Pricing scoop! Here’s what the upcoming flagship Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport – boasting extra power and torque – will cost when it launches in South Africa in March 2025…
Late in 2024, Toyota South Africa Motors finally announced the Fortuner GR-Sport for the local market, before displaying the upgraded ladder-frame SUV at the 2025 State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) address in Gauteng in January. Now, ahead of this 165 kW derivative’s official market launch, Cars.co.za can confirm pricing.
Billed as a “performance-orientated variant”, the Fortuner GR-Sport (or “GR-S” for short) is scheduled to reach local dealers in March 2025. However, after a little digging, we’ve managed to unearth this range-topping derivative’s expected price tag a little early.
Paint colour choices for the Fortuner GR-Sport will be limited to white and black.
According to our information, the Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport – which will arrive as the 12th derivative in the popular local Fortuner line-up – will be priced at R999 000. Based on current pricing (at the start of February 2025), that makes it R37 200 more expensive than the previous range-topper, the Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 48V 4×4 VX (R961 800).
Interestingly, the Fortuner GR-Sport is furthermore precisely the same price as the Hilux GR-Sport. Like its GR-branded bakkie sibling, this SUV employs an uprated version of the Japanese firm’s familiar 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, with its peak outputs hiked from the standard 150 kW and 500 Nm to a meatier 165 kW and 550 Nm.
Spot the difference: standard Fortuner on the left and GR-Sport on the right.
Drive is delivered to all 4 wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. Though the Fortuner GR-Sport – which will be built at Toyota’s Prospecton facility in KwaZulu-Natal, like all SA-spec Fortuner derivatives – misses out on the widebody Hilux GR-Sport’s increased track width, it does gain a “GR-tuned suspension” set-up featuring monotube shock absorbers (ostensibly delivering “improved on- and off-road capabilities”).
Meanwhile, derivative-specific exterior styling elements include a redesigned lower front bumper, black side-mirror caps and 18-inch black alloys (wrapped in 265/60 R18 tyres, the same size used by all variants in the local Fortuner line-up). The cabin gains alloy sports pedals, carbon-effect centre-console trim and perforated suede/leather sports seats featuring red stitching, with the latter treatment also applied to the steering wheel, which furthermore gains a red centre marker.
A look at the SA-spec model’s cabin.
From what we can tell, the SA-spec Fortuner GR-S – which will be available only in white or black – forgoes the red brake callipers employed by overseas versions. However, it does sport the requisite smattering of GR badges (on the grille, front doors and tailgate) along with yet more branding inside, including on the steering wheel, centre console and front head rests (plus as part of the instrument-cluster graphics).
As a reminder, the current Fortuner portfolio comprises 11 derivatives, 3 of which employ a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine. The remaining 8 variants use the aforementioned 150 kW version of the 2.8 GD-6 powerplant, with 4 of those furthermore gaining a 48 V mild-hybrid system. In 2024, Toyota SA Motors sold as many as 10 666 units of the Fortuner, seeing it rank 8th on the list of Mzansi’s best-selling passenger vehicles (enough to take the title of SA’s top-selling ladder-frame SUV).
How much will the Toyota Fortuner GR-S cost in SA?
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 6AT GR-Sport – R999 000
The price above includes Toyota’s standard 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan.
The ZS, HS and Cyberster models spearhead now Chinese-owned MG’s relaunch in South Africa. Ciro De Siena drove MG’s 2 crossover offerings and shares his thoughts.
Morris Garages (MG) was founded in 1924, in what must have been, I imagine, a decidedly damp garage somewhere in Britain, while it probably rained outside relentlessly.
Driven by the desire to rather spend time indoors, Cecil Kimber began building cars in earnest. And so, MG was born. Up until the early 2000s, it achieved moderate success both in the UK and some other markets with various not-too-terrible runabouts, as well as cheap ‘n’ cheerful sportscars and roadsters.
However, after the Japanese brands entered the UK and European market with cars that both functioned properly and were reliable, MG soon found itself floundering and the entire brand was sold to SAIC, the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation – now the world’s 7th largest automotive manufacturer.
SAIC set about restructuring and redeveloping the brand into a company which is now gaining serious ground in Asian markets, the UK, Australia and, to a lesser extent, Europe.
