SA’s best-selling brands and vehicles in December 2023

South Africa’s new-vehicle market registered its 5th consecutive year-on-year decline in December 2023, closing out the calendar on a negative note. Here’s your overview, including Mzansi’s most popular brands, best-selling vehicles and more…

The figures are (finally) in: December 2023 was the South African new-vehicle industry’s 5th consecutive month of year-on-year decline. Yes, the closing month of the year saw the market register a total of 40 329 units, translating to a 3.3% drop compared with the corresponding month in 2022.

Furthermore, December 2023’s final tally represented a month-on-month fall of 10.5% compared with November 2023’s effort of 45 075 units (though it’s worth keeping in mind there are traditionally fewer trading days in the final month of the year).

Out of the total reported industry sales in December 2023, Naamsa estimated that 35 483 units (or 88%) represented registrations via the dealer channel, while 8.7% were sales to the vehicle-rental industry, 2.2% to government and 1.1% to industry corporate fleets.

ALSO READ: 10 best-selling vehicles to SA’s rental industry

In December 2023, Mzansi’s new passenger-vehicle market registered a year-on-year decline of 3.9% to finish on 27 606 units. The light-commercial vehicle segment likewise experienced a marginal drop, ending the month on 10 181 units (2.9% lower than the same month in 2022). As was the case in November, the export market showed some growth, increasing by 1.2% to 26 612 units.

Overall in 2023, SA’s new-vehicle sales increased by only 0.5% year-on-year, with 532 098 units sold across South Africa. Naamsa said it would “likely now take 4 years to recover to the pre-pandemic level of 536 612 units in 2019”. Meanwhile, total exports in 2023 of 396 290 units reflected a 12.7% gain compared with 2022, exceeding the previous record of 387 092 units achieved in 2019, according to Naamsa.

ALSO READ: 23 vehicles just had their best sales month of 2023

Meanwhile, Brandon Cohen, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), said the “reported sales figures for December and January tend to get blurred with the different reporting strategies” of the various manufacturers in terms of reporting cut-off dates.

“So, it is usually best to wait for the end of January when one can combine the December and January figures and divide them by two to get an accurate picture of the end-of-year trends,” suggested Cohen.

“Overall, last year, dealers had to cope with tough market conditions that were, arguably, the toughest since 2007 or even 1998 in terms of economic pressure on consumers. This led to some overstocking, placing importers, distributors, and manufacturers under significant pressure to facilitate stock movement. Consequently, efforts were made to enhance market activity through year-end incentives, ensuring sustained sales momentum,” he added.

New-vehicle sales summary for December 2023

Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 40 329 units decreased by 3.3% (1 392 units) compared to December 2022.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 27 606 units decreased by 3.9% (1 131 units) compared to December 2022.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 10 181 units decreased by 2.9% (303 units) compared to December 2022.
Export sales of 26 612 units increased by 1.2% (317 units) compared to December 2022.

10 best-selling automakers in SA in December 2023

*A strong performance from the i20 helped Hyundai climb back to 4th position.*

Yes, Toyota ended the year exactly where it started: right on top. In December 2023, the Japanese giant registered 11 200 units in Mzansi, again finishing miles ahead of the 2nd-placed Volkswagen Group (5 274 units). Once more, Suzuki completed the podium, despite its sales slipping to 3 355 units (23.2% down on November’s showing and its lowest effort of what turned out to be a record year for the brand).

Meanwhile, Hyundai (2 569 units) climbed 2 positions to claim 4th in December, forcing Ford (2 489 units) down to 5th place and Nissan (1 900 units) to 6th. Renault wasn’t far behind in 7th position, with its tally of 1 864 sales seeing it fall just 36 units short of its alliance partner.

China’s Haval (1 480 units) moved up a spot to 8th, while Isuzu suffered a 32% month-on-month decline to end December on 1 434 units (sliding 2 rankings in the process). Finally, Kia again closed out the table, finishing 2023’s ultimate month on 1 415 units.

Outside of the top 10, Chinese firm Chery (1 401 units) again had to settle for 11th position, though was comfortably ahead of the BMW Group (980 units), Indian automaker Mahindra (737 units) and Mercedes-Benz (736 units, by Naamsa’s estimation).

1. Toyota – 11 200 units

2. Volkswagen Group – 5 274 units

3. Suzuki – 3 355 units

4. Hyundai – 2 569 units

5. Ford – 2 489 units

6. Nissan – 1 900 units

7. Renault – 1 864 units

8. Haval – 1 480 units

9. Isuzu – 1 434 units

10. Kia – 1 415 units

10 best-selling vehicles in South Africa in December 2023

*The Renault Triber cracked the top 10 last month.*

The final month of 2023 saw South Africa’s best-selling vehicle overall again take gold, though this time the Prospecton-produced Toyota Hilux (2 858) was just 410 units ahead of the Kariega-manufactured Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2 448 units), which climbed a spot to 2nd.

