Mercedes-Benz 190b ‘Ponton’: Classic Drive

In the same family for over half a century, we drive a classic 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190b Ponton that has a unique history.

IMAGES: Kian Eriksen

I have to admit that it was only a few years ago that I started to pay attention to Mercedes’ “Ponton” line-up. But that was my fault. After driving one of these iconic Mercedes models for the first time my perception changed, and this specific example brought this range into further focus for me.

The more time you spend with a car, even when it belongs to someone else, the more you pick up on little details that stand out or draw your attention.

Mercedes-Benz Ponton rear three-quarter view

That is what happened upon further exploration of this particular 190. Apart from the perfect condition of this car, the side mirrors with their elegantly curved stalks are stand-out design elements of the Fifties sedan. They are so pure and clean, a design mirrored in the all-round “soft” design of the car.

Specifications

Model: 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190b “Ponton”
Engine: 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol
Power: 55 kW at 4 600 rpm
Torque: 137 Nm at 2 800 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual, RWD
Weight: 1 200 kg
0-100 kph: 20.5 sec (claimed)
Top speed: 140 kph
Years produced: 1956–1959

History of the Mercedes-Benz Ponton

The Mercedes-Benz Ponton line-up was quite extensive at the time. It was divided into several models, which included petrol and diesel variants, as well as four- and six-cylinder models. Interestingly, today Mercedes-Benz classifies the four-cylinder models as a predecessor to the E-Class and the six-cylinder models as predecessors of the S-Class.

The 190 was built during a relatively short period, from March 1956 until August 1959. During that time, 60 991 units were produced. At its launch, the vehicle was priced at DM 9 450, slightly more than the 180 (DM 8 700) from 1956, but more affordable than the 219 (DM 10 500), also from 1956. Interestingly, servo brakes were an option (DM 300), and they are not fitted to this car. An automatic transmission only became available in the Ponton range from August 1962, at a substantial DM 1 400 cost.

Mercedes-Benz Ponton headlamp and grille

It is not often you come across a car that has been in the same family for more than half a century. This pristine 1958 190 Ponton has belonged to the Vos family since 1963 (one of around 16 000 produced in that year), after a friend had sold the car to the current owner’s father.

What was originally a humble family sedan, turned into a Concours winner, and finally a car that formed part of a small, but immaculate Mercedes-Benz collection.

This Ponton has, however, not been in perfect condition all its life. As the owner explains: “The car received several dings and bumps throughout its lifetime, as it was used as a daily runner, which included family holidays. As it was in a precarious state, I eventually decided in the early 1980s to restore it”.

The Concours event

The restoration process kicked off with the fixing of a few problems on the car, and then, as is often the case with these projects, it grew bigger and bigger and the to-do list became longer and longer. In the end, the body was completely restored, and that was the most intensive part of the restoration.

As part of the 1986 centenary celebrations of Daimler, the owner was one of two Mercedes owners who were invited to compete against several other cars from different manufacturers at the South African National Classic Car Concours event. As it was a national event, the competition was fierce.

Around 50 car clubs participated, resulting in some serious competition across the board. As this was the car’s first concours outing, the Ponton achieved a respectable 14th place. That evening, while the owner and his wife were driving home, he told her: “Next time I want the car to achieve a better ranking”.

That very next weekend, the judges’ scorecard was analysed in detail and the owner started to address each area in which he had been marked down. This included the car’s seats and the engine bay, to name but two. The seats were neatly reupholstered while the engine bay was also restored.

After the car had been overhauled in early 1989, the Concours event was almost a repeat of the one in 1986. Again the Ponton was one of 2 Mercedes-Benzes to represent the national Mercedes club. After one of the wheels of the Ponton had accidentally come loose earlier during the day, it took a lot of sweat and hard work to get the car ready in time for the main event.

Finally, it was announced, to the owner’s utter surprise, that the 190b took the overall winner’s prize. Another surprise was the photo opportunity of the car with himself and the newly-crowned Miss South Africa of the time.

Now, more than three decades later, it is hard to believe that it has been that long since the Ponton received all the attention and hard work leading up to that second event.

Behind the ‘wheel of the Mercedes-Benz Ponton

Mercedes-Benz Ponton steering wheel and fascia

As we open the bonnet, the effort that went into the restoration of the engine bay is immediately visible. It has been kept in excellent nick during the following years. As with several Mercedes’ from this era, as well in the decades that followed, the wheels and wheel hubs are colour-coded, contributing to the luxurious appearance of the car.

Open the luggage compartment, and although there is absolutely nothing deluxe about this space, it is spotless with the visible spare wheel and all the equipment needed to change a wheel being present. To prevent luggage from scratching the floor, the original rubber cover can still be found at the bottom of the compartment.

Inside the car I can’t stop myself from running the back of my hand along the wooden dash, the seats and several other trim pieces of the interior. The lower third of the dash is also covered in wood, featuring several organ-type pull stops as well as the ignition slot.

Right in the middle of the dash is the speedometer with a further 2 dials on both sides. Looking through the windscreen, my view over the rounded bonnet is dominated by the soft wings on both sides of the Three-pointed Star emblem.

Even though the car was restored in the Eighties, 4 decades later it still looks utterly sublime. The current set of carpets is only in place to protect the original set, which can still be seen underneath the present, loose carpets!

The seats are fairly comfortable, while the thin-rimmed steering wheel transports you back to the middle of the 20th century. You will be excused for thinking the steering column-mounted gear lever present in most modern Mercedes’ is something new, but the Ponton range also featured these, here in a manual format with a very mechanical feel to the shift action. The result is that you can guide the lever towards you and up for 1st gear, followed by an easy downward pull for 2nd gear.

It is a process that comes more naturally that you might expect. One does not anticipate real performance from the 1.9-litre engine, but I keep my foot flat through the gears to see what the car is capable of. As the needle slowly makes its way towards the 60 mph mark, I back off. After all, the car was built to accommodate passengers, or a family, and carry them in relative comfort at modest speeds.

As we head back to the owner’s home, I laugh as I allow myself to take one particular corner with an unnecessary level of enthusiasm. As I turn in I realise I am hanging on to the steering wheel so that I don’t simply slide away from my seating position along the open front bench!

Mercedes-Benz Ponton front three-quarter view

Although the road surface is moderately good, the 190 still impresses with a solid feel, and I can’t detect any notable rattles. This feeling is further reinforced by the fact that the car has done only 99 300 miles (158 880 km).

However, when we arrive back at the owner’s garage, he smiles and shares a short anecdote with me: “I was nine years old when my father bought this car, and as you do when you are a teenager, you take some chances. I fondly remember how hard I drove this car, spinning the wheels for pure fun. Today, I almost can’t believe what I did, and how the car, thankfully, survived it all!”

