The updated GR Corolla Automatic gets more torque on top of a quick-shifting two-pedal setup. Here’s a look at the changes.
The Toyota GR Corolla hot hatchback has been updated for 2025 and the biggest change sees the debut of an automatic gearbox.
The gearbox in question is an 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) and it comes with gearshift paddles located on the steering wheel. It’s not just the transmission as the updated GR Corolla Automatic also features additional torque.
The 1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine makes 221 kW and 400 Nm, 30 Nm more than the previous manual gearbox-equipped GR Corolla. The vehicle now features launch control enabling those perfect starts. The manual-equipped GR Corolla had a claimed 0-100 kph time of just 5.3 seconds and we reckon this auto version should do the same sprint in just under 5 seconds.
There are also enhancements to the suspension with improvements to the cornering traction by adding rebound springs to the front and rear. Improved rear coils and stabilizers were also added to aid response and turning controllability. The trailing arm mounting point has been raised to reduce rear squat during hard acceleration. As before, a front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials will be standard.
Visually, the GR Corolla Automatic gains a new-look front bumper to facilitate additional cooling to the intercooler, brakes and radiator and the cabin gets new trim finishes.
In terms of spec, the international model will be available in three trim levels, but South African specifications and availability are yet to be confirmed.
Toyota Starlet Cross: strong start after just 10 days on sale
Despite being on the market for a mere 10 days, the new Toyota Starlet Cross came close to cracking the list of SA’s 15 best-selling passenger vehicles in July 2024…
We saw it with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and now something similar has happened with the Toyota Starlet Cross. Yes, despite hitting the market in South Africa just 10 days before the end of July 2024, sales of the Japanese firm’s most-affordable crossover soared, with the fresh nameplate coming close to crossing the 600-unit mark.
In the end, the new Starlet Cross achieved as many as 590 sales over the final 10 days of the month, enough for it to place 16th on the list of South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles for July. Interestingly, 576 units came via the dealer channel, with the remaining 14 taking the form of so-called “single” registrations (vehicles Toyota kept and licensed for its own use).
Despite enjoying just 10 days on the market, the Starlet Cross alone outsold Stellantis last month.
For context, the new model thus outsold the entire Stellantis stable (comprising 7 brands), which hit 573 units across the full month. Put another way, in just 10 days, the Starlet Cross managed more than double Mazda’s month-long effort of 240 units.
What was the vehicle that finished a single ranking ahead of the Starlet Cross in July, effectively keeping it from cracking the top 15 on debut? None other than the Suzuki Fronx on which it’s based as part of the 2 automakers’ strategic alliance. In July, Suzuki’s coupé-style crossover attracted 620 sales, with all but one sold through the dealer channel.
As a reminder, the Starlet Cross (which is badged as the Urban Cruiser Taisor in India, where it’s built) officially launched in Mzansi on 22 July 2024, though Cars.co.za revealed local pricing as early as 8 July. Positioned as Toyota SA Motors’ most-affordable crossover, the newcomer undercuts the Urban Cruiser by R42 600, with the 4-strong local line-up starting at R299 900 and running through to R359 300.
The Starlet Cross line-up comprises 4 derivatives, including the top-spec XR auto pictured here.
All Starlet Cross derivatives are powered by Suzuki’s ubiquitous 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine. As it does in various other Suzuki and Toyota applications, the K15B mill sends 77 kW and 138 Nm to the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
It’s early days, but this initial sales performance is certainly a strong sign the new Starlet Cross will turn out to be yet another significant Suzuki-built volume driver for Toyota SA Motors, potentially picking up where the old Urban Cruiser left off…
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: July 2024
The bakkie battle continues! We’ve sorted through the sales stats to identify South Africa’s best-selling bakkies for the month of July 2024…
In July 2024, South Africa’s new-vehicle market (finally!) registered some marginal year-on-year growth, with total sales increasing 1.5% to 44 229 units. However, the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment slid 8.8% year on year to finish the month on 11 554 units.
But what happened on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies in July 2024? Well, the Toyota Hilux enjoyed a 24.1% month-on-month increase to end on 3 021 registrations, putting the Prospecton-built bakkie way out in 1st place. As many as 386 units came via the rental channel.
As such, the Ford Ranger again had to be content with the runner-up position, despite local sales of the Silverton-manufactured contender growing 20.9% month on month to 2 258 units. Interestingly, the Blue Oval bakkie’s tally included 171 units sold to government.
While the Isuzu D-Max was hot on the Ranger’s tail in June, the Struandale-made bakkie fell off the pace somewhat in July, with sales sliding 8.5% month on month to 1 641 units (despite 257 units being sold to government). Still, that was more than enough for the D-Max line-up – which recently gained a new 45 Limited Edition derivative – to retain the final podium spot.
Similarly, there were no positional changes in the remainder of the top 10, with the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (790 units) retaining 4th ahead of the Rosslyn-made Nissan Navara (450 units) and Nissan NP200 (353 units) in 5th and 6th, respectively. As a reminder, the latter model is no longer in production, though the Japanese firm made sure to build some “additional stock”.
VW’s Amarok matched its June 2024 sales performance to keep 7th spot.
