Toyota halts Hilux, Land Cruiser shipments over engine ‘irregularities’
Toyota has suspended shipments of popular models such as the Hilux, Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 300 over “potential irregularities” related to their turbodiesel engines…
UPDATE: Toyota South Africa Motors has issued Cars.co.za with the following statement:
“With the current information at hand, Toyota South Africa (TSAM) can confirm that this issue does not affect any models sold in South Africa. Should this change, we will notify our customers.
“As reference, this matter relates to irregularities in the certification process based on national requirements in certain countries but does not have any impact on horsepower, torque or other powertrain-related values. Additionally, these irregularities do not compromise the emissions or safety of the vehicles involved,” TSAM told us. The original story continues below.
The 2.8-litre GD engine is involved in the shipment suspension.
Toyota’s global division has announced a temporary suspension of shipments of popular diesel-powered models – such as the Hilux, Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 300 – over “potential irregularities” related to their turbodiesel engines.
The Japanese giant released a statement confirming that a special investigation committee had found that “irregularities occurred during the horsepower output testing for the certification of three diesel engine models for automobiles that Toyota had commissioned to TICO [Toyota Industries Corporation]”.
“During certification testing, the horsepower output performance of engines was measured using ECUs [engine control units] with software that differed from that used for mass production so that results could measure to make values appear smoother with less variation. Ten vehicle models are using the affected engines globally, including six in Japan,” the statement from Toyota Motor Corporation said.
Land Cruiser 300 derivatives using the 3.3D engine are also affected.
“We have re-verified the mass-produced products manufactured at the plant and confirmed that the affected engines and vehicles meet engine performance output standards. Therefore, there is no need to stop using the affected engines or vehicles. However, we deeply apologise to our customers who have been supporting affected vehicles and waiting for a long time, and also to all other stakeholders for the significant inconvenience and concern that this has caused.”
Based on the results of this investigation, TICO has decided to “temporarily suspend shipments of the affected engines”, with Toyota Motor Corporation following suit. The Japanese brand says it “will provide detailed explanations to the authorities and promptly proceed with appropriate measures, including conducting testing in the presence of witnesses if appropriate”.
The 2.4 GD motor is likewise involved in the certification investigation.
The 3 oil-burning engines involved in the shipment suspension are the 2.4-litre (2GD-FTV) and 2.8-litre (1GD-FTV) – as employed by the Hilux and Fortuner, with the larger-capacity unit also used by the Land Cruiser Prado, not to mention the Quantum (and the upcoming 4-cylinder version of the Land Cruiser 70 Series) – and 3.3-litre (F33A-FTV) motors. Meanwhile, diesel versions of the Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX (specifically the LX500d) are fitted with the latter F33A powerplant.
What does this mean for South Africa? Well, that’s not yet clear though it’s interesting to note that Toyota SA Motors’ Prospecton factory is mentioned – among numerous others around the world – in the global statement, specifically relating to the 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV engine in the Hilux. We asked Toyota SA Motors for local comment and updated this story with a local statement (see top of article)…
When Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa shelved the Figo, Fiesta, Kuga and EcoSport, we thought the Blue Oval’s passenger car ambitions were quashed in favour of the Ranger. The arrival of the Ford Puma suggests otherwise, but is it any good?
We like: Excellent on-road manners, punchy engine, smart load-bay configuration
We don’t like: Late arrival, imminent facelift, so-so build quality, optional extras.
It’s hard to believe only a handful of brands still offer B- and C-segment hatchbacks, let alone sedans. Rather than producing those models that were once the backbone of the new passenger car market, carmakers now churn out a plethora of higher-riding small crossovers (also called compact family cars).
These offerings are oh-so-fashionable and attractively priced. Developing all-new vehicles is costly, but for small crossovers, brands utilise existing platforms and common components to reduce production costs. And, seeing as the models are based on proven hatchbacks, they tend to be quite nice to drive.
Think of the Puma as “a taller Fiesta”, in the same way as a Renault Captur is a lifted Clio and a Volkswagen T-Roc is an elevated Golf. Interestingly, the Ford’s introduction to South Africa (at the end of 2023) happened almost 4 years after its global debut. Some regard the Puma as a replacement for the popular EcoSport (of which production ended), but we disagree – the “newcomer” is far more upmarket.
Ford offers the Puma in 2 flavours: Titanium and ST-Line Vignale; prices start at R570k (January 2024).
The Puma competes in a tightly contested segment. If you’re shopping in the “boutique” small crossover segment, you’re spoilt for choice. Ford will tell you the Puma is positioned against the Volkswagen T-Roc and Hyundai Kona, but we’d also include the Volkswagen Taigo for a like-for-like engine comparison.
If you’re partial to a European model, also consider the underrated Renault Captur and distinctive Opel Mokka. And, if you want to make a premium statement, the Audi Q2 may be well within your grasp too.
Another Korean brand that offers an alternative to the Puma at a similar price point is Kia – perhaps the Seltos might fulfil your needs. Finally, the Chinese brands continue to improve their offerings in leaps and bounds, so you would be unwise to ignore stylish offerings such as the Omoda C5 and Haval H6 GT.
How the Ford Puma fares in terms of…
Design and Packaging
Under the smart-looking body lies the tried-and-tested Fiesta platform
Design is subjective, but the majority of Cars.co.za testers liked the Puma’s looks. The daytime running lights and grille give the Ford a posh and fresh look; it garnered more than a few stares from onlookers.
To reiterate, the Puma is not a direct replacement for the EcoSport, but consumers will inevitably draw comparisons between the models. These images don’t convey the Puma’s size – while it appears to be a cute compact SUV, the newcomer is longer, wider and has a bigger load bay than the EcoSport. What’s more, the Puma boasts a smart 2-floor boot storage system, as well as something called the Megabox.
