Prefer your retro-inspired hatchback with 5 rather than 3 portals? Well, we have pricing for the new Mini Cooper 5-Door ahead of its launch in South Africa…
A more practical offering than its 3-door sibling, the new Mini Cooper 5-Door hatchback is seemingly on the verge of arriving in South Africa, with pricing having just been added to the local configurator.
Unsurprisingly, the F65-generation Mini Cooper 5-Door portfolio mirrors that of the F66-series 3-door line-up, comprising a Cooper C and a Cooper S derivative at launch. Big thanks to the ever-observant folks over at duoporta.com for alerting us to this model’s quiet arrival online.
According to Mini South Africa’s configurator, the new Cooper C 5-Door – which was revealed as recently as June 2024 – starts at R624 052, representing a R22 000 premium over the 3-door version. The Cooper S 5-Door, meanwhile, kicks off at R676 395, making it R30 000 more than the 3-door equivalent.
As a reminder, the Cooper C 5-Door draws its urge from a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers 115 kW and 230 Nm to the front axle via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (upgrading to a “Sports” version of this gearbox, complete with paddle shifters, will cost you an additional R65 000). Expect a 0-100 kph sprint in about 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 225 kph.
Opting for the Cooper S 5-Door sees the powertrain upgraded to a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor, offering 150 kW and 300 Nm to the front wheels (also courtesy of a 7-speed double-clutch ‘box or a R65k dearer “Sports” transmission). The listed 0-100 kph time is 6.8 seconds, while maximum speed is shown as 242 kph.
While the base grade is the “Classic Trim”, Mini SA also offers the “Favoured Trim” and “John Cooper Works Trim” for an additional cost. Meanwhile, individual paid options are largely limited to exterior paint colours, a multi-tone blue roof (R10 900) and various alloy-wheel designs (peaking with the 18-inch JCW “Lap Spoke” 2-tone rims wrapped in sport tyres at R44 800).
There are, however, several equipment bundles on offer, from the Classic pack (R21 200 in the case of the Cooper C and R31 000 for the Cooper S) and Signature pack (R35 700 and R44 500, respectively) to the Comfort Package (R38 000), Comfort Package Plus (R40 000) and Iconic pack (R46 700 for the Cooper C and unavailable for the S).
For the record, the Cooper 5-Door has an extra 72 mm between its axles compared with the 3-door model, while its body measures 4 036 mm long (making 172 mm lengthier than its sibling). Luggage capacity is listed as 275 litres, a figure that is expandable up to 925 litres by dropping the 60:40-split rear bench.
How much does the Mini Cooper hatch cost in SA?
Mini Cooper C 3-Door – R602 052
Mini Cooper S 3-Door – R646 395
Mini Cooper C 5-Door – R624 052
Mini Cooper S 5-Door – R676 395
The prices above include a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan (as well as VAT and CO2 emissions tax).
The Jetour X70 Plus has launched in South Africa as one of the Chinese brand’s first models, alongside the Dashing. Here’s how much this 7-seater crossover costs…
Chinese marque Jetour has launched in South Africa, owned by the Chery Group but describing itself as an “independent brand”. We’ve already brought you local pricing for the Dashing and now we’re taking a look at exactly how much the Jetour X70 Plus costs.
The X70 Plus line-up – not to be confused with Proton’s X70 range – comprises a pair of derivatives at launch, each powered by the same turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine employed by the 5-seater Dashing.
As it does in that model, the petrol mill in the 3-row X70 Plus delivers 115 kW and 230 Nm to the front axle via a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard, while the claimed combined fuel economy comes in at 7.8 L/100 km. The Jetour X70 Plus 1.5T Momentum starts at R454 900, with the Jetour X70 Plus 1.5T Deluxe priced from R484 900.
The X70 Plus measures 4 724 mm from nose to tail and has a wheelbase of 2 720 mm. For reference, that makes it a mere 4 mm longer than the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, with an extra 10 mm between its axles. Interestingly, the version of the X70 Plus offered in South Africa looks a little different from the vehicle listed on the brand’s global website. The SA-spec model appears to share styling with the “X70 Pro” offered in China, complete with a more intricate grille design and a more aggressive body kit.