While the 3 models ahead of it all dropped sales month on month, the Ford-built Volkswagen Amarok (334 units) exactly matched its June 2024 effort to retain 7th place. Meanwhile, the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 portfolio – with back orders dominated by the new 4-cylinder powertrain – remained in 8th with 289 units.
Finally, the GWM P-Series range – which will soon welcome new P500 derivatives offered with either a fresh 2.4-litre turbodiesel motor or a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain – kept its 9th ranking with 242 registrations, while the Peugeot Landtrek (103 units) again crossed the 3-figure mark to retain 10th.
Best of the rest in July 2024: bakkies outside the top 10
Sales of the outgoing Mitsubishi Triton slipped to 23 units, with the new generation approaching.
So, which bakkies didn’t earn a place inside the top 10 in July 2024? Well, the GWM Steed (101 units) again narrowly missed out, though still beat the JAC T-Series (the Chinese firm reported only a combined figure of 85 units for its T6, T8 and T9 line-ups).
Francisco Nwamba lists F15-gen BMW X5 variants that were offered in Mzansi, their common problems and parts prices. Also in this guide, Ryan Bubear recaps the X5’s strengths and weaknesses and how much you’re likely to pay for a good used example.
Though the subject of this buyer’s guide is the F15 BMW X5, let’s first take a step back. The reveal of the original E53-generation X5 back in 1999 came as a bit of a shock to the system for many BMW fanatics. It was the Munich-based firm’s very first SUV – or Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV), in BMW speak – and thus represented a major departure for a brand defined by its crisp-handling sedans and coupes.
But by the time the 3rd-gen X5 was unveiled in 2013, BMW had sold, oh, 1.3 million units of the model’s predecessors in the preceding 14 years and the automotive world was quite a different place. X-badged BMWs were no longer oddities and, in F15 guise, the X5 had evolved into the consummate all-rounder.
BMW’s F15-generation X5 was revealed in May 2013.
Interestingly, the F15 X5 inherited many engines from its predecessor – the E70 – but gained the option of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain and a rear-wheel-drive base derivative (although the latter, badged as the sDrive35i, was never made available in SA). In addition, the high-performance X5 M based on this generation was one of the first M models to score its own chassis code (F85).
Built at BMW’s Spartanburg facility in South Carolina, the F15 X5 played the role of flagship SUV alongside the closely related F16-generation X6 (until the X7 debuted in 2018, that is). Considering its positioning, it’s a mystery why the 3rd-gen X5 wasn’t ever tested by Euro NCAP, though it did receive a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States.
F15 BMW X5 model line-up in South Africa
Fascinatingly, the F15 X5 wasn’t ever treated to a facelift.
Following its international reveal in May 2013, the 3rd-gen X5 touched down in South Africa in February 2014. At launch, the line-up comprised just a trio of derivatives (including an M Performance variant in the shape of the triple-turbo M50d), each shipping standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. There was a choice of M Sport, Pure Experience and Pure Excellence packages, while BMW’s iDrive-controlled infotainment system was linked to either a 6.5- or 10.2-inch display:
X5 xDrive30d: 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel with 190 kW/560 Nm
X5 xDrive50i: 4.4-litre V8 turbopetrol with 330 kW/650 Nm
X5 M50d: 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel with 280 kW/740 Nm
By April 2014, the petrol-powered X5 xDrive35i (225 kW/400 Nm) and the turbodiesel-engined X5 xDrive40d (230 kW/630 Nm) had joined the range, before the flagship X5 M arrived in March 2015. The latter was a full-fat M model, powered by an uprated version of Munich’s twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine churning out heady peak outputs of 423 kW and 750 Nm.
The F85 X5 M had a claimed 0-100 kph time of just 4.2 seconds.
In the opening half of 2016, BMW Group SA added a derivative to the other end of the F15 X5 line-up. The X5 xDrive25d – powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel mill that produced 170 kW and 500 Nm – became the new entry point to the range. Around the same time, the plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive40e was also introduced; it combined a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with a synchronous electric motor (plus a lithium-ion battery pack) for peak system outputs of 230 kW and 450 Nm.
In October 2017, just 10 units of X5 M Black Fire Edition were confirmed for South Africa, before local sales of the 3rd-gen X5 ended about a year later (when the G05 model came to market). Interestingly, the F15 didn’t ever benefit from a facelift – or Life Cycle Impulse (LCI), as BMW would have called it.
What are the advantages of a BMW X5?
Plenty of space in the rear of the Mk3 X5.
Cabin space and practicality: The interior of the 3rd-gen X5 was even more generously sized than that of its forebear. BMW again offered the option of a 3rd row of 2 seats (for all derivatives bar the PHEV and X5 M), but bear in mind they were designed to accommodate passengers up to 1.50 metres in height.
Luggage capacity could be varied between 650 and 1 870 litres (figures that shrunk slightly to 500 and 1 720 litres in the case of the xDrive40e), depending on the configuration of the seats. Furthermore, the premium SUV’s load bay was accessed via a 2-section split tailgate; the lower part could be folded down horizontally to form a single level with the load surface, while the upper section was power operated.
Balance between dynamics and comfort: While perhaps not quite as sharp to drive as its predecessor, the 3rd-gen X5 was endowed with a wonderful balance of dynamic ability and comfort. It was more than rewarding enough to drive (given its heft) and delivered a forgiving ride quality… in most configurations. Plus, many of the turbodiesel engines were capable of returning impressive fuel-economy figures.
