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.
Lexus IS 300h F Sport Mode Black (2025) Price & Specs
Lexus South Africa has quietly launched a “Mode Black” version of the IS sedan, available exclusively in F Sport trim. Here’s how much it will cost you in Mzansi…
The 3rd-generation Lexus IS has been on the market in South Africa since way back in 2013, though the Toyota-backed brand has at least handed it subtle updates over the years. The latest revision? The quiet arrival of a fresh version of the F Sport grade known as the “Mode Black”.
Thanks to a handy heads-up from our good friends over at duoporta.com, we know the Lexus IS 300h F Sport Mode Black (to use its full name) is priced at R1 199 900, making it R89 400 more expensive than the “standard” F Sport derivative it effectively replaces. As a reminder, local buyers also have the option of the IS 300h in SE trim, which is priced at R1 080 400.
So, what makes a Mode Black? Well, as you might have worked out from the name, this fresh derivative adopts a dark finish for various elements, including its 19-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in 235/40 R19 tyres up front and 265/35 R19 rubber at the rear), side-mirror caps and bootlid spoiler.
Inside, the IS 300h F Sport Mode Black is set apart by a heated 3-spoke steering wheel featuring a black wood finish (for its upper portion, anyway), a treatment repeated on other interior trim. Furthermore, this variant’s seats are upholstered in a mix of synthetic leather and “ultra suede”.
Though the IS 300h F Sport Mode Black is fittingly available in Graphite Black exterior paint, local buyers also have the option of selecting White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Iridium, Solar Storm Red, Poseidon Blue and Titanium Carbide Grey.
Other standard features – from a tilt-and-slide sunroof to a Mark Levinson sound system – effectively carry over from the previous version of the F Sport. Of course, that includes the powertrain, which is unchanged.
As before, urge for this sedan comes from Toyota’s familiar hybrid system, here built around a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine driving the rear axle through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
For the petrol motor, Lexus SA quotes peak figures of 133 kW and 221 Nm, though the total system power (including electric assistance) stands at 164 kW. A combined torque figure is not provided. Expect a 0-100 kph time of around 8.7 seconds, with a claimed fuel economy of 5.2 L/100 km.
What does the Lexus IS 300h F Sport Mode Black cost in SA?
Lexus IS 300h F Sport Mode Black – R1 199 900
The price above includes a vehicle warranty and maintenance plan each spanning 7 years or 105 000 km, along with an 8-year/195 000 km battery-specific warranty.
Honda, Nissan & Mitsubishi could create an amazing double cab
Honda needs to save Nissan and itself. Mitsubishi may come along for the ride. What does the planned merger of these car companies mean for future models?
We’re living through the 3rd wave of Asian car company ascendancy with China, but it’s worth remembering that the world’s most successful car company, Toyota, is Japanese. Yes, so are Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi, but whereas the Aichi-based brand is flourishing, the latter trio are struggling.
When Asian car companies need help, they prefer to look inward. Foreign assistance solves temporary issues, but never goes well in the long term. This brings us to the biggest news in the Japanese car industry for decades – a planned merger of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi.
What could that mean for future models from these 3 brands, each with a deep South African history?
These three CEOs don’t have much time to realign their companies.
Why it is happening
Nissan is in trouble. A lot of trouble. Despite a history of amazing sportscars and iconic off-roaders like the Patrol, this is not the first time Nissan has needed help.
An alliance with Renault saved a heavily indebted Nissan in the late 1990s. That created the foundation for Nissan to use its engineering expertise to make the final GT-R and a variety of popular crossovers (including the Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail) while strengthening its global bakkie business with Navara.
Nissan even trended ahead of industry timelines with the Leaf, but its finances are a mess, its products are stale, and the firm seems to lack direction. That’s why Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi executives spent most of the festive season discussing a merger, instead of doing Japanese peak season things.
