Corolla Cross Hybrid a ‘gamble’ that paid off, says Toyota SA boss
The head of Toyota SA Motors says building the Corolla Cross Hybrid locally was a “big gamble” that turned out to be a “breakthrough” in Mzansi’s new-energy vehicle space…
Andrew Kirby, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors, says the decision to produce the Corolla Cross Hybrid locally was a “quite big gamble” that resulted in a “breakthrough” for the Japanese brand in the new-energy vehicle space.
Kirby made the comments about the Corolla Cross Hybrid – which uses a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine and hybrid gubbins for a total power output of 90 kW – to Cars.co.za during a short podcast interview at Naamsa’s South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town.
“We’ve been working on driving new-energy vehicles in South Africa for many years. We were quite innovative with the Prius – it didn’t have broadscale appeal – but our big breakthrough really came when we launched the Corolla Cross Hybrid.
“We took quite a big gamble. It launched in November 2021 and we – quite frankly – under-forecast the demand for hybrid. We’re now running at 50% [of all Corolla Cross sales being hybrid derivatives]. In the beginning, it was a bit restricted because we couldn’t supply actually,” he told us.
The GR Sport version of the Corolla Cross is available in hybrid form.
“So, the South African public has responded very, very quickly and the word of mouth has been very strong. Customers [who] drive the hybrid only want to drive another hybrid. That tells a big story.”
The Japanese automaker produces the Corolla Cross at its Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal, with the 7-strong local range currently including a trio of hybrid derivatives. The firm’s local division also imports various other new-energy vehicles, a portfolio Kirby says will grow even further in the coming months.
The Lexus RX450h+ employs a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
“We’ve now increased the range of our vehicles significantly and we’ll continue to do that. Our Lexus brand, for example – 45% of all Lexus vehicles at the moment are hybrids. So, it’s got the highest penetration of new-energy vehicle drivetrains.
“But we haven’t stopped there. We’re now launching plug-in hybrids and we will next year [2025] be launching battery-electric vehicles. We have one on display here [at SA Auto Week 2024] – the Lexus RZ – and we are going to introduce a Toyota battery-electric vehicle next year and, in the years to come, even more,” Kirby said.
The fully electric Lexus RZ is expected to hit the local market in 2025.
He went on to explain that Toyota’s “multi-pathway” approach to eventually reaching carbon neutrality involved a broad range of powertrain solutions, a strategy that would be applied to the South African market as well.
“Our philosophy is that we’re not pinning our sales into one technology. We think that the different technologies are going to have different value propositions for different cars, different customers, different ways of usage.
Even the SA-built Toyota Hilux has been mildly electrified, seen here in 48V form.
“We’re following what we refer to as a multi-pathway approach, which means that we’ll still have internal-combustion engines – they’ll just become more and more efficient over time. Maybe even we’ll have carbon-neutral fuel, but we’ll broaden our offering of hybrids, we’ll bring in more and more plug-in hybrids and we’ll be introducing battery electrics – and, as we’re also displaying here [at SA Auto Week 2024], fuel-cell electric vehicles.
“I think the differing technologies with innovation are going to be more suited to different types of vehicles and how they’re used. And we’ll end up with a wide range of different new-energy vehicle drivetrains,” Kirby predicted.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS Facelift has gone on sale as the S-Class of SUVs according to the Stuttgart-based brand. With such a claim to verify, we hit the road in the luxurious 7-seater SUV.
We like: Monstrous diesel engine, genuine 7-seater capability, luxury features in abundance.
We don’t like: No spare wheel, small parking bays.
The GLS has received a mild update, but is it the S-Class of SUVs?
We get to hear some exceptionally exaggerated marketing statements in this line of work, but “the S-Class of SUVs” has to be one of the boldest. How can a three-row SUV ever compare to an icon of the luxury world?
The GLS has been facelifted for 2024 and the updated model gains a new bumper, new radiator grille and new-look tail lights. Inside, the GLS now features some trim enhancements, an updated MBUX infotainment system, and a new-look steering wheel.