The product strategy? Crossovers, crossovers and more crossovers. Today, MG is renowned for offering affordable, reliable and relatively premium compact SUVs such as the ZS and HS. Indeed, on a recent trip to Thailand, I saw so many MG ZSs that I thought there were about 5 of them just going around in circles.
Indeed, under SAIC’s stewardship, MG has become the 11th biggest- and fastest-growing car brand in Britain, where it sold over 81 000 cars in 2024, many of which must have been what we know as the ZS and HS models. For context, that number is about a 5th of South Africa’s entire passenger car market.
That brings us neatly to the 3 models that MG SA has launched in the local market. Local motoring journos were invited to drive the MG ZS and HS in the Western Cape and herewith are my impressions.
Up front, MG SA has made a bold move by including a 7-year/200 000 km warranty with the ZS, HS and Cyberster models. This is a strong warranty and competes favourably with legacy brands such as VW and Toyota, which continue to offer 3-year warranties (even if they’re extendable “at point of purchase”).
Curiously, GWM SA (the distributor of the P-Series bakkie and custodian of the Haval, Ora and Tank sub-brands) recently announced an extended 7-year/200 000 km warranty on almost all of its new vehicles, up from the 5-year/150 000 km offered since the company arrived back on the local scene in 2012.
One wonders if whispers of MG’s imminent announcement encouraged this move…
With prices beginning at a very reasonable R289 900, the base-spec MG ZS is known as the Comfort, while the R309 900 Luxury variant is the only other trim level in the range, at least at the time of launch.
You can have any ‘box as long as it’s a four-speed automatic – yup, no manuals are available. This probably won’t bother 95% of buyers as the MG ZS is very much a commuter vehicle.
Power is provided by an engine, unsurprisingly. The ZR utilises a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol motor with outputs of 84 kW and 150 Nm. This compares favourably to say, the Fronx, for which Suzuki claims peak figures of 77 kW and 138 Nm, also from a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-pot.
On our launch route, which took in highway driving, country roads and even some rutted gravel, the MG ZS felt eager, well, at least until we hit some steep inclines… Then the 4-speed automatic made its voice heard and the engine felt strained and, at the time, with just a driver, passenger and no luggage on board.
The MG ZS delivers workmanlike performance at best and, with that realisation, my thoughts turned to motorists in Gauteng, where the thinner air robs naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) motors of about 17% of the power that they generate at sea level. I fear that, when the MG ZS is fully loaded, its driver will have to have to really “put foot” on inclines or, more critically, when executing overtaking manoeuvres.
If you are on the Highveld and considering the MG ZS, I would recommend a lengthy test drive to find out whether the car offers adequate power for your needs.
The MG ZS’s suspension setup is firm although not overly so, and the only element of the ride quality that bothered me was the tyre roar; it feels as though a bit of extra sound insulation in the wheel wells would have resulted in a more premium feel to the driving experience, especially at highway speeds.
To its credit, MG has succeeded in mapping the throttle correctly for South African requirements and -driving parameters. While the car does leap on initial throttle input and which requires some familiarisation, in all other driving situations, the ZS’ throttle is responsive and easy to modulate.
This is a refreshing change from what our team has experienced with other Chinese brands’ new models. It’s a bit long to go into here, but simply put, as Chinese cities are heavily congested and highway speed limits are low, OEMs in that country map cars’ throttle responses for dense traffic and fuel efficiency.
The interior of the MG ZS feels built to a price, which, of course, it is. Some of the panels and trims are a bit plasticky and the infotainment system’s touchscreen (with Android Auto and Apple Carplay) is a bit small, but overall, the cabin feels sufficiently modern and built to a high enough standard for our market.
A nice touch is a height-adjustable driver’s seat, with rake- as well as reach adjustment for the steering column – a couple of features that are often missing in this segment of the market.
Exterior styling is subjective, but I feel MG has struck a pleasing balance between sportiness and general road presence. Given this new compact family car’s high-quality metallic finish, from the outside at least, the newcomer looks like it’s well worth its sticker price, a feeling which is 50/50 once you climb inside.
However, when you remind yourself of the MG’s list price, as a new-car offering, the ZS makes complete sense. If it retailed for R50 000 more, I’d say it would not be worth it and advise you to look elsewhere.