Summary

This Mercedes-Benz Ponton has experienced a colourful life, and is still regularly taken to club outings. Before pulling it back into the garage, and parking it next to a few of its contemporaries, the owner opens the car’s folder and shows me a few magazine and newspaper articles about the 1989 event.

There is always something special about a car which was never meant to be more than a vehicle to carry passengers from point A to B, but, which has had such an interesting history, and which has been loved and maintained over so many decades.

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Toyota Hilux GR Sport III (2024) Price & Specs

The widebody Toyota Hilux GR Sport III is due to launch in South Africa soon – and we’ve managed to unearth pricing! Here’s how much you’ll pay for what Toyota bills as the “ultimate off-roader”…

In January of this year, Toyota South Africa Motors confirmed plans to launch the new widebody Toyota Hilux GR Sport III at some point in March 2024 (though the media launch is scheduled for the 2nd week of April). Now, ahead of this local market introduction, Cars.co.za can reveal pricing for what the Japanese firm bills as the “ultimate off-roader”.

According to our information, the widebody Hilux GR Sport III – which was displayed at Toyota’s State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) 2024 event in January – will be priced from R999 000, slipping in just under the 7-figure mark. For the record, that represents a R51 400 premium over the outgoing version, which is currently pegged at R947 600.

*The GR Sport III was on stage at Toyota’s SOMI 2024 event in January.*

As before, the GR Sport model interestingly isn’t the most expensive Hilux in the range, with that title instead going to the mild-hybrid 2.8GD-6 Legend RS 6AT 4×4 48V (which will cost you R1 023 400, as detailed in our earlier pricing-scoop story). The non-electrified 2.8GD-6 Legend RS 6AT 4×4 (currently sitting at R 1 005 000) is also more expensive than the new GR Sport.

So, what will set the Hilux GR Sport III – or “GR-S”, for short – apart from the outgoing version? Well, while Toyota has yet to release detailed specifications for the local market, the major change is obviously the upgrade to a widebody configuration.

*The front track width has been increased by 140 mm.*

But before we delve into that, let’s briefly touch on the powertrain. In short, the SA-spec version will retain the uprated 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine – not to mention 6-speed automatic transmission, driving all 4 wheels – of its predecessor, which means peak outputs will again come in at 165 kW and 550 Nm.

Back to the so-called widebody configuration. It’s worth noting 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 with the standard Hilux, boosting the double-cab bakkie’s overall width to 2 020 mm.

*This is the UK-spec version, which is produced at Prospecton in KZN.*

Toyota’s UK division furthermore 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 – the latter system featuring larger front discs and new rear discs in place of the previous drums – have also been revised.

The UK-spec bakkie’s approach angle improves slightly (from 29 to 30 degrees), while ride height grows by 20 mm. New monotube dampers take the place of the previous twin-tube items, ostensibly providing “better performance and faster response in tough conditions”, while the 17-inch wheels are shod in all-terrain tyres (interestingly, the UK version rides on Bridgestone Dueler A/T rubber, while the model shown on stage at SOMI 2024 was wearing BFGoodrich items with a more aggressive tread).

*Note the BFGoodrich rubber on the SA-spec model displayed at SOMI 2024.*

Styling changes include red coil springs and coloured dampers (finished in black at the front and red at the rear), plus chunky black overfenders and red brake callipers. There’s also a new black grille – replete with bold “Toyota” lettering – as well as a silver-coloured front bashplate and an “aero-styled sport bar and deck cover”.

As a reminder, Mzansi has seen 2 versions of the Hilux GR Sport before now. The first came in mid-2019, with a revised iteration (complete with the aforementioned extra power and torque) hitting the local market in September 2022. Both, of course, featured standard bodies.

How much will the new Toyota Hilux GR Sport III cost in SA?

Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 DC 4×4 GR Sport III – R999 000

The above price includes Toyota’s 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 10 000 km).

New Kia (Tasman?) bakkie: SA ‘feasibility studies’ ongoing

Kia South Africa is “conducting all the feasibility studies” ahead of a possible local introduction of the brand’s upcoming new 1-tonne bakkie, which looks set to wear the Tasman badge…

Kia in Australia recently announced plans to unveil its long-rumoured new ladder-frame bakkie in late 2024, with the upcoming contender – which looks likely to wear the Tasman badge – set to be pitched against the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger in that market. But what about South Africa?

Well, Kia South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that it’s “currently conducting all the feasibility studies to see whether or not [the new bakkie] will be a viable product for the South African market”.

Though the South Korean firm’s local distributor additionally tells us “no timing of possible introduction is available as yet”, it’s worth noting the new 1-tonne bakkie is slated to launch in fellow right-hand-drive market Australia only at some point in 2025.

While there’s very little official information on the upcoming bakkie, Kia’s division Down Under has released a new television commercial featuring what it describes as 20 of the country’s “most iconic sporting figures”, all gathered in a bar.

In the TV advertisement, the group of sporting legends – ranging from former cricketer Steve Waugh to ex-rugby (league and union) star Wendell Sailor – debate what the Kia bakkie should be named. The short clip contains at least 3 hints that Kia will indeed use the Tasman nameplate: at 00:04, where a newspaper story’s 2nd paragraph uses the moniker; at 00:57, where a dart lands on a map at the Tasman Sea; and at 01:29, where the establishment’s name (seemingly “Hotel Tasman”) is conveniently cropped.

Reports from May 2023 suggest the bakkie is known internally as the “TK” series and that it will be produced in South Korea. It apparently rides on an all-new body-on-frame chassis and will be offered in both single- and double-cab body styles (the latter catering to the all-important leisure market).

What about engine options? Well, for now, all we know – based on those earlier reports – is that the Kia bakkie will likely be available with turbodiesel power. Of course, we’ve already written extensively about some of the powertrain options currently available to the South Korean firm, including its familiar 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder oil-burner (which makes 148 kW and 440 Nm in other applications).

Kia Mohave V6 engine — *The Mohave sold in South Korea employs a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel powerplant.*

There’s also a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel unit, which powers the Mohave large SUV offered in South Korea, delivering 191 kW and 560 Nm in that domestic-market model. This engine, of course, would allow the Kia bakkie to go toe-to-toe with the 6-cylinder oil-burning versions of the Ranger and closely related Volkswagen Amarok.

Of course, Kia SA already has a presence in South Africa’s light-commercial vehicle space, where it markets its K-Series workhorse trucks (the K2700 and K2500), which are available in chassis cab, dropside and tipper forms. From where we’re sitting, the upcoming Tasman looks like a no-brainer for Kia South Africa, though – as Mazda found out with its now-discontinued BT-50 – it’s certainly no easy task for imported bakkies to compete with the locally built stalwarts…

Pricing scoop! Isuzu D-Max X-Rider badge returns to SA

The X-Rider badge has returned to the Isuzu D-Max bakkie range! We’ve unearthed initial details – including pricing – ahead of the SA launch of this revived nameplate…

At the start of 2023, the X-Rider badge was applied to the latest-generation Isuzu D-Max for the first time, though interestingly only in Australia on a limited-run Thailand-built version. Now, Cars.co.za can confirm that the X-Rider moniker – which has enjoyed tremendous success here in South Africa – will soon make a return to the local market, too.

