The facelifted 2025 Kia Sportage has been revealed and we’re expecting this medium-sized SUV to be touching down on South African shores before the end of 2025.
The 2025 Kia Sportage facelift has been gradually rolled out globally with the US-grade and Korean market derivatives already confirmed, the latter is the car you see here.
The current shape Sportage’s sharp and futuristic looks have served it well, it still retains that fresh feel – not bad for a car that’s three years old. Yes, you read that correctly, this generation of Kia Sportage was launched in South Africa in September 2022.
The Sportage has been well received, with numerous awards (included a coveted #CarsAwards category win) and comfortably nestles in towards the top spot in terms of sales in many markets. However, its time for the facelift and as you can see, the visual updates aren’t too radical.
There’s an upgraded front with restyled LED headlights, new-look bumpers and new LED tail-lamp designs. It appears that quite a few design elements have been taken from the flagship electric car, the Kia EV9. There are new wheel designs, ranging from 17- to 19-inch in size.
The cabin gets a makeover too, with some additional sound deadening in the door pillars and panels, as well as digitalisation and tech enhancements in the form of upgraded software for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screens, and over-the-air updates have been introduced. A head-up display makes its debut on the top-of-the-range derivatives.
There’s a posh-looking steering wheel that looks similar to the one found in the Kia Sportage, augmented reality views integrated into the satnav, built-in dashcam and the mirrors now dip down when you engage reverse gear. Kia has also updated its safety tech, noting the lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking have been upgraded.
In terms of powertrain, the Korean model has ditched the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in favour of a new 8-speed torqe-converter automatic gearbox for the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol motor, itself unchanged. We hope the 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine is retained as that powertrain is a class example for balancing of performance and economy.
When will the 2025 Kia Sportage come to South Africa?
Kia SA has confirmed the updated Sorento and Carnival range in the first half of 2025, with the Carens and Tasman indicated to arrive from the middle of 2025. There was no mention of the Sportage when we contacted the Korean brand for its 2025 plans at the end of 2024, so we suspect its local arrival will be right at the very end of the year.
The new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport – known as the Xforce in some markets – has touched down in South Africa. Here’s what this fresh-faced crossover will cost you…
The new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport crossover has officially arrived in South Africa, with the local line-up comprising 4 derivatives at launch.
Seemingly replacing the long-in-the-tooth ASX (which has been on the local market since way back in 2011), the new Outlander Sport will be imported from Indonesia. Interestingly, in that country and several others around the world, this model wears instead the “Xforce” badge.
In South Africa, however, it’s known as the Outlander Sport, with pricing starting at R429 990 and running through to R499 990. For comparison, the outgoing ASX had bookends of R409 990 and R494 995.
All derivatives in the Outlander Sport portfolio are powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine generating 77 kW and 141 Nm (and familiar from the SA-spec Xpander). A continuously variable transmission (CVT) ships standard (so, there’s no manual available), with drive directed exclusively to the front axle. Mitsubishi Motors SA claims a 0-100 kph time of 13.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 175 kph.
Measuring 4 390 mm from nose to tail (with a wheelbase of 2 650 mm), the 5-seater Outlander Sport is around the size of the Toyota Urban Cruiser. Mitsubishi claims a ground clearance of 222 mm, though points out this figure pertains to derivatives fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels.
The GL grade includes items such as LED headlamps, 17-inch alloys, electrically adjustable side mirrors, tilt-and-telescopic steering-column adjustment, remote keyless entry, fabric seat upholstery, 40:20:40-split folding (and reclining) rear seats, manual air conditioning, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, a reverse-view camera, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, 4 airbags and hill-start assist. Based on the specification sheet we’ve seen, the GLS trim level adds blind-spot warning (with lane-change assist) and rear cross traffic alert.
The Aspire grade, meanwhile, scores 18-inch rims, leather trim for the steering wheel, faux-leather seat upholstery, cruise control, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charging, a drive-mode selector (with normal, wet, gravel and mud settings), an electro-chromatic rearview mirror, side curtain airbags (for a total of 6), rear parking sensors, tyre-pressure monitoring and dual-zone air con.