The F15 X5 was available with a number of suspension configurations.
Keep in mind that there were various suspension set-ups available, including adaptive M suspension (as part of the M Sport package) and adaptive comfort suspension, both with air-sprung rear axles. The wide selection of alloy wheels – measuring between 18 and- 20 inches in diameter and all shod with run-flat tyres – could likewise result in ride-quality differences between derivatives.
Broad (largely proven) engine line-up: Since the powertrain line-up was largely carried over from the preceding generation (with some handy efficiency gains), most problems with these engines had already been ironed out. For the record, the new-to-the-portfolio PHEV powertrain in the xDrive40e derivative offered an all-electric range of up to 31 km and a combined fuel economy claim as low as 3.3 litres per 100 km. The X5 M, meanwhile, was said to complete the 0-100 kph sprint in a blistering 4.2 seconds.
What are the disadvantages of a BMW X5?
A penalty of high performance in the X5 M? A massive fuel bill.
Maintenance and running costs: While the engine range was largely proven in general terms, remember that most examples of the F15 X5 will, by now, be out of their maintenance plans. So, it’d pay to do some research around the cost of routine servicing – particularly since we’re talking about high-end German machinery here – as well as consider how much you’d have to fork over for any unscheduled repairs.
For instance, would you be able to afford to replace or repair a failed component of the air suspension system? Or what about buying expensive OEM-spec tyres? In addition, note the N63TU twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 (which is said to be vastly more reliable than the N63 that preceded it) in the xDrive50i and the S63 in the X5 M are thirsty motors that can inflate your daily running costs rahter dramatically.
Potential EGR cooler leaks: Along with a raft of other BMW models, certain turbodiesel derivatives in the F15 X5 range were subject to recalls regarding an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler that could develop a leak. The coolant would then mix with diesel soot or sediment and “create flammable deposits”, potentially leading to “localised damage in the intake system” and an “increased fire risk”. The N47 (employed by the xDrive25d) and N57 (used by the xDrive30d and xDrive40d) were the engines at risk, with the M50d’s N57S, interestingly, not included in the official recall action.
Trim rattles are not uncommon in the F15 X5.
Annoying trim rattles: Despite being positioned as BMW’s premium SUV at the time (and being lauded for its impressive perceived build quality), the 3rd-gen X5 certainly wasn’t immune to interior rattles. Indeed, we’ve heard of complaints of squeaks, creaks or rattles emanating from various areas of the cabin, including the steering column, instrument cluster, centre console, armrest, luggage compartment and tailgate. In addition, the front seats’ leather is prone to cracking (specifically on the squabs’ sides).
How much is an F15 BMW X5 in South Africa?
There were precisely zero X5 xDrive40e examples for sale at the time of writing.
All derivatives in the F15 X5 range came standard with a 5-year/100 000 km Motorplan (maintenance plan) and a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, while the plug-in hybrid xDrive40e derivative further benefitted from an 8-year/100 000 km warranty to cover its high-voltage battery.
As always, we’d recommend narrowing your search to examples with a full (verifiable) maintenance history. In addition, keep in mind the list of options available for the X5 was typically lengthy, so try to ascertain which extras have been added when comparing potential buys.
At the time of writing, a whopping 88% of the 3rd-gen BMW X5 listings on Cars.co.za featured a diesel engine, with the xDrive30d proving the most popular (accounting for 58% of total listings). Fascinatingly, the brawny M50d was next on 19%, followed by the xDrive40d (9%), while there were more X5 M listings (7%) than xDrive50i (3%), xDrive35i (2%) and xDrive25d (2%). Not a single xDrive40e was available.
Late model-year X5 M50d units still command high prices.
Mileages varied from 21 000 km (on a 2018 X5 M) to 229 000 km (clocked up on a 2017 X5 xDrive30d), with a further 3 listings (all also xDrive30d derivatives) showing in excess of 200 000 km. White was, predictably, the most popular colour at 51%, followed by grey (21%), silver (10%) and blue (7%), while we discovered very few vehicles specified with the optional 3rd row of seats.
Below R400 000: Pickings are slim below this mark; most examples here are from early model years (2014 and 2015) and have high odometer readings. You’ll really need to have your wits about you if you plan on shopping in this bracket.
From R400 000 to R600 000: We found the majority (55%) of F15 X5 stock nestled between these price points, so you’ll likely want to focus your search here. Every single engine derivative bar the full-fat M model (and, of course, the seldomly spotted plug-in hybrid) was represented, from the base xDrive25d through to the big-hitting M50d.
From R600 000 to R700 000: Though there was far less choice in this pricing bracket, most listings here had less than 100 000 km on their respective odometers. The plentiful xDrive30d remained dominant in this space, with a number of late model-year units on offer.
R700 000 and up: Above R700 000, the M50d was the most common derivative, followed by the flagship M. Towards the top of the pricing pile, we found a 2016 X5 M, a 2017 X5 M and a 2018 X5 M50d all teetering on the brink of 7 figures. Of course, keep in mind that spending this sort of money could get you into a G05-generation X5 derivative instead…
Which F15 X5 should I buy?