UPDATE: We initially published this story on 22 November 2023, but Isuzu Motors SA has since officially announced the new X-Rider for the local market, while also releasing images. Though the company says “pricing will be released soon”, we already have those details, which you can find below…

Yes, the Struandale-manufactured D-Max range is in line to gain a trio of new X-Rider double-cab derivatives, expanding the local line-up to 27 variants (or 32 if you include the prolonged lifecycle Gen 6). From what we understand, the X-Rider will be offered exclusively – for now, at least – with the Japanese firm’s familiar 110 kW/350 Nm 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, rather than the flagship 3.0-litre motor.

Set to be available only in double-cab form, the locally built X-Rider portfolio will kick off with the 4×2 configuration, in conjunction with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox (the D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×2 for R640 500). This rear-wheel-drive set-up will also be offered in 6-speed automatic guise (the D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×2 AT for R659 200), while the top-spec version will boast 4×4 and the self-shifting transmission (the D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×4 AT for R740 700).

According to our information, the X-Rider trim level will be positioned between the 1.9 LS and 1.9 LSE grades, commanding a premium of about R55 000 over the former in each case. So, what do you score for the extra outlay?

ALSO READ: Isuzu KB and D-Max (2013-2021) Buyer’s Guide

Well, the SA-specific D-Max X-Rider differs markedly from the Australian model, with the local version adopting gloss-black elements for its grille, including the incorporation of bold red “Isuzu” badging up front. Items such as the exterior door handles, tailgate handle and side-mirror caps have also been handed the gloss-black treatment, while revised “X-Rider” badges have been applied to the front doors and the tailgate. The three paint colours initially on offer will be Splash White, Red Spinel and Islay Grey, with Mercury Silver set to be added to the palette from April 2024.

Further distinguishing features include a black tubular sports bar, a soft tonneau cover, 2-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, a tow bar, grey roof rails and LED headlamps (the latter matching those of higher-spec 3.0-litre models). Inside, Isuzu Motors SA offers the X-Rider with leather upholstery featuring red stitching, with this crimson hue repeated on parts of the dashboard and interior door-panel trim. Dark headliner and branded floor mats have also been added.

The X-Rider heritage is strong in Mzansi, with this badge having made its debut back in July 2016 as a “special value model” in the KB range (in both extended and double-cab form). By April 2017, the dual-cab version of the X-Rider had become a permanent fixture in the line-up, such was its popularity.

The special-edition X-Rider Black followed in May 2018, before a new version of the X-Rider Black – based on the facelifted bakkie that had by then switched to the D-Max nameplate – launched late in 2019. Finally, 3 more X-Rider Limited Edition derivatives followed at the end of 2021, effectively seeing off the RT-generation model. As a reminder, the current RG-gen D-Max launched locally as recently as April 2022 (which is why our market may have to wait for the introduction of the recently revealed facelift).

Year to date, the D-Max is South Africa’s 3rd best-selling bakkie (behind only the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger), with 16 277 units registered over the opening 10 months of 2023. According to Lightstone Auto data, 7 387 units of those were double-cab derivatives. Meanwhile, the most recent addition to the range was the flagship AT35 derivative.

We expect Isuzu Motors SA to release official details – including images – of the new D-Max X-Rider soon, so check back for more information in the coming days and weeks. For now, check out exactly where the X-Rider derivatives (highlighted in italics) fall in the broader D-Max double-cab range below…

How much will the new Isuzu D-Max X-Rider cost in SA?

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC L 4×2 – R550 900

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC L 4×2 AT – R568 500

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC LS 4×2 – R585 100

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC LS 4×2 AT – R603 800

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×2 – R640 500

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC L 4×4 – R652 400

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×2 AT – R659 200

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC LS 4×4 AT – R685 200

Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Ddi DC X-Rider 4×4 AT – R740 700

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC LS 4×4 – R764 000

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC LS 4×4 AT – R781 600

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC LSE AT – R821 700

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC V-Cross AT – R859 800

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC LSE 4×4 AT – R869 500

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC V-Cross 4×4 AT – R908 600

Isuzu D-Max 3.0 Ddi DC AT35 4×4 AT – R1 159 900

The prices above include a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).

Consumer Awards Roadshow Rocks Sandton City

Following the announcement of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards winners, Cars.co.za rocked Sandton City with a 3-day Consumer Awards Roadshow that brought the 39 finalists directly to the South African public with Absa facilitating finance and insurance solutions on the spot!

The 7th iteration of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards sponsored by Absa and endorsed by Naamsa (The Automotive Business Council) was a resounding success!

The glitzy gala event took place on the Sandton City rooftop on Thursday, 29 February 2024 where industry leaders, OEM’s, dealer partners and media representatives enjoyed the #CarsAwards category winner announcements hosted by South African comedian, Nik Rabinowitz and Radio and TV personality, Khutso Theledi.

See the 2023 / 2024 #CarsAwards winners here!

The 39 finalists were put through their paces at the Gerotek Testing Facility in Pretoria Gauteng in November 2023 by no less than 20 judges. The judges’ scores account for 50% of the final result, with the remaining 50% derived from consumer survey data compiled by Lightstone.

Consumer Awards Roadshow with Absa brings SA’s best cars to the people

For the entire weekend from 1-3 March 2024, and for the first time in the history of #CarsAwards, Cars.co.za together with Absa, painted Sandton City red with an industry-first Consumer Awards Roadshow that saw all 39 finalists on display, allowing consumers to engage with the best cars in South Africa. Cars.co.za also hosted a similar event at the Mall of Africa late in 2023.

In partnership with Absa, South Africa’s leading Financial Services Provider (FSP), consumers requiring car finance and car insurance were assisted quickly and efficiently on the spot, providing an instantaneous car purchasing solution.

But that’s not all, the public also had the unique opportunity to gain buying advice directly from #CarsAwards judges including Ciro De Siena, Jacob Moshokoa, Juliet McGuire, David Taylor, Gero Lilleike, Muzi Sambo, Kumbi Mtshakazi, MrHowMuch, Rebaneilwe Semakane and Mpho Mahlangu.

Hannes Oosthuizen, Consumer Experience Manager at Cars.co.za, commented, “Following the successful Mall of Africa activation last year, we were confident that a more focused approach to the Sandton City Consumer Roadshow, in partnership with Absa, would allow us to bring consumers even closer to the point of buying.”

“It was interesting to observe consumer behaviour, with hundreds of consumers jumping from one car to the next, seriously considering their next purchase. I think the opportunity to directly compare rival vehicles right there-and-then was key to the appeal, and with Absa there to answer any finance-related questions, consumers walked away fully armed with all the information they needed to make a decision”, said Oosthuizen.

