Scoop! Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Special Edition coming to SA
A Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Special Edition – with select styling updates – is coming to SA, though just 30 units will be offered. Here’s what we know, including pricing…
Cars.co.za can confirm that Toyota South Africa Motors will soon launch a new Land Cruiser 300 Special Edition model, though our information suggests that just 30 units have been set aside for the local market. As such, the limited-run derivative will be available on a customer order only basis.
Expected to be based on the ZX trim level and offered exclusively with the Japanese firm’s 3.3-litre V6 turbodiesel powertrain (and thus not available in turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol guise), the special-edition variant will be badged as the Land Cruiser 300 3.3D ZX-SE in Mzansi. The 6-cylinder oil-burner’s peak outputs are unchanged at 225 kW and 700 Nm.
The SA model will ride on standard 20-inch ZX alloys (as above) rather than 21-inch Modellista items.
The limited-production ZX-SE derivative will be priced at R2 074 500, which represents a R70 400 premium over the standard 3.3D ZX. That said, it won’t quite be the priciest Toyota in South Africa, with that title instead going to the Land Cruiser 300 3.5T GR-Sport (R2 095 100).
So, what sets the Special Edition model apart from the standard ZX? Well, from what we understand, the ZX-SE sports a selection of styling upgrades courtesy of Modellista, a Toyota Motor Corporation subsidiary tasked with developing accessories for Toyota and Lexus models. Though Modellista has distributors in Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Middle East, it has no official presence here in Africa.
Standard ZX front bumper on the left and the sportier ZX-SE version on the right.
While we don’t believe the Land Cruiser 300 ZX-SE will wear Modellista badging, it looks set to adopt the company’s aero-styled front and rear bumpers (relatively subtle versions specifically made for markets outside of Japan). Interestingly, the addition of these sportier bumpers sees the ladder-frame SUV grow in length from 5 005 mm to 5030 mm. In addition, its front overhang increases from 935 mm to 970 mm, with its rear overhang swelling from 1 190 mm to 1 210 mm.
The new Modellista-supplied front bumper features sharper contours than the standard item as well as unique foglamp bezels that each incorporate a pair of blades. The new rear bumper, meanwhile, includes a faux diffuser complete with a honeycomb-type finish. Furthermore, the rear bumper gains a step guard, while the luggage compartment benefits from extra lighting (courtesy of LEDs sited on the bottom-inside edge of the tailgate) and an opening guard.
Standard ZX rear bumper on the left and the ZX-SE version on the right.
The package also includes illuminated scuff plates and chrome-effect side mouldings. Finally, our information suggests the Land Cruiser 300 ZX-SE will be available only in Pearl White Metallic, Satin Silver Metallic, Attitude Black and Classic White.
The Special Edition model will ship standard with a black interior – rather than the beige or red-and-black colour schemes also available in other Land Cruiser 300 derivatives – and will interestingly stick with the ZX’s standard 20-inch alloy-wheel design (rather than riding on the 21-inch items seen in some of the accompanying Modellista images above).
Check back for more details once Toyota officially announces this special-edition model for South Africa…
How much will the Land Cruiser 300 3.3D ZX-SE cost in SA?
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.3D GX-R – R1 458 900
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.3D ZX – R2 004 100
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.5T ZX – R2 043 100
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.3D GR-Sport – R2 060 000
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.3D ZX-SE – R2 074 500
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.5T GR-Sport – R2 095 100
The prices above include a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan.
Are you looking to buy a used Kia Rio? In this video, guest presenter, Reba S, covers everything you need to know so that you have a smooth and seamless buying experience. Watch the video!
You’ve come to the right place if you’re in the market for a Kia Rio!
The 4th-generation Rio arrived in South Africa in 2017 and the facelifted Rio came to market in 2020. In 2023, Kia announced its intentions to discontinue the model in South Africa by the end of that year and the Rio is now available as a used car option in South Africa.
The reason for the Rio’s discontinuation is due to the fact that production of the 5th-generation Rio did not include right-hand-drive and therefore the model faced the axe in South Africa.
Why is the Rio popular as a used car?
The Rio is a popular choice for used car buyers looking for value. The Rio has a reputation for reliability and fairly low cost of ownership owing to its frugal naturally aspirated 1.4-litre petrol engine offering 74 kW and 134 Nm of torque and can be had with either a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission (depending on the derivative) or a 4 speed. A base 1.2-litre petrol engine with 62 kW and 120 Nm was also available.
In this video, guest presenter Reba S takes us through some of her favourite features on the Rio as well as what common problems you should look out for when shopping for one in the used car market.
