Meet the 4th-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift, which was revealed in India in May 2024. While an SA arrival date has yet to be confirmed, we’re confident it will be landing this year. Here’s all you need to know.
You’re probably thinking you’ve seen this car before and you’d be correct. First seen in October 2023 as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, the 4th-generation Suzuki Swift has already gone on sale in its home market as well as a few European countries.
Why the fuss now? The Maruti Suzuki Swift is the South African-spec model and that’s assembled in India. Why India? See, if Suzuki SA had to source its vehicles from Japan, they’d come with all the European compulsory kit like semi-autonomous safety tech, hybrid powertrains and while these are nice-to-haves, they’d push the price of the Swift up considerably and it would no longer be the affordable superstar.
So, what’s new in the 4th-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift?
Visually, the design has not changed too radically and it feels more like an enhanced version of the outgoing model. There’s a new-look front bumper with radiator grille, revised headlights, tail lamps as well as new alloy wheel designs.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift hasn’t changed much under the skin. The Heartect platform and wheelbase hasn’t been changed, but the new model is 15 mm longer, 40 mm narrower, and 30 mm taller.
The biggest change is the engine, with the Swift adopting an even more efficient 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine. Codenamed Z12E, this engine makes 60 kW and 111.7 Nm. Customers will have the choice of either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). Our past experiences with the latter transmission have not been pleasant, and we hope Suzuki SA sticks to its tried-and-tested 4-speed automatic. Maruti Suzuki claims this new powertrain is a little cleaner and more efficient.
For the Indian market, Maruti is offering 9 exterior colours with dual-tone paint options and some sporty-looking accessories. Inside, the cabin is similarly styled to the Baleno and Fronx with a central 9-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. The flagship model for the Sub-Continent gets an impressive level of standard specification like wireless phone charger, LED fog lights, automatic climate control, steering-wheel controls and button start/stop.
When it comes to safety, the new-gen Suzuki Swift comes with six airbags, ISOFIX seat mounting points, rear parking sensors, anti-lock brakes and stability control.
When will the Maruti Suzuki Swift launch in South Africa?
We’re yet to hear from Suzuki South Africa as to when the new Swift will be launched locally. As soon as we do, we will update this article.
While not technically a facelift, the popular Land Rover Defender has been given enhancements for the 2025 model year. Here’s your first look.
The popular Land Rover Defender has been given some technical and mechanical updates for the 2025 model year. While Land Rover has not officially said this is a facelift, we think there are sufficient changes for it to qualify as one. Besides, the Defender officially launched locally in 2020, so it is technically due for a nip and tuck, based on product lifecycles.
So, what’s new? The big change is the addition of a brand-new engine, badged as the D350 and it replaces the D300. The 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine has power outputs are rated at 257 kW and 700 Nm, which are increases of 36 kW and 50 Nm, and Land Rover claims the Defender now offers greater flexibility and responsiveness, meaning punchier overtakes. No performance figures were issued, but we suspect it’ll shave a tenth or two off of its claimed 0-100 kph time.
Also new is the 110 Sedona Edition, which will be on sale for just one year. It features a unique colour inspired by the sands of Sedona, Arizona and comes with a raft of additional specification and option packs.
The extra-length Defender 130 gains the Captain Chairs Pack, which deletes the 2nd row’s bench and replaces it with two individual seats with arm rests and heating functionality. With the middle seat gone, access to the 3rd row is now easier.
Customers have three body styles to choose from: 90, 110, 130, and five trim levels: S, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, X and V8.
The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro range in SA has gained 2 new DCT derivatives, taking the number of transmission options to 4. Here’s how much these fresh dual-clutch variants cost…
Chery South Africa has expanded its popular Tiggo 4 Pro small crossover line-up by adding a pair of new dual-clutch transmission (DCT) derivatives. The local range thus now features 9 variants and includes as many as 4 gearbox options.