Aspire furthermore features ambient cabin lighting, automatic headlamps, front (LED) foglamps, rain-sensing wipers, a handsfree powered tailgate and colour coding for various elements of the front and rear bumpers. Finally, the flagship Exceed is seemingly set apart by its uprated 8-speaker premium sound system from Yamaha.
Mitsubishi Motors SA offers the new Outlander Sport in a choice of 5 exterior paint colours: White Pearl, Blade Silver, Graphite Grey, Red and Energetic Yellow.
What does the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport cost in SA?
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 1.5 GL CVT – R429 990
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 1.5 GLS CVT – R449 990
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 1.5 Aspire CVT – R479 990
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 1.5 Exceed CVT – R499 990
The prices above include a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).
Here’s how many VW Polo GTI units were sold in SA in 2024
Just how popular is the Volkswagen Polo GTI in South Africa? Well, here’s a look at the Kariega-built hot hatch’s sales figures for 2024…
Is the Volkswagen Polo GTIthe most popular hot hatch in South Africa? Well, the sales figures for 2024 certainly suggest so, indicating that this locally built model (which is one of the few remaining B-segment hot hatches on the market) outsold all other contenders last year.
Since Volkswagen Group Africa reports only a total Polo hatch sales figure to industry representative body Naamsa, we asked the German firm to provide us with an idea of the hot-hatch derivative’s share of that tally.
According to VW Group Africa, 1 412 units of the Polo GTI were registered locally in 2024. That translates to an 11.5% slice of the total Polo-hatch pie and sees this flagship derivative rank as South Africa’s best-selling hot hatch, ahead of the Golf 8 GTI (634 units) and Golf 8 R (431 units).
For context, were the Polo GTI to be regarded as a standalone model, it would have squeezed onto the list of South Africa’s top 50 best-selling passenger vehicles of 2024, outselling mainstream nameplates like the Hyundai Creta (1 256 units), Volkswagen T-Roc (1 244 units) and Mazda CX-5 (1 218 units).
As a reminder, the Polo GTI – which is currently priced at R573 300 – employs VW’s ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which here delivers 147 kW and 320 Nm to the front axle via a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. The obligatory 0-100 kph sprint takes a claimed 6.7 seconds, while top speed is pegged at 238 kph.
Volkswagen’s Kariega facility in the Eastern Cape has been the exclusive manufacturer of the Polo GTI for global markets for some time now, with the plant furthermore having become the sole supplier of the Polo hatchback for European and Asian Pacific markets in July 2024.
Mzansi’s favourite small crossover – and Toyota’s best-selling passenger car – has received a facelift. However, is it enough for the defending champion of the Cars.co.za Awards compact family-car category to fight off increasingly stiff competition?
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is immensely proud of the Corolla Cross, with good reason. The crossover has breathed new life into the iconic Corolla nameplate, has become a very strong seller (22 000 units of the pre-facelift model were sold last year) and, perhaps most importantly, is locally built.
The Corolla Cross’ success is not only important to TSAM, but also to automotive manufacturing in SA and ongoing efforts to secure this vital industry’s future. With a local content of around 45%, the Corolla Cross doesn’t only put food on the table for Toyota staff, but also workers at numerous parts suppliers.
But wait, there’s more. As the local motor industry attempts to evolve into a hub for manufacturing electrified-, also known as new-energy, vehicles (NEVs), the Corolla Cross Hybrid’s success in the local market is another reason to celebrate. It has helped Toyota secure 67% of South Africa’s NEV market!
That said, the segment is fiercely competitive, with Toyota noting in particular the influx of high-value Chinese offerings. There is simply no time to rest on one’s laurels. And so the 2023/24 CarsAwards programme’s Compact Family Car of the Year has gone under the proverbial knife for a midlife update.
What’s changed on the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross?
It’s probably better to start with what’s remained the same. There are no mechanical updates – the model’s engine, transmission and suspension configuration are as before. The Toyota Corolla Cross’ derivative line-up has not been changed either – it comprises Xi, XS, XR and GR-Sport trim grades.
The focus of the facelift has been on delivering an enhanced in-car experience. Interestingly, one of the major lessons that Toyota admits it has learned from the Chinese brands (or, perhaps, shifts in consumer behaviour it has noted) is that car buyers increasingly put the “in-car experience” above almost anything else. For that reason, Toyota has genuinely sharpened its small crossover offering in several key areas.