ALSO READ: 10 best-selling bakkies in SA in December 2023

That saw the Ford Ranger slip a position to 3rd, with 1 936 registrations last month. The likewise locally built Toyota Corolla Cross (1 932 units) again claimed 4th, though ended up a mere 4 units behind the Silverton-made bakkie.

However, the biggest mover was the Toyota Vitz (1 358 units), with the Suzuki-built budget hatchback (which is currently SA’s cheapest car, bearing a starting price of R169 899 courtesy of a long-running promotion) cracking 4 figures for the first time to grab a strong 5th position. The Toyota Hi-Ace (1 056 units) remained in 6th.

The Struandale-built Isuzu D-Max (1 023 units) fell 2 places to 7th, though just about managed to keep its nose ahead of the Toyota Starlet, which ended December 2023 on 1 013 units, falling a place in the process. The latter Suzuki-built model was the highest-placed imported vehicle overall. The Suzuki Swift (967 units) held steady in 9th, while the Renault Triber (901 units) earned the final place on the list.

What about the vehicles just outside the top 10 in December 2023? Well, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (898 units) came exceedingly close to cracking the nod, while the locally manufactured Toyota Fortuner (798 units) finished in 12th. The soon-to-depart Nissan NP200 (749 units) fell from the top 10, while the Hyundai i20 (741 units) and Hyundai Grand i10 (731 units) completed the top 15. There was no place for the Volkswagen Polo hatchback (708 units).

1. Toyota Hilux – 2 858 units

2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 448 units

3. Ford Ranger – 1 936 units

4. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 932 units

5. Toyota Vitz – 1 358 units

6. Toyota Hi-Ace – 1 056 units

7. Isuzu D-Max – 1 023 units

8. Toyota Starlet – 1 013 units

9. Suzuki Swift – 967 units

10. Renault Triber – 911 units

Vehicle-sales outlook in SA for 2024

So, what does 2024 hold for South Africa’s new-vehicle market? Well, Naamsa says the pause in interest-rate increases by the South African Reserve Bank during the 2nd half of 2023 “as well as the easing in inflation will continue to provide some support to counter the growing pressures on household incomes”.

“Alongside faster economic growth and moderate inflation, lower interest rates would go a long way to support the new-vehicle market in 2024,” says the industry representative body, adding vehicle exports will likely be supported by a global economy that is “expected to remain weak” and inflation that “is likely to gradually decrease”.

Indeed, Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa says he remains “hopeful” that 2024 will deliver a more positive outcome in terms of new-vehicle sales, after the market was not quite able to match the “pre-pandemic levels” of 2019.

Meanwhile, NADA’s Cohen says the outlook for 2024 is “cautiously optimistic, especially going into the 2nd half of the year with expectations that interest rates should come down in the next few months on the back of lower fuel prices and hopefully a gradual decline in inflation”.

“We will be closely monitoring currency exchange rates as these are very fluid due to the global factors affecting them, such as wars, natural disasters and the many general elections pending worldwide in 2024, including right here in South Africa. This year will certainly not be a leisurely ride and will again require resilience and commitment from the dealer network,” concludes Cohen.

VW Golf 8.5 GTI: facelifted hot hatch’s cabin revealed

Here’s your first official look at the Volkswagen Golf 8.5 GTI’s revised cabin! The facelifted hot hatch will be fully revealed soon, complete with exterior design tweaks…

Yes, the Volkswagen Golf 8.5 GTI will soon be fully revealed. But ahead of this official unveiling, the Wolfsburg-based automaker has released a raft of teaser images hinting at the facelifted hot hatch’s updated exterior styling. There are also a couple of shots showing the model’s subtly revised cabin.

The latter updates are perhaps the most interesting, what with VW boss Thomas Schäfer having earlier admitted many customers didn’t appreciate the fiddly touch controls on the pre-facelift Golf 8 GTI’s steering wheel. So, true to its word, the German firm has used this upcoming mid-cycle update to revert to physical buttons on the tiller.

That said, the official images suggest the Golf 8.5 GTI will stick with the pre-facelift model’s similarly controversial haptic control panel for light and vision functions. In addition, other digitalised controls – including illuminated touch panels and sliders – appear to have been retained. The cabin furthermore gains a new, larger touchscreen system, running software featuring artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT integrated into the voice assistant.

In terms of exterior updates, the camouflaged prototype shown in the teasers suggest the Golf 8.5 GTI will feature revised bumper designs (fore and aft), along with a newly designed grille plus tweaked lighting signatures, front and back.