However, with an asking price of R290k, a high level of standard spec and the peace of mind of a 7-year warranty, I would say the MG ZS is worth a look if your budget and desires are in this ballpark.
It feels and looks premium enough to warrant attention from onlookers and to make the buyer feel like they’re getting their money’s worth.
How much does the MG ZS cost in South Africa?
MG ZS 1.5 Comfort 4AT
R289 900
MG ZS 1.5 Luxury 4AT
R309 900
Prices (in January 2025) include a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan.
After driving the MG ZS first, the larger, family-car-sized MG HS proved a truly wonderful surprise. I was immediately impressed by the Chinese medium SUV’s ride quality, the quality of interior materials, the modern fascia layout, the comfortable seats, the generous rear legroom and decent luggage capacity.
There’s a real feeling of solidity here: from the sensation of opening/closing the doors, and the feel of the imitation leather (you don’t even get genuine leather as standard in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class or BMW X5 these days, so don’t expect to find it here), to the touch a feel of the dash, carpeting and roof liner.
A giant dual-screen “skateboard” dominates the dash – a design feature that seems to have become the go-to configuration (to package the instrument cluster and infotainment system) for virtually every car interior designer on the planet. Graphics are crisp and some serious thought has gone into ease of use.
Much like in the MG HS’ Haval and Chery counterparts, there are precious few buttons on the dash, but I found it easy to control the climate settings, something that can be frustrating in other brands’ vehicles.
The multifunction steering wheel does, however, house all the buttons your heart might desire, making controlling various onboard functions, such as the trip computer and audio system, a breeze.
The driver’s seat is 6-way electrically adjustable (replete with electric lumbar support), while the passenger seat is 4-way electrically adjustable.
The amount of rear legroom available in the MG HS is so generous that I first thought it was an optical illusion. The load-bay capacity, meanwhile, is comparable to those of the MG HS’ rivals, while the rear seats fold and split in a 60/40 fashion and ISOfix child-seat mounts are fitted as standard.
But what truly stands out about the MG HS is its overall ride quality, which strikes a remarkable balance between comfort and sportiness; the newcomer’s suspension setup is reasonably supple when it needs to be but then, in the twisties, the HS corners in an impressively flat manner. The MG is so accomplished in that regard, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a German sports SUV costing 3 times as much.
There is virtually no road noise or wind noise to speak of, which I feel makes the MG HS more than a very comfortable daily driver – it is also bound to be an effortless long-distance tourer.
What’s more, the MG HS comes equipped with numerous standard safety features. It has 7 airbags as standard, including an innovative new airbag that pops out of the centre bin between the front seats. The MG representatives were very proud to announce that the HS was awarded a full 5 stars in the stringent EuroNCAP assessment programme, something not many Chinese manufacturers have achieved.
And then we get to the model’s pricing. The 4-variant range begins with the 1.5T Comfort, priced at R499 900. Again, there are no manuals available, but the MG HS eschews the 4-speed auto from its smaller ZS sibling for a conventional 7-speed auto – a good old-fashioned “slush-box”, which I certainly prefer.
The other trim level with this drivetrain is Luxury, which offers more standard features than the Comfort and is priced at R534 000. This brings us to the 2.0T Comfort and -Luxury variants, which are priced at R629 900 and R665 900 respectively and utilise a 9-speed automatic transmission.
While the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol (1.5T) offers 125 kW/275 Nm, the larger 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor (2.0T) offers a very healthy 170 kW/370 Nm, which is knocking on Golf GTI territory.
For all that extra oomph you do, however, pay a penalty in the form of increased consumption; MG claims an average fuel consumption of 6.9 L/100 km for the 1.5T- and 8.6 L/100 km for the 2.0T variants.
Unfortunately, I did not get to drive either of the 2.0T variants. However, I did feel the smaller motor provided sufficient power and torque for most driving needs, including reasonable overtaking ability. However, if you are looking to tow with your vehicle, the larger engine might be a better choice.
How much does the MG HS cost in South Africa?