From XS grade and up, there is a new, larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the latter offering wireless connectivity. Toyota also implemented improved Bluetooth connectivity and a more attractive and intuitive user interface. XR and GR-Sport derivatives, meanwhile, feature a new, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with crisp, clear graphics and personalised themes.
The updated screens are not just for show – the reverse-view camera now provides clearer views and there are customisable view modes to assist drivers when they execute difficult parking manoeuvres. XR and GR-S derivatives are further equipped with a 360-degree panoramic view monitor.
Other detail changes include the adoption of an electric parking brake and the fitment of USB Type-C ports (including 2 for the rear passengers – a nice touch), as well as a rear-occupant detection system.
While we’re on the topic of the rear of the cabin, passengers in the back will undoubtedly also appreciate the new reclining backrests. Another first for the Corolla Cross is a hands-free tailgate release function (you can open the hatch by swiping your foot beneath the rear bumper) for XR and GR-S derivatives.
Subtle, but tasteful design revisions
The most noticeable change with the new Corolla Cross can be found at the front end. Here the car gets a new grille design (a type of painted honeycomb finish) that makes the Toyota look more modern.
The headlights, too, have been redesigned and have sequential turn signals (on XR and GR-S variants). Also unique to those 2 derivatives are Bi-Beam LED lamps and crystal-like LED daytime running lights. Not as obvious a change, but a neat tweak nonetheless: the rear lights also boast a refreshed design.
Was the update worthwhile? Yes, I think the new front-end treatment works. The previous car’s big black grille almost looked like Mr. Potato Head’s moustache. It is worth noting, however, that the GR-S does NOT get the new face. I also really like some of the colours, particularly Brass Gold and Oxide Bronze.
Inside, sharp-eyed visitors to Toyota’s new vehicle showroom will notice a few tweaks to the Corolla Cross beyond the new tech. There is now real stitching on the instrument panel and console lid, high-quality floor carpets with a heel pad and newly designed seat trims that feature dark brown accents.
As before, Black and Terra Rosa interior trim colours are offered, and I have a soft spot for the latter!
What’s the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross like to drive?
As before, there are 2 drivetrain options to choose from: a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated- (103 kW/173 Nm) or 1.8-litre hybrid (92 kW/142 Nm) 4-cylinder petrol engine, both in conjunction with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Provided you can afford either, your choice between the 2 will depend on whether you want optimised efficiency or not. The hybrid, with a claimed average consumption of 4.3 L/100 km, is considerably more miserly than its non-hybrid equivalent (6.8 L/100 km). It is worth noting, however, that realistically both figures are likely to be higher than stated, but more so in the case of the naturally aspirated variants.
Behind the ‘wheel, and ignoring the in-car improvements, there is not much to report here. The Corolla Cross doesn’t offer punchy performance, but it does a fine job in a sound compact family car package.
The drone of the powertrain under full acceleration (without audible gear changes – because there aren’t any) is a consequence of the way a CVT operates and, yes, it can become a bit tiresome, but the CVT does facilitate good fuel economy (and operates more smoothly) if you adopt a restrained driving style.
On a particularly hot day in Gauteng, I was impressed with the Toyota Corolla Cross’ air-conditioning system (dual-zone from XS and up), non-intrusive active safety systems and general ride comfort.
I was less impressed with the seat comfort, however. I could never quite get comfortable, because there isn’t enough lateral support – and too much of a pronounced bulge in the centre of the backrest.
Rear occupant space is very good and the reclining backrest, ventilation outlets and USB ports will be appreciated on long family trips. The load bay is nicely sized, with a claimed luggage capacity of 440L.
How much does the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross cost in SA?
Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi
R414 800
Corolla Cross 1.8 XS
R452 200
Corolla Cross 1.8 XS Hybrid
R494 400
Corolla Cross 1.8 XR
R501 500
Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S (GR-Sport)
R518 200
Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XR
R545 200
Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid GR Sport
R561 700
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross variants come standard with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. HEV models carry an 8-year warranty on the hybrid battery. Customers can purchase additional service/maintenance/warranty extensions via the Toyota dealer network.