Volkswagen has yet to release official information on any powertrain upgrades, though the 8.5 generation may well end up being the final combustion-engined Golf GTI. An earlier Autocar report suggested the familiar EA888 turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine would be “significantly updated for its final years”, with the British publication speculating the hot hatch’s peak outputs could rise from the current 180 kW and 370 Nm to around 195 kW and around 400 Nm.

Such improvements in power and torque would see the front-wheel-drive Golf 8 GTI’s claimed 0-100 kph time fall from the current version’s 6.4 seconds to “below 6.0 seconds”, said Autocar. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (branded DSG) seems likely to remain the default choice.

The publication furthermore reported the refreshed Golf 8 GTI would adopt a raft of chassis tweaks, including a stiffer rear-axle carrier (meant to “improve rolling refinement and cornering performance”) and a more advanced version of the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive suspension system, dubbed the “DCC Pro”.

As a reminder, the Golf 8 GTI debuted globally in February 2020, though arrived in South Africa only in September 2021. Look out for the full reveal of the Golf 8.5 GTI in the coming weeks…

Renault Captur (2023): Living with it

Renault SA’s product lineup may be dominated by Indian-made entry-level cars, but the Captur remains a mainstay of the European market – and well-suited to one of Mzansi’s hottest market segments. We tested the 1.3 Turbo Intens during the festive season.

The best thing about conducting an extended test is that it provides an opportunity to form a more in-depth understanding (and, sometimes, appreciation) of a new model. Our usual 10-14 day tests are quite thorough, but because all testers need to drive test cars during the rest of the year, individuals may not necessarily get enough “seat time” to notice all of a vehicle’s quirks and talents. To get reacquainted with the Captur, the author travelled 1 000 km in the flagship derivative during the end-of-year holiday.

See also: Renault Captur (2023) Review

Renault South Africa has overhauled its line-up during the past few years – its product focus has shifted from legacy European-made models to entry-level vehicles sourced from the Indian market. Models such as the Kwid, Kiger and Triber will never be sold in Renault’s home market, while the Clio, Captur, Megane E-Tech, Arkana and Austral, to name but a few examples, are unlikely to be sold on the Subcontinent.

The French brand still offers a couple of European models in South Africa, however: the 5th-gen Clio and its sibling, the 2nd-gen Captur. The latter targets one of the more popular segments: the high-riding small crossover. With the best days of the traditional hatchback well in the past, customers now favour vehicles with more ground clearance and a raised seating position, even if it means they have to sacrifice on-road dynamism. Renault has seemingly nailed the brief – the Captur has sold strongly in Europe.

Our Mercury Silver Renault Captur extended-test unit arrived with almost 14 000 km on the clock; it was a well-run-in vehicle, which allowed us to inspect it for wear and tear. Suffice it to say, if a test vehicle can be in fine condition after 15 000 km of hard testing by car journalists, it bodes well for its durability!

*The market has lost interest in hatchbacks like Megane, Focus, Astra etc in favour of high-riding crossovers/SUVs*

3 Things To Like about the Renault Captur

Powertrain and Economy

The Renault Captur is powered by a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine. The H5Ht powerplant is a proven quantity and has served in various Renault and Nissan products. It even makes an appearance in the W177-series A-Class, so Mercedes-Benz regards the motor as good enough for a premium brand!

The powertrain’s lively performance means the Captur is more satisfying – engaging even – to pilot than it needs to be. Small crossovers are generally quite bland (inert, even) to drive, so the uncomplicated, intuitive experience was refreshing – a welcome bonus. Admittedly, the dual-clutch ‘box can hesitate when pulling away, particularly during the first drive of the day, but once on the move, it shifts smoothly.

What’s more, the lil’ Renault can deliver a surprisingly brisk turn of speed when required. Overtaking urge is relatively abundant, courtesy of a segment-leading 270 Nm of torque that propels the Captur past slower traffic with ease. When we tested it against the clock back in May 2023, it recorded an 8.41-second run from 0 to 100 kph – it bettered its claimed acceleration time (9.6 sec) by some margin.

There are 3 drive modes: Normal, Sport and Eco (with matching dashboard themes), but I didn’t feel necessary to toggle between them; Normal can play the performance and thrift games equally well.

The best part? After we had clocked up 1 000 km in the Captur, its indicated average consumption was 6.5 L/100 km, which compares well with those of its rivals and is marginally better than its claimed figure.