New-look tail lamps at the rear
When it comes to high-end 7-seater rivals at this price-point, your options are few. The BMW X7 is the GLS’ closest rival, while the updated Audi Q7 will be offered in a three-row configuration when it arrives in SA in early 2025.
What are your other options? The Jeep Grand Cherokee L in Summit Reserve trim offers a tremendous amount of features and space, and is definitely worth a look. The Land Rover Discovery may have been overshadowed by its Defender (also available in three-row) sibling and represents a great-blend of comfort, space and offroad capability. The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 , Volvo XC90 and GWM Tank 500 are also worth consideration.
How the Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift fares in terms of…
Performance and Efficiency
At 2.6 tons and over 5 metres long, the GLS is one of the biggest vehicles offered for sale in South Africa and to get this massive three-row luxury family SUV about is a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel 6-cylinder engine. Outputs of 270 kW and 750 Nm drive all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission, but it’s worth mentioning there’s a mild-hybrid system that adds an extra 15 kW and 200 Nm for brief periods.
The new design steering wheel, complete with Blackberry-style touchpads
The average consumer still cannot put the terms ‘diesel’ and ‘performance’ together, but we let our test data do the heavy lifting. With its sportiest mode activated, the GLS 450d ran to 100 kph in 5.95 seconds, a two tenths quicker than claimed. For context, the benchmark boy racer Volkswagen Golf GTI does the same dash in just over 6 seconds and that’s over a ton lighter with two fewer seats.
Our test unit came with the Offroad Engineering Pack
A deep dive into the engine and performance analytics shows an engine that starts to deliver train-pulling power almost from the get go, with peak torque available from 1350-2800 rpm with the hybrid e-boost motor supplying 200 Nm for a few seconds. Overtakes? Crushed with minimal hesitation. We say minimal as the car does have 9 gears to shuffle through to find that sweet spot and the slight pause is the calm before all 750 Newtons reach the tarmac.
After performance testing, our car registered 11.2 L/100 km
Of course, a large family-orientated SUV needs to be able to go the distance and the GLS features a 90-litre fuel tank and if you’re driving conservatively, you should get over 1000 km on a single tank. Mercedes-Benz claims 7.5 L/100 km but in reality, you’re going to be seeing double figures and the best we could get was around 11 L/100 km with the majority of our driving in built-up areas.
Features and Practicality
The cabin of the GLS looks as premium as they come and there are two large screens featuring an updated version of the MBUX software. There are customisable themes for the instrument cluster, like this offroad mode which highlights some cool data. Of course, if you’re serious about off-roading, then read on.
One of the many themes on the instrument cluster
In terms of fit and finish, there’s an abundance of high-quality materials (although some of the switchgear feels a bit cheap in places) and the seats are sublime. The supportive and ultra-comfy front two seats gain a basic massage functionality on top of heating and cooling.
The GLS is all about the comfort, and it delivers!
Although there are plenty of high-quality materials to be found, one disappointing aspect is that there are some scratchy plastics lower down in the cabin. We also found some of the switches quite cheap and flimsy, which you don’t expect from such a posh car. The standard Burmester audio system is excellent, but if you take your car audio serious, then look at the uprated 3D system with 29 speakers for an additional R120 400.
Heating, cooling, lumbar support plus this level of seat adjustability? Impressive!
We’ll touch on the drive below, but if you’ve made it this far, you’re undoubtedly interested in the GLS’ passenger-carrying abilities. The second row of seats are able to recline, there’s climate control as well as USB power sockets.
If you want further comfort, Merc will sell you ventilated and cooled rear seats that also offer massage functionality. Space? Yes, plenty and this 1.91 metre tall author was able to sit behind himself with plenty of knee- and headroom.
The debate of wanting to drive or be driven in the GLS is never-ending
What about that third row? The last two seats are surprisingly spacious and offer cupholders and USB ports for additional convenience, on top of the ability to recline slightly. With the final row deployed, boot space drops, but you still have enough room for things like small carry-on luggage.