The 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross competes in a densely populated market segment, with not only a handful of high-value offerings from China (particularly the Haval Jolion, Toyota says), but also from established brands such as Volkswagen (T-Cross), Hyundai (Creta) and Kia (Seltos).
With the high popularity of the Corolla Cross Hybrid, the Jolion Pro Hybrid has been identified as a key rival of Toyota’s compact family car. The Jolion Pro’s strengths include significantly more power, a few more “nice-to-have” features (including a sunroof and heated/ventilated seats) and a lower price. It is thirstier, however, its ride quality is not quite as resolved as the Toyota’s, plus its luggage area is smaller.
Following the latest update, the Corolla Cross’s specification is no longer lagging quite as badly and, in some instances, it has features that even the Jolion Pro doesn’t offer (hands-free tailgate operation, for example). It is more economical than the Haval, rides better, and has more luggage space.
And then, of course, you have to factor in that the Corolla Cross is a Toyota and what that means. If you consider that the Aichi-based brand has about 220 dealers and a reputation for good service, reliability and resale value, “plenty of peace of mind” comes part and parcel with the purchase, doesn’t it?
#CarsAwards Comparison Video: New Toyota Prado vs Ford Everest vs Land Rover Discovery
In this #CarsAwards video, judge David Taylor takes a closer look at the 3 finalists in the Adventure SUV category ahead of the winner announcement in February 2025. Watch the video!
The 2025 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa, is in full swing! 39 finalists have been selected and thoroughly tested by our 20 judges. Represented in 13 categories across a wide spectrum of pricing and segments, the Cars.co.za Awards are by far the most comprehensive car awards in South Africa.
While the winners in each category will be announced at our Gala Awards Evening on the 28th of February 2025, we filmed 13 comparison tests across our categories with 4 motoring journalists.
In this film, David Taylor tackles the Adventure SUV Category, where the finalists include the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-R, Ford Everest 3.0TD Wildtrak and the Land Rover Defender 110 D350 X-Dynamic HSE.
While we wait for the winner to be announced, David Taylor conducts an in-depth test of all 3 cars back-to-back at the Gerotek Test Facility, and gives some perspective on which one he would take home. In this video he looks at engines, practicality and basic offroading.
Still SA’s favourite? VW Golf 8 GTI sales for 2024 revealed
Is the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI still South Africa’s most popular C-segment hot hatch? Here’s how many were registered in 2024 – as well as how many Golf 8 R units were sold…
Though not quite as popular locally as the 7th iteration (which reached nearly 15 000 units in total), is the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI still the best-selling C-segment hot hatch in South Africa?
Well, based on Naamsa figures alone, it’s impossible to be completely certain since Volkswagen Group Africa reports only a combined Golf 8 number – comprising GTI and R sales – to the industry representative body. Still, based on our calculations, that combined tally for 2024 came to 1 065 units (interestingly up 12.2%, year on year), with 124 of those representing sales to government.
So, we asked VW Group Africa to provide last year’s sales split between the front-wheel-drive GTI and the all-paw R – and the company very kindly obliged. Predictably, the GTI finished ahead of its more powerful sibling, though not by as much as you much have expected.
According to the Wolfsburg-based automaker’s local division, 634 units of the Golf 8 GTI (currently priced from R836 700) were registered in 2024. That translates to a monthly average of around 53 units and represents 59.5% of 8th-generation Golf sales last year. Meanwhile, the Golf 8 R (currently starting at R996 700) ended 2024 on 431 units, meaning it was likely Mzansi’s 2nd best-selling C-segment hot hatch behind the GTI.
For the record, the Golf 8.5 GTI – the facelifted version of the hot hatch revealed in January 2024 – has technically not yet been confirmed for South Africa, with Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of VW Group Africa, earlier telling Cars.co.za that the country’s current fuel quality stands in the way of its arrival on local soil.
What about the local sales performances other C-segment hot hatches in 2024? Well, based on figures reported to Naamsa, we know the Hyundai i30 N finished the year on 56 units, while the Toyota GR Corolla came in at 42 units and the Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy at 25 units.