The global car industry has proved that there’s no such thing as a merger of equals. Nissan is in a position of weakness, while Honda is okay, but needs scale. Mitsubishi? It’s a small and reasonably efficient car company, but its size means that the required investments to futureproof Mitsubishi’s model development have probably become too expensive to go it alone.
The official meetings and imagery of the 3 Japanese companies’ CEOs together (see above), would not be happening, if there wasn’t a real urgency for the merger to happen. As an issue of survival.
Patrol didn’t become legendary by accident. Nissan’s bakkie engineering skills are real.
What it will mean for consumers
All 3 brands within the proposed merger have seen their market share wane in South Africa. But they do retain a sense of legacy and brand loyalty. If the merger could simplify and enhance the respective automotive companies’ products, it would be a worthy outcome for local fans of the brands.
Honda was once the premium Japanese compact car brand in South Africa, for decades (in part due to its assembly and distribution agreement with Mercedes-Benz).
Nissan has a robust bakkie heritage, established by the legendary 1400, Navara and Patrol. Mitsubishis are niche but valued by all-terrain adventurers who value the Triton‘s clever Super-Select transfer case.
Perhaps the more important question is whether the merger will affect Nissan’s Rosslyn plant. Bakkies are a strong global business, so Nissan is unlikely to alter Navara’s production in Rosslyn – for now.
Nissan closed its Spanish Navara facility near Barcelona in December of 2021. That created additional demand for South African–built Navaras, to fulfil global orders. At the moment, there’s little competition for Rosslyn regarding globally zoned Navara production.
The Nissan Leaf was ahead of its time; could the proposed merger lead to a flutter of small EVs from the 3 brands?
Small EVs – possibly
Mergers are never a happy scenario, and there will be rationalisation across the brands and their product portfolios. But there are also opportunities.
The Japanese car industry has an immense history of product innovation. Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi have built some of the most iconic vehicles in history. Their design and engineering talent is well-proven.
Globally, the merger needs to rightsize production and create more EV and PHEV models at affordable price points for all 3 brands. If you are an EV-curious Honda, Nissan or Mitsubishi fan, that might mean well-priced compact Japanese EVs, fusing all the compact car knowledge of the merged companies.
Mitsubishi already has the best transfer case in the business.
Much better bakkies – probably
Mergers can create awful or excellent outcomes with products, depending on how companies allow their best designers and engineers to work. Imagine the potential of a global bakkie platform developed by the best from Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi…
Imagine a next-gen Japanese bakkie riding on an overengineered Nissan platform. Its passenger car business has waned, but Nissan’s double cabs and Patrols remain deeply respected for their off-road ability and durability. A Nissan-engineered platform could be the foundation for a tremendous new global double-cab bakkie, using all the lessons Nissan’s engineers learned with the Navara and Patrol pick-up.
Have you ever sat in a Japanese specification Honda and not found the ergonomics excellently intuitive and build quality stellar? Exactly. Honda could create an outstanding exterior design and brilliant cabin architecture for a tri-brand Nissan/Honda/Mitsubishi bakkie, bringing something very different to the crowded double-cab segment by leveraging its passenger car expertise.
Nissan’s expertise in severe-duty off-road vehicle platforms is proven.
Engines & gearboxes
What would Mitsubishi contribute? For one, all its profound knowledge gained by decades of Lancer Evos, with their extraordinarily trick all-wheel drive systems.
I reckon that the Minato-based brand could create an advanced version of Super Select, the best double cab transfer case for serious off-roaders and people who drive a lot of high-speed dirt roads.
Often misunderstood and underappreciated in the market, the ability to shift to a locked centre-diff setting at high speeds makes Super Select brilliant if you’re on an unfamiliar dirt road, and the surface starts degrading. Dial in 4H-LC and you have the best interplay of traction and steering authority.