One of the third-row seats deployed. Note the handy control panel on the left for easy seat deployment
If it’s space you’re after, you can use the electronic panel in the boot to stow all the seats and Merc says 2 400 litres of cargo space becomes available so we reckon that’s multiple sets of golf clubs, plus a mountain bike and probably a flat-screen TV. We think there’s enough space here for an inflatable mattress too…
You could fit a double air mattress in here… and then some.
Ride and Handling
We were hopeful of all-encompassing comfort, as the GLS features air suspension but the ride quality is a mixed bag. On perfect roads, yes the GLS glides along like a 5-star yacht through the Mediterranean but we got the sensation that it was set up on the firmer side. Imperfections like under-tar tree roots and those small nasty speedbumps did tend to unsettle the ride a bit, something that we don’t think is appropriate given the positioning of a vehicle like this. To be fair, it’s not just the GLS which tended to crash over the firmer stuff, here’s looking at you Volvo XC90…
We don’t think you should go any bigger than this in terms of wheel sizing
We suspect the ride quality hinges on wheel selection. Our test unit was fitted with 21-inch wheels wrapped in 275/45 rubber and we can only wince at the thought of customers speccing their cars with the 23-inch units! They’ll look great, sure, but a brittle ride is almost a guarantee.
Something worth noting if you’re interested in the GLS, there’s no spare wheel. Instead, you get tyre sealant and a compressor, and during the photo shoot, the back left wheel picked up a little rusty nail which started a slow deflation. Fortunately, we weren’t too far out and the excellent Mercedes-Benz fleet management team promptly sorted us out.
That deflating feeling…
There is a positive to a firmer ride setup and that means the GLS doesn’t roll around the corners. The GLS manages to hide its mass well and body control for a vehicle of this size is impressive.
The steering setup is surprisingly precise and direct, with ample feel. This is a good thing as something as large as the GLS requires accuracy when driving in the city. Interestingly, the GLS doesn’t feature all-wheel steering, which would be useful when it comes to parking and confined spaces. Yes, the 360-degree camera is of excellent quality, but it’s still stressful to manoeuvre such a large vehicle.
Screen quality and camera clarity are both excellent
What about the off-road capabilities? The vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive and air suspension, which depending on the mode/setting, the GLS features from 175 mm to 260 mm of ground clearance. Tick the Off-road Engineering Package for R41 000 and you get a further 30 mm of clearance, armour to protect the vulnerable underbelly as well as a specific offroad mode which includes even more details and graphics. The jury’s out on whether you’d risk taking this 7-seater premium SUV through the roughest terrain, but it’s reassuring to know there’s provision for such.
Offroad mode brings up its own complex graphics
Price and After-sales support
The price includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
It’s the slightest of updates, but the GLS 450d remains a fantastic premium 7-seater
With the world’s consumers still obsessed with the high-riding SUV, sedans have fallen out of favour. Pity, as the driving dynamics are more involving, but when you want ultimate luxury and capability, dynamics is low priority. Don’t believe us? Take a look at your favourite manufacturers and count the number of sedans in comparison to the array of SUVs…
Right now, the 450d is the pick of the GLS range and while there’s considerable desirability for either the AMG-sourced 580 and full-fat 63 AMG, the diesel engine is the most logical powertrain for the market. Granted, it’s not as quick as its petrol siblings, but we feel its economy and range between fill-ups makes it far more sensible. So, is it worthy of the S-Class association? No, it’s simply superior to the iconic sedan thanks to a bigger array of talents like genuine 7-seater space and off-road capability.
Hilux vs Ranger vs D-Max: sales by body style in October 2024
In October 2024, the Hilux won the overall bakkie battle, followed by the Ranger and D-Max. But how does the picture change when we analyse sales by body style?
By now, you would have seen our list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies for October 2024. To remind you, the Toyota Hilux (2 793 units) led the charge, followed by the Ford Ranger (2 217 units) and Isuzu D-Max (1 807 units). But what happens when we analyse these sales by body style?
Well, let’s find out. Though Naamsa’s monthly sales report unfortunately doesn’t include a breakdown of the 3 bakkie body styles (the single-, extended- and double-cab shapes), our friends over at Lightstone Auto have kindly provided us with these local registration figures.
SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkies in October 2024
According to Lightstone Auto, the Ford Ranger topped the double-cab sales charts in October 2024, with exactly 1 800 units sold. For the record, that’s 81.2% of this Silverton-built bakkie’s total for the month. Furthermore, it sees the Ranger stretch its year-to-date lead, with a whopping 16 653 units sold in the double-cab space.
The Toyota Hilux was 2nd in the double-cab segment, both in October (1 294 units) and for the opening 10 months of the year (12 661 units). Last month, dual-cab sales comprised 46.3% of the Prospecton-built bakkie’s overall tally. Year to date, the double-cab version of the Japanese contender thus finds itself 3 992 units behind its Ranger counterpart.
Once again, the final spot on the double-cab podium went to the Isuzu D-Max, with the Struandale-made bakkie managing 819 units (or 45.3% of its monthly figure) in October and 6 702 units year to date. Lightstone Auto’s figures furthermore showed that all other 1-tonne double-cab bakkie derivatives (excluding the Ranger, Hilux and D-Max, that is) collectively managed 1 159 registrations in October and 14 106 units, year to date.
SA’s top-selling single- and extended-cabs in October 2024
What about the single-cab space? Well, the Toyota Hilux was again Mzansi’s most popular single cab in October, with 1 102 units (or 39.5% of its total) sold. The Japanese bakkie furthermore enjoys a strong lead year to date, with 10 172 units registered, with just 2 months to go.
The single-cab version of the Isuzu D-Max (836 units or 46.3% of the nameplate’s overall tally) grabbed 2nd place in October, filling the same spot in the year-to-date race, with 7 721 examples sold. That puts it 2 451 units behind the Hilux single cab.
The 2-door version of the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up completed the single-cab top 3, with 610 units (86% of this nameplate’s total sales) registered last month and 5 725 units, year to date. What about the Ranger? Well, Ford sold 131 Ranger single cabs in October, edging its year-to-date total to 1 516 units.
Meanwhile, the Toyota Hilux was again SA’s top-selling extended cab last month with 396 units registered, taking its year-to-date figure to a segment-leading 4 185 units. Next came the Ford Ranger (286 units in October and 3 212 units so far this year), with the Isuzu D-Max (152 units last month and 1 700 units overall) completing the picture as the only other bakkie offered in this body style.
The drop-top convertible segment may not be a massive seller in SA, but that hasn’t stopped Mercedes-Benz from introducing a new beach boulevard cruiser to the local market. We spent a day with the CLE Cabrio to see if it will be a hit this summer.
What is a CLE Convertible?
The folding roof takes just 20 seconds to fold down or up and can be done at speeds below 60 kph.
If you’re struggling to figure out what a CLE even is, it’s the combination of a C-Class coupe and an E-Class coupe (both of which have been discontinued and replaced with the CLE). In previous editions of both those models, there was a convertible but as Mercedes-Benz tries to consolidate its model lineup to something easier to understand, it has launched a convertible version of the CLE, with identical engine offerings to the CLE Coupe model we drove earlier this year.
The Convertible is currently available as a CLE 200 and a CLE 300 (both 4-cylinder turbpoetrols) with the introduction of a straight-six versioned CLE 53 likely to arrive in 2025.
Which is the best CLE Convertible?
Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet features two 4-cylinder turbopetrol engines for now. A 6-cylinder is coming in 2025.
The price point of the two new CLE drop-tops are very similar (see the bottom of the article for pricing) so the obvious choice is to spring for the C300. It’s also the better car, with a bit more go to match the show. The lesser C200, with 150 kW and 350 Nm augmented with 17 kW and 205 Nm of electric power (only available at certain times) feels a little underpowered on the open road. At this price point, I think you’d want a bit of excitement from your driving experience and that’s why the C300 and its 190 kW and 400 Nm (with similar electric contributions as the C200) seems the better choice.
The C300 claims a sprint time to 100 kph of 6.6 seconds which goes some way to sustaining that driving thrill I imagine a convertible owner is looking for, after all if you are considering a cabrio, you must like cars and driving them, right? Even if all you intend to do with your convertible is cruise your local area or enjoy a coastal drive, I think the C300 will be the more appealing choice, complete with artificial engine sound pumped through the speakers.