Somewhat frustratingly, sales figures are simply not available for the few other contenders still operating in this space. For instance, since the BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz unfortunately don’t consistently report sales statistics to Naamsa, we don’t know how many M135, Mercedes-AMG A35 hatch and Mercedes-AMG A45 S units were sold.
In addition, Audi reports only a total figure for its A3 Sportback range, so the exact sales performances of the S3 and RS3 hot hatches are unclear. However, since the A3 Sportback total for 2024 came to 596 units (likely dominated by non-performance derivatives), we can safely assume neither of these Audi Sport variants matched their VW cousins in pure volume terms.
Similarly, Honda lists only a single figure for its overall Civic range, which came to 110 units in 2024. That tally includes both the Civic Type R hot hatch (which we’re assuming accounted for only a small percentage of that total) and the Civic RS sedan.
Porsche 911 Targa vs 911 Carrera 3.2 Targa: Classic Comparison
The 911 Targa occupies a small niche within Porsche’s line-up. Should more buyers consider this slightly quirky cabrio/coupe offering? We take a classic Carrera 3.2 Targa and the modern-day 992 Targa 4 for a coastal drive outside of beautiful Cape Town.
IMAGES: Peet Mocke
The 911 Targa is one of the rarer variants in the Zuffenhausen-based firm’s range: enthusiasts either like or dislike it, which can’t be said of the other models! Surely a Carrera S or -GT3 isn’t as polarising? However, it can also be argued that a 911 Targa derivative represents the best between what a standard Carrera coupe and a standard Carrera convertible offers. The best of both worlds, then?
In terms of the roof, the 911 Targa represents a halfway point between being a coupe and a convertible. You can still enjoy fresh-air motoring, but at the same, it is less “windy” than in a full convertible.
Porsche’s Targa history has been well documented. We’ve seen examples of the Porsche 911 Targa since the earliest of times with its soft rear window. That transformed into what can be viewed as a large sunroof in the 993-, 996- and 997-series 911s. With the arrival of the 991 and now the current 992, the beautiful U-shaped metal bar returned with a fixed rear window and a fully automatic system.
The classic: G-series 911 Carrera 3.2 Targa
The owner of this Targa has had more than 10 classic, air-cooled Porsche 911s through his garage. He now owns 3, including this Targa, which he also uses several times a week. It is a true “daily driver”.
Specifications:
Model: Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Targa (G-series)
Engine: 3.2-litre, flat-6, petrol
Power: 152 kW at 5 900 rpm
Torque: 264 Nm at 4 800 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Weight: 1 210 kg
0-97 kph: 6.3 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: ± 240 kph
Setting the alarm clock for just after 06:00, we all meet up just over an hour later next to the road outside Gordon’s Bay, around 45 km east of Cape Town. This coastal road is known as one of the most scenic routes in South Africa with a perfect ribbon of tarmac – a great place to enjoy these cars.
Thanks to its whale-tale, this red Targa looks much more purposeful than those units without it. If you prefer the more simple lines of the 911, you will undoubtedly rather select one without the large wing!
We decide to start the photography a little later and first enjoy the crisp morning air, the light traffic and the scenery. Clarence Drive is a single-lane, flowing road that hugs the coastline. However, with a rock face on the one side and a low, man-built rock wall on the other, you must keep your enthusiasm at bay behind the wheel of a car. We opt to keep the removable top on for now, which allows us to have a normal conversation in the cabin although there is certainly some more wind noise than in an equivalent coupe.
Even with more than 172 000 km on the odo, this 915-gearbox still feels good. As long as you don’t rush the gearbox (why would you, anyway?) the gears change with relative ease between the five speeds, while some gears are closer to one another in the horizontal shift action than others.
You can cruise at low engine speeds of 2 000 to 3 000 rpm, and even with light throttle inputs, there is sufficient torque to accelerate in a spirited manner. The 911 Targa feels compact and, as expected, low to the ground, just like a proper sports car should.
I drop a couple of gears and press the accelerator pedal a little harder, the revs climb quickly and, with notable haste, the rev needle swings past 5 000 and 6 000 rpm. It is during these bursts of acceleration and also during braking that I’m reminded that the Carrer 3.2 Targa only tips the scales at about 1 210 kg.