Comfort and Practicality

*Rear USB ports for passengers should be regarded as compulsory equipment these days*

The Captur’s attractive exterior execution (okay, styling is subjective, but at least the Renault’s looks are on trend!) is backed up by a platform that not only delivers admirable on-road refinement with just a smidgeon of dynamic ability – it boasts generous occupant comfort and load-carrying practicality. Rear passengers are well catered for, with enough knee- and headroom for adults, plus the convenience of two USB charging ports. The Captur may look like a small city slicker, but it can cater for families.

The load bay is, in a word, cavernous, it offers 404 litres of capacity and 1 275 litres of utility space with the rear seats folded down. While that first number is a bit less than its rivals – the Ford Puma (456 L) and Volkswagen Taigo (440 L), the more keenly priced Captur comes with a full-size spare wheel.

*The rear seats of the Captur fold in a 60:40 split and the boot offers commendable depth*

Safety and Tech Features

The Renault Captur is available in 2 trim levels: Zen and Intens; the extended-test unit was a top-spec derivative. For an extra R20k over the price of the Zen, the Intens comes fitted with additional features such as LED headlamps, a larger infotainment screen, a wireless charger, a heated steering wheel, drive modes and some nicer cabin trim. Which one should you buy? Seeing as this model is an alternative to a premium hatchback, the top-of-the-range 1.3 Intens seems well worth the extra outlay of R20 000.

*Captur’s infotainment screen is one of the better in the segment*

That enlarged touchscreen is a treat. Few cars in this market segment have infotainment displays that look as colourful and crisply rendered as the Captur’s, which also has a delightfully logical menu layout. The onboard navigation incorporates built-in alerts (a polite chirp) for fixed-speed cameras and there are some cute touches, such as letting you choose your icon for the navigation. You could opt for a simple arrow or pick from one of the many outrageous Renault concept cars… I favoured the RS 2027 Vision.

*Personalisation touches are plentiful, allowing you to choose your car for the navigation screen*

One of our favourite features was the “hidden” wireless charger. Instead of charging your smartphone by placing it in a shallow recess ahead of the transmission lever, you perch it on a cradle located underneath the Captur’s main transmission tunnel and, therefore, well out of sight of prying eyes. Plus, the pad is large enough to accommodate even the largest of devices, such as the iPhone Pro Max. If your phone doesn’t support wireless charging, there are 2 fast-charging USB ports located on the centre console.

*Your mobile device nestled out of sight on its wireless charging pad*

Dislikes?

We’ve never hesitated to criticise the fitment of cheap-feeling materials in premium-priced cars; given rampant cost-cutting in automotive production (few brands, if any, brands can avoid it), it’s often quite easy to see – and feel – where the interior trim and build quality of new cars have been compromised.

So, while harsh, hard plastics may be quite acceptable in the interiors of Renault’s entry-level models, it would not be “a good look” if the cabin of the Captur – a vehicle priced close to half a million Rand – was awash with plastics and trim pieces of marginal quality. Not only did the extended-test unit’s interior feel outfitted to an acceptable level of quality in most areas… I was impressed by the solidity of the cabin.

*It’s not road-biased either, with over 200 mm of clearance*

After travelling 15 000 km on South African roads (some of which would have been decidedly potholed, uneven and coarse), the Captur had held up commendably well. Indeed, it did anything but disintegrate, unlike the freshly-baked croissant I had for brunch while writing this piece. That being said, while the interior emitted no rattles and squeaks, the transmission tunnel trim seemed to have worked a bit loose.

*This transmission tunnel didn’t feel too connected to the main central console.*

Another minor dislike was the silver-coloured dashboard insert, which managed to catch and reflect the sunlight perfectly to dazzle the front passenger. While this only happened during certain times of the day and depended on in which direction we were travelling, my beloved wife made her discomfort known.

Summary

*Captur has way more going for it than you’d think and should be on your shortlist if you’re shopping in this segment.*

The Renault Captur made a good case for itself during its extended tenure in our test fleet. It happily took on the urban commute (with ease) and effortlessly kept pace with traffic on the national highway. I wish I could have driven it further, but the car’s system began warning us that the 15 000-km service was due.

Small crossovers (compact family cars) will continue to be popular and, fortunately, South African car buyers are spoilt for choice in terms of brands and pricing. The European crew of the Renault Captur, Volkswagen Taigo and Ford Puma should tick the majority of your boxes, but if your budget can’t quite stretch that far (half a million Rand is, after all, a LOT of money for the average family), there are some excellent demo units of larger SUVs available. Also, don’t look past models such as the Haval Jolion and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – there are good reasons why there are countless of those vehicles on the road!

The Captur is priced from R489 999, with this top-spec derivative listed for R509 999 (January 2024). The vehicle is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan. For added peace of mind, Renault’s 5-year warranty is longer than those of most of its rivals…

New Ford Everest Wildtrak X coming soon?