The Momentum trim level includes features such as 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, a reverse-view camera, faux-leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charging, automatic LED headlamps, an electrically operated tailgate, electric adjustment for the driver’s seat and ambient interior lighting.
Meanwhile, the Deluxe specification adds items such as a 360-degree camera parking system, a panoramic glass sunroof, electric adjustment for the front passenger seat, rain-sensing wipers and extra speakers (for a total of 6). While the Momentum grade ships standard with 4 airbags, the Deluxe adds side-curtain airbags to take the total to 6.
Standard safety features across the 2-derivative range include ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, ISOfix child-seat anchors and tyre-pressuring monitoring. Deluxe adds driver-assistance features such as blind-spot detection, lane-change assist and rear cross traffic alert.
The X70 Plus comes with a 5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty, a 10-year/1-million km engine and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan. Jetour South Africa says it has already set up 40 dealerships across the country and started building up stock of spare parts at its Johannesburg headquarters.
How much does the Jetour X70 Plus cost in SA?
Jetour X70 Plus 1.5T Momentum – R454 900
Jetour X70 Plus 1.5T Deluxe – R484 900
The X70 Plus ships standard with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty (along with a 10-year/1-million km warranty specific to the engine and likely linked to the original owner) and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan.
*This article was originally published on 17 September 2024 as a pricing scoop and has since been updated with specification details and fresh images.
Chinese brand Jetour has launched in South Africa, with one of its first models being the Jetour Dashing. Here’s how much this 5-seater crossover will cost you…
Yes, another Chinese brand has launched in South Africa: meet Jetour. Owned by the Chery Group but describing itself as an “independent brand”, the newcomer kicks off its local operations with a pair of crossovers: the Jetour Dashing and the Jetour X70 Plus.
The local Dashing line-up comprises 2 derivatives at launch, each powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine sending 115 kW and 230 Nm to the front wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The claimed combined fuel economy comes in at 7.8 L/100 km.
The Dashing 1.5T Momentum is priced at R439 900, while the Dashing 1.5T Deluxe comes in R30 000 higher at R469 900. For the record, the Dashing measures 4 590 mm from front to rear (with a wheelbase of 2 720 mm), making it around 90 mm longer than the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro (with an extra 50 mm between its axles, too).
The Momentum grade includes features such as 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, an electrically operated tailgate, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, faux-leather upholstery, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charging, rear parking sensors, reverse-view camera and automatic LED headlamps.
The Deluxe trim level, meanwhile, adds items like a panoramic sunroof, 8-colour interior ambient lighting, extra speakers (for a total of 6), rain-sensing wipers, electric adjustment for the front passenger seat, a 360-degree parking assist system and various additional driver-assistance features (blind-spot detection, lane-departure assist and the like).
While the Momentum grade comes with 4 airbags, the Deluxe adds side-curtain airbags for a total of 6. Standard safety features across the 2-derivative range include ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, ISOfix child-seat anchors and tyre-pressuring monitoring.
Jetour products (just like those from the Chery brand) ship standard with a 10-year/1-million km warranty specific to the engine. The Dashing furthermore features a 5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan. Jetour South Africa says it has already set up 40 dealerships across the country and started building up stock of spare parts at its headquarters in Johannesburg.
How much does the Jetour Dashing cost in South Africa?
Jetour Dashing 1.5T Momentum – R439 900
Jetour Dashing 1.5T Deluxe – R469 900
The new Dashing ships standard with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty (along with a 10-year/1-million km warranty specific to the engine and likely linked to the original owner) and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan.
*This article was originally published on 16 September 2024 as a pricing scoop and has since been updated with specification details and fresh images.
Best Used Budget Hatchbacks in South Africa (2024-2015)
If you are looking to buy one of the best used budget hatchbacks in South Africa right now, what should you buy? #CarsAwards judge, Gero Lilleike explores the past Budget Car category winners and examines what’s on offer in the used car market. Take a look!