Given its crossover positioning, the Puma does offer a slightly raised ride height, but its limited ground clearance (164 mm) means it’s not suited to venturing further off-road than a well-graded dirt track.
The general build quality is good, but not perfect – the shut lines adjacent to the test unit’s driver’s door, for example, did not match those of the rest of the car (perhaps the door was slightly misaligned?)
The interior, in turn, looks modern, upmarket and reasonably well-finished. The high-perched driver’s seat offers great visibility out of the cabin and a generous range of adjustment. Plus, this flagship derivative includes a massage function for the front seats, which helps reduce fatigue on longer trips.
Unsurprisingly, the Puma’s rear occupant space is less than generous. Taller testers were able to pass the sit-behind-yourself test, but their knees brushed against the driver’s seat. And, as in most small crossovers, rear headroom is at a premium, with the rear bench best suited to seating youngsters.
The Ford Megabox makes a lot of sense for practicality
To its credit, the Puma fulfils its practical compact family car role well thanks to a well-thought-out luggage area. If you lift the load bay’s floor, there’s a second tier with additional storage space and, if you go past the spare wheel, there’s a large rubberised tub, named the Megabox, that can accommodate dirty wellies or a wetsuit.
There’s even a drain plug in the Megabox so that you can hose it out. Finally, a powered tailgate is provided; if your hands are full, the hatch door can be activated by wiggling your foot under the bumper.
Performance and Efficiency
All Puma derivatives utilise the proven 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol EcoBoost engine. In this model, it produces 92 kW/170 Nm and works in conjunction with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Three-cylinder engines typically have a thrummy, off-beat engine note, but Ford has done a good job of refining this motor to the point that it revs reasonably smoothly/refinedly. The Puma is capable of easily keeping pace with traffic and has enough oomph to execute open-road overtaking manoeuvres briskly.
The Puma has driving modes and advanced parking tech
Given the implied sportiness of the ST-Line designation, it is a letdown that the Puma’s transmission doesn’t offer the option of actuating manual up- and downshifts. Still, ‘shift paddles are only nice to have in this segment and the ‘box performs fine in daily driving conditions and during eager, spirited jaunts.
You can toggle between 5 drive modes (each of which has distinct throttle responses, gear shifts and steering feel, plus changes the digital instrument cluster’s colour scheme/theme accordingly). Sport makes the most of the Puma’s commendable handling ability (more about that later), while Slippery/Trail is optimised for low traction and off-tar scenarios. Still, it’s unlikely that many owners will drive their front-wheel-drive crossover (with just 164 mm of ground clearance) too far from the beaten track.
Interestingly, this engine has been known for commendable performance, but mediocre fuel economy… During previous reviews of Ford models powered by the 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine, we’ve encountered higher-than-expected fuel consumption, but we’re happy to report that this iteration of the 1.0-litre triple sipped fuel – as opposed to guzzling it. At the end of its tenure in our test fleet, the Ford’s trip computer indicated 7.1 L/100 km (which was not too far off the manufacturer’s claimed figure of 5.3 L/100 km).
Ride and Handling
The Puma is far nicer to pilot than it needs to be
Seeing as it rides on the Ford Fiesta’s B2E compact car platform, the Puma has excellent road manners. The ST-Line Vignale has a sportier suspension setup and larger (18-inch) alloy wheels than its entry-level Titanium sibling. As a result, it offers a more engaging driving experience, let alone greater kerb appeal.
Suffice it to say, the Puma is more pleasant to drive than most small crossovers or, to put it another way, it’s far nicer to pilot than it needs to be!
We would have liked some gearshift paddles on the steering wheel for additional engagement
Even in the default drive mode, the steering setup has enough directness and feedback to be classed as sporty. It’s little wonder there’s a performance-focused ST derivative in other markets; the underpinnings facilitate commendable surefootedness and body control.
The downside, however, is that the majority of crossover customers (compact family car buyers) aren’t looking for an entertaining driving experience. If ride comfort is your priority, the Puma 1.0T Titanium foregoes the sporty suspension setup and rides on smaller wheels wrapped in higher-profile tyres…
Comfort and Features
The Ford Puma ST-Line Vignale interior
Considering this Puma derivative’s list price is just over R610 000 (January 2024), prospective buyers will expect it to have an extensive standard features list and, to a degree, the 1.0 ST-Line Vignale ticks that box. In fact, even in the base Titanium-spec, the Puma comes reasonably well equipped.
We like this digital dashboard interface
If you do step up to the ST-Line Vignale, you’ll benefit from a terrific 10-speaker B&O audio system, digital instrument cluster, leather trim (with a massage function for the front seats), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a wireless charging pad, USB ports, as well as an assortment of safety technologies, such as hill-launch assist, lane-keeping aid, pre-collision assist and auto high-beam assist.
Massage functionality is a pleasant feature
However, the Puma’s SYNC3-based infotainment system is showing its age (perhaps we’ve been spoilt by the sensational and state-of-the-art SYNC4 system in the new Ranger and Everest). That being said, the system’s intuitive, still delivers a crisp-looking and responsive user experience and we rate its hands-free voice-control capability as one of the best in the business. Satellite navigation is included as well.
Our test unit was specified with the optional Driver Assistance Pack (R21 100), which adds blind-spot information system (BLIS), intelligent adaptive cruise control (with traffic jam assist), traffic-sign recognition, driver alertness monitor, front parking sensors and active park assist. The Styling Pack (R17 300) adds a black roof, a panoramic sunroof and 4-way passenger seat adjustment. There’s no standard colour either: each 1 of the 5 paint finishes available costs R1 050, according to FMCSA’s configurator.