After a while, I start to feel more confident behind the ‘wheel and enjoy every moment that the free-revving engine sends the needle around the clock. When you start to push on, you do realise there is some scuttle shake, but that’s also to be expected. I almost want to say you are more aware of it in a cabriolet because the parts that indicate scuttle shake are further behind you and also stowed away.
The Carrera 3.2 Targa makes up for it, though. Lift the targa top and then fold it up. You can either store it behind the seats or place it in the luggage compartment in the front – where it is more safely stowed and movement is also more limited – depending on what else you have in this compartment, of course.
With the roof down and picking up speed past 100 kph, the wind buffeting is very limited. There is some wind noise of course, but just enough fresh air is blowing through the cabin, while the owner and I can still keep our conversation going. Approach high speeds and it starts to become more difficult.
In a straight line, but especially when the road twists and turns, the steering wheel is communicative and you can sense precisely what the front axle is up to. Fitted with the small (215/60 R15 in front and 195/65 R15 at the rear on this car) wheels and tyre combination, the 911 Targa also rides very pliantly. Turn-in is as good as you would expect, while there is limited body roll, similar to any other 911 of the era.
The owner shares some thoughts about 911s and his Targa: “I’ve had this car for the past 9 years. Ideally, I would have liked to have a coupe, a Targa and a cabriolet, but I sadly sold a very neat G50 Cabriolet a few years ago. I found the Targa to have a little more headroom than a coupe, although this matters little to me. My love for Porsche stems from my first car, which was an oval-window Volkswagen Beetle.”
The Carrera 3.2 Targa’s narrow body and small footprint elevate the experience behind the wheel even further. The upright front lights indicate where the corners are, while the rear axle is not far behind you. The slope of the bonnet also means there is no obstruction to your view out in front of you.
The fact that the steering column is not adjustable has never really bothered me. The distance between the ‘wheel and the gear lever is spot on, so all you have to do is move your seat. The pedals are offset to the left, but you quickly get used to it. Once you’ve adjusted your legs, the seating position is lovely.
The modern alternative: 992-series 911 Targa 4
Step into the 992-series Porsche 911 Targa and it is evident you’ve made a near 4-decade jump in terms of technology. Whereas the Carrera 3.2 looks compact and focused (mainly because of the wing), the 992 is notably larger, but is smooth in its elegant design, partially also owing to the Carrera Exclusive Design wheels painted in the exterior colour (Aventurine Green Metallic) of the car, an optional extra.
Specifications:
Model: 992.1 Porsche 911 Targa 4
Engine: 3.0-litre, flat-6, turbopetrol
Power: 283 kW at 6 500 rpm
Torque: 450 Nm at 1 950 – 5 000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic (PDK)
Weight: 1 730 kg
0-100 kph: 4.4 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 289 kph
This modern, suave design continues in the cabin. Any owner of a 992-series 911 variant will feel quite at home. What I especially appreciate with the specification of this model, is the relative lack of driver and driving options. No exhaust button and no rotary dial on the steering wheel. There is a sport button and a damper button – that is it. This is, after all, a Targa 4, which means it does offer all-wheel drive.
Another visual highlight in the cabin is the wood panel that runs across from the passenger side, just below the dashboard, to the right-hand side of the cabin. Another 2, minor options, are the Porsche crest on the headrests and the truffle brown seatbelts. Needless to say, it is a classy cabin.
As expected, you sit satisfyingly low in the car, while the range of adjustment on the seat and steering column makes it a cinch to personalise your driving position.
Start the engine and there’s still that typically raw, flat-6 sound and an all-too-obvious woosh from the turbo. If you pay close attention, you hear how the latter’s whistle changes relative to accelerator inputs.
I head out and quickly the PDK ‘box selects the highest gear as we cruise along for some final pictures. As I lean on the long pedal, the level of torque is instantly impressive – it allows the car to linearly pick up speed without fanfare. Peak torque (450 Nm) is, after all, developed from an impressively low 1 950 rpm. This scenario can immediately be changed by simply pulling the left steering-wheel-mounted paddle.