Interestingly, diesel derivatives are far more common than petrol variants on the used market.
We’d advise buyers – as we often do – to tread particularly carefully when looking at early model-year vehicles (in this case, 2014), as the initial examples of a new generation are often the most prone to teething issues. Even though there wasn’t a traditional facelift, BMW would have ironed out most – if not all – such creases during the F15 X5’s lifecycle.
So, which derivative should be on your radar? Well, the turbopetrol versions are all rather thirsty (and in short supply), while it’d be even trickier to unearth a plug-in hybrid example on the used market (there’s also the potential issue of having to replace the lithium-ion battery, which would be an immensely costly exercise). The X5 M, meanwhile, is a relatively niche offering, but its running costs are bound to be high.
Access to the luggage compartment came courtesy of a split tailgate.
Thankfully, the range of turbodiesels is broad, generally refined and offers something to suit most tastes. The M50d is an absolute sledgehammer, running from standstill to 100 kph in a claimed 5.3 seconds while also being capable of sipping at a claimed 6.6 litres per 100 km (not simultaneously, of course).
Though the 4-pot xDrive25d is the most frugal turbodiesel derivative (it is said to consume, on average, 5.6 litres per 100 km), we’d argue the 190 kW/560 Nm xDrive30d is the pick of the bunch, blending 6-cylinder punch with the potential for wallet-pleasing economy (a claimed 5.9 litres per 100 km). It’s also the most abundant variant on the used market, which translates into more choices for you, the buyer.
Is the F15 BMW X5 a good used buy?
The F15 X5’s main rivals were from Ingolstadt and Stuttgart.
What are your alternatives? Well, the F15 BMW X5’s key rivals during its lifecycle were fellow German luxury SUVs in the form of the 2nd-generation Audi Q7 and the W166-generation Mercedes-Benz ML (which was renamed the GLE at its facelift in 2015).
The 2nd-gen Volvo XC90 was another compelling option, as was the L494-gen Range Rover Sport (for those requiring more off-road ability) and the E2-gen Porsche Cayenne (for keener drivers). Buyers shopping here could also check out the 2nd-gen Volkswagen Touareg.
Considering that the current (G05-gen) X5 retails for between R1 706 850 and R3 123 842 (at the time of writing), pre-owned versions of the F15 X5 look capable of offering decent value. Of course, as we’ve suggested above, it’s wise to set aside some money for maintenance and repairs as well.
Ultimately, the 3rd-gen X5’s impressive breadth of ability helped it fight its way to the summit of the premium SUV class. Opt for the right powertrain and you’ll enjoy a compelling mix of under-bonnet brawn and potential for fuel frugality, while also benefitting from lofty levels of comfort and practicality.
In short, the F15 BMW X5 is as well-rounded as they come.
The Lexus NX range in South Africa has launched a new plug-in hybrid derivative, named the NX 450h+ F Sport. Here’s how much this fresh plug-in flagship costs…
The Lexus NX line-up in South Africa now includes a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) derivative, with the freshly added NX 450h+ F Sport slotting in at the summit of the range.
Priced from R1 336 200, the NX 450h+ F Sport combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a pair of electric motors (one front and one rear) and an 18.1 kWh battery pack. This PHEV set-up generates total system power of 227 kW, while Lexus opts not to list a combined peak torque figure (though it’s worth noting the 4-cylinder engine alone offers 227 Nm).
Lexus claims the NX 450h+ has an all-electric range of about 66 km.
According to the Japanese firm, the all-wheel-drive NX 450h+ can travel up to 66.5 km on electricity alone, while the claimed combined fuel economy figure is as low as 1.3 L/100 km (with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of just 29 g/km). Top speed is listed as 200 kph, while the 0-100 kph sprint is completed in a claimed 6.3 seconds.
The NX 450h+ is offered exclusively in F Sport guise, which adds items such as a piano-black grille design, aggressively styled bumpers (fore and aft), gloss-black 20-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in 235/50 R20 tyres), sports seats, alloy pedals and plenty of “F Sport” badges, inside and out.
Like other F Sport models, the NX 450h+ rides on 20-inch alloys.
Other standard features include a powered (and handsfree) tailgate, a tilt-and-slide moonroof, a digital rear-view mirror, a panoramic-view monitor, wireless smartphone charging, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, plenty of driver-assistance safety features and LED headlights with adaptive high beams.
In terms of exterior paint colours, the Lexus NX 450h+ is available in White Nova, Sonic Titanium and Sonic Chrome as standard, while Black, Graphite Black, Madder Red, Sonic Copper, Terrane Khaki, Poseidon Blue and Celestial Blue are offered on a customer order only basis. Interior trim options include Black, White, Flare Red and Hazel.
Various colour options are available for the cabin.
Over the opening 5 months of 2024, the NX was the best-selling Lexus nameplate in South Africa, with 153 units registered. That put it far ahead of the 2nd-placed LX (77 units) and 3rd-placed ES (69 units). As a reminder, the 2nd-generation Lexus NX launched in South Africa in March 2022, with the traditional hybrid variants joining the range in May of that year. The arrival of the new PHEV variant, however, sees Toyota’s premium sub-brand expand its NX portfolio to 6 derivatives.