Visitors to the Consumer Roadshow were also encouraged to register for Absa’s competition which will see one lucky person win R500 000 towards any car of their choice! The winner will feature in a Cars.co.za YouTube video with Ciro De Siena assisting with making the car purchasing decision at one of our dealer partners. The competition winner will be announced in March 2024.

It was a busy weekend and shoppers enjoyed seeing and touching the cars on display.

Cars.co.za Journalist and #CarsAwards judge, Gero Lilleike, had this to say, “Sandton City was buzzing! Where else in South Africa can you examine 39 of the best cars on sale all in one place? For anyone looking to buy a car, the Consumer Roadshow was a fantastic opportunity for buyers to get professional car-buying advice and finance on-the-go.”

“Cars.co.za has positioned itself as a consumer champion and with Absa, our judges and test team present to offer advice, the Consumer Roadshow was a one-stop solution for anyone interested in purchasing a car and it was amazing to see the public making the most of this unique opportunity”

Click here for more information on the 2023 / 2024 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards

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Hyundai SA working to keep i30 N hot hatch alive locally

It’s not over yet! While the i30 N has indeed been axed in Europe, Hyundai Automotive South Africa says it’s working to keep the hot hatch on sale locally…

Reports suggesting the Hyundai i30 N has been discontinued in South Africa may turn out to be a mite premature. Yes, Hyundai Automotive South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that it’s working to keep the hot hatch on sale locally.

Towards the end of February 2024, Hyundai Motor Europe released a statement confirming that production of both the i20 N (which isn’t offered here in SA) and i30 N for Europe had ceased, explaining that the N division would instead turn its attention – on that continent, at least – to high-performance electric vehicles (EVs).

However, the company’s Australian division soon thereafter told CarExpert that its market is “not affected by the recent European market announcement” (with the publication furthermore suggesting another facelift is on the cards). So, we asked Hyundai Automotive SA whether the i30 N would likewise continue to be offered here in South Africa.

Though Hyundai Automotive SA told us its bid to keep the i30 N alive in Mzansi is “not yet a definite yes”, it confirmed it’s currently following the process required to keep importing the Czech-built hot hatch. Of course, time will tell whether its efforts prove successful.

There’s certainly something to be said for having a high-performance model in the line-up, even if the i30 N is by no means a volume driver for the South Korean automaker’s local division. In 2023, for instance, Hyundai registered 60 units of the i30 N in South Africa, followed by 6 units in January 2024 and 7 examples in February 2024.

As a reminder, the i30 N launched in South Africa in February 2020, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine sending 202 kW and 353 Nm to the front axle via a 6-speed manual gearbox. Hyundai’s local distributor then switched to a refreshed version in April 2022, ditching the pre-facelift model’s manual cog-swapper in favour of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The updated i30 N’s motor delivers improved outputs of 206 kW and 392 Nm through the aforementioned dual-clutch cog-swapper, facilitating a claimed 0-100 kph time of 5.4 seconds. Topping out at 250 kph, Hyundai’s hot hatch is currently priced at R848 900 (March 2024).

Interestingly, in September 2023, Hyundai Automotive SA confirmed to Cars.co.za that production of the closely related Kona N had ended, though added there was “more than enough stock” in Mzansi – considering this flagship derivative’s “niche” standing – to satisfy local demand for some time. At the time of writing, the Kona N was also still listed on the company’s local website.

VW Polo for farmers? New ‘Robust’ hatch revealed overseas

Meet the Volkswagen Polo Robust, a fresh version of the popular hatchback aimed directly at farmers but seemingly exclusive to Brazil…

If we say “farmer’s vehicle”, your mind will probably immediately conjure up an image of some or other tried-and-tested workhorse bakkie (perhaps a Toyota Hilux or Isuzu D-Max). But Volkswagen in Brazil has other ideas, having just launched a new Polo derivative called the “Robust” – and pitched it directly at farmers.

Yes, the German firm’s Brazilian arm has revealed the new farmer-spec Polo Robust, saying it was “developed and tested with customers in the agricultural segment”.

What sets this newcomer apart from the standard version of the hatchback? Well, the Polo Robust – the latter badge has also been used on the Saveiro half-tonne bakkie in that market – comes with raised front and rear suspension (the company hasn’t yet provided a specific ground-clearance figure), and is furthermore fitted with a pair of special accessory kits.

The first of these, which VW Brazil says is focused on the “protection and conservation of the vehicle”, includes vinyl seat covers, rubber floor mats and “grille protectors” up front. The second accessory kit adds a rubber mat in the luggage compartment as well as a tow bar.

Like the Polo GTS we covered early in 2023, the Polo Robust features an older taillamp design still used in some South American markets, rather than the latest rear-end styling employed by the Kariega-built Polo hatch we know here in Mzansi. In addition, it appears to ride on steel wheels (though the latter at least bear plastic covers), while a “Robust” badge has been added to the tailgate.

From what we can gather, the Polo Robust is based on the Polo Track – a budget version of the hatchback launched in Brazil in late 2022 as a replacement for the long-running Gol – and is thus likely powered the same 1.0-litre MPI engine. That naturally aspirated motor has peak outputs of 62 kW and 100 Nm, and drives the front axle via a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Will we see the Polo Robust in Mzansi? We’d speculate that such a launch seems extremely unlikely, despite the fact Volkswagen SA did once offer a hatchback-based light-commercial vehicle in the form of the locally developed Polo Vivo Xpress.

Instead, we’d say VW’s local division will push ahead with its plans to create a new half-tonne bakkie based on the upcoming mystery 3rd product pencilled in for Kariega production…

What To Buy: Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

The Honda Elevate recently arrived in South Africa and it appears to be getting some positive reviews from the local press, but how does it stack up against Toyota’s segment stalwart the Urban Cruiser and the top-selling Chery Tiggo 4 Pro?

The entry-level crossover and compact family car segments are hugely competitive. Chinese brands’ models, such as the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Haval Jolion are dominating offerings from more established brands such as the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Volkswagen T-Cross and Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Honda, however, has introduced its new Elevate to the South African market where it has replaced the outgoing WR-V in the Japanese firm’s local line-up. Honda has been struggling to compete against newer products from rival brands, but along with a growing consumer appetite for affordable and well-specced compact SUVs, Honda is hoping that the new Elevate will find favour with local buyers.

How then does the new Honda Elevate compare against segment top-seller, the Chery Tiggo Pro 4 and the tried-and-trusted Toyota Urban Cruiser?

The main aim of this article is to help you, the consumer, make an informed buying decision. To help you do this, we will provide you with the need-to-know information and insight based on available vehicle information and our experience with the cars in question.