According to the Chinese firm, the decision to introduce a DCT option was in direct response to local customer demand. The company says it has been in “constant contact” with existing Tiggo 4 Pro owners, many of who ostensibly want to upgrade to a “sportier transmission” while also seeking improved fuel economy.
Interestingly, it seems the existing continuously variable transmission (CVT) derivatives will solider on alongside the dual-clutch variants, and even soon benefit from a “software update”. As a reminder, the Tiggo 4 Pro range also includes 5- and 6-speed manual cog-swappers.
Though Chery SA doesn’t explicitly state the number of gears employed by the new DCT – the press material is light and detailed specifications are not yet available on the automaker’s local website – we suspect it’s a 7-speeder, as used in other Chery products. While entry-level versions of the Tiggo 4 Pro are powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine (83 kW/138 Nm), the DCT has been reserved for the most powerful forced-induction motor.
As such, it’s offered only in conjunction with the turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine, which generates 108 kW and 210 Nm. The Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT DCT is priced at R382 900, while the Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite DCT slots in at the summit of the portfolio with a price-tag of R415 900.
Chery SA has yet to reveal an official consumption figure for this powertrain, instead saying its local testing suggests a saving of “close to 1.6 litres of fuel per 100 km” (depending on driving style and conditions, of course).
The exclusively front-wheel-drive Tiggo 4 Pro is currently Chery SA’s most popular model, ranking as high as 5th (with 976 registrations) on the list of Mzansi’s best-selling passenger vehicles in April 2024. That performance helped the Chinese firm to a record total of 2 009 sales last month, seeing it finish in 6th place overall (and 4th in the passenger-vehicle segment).
How much does the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro cost in South Africa?
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT 5MT – R279 900
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT CVT – R314 900
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Urban 5MT – R318 900
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Comfort CVT – R355 900
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite 6MT – R365 900
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT DCT – R382 900
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite CVT – R386 900
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite SE CVT – R408 900
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite DCT – R415 900
The purchase price includes a 5-year/150 000 km warranty, a 10-year/1-million km engine warranty (linked to the first owner) and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan.
SA-built Volkswagen Polo ‘will carry on’ in Europe
Volkswagen’s CEO confirms that the SA-built Volkswagen Polo hatchback is no longer facing the axe in Europe, saying it could survive “until the end of this decade”…
In November 2022, Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said there would be “no point carrying on” with small combustion-engined cars like the Polo – a hatchback built in South Africa – in Europe in light of the proposed Euro 7 emissions regulations. However, these rules have since been relaxed, which could allow the petrol-powered Polo to “carry on” in Europe until 2030, according to Schäfer.
A year-and-a-half ago, VW’s global CEO suggested it would be too costly to re-engineer small petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles to meet the then-looming European regulations, with the German firm poised to replace such models with small electric cars instead. But Schäfer has now told Autocar that the new rules – which are set to come into effect at the start of September 2024 – are “not as crazy [as] it was posited initially”.
At the end of 2022, VW’s Kariega plant built its 2-millionth Polo-badged model (including Vivo).
“EU7 has been done in a reasonable way; it adds costs to the vehicle but not too crazily,” Schäfer said, before suggesting the Kariega-built model could thus survive on the Old Continent “until the end of this decade”. He furthermore told the British publication “we will keep [the Polo] fresh”, adding that the hatchback “runs well” and represents “a good entry into the brand”.
However, Schäfer cautioned that “General Safety Regulation 2, [which mandates] interior cameras and a couple of things you need to add to the platform”, had the potential to bump up costs “tremendously”. As a reminder, the current-generation Polo was revealed in 2017, before receiving a mid-cycle update in 2021. Based on the VW CEO’s latest comments, the hatchback could be in line for a 2nd facelift at some point.