The NX 250 EX employs a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine, while the NX 350h EX, NX 350h SE and NX 350h F Sport each add a traditional hybrid system to this base engine. The NX 350 F Sport, meanwhile, features a 2.4-litre turbopetrol motor.
How much does the Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV cost in SA?
Lexus NX 250 EX
R986 800
Lexus NX 350h EX
R1 029 400
Lexus NX 350h SE
R1 197 300
Lexus NX 350 F Sport
R1 224 800
Lexus NX 350 F Sport
R1 225 700
Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport PHEV
R1 336 200
The prices above include a 7-year/105 000 km warranty and a 7-service/105 000 km maintenance plan. Hybrid models furthermore benefit from an 8-year/195 000 km warranty on the battery pack.
SA new-vehicle sales in July 2024: new highs for 3 brands
South Africa’s new-vehicle market recorded a marginal year-on-year increase in sales in July 2024. Here’s your market overview, including Mzansi’s most popular brands…
Finally, some good news. In July 2024, new-vehicle sales in South Africa registered a 1.5% increase year on year to finish on 44 229 units. Though this gain – which is only the 2nd instance of year-on-year growth so far this year – is certainly marginal, Naamsa says it “could be the turning point for an improved 2nd half” of 2024.
Indeed, as many as 3 brands inside the top 10 – the Volkswagen Group, Ford and Hyundai – recorded new highs for the year. In addition, July’s performance represented a 10.4% improvement over June 2024’s effort.
Export sales, however, plummeted 33.2% to 25 461 units last month, compared with the lofty figure achieved in July 2023, with Naamsa blaming “adverse weather conditions during the month as well as declining exports to Europe, the domestic automotive industry’s top export region”.
Out of the total reported industry sales in July, Naamsa estimated that 81.1% represented registrations via the dealer channel, while a hefty 13.5% were sales to the vehicle-rental industry, 2.9% to government and 2.5% to industry corporate fleets.
Interestingly, the figures suggest it was the new passenger-vehicle market that drove overall growth in July 2024, with this segment improving 6.8% year on year to 29 934 units. Car-rental sales accounted for a considerable 17.1% of that figure, with Naamsa pointing out that “seasonal sales to the rental industry contributed to the higher sales” last month.
Meanwhile, the light-commercial vehicle segment slid 8.8% year on year to 11 554 units, perhaps thanks in part to the disappearance of the Nissan NP200 (a since-discontinued half-tonne bakkie that contributed more than 1 000 units in the same month last year).
Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank, said the market’s growth came off the back of “marginally improving economic conditions, returning consumer and business confidence in the wake of 4 months of consistent electricity supply, and the hope of some budget relief for consumers during the 2nd half”. He added that the market’s performance in July “should be seen in 2 important contexts”.
“Firstly, July 2023 was practically the last month the South African car market was in positive growth territory, making this July’s performance relatively stronger. Secondly, July sales were a substantial 4 157 [units] higher than June, which is significantly more than the 657-unit growth year-on-year,” explained Gaoaketse.
Brandon Cohen, National Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), welcomed the “positive shift in monthly retail new-vehicle sales” in July, adding that “although the increase was modest”, the overall tally of 44 229 units was “encouraging”.
“When compared to June 2024 sales, July witnessed an overall increase of 4 356 vehicles, with passenger vehicles accounting for 3 171 units. Year to date, we remain 6.3% behind the figures for 2023, but we are hopeful that the July sales mark the beginning of growth in the 2nd half of the year,” Cohan said, before conceding “we have significant ground to cover before the year’s end”.
New-vehicle sales summary for July 2024
Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 44 229 units increased by 1.5% (657 units) compared to July 2023.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 29 934 units increased by 6.8% (1 894 units) compared to July 2023.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 11 554 units decreased by 8.8% (1 112 units) compared to July 2023.
Export sales of 25 461 units decreased by 33.2% (12 671 units) compared to July 2023.
10 best-selling automakers in SA in July 2024
Renault returned to the top 10 in July 2024.
After 3 straight months of 4-figure totals, Toyota returned to 5 figures in July 2024 with a final tally of 11 131 units – a month-on-month increase of 14.2% – and thus unsurprisingly retained 1st place. The Volkswagen Group (6 178 units), meanwhile, enjoyed its best sales month of the year so far, taking a comfortable 2nd position.
Suzuki (4 816 units) improved somewhat over its June showing but again had to settle for the final spot on the podium. Like the VW Group, 4th-placed Ford (2 901 units) put in its best effort of 2024 so far, as did Hyundai (2 699 units) in 5th. Meanwhile, Isuzu sales dipped slightly to 2 072 units in July, though the Japanese firm still retain 6th position ahead of Nissan (1 884 units) in 7th.
Chery (1 701 units) held steady in 8th place, again finishing ahead of fellow Chinese automaker GWM (1 562 units) in 9th. Finally, Renault returned to the table to snaffle 10th spot, meaning the BMW Group’s stint back in the top 10 was limited to a single month.
Kia (1 068 units) was bubbling under in 11th place, while Indian automaker Mahindra (1 007 units) also managed to crack 4 figures to finish 12th. That meant the BMW Group (994 units) fell 3 places to 13th, though still finished ahead of Stellantis (573 units) and Mercedes-Benz (with a Naamsa-estimated 555 units).
