Best BMW Models in SA for 2024

If you’re a fan of the BMW brand and looking for the best BMW models to buy in South Africa, then this article is for you!

BMW enjoys vast support in South Africa and the Munich-based firm is respected for its luxurious and dynamic cars.

The BMW range includes a hatchback, sedans, cabriolets, coupes, compact and large SUVs, sports cars and a wide selection of electric models. BMW’s selection of M cars are particularly sought after by performance enthusiasts.

See the full BMW range here

If you’re looking for the best BMW models to buy in 2024 then look no further than the 2024/25 #CarsAwards finalists! The #CarsAwards sponsored by Absa is South Africa’s most comprehensive and authoritative motoring awards programme that recognises the best cars available in the new car market across 13 categories.

In this latest iteration of the Cars Awards, BMW has 5 finalists that can be considered to be the best BMW models on sale in South Africa right now. Here they are!

Best BMW models to buy in South Africa

BMW X2 sDrive 18i M Sport (Premium Crossover)

The new BMW X2 arrived in South Africa earlier in 2024. The new X2 is powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine with 115 kW and 230 Nm and comes paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

For those seeking more performance, the X2 M35i ups the ante with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 223 kW and 400 Nm and comes paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch cog-swapper.

Buy a new BMW X2 on Cars.co.za

Buy a used BMW X2 on Cars.co.za

BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport (Executive SUV)

The BMW X3 is built right here in South Africa and an all-new X3 is due to go on sale before the end of 2025! The X3 is undoubtedly one of the best executive SUVs on the market and this X3 30e xDrive M Sport is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor combining 140 kW from the engine and 135 kW electric boost giving it a total outputs of 220 kW and 450 Nm.

Buy a new BMW X3 on Cars.co.za

Buy a used BMW X3 on Cars.co.za

BMW X5 xDrive 30d M Sport (Premium SUV)

For higher levels of luxury and practicality, consider the BMW X5!

The X5 xDrive 30d strikes a good balance between power and economy and is powered by a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine that offers 210 kW and 650 Nm. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Buy a new BMW X5 on Cars.co.za

Buy a used BMW X5 on Cars.co.za

BMW M2 Automatic (Performance Car)

For the performance thrill seekers, it doesn’t get much better than the BMW M2!

With a potent 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbopetrol engine that develops 338 kW and 500 Nm and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For the purists, a manual M2 is also available.

Buy a new BMW M2 on Cars.co.za

Buy a used BMW M2 on Cars.co.za

BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport (Electric Car)

The BMW iX1 is the defending champion in the Electric Car category and it offers 230 kW and 494 Nm. Electric range is claimed at 440 km.

Buy a new BMW iX1 on Cars.co.za

Buy a used BMW iX1 on Cars.co.za

VW’s mystery small SUV: when SA will get its first glimpse

The head of Volkswagen Group Africa has revealed when South Africa will get its first glimpse of the upcoming small SUV that’s set to be produced at the Kariega plant…

In April 2024, Volkswagen announced a R4-billion investment in its Kariega facility, confirming plans to produce a new small SUV – alongside the Polo hatch and Polo Vivo – from 2027. But when will South Africa get its first glimpse of this as-yet-unrevealed model on local soil?

Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, told Cars.co.za at Naamsa’s recent South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town that the local teaser campaign for what the company refers to as its new “A0 Entry SUV” is scheduled to kick off in February 2025.

*Production of the new small SUV is set to start early in 2027.*

“We’re talking about a model coming in the beginning of 2027 to our market. We have started refurbishing [areas of] the plant and there will be a bigger [undertaking] in the plant in May 2025, when we put the robots into the body shop, which is a major operation,” Biene told us.

“But because it takes some time, we have not shown our small SUV car [yet], which is based on the Polo platform. We’ll show something at our Volkswagen Indaba 2025. Just to tease that [event] already: it’s on the 5th of February in Kariega, where we’ll show the first camouflaged model of what is coming, to keep you excited for the next 2 years.”

*We’ve zoomed in and further lightened the teaser image.*

In September 2024, the Wolfsburg-based firm’s Brazilian arm – which is leading the design and development of this new model – released the first official teaser image. Echoing an earlier statement that VW Group Africa would adapt this vehicle “to the local and continental requirements”, Biene told us her team would “Africanise” it.