This all adds up. Before you’ve even ponied up for the optional service/maintenance plan, the total price has ballooned to around R650k, which puts the Puma in the league of larger models, such as the H6 GT.
Ford Puma Price and After-Sales Support
The Puma is sold with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty. Service or maintenance plans up to 8 years or 135 000 km are sold separately.
Puma Titanium
R569 900
Puma ST-Line Vignale
R613 900
Verdict
Decent, but pricey
The Ford Puma is a welcome addition to South African showrooms; we enjoyed our time with the model, because it’s a well-resolved product that fills the gap left by the Fiesta compact hatchback and its bigger brother, the Focus. We’d say the Puma offers more driving enjoyment than most models in its segment!
But perhaps Ford’s boutique small crossover has arrived in our market too late to gain a meaningful foothold in this ever-expanding segment. Worse still, its price tag positions it north of its competitors. A Volkswagen T-Roc 1.4TSI 110kW Design with most options ticked (to bring it up to the Puma’s spec) would demand a similar premium, but offer more performance and space for your hard-earned cash. The German model would also include a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, which is optional on the Ford…
So, what if you’ve fallen head over heels for the (undeniably charming) Puma, just like the 93 customers who purchased one in December 2023? Should you buy one? Our advice is to wait a while, because we understand an updated version of the Puma is due to be released globally at some point in 2024.
Upgrades to the cabin are believed to be significant and an all-electric version is on the cards too, so it may well be worth waiting a few months to see if FMCSA confirms the facelifted Puma for our market.
The GWM Ora 03 is South Africa’s most affordable Electric Vehicle (EV), but it now faces fresh competition in the shape of the new Volvo EX30! Which one of these EV products represents a stronger buying proposition? Let’s take a closer look!
The Electric Vehicle (EV) market is steadily growing in South Africa – major brands, such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz have already launched a wide range of EVs in South Africa. Interestingly, of all the car manufacturers selling electric cars in South Africa, Volvo ended 2023 as Mzansi’s best-selling EV brand with more than 150 units of the XC40 registered throughout the year!
Granted, electric cars are anything but affordable in South Africa, yet brands such as GWM (and Volvo) are catering to buyers looking for more affordable EV solutions in the lower end of the market.
Enter the new GWM Ora 03! With pricing starting from R686 950 for the entry-level Ora 03 300 Super Luxury, this is the most affordable EV on sale in South Africa! Opt for the range-topping Ora 03 400 GT Ultra Luxury and pricing goes up to R835 950. The Ora 03 came to market in November 2023 and a total of 18 units were sold in 2023, which is a promising start for GWM’s first electric car on local soil.
However, the Ora 03 has staunch competition in the form of the new all-electric Volvo EX30 compact crossover which recently arrived in South Africa. The EX30 is smaller than the XC40 and its pricing structure is in the same realm as the Ora 03 with pricing starting from R775 900 and going up to R995 900.
This comparative article aims to help potential buyers make an informed buying decision. To do this, we will cover key aspects such as styling, performance, interior features, practicality and pricing and warranty details.
If, at the end of this article, you are still undecided as to what to buy, you are more than welcome to reach out to us for advice via X, Facebook or Instagram and our experienced test team will gladly assist you.
Note that we have yet to test the Volvo EX30 on local soil and we will therefore reserve judgment on its performance delivery and handling capability.
Exterior Styling
GWM Ora 03
The GWM Ora 03, also known as the Funky Cat in overseas markets, brings a fun(ky) design to a compact package. In pictures, the Ora 03 looks more like a hatchback than a crossover but it does have a fairly large footprint which makes it more comparable to a compact crossover (see practicality section below). In range-topping 400 GT guise, the Ora gains a GT body kit which includes a GT roof-mounted spoiler (with red GT lettering), 18-inch GT alloy wheels with red detailing and red brake calipers red detailing seen on the front and rear diffusers.
Volvo EX30
The soon-to-be-launched EX30 incorporates familiar svelte Swedish design cues from contemporary Volvo products, most notably the XC40 Recharge. While the EX30 adopts a boxy design typical for a vehicle in its class, the sloping roofline and contoured body panels give it a coupe-like appearance. The range-topping EX30 rides on 20-inch alloy wheels and while the EX30 isn’t purported to be sporty-looking, it rather adopts a refined styling approach that’s in line with Volvo’s current design language.
We think the Volvo has the Ora licked in the style stakes but you can be the judge and let us know which car you think looks better.
The GWM Ora 03 is offered with 2 battery options: a 48 kWh battery paired with a 105 kW/210 Nm front electric motor and a 63 kWh battery in combination with a more powerful 126 kW/250 Nm front electric motor. Depending on your battery choice, range varies from a claimed 300 km to 400 km respectively.
The base Ora 03 300 Super Luxury offers basic performance for city commuting and while its outputs are modest, the instantaneous torque delivery endows it with nippy acceleration from a standstill.
Opt for the Ora 400 GT and performance increases notably to deliver a fun driving experience. Ride quality errs on the firmer end of the spectrum, but not at the expense of overall comfort.
As with most EVs, the battery’s charge depletes much quicker at highway speeds, where there are fewer opportunities for regenerative braking, thereby increasing the need for recharging. Therefore, the Ora is most efficient in an urban setting, which offers regular opportunities to harvest energy through braking.
Volvo EX30
On paper, the Volvo EX30 offers significantly better performance potential than the Ora 03. Like the GWM, the Volvo is available with a choice of 2 batteries: 51 kWh and 69 kWh. Unlike the Ora 03, the EX30 makes use of either a rear-mounted single-electric motor with 200 kW and 343 Nm or a twin motor setup (front and rear) that delivers 315 kW and 543 Nm; the latter is technically all-wheel-driven.