1. Toyota – 11 131 units
2. Volkswagen Group – 6 178 units
3. Suzuki – 4 816 units
4. Ford – 2 901 units
5. Hyundai – 2 699 units
6. Isuzu – 2 072 units
7. Nissan – 1 884 units
8. Chery – 1 701 units
9. GWM – 1 562 units
10. Renault – 1 210 units
Sales outlook in South Africa for rest of 2024
So, where to from here? Well, Naamsa appears positive despite 2024’s aggregate new-vehicle sales sitting 6.3% behind the corresponding year-to-date period last year (and despite “various challenges and elements of economic uncertainty”).
“Encouraging aspects for growth and increased consumer spending for the balance of the year include 4 consecutive months of no load-shedding, a stronger rand exchange rate and potentially up to 2 interest-rate cuts before year-end,” points out Naamsa, adding that automotive brands “continue to launch new products into the marketplace”.
Meanwhile, WesBank’s Gaoaketse says South African motorists “continue to remain under immense budget pressures” amid interest rates at a 15-year high, suggesting there “isn’t much relief expected soon”.
“Whilst soft economic growth and inflation data indicate the real possibility now for interest-rate cuts, with only 2 opportunities in September and November, consumers shouldn’t expect big savings to become a reality this year,” says Gaoaketse.
However, he adds that “the return of some confidence into the market is reflected in demand as measured by WesBank’s rate of applications,” adding that “hopefully, this continues to translate into more optimism for the 2nd half”.
Finally, NADA’s Cohen remains upbeat, though points out that while there is a “clear desire for vehicles, affordability remains a significant barrier”.
“Consumers are beginning to visit dealerships more frequently. Confidence in the country and overall sentiment are improving, leading people to gradually return to car purchases. However, high interest rates and the unsustainably high cost of living continue to impact vehicle-finance accessibility.
“There are positive indications that interest rates may be reduced by 25 to 50 basis points before the year ends, and some consumers are already factoring this potential change into their purchasing decisions,” Cohen concludes.
The new Toyota GR Sport III recently came to market with beefed-up looks and capability. Does the new Hilux GR Sport III represent a solid buying proposition? Jacob Moshokoa explores the pros and cons of buying the new Toyota Hilux GR Sport III in our latest video!
The locally-built Toyota Hilux GR Sport is unlike your average Hilux. This special edition is not just a sticker pack either, as Jacob Moshokoa does a deep dive into this butch-looking bakkie.
In this video review he looks at the upgraded setup and suspension, what you get for your money, how it compares to its number one rival, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.
Is this the Hilux to buy before the all-new generation model breaks cover in 2025?
Want a versatile, spacious 7-seater? Don’t buy an SUV
Now that SUVs are all the rage, MPVs are terminally uncool. However, carmakers are still battling to package SUVs in a way that they can seat ALL 7 occupants in comfort and still offer notable luggage space. Buyers have to compromise… or do they?
Let’s be honest: throughout the history of the automotive industry, there have been countless instances where vehicle manufacturers have been anything but honest in their marketing promises.
The Renault Scenic, which popularised the small MPV, has now morphed into an all-electric (sigh) crossover.
Possibly the biggest bout of post-millennial truth-bending has been Volkswagen’s initial insistence on selling “clean diesels” in the years up to 2015, only to be caught fitting so-called “defeat devices” on its turbodiesel cars, which I discussed in “Turbodiesel heroes you might have forgotten about“. VW did this to achieve inaccurately low CO2 emissions (in regulated tests)… and all to support its marketing hoopla.
While Dieselgate shook the automotive world’s foundations and forced the VW Group to change its ways, today a much bigger sham is peddled unabatedly by, well, most car brands: the 7-seater SUV (and even the 7-seater crossover, of which the Hyundai Grand Creta is one of the most compact examples).
Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Hyundai Grand Creta
I refer to off-roader-esque vehicles with 4 doors and a collapsible 3rd row of seats, the latter of which is impossible to access without 2nd-row occupants having to disembark to fold their seatbacks forward.
Indeed, the very same models whose 3rd rows lack footwells (owing to the seats being mounted above the rear axle_ so that only children or little people can fit in them – adults would be in utter discomfort after sitting there for only 5 minutes. And, when the rearmost seats are in use – there’s no space for any luggage, to say nothing of highly questionable 3rd-row passenger safety in the event of a rear smash.
From the Renault Triber (a close relative of the mercifully discontinued Datsun Go+) to the mighty Range Rover and everything in between, fundamentally any 4-door bodyshell fitted with 3 rows of seats demands compromises to extol its full claimed capability: you’re either ferrying 5 adults with 2 small kids and next to no luggage; or 5 adults and no kids with luggage: forever a case of either/or. But never both.
Yet there are far better, fuel-efficient and socially acceptable (if that’s your thing) alternatives for every large family who needs passenger AND utility space, but with no appetite for the ceaseless spatial challenges of a 3-row SUV. Allow me to present the humble MPV that’s based on a commercial vehicle.
Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the VW Caddy Maxi 2.0Tdi
Why would you, for example, buy a (soon-to-be-discontinued) Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, which is touted as a 7-seater, when from the same stable you can have a proper one that’s more spacious, has dual sliding doors and significantly more utility space, a flexible, even removable seating configuration and low step-in access – in the by-default-class-leading Volkswagen Caddy (based on a panel van)?