If you’re looking for the best used budget hatchbacks and only want the best options available in the used car market then you needn’t look further than the past #CarsAwards Budget Car winners!
Nearly a decade ago, Cars.co.za set out to establish South Africa’s most definitive and trusted car awards programme to recognise the best cars available in the new car market across various categories while simultaneously giving South African consumers the knowledge and power to make the best car buying decisions possible.
Since its inception in 2015, the Cars.co.za Awards, or #CarsAwards, has to date delivered 7 iterations of the programme, with the 8th instalment of the prestigious programme already underway to determine the best new cars in the local market for 2024/25.
The #CarsAwards finalists represent the best cars across 13 categories.
With almost a decade of #CarsAwards category winners on offer in the used car market, these cars still carry the recognition of the ultimate accolade and while they were acknowledged as the “best new buys” in their respective segments at the time, they can now be regarded as some of the best used budget hatchbacks you can buy.
As the saying goes, “Once a champion, always a champion” and consumers would be wise to at the very least have the past #CarsAwards winners on their shortlists when shopping for a used car.
With the above in mind, this article highlights the winners in the Budger Car category across all 7 iterations of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards and will provide you with direct links to used car stock on Cars.co.za. We will also mention the runner-up finalists as they are also well worth consideration in your used car buying journey.
Which one of these award-winning, best used budget hatchbacks or finalists would you buy in the used car market? Let us know!
The cars on this list are ordered from the most recent #CarsAwards winner to the first winner back in 2016.
Best Used Budget Hatchbacks in South Africa (2024-2015)
Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX (2023/24)
The Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX was recognised as the best budget hatchback in the 2023/24 #CarsAwards and is one of the best used budget hatchbacks on the market.
The Baleno is powered by an economical, naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol with 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Suzuki Baleno has been available in South Africa since 2016 and used car buyers have a wide range of options to choose from. The updated Baleno launched in South Africa in 2022.
The runners-up in the Budget Car category of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards sponsored by Absa include the Renault Clio 1.0 Turbo Zen and the Toyota Starlet 1.5 XR.
This iteration of the Starlet was fitted with a naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre petrol engine that delivers 68 kW and 130 Nm of torque and was offered with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Toyota Starlet and indeed its Suzuki Baleno counterpart, represents excellent value as a used car buy. If you’re not sure which one to buy, take a look at our comprehensive comparison article which will help you decide.
There are currently over 750 used Toyota Starlets for sale on Cars.co.za!
The Swift 1.2 GL scooped the Budget Car category win in the 2018/19 #CarsAwards and followed up with another win in the 2019/20 iteration of the #CarsAwards where the Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX took the category win with its tried-and-tested 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine doing duty under the bonnet with 61 kW and 113 Nm of torque available and paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing for a new Suzuki Swift starts from R213 900 (Swift 1.2 GA) and goes up to R272 900 for the Swift 1.2 GLX.
Cars.co.za currently has well over 1 000 used Suzuki Swifts for sale and you can drive away in a low-mileage, award-winning Swift 1.2 GLX from about R120 000 while a low-mileage Swift 1.2 GL can be had for around R100 000.
There’s much to like about the Ignis and with a frugal 1.2-litre petrol engine under bonnet delivering 61 kW and 113 Nm of torque, this is a peppy urban runabout. The Suzuki Ignis arrived in South Africa in 2017 with an updated Ignis coming to market in 2020.
There are many attractive used Ignis’ for sale in the used car market and budget-conscious buyers would be wise to have the Ignis on their shortlist.
The long-standing Suzuki Celerio 1.2 GL is a budget car stalwart and when it arrived in South Africa in 2015, it became Suzuki’s entry-level budget car offering and became the Budget Car category champion in the 2016/17 #CarsAwards.
The first generation Celerio is fitted with a 4-cylinder, 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that delivers 50 kW and 90 Nm while the second generation Celerio is powered by a 49 kW/89 Nm 1.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine.
With over 200 used Celerios currently for sale on Cars.co.za, buyers are not short of choice and the Celerio is particularly attractive for buyers with a budget under R100 000.
