical and powerful; or that the VW Amarok V6 bakkie was offered with 3 outputs over time…

Choosing the wrong model, or even derivative, may result in buyer’s remorse down the line. A smarter car shopper should check out Cars.co.za Buyer’s Guides, which lists the entire line-ups (from early to late derivatives), expected asking prices, plus pros and cons of popular models, as part of their legwork.

Ask for honest advice, not for opinions that will confirm your bias(es). We all know that guy. The one that asks and gets a hundred people brawling over whether the Toyota Hilux or the Ford Ranger is best, but in the end, he buys a Nissan Navara because that’s all he truly wanted all along. And no matter what he’s told, he can’t be swayed, regardless of whether it’s factually the best buy in its segment or not.

See also: Cars.co.za Awards category winners of 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

Don’t overlook defects because a model is a “once-in-a-lifetime” find. The rarer the car, the higher the emotion. Oil puddles, smoky engines and rattly tappets are all red flags for high impending repair bills, but all downplayed in moments of besottedness. And, if only a handful of the specific model in question was sold, parts may be harder to source – locally or internationally. It’s not always easy, but keep a level head, or prepare to watch your wallet wilt and/or wait an eternity for parts to surface.

Test-drive more than 1 example of the model you’re considering. So you want a used Volkswagen Golf GTI. In white. With a sunroof. The problem is – so does everyone else; and just yesterday you heard your neighbour was ready to trade in his Polo GTI on the very same car that you’re after: that means you’re about to miss out if you don’t act fast. A smarter car shopper would cast their proverbial net wider.

Bear in mind the DSG ‘box in that Golf may have become jerky and could be days away from needing a rebuild, but you wouldn’t know that because you never even bothered looking at another model, or didn’t do the 1 thing so many itchy buyers can’t: wait for a better one. Even if it’s a bit pricier, it’ll be worth it.

Be prepared to walk away from a deal. The vehicle trade operates as much by selling mobility as it does fantasy. You’re not just buying a vehicle; you’re buying into a lifestyle – procuring “an extension of who you are”. Coke-and-brandy drinkers love big-engined Fords, 2-tone shirt wearers adore any off-roader whose name is prefixed by the word “Land” and BMW M car owners are unashamed of their heavy right feet: Such stereotypes are hackneyed, yet they persist and worse, some people gladly perpetuate them.

A Honda S2000 will forever be cooler than a Civic Type R, in the same way that a Black Series ‘Benz trumps a C63 and a Raptor a Wildtrak: these things matter to motoring enthusiasts; it keeps them up at night. Not grabbing a unicorn when it’s there for taking is sacrilege; conversely, buying (or overpaying for) a clunker simply because you “have to have it” (but you cannot really afford it) is a fool’s errand.

Don’t trade in while holding negative equity. Welcome to the everlasting torture of golden handcuffs. Let’s say you bought a new Hyundai i10 2 years ago when you got your 1st job. Now, you want Duduzile in Accounts to like you, so the humble i10 needs to go, and you’re hoping the local dealer will trade that as a deposit towards the demo i30N in Performance Blue you desire. Perhaps then she’ll notice you…

You’re in trouble, only you don’t know it yet. You’ve barely paid off the interest on the i10, so after signing for the i30N (provided your finance application is approved), you’re effectively paying off 2 cars at the same time. That translates to a lengthy downpayment period, and before the term of the loan agreement ends, you may need a family vehicle; so you’ll be back to square 1 in your search for a family-friendlier Staria bus even before the then-ragged i30N is paid off. And so it starts again: Bond? What bond?

Use our car affordability calculator to find out what you can afford and search based on the result

Not considering the cost of ownership. Congratulations, you’ve scored a low-mileage out-of-warranty sportscar or performance SUV. You’re the (wo)man. You’re destroying GTIs at the traffic lights, the envy of almost every other road user (including supercar owners “who spent so much more to buy their cars”) and Panyaza Lesufi’s blue light brigade pulls over as soon as they see your car in their rear-view mirrors.

But then your freeway bruiser unexpectedly goes into limp mode, or needs new tyres, which go for about R7k or more each from a famous local rubber retailer whose 4-letter acronym spells a naughty word. Perhaps it has 2, 3, or in the case of a BMW X5 M50D, 4 turbochargers: that’s a lot that could go wrong, and none of it is ever going to be cheap, meaning you’ll also swear 4 times as much. Did you budget for that or take out a 2nd mortgage to ensure the prodigiously rapid vehicle gets parked on your driveway?