The gearbox reacts immediately, and within a moment, it’s shifted down 3 or 4 gears. Press the throttle and the engine reacts with a combination of power and torque, having you wonder for a moment if this Targa 4 is really any heavier than a standard Carrera. Even though the road is slightly wet, there is no wheelspin (perhaps thanks to the all-wheel-drive system), but even Porsche’s rear-wheel-drive 911 derivatives offer an immense level of grip – the all-wheel-drive system just takes it up a notch.
It’s a unique experience as the rear of the car squats and propels you out of those corners. At times, (most times) it doesn’t feel like a 1 730 kg car and you can trust the grip and performance.
Even though the peak power output (283 kW) is developed at 6 500 rpm, you can let the rev needle run all the way to the 7 500 rpm redline, urging you to make full use of what the 3.0-litre flat-6 has to offer.
The brakes, meanwhile, are strong with good feedback through the pedal, while the additional ratio in the transmission has little effect on the car’s outright capability, only keeping revs low when you relax on the open road… but now the gears come in quick succession. The steering ratio is fast and the steering feel, in terms of feedback, is less compared to the classic, as you would expect, but nonetheless satisfying.
I know the owner of the 992-series 911 Targa has owned several air-cooled and modern- classic 911s, one of them of which is a rather neat SC, since 1997. But this was the first new 911 in his collection.
“When I saw this 992 Targa it ‘spoke to me’. The design is just perfect, even when the roof is down. I don’t like a convertible and in the Targa, you feel a bit more ensconced. It is like having a large sunroof.
“After acquiring the car earlier this year, I recently attended one of the best driving events in South Africa: the Cape 1000. It is a beautiful multi-day, 1 600-km drive along the Western Cape’s best and prettiest mountain passes. It was the perfect car for the event.” See also:We drive the first-ever Cape 1000!
Without stating the obvious, it is clear that this car will be used regularly for the foreseeable future.
The 8th-gen 911 Targa takes Porsche’s iconic sportscar to the next level in terms of offering compelling performance in conjunction with an al fresco experience. It still drives like a modern 911 (and thus feels charmingly familiar), but offers the latest technology in a package that’s hard to beat, particularly if you consider the performance on offer at this price point. This car instils immense confidence in its driver.
Summary
As with the coupe versions, the 911 Targa is a recipe that Porsche has perfected since the first Targa’s introduction in September 1965.
This latest model ticks so many boxes, but I can understand why many enthusiasts would opt for the G-series Carrera 3.2 Targa. It’s more basic, more involving to drive, much slower but, at times, more fun. It will also need more maintenance to keep on the road, but for some of us, that is part of the experience.
In both cases, you get a driving experience that is very close to that of a coupe, but nearly everything that a convertible offers – it represents a very desirable middle ground. Yes, it’s hard to fault a Targa!
It may be slightly late, but the Toyota Hilux Legend 55 will indeed be offered in South Africa. Here’s what we know about this upcoming (widebody!) bakkie so far…
The year 2024 came and went with no sign of a special-edition Hilux Legend derivative (despite some cheeky speculation on our part). Now, Toyota South Africa Motors has finally confirmed that the Hilux Legend 55 – complete with a widebody configuration – is indeed happening.
Revealed in double-cab form (in an interesting new paint colour) at the Japanese firm’s 2025 State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) address at Kyalami in Johannesburg, the new Legend 55 is set to launch as the 5th limited-edition model in this SA-specific quinquennial tradition.
First glimpse of the Legend 55 at SOMI 2025.
As a reminder, every 5 years since the Legend 35 was released back in 2004, Toyota SA Motors has celebrated both the Hilux’s heritage and crushing sales dominance in the local market with some sort of special Legend model (before the Legend trim became a permanent fixture in 2020).
For whatever reason, the Legend 55 is a year late to the party, with the Legend 50 having hit the market in July 2019 (and the count starting from the Hilux’s local inception in 1969). According to Toyota SA Motors, initial units of the new Hilux Legend 55 are scheduled to be released to local dealerships in July 2025.
Widebody configuration, present and correct.
Interestingly, Toyota has yet to confirm what’s lurking beneath the Legend 55’s bonnet, though we’re guessing it’s a version of the venerable 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine (whether the motor features the standard 150 kW/500 Nm tune or the likewise-widebody GR-Sport’s loftier 165 kW and 550 Nm outputs remains to be seen).