Fresh spy shots suggest Ford could soon hand its Everest the Wildtrak X treatment, uprating the suspension, adding fresh off-road systems and tweaking the design…

The Ford Everest adventure SUV range could soon expand with the release of a new off-road-capable Wildtrak X derivative, judging by fresh spy shots from Australia.

Yes, the folks over at CarExpert have published intriguing photographs of an Everest prototype – snapped testing on the streets of Melbourne – that appears to share plenty with the Ranger Wildtrak X.

*Note the LEDs integrated into the Ranger Wildtrak X’s grille (also seen in the Everest spy shots).*

Like its X-badged bakkie sibling, the apparent Everest Wildtrak X sports LEDs integrated into its grille design, along with black alloy wheels shod in all-terrain tyres. More importantly, though, is the fact this unit seems to ride higher than the standard Everest Wildtrak, while perhaps also gaining a wider track.

We’d speculate this freshly spotted uprated Everest is running the same specially tuned Bilstein position-sensitive dampers as the Ranger Wildtrak X, with this long-travel set-up affording the ladder-frame SUV extra ground clearance, too.

*We’d expect the Everest Wildtrak X to borrow plenty from the Ranger equivalent.*

In addition, the Everest Wildtrak X surely features the same “Trail Turn Assist” system (ostensibly cutting the vehicle’s turning circle by up to 25%) as the equivalent bakkie, along with additional underbody protection and special exterior badging (hastily covered up on the prototype).

So, what could be under the bonnet? Well, we’re not convinced the Blue Oval brand would hand the Everest the full-fat twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol powertrain from the Ranger Raptor, with the 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel motor (as employed by the Ranger Wildtrak X) thus surely the most likely candidate.

*The cabin of the Everest Wildtrak X will likely mirror that of the Ranger version.*

As a reminder, this 4-cylinder oil-burner delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm to all corners – using an on-demand 4-wheel-drive system in the case of the Ranger Wildtrak X – through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

South Africa’s Everest range – which is imported from Thailand, just like the Aussie-spec line-up – currently comprises 6 derivatives, priced from R899 000 to R1 224 900. The aforementioned 2.0-litre engine powers the XLT and Sport variants, while the Wildtrak and Platinum models employ the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel mill.

Will we soon see an Everest Wildtrak X slot into that line-up? Time will tell, though we wouldn’t bet against it…

Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition Announced

This wild-looking thing is a production model that will be offered by the brand. Meet the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition.

Something this outrageous is usually a one-off creation from a brand that will have no ambition of building a version for customers to actually buy, however the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition will be hitting European showrooms.

Audi has a stellar history with offroad shenanigans and obviously the first car to come to mind is the 80s era Audi Quattro. Audi would also like to remind everyone of its current RS Q e-tron Dakar racecar that will be taking part in the brutal rally in the dunes of Saudi Arabia.

What you see here is a tribute to its offroad adventuring spirit and unlike most wild and wacky creations, this one you can actually purchase (albeit in Europe – no sign of Audi SA bringing this one in). Priced around €120 000 (R2 500 000) in Germany , the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition is based on the twin-motor 55 e-tron with 300 kW and 664 Nm. If you have the offroad tyres fitted, expect 0-100 kph to come up in 5.9 seconds (5.8 if you go for the standard rubber).

Impressively, Audi supplies both standard road tyres as well as a set of General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres. You lose about 50km of total range, but we’d argue these wheels look far more purposeful. They also add 31 mm of additional ground clearance. For the offroad fanatics, this has some genuine ability with approach, departure and breakover angles rated at 20, 26 and 19 degrees respectively. There’s also 300 mm of water wading depth, which is less than half that of something dedicated like a Ford Ranger.

You have to give it to the brand, however. The Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition looks awesome and it’s great to see interesting and fun creations from a typically conservative brand. You can take your pick of one of three colours and there’s a special decal package too. The roof rack is functional and can take 40kg of cargo, and Audi has tweaked the cabin to separate it from lesser Q8 e-tron derivatives.

Both the Audi Q8 e-tron and facelifted Q8 SUV will be arriving in South African showrooms in 2024.

Isuzu D-Max set for mild-hybrid engine – report

The Isuzu D-Max is set to receive a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine with mild-hybrid assistance, according to a report out of Thailand. Here’s what we know so far…

The Isuzu D-Max is currently available with either a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine or a likewise oil-burning 3.0-litre motor. But a fresh report out of Thailand suggests the Japanese automaker is gearing up to offer the bakkie with a new powerplant, complete with mild-hybrid assistance.