Lana del Rey sings that hope is a dangerous thing. Yet getting swept up by emotions when car shopping is even worse. Relish the joy of purchasing your dream wheels, but be calm and resolute before you do.

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Lexus LX (2025) Price & Specs

The updated Lexus LX range has officially launched in South Africa, complete with a new LX 700h hybrid powertrain and a fresh “Overtrail” grade. Here’s local pricing…

The Lexus LX range has been updated in South Africa, gaining hybrid power thanks to a new LX 700h powertrain and a revised look courtesy of a fresh “Overtrail” grade (as applied to the incoming Lexus GX).

While the local portfolio – which is closely related to the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 – again comprises 5 derivatives, the new LX 700h interestingly replaces the purely petrol-powered LX 600. The diesel-driven LX 500d (225 kW and 700 Nm), however, carries over as the 4×4 range’s entry point.

As a reminder, the outgoing LX 600’s twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 petrol motor generated maximum outputs of 305 kW and 650 Nm. In contrast, the box-fresh hybrid derivative predictably offers more oomph.

Indeed, its newly developed “1MT-HEV” powertrain – which integrates a motor generator with a clutch positioned between the twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 petrol unit and the 10-speed automatic transmission – delivers peak system power of 341 kW. While the petrol engine alone generates 650 Nm, total system torque comes in at 790 Nm.

*The LX 700h in Overtrail guise, as shown at SOMI 2025.*

Claimed fuel consumption for this new LX 700h powertrain comes in at 10.0 L/100 km. The hybrid battery is located in the rear floor within a “waterproof tray” that is divided into upper and lower sections. This design, says the automaker, “effectively prevents water ingress during deep water crossings, ensuring a fording capability of 700 mm”.

So, what about local pricing (hat-tip to the ever-helpful folks over at duoporta.com for the timely heads-up)? Well, the LX 500d F Sport again kicks off the range, though now starts at R2 557 500 (some R40 000 more than before). Next comes at the LX 500d Overtrail at R2 577 400, representing a R58 400 increase over the outgoing “Urban” derivative (a grade that falls away).

*Note the Overtrail derivative’s chunkier tyres.*

The new LX 700h powertrain, meanwhile, is available in 3 forms. The LX 700h F Sport is priced at R2 666 500, while the LX 700h Overtrail comes in at R2 703 600. Finally, the LX 700h VIP tops the line-up at R3 092 100, becoming Mzansi’s most expensive Lexus SUV yet. For the record, the outgoing LX 600 variants ran from R2 553 600 to R2 997 400.

Interestingly, the F Sport derivatives come standard with 5 seats, while the Overtrail variants feature the full complement of 7 seats. Finally, the flagship VIP iteration again boasts a 4-seat cabin layout complete with independent, electrically adjustable 2nd-row pews offering plenty of legroom.

*As many as 6 interior colours schemes are offered locally.*

The fresh Overtrail grade is set apart by a dark grille and matte-grey alloy wheels (wrapped in chunkier, 265/70 R18 tyres), while various other exterior components – from the fog-lamp surrounds, roof rails, wheel-arch mouldings, door handles, side-mirror caps and rear-bumper garnish – likewise feature darkened tones.

A new “Moon Desert” paint colour is also exclusive to the Overtrail trim level. In addition, Overtrail derivatives ship standard with front- and rear differential locks, in additional to the centre diff lock. It also features an improved approach angle of 23 degrees (compared with the F Sport’s 21 degrees).

Other updates to the broader LX line-up include various revised driver-assistance systems, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an upgraded wireless smartphone charging pad and an “Advanced Park” system (complete with remote function) exclusive to the hybrid.

How much does the updated Lexus LX cost in SA?

Lexus LX 500d F Sport – R2 557 500

Lexus LX 500d Overtrail – R2 577 400

Lexus LX 700h F Sport – R2 666 500

Lexus LX 700h Overtrail – R2 703 600

Lexus LX 700h VIP – R3 092 100

The prices above include a vehicle warranty and maintenance plan each spanning 7 years or 105 000 km, along with an 8-year/195 000 km battery-specific warranty.