Of course, this is significant news for South Africa, since Volkswagen’s Kariega facility is set to become the sole producer of the Polo hatchback worldwide from July 2024. Considering Europe is the factory’s main export market, the Polo’s apparent stay of execution on that continent will surely allow VW Group Africa’s plant in the Eastern Cape to retain significant production volumes.
Kariega plans to add a 3rd model to its production line from 2027.
Schäfer’s comments come less than a month after Volkswagen announced a fresh R4-billion investment in the Kariega facility, which is set to start producing a new small SUV from 2027. The mystery model – which is being developed in Brazil, based on the ubiquitous MQB-A0 platform, and could also spawn a new small bakkie – will be manufactured on the same production line as the Polo hatch and Polo Vivo.
This as-yet-unrevealed model will be sold in South Africa as well as shipped to other African markets, seemingly allowing VW’s local division to reduce its reliance on exports to Europe. However, with sales of the Polo hatch now potentially continuing on the Old Continent until 2030, Kariega is likely facing a busy few years.
Jetour is another of Chery’s sub-brands and a source has confirmed it will be setting up operations in South Africa in the near future!
Another Chinese brand is set to touch down in South Africa in the near future. A well-placed source has confirmed that Chery’s Jetour brand is confirmed for South Africa, although it’s not clear when we can expect retail operations to commence.
We can confirm that Chery Commercial Vehicle (Anhui) Co. Ltd submitted registration documents for Jetour back in 2022, and the trademark was officially registered in South Africa towards the end of April 2024.
We already know the brand is in the process of starting to build right-hand-drive vehicles with Jacky Chen, General Manager of Jetour’s international business telling the South China Morning Post that, “Right-hand drive cars will be the new growth engine for us in the coming three to five years.” Markets like South Africa, Malaysia, Australia have already seen huge sales from the Chinese brands. Mr Chen confirmed to the publication that the first right-hand drive products will have internal combustion power, followed by electric powertrains.
These comments suggest that South Africa may only receive new generation Jetour products, but we do have our eye on this, the T2. Positioned as a serious offroading SUV, the T2 offers up 220 mm of ground clearance, 39-degree approach and 30-degree departure angles.
It’s not a small vehicle either, at 4 785 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2 800 mm. Inside, it adopts a minimalist approach with a large infotainment screen. Power for the T2 comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which makes 186 kW and 390 Nm. Power goes to a sixth-generation BorgWarner all-wheel drive system via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
We do wonder if the Chery portfolio is now too big and potentially overlapping with each other. As a reminder, Chery itself offers the Tiggo (4, 7, 8 and soon 9) SUV range, with Omoda’s C5 being joined by the C9, E5, C7 and newcomer offroad brand Jaecoo has the J7 (and soon J8 and J6). Chery is your middle-of-the-road SUV brand, Omoda is positioned as a youthful fashionable brand, and Jaecoo is your offroad adventurer product.
Ferrari has unveiled a stunning successor to its acclaimed 812 Superfast, dubbed the 12Cilindri. As the name indicates, it is powered by a V12 engine that packs no less than 610 kW. The Ferrari 12Cilindri will arrive in South Africa during Q1 of 2025!
Although the threat of EU emissions and noise legislation means that big-capacity engines such as Ferrari’s 6.5-litre V12 (F140HD) are essentially on borrowed time, well-heeled customers still adore them – the Purosangue SUV is sold out, we’re told, for years…
Perhaps because those legislative changes are looming, Ferrari has taken the unconventional route of launching the Coupe and drop-top (Spider) variants at the same time. The Ferrari 12Cilindri is further evidence that Italian even makes the most generic of names sound evocative.
Think Maserati Quattroporte (four-door)… Replace “Twelve” with the Italian “Dodici” and you have a car that sounds suitably impressive around the braai. The new Ferraris will arrive in South Africa during the first quarter of 2025, but no pricing details are available yet. In Europe, pricing begins at around the €400 000 mark (approximately R8 million before options, duties and taxes).