What’s the CLE Convertible like to drive?
The drop top Merc is a great cruiser but by no means a sportscar.
Mercedes appears to have positioned the CLE convertible as a soft boulevard cruiser. For a car lacking a roof, it’s remarkably supple over bumps soaking up road imperfections without having to brace for impact every time you strike an errant manhole cover. Comfort seems to have been the priority and it shows.
The CLE convertible is still adept at cruising through a wide open mountain pass with good levels of grip and chassis control. It might be a bit out of its depth if you were to try and hound it through a tight and twisty mountain pass, but that sort of behaviour seems not to be the intended use case for the CLE convertible.
Slow everything down and enjoy the open air at a moderate pace and the CLE delivers a pleasing open air experience without the uncomfortably crushing ride quality that is often associated with convertibles.
What’s cool about the CLE Convertible?
AirCap deflects wind over and around the driver so there is less buffeting in the cabin.
Mercedes loves including new features in convertibles to make them more appealing or more comfortable for passengers. The classic AirScarf is fitted, venting hot or cold air from the headrest area towards the neck and shoulders of both the driver and the passenger. This means that even on those chilly winter mornings, you can still comfortably roll with the top down.
A new feature for the CLE Convertible is the AirCap, which is basically a wing that extends from the top of the windshield and deflects air over the driver’s head. It reduces that constant buffeting in the face you get at speed in a convertible and allows you to spend more time with the roof down. It works well and you can test it by using a button in the centre console.
The optional Burmester sound system has two huge speakers behind the rear passengers that point upwards (while the roof is down). It means that you can still hear your tunes even at 120 kph, but I suspect this will mostly be used to blast music to unsuspecting pedestrians and civilians in towns who happen to be near your CLE.
What’s the interior of the CLE like?
Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet interior mimics that of the Coupe version.
The CLE Convertible’s interior is a copy and paste of the CLE coupe’s interior, which you would expect as they are essentially the same car. MBUX sits at the centre of the tech-fest and can controlled via touch or via the left side of the steering controls. The infotainment screen can also be tilted forward if there’s too much glare from the sun.
How much does the Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible cost?
The prices above include Mercedes-Benz’s 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and its 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, though exclude CO2 emissions tax.
Summary
Rear occupant space is good for a convertible.
The cabrio market in South Africa represents a very small share of the overall market, but considering our warm climate does beg the question as to why more aren’t sold. The CLE cabrio is a comfortable cruiser that you would enjoy taking on a long Sunday drive with the roof down. Added features such as the AirScarf and AirCap make driving with the roof down for long periods more enjoyable too.
It’s not a performance car by any stretch of the imagination but certainly one of the best-riding drop-tops on the market.
Most Fuel-Efficient Compact SUVs Under R350k
Household budgets are tight and buying an affordable and fuel-efficient car is first prize in the current economic climate. The compact SUV segment is currently one of the most popular segments in South Africa and with high fuel prices, new car buyers will be wise to shop with fuel efficiency in mind. Here are the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs in South Africa you can buy right now for under R350k.
Are you looking for the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs to buy in South Africa?
Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when buying a car as fuel consumption will have a direct impact on your household budget and cost of living.
It’s no secret that compact SUVs are hugely popular in South Africa and this is evidenced in the boom of new products that have come to market in recent years. The compact SUV spans across a wide price range but if you’re a budget-sensitive buyer looking for the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs on sale, what are your options?
In an effort to balance affordability and fuel efficiency, we are looking at compact SUVs with the best fuel consumption that come in at under R350 000!
Note that this list is determined according to claimed manufacturer fuel consumption figures. In the real world, consumption will vary depending on factors such as driving style, load, road conditions and so forth, so consider this a guideline.
Prices are accurate as of November 2024.
Most Fuel-Efficient Compact SUVs in South Africa under R350 000
1. Renault Kiger Turbo Intens / Zen – 5.0 L/100km
The turbocharged Renault Kiger Zen and Kiger Intens are the most fuel-efficient in the Kiger range with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.0 L/100km.