Cost of ownership is an important factor to consider when buying a car and it’s worth knowing what critical parts cost in case they fail. We compare OEM parts prices of the Rio with a 3rd party supplier to see how much of a difference there is…
Cars.co.za currently has over 74 000 used cars for sale with over 400 Rio’s for you to browse.
If you’re unsure how much you’re able to afford to buy a car, please take the time to use our Car Afffordability Calculator to help you understand your affordability and you can also use our Car Finance Calculator to determine your approximate monthly instalments for the car you intend on purchasing.
No, the Kia Rio was discontinued in South Africa in the first quarter of 2024. The 4th-generation model’s production did not include a right-hand-drive version for the South African market. It is now only available as a used vehicle.
What engines were available in the Kia Rio in South Africa?
The Kia Rio in South Africa was sold with two naturally aspirated petrol engine options: a 1.2-litre (62 kW, 120 Nm) and a 1.4-litre (73 kW, 135 Nm).
Is the Kia Rio a good used car to buy in South Africa?
The Kia Rio has a reputation for being a reliable and economical choice, making it a popular option on the used car market. Many late-model examples may still have the balance of a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which provides extra peace of mind for buyers.
What are the main alternatives to the Kia Rio?
Direct competitors and similar alternatives to the Kia Rio in South Africa include the Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai i20, and Ford Fiesta.
Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance (2024) Launch Review
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, which eschews its predecessor’s V8 in favour of a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine mated with a plug-in hybrid power unit, has arrived in Mzansi. Is this creation the new benchmark business-class super sedan?
I am become (the electrified) C63 S. Destroyer of tyres.
Let’s get this out of the way at the outset. The Three-pointed Star’s Affalterbach-built V8 has departed the C-Class. Long live the noise, the commotion and everything else our Neanderthal brains revered in the bent 8-cylinder powerplant. Nixed is the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 (M177), which was so provocative in the previous C63 S and succeeded the W204-gen C63 AMG‘s 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 (M156).
And it sucks, but we are, at the precipice of new technology, much like Betamax and Kodak were before they got left behind. “Mercedes-AMG is determined to not make the same mistake as those firms did,” I said to myself, before dropping my posterior into the C63 S E Performance sumptuous driver’s seat; I was about to take the ‘wheel of easily the most controversial Affalterbach creation in recent memory.
What I encountered was unmistakenly a C-Class interior albeit with AMG tinsel, Sports Displays and a refined MBUX infotainment system. Exciting enough, but almost belying the true nature of the beast – a business-class sedan with a sticker price of about R2.5 million, more power than any other C-Class to date (as expected), but with an electrically assisted 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine at its heart.
To quote the general public: “Wait, what?”
How did we get here?
I hate to be that guy, but I saw this coming. It was with the advent of the original A45 AMG and its hyper-hatch credentials. The narrower-than-expected gap in ability between it and the C63 of its time had me scratching my chin – the writing was on the wall, all that was missing was the emotion of the larger car. Not the emotion derived from its dynamism, but its evocative soundtrack. You know, noise and stuff.
Mercedes-AMG had a long way to go if it was going to offer us a serious replacement for displacement in that important aspect. But first, allow me to lay some groundwork. To merely state the new C63 S has a 2.0-litre engine would be ignoring the raft of rotors, motors and technology working in combination with it to achieve frankly astronomical performance. The new C63 S is weird and wieldy, but still pretty wild.
The M139 at the heart of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is the most powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the world – it’s able to summon 350 kW and 545 Nm of torque just by itself. It features an F1-derived combination electric/gas turbo with a variable intake compressor – cheers, lag.
Paired with AMG’s 4Matic+ transmission and aided by a belt-driven starter generator and a 150 kW/320 Nm electric motor at the rear axle, the C63 S delivers vast combined outputs of 500 kW and 1020 Nm.
Consequently, the model can obliterate the 0-100 kph sprint in just 3.4 sec before being electronically restrained at a top speed of 280 kph. Electric what now? Yes, the C63 S is also a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
A plug-in hybrid that can deliver 1 020 Nm
But this isn’t your grandpa’s Prius, not with those peak outputs. They put the previous (W205-gen) C63 S’ 375 kW and 700 Nm (courtesy of the lauded 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8) into a fresh perspective, don’t they? That car was also half a second slower to 100 kph, so there’s no challenging the new car’s performance.
The newcomer’s directly cooled 400V hybrid battery, which powers that rear-mounted electric motor, can be charged relatively quickly at the “pumps”, but such is the might of the vehicle’s regeneration that simply driving like the clappers in Sport Plus will easily top up the battery for more merry boosted miles.
On that note, the system deploys a new trick called “Boost strategy”, which – if I may loosely explain it here – is akin to having your turbo performance adjusted based on which circuit you’re on, which corner you’re taking and, perhaps more importantly, which stretch of straight asphalt you’re about to tear down.