The second-generation Renault Sandero came to market in 2014 fitted with Renault’s 0.9-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. A facelifted Sandero arrived in South Africa in 2017.
The Sandero and the later Sandero Stepway were popular in South Africa and as a result there are numerous examples available in the used car market.
BMW owners and enthusiasts flocked to Mall of Africa last month to celebrate the best local examples of the Munich-based brand’s modern-classic models at the BMW Car Club Gauteng Concours d’Elegance 2024.
IMAGES: Stefan Kotze
Again sponsored by iTOO, the annual BMW Car Club Gauteng Concours d’Elegance attracted not only club members, but also a large crowd of brand aficionados who could not only ogle the beautiful metal on display, but also choose from a wide variety of BMW branded merchandise.
South Africans’ love affair with this brand certainly is passionate!
Also on display and receiving a lot of attention (and pre-orders) was the officially endorsed book on BMW’s Unique South African Story. The stunningly detailed and comprehensive publication was a labour of love for authors Marek Letowt and Johann Venter, and has now gone to print.
Limited quantities remain, so if you would like to add this to your library, order your copy now!
In this, the 43rd staging of the Concours since its inception in 1981, 5 major trophies were handed out, with a further three special awards for Best M car, Best 5 Series and Best 325is.
Joining the cars vying for Concours honours was a magnificent display of historically significant BMW production cars, as well as racing machines. Uniquely South African BMWs, such as the E30 333i, E23 745i and very rare 2004 as well as 2000 SA could be viewed.
This year, Cars.co.za’s Hannes Oosthuizen was part of the exterior judging team (he judged cars’ interiors during the 2023 event). See also:Highlights from BMW Concours d’Elegance 2023
“Though there were fewer cars, the quality of the entrants was certainly of an extremely high standard,” Oosthuizen said.
“We used a lot of earbuds to find dirt that a casual, or even a keen observer, would not have been able to spot. I was also particularly impressed with the originality of the top-scoring cars – the two E36 M3s looked pretty much brand new!”
Riaan Writes’ 1995 E36 325i Convertible took the trophy in the Show and Shine category with a total of 94 points. He even had the car’s original hard-top on display.
Andre Alleman’s 1988 E30 325i Shadowline emerged victorious in the D’Elegance category with a score of 122.5 points.
In the hotly-contested D’Etat category, only one point separated the winner from the runner-up. In second was Yaseen Cassim’s stunning E36 M3 (126 points) with the trophy going to Dhiresh Dewnaryan’s beautifully prepped 2012 E92 M3.
In the D’Honneur Preserved category the silverware went to Preenie Pillay for his stunningly original (and mint) E30 325is. It is rare to see an original Evo 2 Gusheshe with its black chin spoiler.
The final big trophy (in the D’Honneur Restored category) went to the ’89 E30 318 Coupe belonging to Bilaal Mia.
Dewnaryan’s E92 M3 also took the Best M Car award, and Pillay’s E30 325is deservedly received the Best 325is trophy. The Best 5 Series award went to the rare red E60 M5 owned by Guy Patron.
The facelifted BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé will again be offered exclusively in M Sport guise in South Africa. Here are the derivatives available and what they cost…
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé was handed a facelift in April 2024. Now, ahead of the launch of this updated G26-generation 4-door model in South Africa, we’ve found local pricing.
In Mzansi, the line-up again kicks off with the 420i Gran Coupé and 420d Gran Coupé, which still come standard in M Sport guise. Interestingly, however, there’s no sign of the updated 6-cylinder M440i xDrive Gran Coupé (nor the revised fully electric i4) yet.
According to BMW SA’s online configurator, the 420i Gran Coupé M Sport is priced from R1 012 067, representing a R63 504 increase over the pre-facelift version. Meanwhile, the refreshed 420d Gran Coupé M Sport now starts at R1 059 044, a R63 671 hike over the outgoing iteration.
However, it’s worth keeping in mind the configurator forces the selection of the otherwise-optional Parking Assist Plus, with this R13 000 included in the figures above. For the record, the website says “it is currently not possible to remove” this option from the configuration “due to product updates”.