Mitsubishi’s Super Select is also amazingly capable in big-dune driving, when you need dune ascending speeds way beyond low-range gearing, and the traction of a locked centre diff, which isn’t always functional with a conventional transfer case in high range. That’s when the Super Select 4H-LC function is a hero dune-driver setting!
Powertrain? Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi have independently produced some of the most celebrated engines ever built. Can the sum of engineering skills that made VTEC, those unbreakable Patrol engines and Mitsubishi’s ultra-durable diesel motors work together to create a new-gen double-cab powertrain?
If the cooperation works to its full potential, the powertrains that these 3 Japanese automotive companies could develop might set new standards in the double-cab bakkie market.
Combined engine experts at Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi – what could they come up with?
There will be losses, however
The merger of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi will be a complicated affair. There will be losses and anxiety. But there are also opportunities: the idea of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi’s smartest engineers building a global bakkie platform could be a brilliantly unexpected outcome.
Japan’s government must protect jobs and the country’s image as an automotive-tech leader. Expect a lot of financial and technical support, for the probable Honda/Nissan/Mitsubishi merger to happen.
Combining the best of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi could create world-beating products in exactly the segments that matter to South Africans – compact cars and bakkies.
But that can only happen with sacrifice. For the potential of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi’s design and engineering resources to be realised, the future model portfolio for all three brands will have to narrow. That will mean sunsetting several model ranges, for the greater good.
Car hijacking in South Africa is a common crime in major cities and is one of the many risks that local motorists have to contend with. This article sheds light on the most hijacked cars in South Africa and what you can do to avoid becoming a hijacking statistic.
Sadly, South Africa has a reputation for high crime levels and car crime, including hijacking, is particularly prevalent in major economic hubs such as Gauteng, Western Cape and Kwazulu-Natal.
According to the most recent Police Recorded Crime Statistics for the Second Quarter of 2024-2025 financial year (July 2024-September 2024), a total of 5 447 car hijacking incidents were recorded, representing a year-on-year decline of 9.4% (562 incidents) over the same period in 2023. While any decline in any crime category is most welcome, the statistic still amounts to an alarming 60 hijacked cars per day in South Africa!
Have you ever wondered what happens to hijacked cars and what car brands and models are most at risk of being stolen?
Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group, provides further insight into the latest hijacking trends in South Africa, “The number of hijackings decreased by 27.3% between November and December 2024. This decline aligns with similar trends in other types of organised crime, as syndicate members often take holidays during the festive season.”
“However, despite the reduction in incidents during December 2023 and 2024, a significant number of hijackings were still recorded. This highlights the persistent level of risk that remains during the festive period. Based on existing trends, the number of hijackings is anticipated to rise from late January, with a notable increase expected in February and March 2025. The trend is likely to stabilise and reach a plateau between April and May 2025. Additionally, spikes in hijacking incidents are projected for August and November 2025”, Bartmann concludes.
What are the most hijacked cars in South Africa?
Car hijacking is driven by demand, but generally speaking, criminals target popular car brands and models that can be sold quickly, stripped for parts or smuggled into neighbouring countries. It’s no surprise then that the most popular car models sold are also often the most hijacked cars in South Africa.
However, it must be noted that any car can become a target at any given point in time and criminal trends change as the market demand changes.
The car brands and models highlighted below are known targets for hijackers and are commonly regarded to be at higher risk of theft.
Toyota enjoys market dominance and its cars are regarded as valuable targets for car thieves.
The Ford Ranger is South Africa’s best-selling double-cab bakkie, but it’s also considered to be a high-risk hijacking target.
Similarly, the Ford Ranger is South Africa’s best-selling double-cab bakkie and it’s unsurprisingly a high-value target for hijackers and car thieves. Interestingly, many hijacked 4×4 vehicles are destined for neighbouring countries such as Eswatini and Mozambique where demand for these types of vehicles is high. In 2024, security company, Fidelity Services Group, confirmed that 30% of stolen and/or hijacked cars are smuggled into neighbouring countries.