This article will cover key aspects including Exterior Styling, Performance & Efficiency, Interior Execution and Features, Dimensions & Practicality, as well as Pricing & 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. Our experienced test team will gladly assist you.

What To Buy: Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

Exterior Styling

Honda Elevate

The Elevate comes to market with an overtly boxy look and stout stance. It features a large, upright grille, contoured bonnet, plus LED headlights (with daytime running lights) and -taillights. The newcomer gains some ruggedness thanks to the plastic cladding around the squared-off wheel arches and skirting.

The base Elevate 1.5 Comfort rides on 16-inch steel wheels (clad with wheel covers), while the range-topping 1.5 Elegance derivative rides on 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Toyota Urban Cruiser

The Toyota Urban Cruiser adopts a sleek front-end design with a split grille design with an upper and lower section. Chrome trim adds a degree of sophistication to the design and the slim double Daytime Running Light (DRL) strips give the Urban Cruiser a unique look. The projector headlight units are positioned below the DRLs and are finished with chrome garnish.

The base 1.5 XS derivatives ride on 17-inch steel wheels (clad with turbine-inspired wheel covers), while the range-topping 1.5 XR derivative gains black-lattice 17-inch alloy wheels.

Chery Tiggo Pro 4

The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro perhaps adopts the boldest front-end design with a large studded grille and, on the 1.5T Elite, LED headlamps with DRLs. The Tiggo 4 Pro, in line with the segment trend, also features rugged all-around plastic cladding. The Tiggo 4 Pro is offered with 16-inch alloy wheels in LiT, Urban and Comfort trim, while the range-topping Elite derivative rides on 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.

All 3 of these cars offer attractive styling in their own right and as styling is subjective/a matter of taste, you will have to decide for yourself which one you like the most. Let us know which look you prefer!

Performance & Efficiency

This article will compare similarly-priced, high-specification derivatives from each model range. See the full specification comparison here or you can use our handy Car Comparison Tool to compare a variety of car models side-by-side.

	Honda Elevate 1.5 Elegance	Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR	Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite
Powertrain	naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol	naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol	turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power Output	89 kW	77 kW	108 kW
Torque Output	145 Nm	138 Nm	210 Nm
Transmission	CVT	4-speed automatic	CVT
Fuel Cons. (claimed)	6.1 L/100km	6.1 L/100km	6.8 L/100km

Honda Elevate

The Honda Elevate offers good overall performance and is claimed to have frugal fuel consumption. The Elevate accelerates comfortably to highway speeds and its continuously variable automatic transmission CVT (with steering-mounted “shift paddles”) is one of the better units available in this segment.

Because the Honda has a naturally aspirated engine, buyers should expect a performance reduction of around 15% at altitude (Gauteng), which will be most apparent when the vehicle is fully loaded with luggage and occupants. This characteristic will also apply to its non-turbocharged Urban Cruiser rival.

In terms of efficiency, the Elevate returned a fuel consumption figure of below 7 L/100 km when we drove it, which in our opinion, makes the Elevate more fuel-efficient than the Urban Cruiser and Tiggo 4 Pro.

NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) is well suppressed from entering the cabin and the Elevate delivers a very forgiving ride quality, while exhibiting minimal body roll while cornering.

Overall, the Elevate’s performance doesn’t disappoint.

Read our Honda Elevate Launch Review for more information

Toyota Urban Cruiser

As an urban runabout, the Urban Cruiser (the cousin of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards category winner, the Suzuki Grand Vitara) is difficult to fault. Even though its outputs are comparatively lower than those of the Honda, the Toyota’s performance is adequate (average) for general use. Like the Elevate, the Urban Cruiser’s performance will wane at altitude, so buyers will have to factor this into their buying decision.

When we reviewed the Urban Cruiser for a comparison with the Grand Vitara, it consumed more than 7.5 L/100 km in manual guise (the automatic version was thirstier still). However, its ride quality is admirable, courtesy of a comfort-oriented suspension setup and refinement benefits from good NVH suppression.

Read our Toyota Urban Cruiser Launch Review

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

Top-spec derivatives of the Tiggo 4 Pro are powered by a turbopetrol engine that delivers comparatively higher outputs, so they will perform better at altitude and deliver more urgent acceleration when needed.

The Tiggo 4 Pro’s ride quality is average – while fairly comfortable on smooth roads, a lack of sufficient damping does become evident on poor surfaces where the jolts and vibrations can be felt in the cabin.

And whereas the Chery offers perkier performance, that does come at the expense of fuel efficiency. When we tested a 1.5T, it returned figures above 8.5 L/100 km – not ideal for a model in this segment.

With the above in mind, the Honda Elevate appears to deliver a better balance between performance and economy than its rivals. Let’s see how it fares in terms of interior execution!

Read our Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Review

Interior Execution and Features

For this comparison, we will highlight the standard features for the range-topping derivatives in each of the respective model ranges. See the full comparison here!

	Honda Elevate 1.5 Elegance	Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR	Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite
Infotainment system	8-inch touchscreen	7-inch touchscreen	10.25-inch touchscreen
Digital Instrument Cluster	7-inch TFT display	Analogue dials	7-inch digital cluster
Android Auto / Apple CarPlay	Yes, both	Yes, both (wireless)	Yes, both
Bluetooth, Voice Control, USB,	Yes to all, 2 x front USB ports	Yes, but no voice control, 1 x front USB port	Yes to all, 2 x front + 1 x rear USB
Wireless Charging	Yes	No	No
Rear View Camera	Yes	Yes	Yes, 360-degree surround view
Steering Adjustment: Rake / Reach	Yes, both	Yes, both	Yes, both
Cruise Control	No	Yes	Yes, adaptive
Air Conditioning	Yes, automatic climate control	Yes, automatic climate control	Yes, automatic dual-zone climate control
Panoramic Sunroof	Yes	No	Yes
Upholstery / electric seats	Artificial leather, manual seat adjustment	Fabric, manual adjustment	Artificial leather, manual adjustment
Front / Rear Park Distance Control	Rear only	Rear only	Rear only

Honda Elevate

The Elevate’s cabin adopts an uncomplicated design approach, which is to say it’s neat and classy, but lacks a bit of flair. A mix of both hard-wearing plastics and soft-touch materials are used throughout the cabin and the perceived build quality is indeed very good. The tactile quality of the switchgear is also impressive. Honda is known for solid build quality and the Elevate lives up to that expectation.

As far as standard features are concerned, the Elevate 1.5 Elegance derivative comes well-specified, but it would have been near-perfectly equipped if it had a cruise control function. Cruise control is an odd omission, because it would be very handy on longer trips. Wireless smartphone charging, however, is a welcome feature. The safety specification is fairly comprehensive too, with a total of 6 airbags fitted.

Toyota Urban Cruiser

Like the Elevate, the Urban Cruiser adopts a basic, but functional cabin design with good ergonomics. The Urban Cruiser’s infotainment touchscreen is mounted vertically on top of the dashboard and also features a mix of hard and soft materials with good general build quality.