According to Headlight magazine (in a report first brought to our attention via a Citizen Motoring story), the new engine will displace 2.2 litres and boast 48V technology. Like the Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V already detailed for Europe (and set to launch in South Africa at some point during 2024), the mildly electrified D-Max will likely employ a belt-driven generator to charge a small battery pack.

*The RG-gen Isuzu D-Max launched in SA only in April 2022.*

The Thailand-based publication’s report includes no information on the positioning of the battery pack nor its capacity. Moreover, it’s not clear exactly how much extra oomph such a system would add to the new 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine’s peak outputs (which are likewise unknown).

Still, judging by the performance of similar systems, Isuzu’s mild-hybrid arrangement should bring some fuel-consumption improvements along with better throttle response, enhanced acceleration and quieter start-up.

Headlight magazine claims the new 2.2-litre mild-hybrid engine could be rolled out as early as 2025, though it’s worth keeping in mind Thailand’s RG-generation D-Max product cycle is well ahead of South Africa’s, with our Struandale-built version having launched only in April 2022 (as opposed to late 2019 in Thailand).

*The X-Rider badge has returned to South Africa.*

Indeed, a facelifted D-Max was revealed for that country in October 2023, with no indication of when such a refreshed model will come online in Mzansi (with our market instead focusing on the new X-Rider for now). Interestingly, in September 2023, Isuzu’s global division also seemingly confirmed it plans to launch an electric bakkie – which may well wear the E-Max badge – in 2025.

As a reminder, the current model’s 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine generates 140 kW and 450 Nm, while the 1.9-litre unit offers 110 kW and 350 Nm. Transmission options on both engines comprise a 6-speed manual gearbox or an automatic with the same number of cogs.

Hyundai previews facelifted Creta

Hyundai’s (not so) compact family car will get a facelift soon – an updated model, replete with sharper “Sensuous Sportiness” design cues and a 1.5-litre turbopetrol flagship derivative equipped with a DCT ‘box, will debut in India later this month.

Upon its introduction in South Africa in 2017, the (then 1st-gen) Hyundai Creta was one of the first “upsized” compact family cars to bridge the gap between small crossovers and family cars (medium SUVs). Since the 2nd-gen model arrived in 2020, followed by a new-look version in 2022, the sub-segment has grown to include the Grand Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Corolla Cross and others.

*The “new look” (as opposed to facelifted) Indonesian-made Hyundai Creta arrived in SA in 2022.*

At the time the new-look model was launched in Mzansi, we were surprised that Hyundai had chosen to update its product less than 2 years after the local introduction, but, as it turned out, Hyundai Automotive SA had begun sourcing Creta units from the brand’s Indonesian- (as opposed to Indian) assembly plant.

Granted, the current SA model sports elements of the NX4-gen Tucson’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language (including the compound and segmented grille that incorporates “hidden” headlamp units), but judging from these fresh teaser images of the upcoming Indian-market facelift model, the South Korean brand is looking to roll out an even more distinctive iteration of the Creta, replete with bolder styling.

The front-end styling of the updated Creta (to reiterate, only confirmed for the Indian market at this stage) incorporates an upright bonnet design, full-width LED DRLs, quad-beam LED headlamps (with rhombus-shaped surrounds) and redesigned bumpers with squared-off dark grey garnishes. The tailgate is bisected by an LED light bar, and the taillamp clusters have a blocky lighting signature.

The interior, meanwhile, dispenses with the conventional “plunging fascia flanked by a cowled gauge cluster” in favour of a panel that integrates the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrumentation. Below the central ventilation outlets, Hyundai has further fitted a touch panel for the HVAC controls.

According to Autocar India, the high-spec derivatives of the Creta will be equipped with dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera system, as well as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

*The updated Creta’s front-end styling is clearer in Hyundai India’s promotional material.*

As for powertrains, the facelifted Hyundai Creta line-up includes a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox or Intelligent Variable (automatic) transmission – as in the South African market – but it will notably be headed by a 119 kW (says Autocar India) 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol (Kappa Turbo GDi) engine mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Will this Hyundai Creta facelift come to SA?

Seeing as the Indonesian market’s Creta model is offered in South Africa, does that mean the revisions to the Indian model are irrelevant to our market? The fact that the newcomer appears decidedly more upmarket than the prudently-specified iteration currently on sale in Mzansi is not an encouraging sign…

Bear in mind, however, that 4 years have elapsed since the launch of the 2nd-gen model, which means that a formal mid-product-lifecycle facelift (as opposed to the rollout of a differently styled model, as what happened in our market in 2022) is now imminent.

Although we anticipate that the new Kona boutique crossover will arrive in South Africa sooner rather than later, these updates to the Creta will probably be applied to the Indonesian-built (and therefore SA-delivered) model at some point during 2024.