As a reminder, the 420i employs a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that sends an unchanged 135 kW and 300 Nm to the rear axle via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 0-100 kph time is listed as 7.9 seconds, with the claimed combined fuel economy coming in at 6.5 L/1 00km.
The 420d, meanwhile, uses a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor delivering 140 kW and 400 Nm to the rear wheels (also through an 8-speed auto). From what we can tell, the updated version of this oil-burning powertrain gains a 48V mild-hybrid system capable of temporarily contributing 8 kW. Expect a 0-100 kph time of around 7.3 seconds and a consumption of approximately 5.0 L/100 km.
Options for the facelifted BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé in South Africa include 20-inch BMW Individual alloy wheels (for R10 000 to replace the standard 19-inch items), the M Sport Package Pro (R30 000), the M Carbon exterior package (R35 000) and the Deluxe Package (adding items like a sunroof, keyless entry, electrically adjustable front seats and a Harman Kardon surround-sound system, for an additional R60 000).
Extras such as adaptive M suspension (R10 000), M Sport brakes (R14 000), M Sport seats (R19 000), adaptive LED headlights (R33 000), BMW Live Cockpit Professional (R27 000) and Driving Assist Professional (R27 000) are also available.
The 4 Series Gran Coupé facelift includes new exterior paint colours, redesigned alloy wheels and subtle styling revisions up front (chiefly to the LED headlamps and kidney grille). Round back, the exhaust tailpipe diameters have grown 10 mm to 100 mm, while the cabin gains an upgraded BMW iDrive system, a new steering-wheel design, standard ambient lighting and revised adjustment controls for the air vents.
How much does the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé cost in SA?
BMW 420i Gran Coupé M Sport – R1 012 067
BMW 420d Gran Coupé M Sport – R1 059 044
The prices above include BMW’s 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan (as well as the R13 000 Parking Assist Plus option, selection of which the local configurator currently forces).
Wondering what the latest (390 kW) version of the G80-generation BMW M3 Competition Sedan will cost you in South Africa? Well, we have local pricing…
Revealed as recently as May 2024, the updated version of the G80-generation BMW M3 Competition Sedan generates an increased output of 390 kW. While the new M3 Touring has been hogging the headlines in South Africa, we’ve now come across local pricing for the high-performance saloon.
According to BMW SA’s online configurator, the latest M3 Competition Sedan is priced from R2 208 002 (including VAT and CO2 emissions tax) in Mzansi. For the record, that means the sedan costs R20 840 less than the G81-generation estate, which currently kicks off at R2 228 842.
Interestingly, in either case, the local configurator forces the selection of the otherwise-optional M Alcantara steering wheel, which is priced at R10 000. We’ve included that number in the figures above since the website says “it is currently not possible to remove the desired option” due to “product updates”.
As a reminder, the M3 Competition Sedan employs the same twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-6 petrol engine as its Touring sibling, which sends 390 kW (up from 375 kW) and 650 Nm to all 4 wheels. That peak torque figure is now available across a wider rev range, from 2 750 r/min through to 5 730 r/min.
Endowed with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard, the super-saloon sees off the 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 3.5 seconds, making it a tenth quicker to the mark than the estate. In South Africa, the M Driver’s Package is included as standard, which sees the top speed pegged at 290 kph (interestingly, some 10 kph higher than that of the Touring).
This update includes a revised LED headlamp design, while the model badge on the bootlid is now accented by a silver-hued surround. The Munich-based automaker has also applied the latest BMW Operating System 8.5 software to the curved display, with the latter comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen.
Available extras in South Africa include various exterior paint colours (culminating in BMW Individual hues for R69 000), new upholstery options (up to R42 000), the M Carbon exterior package (R90 000), M Carbon ceramic brakes (R190 000), M carbon bucket seats (R95 000), Driving Assist Professional (R23 800), acoustic glazing (R9 000), front-seat ventilation (R17 000) and steering-wheel heating (R5 000).
How much does the BMW M3 Competition cost in SA?