The Volkswagen Polo is in strong demand and it’s often sought after by criminals.
Volkswagen is another popular car brand targeted by car thieves and the firm’s locally-produced Polo hatchback ranks high on the hit list. Not only has the Polo enjoyed strong monthly sales in South Africa but demand for the model in the used car market is also strong, making it a viable hijacking target.
Even discontinued cars such as the Nissan NP200 and Nissan Almera are popular hijacking targets.
Business delivery vehicles, such as panel vans or light delivery trucks, carrying valuable cargo are also considered to be lucrative targets for criminals.
What can you do to prevent hijacking and car crime?
Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
With the above in mind, consider fitting your vehicle with a tracking device. Vehicle telematics systems like Fidelity SecureDrive are effective tools to help in the recovery of your vehicle.
Should you be hijacked, report the incident to your tracking company and the police as soon as possible. The sooner you report the incident, the greater the likelihood that your vehicle will be recovered.
It’s worth being reminded that any car can become a highjacking target at any given point in time, for a variety of reasons. All motorists are therefore urged to exercise higher levels of awareness when travelling.
Be aware of other cars around you and take note of any cars that might be following you or that look suspicious. If you must, drive to the nearest Police station.
Fidelity Services Group has listed a few useful tips to keep you safe:
Keep expensive watches covered and avoid wearing flashy jewellery when out and about
Always be aware and vigilant of your surroundings
When leaving a restaurant or shopping centre be on the lookout for anyone that could possibly be following you
If you believe you are being followed drive to the closest police station or security provider guard house if there is any doubt.
Try to keep as calm as possible and stay focused on getting to a safe place
Do not try and communicate with that vehicle in any way
Slow down – it is harder to follow somebody that is driving slowly but just keep moving
Turn your radio down so you are fully aware of your surroundings.
Put your headlights on bright and put your hazards on, day or night as you want to attract as much attention as possible and scare away the would be hijackers.
Do not go home – don’t show them where you live
Head for a busy place if possible like 24-hour garages, hospital, police station etc where it is more difficult to follow you in and where there may be surveillance cameras.
At the end of the day staying alert is probably the most important tip. Too often we are distracted which makes us vulnerable to criminal activity.
If you find yourself in a hijacking situation, do not resist and don’t attempt to fight back. Your life is worth more than any car!
New Powerful Diesel Defender in SA
A new diesel Defender D350 has arrived in South Africa. Take a look at what’s on offer!
The familiar Defender D300 has been replaced with a new, more powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged, 6-cylinder diesel engine that produces 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque and is designated as the Defender D350.
The new diesel Defender D350 offers increases of 36 kW and 50 Nm over the outgoing engine and is said to feature lightweight construction, better fuel economy and improved performance.
The new engine is offered alongside the existing diesel D250 with 183 kW and 570 Nm while the powerful petrol-powered Defender P400 offers 294 kW and 550 Nm of torque.
Nonetheless, the most powerful Defender yet, the Defender Octa, will be launching in South Africa in January 2025 and it will be powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged mild-hybrid V8 petrol engine that produces a whopping 467 kW and 750 Nm!
Local buyers have the choice of 3 body styles including the compact Defender 90, the larger Defender 110 and the longer Defender 130.
Pricing for the new diesel Defender D350 is as follows:
The facelifted Toyota Corolla Cross has launched in South Africa. Here’s a look at pricing for the updated locally built crossover, which gains fresh exterior styling and more kit…
Almost a year ago, the facelifted Toyota Corolla Cross was revealed in Thailand. Now this updated locally built crossover has finally enjoyed its official market launch in South Africa. Here’s a look at the range and pricing.
The revised front end of the Corolla Cross, featuring a distinctive grille.