Based on the Swedish marque’s claimed acceleration figures and power outputs, the EX30 is expected to deliver excellent performance in terms of acceleration and ride comfort and it should, at the very least, be on par with the XC40 Recharge in this regard. We will hopefully have the Volvo EX30 on test soon for a thorough evaluation and we’ll update this article accordingly thereafter.
Interior Execution and Features
For this comparison, we’ll compare the features found in the range-topping derivatives of each model.
7 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control with traction control, secondary collision mitigation, lane-change and -keeping assist, lane-departure warning, front and rear cross-traffic assist, front and rear collision warning, smart dodge system, traffic jam assist, parking assist, tyre pressure monitoring
7 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control with traction control, collision avoidance and mitigation, lane keeping aid, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, run-off road mitigation, front and rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning, post-impact braking, pedestrian/cyclist detection, park pilot assist, tyre pressure monitoring
GWM Ora 03
The Ora 03 is equipped with a modern and stylish cabin that exhibits an upmarket look and feel with a combination of soft-touch and hard material finishes. Its modern cabin architecture is pleasing to the eye and the semi-minimalist design approach should find favour with local buyers. The Ora 03 features a wide, dual-screen setup that houses both the infotainment system and the instrument cluster in a single panel, much like we’re familiar with in the latest cars from Mercedes-Benz.
In line with GWM’s product strategy, the specification list of the Ora 03 is mightily impressive (even in base form) – prospective buyers are offered most of the bells and whistles they may want/need, as well as a comprehensive list of safety and driver-assistance features. Interior fit-and-finish is, well, excellent.
Volvo EX30
Inside the EX30, Volvo has taken its modern and minimalist approach to the next level! For starters, you’ll notice that there are virtually no buttons in the EX30. Moreover, there’s no instrument cluster either and all functionality is housed in the large portrait-style infotainment system, which will require familiarisation! However, buyers will appreciate the familiar (and expected) high levels of build quality and ergonomically designed seats. The EX30’s cabin is trimmed with a wide variety of renewable and recycled materials.
Volvo has long claimed to be the safest car brand on the planet and the long list of safety- and driver-assistance features on offer is a testament to that claim.
Dimensions and Practicality
Ora 03
Volvo EX30
Length
4 235mm
4 233 mm
Width
1 825 mm
1 837 mm
Height
1 603 mm
1 549 mm
Wheelbase
2 650 mm
2 650 mm
Kerb Weight
1 580 kg
1 833 kg
Ground Clearance
120 mm
177 mm
Load Bay Capacity
228 to 858 litres (no frunk)
318 to 904 litres (7L frunk)
Seat Configuration
60:40 split
60:40 split
Turning Circle
11.2 m
10.6 m
Practicality Summary
Interestingly, the GWM Ora 03 is similarly sized to the Volvo EX30; their wheelbases are of equal length.
The EX30, however, boasts a more forgiving ground clearance of 177 mm and offers more space for people and luggage thanks to its boxier, crossover/SUV shape. An additional 7 litres of space is offered in the Volvo’s frunk, whereas the Ora 03 doesn’t have one. Also, the Volvo has a tighter turning circle than its Chinese rival, which means it will be slightly easier to manoeuvre in close-quarter driving situations.
As far as practicality is concerned, we think the Volvo EX30 trumps the Ora 03.
Pricing and Warranty
GWM Ora 03
Price
Volvo EX30
Price
Entry
Ora 03 300 Super Luxury
R686 950
EX30 Core Single Motor
R775 900
Ora 03 400 Super Luxury
R775 950
EX30 Plus Single Motor Extended Range
R865 900
Mid
Ora 03 400 Ultra Luxury
R805 950
EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance
R935 900
EX30 Ultra Single Motor Extended Range
R965 900
Top
Ora 03 400 GT Ultra Luxury
R835 950
EX30 Ultra Twin Motor Performance
R995 900
Vehicle Warranty
7-year / 200 000 km
5-year / 100 000 km warranty
Battery Warranty
8-year / 150 000 km
8-year / 160 000 km
Service Plan
7-year / 105 000 km
None
GWM Ora vs Volvo EX30: What to buy?
If you’re shopping for a brand new battery-electric vehicle (EV) with a budget of under R1 million, your options are limited to the Ora 03, outgoing Mini SE, BYD Atto 3 and the new Volvo EX30.
The Ora 03 makes a strong buying proposition for buyers who are looking for an urban EV that offers basic performance and practicality. Its strong standard feature set further adds to its value appeal. With (relatively) keen pricing of below R700k, the Ora 03 300 Super Luxury is a fantastic entry point for first-time EV buyers who don’t want to break the bank AND it’s worth mentioning that this derivative is a finalist in the Electric Vehicle category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards with the winners to be announced at the end of February 2024! Watch this space! It’s also worth noting that the Ora 03 does offer a longer vehicle warranty and service plan, which should give buyers some added peace of mind.
The Ora 03 is surprisingly spacious, but it may not suit buyers who want a more conventional (albeit all-electric) small crossover ownership experience. Yes, the Volvo is pricier than the (undeniably stylish) GWM, but it’s also significantly more powerful by comparison and offers a modicum more practicality! While the Twin Motor EX30 is certainly nice to have (provided your budget can stretch to just under R1 million), we think the 200-kW EX30 Plus Single Motor Extended Range is the sweet spot in the range.