1965 Porsche 911: Classic Drive

We track down a fully restored 1965 Porsche 911 2.0 SWB in Pretoria. In the more than 60 years since the first model made its debut, the 911 has become a true sportscar icon. But what is it like to drive in 2025?

It doesn’t take long to realise that the Porsche 911 is probably the only sportscar that has stayed so close to its roots for as long as 6 decades. The engine has the same number of cylinders and is positioned in the same location in the car – just to name just 2 examples. Of course, the car has grown (immensely) and never before has there been such a wide variety of new 911 variants as today, but there is a clear thread that runs from 1963 (when the car was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show) to 2025.

If you’re an enthusiast, you’ve probably wondered about what an early 911 model is like to drive. Would it be fair to assume that such a car is painfully slow, cumbersome and has terrible handling? It depends on what you compare it with, but bear in mind, in its heyday, this car achieved much motorsport success.

The details

This 1965 Porsche 911 2.0 SWB has been with its current owner for 6 years. It is chassis number 300757 and appears to be 1 of only two 911s in South Africa that date from 1965. The Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche states that the heating system was the only option that the original owner specified for this vehicle. The system is installed at the front and can only be seen when you lift the carpet and open a small compartment. It makes sense, as the dealer that sold it was AMAG Suisse, located in Switzerland.

The owner found the car when it was in the middle of restoration at Bailey Cars in Johannesburg and immediately expressed interest in it. Following the restoration, the owner has been enjoying the car and maintaining it to perfection. Up close, and even from some distance, the car presents as if it’s “in perfect factory original condition”. At the rear is the gold-coloured Porsche script with the “911” towards the right side. Flip the engine cover open and the clean 2.0-litre flat-6 petrol engine presents itself. During the era before Fuchs wheels, Porsche fitted 10-hole wheels, which also featured on the earlier Porsche 356.

1965 Porsche 911 rear three-quarter view (tracking)

“I think the 911 had a very subdued start, but the 356 had to evolve. It might have been similar to when the 911 went from air-cooled to water-cooled in the Nineties – a lot of enthusiasts were unimpressed at the time,” says the owner. “If you park a late 356 next to this 911, you see the improvement it represents. Visually, there are a lot of similarities, but you can also immediately see all the design updates.”

It is hard to believe, but before this 1965 Porsche 911 was restored, a previous owner was modifying it into a Turbo-bodied 911. Thankfully, it ended up in the right hands!

1965 Porsche 911 steering wheel and instrumentation

“The main reason I bought the project was that I always wanted a 911 – the pinnacle of the Porsche brand. It was coincidently sold in Switzerland by the same firm that sold my 356 A. At first, the owner of Bailey Cars wasn’t interested in selling it, but we eventually struck a deal. That happened in 2018.

“Elements that stand out for me are the original 2.0-litre flat-6 engine and this very basic off-white paint finish, which is reminiscent of early 911s; in terms of their colours, the early 911 looked quite bland.”

Specifications:

Model: 1965 Porsche 911 2.0 SWB
Engine: 2.0-litre, flat-6 petrol
Power: 95 kW at 6 100 rpm
Torque: 174 Nm at 4 200 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Weight: 1 080 kg
0-100 kph: 8.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 210 kph (claimed)

Behind the wheel

The 1st thing that grabs your attention is the car’s small footprint; the 1965 Porsche 911 truly represents a “narrow body”. The moment you lower yourself into the comfy driver’s seat, the cabin feels snug, as if the car wraps itself around you. Outward visibility is great – only the thin pillars interrupt your view.

The cabin is a cosy and intimate space, for both the driver and the passengers. The instruments are very basic, but you have 5 dials in front of you, which is such an iconic element of the Porsche 911. The rev counter is marked to a redline just below 7 000 rpm.

In the centre of the steering wheel is the Porsche crest and, apart from the partially wooden rim, there is real wood along the lower part of the dashboard. To my right (this is a left-hand drive car, remember) is the radio and, lower down, the bent gear lever for the 5-speed, dog-leg manual gearbox.

The 1965 Porsche 911’s large-diameter steering wheel has a thin rim – and spokes. Furthermore, there is abundant floor space because there is no transmission tunnel to effectively bisect the cabin.