The facelifted portfolio again comprises 7 derivatives, including 4 grades – Xi, XS, XR and GR Sport (or GR-S, for short). As before, the line-up kicks off with the Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi, with this entry-level derivative now priced at R414 800 (up R6 400 compared with the pre-facelift version). The naturally aspirated 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine remains, sending an unchanged 103 kW and 172 Nm to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Next comes the Corolla Cross 1.8 XS at R452 200, followed by the Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XS at R494 400 (both increases of R8 300). The latter variant’s powertrain likewise carries over unchanged, with this hybrid set-up offering a combined system output of 90 kW (plus 142 Nm from the petrol motor).
Interestingly, GR-Sport derivatives are cosmetically unchanged.
The Corolla Cross 1.8 XR now comes in at R501 500, while the Corolla Cross 1.8 GR Sport is pegged at R518 200, the Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XR at R545 200 and the flagship Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid GR Sport at R561 700. Interestingly, these 4 derivatives are each up a more significant R18 000 compared with the pre-facelift versions.
So, what’s new with the facelift? Well, though the exterior styling of the GR-Sport is unchanged, the other variants all score a revised front end, led by a redesigned grille with a body-coloured finish and honeycomb pattern. There are also new LED headlamps (with sequential indicators for XR and GR-S variants) and fresh paint colours, including the striking Desert Gold hue pictured here (plus Oxide Bronze).
All derivatives now feature an electric handbrake.
Further updates include an electric tailgate (complete with a below-bumper kick sensor for handsfree operation), a new 12.3-inch digital multi-information display and a panoramic-view monitor for XR and GR-S derivatives, along with the adoption of an electric handbrake across the range (as well as a reclining function for the rear seats). While the Xi uses an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the other variants boast a 10.1-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay.
The Xi derivative now features rear parking sensors, with the mid-spec XS trim upgrading to front sensors in addition to its existing rear items. Both XS and XR variants come with leather upholstery available in either a Terra Rosa or Black colour scheme.
What does the facelifted Toyota Corolla Cross cost in SA?
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi – R414 800
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XS – R452 200
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XS – R494 400
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR – R501 500
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR Sport – R518 200
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XR – R545 200
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid GR Sport – R561 700
The prices above include Toyota’s 3-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty and a 6-service/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).
Chinese giants in SA: 1 grew and the other shrunk in 2024
Chery and GWM (including Haval) were again the 2 dominant Chinese brands in South Africa in 2024, but 1 suffered its 2nd straight year of decline. Here are the figures…
Pop quiz: did the 2 dominant Chinese automotive brands in South Africa – Chery and GWM – both register year-on-year sales growth in 2024? Well, while we certainly wouldn’t blame you for responding in the affirmative (China’s sustained rise is a prevailing industry theme, after all), the answer is actually “no”.
Fascinatingly, as we recently discovered when collating 2024’s local sales figures to identify the best-selling automotive companies of the year, 1 of these Chinese giants recorded strong year-on-year gains while the other actually shrunk compared to 2023 – its 2nd straight year of decline, in fact.
Yes, Chery broke into Mzansi’s top 10 for the very first time (over a calendar year) thanks to a 22.4% year-on-year increase in sales – representing the strongest instance of growth inside 2024’s top 10 – climbing 3 places to seize 8th with a total of 19 971 units.
It’s worth keeping in mind this figure excludes sales from Chery Group subsidiaries such as Omoda, Jaecoo and Jetour. Were Chery to have added sales from these sub-brands to its total, it would likely have risen a further 2 rankings to 6th, above both Isuzu and Nissan (brands with a local manufacturing footprint).
Nevertheless, the Chery brand’s performance alone saw it grab a 3.9% share of the total market and – rather significantly – overtake chief rival GWM, which held onto 9th place (with its market share idling at 3.7%). Remember, the GWM stable includes sales from the Haval, P-Series, Tank and Ora sub-brands.