“Brazil is the lead plant but Brazil is also left-hand drive. Brazil will launch over the course of the next year – I think, end of next year [2025], if I’m not mistaken. Then comes us, and we’re doing the right-hand-drive development and we’ll ‘Africanise’ it a bit, because it’s not a one-to-one copy, of course,” Biene explained.

*VW says the new model’s name (in Brazil, at least) will feature “up to 5 letters”.*

While Volkswagen has yet to reveal the name of the new small SUV (which is due to slot in below the T-Cross), its Brazilian division has invited the public to guess the badge that will be used, saying “we can only give one hint: the name will have up to 5 letters”. Whether the vehicle ends up wearing the same moniker in South Africa, of course, remains to be seen…

GWM SA defends Tank 500’s R1.2m price-tag

GWM South Africa’s sales director says critics who believe the Chinese firm is “arrogant” for pricing its Tank 500 at over R1.2-million are off the mark…

In August 2024, the Tank 500 launched in South Africa as GWM’s first model priced on the far side of R1-million, pushing the Chinese brand into unchartered pricing territory. But a high-ranking executive at the automaker’s local division says this just reflects the brand’s confidence in its product.

Desmond Els, Sales Director at GWM South Africa, made the comments during a wide-ranging interview conducted in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s recent South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town.

GWM P-Series P500 — *The top-spec P500 comes in just short of 7 figures.*

“We’ve been, I’d say, the first Chinese OEM [original equipment manufacturer] that has brought a car to market over R1-million. So, we launched P500 HEV just under R1-million and we launched Tank 500 at the R1.2-million mark.

“People would say: ‘is that slightly arrogant, bringing something like that to market?’. And I would say ‘no’. We’ve got confidence. We’ve got confidence in our product – we know what we’re planning towards,” Els told us.

*In South Africa, the Tank 500 is offered exclusively in petrol-hybrid form.*

Priced at R1 222 900, the Tank 500 ladder-frame SUV is offered exclusively in petrol-hybrid form, boasting total system outputs of 255 kW and 648 Nm, with a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4×4 shipping standard. As has become the norm with Chinese brands, this model’s list of standard equipment is a lengthy one.

Its positioning, of course, sees the 7-seater Tank 500 2.0T Ultra Luxury Hybrid 4×4 9AT going head to head with established 7-seater SUVs, such as the V6 turbodiesel versions of the Ford Everest (the Wildtrak for R1 199 500 and the Platinum for R1 278 000, though those prices are sans service plans) and even the base model in the J250-generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado range (the 2.8GD TX, priced at R1 296 300).

GWM Tank 500 interior — *As has become expected from Chinese brands, the Tank 500 is crammed with standard kit.*

For the record, the 3-row Tank 500 measures 5 078 mm from nose to tail, making it longer than both the Everest (4 940 mm) and Prado (4 925 mm) – and even lengthier than the Land Cruiser 300 (5 005 mm). However, we should keep in mind that GWM’s 7-seater SUV features a tailgate-mounted spare, which is seemingly included in this measurement.

In August 2024 (effectively a partial month in which the Tank 500 was launched), GWM SA reported 13 sales of its luxury off-road SUV, a figure that grew to 17 units in September. A further 8 units were registered prior to the local launch, presumably as part of the vehicle’s local homologation process.

New Chery models, including a small bakkie, coming to SA soon

Chery is set to launch a new Tiggo 4 Pro variant, its Tiggo 9 flagship and revised family-car models soon, but the biggest news is that a small bakkie is set to arrive in Mzansi, possibly not long after the lifestyle double cab based on the KP11 concept.

We recently reported from Wuhu, China that the local subsidiary of the Chinese automotive giant was planning to launch a ladder-frame-based, lifestyle-oriented Chery double-cab in late 2025/early 2026.