Even if it features fabric instead of faux leather upholstery, the top-spec 1.5 XR is reasonably equipped, but nice-to-have features, such as wireless charging and a sunroof are, however, not available.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

When it comes to overall feature value, the Tiggo 4 Pro is tough to beat in 1.5T Elite trim. Unlike the Elevate and Urban Cruiser, the Tiggo Pro 4’s cabin adopts an upmarket, fashion-forward design with plush, stitched leather surfaces, a larger infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster.

The Chery’s standard feature list is also mightily impressive when compared to those of its Japanese rivals. Features such as adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera and additional safety features are typically found on more expensive models. Perceived build quality is also good.

Chery’s strong standard feature value is one of the reasons why the Tiggo 4 Pro is currently the best-selling compact family car in South Africa…

Dimensions & Practicality

	Honda Elevate	Toyota Urban Cruiser	Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
Length	4 312 mm	4 365 mm	4 318 mm
Width	1 790 mm	1 795 mm	1 831 mm
Height	1 650 mm	1 635 mm	1 662 mm
Wheelbase	2 650 mm	2 600 mm	2 610 mm
Kerb Weight	1 259 kg	1 165 kg	1 364 kg
Ground Clearance	199 mm	210 mm	180 mm
Load Capacity	458 L	353 L	340 to 1 100 L

Summary

While these 3 models are similarly sized, the Honda Elevate stands out with its longer wheelbase, which ultimately translates into more legroom for rear passengers as well as luggage space. With its rear seatback Note that the Elevate also offers significantly more luggage space than its rivals at 458 litres.

It’s also worth pointing out that the Urban Cruiser has the most generous ground clearance which is useful for traversing over gravel surfaces while the Tiggo 4 Pro offers only 180 mm which will limit its ability to tackle trickier unsealed surfaces.

Pricing & Warranty

Pricing is accurate as of March 2024.

	Honda Elevate	Price	Toyota Urban Cruiser	Price	Chery Tiggo 4 Pro	Price
Entry	Elevate 1.5 Comfort manual	R369 900	Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS manual	R342 500	Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT manual Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Lit auto Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Urban manual	R279 900 R314 900 R308 900
Mid					Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Comfort	R345 900
Top	Elevate 1.5 Elegance CVT	R429 900	Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR manual Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR auto	R342 500 R382 900	Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite manual Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite auto Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite SE	R355 900 R386 900 R408 900

Not sure what you’re able to afford? Let our Car Affordability Calculator help you!

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Buy a used Honda Elevate on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Toyota Urban Cruiser on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Chery Tiggo 4 Pro on Cars.co.za

What To Buy: Is the Honda Elevate worth a closer look?

The Honda Elevate offers a strong combination of performance and economy, standard features, as well as practicality, but its buying proposition is eroded due to its premium over its Japanese and Chinese rivals. At the time of writing (March 2024), the top-of-the-range 1.5 Elegance CVT (automatic) derivative cost R47k and R43k more than its Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR auto and Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Elite rivals respectively.

Nonetheless, the well-made, if slightly conservative, newcomer makes a compelling case for itself, at the very least prospective buyers should be encouraged to book a test drive at their local Honda dealer.

Buyers in this segment are price-sensitive and seek value for money. Chinese brands such as Chery and Haval are gaining significant market share simply by offering well-specified cars at hugely competitive prices that rival brands aren’t able to match. To illustrate our point, even the lavishly-equipped 1.5T Elite SE Tiggo 4 Pro flagship (R408 900, in March 2023) is more affordable than the top-specced Elevate.

Legacy brands with a proven track record of reliability, however, still command strong demand and products such as the Toyota Urban Cruiser and Suzuki Grand Vitara are likely to continue to sell strongly.

As always, we advise buyers to do their research on Cars.co.za and reach out to us if you require any further information or advice.

Ford Ranger SuperCab (2024) Review

Whereas the Ford Ranger double-cab is an off-road-capable family vehicle with limited workhorse capability, its SuperCab variant offers a different skill set. It may only seat 2 occupants, but as a light commercial vehicle, it’s far more practical than a single cab.

We like: Excellent infotainment system, clever storage behind the seats, modern looks, punchy powertrain and excellent off-road capability.

We don’t like: has a very specific target market, transmission can hesitate, jittery ride when unladen

FAST FACTS

Model: Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo SuperCab Wildtrak 4×4
Price: R788 300 (March 2024, before options)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel
Power/Torque: 154 kW and 500 Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
0-100 kph: 9.58 seconds (Tested)
Fuel consumption: 7.5 L/100 km (Claimed)
Utility space: 995 litres

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Where does the Ford Ranger SuperCab fit in?

In the land of the bakkie (ute, pickup or truck, if you’re reading this outside South Africa), the double-cab (DC) is king. What’s not to like? DCs offer seating for at least 4 occupants, a variety of passenger-car features, a reasonably sized load tub and 4×4 versions even have good off-road ability. The single cab, in turn, is often utilised as a workhorse for businesses such as plumbers, electricians and other service providers; accessories and assorted paraphernalia are usually stored under roller shutters or in canopies.

*The Ford Ranger SuperCab’s second pair of doors offer easy access to the storage bins and luggage area.*

And, whereas a single cab lacks versatility due to its limited in-cab passenger capacity, the double-cab’s biggest drawback (as a family car) is its lack of secure storage space. That’s because if you need full use of the load tub, there’s only so much oddment storage space in the cab. And face it, leaving your laptop bag on one of the seats is not a smart idea, given the prevalence of opportunistic crime in South Africa.

Enter the SuperCab, which is Ford’s extended cab variant of its Ranger bakkie. Essentially, it’s a single-cab bakkie that offers additional versatility by having generous storage capacity (located behind the seats). Tested here is the flagship Wildtrak derivative, which this author nicknamed the “Ranger coupe”.

Compare the Ford Ranger SuperCab with the Toyota Hilux Xtra cab and Isuzu D-Max Extended cab

How the Ford Ranger SuperCab fares in terms of…

Design and Packaging

*The current-gen Ford Bakkie looks square-jawed and chiselled; it’s arguably the best-looking bakkie on the market.*

There has been much discussion about the P703-gen Ranger’s looks since the bakkie debuted in late 2022, but our test team remains enthralled by the model’s macho and muscular exterior design. It looks most impressive clad in the bold Cyber Orange finish, but that is admittedly not to everyone’s taste. Still, our test unit’s Frozen White paintwork contrasted nicely with its dark grey 18-inch alloy wheels…

*While the provision of lidded containers is a plus, the stacking space on top of them is arguably more impressive.*

As a reminder, this generation of Ranger has a 50-mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor, which means it incorporates improved packaging and offers more practicality than before. Going the SuperCab route adds a pair of rear-hinged doors that allow easier access to the extra space behind the front seats.