BMW M3 Competition Sedan M xDrive – R2 208 002
BMW M3 Competition Touring M xDrive – R2 228 842
The prices above include BMW’s 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan (as well as the M Alcantara steering wheel, a R10 000 option forced by the configurator).
Mercedes-AMG C63 Video Review – Is 4 cylinders enough to replace the V8?
Jacob Moshokoa gives us his impression of the latest AMG sedan. Does it miss the mark, or is it just the inevitable evolution of Mercedes-AMG?
The W204 Mercedes C63 AMG has become something of a living legend, a modern classic. Back in 2008, Mercedes-AMG made the brave move to stick its largest V8 into the smallest sedan, and the result was something quite special.
Fast forward to 2024 and the world is quite a different place. The European government reckons there is a replacement for displacement and its called electricity. And so the very latest C63 is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged plug-in hybrid. But it is a massively potent machine, over 500 kW and over 1000 Nm of torque, which makes this car a bit of a weapon.
We’ve tested the new hybrid C63 and it recorded a 3.29 second run to 100 kph, so yes, it is fast, but there’s something missing in terms of character. Watch Jacob Moshokoa try figure out if four cylinders is enough to replace the iconic and soulful V8.
It’s official: Renault finally confirms new half-tonne bakkie
Renault has announced a fresh investment in its Córdoba plant in Argentina, finally confirming it will produce a new half-tonne bakkie based on the Niagara concept…
It’s finally official: Renault has announced a fresh investment in its Santa Isabel, Córdoba factory in Argentina, confirming that it will indeed produce a new half-tonne bakkie based on the Niagara concept.
Expected to replace the long-in-the-tooth Duster-based Oroch that didn’t ever make it to South Africa, the upcoming bakkie will likewise employ a unibody rather than ladder-frame configuration, riding on a new Renault Group modular platform. It’s expected to hit the market in Latin America in 2026.
The Niagara concept was revealed in October 2023.
According to translated press material released in the Latin American country, the Boulogne-Billancourt-based firm says its new half-tonne pick-up “will initially be manufactured only in Argentina and will have a strong export profile”.
Renault has yet to announce whether the new bakkie will also be built in right-hand-drive form (remember, countries in that part of the world use left-hand-drive models). However, as Cars.co.zareported in May 2024, the French automaker has already applied to trademark the “Niagara” badge in South Africa, so there’s at least some hope for an eventual local introduction.
The Santa Isabel factory that will produce the new half-tonne bakkie.
This investment announcement also includes confirmation from Renault that the design of the new half-tonne bakkie “will be based on the Niagara concept”. For the record, that show vehicle featured a double-cab body style.
“On the road to 70 years of our beloved Santa Isabel factory, the launch of this half-tonne pick-up truck manufactured exclusively in Argentina marks a new chapter in our rich industrial history in our country,” said Pablo Sibilla, President and CEO of Renault Argentina.
The production model will be based on the Niagara concept.
“With an export profile that will reach between 65% and 70% of production, we reaffirm the capacity and talent of the Argentine industry, consolidating it as a strategic pillar in our global operation,” Sibilla said. Luiz Pedrucci, CEO of Renault Latin America, separately told Motor1.com that “my goal is to export it to other continents”, adding that he “would like to reach an annual volume of 100 000 units”.
As we’ve previously reported, a Nissan-badged version of the Niagara production model – courtesy of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance – is also very much on the cards. This model could, in theory at least, replace the NP200 half-tonner that went out of production at Rosslyn in March 2024.
The Indian-built Hyundai’s Exter has arrived in South Africa. Not only is it the Korean brand’s most affordable crossover model – it comes backed with a comprehensive warranty and service plan. We take the newcomer for a drive in the Western Cape.
The South African market will be getting 5 derivatives, which will be available in either 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual (AMT) guise. There are 3 trim grades: Premium, Executive, and Elite.
The Exter is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol that produces 61 kW and 114 Nm. It’s a pint-sized crossover, so it’s no surprise that the claimed average consumption is only 5.7 L/100 km.