Based on SA’s single- and double-cab bakkie sales stats for Q3 2024, the local bakkie landscape has not changed (at least at the top) despite an influx of new competitors from China – Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max still rule the roost. However, the future arrival of the revised GWM P-Series P300 and a brace of Chery bakkies might see a notable number of buyers shift away from conventional choices…

*Chery unveiled its K11 concept in Wuhu recently.*

But let’s put “1-tonne” bakkies aside for the moment. The demise of half-tonne bakkies such as the Fiat Strada, Ford Bantam, Chevrolet Utility during the past decade and, earlier this year, the Nissan NP200 – has left a void in the local market. See also: ‘It wasn’t our decision’ to axe NP200, says Nissan SA boss

This limited selection has forced small business owners to consider alternatives, such as single-cab or workhorse bakkies, or hatchback- and crossover-based LCVs from Hyundai (Cargo), Kia (Runner) etc.

The conversation about next-gen half-tonne bakkies is not new in South Africa. Over the years, several manufacturers – notably Volkswagen and Renault – have produced such vehicles for overseas markets, but these never saw local shores either owing to the lack of right-hand-drive availability; or the inability to secure competitive pricing. See also: VW’s planned SA-built half-tonne bakkie hits roadblock

Another potential half-tonne contender: Could Geely return to SA with Riddara RD6 bakkie?

However, Chery’s local subsidiary looks to set this paucity of possibilities right in 2026, when it brings a half-tonne double-cab to South Africa. This time, though, it’s real, as the contingent of motoring media visiting the company’s annual summit held in China last week – were shown design sketches of the vehicle in question, which is set to share the Tiggo 4 Pro/Tiggo 7 Pro platform.

While cameras were strictly verboten during the reveal, Chery South Africa’s top brass had no qualms about confirming the bakkie’s pre-production status in anticipation of its intended arrival date.

Chery SA’s crossover surge intensifies

Additionally, Chery South Africa affirmed enhancements of its existing line-up for the next year or so.

Set for imminent release is a Cross version of the Tiggo 4 Pro; with a petrol-electric hybrid derivative thereof following in the 2nd quarter of 2025. See also: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro DCT (2024) Review

Facelifted versions of the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro family cars will arrive in early 2025, plus both model ranges will be expanded to include plug-in hybrid variants.

However, as far as its crossover line-up is concerned, the arrival of the Tiggo 9 in February is Chery’s biggest news for 2025. At 4.8 metres in length, the 7-seater family car is 90 mm longer, 65 mm wider and 36 mm higher than the Tiggo 8 Pro, plus it has a longer wheelbase (2 770 mm vs 2 710 mm).

It will be powered by Chery’s direct-injection Kunpeng 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine delivering 192 kW and 400 Nm, which is mated to either a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or a conventional 8-speed torque converter automatic (it differs from market to market) that drives the front wheels only.

A 256-colour ambient lighting system is fitted as standard equipment, as is a Level 2 active safety suite that comprises road-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, brake override system, blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assistant; as well as forward- and rear cross-traffic collision warnings – among others.

The local Tiggo 9 line-up will also include a PHEV hybrid version featuring Chery’s 1.5-litre T-GDi engine that develops a not-inconsiderable 175 kW and 385 Nm, with a claimed average fuel consumption figure of 5.2 litres/100 km. What it’s like to drive: Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV (2024) International Launch Review

The petrol engine works in junction with a 165 kW electric motor and a combined power output of up to 230 kW is sent to all wheels (20-inch alloys are standard), via a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.

Recharging the 19.4-kWh battery pack from 30% to 80% with a fast charger is said to take 25 minutes and Chery claims the Tiggo 9 PHEV, which can reportedly travel up to 100 km in EV-only mode, is good for a combined range of more than 1 200 km (based on the Chinese light-duty vehicle test cycle).

Its PHEV configuration means the Tiggo 9 can run on its internal combustion engine (ICE) only; or the battery; or a combination of the two. The ICE is capable of charging the battery on the go, but to get the former to its full state of charge, the vehicle has to be plugged into an AC socket or a DC charger.

Indeed, if life is a bowl of cherries, Chery’s selection is about to get even sweeter!

View prices and specifications of new Chery models in South Africa

Looking for a new/used Chery model? Find one listed on Cars.co.za

These Are The Most Popular BMW M Cars in SA

At the recent M-Fest media day, BMW SA shared which of its models are the most popular in South Africa.