MG HS 1.5T Comfort 7DCT
R499 900
MG HS 1.5T Luxury 7DCT
R534 900
MG HS 2.0T Comfort 9AT
R629 900
MG HS 2.0T Luxury 9AT
R665 900
Prices (in January 2025) include a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
MG’s electric roadster was there and, gosh, it looked good. I am very much hoping we get to drive it soon at Cars.co.za, as with a claimed 0-100 kph time of 3.2 sec, thanks to dual motors producing a whopping 375 kW and 725 Nm, there’s not much out there that could compete with it in a traffic-light shootout.
The interior of the Cyberster looks and feels particularly impressive, with ultra-modern and rather clever design traits. And, of course, the scissor doors are a real highlight – they add to the model’s drama.
It is a properly interesting looking car, quite radical in its presence and a very interesting proposition, being the only fully-electric 2-door sportscar in South Africa. Priced at R1 399 999, I can’t wait to get my hands on the MG Cyberster! Look out for a full video review on our platforms soon.
How much does the MG Cyberster cost in SA?
MG Cyberster
R1 399 900
The stated price includes a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
With aggressive pricing and a very strong warranty, MG is back with a bang in South Africa with the ZS, HS and Cyberster. With no fewer than 6 Chinese brands set to launch in Mzansi in 2024, the consumer will be truly spoilt for choice, and the legacy brands have another Chinese-based headache to deal with.
While the ZS, in my opinion, offers just enough to be competitive at its price point, it’s not as convincing as the newer HS, which is certainly bound to give just about everything on the market a run for its money.
When you consider an all-new Volkswagen Tiguan, with its comparatively asthmatic 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine and a similar spec to the MG HS’ Luxury trim grade will set you back around R900 000 (watch our 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards Family Car category comparison video), even the very top-of-the-range 2.0T Luxury derivative, at R655 900, feels better built, is more powerful, and seems a bargain by comparison.
MG will no doubt claw some market share in the short term, with especially the ZS and HS. What’s more, with more models on the way, including well-priced EVs that are selling up a storm in other markets, the MG brand is almost certainly set to become a mainstay of the South African motoring landscape.
The demand for executive sedans may be dwindling, but the 6th-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class is undoubtedly a frontrunner in what is now a niche in the new vehicle market. The turbodiesel-powered E220d AMG Line illustrates that point rather well…
We like: Exquisite ride quality, highly efficient powertrain, classy and upmarket cabin.
We don’t like: Conservative image, overload of onboard tech, pricey options quickly add up.
Considering that the vast majority of new-car buyers now favour crossovers and SUVs, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the era of premium (business-, executive- and 1st-class) sedans is well and truly over; the composition of luxury automotive brands’ products certainly reflect that fact: Mercedes-Benz SA’s SUVs outnumber their sedan siblings 10 to 7, while Q- and X models dominate Audi and BMW’s line-ups.
A vibrant red exterior finish, white leather and AMG wheels add up to quite the visual statement!
That said, there’s still a small, stubborn portion of buyers that will insist on nothing other than a plush and comfortable executive sedan. Let’s not forget the commercial aspect: a compact sedan will get you to your destination, but when you fork out for an Uber Black, you want to be ferried in a prestige vehicle!
This 6th-gen (W214) Mercedes-Benz E-Class’ exterior design incorporates some novel – and intricate – styling cues. The Sindelfingen-based brand is renowned for derivative designs (it tends to adhere to its design language strictly: models tend to look like smaller versions of the products directly above them).
But the W214, though not outlandish, looks sufficiently distinctive to its ‘Benz sedan siblings, plus it’s endowed with lovely design details, such as the Three-pointed Stars embedded in the LED tail lights.
What are the rivals to the E-Class, then? With just a handful of premium sedans left, we’ve narrowed down the alternatives to the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. Not long ago, you could also consider the Lexus GS, Volvo S90 and Jaguar XF, but they have been discontinued and/or superseded by SUV models.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available in 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol and -diesel guises. The petrol-fed E200 (150 kW/320 Nm) kicks off the range, but its turbodiesel sibling is the subject of this review.
Note the LED taillamp clusters with the integrated Three-pointed Stars.
The turbodiesel engine delivers 145 kW/440 Nm and it’s supplemented by a 48V mild-hybrid system that takes the power up (briefly) to 162 kW. With our test equipment hooked up and the sportiest drive mode engaged, the E220d produced a 0-100 kph time of 7.42 sec (fractionally quicker than Benz’s claim).