With styling inspired by the legendary Daytona of the late ’60s to early ’70s, the 12Cilindri is another Flavio Manzoni masterpiece. Ferrari’s press release says the goal was to create “a sober, elegant car”, but in our view, the 12Cilindri looks dramatic and beautifully resolved.
It is largely devoid of aggressive aero addenda, with most of its downforce generated by the 3 pairs of vortex generators at the front of the car’s floor, another two at the rear, and a substantial diffuser. The 12Cilindri does, however, have a hidden trick… 2 active rear wing flaps that are flush with bodywork until 60 kph, at which point they deploy as needed to boost cornering, acceleration and braking performance.
The interior of the Ferrari 12Cilindri, meanwhile, closely resembles the one you’ll find in the Ferrari Purosangue, and features an 8.8-inch screen in front of the passenger, showing speed, engine revs and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Underpinning the 12Cilindri is an all-aluminium chassis that is around 20 mm shorter than the 812 Superfast‘s and also 15% stiffer. Interestingly, it is just shy of 40 kg heavier than its predecessor, but this has not impacted performance negatively. Ferrari claims a 0-100 kph time of 2.9 seconds for the coupe and 2.95 seconds for the 60kg-heavier Spider. Top speed is “above 340 kph” for both variants.
The naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine, which delivers 610 kW/678 Nm and spins to a heady 9 500rpm, is mated with the 8-speed gearbox, which is also utilised in the SF90 and 296 GTB. It is said to shift 30 per cent faster than the 7-speed dual-clutch used in its predecessor.
To ensure sharper dynamics than the Superfast, the 12Cilindri features the 812 Competizione‘s rear-wheel steering system, as well as an overall suspension set-up that mimics the apex 812 variant’s. Two tyre options (Michelin Pilot Sport S5 and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport) are available for the 21-inch alloy wheels fitted to the Ferrari 12Cilindri.
Ferrari 12Cilindri Specifications
POWERTRAIN
Type: V12, 65-degree dry sump petrol
Overall displacement: 6 496 cm3
Bore and stroke: 94 mm x 78 mm
Max. power output: 610 kW at 9 250 rpm
Max. torque: 678 Nm at 7 250 rpm
Max. revs: 9 500 rpm
Compression ratio: 13.5:1
WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS
Length: 4733 mm
Width: 2176 mm
Height: 1292 mm
Wheelbase: 2700 mm
Front track: 1686 mm
Rear track: 1645 mm
Dry weight: 1560 kg
Weight distribution: 48.4% front / 51.6% rear
Fuel tank capacity: 92 litres
Boot size: 270 litres
TYRES AND WHEELS
Front: 275/35 R21 J10.0
Rear: 315/35 R21 J11.5
Ferrari 12Cilindri Specifications cont.
BRAKES
Front: 398 x 223 x 38 mm
Rear: 360 x 233 x 32 mm
TRANSMISSION AND GEARBOX
8-speed DCT
ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
SSC 8.0: TC, eDiff, SCM, PCV 3.0, FDE 2.0, EPS, ABS-Evo in all Manettino positions, 6D sensor, performance ABS/ABD
SA’s best-selling cars and crossovers in April 2024
It was a tight race at the top in April 2024! We’ve sorted through the sales figures and identified South Africa’s best-selling cars and crossovers for last month…
We’ve already identified the country’s most popular bakkies for April 2024, but what about South Africa’s best-selling cars and crossovers? Well, we’ve managed to lay our hands on the (unaudited) figures submitted to Naamsa, allowing us to list the top-selling passengers vehicles for the month.
For the record, South Africa’s new-vehicle market ended its 8-month streak of year-on-year declines in April 2024, with total sales climbing 2.2% (compared with April 2023) to 38 172 units. Mzansi’s new passenger-vehicle market outpaced the broader market in terms of year-on-year growth, increasing 6.1% to 25 972 units.