It is important to remember how different these early days of Porsche were compared to the – relatively – large car manufacturing company it is today. In 1960, according to The Porsche Book (by Jürgen Barth and Gustav Büsing), Porsche had only 1 250 employees, while of these 172 engineers and draftsmen were deployed in the design office and 204 carried out experimental work.

Back on the road, it doesn’t take long to get acquainted with the 1965 Porsche 911. To say that its driving experience is completely different to that of a late-60s or early-70s 911 model would be incorrect, but from behind the 2.0 SWB’s tiller, there is a clear relationship with some of the very last 356s.

However, the view from the driver’s seat is typical of a 911. The bonnet that dips down in the middle, plus the 2 fenders that house the headlamps (and indicate the front extremities of the car) are prominent.

As with most Porsches, the boxer engine dominates the on-road experience. It can easily be driven calmly with the rev needle moving between 2 500 and 3 000 rpm. Changing gears is relatively effortless – once you shift up and to the right from 1st gear, it’s easy to shift up and down between 2nd and 3rd.

1965 Porsche 911 luggage bay and spare wheel

These early transmissions can be tricky to operate if you have not driven an early 911 before. It only takes a few shifts to realise how easy it is to direct the bent gear lever through each shift up to top gear. You still can’t rush ‘shifts like you would in a modern Porsche, but you can change up/down without worrying that you’d miss a gear. It is an easy car to drive, both at speed and at a leisurely pace.

I realise this car does not have to be driven as sedately as we are often inclined to do with older cars. I pick up my pace and, within a few moments, I quickly understand why even this era’s Porsche 911 was campaigned in several rallies and other racing events – and achieved so many successes in a multitude of those races. For a car of this vintage, the steering wheel is also quite sensitive to minor inputs.

Within the first few turns the lightweight and compact nature of the 911 becomes clear. Because things happen slowly in and with the car, you can spend more time appreciating the steering feedback, the balanced suspension and the willing engine. Even from 3 000 rpm, the engine is eager to rev and past 4 000 rpm even more so. Although there is still around 2 000 rpm left, I change up shortly after 5 000 rpm.

As this is an extremely hot summer’s day in Pretoria, we have the front quarter windows open to direct air into the cabin, while the 2 rear pop-out windows have been opened to allow air to flow out of the back, which does make a difference! It also makes me much more aware of all the noises that enter the cabin.

Wilhelm Lutjeharms drives a 1965 Porsche 911

Apply the brakes and the 911 easily scrubs off speed, giving you even more confidence to drive the car in the way it was intended. On a busy road, there’s no chance to test the car’s peak cornering capability, but period reports do point out its on-the-edge handling quirks. When production of the B-Series began in 1969, these cars’ wheelbases increased by 57 mm, which apparently improved on-the-limit handling.

Even though it rides on plump, modestly sized tyres (165/80 R15 front and rear) the 1965 Porsche 911 changes direction with conviction and relatively little body roll – overall, it is a much more settled and involving driving experience than I expected. Considering the driving dynamics of some other European cars of the era, the 911 was one of the best sportscars, and that rings true for its successors as well.

Because the 1965 Porsche 911 tips the scales at only 1 080 kg, there is an honest level of enthusiasm from the engine that can certainly put a smile on your face. The claimed top speed of this model is 210 kph, which sounds a bit ambitious, but it could just be achievable…

Summary

Porsche quickly made some updates after the launch of the 911. For example, if you look at this car’s engine bay and compare it with pictures of the original launch model, the air intake system was changed.

This 1st-gen (1965) Porsche 911 is a true classic in every sense of the word. Whether you’ve driven or owned a 911 from as late as 1980, you will feel at home in its cabin and savour the driving experience.

Even with all the technological advancements that contemporary Porsche 911 models offer, I can fully understand why retro-, outlaw and restomod 911s have such a huge following among enthusiasts around the globe. For some of us, an elemental and analogue driving experience is sorely missing from new cars.

A lot of research, maintenance experience and plain old effort is required to enjoy these older cars, but then again, that is surely part of the classic car ownership experience. Needless to say, it is because of these first Porsche 911s that we can today enjoy some of the best sportscars on the planet.