While the Ora 03 might make more sense at the lower end of the price spectrum, its performance value tapers off higher up the model range. You don’t want to be paying more for less, do you? Note that the price gap between the entry-level Ora 03 300 Super Luxury and the range-topping Ora 03 400 GT Ultra Luxury is R149 000. You’ll have to decide for yourself if the additional 100km range, extra 21 kW and 40 Nm and a few additional features are worth the extra outlay. We think not… For roughly the same money, the Volvo EX30 Plus Single Motor Extended Range makes a stronger case for itself.
With that said, we think the EX30, on paper at least, represents a better overall value proposition – well, if you can afford it…
The Volkswagen Golf R facelift has been previewed at the annual Ice Race in Austria. Here are the early details of what’s to come.
The facelifted Golf 8.5 and 8.5 GTI was revealed towards the end of January 2024, but now attention has turned to the flagship performance Volkswagen Golf R facelift, which will be formally unveiled in the middle of 2024.
As a reminder, this year marks the 50th birthday of the Volkswagen Golf and forming part of the celebrations was the appearance of a semi-camouflaged prototype at the Ice Race in Austria. This event, which has been held since 1937 at its current location, is a fun motorsport competition that showcases high performance and car control in freezing conditions.
The Volkswagen Golf R facelift was joined by racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck and six-time World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson, who did demonstration runs in the new car. While the vehicle was disguised, you can spot the high-performance brakes, gaping intake and bumper as well as unique IQ LED headlights.
The key changes will be in the cabin and under the skin, with revisions to the infotainment system and car’s computing systems, both of which struggled with bugs and glitches. There will be a repositioning of the infotainment screen which will also grow in size, much like the standard Golf GTI’s.
We’re not expecting big changes to the turbocharged 2.0-litre EA 888 petrol engine. In its current state of tune, there’s 235 kW and 400 Nm of torque, and the vehicle features a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. However, the 8.5 GTI received a power increase, so we can’t rule outputs of around 250 kW.
A fresh report suggests that Toyota Century will be come a stand-alone luxury brand which targets high net worth individuals.
The Toyota Century is a product that is not well known outside of its home market of Japan. It offers a premium and luxurious experience and is positioned as transport for the elite. Previously, there have been sedans and even a special convertible, but right now there’s just the single SUV in the range.
According to an article by Forbes, Toyota is reportedly in the process of repositioning its Century as a stand-alone luxury brand that will go up against Bentley and Maybach-Mercedes. You may wonder why Lexus isn’t being upgraded to this top tier, but we understand that Century will be positioned as Toyota’s Rolls-Royce.
The source in the Forbes report quotes an unnamed Toyota exec who said “The Century will actually be positioned above the Lexus brand as an extra luxurious brand.” Right now, Toyota is still marketing the vehicle you see here as the “Toyota Century” but we reckon there will be other vehicles bearing the Century name which will be revealed in the next few years. Once there’s a diverse lineup, Toyota will likely ditch the prefix and formally announce the Century brand.
The Century SUV and sedan are powered by a petrol plug-in hybrid 3.5-litre V6 with 303 kW and it has a pure-electric range of 69 km. It’s sold exclusively in Japan and China.
Will the luxury Century come to South Africa?
As we head into February 2024, details on the ultra-luxurious Toyota are scarce. Given the global market’s appetite for flagship luxury SUVs and the associated profit margins, we expect the Japanese carmaker to maximise its offering around the world. There’s a thirst in the Asian, Middle East and US market for large ultra-luxurious SUVs and we think we’ll see the Century locally sooner rather than later.
The new Honda Elevate – a crossover based on the Ballade platform and built in India – has finally been confirmed for South Africa. Here’s what you can expect…
It was only a matter of time, wasn’t it? Yes, the new Honda Elevate has finally been confirmed for South Africa, with its local launch date set for the 2nd half of February 2024.
Revealed back in June 2023, this new crossover is based on the Ballade platform and built alongside that sedan (which is also known as the City) in India. Interestingly, it’s the first Indian-built Honda product to be exported to Japan, where it – rather confusingly, we might add – wears the WR-V badge.
Here in South Africa, the Elevate is poised to compete against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Suzuki Grand Vitara, though it’s not yet clear exactly where Honda Southern Africa will position the newcomer in terms of pricing.
So, in broader terms, where will it slot in within Honda’s crossover line-up? Well, the new Elevate measures 4 312 mm from snout to rump and has a wheelbase of 2 650 mm. That makes it 313 mm longer than the WR-V but 178 mm shorter than the BR-V. It’s also worth noting the Elevate is quite similar in size to the HR-V, which measures a mere 33 mm longer.
The Elevate’s luggage compartment can swallow a claimed 458 litres, while ground clearance comes in at a fairly handy 220 mm. As you might have guessed, the Elevate employs the same DOHC i-VTEC engine as the Ballade on which it’s based.
That means power comes from the Japanese firm’s familiar naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor, which delivers 89 kW and 145 Nm to the front axle via a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). SA-spec figures are, of course, yet to be confirmed.
In India, the Elevate ships with items such as a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a centrally sited 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) and a rear parking camera. A sunroof is furthermore available in that market. We’d speculate the SA-spec version will ditch the brown trim seen in the images for black instead.
There’s also a raft of driver-assistance features, like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam assist on offer in India. Other standard safety features on the Indian-spec model include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD (and brake assist), vehicle stability assist and hill-start assist.
The Elevate will be a welcome addition to Honda Southern Africa’s passenger-vehicle stable considering the brand’s top seller locally in 2023 was the Amaze, which managed just 1 034 units (or only 87 units a month). The BR-V was next on 687 units, followed by the WR-V (675 units), Fit (434 units), HR-V (183 units), CR-V (161 units), Ballade (120 units) and Civic (90 units).