There are 2 neat storage bins: the one contains the vehicle’s jack and warning triangle, while the other is ready for your valuables. This author, for example, stored his camera gear and fishing tackle in the latter.

*Whereas one of the storage bins stores the vehicle’s jack and emergency triangle, the other is free to store whatever you like.*

Even if you don’t use those bins, the area directly above them can hold quite a lot of incidental luggage too (it’s a perfect space to stack shopping- or work bags). Our fear of falling victim to a smash-and-grab incident was greatly reduced because the rear doors have tinted windows – there’s no way to see inside.

*The best place to store your laptop bag or rucksack is behind the driver’s seat.*

The 2.0 BiTurbo SuperCab Wildtrak 4×4 comes with a plastic-lined load tub fitted with clever C-clamp mounting points, an integrated ruler and a 400W inverter (with 12V and 240V plug points). If you’d like to secure larger cargo, Ford offers its Cargo Management System, which comprises an internal rail with spring-loaded, adjustable cleats on either side of the load tub, for an additional R2 910 (March 2024).

Our test unit came accessorised with a neat roller door that hid the load tub’s contents from prying eyes.

*Besides its practical uses, the roller door finishes off the look of the Ranger Supercab neatly.*

Performance and Efficiency

The flagship variant of the Ranger SuperCab needs a muscular engine to match its bold image but, even though this body style is unavailable with a brawny V6 (that motor is reserved for the headlining double-cab derivatives), the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder bi-turbodiesel engine is more than up to the task. With outputs of 154 kW and 500 Nm, the test unit dashed from 0 to 100 kph in 9.58 sec (according to our Dragy app).

The 2.0 BiTurbo SuperCab Wildtrak 4×4 has a 10-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels by default. If you turn the dial on the centre tunnel to 4H, you activate 4-wheel-drive and when off-road conditions get truly challenging, you can call on 4L (low range) and even a diff-lock. To engage the latter, you must select its function in the touchscreen menu (the same goes for hill descent control).

During the test, the auto ‘box tended to shift tardily around town at lower speeds (it seemed to hesitate) and some downshifts weren’t smooth, but the ‘changes improved markedly at freeway/cruising speeds.

*When you change drive modes in the Ranger SuperCab, it changes the display scheme on the digital instrument cluster.*

As for the bakkie’s performance in cut-and-thrust driving conditions, it showed no shortage of grunt on the open road. Those 500 Newtons (from 1 750 rpm) came in very handy when overtaking slower traffic.

There are various drive modes, including Eco, which adjusts the powertrain to optimise fuel economy. With its 80-litre fuel tank, the 2.0 BiTurbo Wildtrak 4×4 has an estimated range of just over 1 000 km, but during its tenure in our test fleet, the SuperCab proved thirstier than expected. It indicated an average fuel consumption of 10.1 L/100 km, which was notably higher than its claimed figure (7.5 L/100 km).

*We could not achieve an average fuel consumption figure of under 10 L/100 km in the Ford SuperCab Wildtrak.*

Ride and Handling

While there’s not much of a kerb weight difference between this derivative and its double-cab equivalent (2 285 kg vs 2 334 kg), the SuperCab’s handling felt a little shaper (or less lumbering) by comparison, but the laws of physics still apply… This is a ladder-frame-based bakkie; it’s no corner-carving machine!

*Our SuperCab Wildtrak test unit was shod with 255/65 all-terrain tyres.*

Our test unit came with its 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/65 all-terrain tyres (R2 180 to specify those), but Ford also offers eye-catching 20-inch aluminium wheels (R7 600) if you want maximum visual impact, even at the expense of some all-terrain ability (you wouldn’t want to damage those rims).

If off-roading is your passion, opt for the former. The plumper tyre offers a softer ride quality and despite it being a 4×4 tyre, road noise was minimal, which speaks volumes for the cabin’s noise suppression.

Like virtually all body-on-frame vehicles, the SuperCab’s ride quality is inconsistent. First, the bad news: when its load tub is unladen, the SuperCab rides nervously when it traverses bumps or dips in the road. When travelling on a poorly maintained road, such as one that’s been wrinkled by tree roots underneath it, the Ranger’s suspension feels unsettled, but that remark isn’t meant as an indictment of this particular model – to reiterate, most double-cab bakkie are afflicted by that characteristic to some degree.

The good news is that in terms of overall road manners, the Ranger offers the most resolved, reasonably pliant ride quality in its class. When cruising on the open road, it absorbs road imperfections adroitly.

*While the Ranger SuperCab didn’t feel at ease when travelling on washboard-like road surfaces, its general ride quality was fair.*

Of course, the compromise that a body-on-frame setup demands in terms of on-road refinement is made up for by added strength, rigidity and 4×4 capability when negotiating an off-road route or course.

What’s more, the Ranger has an arsenal of off-road drive modes, a low-range transfer case, 237 mm ground clearance, as well as an impressive 800-mm wading ability. We have considerable experience testing derivatives of the current Ranger model in off-road conditions, such as during the test days of the 2023/24 CarsAwards programme at the Gerotek last year; we remain impressed with its 4×4-ing talents.

*The Wildtrak version of the Ranger SuperCab has a part-time, as opposed to an automatic 4-wheel-drive system.*

Comfort and Features

When you climb inside the SuperCab, the bakkie instantly delivers a class-leading in-car experience; most other bakkies’ cabins feel ancient in comparison to the Ranger’s state-of-the-art cockpit. The headline act is, of course, that portrait-orientated infotainment screen powered by Sync4A software.

Not only does it boast impressive resolution, but its voice control functionality is some of the best, and the integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is pretty slick. We also appreciated the smartly finished multifunction ‘wheel and the digital instrument cluster – they befit a flagship Ranger offering.

*So the Ranger SuperCab is an LCV? Yes, but its cabin feels more like that of a tech-laden SUV.*

There’s a sporty theme to the leather-trimmed cabin, which stands out for its durable – yet nonetheless upmarket-feeling – build quality. The Wildtrak designation is stitched into the seats and you cannot miss the orange stitching on the steering wheel rim, seat edges and the transmission lever knob and -boot.

*The wireless charging pad is discreetly positioned and flanked by handy USB ports (types A and C).*

We’re also big fans of Ford’s focus on practicality and an intuitive user experience. The wireless charging pad, for example, is positioned neatly away from prying eyes (ahead of the transmission tunnel, beneath the fascia), while USB-A and USB-C charging ports are also conveniently positioned. The door handles are neatly integrated into the armrests and, you can open a door with one smooth motion of the hand.

*The electronically activated rear diff lock and hill descent control can be activated via the touchscreen.*

At this price level, buyers will expect the Ranger to be fitted with numerous semi-autonomous safety features and it is: emergency automatic braking, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control are standard and a 360-degree camera system makes parking manoeuvres in tight spaces much easier.