BMW M Fest is a three-day celebration of the Bavarian brand’s performance division and will feature demonstration laps, opportunities to purchase new vehicles as well as the local debut of all-new offerings like the locally-built BMW X3, BMW M5 hybrid as well as the BMW M3 Touring.

At the media preview event, BMW Group SA confirmed which of its M-branded models were the top sellers and the below list is a blend of pure M models like the M2 and M3, as well as M high performance derivatives.

Unfortunately, the supplied info does not mention a time period or specific numbers of units sold. But, it’s an interesting look at which vehicles are proving the most popular. Sadly, BMW do not give individual model sales figures monthly, but rather follows a strange strategy of sharing a month’s worth of sales data every quarter.

All the latest BMW prices and specifications

What are most popular BMW M cars for sale in South Africa?

1: BMW M2

Its looks were not initially well received, but there’s no denying the M2 is anything but a purists M car. Thanks to a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline 6 petrol engine, there’s 338 kW and 550 Nm driving the rear wheels. Customers have the choice of either an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Read a review of the BMW M2

2: BMW X5 M60i

With a slightly detuned V8 turbocharged petrol engine from the X5 M, it makes sense to get 90% of the performance for a bit less money than the full-fat BMW X5 M Competition. Outputs of 390 kW and 750 Nm are enough to see this luxury SUV hit 100 in 4.3 seconds.

All you need to know about the BMW X5

3: BMW X3 M40i

The M40i follows a similar strategy to the M60i X5, by offering potent performance but not quite to the same level as the full-fat M Competition models. It has a 3.0-litre inline 6 cylinder petrol engine making 265 kW and 500 Nm, driving all four wheels via an 8-speed gearbox. BMW claimed 0-100 kph in 4.9 seconds. This X3 is being replaced by the all-new X3 M50.

What is the BMW X3 M40i like to live with?

4: BMW M3 Sedan

The classic M3 Sedan manages to outsell its M4 Coupe sibling, although its not clear by how much or whether the split is between rear-wheel drive or the xDrive all-paw setup. As a reminder, the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline 6 cylinder makes 390 kW and 650 Nm, and can hit 100 kph in 3.5 seconds.

The BMW M3 Competition was recently facelifted, here’s pricing

5: BMW M340i

The M340i xDrive is one of our favourite cars, offering blistering performance without the immature image of being overtly sporty. It follows the traditional BMW recipe of a 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder but in this application, outputs are rated at 285 kW and 500 Nm.

Read a review of the BMW M340

Want to purchase a new or used BMW M car? Find units for sale

Read all the latest BMW news and reviews

New Volkswagen Tiguan Review: Very well specced, very well priced!

The new Volkswagen Tiguan has hit the local family car market and it will look to win back market share in this hotly contested segment. Will the new Tiguan succeed? Jacob Moshokoa reviews the new Tiguan! Watch the video for insight!

The new Volkswagen Tiguan is here!

It’s fair to say that the legacy brands who have enjoyed market domination in South Africa for decades have never faced an onslaught of competition quite like the last few years, as a deluge of Chinese brands have captured significant market share in recent times.

The Volkswagens of this world have a proper fight on their hands as brand loyalty seems to become a thing of the past as South African consumers are seemingly pursuing value over the badge on the nose.

With this new Tiguan, Volkswagen has made a refreshing change…they’ve practically kept the price the same (or less!) than the outgoing model.

This represents a significant shift in the modus operandi of the legacy brands and it’s one that we welcome and we’re sure the South African consumer will too.

VW have also not been shy with the specification, another area where the Chinese brands tend to shine.

So, will this all work? Jacob Moshokoa reviews the new Volkswagen Tiguan for us, and we’ll keep an eye on the sales figures to find out.

Watch the video!

Buy a new Volkswagen Tiguan on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Volkswagen Tiguan on Cars.co.za

Also see: Volkswagen Tiguan Buyer’s Guide Video

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 Confirmed for SA in 2025

The Volkswagen Golf 1.4 is earmarked for a return to our market in the first quarter of 2025 and we can share some early details.

In an interesting turn of events, the C-segment hatchback will be returning to SA, with Volkswagen Group Africa confirming the Volkswagen Golf 1.4 in the first quarter of 2025. Yes, it will be the facelift model too, the 8.5.