Everyone loves the Suzuki Jimny, but is a bigger version, with 2 extra doors, better in every possible way? Ciro De Siena presents a video review of the 5-door and Lance Branquinho put the new variant to the test during the recent end-of-year break.
During the Festive Season of 2021, I spent a few weeks with one of South Africa’s most cherished cars, the Suzuki Jimny.
At the end of that extended test period, my conclusions were clear: the Jimny was a parking hero, adored by all, and overengineered beyond any vehicle of comparable size. But, it was also agonisingly slow on the highway and a touch unstable when cruising at the national speed limit, especially in crosswinds.
Two years later, it was time for another Festive Season Suzuki experience in the latest, larger, version of the Jimny. Also, if you haven’t watched it already, check out our video review of the 5-door derivative.
Coastal vacation. Surfboards must happen. You can’t do this with the 3-door.
Do you feel the Jimny 5-door’s longer wheelbase?
One of the issues I’ve always had with Suzuki’s Jimny – and I’ve driven many of them since 2008 – is its “nervousness” at cruising speeds.
The combination of a short wheelbase, proportionally high centre of gravity and separate chassis design means you must be ahead of the road texture, wind conditions – and the traffic – when driving a Jimny at higher speeds. Sudden corrections can easily become overcorrections due to the 3-door’s extremely short wheelbase, plus the on-road “unease” is exacerbated by the vehicle’s tall body and narrow tyres.
How much difference does the Jimny 5-door’s 340 mm of extra wheelbase make? You get an idea when you view the newcomer side-on – look at how offset its rear axle position is. That’s right, Suzuki literally just extended the wheelbase instead of reengineering a new body proportion for the Jimny 5-door, which is why it looks a touch odd, with its proportionally huge wheelbase and very compact rear overhang.
Sidewall matters more than tread width on corrugated roads.
From the first sequence of bumps you encounter on a deteriorating B-road, to the worst dirt road corrugations, it’s immediately apparent how much more stable the 5-door is than its 3-door sibling.
At highway speeds and rounding medium-radius corners, the 3-door requires constant steering trim, while the 5-door has more inherent tracking stability due to its longer wheelbase. It’s a much less nervous car at cruising speeds on poorly surfaced roads, but the increase in body size does make it notably more sensitive to crosswinds.
The significant increase in wheelbase reduces the 5-door derivative’s straddle angle, but is that a major issue? Straddle angles only become important in very challenging off-road conditions and, to my mind, the Jimny is more of an all-terrain adventure touring vehicle than a grade-5 rock crawler.
Most owners would happily trade superior cruising stability for a slight reduction in straddle angle, let alone greater rocker-panel vulnerability.
Notice how far back that rear axle is? It’s made the turning circle much larger.
Less of a parking hero
With its cartoonishly compact dimensions, the Jimny 3-door is terrifically capable at low speeds, especially when hunting for parking. And during the Festive Season, no matter where you are, from the smallest Eastern Cape coastal town to the Camps Bay promenade, parking confidence is a must-have… Face it, nobody wants to embarrass themselves when that ideal parking bay presents an opportunity.
Much as the Jimny 5-door’s cruising stability is a win when journeying between cities or navigating your way down to the coast, it does influence parking agility.
The newcomer is easy to park, but it cannot match the 3-door’s manoeuvrability. And, when you evaluate the wheelbase numbers, the reason becomes clear. The difference between a Jimny 3-door’s wheelbase and South Africa’s most popular medium SUV – the Toyota RAV4 – is 440 mm. That’s nearly half a meter, and you can imagine how meaningful that is when you start turning on the steering lock, at low speeds.
The Jimny 5-door’s wheelbase is only 100 mm shorter than that of a RAV4; to put it another way, it’s 340 mm longer than the 3-door’s. And for a supermini-sized vehicle, those numbers are very significant.
This is the only way to store your Smartphone. Not ideal. Charger cable wear – guaranteed.
The Jimny 5-door could be better inside
The Jimny 5-door is a small, affordable car that triggers big reactions – you have to be mindful of that. It attracts the kind of attention/positive curiosity that is usually reserved for R1 million-plus vehicles.
And, when you spend a lot of time inside a Jimny, you realise that the model’s engineering and product budget went into optimising chassis strength and durability instead of ergonomics and trim.
Issues from my Festive Season 2021 time with Suzuki’s Jimny 3-door are still present with the 5-door. Tiny door pockets and a lack of utility storage mean you are always wondering where to put your keys, snacks or smartphone.
Retro instrumentation fonts are great. The steering wheel rim that blocks the view, less so.
Plus there’s the seat bolster and padding issue. Like the furniture in a home, quality car seats aren’t easy to do on the cheap. And for South African drivers, who tend to be larger than consumers in many other markets and committed to driving for long distances in a day, the Jimny’s seats are, well, underpadded.
At 1.8 metres and 78 kg, I’m hardly a big driver, but after a few hours in the Jimny’s driver’s seat, I found the primary padding had sagged, requiring me to reposition my posterior for better support and comfort.
Passes the mountain bike test with much better credibility than the 3-door version.
I don’t have an issue with the Jimny 5-door’s rear seats not folding flat… The fold-down angle of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class’ rear seats is even worse, but I have a problem with the lack of a parcel shelf.
Security is a real concern for any South African car owner and a parcel shelf is standard on Suzuki’s most affordable cars, so why isn’t it a feature on the brand’s hero car?
I imagine that shaping a compact, square parcel shelf for the Jimny’s unique rear load area is a challenge, because it’s unlike any other ultra-compact 5-door vehicle, but surely it can’t be an unsolvable problem?
Renault’s Duster has better performance, comfort, safety and space. But Jimny will outlast anything.