We’ll update this article as soon as new local market information becomes available.

How to File an Insurance Claim if Your Car is Stolen

Filing an insurance claim when your car has been stolen requires patience, diligence and a firm understanding of your policy. This article will guide you through the process.

PARTNERED CONTENT

Responsible vehicle owners know that having car insurance isn’t a luxury – it is an essential part of car ownership in South Africa. Thousands of vehicles are stolen or hijacked in Mzansi every year, with many being cloned or crossing the border to neighbouring countries. Car jamming has also become quite common, with many drivers unaware that their cars have not been locked when they leave them.

Fortunately, having a car insurance policy helps you cope with the financial fallout that comes with the loss of a vehicle. Budget Insurance brings you this guide to filing a stolen-vehicle claim; by following the steps as efficiently as possible, your inconvenience of being without a car will be limited to a minimum.

Don’t wait too long before filing your insurance claim

It can happen to anyone. In the blink of an eye, your beloved car can vanish without a trace. Being a victim of car theft is a harrowing experience and, when you’re stressed, “paperwork” or “admin” may be the last thing on your mind. However, bear in mind that when you file a car insurance claim, it’s critical to submit it as soon as possible. Any claims made later than 30 days after the incident can’t be processed.

Also, your insurer can help you with your stolen-vehicle claim, depending on the type of cover you’ve taken out… Comprehensive Car Insurance and Third-Party, Fire and Theft Car Insurance policies cover you for theft or hijacking. Third-party Only Car Insurance, by contrast, will only cover you for the costs of damages made to another vehicle, object or structure if you are in a car accident that was your fault.

What to do if your car has been stolen

Remain as calm as possible and follow these steps to submit a stolen-car insurance claim successfully.

1. Activate your tracking device

If you have a vehicle tracking device fitted in your car (some insurers make it mandatory for their policy holders’ cars to be so-equipped), one of the first things you should do is contact the service provider to activate it. They have sophisticated technology at their disposal and may be able to recover your vehicle.

2. Report the theft to the police

The sooner you contact the police to report a stolen car, the better. You will need to do this to file a car insurance claim. Go to the nearest police station to report the crime and fill in paperwork to open a case.

You will need:

your driver’s licence
vehicle registration details
the make, model and colour of your vehicle
the vehicle identification number (VIN)

You should also tell the police if your car has any distinguishable features, like dents or modifications.

3. Get a case number

Once you have filled in a police report, take the time to read through it again to make sure that everything is correct. Also, take note of the name and rank of the police officer who is assisting you. Ask the officer to make a certified copy of the report, as you will need to give this to your insurer.

The officer will give you a case number. This is very important information that you must keep safe as it is needed to make the car insurance claim.

4. Notify your insurer

Now is the time to contact your insurer to file the claim. The claim’s consultant will ask for information similar to that given to the police, as well as the case number and the certified copy of the police report.

5. Allow the claim to be processed

Once you have filed a claim, you will be assigned another claim number. A consultant will be assigned to assist you and provide you with all the details and updates on the progress of your claim. If your claim is approved, your insurer will determine the value of your stolen car and provide you with a monetary settlement amount or arrange a replacement vehicle of similar value – it depends on your policy.

Remember, you will be responsible for making an excess payment as specified in your policy. This is the amount you contribute before your car insurance will pay out your claim. Once the “deductible” has been paid, your insurer will compensate you for the remaining amount up to your particular policy limit.

Car Insurance and stolen cars: What you should know

How long does it take to process a car insurance claim?

There is no definitive timeline because each case is different. A team of experts processes every claim, and the length of time each claim takes depends on the type of claim submitted. Stay in touch with your consultant, who will keep you informed about what is happening/where you are in the process timeline.

What happens if my stolen car is recovered?

If your car is recovered after your insurance claim has been processed and you have already been paid out for a replacement car, the recovered car automatically becomes the property of your insurer. If any personal belongings are found in the recovered car, these will be returned to you, however.

If your car is recovered before the claim is processed, you must inform your insurer immediately. You will also need to get a clearance certificate to remove your vehicle from the police’s stolen-vehicle database.

Can I claim for the contents that were in my vehicle when it was stolen?

Even comprehensive car insurance does not necessarily cover the car’s contents when it was stolen. If you want to protect any high-value items in your car, it’s best to take out portable possessions insurance.

This comes standard when you have a home contents Insurance policy with Budget Insurance and provides general cover against theft, loss, and damage up to a certain limit. However, you need to have a vehicle- or home contents insurance policy to qualify for portable possessions insurance. You also have the opportunity to specify your more expensive items, such as your iPad, laptop, camera, and jewellery.