This has potential benefits for public roads as well, such as the several mountain passes on our test route including Helshoogte, as well as the Franschhoek and Dutoitskloof passes.
To make the experience even more palatable, the folks at Mercedes-AMG have equipped the new C63 S with an adaptive sports suspension (with Ride Control), 6-pot brake calipers at the rear and a 50:50 differential to help keep the Benz’s hefty kerb weight on the tarmac… and a grin on its driver’s face.
But wait, I almost skipped the best part. The startup. It may have lost 4 cylinders, but the C63 S still has Mercedes-AMG’s “Emotion Start” – a startup sequence that boots the beast up with its exhaust flaps wide open. Simply flatten the brake pedal, hold the left gear paddle and hit the start button. All 4 pots burst into life and your ears are pleasantly filled with light artillery. Yes, light, but still entertaining.
Here’s what the Mercedes-AMG C63 S sounds like when you start it conventionally:
— The Cars.co.za Team (@CarsSouthAfrica) June 13, 2024
Stick the transmission lever into Drive, select Sport (or higher) on the drive mode selector and you’ll feel the beast perk up, its attitude go taut and the throttle response adopt that “razor’s edge feel” that you’d normally associate with something naturally aspirated – or overpowered and undeterred by an auto ‘box.
It feels athletic, just very large. After exiting the parking lot, navigating a few turns and making my way onto the freeway I could already detect a longer wheelbase, which endows the C63 S with an almost E63-like demeanour. There’s 50 mm more front overhang and it’s 83 mm wider, but the measurements feel superficial, adding only to the presence of the car, which I’d argue is important on an AMG model.
What’s more, the C63 S’, um, E Performance is undeniable – what Mercedes-AMG has achieved with this newcomer is a testament to scientific advancement. There’s a sense of “making up for those cylinders we lost with sheer, unbridled speed”. The sound? Well, it’s impressive what the boffins at AMG have accomplished, and while I’ll miss the old noise, I’ll concede that I could get used to what’s on offer here.
Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance price in South Africa
Prices include a standard 2-year/unlimited km warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
So the Mercedes-AMG C63 S gets 2 and a half out of 3 right by my count, a great result overall but that “mark” doesn’t consider a couple of factors that I can’t quite ignore. The first is that this iteration of the C63 S, with a price tag of R2 476 800 (June 2024) must now compete with some serious sportscars.
There’s also the ethos that came along with being a business-class super sedan, which the newcomer no longer conforms to. The C63 AMG, Audi RS4 and BMW M3 (to name the main protagonists) are the most powerful and dynamic (best-handling) cars in their respective ranges, but they never used to cost more than twice as much as the derivatives below them. This C63 S does, plus it sits well above the RS4 and M3 on the price list, even without taking the rarified F1 edition (around R2.8 million) into consideration.
It seems the Teutonic Arms Race has not ended. The weapons (engine capacity) may be smaller, but the devastation remains about as total as it’s ever been. And then my 2nd and final point, I literally could not live with the car. Such is the Benz’s performance potential… that I would (eventually) perish at its ‘wheel.
My Neanderthal brain thinks that if you could somehow remove 200 kg from it, shave R600k off the sticker price and make it a bit less powerful (and hey, I wouldn’t even mind if it was a bit slower as a result) the C63 S would be the car for me. But then I realise I’ve just described the old car all over again.
Also, middle-aged me does not want to arrive at his destination shaken and on fire, with trembling forearms and sawdust for teeth. And maybe that’s okay. But for anyone else who desires what’s arguably the automotive world’s new benchmark business-class super sedan (provided their bank balance enables them to acquire one), feel free to have a go with the Mercedes-Benz C63 S E Performance.
Farewell, Jeep Renegade: small SUV quietly exits SA
The Jeep Renegade has been quietly discontinued in South Africa, though the company promises it has “some interesting new models” in the pipeline to fill the gap…
After 9 years on the local market, the Jeep Renegade has quietly coasted off into the sunset. Yes, Cars.co.za can confirm that this small SUV – which served as the entry point to the American brand’s local line-up – has been officially discontinued in South Africa.
We recently noticed that local sales of the Renegade had tapered off markedly, falling from 48 units in January 2024 to 31 units in February, then 30 units in March, a single unit in April and finally zero registrations in May. With the Renegade having also been removed from Jeep SA’s website, we asked parent company Stellantis SA to confirm the SUV’s fate.
The Renegade was revealed in 2014 and arrived in Mzansi the following year.
“Jeep Renegade is currently on run-out in South Africa,” the company told Cars.co.za, though added that it planned to bring in “some interesting new models” in the future. When asked for details on these upcoming newcomers, Stellantis SA told us it would share more information at its next Jeep media event.