Digging into the data, we find that the Volkswagen Polo Vivo was SA’s most popular passenger car in April, with 1 766 units of the Kariega-built prolonged-lifecycle hatchback registered around the country. Interestingly, despite the fact a new generationSuzuki Swift is seemingly around the corner, the Indian-made hatchback was just 41 registrations behind on 1 725 units. As a reminder, Suzuki grabbed 2nd place overall last month, ousting the VW Group for the very first time.
The Prospecton-produced Toyota Corolla Cross (1 573 units) completed the passenger-vehicle podium in April, while also finishing as the highest-placed crossover. The Toyota Starlet – which is built by Suzuki in India – took 4th position with 1 148 units, while the Chinese-made Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (976 units) fell just short of 4 figures, though grabbed a strong 5th place.
The Tiggo 4 Pro cracked the top 5, helping Chery to a 6th-place finish overall.
Next came the Nissan Magnite (849 units) in 6th, with this Indian-manufactured accounting for a whopping 58.8% of its maker’s total in April; remember, the NP200 – which has long been responsible for a hefty chunk of the Japanese brand’s volume – has since been retired.
The Hyundai Grand i10 took 7th place with 825 units, a figure that would rise by a further 51 units were we to include light-commercial vehicle sales (in the form of the Cargo-badged panel-van derivative). The Kariega-produced Volkswagen Polo hatch (822 units) thus had to settle for 8th place, ahead of the Suzuki Baleno (659 units) in 9th. Finally, the Chinese-made Haval Jolion closed out the top 10 with 620 registrations in April.
SA’s best-selling cars and crossovers in April 2024
All-electric J6 – ‘Jaecoo’s Jimny’ – is coming to SA
This cute all-electric off-roader is on its way to South Africa and we’ve had a quick drive. Here’s all you need to know about the Jaecoo J6.
Meet the Jaecoo J6, at least that’s what it will be called when it arrives in South Africa. There’s no confirmed arrival date, but we estimate that it will touch down in Mzansi by the middle of 2025.
In China, this model is known as the iCar 03 and despite its stylised moniker, there’s no link to Apple Inc! Interestingly, the Cupertino-based firm did have an electric car programme, but that project appears to have been “binned”. iCar is Chery’s electric car brand in China, but the group uses Omoda and Jaecoo names in export markets. While Omoda is for trendy urbanites, Jaecoo appeals to off-road adventurers.
Just look at it – in all of its unashamedly boxy magnificence! We revel in the resurgence of vehicles with squared-off extremities, and you could think of this as a digital and all-electric Suzuki Jimny. In terms of size, the Jaecoo J6 is 4 406 mm long (Toyota Corolla Cross-size), 1 910 mm wide and 1 715 mm tall.
Importantly, the J6’s wheelbase is 2 715 mm long, which means that the model can comfortably seat 4 adults. To use the Corolla Cross as a reference point again, that model’s wheelbase measures 2 640 mm.
What’s on offer?
It needs a spare wheel mounted to the tailgate
As we type this in May 2024, it’s still early in the Jaecoo J6’s market-launch process. We do know the vehicle will be touching down in South Africa, but exact derivatives will only be confirmed much later.
The Jaecoo J6 is available in several derivatives. Right now, it’s electric-only, but we wouldn’t put it past China’s 3rd largest carmaker to reconfigure the platform for internal combustion power. There’s a single motor with rear-wheel drive that makes 135 kW and 184 Nm. The dual-motor with 4-wheel drive setup offers peak outputs of 205 kW and 279 Nm, plus it has a claimed 0-100 kph time of around 6.5 sec.
The infotainment screen controls all functions
Of far greater importance is the range. Battery giant CATL offers modern lithium-ion phosphate packs which offer ranges of 401 km, 472 km and 501 km respectively, based on the China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). The largest battery capacity currently available in the J6’s equivalent is 69.8 kWh.