Find a new or classic Porsche 911 listed for sale on Cars.co.za

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New BYD Sealion 7 EV confirmed for SA

The new BYD Sealion 7 fully electric crossover has been confirmed for South Africa, offering local buyers a coupé-like roofline and a claimed range of nearly 500 km…

We already knew the Shark 6 and Sealion 6 plug-in hybrids were scheduled to launch in South Africa in the opening quarter of 2025, but now the new fully electric BYD Sealion 7 crossover has also been confirmed for the local market.

As first spotted by the folks over at The Citizen Motoring, BYD Auto South Africa has quietly added the Shark 6, Sealion 6 and Sealion 7 to its local website, listing all 3 models as “launching soon”.

*A screenshot from BYD Auto SA’s website shows the Shark 6, Sealion 6 and Sealion 7.*

The Sealion 7 is the Chinese new-energy vehicle brand’s mid-size crossover pitched against the likes of the Tesla Model Y overseas. This battery-powered 5-seater measures 4 830 mm from nose to tail (and has a wheelbase of 2 930 mm), which – for local context – makes it around 20 mm longer than a current-generation Kia Sorento.

Though local specifications and pricing have yet to be announced, it’s perhaps worth noting the Sealion 7 is available in 2 flavours (each using an 82.56 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack) in fellow right-hand-drive market Australia.

Down Under, the rear-wheel-drive “Premium” derivative generates peak outputs of 230 kW and 380 Nm, with a claimed 0-100 kph time of 6.7 seconds and a WLTP range of 482 km. The all-wheel-drive “Performance” variant (with a motor on each axle), meanwhile, churns out 390 kW and 690 Nm, sprinting from standstill to 3 figures in a claimed 4.5 seconds and featuring a WLTP range of 456 km.

Inside the Australia-spec models, you’ll find a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and BYD’s 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, along with features such as 128-colour ambient lighting, a 50 W wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display and a panoramic glass roof. Luggage capacity is listed as 500 litres, with a front compartment adding a further 58 litres of storage space.

BYD Sealion 7 interior — *The Sealion 7 features BYD’s rotating infotainment screen.*

Currently, BYD markets only the Dolphin, Atto 3 and Seal fully electric vehicles in South Africa. The imminent arrival of the Shark 6 bakkie, Sealion 6 and indeed the Sealion 7, however, will see the Chinese firm effectively double the size of its local range.

BMW X3 Rugged Under Consideration for SA

The BMW X3 Rugged has not yet been greenlit for production, but BMW SA reckons there’s appetite for an adventure-ready X3. Here’s what we know so far.

At the recent media launch of the G45-generation BMW X3, the brand took the opportunity to show off an accessorised X3 that features all-terrain tyres, a towbar-mounted bicycle rack and a BMW-branded roofrack. Unfortunately, we only got to see the vehicle after sunset and the available lighting was poor.

Right now, we understand that nothing has been confirmed for production and the vehicle we saw was just a working concept to be shown to the attending media to gauge reaction. There was mention of paint protective film (PPF) being fitted to help prevent scratches from bushes, commonly known in the offroading circles as ‘bush rash’.

While the M Sport trim level is the most popular by volume in our market, we reckon there could be some appetite for a derivative that loses the sporty suspension in favour of something more gravel-biased.

Read our first thoughts from the media launch of the BMW X3

However, our team was able to conjure up a render, giving you an idea of what a BMW X3 Rugged could look like. The concept is simple, give the G45 X3 a bit more capability in off-tar scenarios. Currently the CLAR platform in X3 application doesn’t make provision for air suspension, which would allow the ride height to be increased.

Officially, BMW claims 216 mm based on its technical documentation, but visually it looks a lot lower. All derivatives feature all-wheel drive, tagged as xDrive and automatic transmissions – a useful combination when it comes to gravel, sand and snow scenarios. We don’t think BMW needs to add anything mechanically other than a slight suspension raise and bash plates to protect the vulnerable mechanicals like the sump.

How soon could the BMW X3 Rugged go into production?

This is tough to answer as the BMW Group plant Rosslyn manufactures the G45 X3 not just for local consumption but also for export, and its the latter that takes priority here, with just 3% of the X3’s built headed to SA showrooms.