We already know that both the facelifted Wrangler SUV and Gladiator bakkie are scheduled to arrive in Mzansi at some point in the 2nd half of 2024, but we suspect Stellantis SA is referring to new products here.
The end of the line for the Renegade badge in South Africa.
As recently reported by The Citizen, the Commander (which is known as the Meridian in India, where it’s built) remains on the cards for South Africa, with the Avenger having seemingly been ruled out for now (despite being closer in size to the Renegade). There’s also the fully electric Recon, which might end up being produced in petrol form, too.
Incidentally, the local demise of the original Renegade comes just as Jeep’s global parent company Stellantis confirms a 2nd-generation model is scheduled to go into production from 2027. For the record, the Renegade was axed in North America at the end of 2023, though remains on sale in several other markets around the world. The newly announced 2nd-gen Renegade, though, is set to return to the North American market. No word yet on plans for South Africa, of course.
Jeep has just confirmed that a new Renegade will be produced from 2027.
As a reminder, the Renegade range had comprised just a pair of front-driven derivatives before its local discontinuation, with the 1.4 Longitude 6AT having been priced from R510 900 and the 1.4 Limited 6AT from R560 900. Each was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor delivering 103 kW and 230 Nm via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, other powertrains were available earlier in the Renegade’s 9-year local lifecycle (with this nameplate having launched in South Africa in May 2015), including a 2.4-litre all-wheel-drive arrangement as well as 1.6-litre engines in both petrol- and diesel flavours.
The MY25 BMW M2 has been unveiled, bringing more power to the party and the good news is it will be touching down in SA before the end of the year.
The baby M has been given a lifecycle update and the MY25 BMW M2’s biggest change comes in the form of a bump in power. The 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder engine gains a performance boost with an additional 15 kW. Total outputs now stand at 353 kW and 600 Nm.
When it comes to performance, you’re now looking at a claimed 0-100 kph time of 4 seconds for the automatic BMW M2. If you take the 6-speed manual gearbox, that figure is at 4.2 seconds. In both cases, a tenth is shaved off the sprint times.
Impressively, the additional power makes itself known when you’re stretching the car’s legs with the BMW M2 delivering an improvement of 0.6 seconds if you do a 0-200 kph sprint. We get the feeling the tuning is all about the responsiveness.
We think this is a case of if its not broken, don’t fix it. Visually, there are few updates with subtle black badges with silver edging, a new wheel colours, new colour options, and black exhausts. The design of the LED headlights has been given a tweak, too.
The infotainment has been upgraded with the BMW Operating System 8.5 making its debut, across the 12.3-inch dashboard display and a 14.9-inch infotainment display. Inside, the steering wheel has been given a slight redesign.
When will the MY25 BMW M2 come to South Africa?
BMW Group South Africa has confirmed the baby M will available in local showrooms from the 4th quarter of 2024.
Mercedes-Benz SA to ‘restructure’; 700 factory jobs at risk
Mercedes-Benz South Africa will enterdiscussions to “restructure” its manufacturing operations in East London, with 700 factory workers potentially facing retrenchment…
Mercedes-Benz South Africa has confirmed that it will enter into discussions to “restructure” its manufacturing operations in the Eastern Cape, estimating that “approximately 700 employees” at the East London plant could potentially be retrenched.
The German automaker’s local division released a statement confirming that it had “reached the decision” to enter a consultation process in accordance with Section 189(3) of the Labour Relations Act. The discussions will centre on the possible transition from the current 3-shift model to a 2-shift model at the East London factory, which produces the W206-generation C-Class sedan for local- and export markets. According to Mercedes-Benz’s global website, the facility has around 3 000 employees.
Mercedes-Benz SA says 700 factory jobs are at risk.
“In recent years, the automotive industry has contended with several challenges which have also impacted MBSA [Mercedes-Benz South Africa] and its suppliers. These challenges include deteriorating macro-economic conditions and prolonged port challenges. Overall consumer sentiment has suffered as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate, subdued household income, rising fuel prices as well as increased energy and logistics costs,” the company said in a statement.
“Against these pressures, we have implemented various measures to address and improve the performance of our manufacturing operations, including cost-saving initiatives and efficiency improvements. However, despite our best efforts, the current operating environment remains challenging, necessitating further action to ensure the long-term sustainability of our manufacturing operations.
“Subject to the outcome of the consultation process, the company estimates that approximately 700 employees at the East London manufacturing plant could potentially be affected by these retrenchments and the transition to a 2-shift operating model. The Section 189 consultation process could see the number of employees retrenched though the implementation of early retirement, voluntary severance and natural attrition measures.
The facility has been building Mercedes-Benz cars since 1958.