Granted, turbodiesel engines have been lambasted abroad for emitting more harmful gases than their petrol counterparts, but you cannot ignore the exceptional fuel efficiency of modern “oil burners”. This E-Class variant could, in theory, travel 1 320 km on a single (66-litre) tank, but that doesn’t sound too far-fetched. After testing the E220d, which arrived with a full tank, for 2 weeks, we had clocked up over 900 km, but despite several stints of enthusiastic driving, it still indicated 250 km worth of range by the end.
With more open-road driving, you’ll see this number dip under 5 L/100 km.
Some of our industry colleagues have reported incredible fuel-efficiency figures for this variant (numbers in the low 4 L/100 km range, particularly when driving on the open road). However, according to our test on our dedicated fuel-economy route, which admittedly has an urban bias, the E220d returned 5.5 L/100 km, which is a touch higher than Mercedes-Benz’s claimed figure (5.0 L/100 km), but still impressive.
The E220d balances economy and performance beautifully.
The 9-speed automatic transmission shifts very smoothly almost all of the time and the ‘box seems well-calibrated with the mild-hybrid powertrain. However, with 9 ratios to shuffle through, the E220d can hesitate if you suddenly demand full acceleration, because the car’s computer takes a moment to work out which gear to select to deliver full thrust, along with summoning EQ boost from the 48V system.
The E220d offers 3 drive modes, plus the chance to configure powertrain settings individually.
And, the ‘Benz’s 48V mild-hybrid system is highly effective. The start/stop is barely noticeable – delayed restarts (where the engine takes just a millisecond too long to get going again) have been eliminated. It’s instantaneous, and there’s more than enough electric power to facilitate pullaways for a few seconds.
The electric assistance benefits economy because accelerating from a standstill would otherwise use a lot of fuel. It also helps to keep the turbocharger spooled up (thereby mitigating lag) and the instrument cluster indicates when that extra shove, which benefits overtaking ability, is being sent to the wheels.
Practicality and Features
The Mercedes-Benz (W214) E-Class has a smart-looking cabin and, given the space and comfort it offers its occupants, the E220d is one of those vehicles that prompts the question: “Do I want to drive or shall I be chauffeured?” Irrespective of your decision, you’re going to experience refinement galore.
Rear passengers are afforded ample leg- and headroom, and benefit from individual climate controls, as well as USB-C charging ports. When it comes to luggage space, the E-Class’ boot is said to have a 540-litre capacity, which is a fraction more than those of the equivalent BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 models.
There is no shortage of rear occupant space in the E220d.
The E220d cabin exudes a futuristic look and feel. We suspect it may be a bit intimidating to the typical E-Class buyer (a more mature and less tech-savvy person who will find the array of screens and icons offputting). Our test unit had the optional MBUX Superscreen, which spans about 2 thirds of the fascia.
When you have to fork out R1.5m to acquire a new executive sedan, you’d (rightly) expect its cabin to deliver plushness and superior levels of fit and finish. Well, the E-Class ticks those boxes, which is a welcome contrast to other recent high-end Mercedes-Benz models that have, um, marginal finishes.
How many screens does one need? Yes.
When we used Mercedes-Benz SA’s online configurator to mimic the specification of our test unit as closely as possible, we worked out that the E220d AMG Line, as we tested it, was fitted with options to the value of almost R600k, which would give it a total price of almost R2 million! This may sound crazy, but remember the W214’s GLE SUV equivalent starts from R1.9 million and, while that model offers a bit more space and performance, you’d still have to option that up to the same level. Where would that end?
Indeed, numerous options were ticked on the E220d AMG Line we tested and we’re grateful Mercedes-Benz SA decided to go all-out – how else would we be able to test all the unique and high-end features? But we did ask ourselves: “Are all of these options worth it?” Some, like the 3D effect instrument cluster and illuminated grille, are a bit gimmicky… and don’t befit something as stately as an E-Class, do they?
The selfie camera is located on the top of the dashboard.
One of the features we simply don’t understand is the E-Class’ selfie camera (for front occupants). We assume this could be for online meetings, but in our opinion, the last thing we want to do while driving is join a Zoom/Teams conference call! But, by all means, tick the boxes for the Burmester audio, ventilated seats, and engineering pack, that’s the rear-wheel steering and air suspension (more about that later).