As a result, BMW SA has the best problem in the world; where demand outstrips supply and its not just a case of asking the factory to build more as the outputs are dictated by headquarters in Munich. For what its worth, the plant has an installed capacity of 77 000 vehicles annually. Currently there are 3 shifts operating 5 days a week, and around 110 vehicles roll off the line each day. As a reminder, the plug-in hybrid X3 30e is manufactured exclusively in South Africa for the world.

***BMW M Performance Parts for the G45 X3***

As for the X3 Rugged, we suspect that a number of things will need to take place before it gets approval. There’s the tricky subject of local homologation where a vehicle needs to be approved and conforms to SA specifications. We don’t think there’ll be a huge demand for this model, and naturally the current local order book will need to be satisfied first before the brand can expand on its portfolio.

Finally, the pricing and positioning. Does BMW SA make this a standalone derivative, or an option pack to be added onto the configurator? Remember that customising a vehicle on the configurator adds complexity and increased time to complete that build slot. An order with BMW Individual paints like the matte Frozen finish can’t be fulfilled at the SA plant as it doesn’t have the capability for such and the vehicle would need to be sourced from another X3 plant. As it stands, the high-performance X3 M50 is assembled by the USA’s Spartanburg plant.

We’ll update this article as soon as we hear any news regarding the BMW X3 Rugged. Would you consider a derivative like this? Should BMW SA greenlight this project?

New BYD Sealion 6: SA specs for 1 000 km PHEV revealed

The BYD Sealion 6 – with a slated range of up to 1 092 km – is set to launch in South Africa soon. Here’s a look at local specifications for this plug-in hybrid model…

The new BYD Sealion 6 – like the Chinese automaker’s highly anticipated Shark bakkie – is expected to hit the market in South Africa before the end of Q1 2025. And we’ve unearthed local specifications for this upcoming plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

We don’t yet have a firm idea of pricing but, for the record, SA’s most affordable PHEV is currently the 225 kW Toyota RAV4 2.5 PHEV at R980 000 (though Toyota SA Motors is not actively marketing this model). Still, we now at least know what to expect in terms of the Sealion 6 crossover’s specification. According to our information, the local Sealion 6 line-up will comprise 3 derivatives: Comfort, Dynamic and Premium.

Comfort and Dynamic derivatives combine a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with a front-mounted electric motor drawing urge from an 18.3 kWh battery pack. Peak outputs for this PHEV system come in at 160 kW and 300 Nm, facilitating a 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 8.5 seconds. All-electric range is a listed 80 km, while the overall range is slated to be as high as 1 092 km.

Meanwhile, the flagship Premium variant upgrades to a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol mill and adds a 2nd (rear-mounted) electric motor. This all-paw derivative’s maximum power and torque figures thus increase to 238 kW and 550 Nm, respectively, cutting the claimed 0-100 kph time to just 5.9 seconds (though the electric range dips to 70 km and the overall range falls to 961 km).

All 3 variants ride on 19-inch alloy wheels as standard and ship with a panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps, sequential rear indicators, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, faux-leather upholstery, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 4-way power-adjustable front-passenger seat, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen.

Safety features standard across the range include 7 airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-departure prevention, emergency lane-keeping assist, front-collision warning, rear-collision warning, blind-spot detection, high-beam assist and a raft of other driver-assistance features.

The mid-tier Dynamic and top-spec Premium trim levels further boast a 360-degree camera system (as opposed to the Comfort derivative’s reverse-view camera), front parking sensors, 1-touch tailgate operation, a 10-speaker “Infinity” audio system (rather than the Comfort’s 6-speaker “Dirac” arrangement), dual wireless smartphone chargers and heated-and-ventilated front seats. Finally, the all-wheel-drive Premium variant additionally scores a head-up display.

Measuring 4 775 mm from nose to tail, the BYD Sealion 6 is by no means a small vehicle, coming in at just 20 mm shorter than the 7-seater Toyota Fortuner, for instance, and exactly the same length as the Omoda C9. For the record, BYD claims a luggage capacity of 425 litres.

In South Africa, the Sealion 6 is expected to be available in only 4 (muted) exterior colours: Time Grey, Arctic White, Delan Black and Smokey Grey. Interior colour schemes set to be offered include plain black and a black-and-brown combination.

Currently, BYD markets only fully electric vehicles in South Africa – in the form of the Dolphin, Atto 3 and Seal – though the imminent arrival of the Sealion 6 and the Shark 6 bakkie will see the Chinese firm move into the local PHEV segment.