South Africa has always shown preference to the performance Golf models, like the GTI and the R, and as a result, the base models were discontinued for our market. Interestingly, Volkswagen Group Africa offers the 8 GTI and R, but the facelifted 8.5 GTI is yet to be confirmed, with concerns around fuel quality.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find the 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine and in this application, we suspect it will offer the same outputs as many of its Volkswagen siblings. With 110 kW and 250 Nm driving the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, you can expect 100 kph in around 8.5 seconds. We have no confirmation on the transmissions yet, but we suspect VW will be not be offering a manual gearbox, given the popularity of a two-pedal setup.

The inside of the Volkswagen Golf 8.5 receives a brand-new 4th-gen infotainment screen dubbed MIB4 with a 10.4-inch screen perched on top of the dashboard. VW claims operation is simplified and there’s an easier to use menu structure and crisper graphics. We hope the all-digital instrument cluster is confirmed for our market too. Having experienced that in the all-new 3rd-gen Volkswagen Tiguan, we can safely say this is a great system.

When will the Volkswagen Golf 1.4 arrive in SA?

Volkswagen Group Africa confirmed the Golf will be touching down in the first quarter of 2025. Pricing and local specifications will be confirmed closer to the product launch date.

Want to purchase a new or used Volkswagen? Browse vehicles for sale

Read all the latest Volkswagen news and reviews

Best Kia Models to Buy in SA

Kia is a popular car brand in South Africa and if you’re shopping for the best Kia models currently on the market then this article is for you!

Kia offers a comprehensive range of passenger and commercial vehicles to the local market and caters for various budgets.

See the full Kia car range here

The quality of Kia cars has improved significantly in the last decade and with a good reputation for reliability and aftersales support, Kia has become a respected and sought-after car brand.

What are the best Kia models to buy in 2024, you ask? Well, the answer to that question will depend on what kind of car you are looking for and how much you can afford to spend on a car.

The #CarsAwards is South Africa’s most comprehensive and authoritative motoring awards programme and recognises the best new cars currently available. Kia has 3 finalists in the 2024/25 #CarsAwards sponsored by Absa and these products represent excellent buying propositions in their respective segments.

That means that if you choose to buy any one of the #CarsAwards finalists, you are undoubtedly buying one of the best cars in South Africa.

On that note, let’s take a closer look at the best Kia models you can buy in South Africa!

Best Kia models to buy in South Africa in 2024

Kia Sonet 1.5 LX Auto

The updated Kia Sonet was introduced recently and has received high praise in our recent review while also being identified as a finalist in the 2024/25 iteration of the #CarsAwards.

The Sonet 1.5 LX automatic is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 84 kW and 144 Nm of torque and is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Buy a new Kia Sonet on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Kia Sonet on Cars.co.za

Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX+

The Kia Seltos is one of the best compact family cars on the market and the diesel-powered Seltos in EX+ guise is arguably the pick of the range. An updated Kia Seltos arrived in South Africa earlier in 2024.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine that offers 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Buy a new Kia Seltos on Cars.co.za

Buy used Kia Seltos on Cars.co.za

Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT Line Plus

The Kia Sportage is the reigning Family Car category champion and represents an excellent buying proposition for any family car buyer.

The Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT Line Plus is powered by a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine with 100 kW and 320 Nm of torque and is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Buy a new Kia Sportage on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Kia Sportage on Cars.co.za

Hyundai SA ‘in discussions’ with HQ about bakkie options

With sister brand Kia set to enter the pick-up space, Hyundai SA says it’s “in discussions” with head office in Korea with a view to introducing its own bakkie…

The head of Hyundai Automotive South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the brand’s local division is “in discussions” with head office in Korea about the possibility of introducing a double-cab bakkie, though adds “there are no definite plans” for now.

Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, was speaking to Cars.co.za during an interview conducted in a custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s recent South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town.

Kia Tasman first official images — *Hyundai Motor Group brand Kia will soon reveal its new Tasman.*

With sister brand Kia set to enter the traditional double-cab bakkie space with the new Tasman, we asked Jansen van Rensburg – who has been in the role since July 2023 – whether the Hyundai marque had any plans to follow suit.