Not that there are any other proper minivans of the sliding-door variety in the sub-R500k segment: if you’re a ride-hailer driver, your daily job consists of forever trying to fool everyone into believing that there’s space for an entire family (and granny) in your Honda Mobilio, Suzuki Ertiga or the latter’s Toyota Rumion cousin. You know all too well that Gran’s Zimmer frame and oxygen tank are going to have to be strapped to the roof rails should she happen to haul along the tote bag in which she keeps her meds.
Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Honda BR-V
Coming from an admittedly low base, the Mitsubishi Xpander (which was updated in 2022), as well as the Mobilio’s successor – the Honda BR-V 7-seater – are marginally cooler. Importantly, they eschew the, um, über-uncool shuttle looks. And that is important when transporting image-conscious Tik-Tokking teens, but don’t get too excited: both ultimately still suffer from the same “pseudo-7-seat-SUV-itus”.
Even when spending double-ish Caddy money in the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest or unfancied Isuzu MU-X range, the 7-seater dilemma remains unresolved. If, however, you require passenger- plus loading space and can overcome Mzansi’s incurable SUV addiction, this is also where the smart shopping starts.
Outdoorsy types who are willing to forgo a 3rd row, but prefer to keep their gear safe and dry, need look no further than crew cab offerings in the Volkswagen Transporter, Hyundai Staria and Mercedes-Benz Vito ranges – the first 2 of which are, interestingly, priced at around R780k new, although the Toyota Quantum iteration undercuts the VW and Hyundai offerings significantly at R708 800 (August 2024).
For those unfamiliar with bus lingo: crew cabs are configured as 2-row kombis equipped with dual sliding doors divided by a bulkhead ahead of a monstrous rear utility space that is only accessible from the rear.
Of course, no discussion about buses is complete without mention of a Volkswagen: the entry-level Transporter Kombi with a wheezy 81 kW starts at R866k. To upgrade from there you’ll pay just over R1000 per extra kilowatt to an upgrade to the 110 kW version, but believe me, you’d be crazy not to.
But back to the used market – that’s where you’ll find value for money people movers. If you need 8 seats, consider the Ford Tourneo, Opel Zafira Life and Hyundai Staria, which replaced the H1 in 2021, but don’t forget about the 7- or 8-seater Kia Carnival – arguably the finest MPV that’s hiding in plain sight.
Some time ago, Toyota reverted to the stalwart Hi-Ace descriptor for its minibus and correspondingly moved the Quantum badge upmarket to designate the more suburban version of the company’s line-up of people movers. Whether, in terms of equity, it was the right call to redeploy a name previously associated with affordable, quasi-public transport into the private realm, remains open to debate.
The evolutionary reality is that the SUV craze killed off most MPVs (and many buyers switched to bakkie-based models). Sadly, a 7-seater SUV is a piecemeal replacement for an MPV. At least minibuses will live on, perhaps forever, for their spaciousness and sheer memory-making versatility – you can bank on that!
Still forbidden fruit? Refreshed Ford Maverick revealed
A facelifted version of the Ford Maverick bakkie has been revealed, though a lack of right-hand-drive production means it remains off the cards for South Africa… for now?
Meet the facelifted Ford Maverick, which gains fresh exterior styling, added technology and the option of all-wheel drive for the hybrid powertrain. However, since the Dearborn-based firm is currently still building this sub-Ranger double-cab bakkie exclusively in left-hand drive for North America, it remains off the cards for South Africa.
While Ford doesn’t hold the rights to the Maverick badge in South Africa (with the nameplate instead reserved for an armoured personnel carrier built by the Paramount Group), the Blue Oval brand interestingly applied to trademark the “Maverick Thunder” name in Mzansi in July 2022, with the badge officially registered in March 2024.
The new hybrid AWD model has an optional package to double the claimed towing capacity.
Though a trademark filing is by no means a guarantee the automaker will use the badge in question, it at least gives us a glimmer of hope the Maverick could one day be produced in right-hooker guise. For the record, however, Ford North America has yet to announce a Thunder derivative of the Maverick (but does offer a Tremor trim level in that country).
Anyway, back to the refreshed Maverick. Compared with the original revealed back in June 2021, the facelifted unibody bakkie scores redesigned headlamps (higher trim levels feature LED projector headlights with LED accents) and an updated front bumper. The grille design now varies according to the grade, while the Lariat specification gains new 19-inch alloy wheels.
This is the XLT derivative finished in a “Desert Sand” hue.
As before, the Maverick is offered in XL, XLT and Lariat trim levels, while the aforementioned “Tremor” is now a standalone flagship grade. Inside, Ford has added fresh trim colours and materials to the door panels, instrument panel, console and seats. There’s also a new “Black Package” that comprises a unique grille, a black roof, black “Ford” badges and gloss-black 19-inch wheels.
The refreshed Maverick upgrades from an 8-inch touchscreen to a 13.2-inch display (now with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and running the Sync 4 system), paired with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster visible. There’s furthermore a new built-in 5G modem for over-the-air software updates.
The new 13.2-inch touchscreen system.