Jimny 5-door is expensive – but its value is forever
For a vehicle so unapologetically engineered for purpose, the Suzuki Jimny performs incredibly well as a public style statement – it does not need to pose whatsoever.
Few cars priced under R1 million (from new) can match its cachet, and the ownership benefits transcend the Jimny’s purchase price of R457 900. When you think of it based on Rands-per-kilowatts, a Jimny is outrageously priced. The 5-door is even slower than a 3-door and, for R457 900, you can buy a small crossover like a Renault Duster, which offers a lot more performance and a much better cabin.
But in a world where value has become vague, the Jimny 5-door embarrasses many of its rivals. Its separate-chassis construction, simple switchgear and durable mechanical bits will outlast those of most crossovers and unibody SUVs, especially if you regularly travel on dirt roads or deteriorating B-routes.
An often disastrous encounter in any compact crossover, but Jimny rolls through huge potholes with confidence.
A reasonably low-resistance tread reduces acoustic resonance, but the Jimny’s tyres have lots of sidewall and volume, making them excellently suited to South Africa’s challenging road conditions.
A tyre failure could leave you stranded next to an unfamiliar road at night – immobile and vulnerable – and, alarmingly, punctures are becoming more frequent as lower-profile tyre specifications meet the reality of local road conditions. But when the Jimny rolls through that godawful pothole on an unfamiliar route after dark, its off-road grade suspension and ladder frame platform absorb it without drama.
In a small (or even medium) crossover you’d start praying; hoping that the thud you heard isn’t a ruined tyre or damaged rim, but in a Jimny, there’s no such concern. What price do you put on peace of mind?
How many iconic cars retain their image value over time and support the ownership prospect of being a forever vehicle? Land Cruisers? Probably. G-Classes? Possibly, but the layers of electronics that underpin contemporary G-wagon models make them intimidatingly expensive to own for decades instead of years.
Small car. Big adventures. Jimny ownership can be as limitless in experience as you want it to be.
Jimny 5-door? What’s going to go wrong? Nothing. Will it ever go out of style? No, because it has unique proportions and absolutely no post-functional design elements with fake air inlets or silly LED strip lights.
Should you get the 3- or 5-door?
With prices starting at R429 000, the Jimny 5-door is expensive, but great value. Confused? Don’t be. Paying R457 900 (which is the list price of the test unit – a 1.5 GLX AllGrip 5-door manual) for a car with such limited cruising and overtaking performance isn’t something that even the most ardent Jimny supporters can defend. But it’s everything else you get for your R457 900 that really matters.
Like what? Well, robust residual values (the kind that German luxury brands can only dream about) are a true reflection of the Jimny’s market demand and perceived quality. Some luxury car brands spend wildly to build the calibre of brand loyalty and public acceptance that the Jimny has – but without success.
Not fast, not luxurious, not technically advanced. But fit for purpose – and universally respected.
The greetings/headlight flashing on the part of other drivers (from behind the ‘wheels of their Jimnys) isn’t Suzuki’s doing; it’s a true community dynamic. Brands spend millions without creating even 1% of Jimny’s authentic sense of ownership community. How? Because it never tries to be something it’s not.
No matter if you drive slowly, nobody rages against the Jimny. It’s cuteness factor and honesty are disarming. How do you price acceptance and tolerance in a driving market like South Africa, where so many drivers that frequent our national highways are openly hostile? Because a Jimny is a road-rage vaccine vehicle. With this little 5-door adventure wagon, nobody rages against your chosen pace.
It is accepted and understood that you won’t be driving quickly. Nobody tailgates you. Nobody flashes their headlamps at you. There’s just so much tolerance for the fact that in your little Kei-sized exploration wagon, you are on a journey of some destiny at an acceptably slower pace, even if it’s just to the shops.
It’s a great addition to the Jimny genre, but please twice before ordering it with a black exterior finish…
Summary
Final thoughts? A black Jimny is awful. Don’t listen to Henry Ford’s “any colour as long as it is black” wisdom and get any colour but black. The Jimny 5-door is a more stable, practical version of a popular, justifiably admired and loved vehicle. Now, if only Suzuki could give the Jimny a little more power, to make it a less anxious long-distance cruising vehicle, replete with better overtaking performance…
2023/24 CarsAwards Finalists: Best Premium Crossover in SA
Meet the 3 finalists in the Premium Crossover category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa. The winner of this #CarsAwards category will be announced on 29 February 2024.
The 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa is the 7th iteration of SA’s definitive consumer-driven automotive awards programme that aims to identify the best new vehicles on sale in Mzansi across 13 categories.
Judges first compiled a list of 65 semi-finalists – then trimmed it to 39 finalists. Following that, all #CarsAwards finalist vehicles were subjected to a rigorous 2-day test at Gerotek at the beginning of November 2023, after which they starred in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards Roadshow at the Mall of Africa where, for the first time, the public could experience the cars – and meet the judges – in the flesh.
These stylish vehicles offer a popular SUV look but in a smaller, more city-friendly package. They aim to attract attention with eye-catching looks, colours and capable powertrains. Individuality is the name of the game in this segment, where models’ interior and exterior looks can be tailored to buyers’ specific tastes, while still providing the most up-to-date in-car technologies.
This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R700 000 and R1 000 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023) to ensure exclusivity and status. To be eligible for this category, a model must be a crossover/small SUV in the mould of models such as the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 etc.
Pillars of success for this category include powertrain technology, driving dynamics, design and quality appeal, luxury and brand strength.