“We are in discussions with Hyundai [in] Korea to look at a pick-up. Currently, there are no definite plans, so H-100 for now is the real volume seller in our [light] commercial range, along with our Cargo vehicles – the Grand i10 Cargo and the Venue Cargo,” the executive told us.

*Hyundai already has a strong LCV presence thanks to its H-100 (above) and Cargo panel vans.*

“That is our commercial range for now. But, yes, we are talking with them [Hyundai’s head office in Seoul] and looking for solutions [in terms of] what they can offer us,” Jansen van Rensburg added.

So, what sort of solutions could one day be put on the table? Well, earlier rumours suggested Hyundai had no plans to offer a ladder-frame bakkie based on the Tasman, though that could, of course, change.

Hyundai Santa Cruz bakkie — *The current Santa Cruz is built exclusively in left-hand drive.*

Interestingly, Hyundai Motor Company Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, John Kett, told media Down Under as recently as June 2024 that “it’s just a matter of time” before the Korean firm adds a right-hand-drive bakkie to its line-up.

“We’ll love the day where we can actually tell you something about it. The reality is, we know we’re getting one – it’s just a matter of time,” Kett told CarsGuide at the time, adding that “whenever it comes, it will bring incredible value”.

*Rumours suggest the 2nd-gen Santa Cruz will also be built in right-hooker form.*

Kett furthermore said “we so desperately realise we want one”, before intriguingly adding “we won’t see one in a diesel form”. These comments added substance to an earlier report claiming that the Santa Cruz – a unibody bakkie based on the Tucson SUV and currently produced exclusively in left-hand-drive form – could be built in both left- and right-hooker guise in its 2nd generation. This 2nd iteration could apparently hit the road as early as 2026.

Of course, another option for Hyundai is a fully electric bakkie of some kind. Indeed, the Korean firm has applied to trademark the Ioniq T7 and Ioniq T10 badges (including right here in South Africa), which reports suggest could be applied to some form of battery-powered pick-ups.

Hyundai Creta STC small bakkie — *The Creta STC concept revealed way back in 2016.*

Furthermore, a March 2024 report out of South America claimed Hyundai was developing a new small bakkie based on the Creta, and thus set to be positioned below the aforementioned Santa Cruz. According to Brazilian media, this rumoured model could be released in initial markets “in 2026 or 2027”.

Isuzu D-Max facelift and ‘sexier’ MU-X set for 2025

The head of Isuzu Motors South Africa says the facelifted D-Max bakkie and a “sexier” version of the MU-X adventure SUV will be introduced within the next 12 months…

Billy Tom, Isuzu Motors South Africa’s CEO and Managing Director, says the local market will see the introduction of the facelifted D-Max and a “sexier” version of the MU-X within the next year.

Speaking during an interview conducted in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s recent South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town, Tom suggested the D-Max – produced for the local market at Isuzu’s Struandale plant in the Eastern Cape – would benefit from a refresh in 2025, as would the imported MU-X.

Facelifted Isuzu MU-X RS — *The Thai-spec RS version of the facelifted Isuzu MU-X.*

“In the next 12 months, we will be doing a mid-cycle announcement on the D-Max, where we will do a facelift. On the MU-X, also – I mean, there is a new, sexier MU-X. Watch this space,” said Tom, who also serves as President of Naamsa.

Of course, the facelifted D-Max was revealed in Thailand back in October 2023, billed as a “significantly improved” version of the Japanese bakkie (which remains SA’s 3rd most popular bakkie, behind the likewise locally built Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger), complete with revised styling, an updated interior and various added features.

*The facelifted Isuzu D-Max, seen here in Australian specification.*

As a reminder, though the RG-generation D-Max launched in South Africa in April 2022 – with production finally commencing at Struandale after a lengthy delay at least partially attributed to the global pandemic – this model has been available in markets such as Thailand (where it is also built) since late in 2019.

The Thai-spec version of the facelifted D-Max gains revised styling up front, including a “power bulge” for the bonnet and a “higher and wider” grille. The headlamps have been redesigned and now feature a new lighting signature, while the taillights gain a 3-level “L-shaped” motif courtesy of LED tubes. New 18-inch alloy wheels debut as well.