The 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine develops 74 kW and 160 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Pricing for the Renault Kiger starts from R249 999.
Opel’s Crossland is equipped with Opel’s naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine and is particularly frugal (5.1 L/100km) and offers 60 kW and 118 Nm of torque and comes paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Pricing for the Opel Crossland starts from R359 900.
The Nissan Magnite is a quirky offering in this segment and if you opt for the 5-speed manual derivatives you are likely to see the best fuel consumption returns with Nissan claiming 5.2 L/100km.
The Magnite is powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that offers 74 kW and 160 Nm and there’s also a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine available with 52 kW and 96 Nm which is also paired with either a 5-speed manual or AMT.
Pricing for the Nissan Magnite starts from R246 200.
The 3XO is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 82 kW and 200 Nm to the front wheels via either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The manual derivatives are more fuel efficient (5.3 L/100km) than the automatic derivatives (5.6 L/100km).
The new Suzuki Fronx is one of Suzuki’s most popular cars. The Fronx 5-speed manual derivatives boast 5.5 L/100km and a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine offers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque.
The Renault Triber offers seating for 7 and is equipped with Renault’s proven 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine, which produces 52 kW and 96 Nm of torque is paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT. All Triber derivatives claim 5.5 L/100km!
Pricing for the Renault Triber starts from R228 999.
The new Citroen C3, the current World Urban Car Award title holder, came to market in May 2023. It’s powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque and exclusively mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Citroen C3 claims a frugal 5.6 L/100km.
The Toyota Starlet Cross is Toyota’s version of the Suzuki Fronx as part of the Toyota-Suzuki product share agreement.
The Starlet Cross employs the same 1.5-litre petrol engine that delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. the 5-speed manual derivatives are the most frugal with Toyota claiming 5.6 L/100km while the automatic derivatives claim 5.8 L/100km.
Pricing for the Toyota Starlet Cross starts from R299 900.
M2 vs RS3 vs A45 S – #CarsAwards Quarter-mile shootout!
Welcome to the 2025 Cars.co.za Awards, and welcome to the first drag race video in a three-part series, filmed during the intensive testing of our 39 Awards finalists by 20 judges, in November 2024. In this video, we pit the new BMW M2 against the Mercedes-AMG A45 S and Audi RS3. What car will win? Watch the video!
In this classic battle of Germany vs Germany vs Germany, the hot-hatch poster cars of our generation go head-to-head on the drag strip, side by side.
The M2 may initially appear disadvantaged by its rear-wheel-drive layout versus the all-wheel-drive RS3 and A45 S AMG, however with significantly more power, if it can get off the line, you can never count it out.
With the least power of the three, the RS3 actually has the quickest 0-100 time of the group, while the A45 S arguably has the best launch control system.
We’re so excited to bring you this drag race and we hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.
With the BT-50 gone, Mazda SA’s boss has warned that other imported bakkies trying to compete with locally built stalwarts will continue to face “immense” challenges…
Back in March 2024, Cars.co.zabroke the news that the Mazda BT-50 nameplate had been discontinued in South Africa after an 18-year run, with the Japanese firm’s local division citing “an extremely challenging landscape for imported vehicles competing directly with locally manufactured products”.
And now the head of the Mazda brand in Mzansi has hinted that other imported double-cab bakkies could follow suit. Craig Roberts, Managing Director at Mazda Southern Africa, was speaking to Cars.co.za during a podcast interview at Naamsa’s South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town.
A facelifted BT-50 has been revealed overseas but won’t come to SA.
“I’m sitting in the [Cars.co.za podcast] booth here and I’m looking across at a Mitsubishi Triton – just using that as an example. So, in that [light-commercial vehicle] space, we have a number of importers that are bringing in a competing vehicle in, let’s say, that double-cab space,” said Roberts, gesturing towards the new Triton exhibited just outside the booth.
“I’m looking at Mitsubishi Triton and Stellantis has got a Peugeot Landtrek on display here this week. The challenges in that segment – which is 30% of our total market – are immense, in terms of local versus imported product,” he said.