Again, it’s too early to confirm the tech and convenience features that will be fitted in local versions of the Jaecoo J6, but the version we experienced had door handles that sat flush with the bodywork, a side opening tailgate, a neat digital dashboard, as well as a sizeable, high-quality infotainment touchscreen. There are very few buttons inside; we assume most vehicle functionality is controlled through the screen.
First Impressions of the Jaecoo J6
The 1.9m tall author with the cute Jaecoo J6
During our recent visit to the home of the Chery Group at Wuhu, in the Anhui Province of China, we had the chance to experience the raft of new O&J products earmarked for South Africa. Granted, the drives were extraordinarily short, but there were also static evaluations to assess cabin space and quality.
Quality is undoubtedly a buzzword at Chery and something the group takes seriously as its Omoda and Jaecoo products are destined for export markets only, so it’s in the Chinese manufacturer’s commercial interest to put its best foot forward if it hopes to achieve sales success in Western markets such as ours.
Minimalist cabin with a neat digital dashboard
When you step inside the Jaecoo J6, you’re greeted by a plush, minimalist and modern cabin. The common touchpoints feel pleasantly soft, but substantial. At face value – and, suffice it to say – first glance, the build quality is as good as you’d expect from a legacy car maker. Given Chery’s joint venture agreement with Jaguar Land Rover, it comes as no surprise that the J6 feels very Evoque-ish inside.
The large central screen has crisp graphics and responds swiftly to inputs. We couldn’t see any physical controls, other than the steering-column-mounted transmission lever, which suggests virtually all in-car functions have been integrated into the infotainment system. It’s very progressive – perhaps a harbinger of future cabin ergonomics – but we’re not completely sold on it from a user experience point of view.
Straight-line performance was energetic, but not grin-inducing.
As with the Omoda E5 and Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV, our Jaecoo J6 test drive was brief, but long enough to provide us with insights into Jaecoo’s highly fashionable small crossover. Being electrically powered, the J6’s responses (and, of course, torque delivery) are almost instantaneous, but unlike most modern EVs, the acceleration is eager, as opposed to scintillating. Besides, we’d prefer the “more measured” power delivery. Furthermore, the steering feel is pleasingly light and quick; it makes the vehicle feel nimble.
Criticisms? There’s plenty of occupant space, but it comes at the expense of luggage space (the load bay is quite shallow). We suspect there’s a full-size spare wheel under there, but wouldn’t it be better if the spare was mounted on the tailgate (like on the majority of box-shaped off-roaders)? There’s also a lack of a privacy parcel shelf, which is something we hope Chery/Omoda and Jaecoo SA will address.
Summary
Plenty of Land Rover design cues here
Out of the assortment of vehicles that we experienced in China, the Jaecoo J6 tugged at the heartstrings the most. The SUV’s retro exterior look is beautifully juxtaposed with the high-tech futuristic interior.
Although it propels all 4 of its wheels and offers off-road drive modes, the J6 is not a direct Suzuki Jimny rival, BUT in terms of being a distinctive off-road-inspired small crossover that appeals to urbanites (which is arguably the Jimny, especially the 5-door version’s target market), it seems to hit the bulls-eye.
Of course, seeing as the Jeacoo J6 is an electric car, it’s likely that it will be quite pricey in the South African market, because of the additional tax that the Government levies on the importation of EVs (the nation’s intermittent power supply is another complication).
Simply put, electric cars are more expensive in Mzansi than they should be, but given the aggressive pricing strategies we’ve seen from Chery/Omoda and Jaecoo South Africa, it would not surprise us to see the Jaecoo J6 retail for relatively sensible and competitive prices. We’ve got our fingers crossed.
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: April 2024
Just 21 units separate the top 2 contenders! Here’s your monthly look at South Africa’s best-selling (and least-popular) bakkies, this time for April 2024…
In April 2024, South Africa’s new-vehicle market finally ended its 8-month streak of year-on-year decline, with total sales climbing 2.2% (compared with April 2023) to 38 172 units. That said, the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space suffered a 9.0% year-on-year fall to 9 646 units last month.