What’s more, 7 airbags (front-, side-, curtain and driver knee ‘bags), ABS, dynamic stability- and trailer- sway control are fitted; for the record, the Ranger scored 5 stars in the 2022 Euro NCAP safety test.

*Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are welcome features in a variation of a single-cab bakkie.*

Ford Ranger SuperCab price and After-sales support

Ford offers the Ranger SuperCab in manual and automatic, 4×2 and 4×4 and numerous trim levels. The range’s prices start from R504 900 and go up to R788 300 for the 2.0 BiTurbo SuperCab Wildtrak 4×4.

The SuperCab ships with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and a 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is every 15 000 km/annually, whichever occurs first, but note that, unlike its rivals, the Ford doesn’t come with a standard service plan.

Instead, Ford Ranger SuperCab customers can purchase service- or maintenance plans that are valid for up to 8 years or 165 000 km. The warranty can be extended to (up to) 7 years or 200 000 km.

Verdict

*If you require a bakkie that’s suited for the daily commute and workhorse duties, consider a Ranger SuperCab.*

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the SuperCab variant of the Ford Ranger. While most prospective buyers will aspire to buy the top-of-line double-cab derivatives, those bakkies are not within everyone’s purchasing power. However, the SuperCab Wildtrak is over R135k cheaper than its double-cab sibling.

Also, unlike a double cab, if the SuperCab is procured to serve a VAT-registered small business, for example, that company can claim back the value-added tax in the bakkie’s purchase price AND deduct at least a part (if not all) of the vehicle’s depreciation against income tax over a period (such as 3 years).

Beyond being a more user-friendly source of daily transport than a single-cab light commercial vehicle – the SuperCab Wildtrak comes equipped with the luxury appointments of a desirable lifestyle vehicle.

Should you buy one? If your budget can’t stretch to a new double-cab and you don’t have offspring to cart around, a Ranger SuperCab does make a lot of sense. Apart from its clever storage system behind the seats (where there’s more space than you’d expect), the Ford is a highly accomplished offering.

New Range Ford Ranger specs & prices in South Africa

Search for a new/used Ford Ranger listed on Cars.co.za

Farewell, Mazda BT-50! Bakkie discontinued in South Africa

The Mazda BT-50 bakkie has been officially discontinued in South Africa, bringing an end to the nameplate’s 18-year run in the country…

Yes, it’s the end of an era. The Mazda BT-50 been officially discontinued in South Africa, ending the nameplate’s 18-year run (and even longer B-Series heritage) in the country.

We noticed the bakkie was no longer listed on the Japanese firm’s local website and asked the company for comment on the BT-50’s local fate. Our suspicions were unfortunately correct: the Isuzu-built model was indeed axed at the start of March 2024.

For the record, the bakkie was also recently discontinued in New Zealand, another right-hand-drive market, though Mazda says it “will continue to manufacture the BT-50 as part of its alliance with Isuzu for other global markets”.

Why has the axe fallen on the BT-50? Well, Mazda Southern Africa says the current version “has not made inroads into our extremely competitive double-cab market, especially in comparison to brands that manufacture locally”, making reference to the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max.

“The South African LCV [light-commercial vehicle], and in particular the double-cab market, is extremely well developed and competitive, with locally manufactured brands and nameplates dominating sales. This factor, as well as an extremely challenging landscape for imported vehicles, competing directly with locally manufactured products, has led Mazda SA to make this difficult decision,” said Craig Roberts, Managing Director of Mazda SA.

As a reminder, the BT-50 range had comprised 4 double-cab derivatives, last priced from R630 400 and running through to R818 400. The line-up kicked off with a pair of 4×2 Active variants using a 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (110 kW and 350 Nm), and available in either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic guise. There was also a 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (producing 140 kW and 450 Nm), offered in either 4×2 Dynamic or 4×4 Individual form but exclusively with a 6-speed self-shifting transmission in either case.

The current-generation, SA-spec Mazda BT-50 was imported from Thailand, where it was produced by Isuzu (and based on the latest-generation D-Max). Though this TF-series BT-50 was revealed in mid-2020, it touched down in Mzansi only in July 2021.

During its time on the local market, this latest BT-50 wasn’t terribly well received. In 2023, for instance, it was South Africa’s slowest-selling traditional bakkie, with 69 units registered across the entire year (that’s a monthly average of fewer than 6 units). Interestingly, sales improved to 15 units apiece in January and February 2024, though perhaps dealers were offering promotions in order to move the last of the stock.

The original BT-50 was revealed back in 2006, based on the Ford Ranger and built at the Blue Oval brand’s Silverton facility right here in South Africa. The 2nd-generation version debuted in Mzansi in 2012, initially again produced locally by Ford, before Mazda SA switched to a Thai-built version at the facelift in 2017.

Mazda says “current inventory at dealers will be the final available BT-50 vehicles for retail sale in SA, confirming “no further imports of the BT-50” will be made. Existing BT-50 owners, though, needn’t worry since current and previous generations “will continue to be supported by Mazda SA and its 42 dealers around the country”.

“As with the runout of any specific model, Mazda SA will continue to support BT-50 with all service, repair and replacement parts,” the Japanese company’s local arm concluded.

Buy a used Mazda BT-50 on Cars.co.za!

Mercedes-Benz 190b ‘Ponton’: Classic Drive

In the same family for over half a century, we drive a classic 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190b Ponton that has a unique history.

Specifications

History of the Mercedes-Benz Ponton

The Concours event

Behind the ‘wheel of the Mercedes-Benz Ponton

Summary

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VW Polo for farmers? New ‘Robust’ hatch revealed overseas

Meet the Volkswagen Polo Robust, a fresh version of the popular hatchback aimed directly at farmers but seemingly exclusive to Brazil…

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What To Buy: Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

The Honda Elevate recently arrived in South Africa and it appears to be getting some positive reviews from the local press, but how does it stack up against Toyota’s segment stalwart the Urban Cruiser and the top-selling Chery Tiggo 4 Pro?

What To Buy: Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

Exterior Styling

Performance & Efficiency

Interior Execution and Features

Dimensions & Practicality

Pricing & Warranty

What To Buy: Is the Honda Elevate worth a closer look?

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Ford Ranger SuperCab (2024) Review

Whereas the Ford Ranger double-cab is an off-road-capable family vehicle with limited workhorse capability, its SuperCab variant offers a different skill set. It may only seat 2 occupants, but as a light commercial vehicle, it’s far more practical than a single cab.

FAST FACTS

Serious about buying/selling?

Where does the Ford Ranger SuperCab fit in?

How the Ford Ranger SuperCab fares in terms of…

Ford Ranger SuperCab price and After-sales support

Verdict

Farewell, Mazda BT-50! Bakkie discontinued in South Africa

The Mazda BT-50 bakkie has been officially discontinued in South Africa, bringing an end to the nameplate’s 18-year run in the country…

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