“In close collaboration with key relevant stakeholders, the company wishes to embark on this process responsibly, transparently, with integrity and empathy whilst ensuring labour stability and continuing manufacturing operations,” the statement concluded.
The East London factory began producing Mercedes-Benz vehicles back in 1958. Production of the W206-generation C-Class sedan commenced in June 2021, when the Stuttgart-based firm announced an additional R3-billion investment (over and above the R10-billion announced in 2018) into the facility. In late 2023, the company invested R100-million into the 2nd phase of its factory’s solar energy project, aimed at taking it closer to carbon-neutral manufacturing.
Francisco Nwamba and Jacob Moshokoa present an in-depth comparison between 2 new medium SUVs – the Ford Territory and Jaecoo J7 – both of which hail from China.
The Ford Territory (the successor to the Kuga) and Jaecoo J7 (the first model in SA of the Chery Group’s O&J division) are recent entrants to the family car segment. Both are built in China (yes, even the Ford) and feature loads of modern features at a price point that you might call “decent value for money”.
In this comparison, our presenters, compare the 2 newcomers in every department and pick a winner. In this comparison, Francisco first takes the ‘wheel of the Ford Territory, while Jacob pilots the Jaecoo J7.
The Jaecoo J7, by contrast, is very much a boutique offering that is designed to lure buyers away from premium brands’ crossovers. It combines classic SUV cues with a tech-intensive (futuristic, even) cabin treatment. It may share a powertrain with the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro/Pro Max, but its execution is distinctive.
See how these family cars perform in terms of practicality, performance, rear seat- and load-bay space, what they are like to drive, and what sort of backup Ford and Chery / Omoda & Jaecoo SA offer.
The derivatives in this comparison – Ford Territory 1.8T Trend and Jaecoo J7 1.6T Glacier – cost R632 600 and R599 900 respectively (June 2024). We pick our winner, but which car would get your nod?
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado vs Land Rover Defender – Spec Check
The new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has arrived in South Africa, but how does it stack up against the segment-heavyweight Land Rover Defender? This article takes a “deep dive” into the specification details to help you make an informed buying decision.
When the highly-anticipated new Land Cruiser Prado is launched in the South African market (due in June 2024), it will mount a challenge to Land Rover’s (New) Defender, which has firmly entrenched itself in the luxury off-road SUV market. Will the new Prado ruffle the Defender’s feathers? Read on!
The New Defender arrived in South Africa in 2020, with the Defender 110 coming to market at launch and the 3-door Defender 90 joining the line-up 2 years later. In 2023, the long-wheelbase Defender 130 joined the range with the overlanding-ready Defender 130 Outbound following in June 2024.
The Defender is offered with a choice of petrol, diesel, V8 and PHEV powertrains. The Defender range was recently updated to include specification updates, a more powerful diesel powertrain and the addition of the Defender Sedona Edition. The Defender 110 is optionally available as a 7-seater.
As for the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, it’s a 7-seater SUV with 3 main derivatives to choose from including the entry-level TX, high-spec VX-R and limited-run First Edition, the latter of which is offered with either a bi-tone or monotone finish and equipped with special features. The Land Cruiser Prado will be powered by Toyota’s familiar 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which serves in several models.
In this article, we will compare the Defender D250 110 X-Dynamic SE with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 GD VX-R.
This article aims to help you, the consumer, make an informed buying decision. 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.
Please note that while we have tested the Defender extensively, we have yet to drive the new Prado. We will reserve judgment on the Prado’s performance until after the launch and update this article accordingly as soon as we’ve driven Toyota’s newcomer.
This article will cover key aspects including Exterior Styling, Performance & Efficiency, Off-road Features and Practicality, Interior Features & Safety and Pricing & Warranty details.
If you are still undecided about what to buy at the end of this article, you are more than welcome to reach out to us for advice via X, Facebook or Instagram. Our experienced test team will gladly assist you.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado vs Land Rover Defender
Exterior Styling
NewToyota Land Cruiser Prado
When the new Prado broke cover in 2023 it sported a modern (if still rather squared-off) design that brought the appearance of the Aichi-based brand’s off-road SUV up-to-date to rival the Defender.
The Prado wears a sophisticated grille design flanked by slim rectangular headlight units, while the First Edition derivatives sport retro round headlights. Being a rugged, purpose-built off-road SUV, the new Prado also wears protective cladding with angular wheel arches.
With a thoroughly modern design, we expect the new Prado to strike a chord with local buyers.
Land Rover Defender
With its beefy boxy looks, the Land Rover Defender has been well-received by local buyers. The modern Defender has dropped the utilitarian design of its long-serving predecessor in favour of a thoroughly modernised design. The circular light signature of the headlamps and chunky protective cladding give the Defender a purposeful look, while a subtle rear-light design adds a modern touch to the rear end.