So, what happened on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies? Well, the Prospecton-built Toyota Hilux range – which will soon be bolstered by the long-awaited widebody GR Sport III – was once again the country’s most popular bakkie line-up, according to unaudited figures reported to Naamsa.
However, with local registrations of the Hilux falling 32.5% month on month to 2 094 units in April 2024, the gap to 2nd place was a mere 21 units. Yes, after slipping to 4th position in March, the Silverton-built Ford Ranger line-up bounced back to 2nd last month, finishing on 2 073 units.
Meanwhile, the Struandale-built Isuzu D-Max again completed the podium, though was some way behind on 1 202 units, suffering a 42.6% month-on-month decline. The KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (604 units) climbed a place to 4th position, while the refreshed Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (385 units) ranked a lofty 5th, up as many as 3 spots compared with March.
The Ford-built Volkswagen Amarok (376 units) was just 9 sales behind in 6th position (a month-on-month improvement of 3 rankings, too), with the Chinese-made GWM P-Series (368 units) right on its tail in 7th place (down one compared with March).
The SA-built Nissan Navara (303 units) slid a spot to 8th position, with the NP200 – production of which has officially wrapped up at Rosslyn – having to settle for 9th. As a reminder, the half-tonne bakkie enjoyed one of its best months yet in March, when it placed 2nd with 2 679 units registered. However, it seems NP200 stock is now already almost depleted. Finally, the GWM Steed (95 units) again closed out the table in 10th.
Best of the rest in April 2024: bakkies outside the top 10
The Peugeot Landtrek was best of the rest in April.
So, which bakkies didn’t manage to crack the top 10 in April 2024? Well, Peugeot Landtrek was best of the rest on 63 units, finishing ahead of the JAC T-Series – the Chinese automaker unfortunately reports only a combined figure for its T6, T8 and new T9 line-ups – which ended up on 59 units.
Next came the Mahindra Bolero (42 units), followed by the outgoing Mitsubishi Triton (37 units). Finally, with zero sales of the discontinued Mazda BT-50 registered in April, the Jeep Gladiator (a facelifted version is set to launch in Mzansi only towards the end of 2024) brought up the rear with 2 registrations.
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for April 2024
The Mitsubishi Triton Shogun is a limited-edition double-cab bakkie and it’s just gone on sale. Here are prices and specifications.
The Mitsubishi Triton Shogun is likely to be the last derivative offered in this 5th-generation shape, before the all-new 6th-generation Triton touches down in South Africa in late 2024.
So, what do you get for your R809 990? The Mitsubishi Triton Shogun features a black front bumper garnish, headlight covers and matte black front fog light covers. The roof rails are finished in dark paint and the vehicle comes with a Shogun-specific sports bar. The load bay comes with a tailgate lock and tonneau cover. At the back, the tail lamps also gain the matte black covers and a tow bar is standard.
The Shogun features black 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain Dunlop rubber. As a reminder, the Triton is an offroad-capable bakkie, with a ground clearance of 220 mm and approach and departure angles of 31 and 29 degrees respectively.
The tried-and-tested 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel engine is on duty and offers up 133 kW and 430 Nm, and is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The cabin gets a small upgrade, with the leather steering wheel, parking brake, leather seats and door trim all feature red leather stitching. The Shogun also gains a Sony car audio system complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
“The Triton remains a top seller for Mitsubishi in South Africa with buyers continually attracted to its unique styling, excellent performance and pedigree that has been honed in the world of motorsport along with legendary off-road capability, all characteristics that are now highlighted by the unique Shogun touches,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).
How much does the Mitsubishi Triton Shogun cost in South Africa?
The Mitsubishi Triton Shogun is sold with a manufacturer’s warranty of three years or 100 000 km, a 5-year/90 000 km service plan and 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are every 10 000 km.