Inside, the instrument cluster has been revised (and enlarged to a diameter of 7 inches), while Isuzu claims the infotainment display features “greater user-friendliness” than before thanks to an updated interface and the addition of a physical volume dial (as opposed to buttons).

No changes have been made to the powertrain, so high-spec D-Max derivatives still employ a 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine generating 140 kW and 450 Nm. For the record, the pre-facelift D-Max still manufactured locally is also available with a 1.9-litre oil-burner, which 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.

Facelifted Isuzu MU-X RS rear — *Unveiled in Thailand, the refreshed MU-X is now offered in flagship RS trim.*

What about the updated MU-X? Well, the facelifted version of the 7-seater adventure SUV was unveiled in Thailand – the country from which Isuzu Motors SA imports this product – in June 2024, complete with a bold new RS flagship derivative. From what we understand, this RS version is the “sexier” MU-X to which Tom was referring, though it may well end up wearing a different badge in Mzansi.

Exterior styling changes for the refreshed MU-X are led by an aggressive new front-end design, complete with revised headlamps, a sporty front bumper and an updated grille. The taillamps, meanwhile, gain a new lighting signature and are now connected by a full-width trim piece, while fresh alloy-wheel designs have been rolled out, too.

*The model-specific grille on the RS derivative.*

The top-spec RS grade gains a model-specific grille design as well as black finishes for items such as the wheel-arch extensions, side-mirror caps, roof and 20-inch alloys. Of course, there’s also the requisite smattering of “RS” badges, which have been applied to the grille, front fenders and tailgate.

Look out for more details – hopefully including more specific timelines – once we’ve crossed into 2025…

Best BMW Models in SA for 2024

Best BMW models to buy in South Africa

BMW X2 sDrive 18i M Sport (Premium Crossover)

BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport (Executive SUV)

BMW X5 xDrive 30d M Sport (Premium SUV)

BMW M2 Automatic (Performance Car)

BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport (Electric Car)

VW’s mystery small SUV: when SA will get its first glimpse

The head of Volkswagen Group Africa has revealed when South Africa will get its first glimpse of the upcoming small SUV that’s set to be produced at the Kariega plant…

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GWM SA defends Tank 500’s R1.2m price-tag

GWM South Africa’s sales director says critics who believe the Chinese firm is “arrogant” for pricing its Tank 500 at over R1.2-million are off the mark…

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New Chery models, including a small bakkie, coming to SA soon

Chery is set to launch a new Tiggo 4 Pro variant, its Tiggo 9 flagship and revised family-car models soon, but the biggest news is that a small bakkie is set to arrive in Mzansi, possibly not long after the lifestyle double cab based on the KP11 concept.

Chery SA’s crossover surge intensifies

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These Are The Most Popular BMW M Cars in SA

At the recent M-Fest media day, BMW SA shared which of its models are the most popular in South Africa.

What are most popular BMW M cars for sale in South Africa?

1: BMW M2

2: BMW X5 M60i

3: BMW X3 M40i

4: BMW M3 Sedan

5: BMW M340i

New Volkswagen Tiguan Review: Very well specced, very well priced!

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 Confirmed for SA in 2025

The Volkswagen Golf 1.4 is earmarked for a return to our market in the first quarter of 2025 and we can share some early details.

When will the Volkswagen Golf 1.4 arrive in SA?

Best Kia Models to Buy in SA

Kia is a popular car brand in South Africa and if you’re shopping for the best Kia models currently on the market then this article is for you!

Best Kia models to buy in South Africa in 2024

Kia Sonet 1.5 LX Auto

Kia Seltos 1.5 CRDi EX+

Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT Line Plus

Hyundai SA ‘in discussions’ with HQ about bakkie options

With sister brand Kia set to enter the pick-up space, Hyundai SA says it’s “in discussions” with head office in Korea with a view to introducing its own bakkie…

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Isuzu D-Max facelift and ‘sexier’ MU-X set for 2025

The head of Isuzu Motors South Africa says the facelifted D-Max bakkie and a “sexier” version of the MU-X adventure SUV will be introduced within the next 12 months…

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