South Africa’s double-cab market is dominated by bakkies built right here in Mzansi, with the Prospecton-made Toyota Hilux, Silverton-manufactured Ford Ranger and Struandale-produced Isuzu D-Max ruling the roost in this segment.
“That was the reason, one of the tough decisions that we made, was to discontinue BT-50. We were no longer manufacturing that [model] locally – it was a fully imported vehicle,” explained Roberts.
The pre-facelift 2nd-gen BT-50 was built in SA by Ford.
As a reminder, the 2nd-generation BT-50 debuted in South Africa in 2012, initially produced locally by Ford, alongside the Ranger on which it was based. However, Mazda Southern Africa switched to a Thai-manufactured version at the facelift in 2017, before the Isuzu-built 3rd-generation BT-50 (likewise brought over from Thailand but now based on the D-Max) touched down in Mzansi in July 2021.
“From a price-positioning perspective – once duties, etc. had been calculated into the business case – it just did not prove a competitive business case for us to continue importing that vehicle. I think my colleagues in the other brands that are still importing [in] that particular segment, or that particular type of vehicle, are experiencing exactly that,” Roberts suggested.
The Landtrek was also on display at SA Auto Week 2024.
For the record, the Nissan Navara is also produced in South Africa (in Rosslyn), as is the 2nd-gen Volkswagen Amarok (which is built by Ford in Silverton). The Mahindra Pik Up, meanwhile, is assembled at a facility in the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in KwaZulu-Natal.
Imported bakkies still playing in Mzansi’s double-cab segment include the aforementioned Triton and Landtrek. Stellantis, however, plans to start local assembly of the latter at a facility in the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape towards the end of 2025.
The P-Series is perhaps the most well known of the current Chinese contenders.
Other fully imported contenders here include the Chinese-made GWM P-Series, the Japanese-built Toyota Land Cruiser 79, the US-manufactured Jeep Gladiator and the French-produced Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, along with several other Chinese products (the Foton Tunland G7, LDV T60 and JAC T-Series bakkies, for instance). The new Kia Tasman (to be imported from South Korea) is slated to join the fray in the 2nd half of 2025.
We have pricing for the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet, which is set to be offered in 2 forms at launch. Here’s what this open-top model will cost you in South Africa…
Wondering how much the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet will cost you when it launches in South Africa in the near future? Well, wonder no more because we have official local pricing for this new 4-seater open-top model.
Yes, we can confirm the local CLE Cabriolet line-up will mirror the coupé range in Mzansi. That means SA buyers will at launch have the choice between the rear-wheel-drive CLE200 Cabriolet and the all-paw CLE300 4Matic Cabriolet (perhaps the 6-cylinder CLE450 and Mercedes-AMG CLE53 will follow at a later stage).
As a reminder, the CLE family effectively replaces the 2-door (coupé and cabriolet) versions of both the C-Class and the E-Class as part of the Stuttgart-based firm’s efforts to streamline parts of its portfolio.
So, what sort of sticker prices are we looking at here? Well, thanks to our hawk-eyed friends over at duoporta.com, we know the CLE200 Cabriolet will start at R1 515 350. For the record, that figure includes a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan but excludes CO2 emissions tax (with the latter depending on tyre size and maxing out at R11 921 for this derivative).
The CLE200 Cabriolet’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine delivers 150 kW and 320 Nm to the rear axle via a 9-speed automatic transmission. However, the powertrain also includes a 48-volt system with an integrated starter generator, capable of adding 17 kW and 205 Nm. Expect this derivative to complete the obligatory 0-100 kph sprint in 7.9 seconds (half a second tardier than the coupé), before running out of puff at 236 kph.
Meanwhile, the CLE300 4Matic Cabriolet will kick off at R1 573 651, with CO2 emissions tax for this derivative topping out at an additional R13 432 (again, dependent on the selected tyre size). While this powertrain likewise features a 17 kW/205 Nm mild-hybrid set-up, the forced-induction 2.0-litre petrol engine has been tuned to deliver a heftier 190 kW and 400 Nm.