Premium Crossovers in SA: CarsAwards Finalists
Audi Q3 Sportback 40TFSI quattro S Line
The Q3 is Audi South Africa’s best-selling model and it’s easy to understand why. The Ingolstadt-based brand’s premium compact crossover offers modern and upmarket exterior styling, a punchy turbopetrol engine, an all-wheel drivetrain, as well as a refined platform. Although its smart cabin feels minimalist, the 40TFSI quattro S Line is sufficiently specced at this price point.
The new BMW X1 feels a lot more substantial than the 2nd-generation model. Even though it’s still a city car first and foremost, the roomier U11 model has shaken off its predecessor’s “bland crossover” image; it presents as a small SUV endowed with the latest BMW infotainment, engines and technology. Its on-road manners are exceptional and the diesel engine perfectly balances performance and fuel economy.
In years to come, Volvo’s XC range may be remembered as some of the Swedish brand’s finest products. In the XC40 – the smallest of the trio of models – customers are treated to a compact, yet well-thought-out premium crossover. It has a beautifully finished cabin equipped with an innovative Google-powered infotainment system. The B4 mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine delivers willing performance too.
The winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) will be named on 29 February 2024.
New widebody Toyota Hilux GR Sport confirmed for SA
The new widebody Toyota Hilux GR Sport model has finally been confirmed for South Africa. Here’s what you can expect from the updated off-roader…
Yes, it’s official: the new widebody Toyota Hilux GR Sport is scheduled to launch in South Africa in March 2024 (at around the same time the Hilux 48V mild-hybrid version is due to hit the market).
Toyota SA Motors made the announcement at its State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) 2024 event at Kyalami, billing the newcomer as the “ultimate off-roader”, while also promising it would deliver “polished on-road dynamics”.
The widebody Hilux GR Sport made its SA debut at SOMI 2024.
As a reminder, the Japanese firm’s local division told Cars.co.za in October 2023 that this new Hilux GR Sport III double cab was “under study” for a possible local introduction. A few months prior, Toyota SA Motors also hinted to us that a widebody version of the Hilux GR Sport (or “GR-S”, for short) could eventually be sold here. And now it’s finally official.
So, what sets the Hilux GR Sport III apart from the outgoing version? Well, though Toyota has yet to release detailed specifications for the local market, the major change is obviously the upgrade to a widebody configuration.
Expect a local launch in March 2024.
Indeed, the recently announced UK-spec version – which will likewise be sourced from Toyota SA Motors’ Prospecton factory in KwaZulu-Natal – gains a wider track, increased by 140 mm fore (to 1 675 mm) and 155 mm aft (to 1 705 mm) compared to the standard Hilux, increasing the double-cab bakkie’s overall width to 2 020 mm.
Toyota’s UK division bills the latest GR Sport as the “best-driving Hilux yet, on and off-road”, thanks to the wider track and “significant improvements” in handling characteristics, including a reduced roll angle and “more precise” steering response. There is also ostensibly less noise and vibration, while the suspension and brakes (larger front discs and new rear discs in place of the previous drums) have furthermore been revised.
Note the higher ride height.
In addition, the bakkie’s approach angle improves from 29 to 30 degrees, while ride height grows by 20 mm (boosting ground clearance to about 265 mm). New monotube dampers take the place of the previous twin-tube items, apparently providing “better performance and faster response in tough conditions”, while the lighter 17-inch wheels are again wrapped in all-terrain tyres.
Styling changes include red coil springs and coloured dampers (black at the front and red at the rear), plus chunky black overfenders and red brake callipers. There’s also a new black grille (complete with bold “Toyota” lettering), a silver front bashplate and an interesting “aero-styled sport bar and deck cover” (not pictured in the images here; check out the UK-spec model to see this feature).
The SA-spec version will again make 165 kW.
What about the powertrain? Well, the SA-spec version is in line to retain the uprated 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine – not to mention 6-speed automatic transmission – of its forebear, which means peak outputs will again be pegged at 165 kW and 550 Nm.
Before now, Mzansi has seen 2 versions of the Hilux GR Sport. The first came in mid-2019, with a revised iteration (replete with the aforementioned extra power and torque) hitting the local market in September 2022. Both, of course, featured standard bodies.
Check back in the coming weeks for wideboy Toyota Hilux GR Sport pricing…
The second-generation Porsche Macan has just been revealed and it will be an all-electric affair.
The 2025 Porsche Macan EV has just been formally revealed and for this generation, it will feature battery electric power only. Pity, as the outgoing Macan had a fantastic and diverse selection of internal combustion engines on offer.
Still the 2025 Porsche Macan EV will have the performance to match those sporty looks. From the vehicle’s launch, there will be two models; Macan 4 and Macan Turbo, with additional derivatives to follow at a later stage. With 300 kW and 650 Nm, the Macan 4 could hardly be called entry level, and its good for a 0-100 kph claim of 5.1 seconds. The Turbo punches out 470 kW and 1 130 Nm, and the Stuttgart-based brand says it can sprint to 100 kph in 3.1 seconds.
There is a 95 kWh 800-volt battery pack which supports fast charging, and depending on the model, ranges of 591 km and 613 km. When connect to a powerful DC charger, you can expect 10%-80% in just 21 minutes. There’s an electric motor located on each axle.
Under the skin there’s a brand-new platform called the Premium Platform Electric which is shared with the soon-to-be-revealed Audi Q6 e-tron. As far as sizing is concerned, the 2025 Porsche Macan EV is longer, taller and wider than the outgoing model.
Climb inside and the 2025 Porsche Macan is one comprehensive techfest with three screens across the dashboard and there’s a discrete drive selector knob that replaces a traditional gear stick.
When is the 2025 Porsche Macan EV coming to South Africa?
The electric Porsche Macan is confirmed to arrive on our shores in 2025. We’ll have more details on the range and pricing closer to the launch date.