Get a quote now

Gain peace of mind in knowing that there is always someone available to help you in your time of need. If you take out a Budget Insurance policy, you’ll also get the benefit of Road Assist. You never know when disaster may strike, so ensure you have as much protection as possible for your security.

Remember, if you want to learn more about car insurance or review your car insurance requirements with the help of experts, Budget Insurance’s team is always ready to assist. Contact them on 086 1600 120 or leave your details and they’ll call you back at no expense to you! You can also request an online quote.

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Alpina B3 Arrives in SA in Limited Numbers

Just before the end of 2023, BMW SA imported just five units of the Alpina B3 AWD as part of its 50 year celebrations.

This is not South Africa’s first taste of Alpina’s magic as its collaboration with BMW SA in the 1980s resulted in the sensational BMW 333i. There were around 200 units built and they’re highly sought after by collectors.

What you see here is a completely different animal and a fascinating take on a subtle-looking performance vehicle. Using a BMW M340i xDrive as a base, Alpina inserted the M3’s 3.0 S58 engine and tweaked it a bit. Unlike most tuners which ramp up the power from the donor engine, Alpina took a different route with its own turbochargers, software and internals.

The result is 364 kW and 730 Nm. Interestingly, the BMW M3 offers up 375 kW and 650 Nm. Impressively, the Alpina B3 is said to dash to 100 kph in just 3.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 305 kph. The vehicle has an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Alpina has given the B3 a high-performance braking setup with drilled discs, sport suspension, unique tune for the steering setup, as well as a model-specific exhaust.

All five cars have already been sold and you can spot them with their signature Alpina Green II metallic paint, 20-inch Alpina wheels and Alpina badging. If you’re lucky to see inside, there’s a unique plaque on the central console as well as BMW SA 50 years anniversary logo on the front seat headrests.

How much does the Alpina B3 cost in South Africa?

The price includes BMW’s Motorplan, VAT and CO2 tax is R2 960 341 and we would not be surprised to see the value of these vehicles increase in time given their rarity and exclusivity.

New Nissan half-tonne bakkie still on the cards

Nissan in Latin America has confirmed it continues to develop a new half-tonne bakkie, adding that the fresh model will be based on a Renault product. NP200 successor, anyone?

Back in early 2023, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance announced plans to create a new half-tonne bakkie, developed by Renault and shared with Nissan. Of course, plenty has happened since then, including Nissan South Africa entering a “formal consultation phase to restructure the business” as it seeks a replacement for the NP200 that will go out of production in March 2024.

But a new Nissan-badged half-tonner remains on the cards – in some parts of the world, anyway. Nissan’s Latin American division recently confirmed it planned to “enrich” its product line-up, telling the Brazilian Motor1.com website it would utilise Renault’s “expertise” in the half-tonne segment.

Renault Niagara Concept — *The Renault Niagara concept was revealed in October 2023.*

Nissan pointed to the Niagara concept as an example of its alliance partner’s prowess in this unibody-bakkie segment, though Renault obviously also produces the Duster-based Oroch. As a reminder, the Oroch – which was long been in the planning for a South African introduction but still hasn’t materialised – was handed another facelift in 2022.

According to the Motor1.com report, the upcoming new-generation Oroch (if it continues to wear that badge, of course) will form the basis for the aforementioned new Nissan half-tonner, with both running on the Alliance’s CMF-B platform. Production is likely to take place in Argentina.

What does that mean for Nissan SA’s plant in Rosslyn? Well, we’ll have to wait and see, but it’s interesting to note the automaker’s local division confirmed it had earlier lined up an “immediate replacement model for NP200”, which was planned to be built on a Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance shared platform in Russia.

*The NP200 debuted in SA back in 2008, with production now scheduled to end in March 2024.*

However, Nissan SA said the “geopolitical situation in Russia meant this model was no longer viable due to significantly reduced” volumes. “In line with our African strategy, securing a 2nd model for production in South Africa is a priority and a study into an alternative vehicle is already progressing,” the statement from Nissan SA read back in October 2023.

As a reminder, the NP200 launched in SA as a replacement for the Nissan 1400 in 2008. The NP200 had the local half-tonne bakkie segment all to itself since the end of 2017, when General Motors quit Mzansi, thus marking the end of the line for the Chevrolet Utility. As such, the Dacia Logan-based single cab quickly became Nissan SA’s chief volume driver.

Find a used Nissan NP200 on Cars.co.za!

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How to File an Insurance Claim if Your Car is Stolen

Filing an insurance claim when your car has been stolen requires patience, diligence and a firm understanding of your policy. This article will guide you through the process.

Don’t wait too long before filing your insurance claim

What to do if your car has been stolen

Car Insurance and stolen cars: What you should know

Get a quote now

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