Other firsts for the Maverick bakkie include a 360-degree camera, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, adaptive cruise control (with a stop-and-go function), lane centring and speed-sign recognition.
As before, the Maverick is offered in North America with a choice of 2 engines: a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol mill (now with around 175 kW) that uses an 8-speed automatic transmission and a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol hybrid system (making approximately 140 kW) linked to a continuously variable transmission. However, the hybrid – like the EcoBoost motor – is now available in all-wheel-drive flavour, too.
The new fully electric Audi A6 e-tron is Ingolstadt’s most aerodynamic model yet, has a claimed range of over 700 km and looks likely to launch in South Africa in mid-2025…
Meet the Audi A6 e-tron, a fully electric newcomer offered in both Sportback and Avant body styles (and thus technically not as a sedan) – and boasting a single-charge range of “well over 700 km”, according to the Ingolstadt-based automaker.
So, will we see this new battery-powered model in Mzansi? Well, Audi SA has confirmed to Cars.co.za it is “anticipating that the A6 e-tron will launch in South Africa in mid-2025”, though points out the exact line-up has yet to be confirmed. Still, we suspect only the Sportback will make it to local shores (perhaps until the surely inevitable RS6 Avant e-tron is revealed, that is).
The Sportback models look likely to arrive in SA towards the middle of 2025.
The 2nd Audi model built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform after the Q6 e-tron – and the 3rd Volkswagen Group product on this architecture, including the battery-powered version of the Porsche Macan – the A6 e-tron will take the fight to the likes of the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE.
In the interests of maximising range, the A6 Sportback e-tron is particularly slippery through the air. In fact, endowed with a drag coefficient as low as 0.21, it’s the most aerodynamic Audi yet (the wagon-shaped A6 Avant e-tron, meanwhile, isn’t far behind with a similarly impressive 0.24 coefficient of drag).
The A6 Sportback e-tron is the most aerodynamically efficient Audi yet.
The German automaker has so far detailed just a pair of powertrains, each drawing its urge from a “newly developed” lithium-ion battery pack. The latter comprises 12 modules and 180 prismatic cells, with a gross capacity of 100 kWh and a net capacity of 94.9 kWh (expect an entry-level battery pack with 10 modules and an 83 kWh gross capacity to be available at a later stage).
At launch, the A6 e-tron performance powertrain will offer 270 kW and 565 Nm to the rear axle, resulting in a claimed 0-100 kph time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 210 kph. In the Sportback body style, Audi claims a range of “over 750 km”, a figure that falls slightly to 720 km in the case of the Avant.
The all-paw S6 Sportback e-tron offers up to 405 kW.
Meanwhile, the all-wheel-drive S6 e-tron boasts 370 kW – or up to 405 kW with launch control activated – which sees the claimed 0-100 kph sprint time improve to 3.9 seconds and the top speed grow to 240 kph. The rear-sited electric motor offers 580 Nm while the front item adds 275 Nm. However, that extra performance comes at the cost of range, with the S6 Sportback e-tron’s claimed single-charge range dropping to a still-impressive 670 km and the S6 Avant e-tron’s figure falling to 640 km.
According to Audi, an appropriate fast-charging station can add up to 310 km of range to the A6 Sportback e-tron performance’s battery in just 10 minutes (with the state of charge ostensibly increasing from 10 to 80% in only 21 minutes). Interestingly, if a charging station works with 400V technology, the A6 e-tron can pivot to “bank charging”. In short, the 800V battery pack is split into a pair of 400V banks, which can then be charged in parallel with up to 135 kW.
Note the optional front-passenger screen.
Inside, you’ll find Audi’s latest MMI panoramic display, complete with a curved design and OLED technology. The set-up comprises an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch touch display, while a 10.9-inch front-passenger screen is optional. There’s also the option of the brand’s 2nd-generation augmented reality head-up display, which reflects a tilted image plane across the windscreen towards the driver.
Another interesting option is a panoramic glass roof fashioned from “smart glass” (featuring polymer-dispersed liquid crystal technology) that “minimises direct sunlight and becomes opaque at the touch of a button”. Audi will also offer the new A6 e-tron with its 2nd-generation virtual side mirrors, now with a power-folding function, along with the option of a leather-free interior. At the rear there are 2nd-generation digital OLED taillamps alongside the “equipment-dependent” illumination of the brand’s 4-ringed logo.
From left: the S6 Sportback e-tron, A6 Avant e-tron and A6 Sportback e-tron.
The A6 Sportback e-tron measures 4 928 mm long (so, just 26 mm shorter than the C8-generation A6 saloon), with a wheelbase of 2 946 mm. Interestingly, those measurements – as well as the 1 923 mm width – are shared with the Avant, though the latter stands 40 mm taller at 1 527 mm. While luggage capacity is listed as 502 litres in either case, the Avant unsurprisingly boasts more utility space with a figure of 1 422 litres (92 units up on the Sportback).
So, what happens to the outgoing C8-generation A6 sedan and wagon? Well, the German firm is in the process of rejigging its naming convention – with even numbers denoting electrically powered models and odd numbers reserved for vehicles with combustion engines – which suggests the direct fossil-fuel replacement for the C8-series A6 will be rechristened as the A7. Expect that model to debut in 2025…