What we do know, however, is that the Legend 55 will feature a widebody configuration (and “wide-tread suspension”), along with a model-specific styling kit, a revised sportsbar, an underbody bashplate, a towbar, a roller shutter and rubberising for the loadbin.
Interesting new paint colour.
The Hilux hit the market in South Africa way back in 1969, just a year after debuting overseas. The first limited-edition Legend – the appropriately named Legend 35 – was released in 2004, followed by the Legend 40 in 2009 and the Legend 45 in 2014 (the latter model was “extremely well received by the market”, according to Toyota SA Motors). Then, in 2019, the Legend 50 arrived to mark half a century of the Hilux in SA.
The Legend 50 turned out to be what Toyota SA Motors in early 2021 described as a “massive success”, to the point that dealers ran out of stock for a couple of weeks. In short, the Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal simply couldn’t churn them out fast enough.
The Legend 40 was released in 2009.
With a new-generation Hilux seemingly not too far around the corner, it seems the Legend 55 will serve as a fitting swansong for the 8th-generation version of the strong-selling bakkie. As a reminder, with 32 656 units sold, the Prospecton-built stalwart remained Mzansi’s best-selling bakkie – and indeed the country’s top-selling vehicle overall – in 2024, a title it has now held for more than 50 straight years.
Look out for more details on the Toyota Hilux Legend 55 closer to launch…
The electric Mini Aceman has quietly arrived in South Africa. Here’s how much you can expect to pay.
Positioned between the new Mini Cooper and Mini Countryman is the Mini Aceman, an all-electric compact SUV. Mini is claiming a 5-seater setup, with a boot capacity of 300 litres, growing to just over 1000 litres if you fold the rear seats down. Officially, the Aceman’s wheelbase is 8 cm longer than the Cooper and 9 cm shorter than the Countryman.
Interestingly, the Mini Aceman is priced at the Cooper SE’s level, with the two models costing an identical R800 000. Which one would you choose then? This is a question we hope to answer at some point.
The Aceman (middle) in comparison to the Cooper and the Countryman
What’s on offer?
There will be two derivatives in the Mini Aceman lineup. Kicking off the range is the Aceman E, which has power outputs of 135 kW and 290 kW, and is good for a claimed 0-100 kph in 7.9 seconds. If you’re wanting a bit more performance, the Aceman SE brings 160 kW and 330 Nm to the table, and that’s said to hit 100 kph in a claimed 7.1 seconds.
Top speed is not really an electric car’s specialty, but for what it’s worth top speeds of 170 kph and 180 kph are touted for the E and SE respectively.
Based on the WLTP cycle, the Aceman E has a range of 305 km with a 42.5 kWh battery, while the SE is good for 406 km, due to its larger 54.2 kWh battery pack.
The Aceman will feature the latest of Mini’s cabins, including that sharp-looking circular OLED screen, high-end trim made from recycled materials as well as your traditional Mini driving modes like Go-Kart.
How much does the Mini Aceman cost in South Africa?
Aceman E
R800 000
Aceman SE
R892 000
The new Aceman is sold with a 5-year / 100 000 km maintenance plan. There’s a 2-year/unlimited km for the vehicle and an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty.
BMW iX1 vs Mini Countryman SE vs Volvo EX30 Comparison – #CarsAwards Electric Car Finalists
If you’re wanting to change to the electric car lifestyle, we have three finalists to choose from: the defending champion BMW iX1, the Mini Countryman SE and the Volvo EX30. Here’s a detailed look at all three.
The 2025 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa, are in full swing! 39 finalists have been selected and thoroughly tested by our 20 judges. Represented in 13 categories across a wide spectrum of pricing and segments, the Cars.co.za Awards are by far the most comprehensive car awards in South Africa.
In this video, motoring journalist David Taylor, one of our judges, takes on the Electric Car Category to decide his winner, ahead of the official announcement in February 2025.
If you’re wanting to change to the electric car lifestyle, we have three finalists to choose from: the defending champion BMW iX1, the Mini Countryman SE and the Volvo EX30. In this video, Dave looks at the performance and efficiency, the pricing, interior features and practicality, before sharing his choice for segment honours.