In the end, GWM – which has admittedly been in the country for far longer than Chery (the latter returned to SA only in 2021), so perhaps a sales plateau of sorts was to be expected – suffered its 2nd straight year of sales decline, with local registrations slipping 4.9% year on year to 18 927 units. That’s a slightly steeper drop than the overall market’s 3.0% year-on-year fall as well as down from 2023’s tally of 19 904 units, which itself was a considerable 12.1% lower than 2022’s effort.
So, which segments contributed to this fall? Well, over 90% of the automaker’s volume in 2024 was shared between its core 3 models: the Haval Jolion, Haval H6 and GWM P-Series (with the Tank, Steed and Ora nameplates making up the balance). The Jolion again led the charge, with sales of the brand’s most affordable crossover increasing 7.1% year on year to 9 213 units – almost half of GWM’s total.
Meanwhile, the H6 registered a pronounced 25.7% year-on-year decline to end 2024 on 4 218 units. Similarly, sales of the P-Series bakkie – including the super-sized P500 derivatives that launched locally in the 3rd quarter of the year – fell 18.0% year on year to 3 659 units.
With facelifted versions of both the H6 and P-Series imminent, GWM South Africa will be hoping these core nameplates will make up some lost ground in 2025. The Chinese firm’s local division will likely also look to both new and returning badges – such as the H7 and H9, respectively – as well as fresh derivatives in existing ranges (like the upcoming 2.4-litre turbodiesel version of the Tank 300) to put it firmly back on the path to growth…
#CarsAwards: Kia Seltos vs VW T-Cross vs Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Compact Family category is hotly contested in the 2025 #CarsAwards with the Kia Seltos, Volkswagen T-Cross and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid vying for the category win. In this video, judge Juliet McGuire drives all three finalists back-to-back to find out which car she thinks is a winner! 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.
In this video, legendary motoring journalist Juliet McGuire, one of our judges, takes on the Compact Family Category to decide her winner, ahead of the official announcement in February 2025.
Here we have three very popular crossovers, the Volkswagen T-Cross, the Kia Seltos and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Jules takes us on an in-depth tour of each car before deciding her winner.
Most Fuel Efficient Petrol Cars in South Africa (2025)
Fuel consumption is an important factor to consider when buying a new car and if you are looking for the most fuel efficient petrol cars currently on sale in South Africa, then this list is for you…
Are you wondering what the most fuel efficient petrol cars available in South Africa are in the current new car market?
If you consider that the price of petrol has increased by almost 25% in the last 5 years then it only makes sense that fuel efficiency should be an important aspect to consider when buying a car.
If you are in the market for a new car, you’d be wise to choose a car that will consume as little fuel as possible so that you can save money over time. This list highlights the most fuel-efficient petrol cars currently available in South Africa.
It’s worth remembering that the amount of fuel you save while driving will depend on a number of critical factors including your driving style, road conditions and mechanical condition of the car, to name a few.
Note that the list below is compiled based on manufacturer claimed fuel consumption figures and figures will vary in real-world driving scenarios. The claimed figures are all established using the exact same test, which levels the playing field for every car tested. Note that hybrids have not been included in this list.
Prices are accurate as of January 2025.
Most Fuel Efficient Petrol Cars in South Africa (2025)
Suzuki Celerio and Toyota Vitz automatic – 4.2 L/100km
The automatic versions of the Suzuki Celerio and Toyota Vitz are the most fuel efficient petrol cars in South Africa, both claiming an excellent 4.2L/100km. Suzuki products are well known for returning impressive real-world fuel economy and as a result of the Suzuki-Toyota product share agreement, the Toyota-badged Vitz benefits from the same frugal engine.
The engine under the bonnet is a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre petrol engine with 49 kW and 89 Nm on offer and mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Note that the manual derivatives of the Celerio and Vitz claim a fuel efficiency figure of 4.4 L/100km which is also well worth considering if you prefer to drive a manual car.
In addition to the aforementioned Celerio and Vitz, the Suzuki S-Presso is also recognised as one of the most fuel efficient petrol cars available with the S-Presso automatic derivative claiming 4.4 L/100km while the manual derivatives claim 4.6 L/100km.