BMW X3 (2025) Launch Review

The G45 BMW X3 has been on sale in South Africa for a few months – the 1st units, which were pre-ordered, have already been delivered to customers. While BMW SA ramps up production of the model, we head to Gauteng to try out the newcomer.

What’s new?

As a rival to models such as the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Lexus NX, the 4th-gen BMW X3, codenamed G45, has been on sale in South Africa since late 2024. Seeing as its predecessor was the most popular BMW model globally (based on 2024 sales), its critical BMW continues the success story.

It may be a new-gen model, but at its core, it’s an evolution of the previous X3 – still based on the CLAR platform, but with a few enhancements. The newcomer sits wider and lower, and is physically longer, while the engine lineup is mostly carried over, but with the addition of 48V mild-hybrid technology.

The styling is bold, yet – in the time-honoured BMW tradition – it polarises opinions. Perhaps we’re still enamoured with the outgoing G01’s muscular looks that have barely aged, but the new model is a touch fussy by comparison and photography doesn’t quite convey some of the more intricate design elements.

Meanwhile, the cabin layout of the 4th-gen executive SUV has been overhauled and features extensive use of recycled materials in its construction. As expected, the latest BMW Operating System is smartly integrated into the curved digital screen, which combines the instrument cluster and infotainment setup.

There’s fancy-looking lighting too (lifted straight from the 7 Series) and the colours and themes reflect the car’s drive modes. Sport mode sees a red tone flood the cabin, while Eco gets a gentle blue hue.

While this cabin looks desirable and tech-forward, we encountered a few issues. Some of the often-used elements, such as the door handles, don’t feel substantial or grand enough for a premium product (at least at this price point) and, despite BMW’s attempts to simplify the plethora of menu options, the infotainment system is less than intuitive – it requires practice and patience to navigate.

Part of our driving experience was a visit to the BMW Group Plant at Rosslyn, Pretoria, which has been building BMW vehicles since 1973 and employs around 5 700 people. Before this 4th-gen X3, the plant also assembled the 3rd-gen X3 and several generations of the 3 Series sedan, to name a few models.

With an installed capacity of 77 000 units annually, the plant has a daily output of approximately 110 units with 3 shifts operating 5 days a week. Right now (February 2025), new X3 stock is all but accounted for, with BMW facing the best problem in the world – demand outstripping supply. The 20d and the plug-in hybrid are assembled locally, with the latter built exclusively in SA for both local consumption and export, while the flagship M50 is sourced from the BMW Group plant in Spartanburg, in the United States.

What’s on offer?

There are 5 derivatives in the local G45-series X3 lineup, with 2 trim levels and 3 engine options. The model is available in standard/base trim, but we suspect that most customers will opt for the sportier and perennially popular M Sport derivatives – we see no reason why that trend should change in 2025!

As far as the engine range is concerned, the range comprises a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (20d), a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol engine (M50), as well as a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol plug-in hybrid (30e) power unit. Every X3 variant features all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.

The 20d (145 kW/400 Nm), which combines good efficiency and punchy performance, seems the most sensible option, but the M50 caters to those who want serious pace from their executive SUV. Previously, this was badged as the M40 and it features the iconic B58 motor that produces 280 kW and 580 Nm.

With a claimed 0-100 kph of just 4.6 seconds, it’ll be the quickest X3 until BMW’s M division decides to churn out a fully-fledged M Competition model. Right now, that model is yet to be officially confirmed.

For those who want something different, the plug-in hybrid 30e makes an interesting case for itself. Combining a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine with an electric powertrain in a plug-in hybrid configuration has resulted in combined outputs of 220 kW and 450 Nm, with a claimed consumption figure of just 1.1 L/100 km. Naturally, this figure is a little far-fetched, but BMW did say that this applies to when the battery is fully charged – you can expect 7.9 L/100 km once the battery’s charge is depleted.

What is it like to drive?

We anticipate that the turbodiesel-powered 20d xDrive M Sport will be the most popular G45-series X3 variant and when the “ride and drive” section of the launch began, we made a beeline for that derivative.

The adoption of 48V mild-hybrid tech benefits efficiency, yes, but also the driving experience. When you accelerate hard, a small “e-boost” icon lights up to let you know that electric assistance is helping out.