The new Prado and Defender make strong style statements. In addition to its trim lines (S, SE, HSE, Sedona and X), Land Rover also offers a variety of optional styling packs that further enhance the SUV’s packaging based on the specific intended use of the vehicle. These include an Explorer Pack, Explorer Black Pack, Adventure Pack, Adventure Black Pack, Country Pack, Country Black Pack and Urban Pack.
Performance and Efficiency
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 GD VX-R
Land Rover Defender D250 X-Dynamic SE
Powertrain
2.8-litre turbodiesel, 4- cylinder
3.0-litre twin-turbodiesel, 6-cylinder
Power Output
150 kW @ 3000-3400 rpm
183 kW @ 4000 rpm
Torque Output
500 Nm @ 1600-2800
570 Nm @ 1250-2500 rpm
Transmission
8-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
Fuel Consumption (Claimed)
7.9 L/100km
8.3 L/100km
Fuel Tank Size
110 L (80 + 30)
89 L
Fuel Range (avg)
1 392 km
1 072 km
New ToyotaLand Cruiser Prado
We will drive the new Prado very soon, so reserve judgment on its on-road and off-road performance.
However, we know Toyota’s 150 kW/500 Nm 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel powerplant well from products such as the Hilux and Fortuner. It’s a well-proven engine that strikes a good balance between performance and economy. The big news is that in the Prado, this engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is expected to improve its performance and efficiency even further.
With the 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel being the only engine in the new Prado line-up, we hope that it will perform well enough to satisfy local buyers. Toyota could, however, introduce a higher-power Prado in future, perhaps using the same uprated powerplant in the recently introduced Toyota Hilux GR Sport III, which produces 165 kW/550 Nm. Perhaps Toyota will introduce a Prado GR-Sport? Let’s hope so!
We will update this article as soon as we have driven the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
Land Rover Defender
The Defender can be had with a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder bi-turbodiesel engine with peak outputs of 183 kW and 570 Nm, which is notably more powerful and torquey than the new Prado’s powerplant. This engine is also mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. If that’s not enough, an uprated Defender D350 came to market in May 2024 – its 3.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine produces 257 kW and 700 Nm!
With its higher outputs, the Defender D250 may offer better performance, but with 2 extra cylinders and a higher engine capacity, it’s unlikely to be as fuel-efficient as the Prado (but we’ll put that to the test).
The Defender’s got enough grunt to tackle challenging terrain while also offering a pliant ride quality on asphalt thanks to its standard air suspension, which the Prado doesn’t have. The 8-speed automatic transmission is also well matched to the engine and delivers smooth gear shifts, all of which enable the Defender to deliver high levels of driving refinement, whether it be on tar or in the dirt.
Practicality and Off-road Features
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Land Rover Defender
Length
4 925 mm
5 018 mm
Width
1 980 mm
2 008 mm
Height
1 935 mm
1 967 mm
Wheelbase
2 850 mm
3 022 mm
Ground clearance
216 mm
291 mm
Approach angle
30°
38°
Departure angle
17°
40°
Breakover angle
TBC
28°
Wading depth
TBC
900 mm
Low Range
Yes
Yes
Differential Locks
Limited-slip diff, front and rear
Centre differential lock (optional Active Locking Rear Differential )
Off-road Driving System
Multi-Terrain Select (Multi Terrain Monitor
ConfigurableTerrain Response 2
Towing capacity (braked)
3 500 kg
3 500 kg
Off-road Summary
Both the Prado and Defender are designed and built to tackle difficult off-road terrain. The Defender 110 does have a larger footprint and, on paper, it does appear to have the upper hand over its Prado rival.
We’ve evaluated the Defender off-road on several occasions and the abilities of the Solihull-based brand’s SUV have impressed our testers. Note that the Defender stands significantly higher than the Prado with a ground clearance of 291 mm (versus the Prado’s 216 mm. The Defender also holds an advantage with its standard air suspension, which can raise the vehicle by 75 mm when required.
To reiterate, we haven’t tested the Prado in local off-road conditions, but even though it’s a smaller vehicle than the Defender, do NOT underestimate the newcomer’s 4×4 capability. We expect that it will prove to be a formidable off-roader in its own right. It’s a Toyota, after all – its success depends on it.