Thanks to this extra oomph plus the off-the-line traction benefits of all-wheel drive, the CLE300 4Matic Cabriolet should see off the 0-100 kph dash in approximately 6.6 seconds (making it 4-tenths slower than the coupé version) and top out at 250 kph.
The CLE Cabriolet comes with a multi-layer fabric soft top, which is available in black, red or grey. According to Mercedes-Benz, the roof opens and closes in 20 seconds up to a road speed of 60 kph. The German brand’s so-called “Aircap” electric wind-deflector system and “Airscarf” heating system ship standard.
Inside, you’ll find a free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument display as well as an 11.9-inch central display. Interestingly, the latter display can be electrically tilted to prevent distracting glare when the soft top is down.
How much does the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet cost in SA?
The prices above include Mercedes-Benz’s 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and its 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, though exclude CO2 emissions tax.
The Jetour X70 Plus is a new 7-seater SUV from the recently launched Jetour brand. In this video, Jacob Moshokoa takes a closer look at the X70 Plus including features, performance, practicality and pricing. Should you consider the new Jetour X70 Plus? Watch the video!
The X70 Plus is priced at under R500 000 it’s a rather enticing proposition for cash-strapped South African consumers. At this price point, there are very few 7-seater SUV options, but you can look at the Suzuki Ertiga/Toyota Rumion as well as the Mitsubishi Xpander for people-carrying capability, but none of them are as luxuriously appointed as the X70 Plus.
The X70 Plus is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with 115 kW and 230 Nm and mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota files to trademark ‘Tacoma’, ‘Tundra’ and more in SA
Toyota has applied to trademark a raft of badges – including Tacoma and Tundra – in South Africa, despite the fact several of these models aren’t factory-built in RHD…
Well, this is interesting: Toyota has applied to trademark several badges in South Africa, including “Tacoma”, “Tundra” and “Highlander”. These models are, of course, not currently factory-built in right-hand-drive form.
Having spotted a report from carsales.com.au on Toyota’s recent trademark activity in fellow right-hand-drive market Australia, we decided to find out if similar applications had been made in South Africa. And we found plenty (13 in total, though we suspect our list is not at all exhaustive)…
The Toyota Tundra, seen here fitted with a TRD Rally Package.
Before we go on, we should point out – as we always do in such instances – that an application to protect a badge in a given market is by no means a guarantee that the automaker will use the nameplate in question. Sometimes, the company is simply safeguarding its intellectual property.
So, what did we discover? Well, over a couple of weeks from the end of October 2024 into the first half of November 2024, Toyota’s head office in Aichi, Japan filed to trademark the “Tacoma”, “Tundra”, “Sequoia” and “Sienna” badges in South Africa. These models are all sold in left-hand drive in North America.
The Sequoia is based on the Tundra platform.
As a reminder, the Tacoma and Tundra are Toyota’s Texas-built pick-up trucks (the Tacoma is similar in size to the Hilux), while the Sequoia is a full-size SUV based on the latter and likewise produced at the firm’s San Antonio facility. The Sienna, meanwhile, is a minivan manufactured in Indiana as well as in China (where it’s known as the Granvia, a badge incidentally registered in SA back in 2020).
We then found applications to protect the “Highlander” and “Venza” names in Mzansi. The former is an SUV made in Indiana and sold as the Kluger in Australia (interestingly, we found a recent local trademark filing for “Kluger”, too), while the latter is a Japanese-built crossover that’s also known as the Harrier in some markets.
Toyota’s latest-gen Alphard, as sold in Japan.
Digging a little deeper, we furthermore unearthed trademark applications (all filed within the same short period) for various nameplates familiar from Toyota’s domestic market of Japan – which is, of course, a right-hand-drive country. These badges include “Alphard”, “Century”, “Noah”, “Sienta”, “Vellfire” and “Voxy”.
Of course, all of these trademark applications by Toyota are just that – applications. So, they certainly don’t indicate that the brand’s local division has any active plans to launch these products in South Africa. But it’s nevertheless fascinating that Toyota’s head office has seen fit to expand the protection of these nameplates to our market…