With 145 kW and 400 Nm on tap, the 20d never struggles for motivation, while its 8-speed automatic transmission shifts effortlessly and smoothly. The BMW’s steering wheel is adorned with ‘shift paddles, but we never felt the need to utilise them – the ‘box is finely calibrated with the engine’s characteristics.

After the 1st leg of our route, which combined driving on open and urban roads, our test unit indicated a consumption of 7.2 L/100 km – a figure that will only improve the more time you spend on the highway.

Our test unit was an M Sport, therefore it was fitted with larger alloy wheels (wrapped in low-profile tyres) and a sports suspension, so we weren’t surprised the ride quality was on the firm side of pliant.

But considering the G45-series X3’s target market, a sportier on-road demeanour is quite acceptable, and it was balanced out by admirable road/wind noise suppression, which added to the refinement.

The X3 remains such a well-balanced proposition; it’s a comfortable family car, but when required to corner briskly, it feels agile with excellent body control, helped by the accurate, well-weighted steering.

How much does the G45 BMW X3 cost in South Africa?

BMW SA has not increased the prices of the X3 range since they were announced in September 2024. The BMW X3 is sold with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

X3 20d xDrive	R1 136 417
X3 20d xDrive M Sport	R1 186 417
X3 30e xDrive	R1 260 000
X3 30e xDrive M Sport	R1 310 000
X3 M50 xDrive	R1 545 447

Summary

At the time of writing, we had only driven the 20d, with drives of the plug-in hybrid and M50 derivatives scheduled for the next day. Suffice it to say, this new-gen BMW X3 picks up right where the outgoing model left off, by providing a luxurious, well-packaged premium executive SUV that’s engaging to drive.

The engine range is likely to expand in the not-too-distant future, but right now, there’s little to fault the current line-up. For those who want to reduce their fuel bills, the pricing of plug-in hybrid derivatives is impressively close to that of their 20d siblings. While our petrolhead hearts desire the B58-powered M50, common sense says that a 20d (with a few choice options) is likely to be all the X3 you’ll need.

We look forward to conducting a deep-dive analysis of the new-generation X3 in the coming weeks.

Volkswagen Tiguan (2025): Living with it

Previous generations of the Wolfsburg-based brand’s family car were very popular in South Africa. The 3rd-gen model again looks like a strong competitor, but given its stiff competition, is the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan a class leader – or an also-ran?

Stylish, but mind the options!

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Performance and Efficiency

General Driving Experience

A few niggles

Price and after-sales support

Verdict

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Looking for the best new budget cars in Mzansi? Then consider the finalists in that category of the 2025 #CarsAwards, sponsored by Absa. This article examines the major differences between the Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Exter and Mahindra XUV 3XO.

What to buy? Suzuki Swift vs Hyundai Exter vs Mahindra XUV 3XO

Performance & Efficiency

Suzuki Swift

Hyundai Exter

Mahindra 3XO

Interior Features and Safety

Interior features summary

Practicality Summary

What should you buy?

V8-powered Range Rover Sport P530 back in SA line-up!

The Range Rover Sport P530 has returned to the local line-up, offering 390 kW from its twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance. Here’s what it costs…

How much does the Range Rover Sport P530 cost in SA?

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How much does the updated Lexus LX cost in SA?

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The details

Specifications:

Behind the wheel

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New BYD Sealion 7 EV confirmed for SA

The new BYD Sealion 7 fully electric crossover has been confirmed for South Africa, offering local buyers a coupé-like roofline and a claimed range of nearly 500 km…

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BMW X3 Rugged Under Consideration for SA

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How soon could the BMW X3 Rugged go into production?

Further Reading

New BYD Sealion 6: SA specs for 1 000 km PHEV revealed

The BYD Sealion 6 – with a slated range of up to 1 092 km – is set to launch in South Africa soon. Here’s a look at local specifications for this plug-in hybrid model…

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BMW X3 (2025) Launch Review

The G45 BMW X3 has been on sale in South Africa for a few months – the 1st units, which were pre-ordered, have already been delivered to customers. While BMW SA ramps up production of the model, we head to Gauteng to try out the newcomer.

What’s new?

What’s on offer?

What is it like to drive?

How much does the G45 BMW X3 cost in South Africa?

Summary

Further Reading