Interior Features and Safety
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 GD VX-R and Land Rover Defender D250 X-Dynamic SE are similarly specified in terms of standard features. Use our Compare Tool to compare any derivatives you like.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX-R
Land Rover Defender X-Dynamic SE
Infotainment system
12.3-inch infotainment
10-inch Pivi Pro Infotainment
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
Yes, wireless CarPlay
Yes, both
Bluetooth, Voice Control, USB, Wireless Charging
Yes to all (7 USB Type C ports)
Yes to all
Rear View Camera
Yes, surround view
Yes, surround view
Steering Adjustment: Rake / Reach
Yes, both
Yes, both
Cruise Control
Yes, adaptive
Yes, adaptive
Air Conditioning
Automatic dual-zone
Automatic dual-zone
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Yes, optional sliding panoramic
Upholstery / electric seats
Full leather, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 2nd row heating, electric folding 3rd row
Artificial leather, electric front seats, heating and ventilation is optional
Front / Rear Park Distance Control
Yes, front and rear
Yes, front and rear
Safety Features
9 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, traction control, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist, Hill Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, Crawl Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring
6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, traction control, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist, Fatigue Detection, Hill Descent Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Interior Feature Summary
The range-topping Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX-R is well-specified with comfort and convenience features, as well as safety equipment (in fact, it trumps its Defender rival by offering 3 more airbags).
Note that the Prado is a 7-seater as standard. It’s a pity Toyota hasn’t quoted a figure for the Prado’s load-bay capacity, but hopefully, that detail will be divulged at the model’s upcoming local launch.
Comparatively, the Defender 110 is a 5-seater in standard guise, but a 7-seat configuration can be specified for an additional R31 700 (June 2024). In addition, Land Rover offers a wide variety of optional features (such as heated and ventilated front seats), but these can push up the price dramatically.
The choice to buy a new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado or Land Rover Defender might very well depend on what you’re able to afford. You may (or may not) be shocked at the vast price differences between the Prado and Defender – that alone might be the most critical point that will drive your buying decision.
Yes, the Defender is larger and offers stronger performance, but over and above its base price, you will pay extra to gain a 3rd row of seats, or spec any of the option packs. The Land Rover, when compared with the new Toyota, is therefore a pricey proposition and, unless you can afford to pay that premium, the new Prado is a strong alternative and will likely claim a sizable share of the luxury off-roader market.
It’s worth noting, however, that the Defender is sold with a superior warranty, but Toyota’s brand strength and vast dealership network in South Africa should inspire consumer confidence.
From a sales perspective, the Defender has been popular in Mzansi and that trend is likely to continue. But with the arrival of the new Prado, buyers will have a more affordable luxury off-road SUV option to consider – judging by the success of the outgoing model, expect to see many new Prados on our roads.
Which one of these luxury offroad SUVs would you buy and why?
Facelifted Isuzu MU-X revealed in flagship RS form
The facelifted Isuzu MU-X has been revealed overseas, with the refreshed version of the 7-seater adventure SUV even gaining a new RS flagship derivative…
Say hello to the facelifted Isuzu MU-X, which debuts as an updated alternative to the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. The Japanese firm says it has “significantly upgraded” its 7-seater adventure SUV in response to “market demand”, while also unveiling a bold new RS flagship derivative.
Though the refreshed MU-X is already on sale in Thailand (where SA-spec MU-X models are produced), it’s not yet clear when Isuzu Motors South Africa plans to launch the updated SUV in the local market. As an aside, the revised D-Max bakkie – on which the MU-X is based – was unwrapped overseas in October 2023, but the Struandale facility in the Eastern Cape is still building the pre-facelift version for Mzansi.
A look at the base (non-RS) version of Isuzu’s refreshed MU-X.
But back to updated MU-X. Exterior styling changes are led by an aggressive new front-end design, complete with revised headlamps, a sporty front bumper and an updated grille. The taillamps, meanwhile, gain a new lighting signature and are now connected by a full-width trim piece, while fresh alloy-wheel designs have been rolled out, too.
What about the top-spec RS grade, which thus far appears exclusive to Thailand? Well, the flagship derivative gains a model-specific grille design as well as black finishes for items such as the wheel-arch extensions, side-mirror caps, roof and 20-inch alloys. Of course, there’s also the requisite smattering of “RS” badges (on the grille, front fenders and tailgate).
The aggressively styled RS, which thus far appears exclusive to Thailand.
Inside, standard versions of the facelifted MU-X feature fresh designs for the instrument panel, seats and door trim, while the RS variant adds ambient lighting, extra trim elements and contrast stitching. In Thailand, new features include a “next-generation stereo camera” (opening the door to various safety features), along with a 360-degree camera system and a 7-inch TFT LCD instrument panel display.
From what we can tell, no changes have been made to the MU-X powertrain line-up, which again comprises a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine (110 kW/350 Nm) and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel motor (140 kW/450 Nm). Both units are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. As a reminder, the current MU-X portfolio in South Africa comprises 6 derivatives (both 4×2 and 4×4 variants), priced from R722 200 to R970 300.