Spec-wise, the Exter punches well above its weight. Even though the entry-level Exter costs under R300k at launch, its standard features list covers more than the basics. Here are some highlights of the 1.2 Premium derivative: it features a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatible 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, as well as auto headlights.
During the launch event, we test-drove the Exter 1.2 Executive MT, which is the manual gearbox-equipped mid-range variant. The Executive trim includes (rather pretty) 15-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, mudguards, cruise control, a reverse-view camera and a (tilt-adjustable) leather-trimmed steering wheel.
We were delighted to see that Hyundai fitted a faster-charging USB-C port alongside a standard USB-A port for the front occupants. Yes, there are some cheap-feeling plastics in the cabin, but the common touchpoints feel quite substantial. Again, you’ve got to manage expectations; this is a budget vehicle!
Brands tend to keep budget-car prices low by omitting high-end safety features from such models, but in the case of the Exter, every derivative features 6 airbags. Higher-trim AMT derivatives have stability control, which – in our opinion – is a must-have. Tyre-pressure sensors are standard across the range.
What’s the Hyundai Exter like to drive?
During the launch, we drove on the national highway and then turned onto the coastal road to Hermanus. While the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder’s outputs may seem meagre in the era of turbocharging, the Exter has a low kerb weight (940 kg), which means the small crossover doesn’t require much grunt to get up to speed…
The 5-speed ‘box has a pleasingly light and direct action, while the clutch pedal is effortless to modulate. With this powertrain, the Exter is quite capable of pressing on in the cut and thrust of urban traffic.
The driver’s seat affords an excellent vantage out of the cabin and the multifunction ‘wheel is ultra-light to twirl, but the Exter’s steering responds to inputs promptly and directly. Suffice it to say, manoeuvring into (and out of) tight parking spaces will be far easier when you’re behind the tiller of one of these.
Given that the Exter was developed for the Indian market (where the average speed is lower than in SA – you rarely drive at triple-digit speeds on the Subcontinent), we expected the Hyundai’s performance to drop off when travelling on the highway. And sure enough, when we drove at the national limit (120 kph), we noticed that the test unit’s rev counter reading was approaching a rather heady 4 000 rpm.
Apart from the fact that the 1.2-litre 4-pot is quite vocal (even a bit buzzy) at those engine speeds, the Exter’s short gearing will hamper fuel economy somewhat when you’re touring. It’s a trait of most Indian-built A- and B-segment cars, but bear in mind that the Exter is city runabout first and foremost; besides, if you are in a hurry, you can rev the motor out – it may sound strained, but will deliver a dash of speed.
Speaking of fuel economy, we completed the test route with 2 occupants aboard and, after I drove to the driver-change location in a purposely conservative manner and my co-driver opted for a more spirited approach, we achieved near-identical fuel consumption figures: 6.0- and 6.2 L/100 km – impressive!
One of the biggest selling points of the Exter is its suitability for driving on dirt roads (or its “gravel-travel capability”, if you like). Thanks to its plump tyres and 185 mm of ground clearance, the plucky Korean looks ready to venture down a dirt track. We’ll be sure to test this when the unit makes its way to us.
How much does the Exter cost in South Africa?
The new Exter ships standard with a 3-year/45 000 km service plan and Hyundai’s 7-year/200 000 km manufacturers’ warranty.
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT
R269 900
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium AMT
R294 900
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive MT
R289 900
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive AMT
R314 900
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Elite AMT
R334 900
Summary
With rising new-car prices (in conjunction with the escalating cost of living) pushing new-car ownership out of reach of so many consumers, it’s refreshing to find a stylish, well-packaged and safety feature-rich crossover positioned under R300 000. In the race for passenger segment dominance, we can see Hyundai South Africa making serious inroads into territory previously held by Suzuki and Volkswagen.
Should you consider buying an Exter? Yes, certainly. At the price, there’s very little to fault with this stylish entry-level crossover. Every minor drawback we discovered during our test drive of the Exter is outweighed by the Hyundai’s keen price and point ownership proposition (including its long warranty). We look forward to getting to know the model better – and trying out the automated manual version.