The S-Presso is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 49 kW and 89 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) or a 5-speed manual transmission.
Pricing for the Suzuki S-Presso starts from R178 900 and goes up to R219 900. The S-Presso 1.0 GL automatic is priced at R192 900 while the GL+ automatic is priced from R203 900.
The Audi A1 Sportback 30TFSI claims the third spot on this list with the German firm claiming 4.8 L/100km.
The Audi A1 is powered by a peppy turbocharged, 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine with 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The A1 Sportback 30TFSI Advanced is priced from R523 200 while the A1 Sportback 30TFSI Black Edition is priced from R585 590.
The charming Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that offers 51 kW and 102 Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed automated manual transmission.
The VW Polo Vivo received an update in 2024 and the range-topping Polo Vivo GT is the most fuel-efficient derivative in the lineup with Volkswagen claiming an impressive 4.8 L/100km!
Under the bonnet is a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that offers 81 kW and 200Nm and is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Renault Kwid, which was updated earlier in 2020 with ABS, is a popular choice in the budget car segment and the French hatchback claims a fuel efficiency figure of 4.9 L/100km.
The Kwid’s 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine offers outputs of 50 kW and 91 Nm and can be had with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automated manual transmission.
Suzuki’s Dzire sedan is the most fuel efficient budget sedan in South Africa with the Japanese carmaker claiming 4.9 L/100km.
The Dzire is powered by Suzuki’s familiar 1.2-litre petrol engine that offers 61 kW and 113 Nm of torque and comes paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automated manual transmission.
The facelifted Kia Picanto arrived in South Africa in 2024 and the Picanto 1.2 EX+ manual is the most fuel efficient derivative in the range with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.0 L/100km.
Under the bonnet is Kia’s 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that offers 62 kW and 122 Nm and paired with a 5 speed manual transmission.
Renault Triber 1.0 Turbo Zen / Intens/ Express Panel Van – 5.0 L/100km
The Renault Triber rounds out this list with themanual Triber 1.0 Turbo Zen, Intens and Express Panel Van offering a claimed fuel consumption of 5.0 L/100km.
A 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine powers the Triber with 74 kW and 160 Nm of torque available in conjunction with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Pricing for the Renault Triber starts from R249 999.
The BAIC B30 SUV will be touching down in SA this year and here are some early details about this offroader.
The BAIC B30 is a compact SUV and will be offered in both petrol and hybrid derivatives. In China the vehicle is tagged as the BJ30, but some info released by the local arm confirmed a name change as well as the hybrid B30e.
At just over 4 700 mm long and a wheelbase of 2 820 mm, the BAIC B30 is fractionally bigger than the Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4 class of car. Given its design, its being marketed as an SUV for adventurers and is available in its domestic market in both front-wheel- and all-wheel drive configurations.
Interestingly, its a monocoque setup, as opposed to the more offroad-biased ladder-frame chassis like the Tank 300, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest and so on. There’s a commendable ground clearance claim too at 215 mm.
In terms of engine and transmission, a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol is offered and that makes 138 kW and 305 Nm, paired to a 7-speed automatic ‘box. The hybrid is a fascinating proposition with the 1.5-litre turbo engine paired to an electric motor, and combined they make 301 kW and 685 Nm.
Inside, the cabin looks high-tech, with a dominating 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and centrally-located 14.6-inch infotainment screen. BAIC says the car features a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip powering the systems. In terms of practicality, BAIC is claiming 1 496 litres of space with the seats folded. These fold flat, by the way, and the marketing material highlighted this by turning the cabin into beds.
Pricing Prediction
Pricing will be announced when the vehicle launches in South Africa, but if we were to hazard a guess the BAIC B30 range will start from R600k with the hybrid commanding a premium.
We’ll update this article when the vehicle touches down.