Driving a renowned off-roader in inclement weather is an experience to savour. David Taylor drove various Defender variants during a winter storm in the Cederberg.
When an email invitation to drive Land Rover Defenders during a 3-day trip to the beautiful Cederberg Wilderness Area arrived in my inbox, I thought that it would be a straightforward and pleasurable gig.
I mean, what’s not to like? Stay in a luxury hotel; do a bit of mild off-road driving; get to enjoy a telescope viewing session with a renowned cosmologist to study the origins of the universe. I couldn’t say no.
Every puddle had to be driven through, obviously.
Mother Nature, as it turned out, had other plans – stormy weather, which lasted all of 4 days, positively battered the Western Cape during the event. The heavy cloud quickly crushed any chance of looking at the galaxy through Professor Peter Dunsby’s telescope…
Temperatures plummeted and the majority of dirt roads in the nature reserve quickly gained a chocolate mousse-like consistency (not appetising at all). Worryingly, that part of the world has a handful of low-lying towns on the banks of the Olifants River, like Citrusdal, which had been cut off by flooding before.
The scenery of the Cederberg Wilderness Area is sensational, well, when it’s not obscured by thick clouds.
Suffice it to say, off-road conditions were far from perfect, but secretly, I was excited. What’s the point of having an off-road-proven 4×4 if you never make a point of testing its capabilities? The Defender brand rolled out its entire arsenal: petrol, diesel and hybrid power, packaged in the 90, 110 and 130 variants.
We recharged the Defender 110 P400e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) overnight.
The first vehicle we sampled was a Defender 110 P400e. A plug-in hybrid Defender may be a strange concept to grasp (for some), but this setup works well for the majority of users in urban environments.
The electric motor is sufficiently powerful for owners to drive the British premium SUV to the shops, school or work “emission-free” because the P400e has a claimed pure electric range of about 45 km.
Once the 19.2-kWh hybrid battery’s charge is depleted, the petrol engine takes over. You can charge the battery using the engine, but it’s best to plug the P400e into a wall socket overnight to keep it topped up.
The Defenders were completely in their element on the muddy roads.
While I enjoy all derivatives of the Defender, I find it difficult not to favour a turbodiesel-powered 110. It’s simply the best all-rounder. For some, the 90 is compromised in terms of luggage space and tricky rear-passenger access, although it’s lovely to sit in the back (once you’re in). The 130 looks a bit ungainly, and besides, how many drivers will often need to transport 8 people (including themselves) in a Defender?
The new Defender 130 Outbound, however, is terrific. Instead of 8 seats, it has 5 and plenty of luggage space. The setup is aimed at overlanders – just think of all the accessories they could load up. When I win the lottery, I won’t tell anyone, but there will be signs… of a matte-grey Outbound on my driveway.
Defender 130 Outbound in the perfect spec. Yes, please!
As most of the gravel roads turned into sludge, I was grateful for several things. Firstly, the heated seats. In colder conditions, there’s nothing as lovely as sitting on a comfortable and warm seat. Secondly, all the Defenders were fitted with all-terrain tyres, which notably aid traction on challenging surfaces.
But the feature I appreciated most was the Defender’s Terrain Response 2 software. Yes, you can select various off-road modes like Gravel, Grass, Snow, Ruts, Rocks and so on, but I chose to leave it in Auto mode, so the vehicle could detect, and adapt to, conditions – take the guesswork out of the equation.
Suffice it to say, if you’re not experienced with driving in such adverse weather conditions on unsealed road surfaces, Auto mode presents a perfect opportunity to trust the SUV. I did and it didn’t skip a beat.
The perfect time to use those rear fog lights
It was only towards the end of the trip that the sun managed to make a few brief appearances and we lost count of how many rainbows filled the rear-view mirror of the Defender that we were driving.
Sadly, Citrusdal was again cut off from the N7 highway due to the rain – the flood waters only receded 2 days later (by Friday 7 June 2024). Incredibly, more than 240 mm of rain fell in 2 days in the region.
WHAT A PHOTO! Defender at the end of a rainbow.
Spare a thought for the fleet managers and cleaning crews – the Defenders were caked in mud by the end of the trip. As a lensman, I appreciated the efforts of the photographer who captured the majority of these images, his equipment got drenched and he probably caught a cold working in those conditions.
90, 110 and 130… there’s a Defender flavour for everyone (who can afford one).
Summary
While it’s lovely to commute in, or have occasional weekend jaunts with, a Defender, it’s so satisfying to use the SUV for its intended purpose. A handful of highly capable luxury off-roaders would have revelled in those adverse off-road conditions, BUT there’s only one Defender. Oh dear, have I become a fanboy?