It so happens that the E-Class is reasonably specified as is: nice-to-have features such as smartphone integration, wireless charger, heated front seats, and adaptive high-beam are standard. By the way, the Mercedes-Benz online shop will do its best to match your configurator spec with a car that’s already in stock, thus negating potential shipping delays that may occur if you customise a car extensively. Neat.
Our vehicle came specced with the Premium Plus Package, but you can individually option some of these items.
Sedans may have fallen out of fashion, but in their most elevated guises, they offer far more involving and resolved driving experiences than their favoured high-riding (and relatively ponderous) SUV peers. The W214 E-Class is no exception in this regard and, while dynamism isn’t a core focus of the package, the ‘Benz’s suspension tune and rear-wheel-drive setup make it a reasonably engaging car to pilot.
Drivers who spend a lot of time on the road will appreciate just how comfort-oriented the E-Class is. Few cars can crush kilometres and long hours (with the driver and passengers still feeling reasonably fresh by the end of the journey) quite like the E220d. Wind-, engine- and road noise are efficiently suppressed.
These wheels look sensational
Our test unit was specified with what Mercedes-Benz terms the Engineering Pack, which includes air suspension and rear-wheel steering. While they’re marketed as comfort- and manoeuvrability-enhancing features, they also made our E-Class float along beautifully – few cars at this price point ride this well.
AMG Line trim includes sensational-looking 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40 R low-profile tyres –the only thing that would enhance the ride quality is opting for a smaller tyre wrapped in thicker rubber.
The capacitive controls on the steering wheel are still mildly annoying.
The other principal benefit of rear-wheel steering is that the sizeable E-Class doesn’t tantamount to a cumbersome cruise liner when you’re trying to parallel park the vehicle. The rear wheels can turn a few degrees in the opposite direction, which allows the E220d to execute tighter turns.
That said, the array of cameras and sensors fitted to the car negates most of the stress associated with parking, in any case. Once up to speed, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels; in that scenario, the system optimises both the ‘Benz’s agility and body-roll suppression.
Excellent 360-degree cameras make tricky parking manoeuvres much less stressful.
Price and After-sales support
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class E220d AMG Line costs R1 541 260 (January 2025). That price excludes options but includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
The E220d is an exceptional offering, but has the market moved on from high-end sedans?
Mercedes-Benz is well aware that the executive sedan segment is past its prime, but the well-resolved 6th-gen E-Class is nonetheless an exceptional offering. It may not be as engaging to drive as its Bavarian rival – the 5 Series – but dynamic handling ability is hardly a prerequisite for success in this segment.
Yes, our test unit was loaded with a dazzling array of screens and tech, which is all a bit intimidating. However, if you look past the gizmos and take the ‘Benz for a drive, you’ll find a particularly refined, efficient and luxurious sedan beneath it all. Compared with the brand’s more popular SUVs, such as the GLE, the humble E-Class quietly starts to look like great value. Oh, and in a final plaudit for the E220d’s stellar powertrain, we conclude this review with: “Long live the modern turbodiesel engine, long live!”
SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkie of 2024 revealed!
Which double-cab bakkie was South Africa’s best seller in 2024? Well, we have the dual-cab sales figures as well as those for single- and extended-cab 1-tonne bakkies…
You’ve likely already seen our list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies overall for 2024. But what happens when we break down the figures by body style? Well, that’s exactly what we’re going to do here, allowing us to crown Mzansi’s most popular double-cab bakkie for 2024.
Let’s dive right into the sales statistics. According to figures kindly supplied by Lightstone Auto, the Ford Ranger retained the title of SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkie last year, with 20 078 units sold. By our maths, that represents 78.6% of the nameplate’s overall total for 2024 (and, according to the Blue Oval brand, a 33.4% share of the dual-cab segment).
Ford says as many as 1 930 units of the Raptor were sold in SA in 2024.
Fascinatingly, Ford says that double-cab figure includes a considerable 1 930 units of the Raptor (which is imported from Thailand rather than built alongside the other Ranger derivatives at the local Silverton plant), meaning this 292 kW performance bakkie outsold Ford’s entire single-cab portfolio.
The Toyota Hilux – which will later in 2025 be offered in widebody Legend 55 guise – thus had to settle for 2nd place in South Africa’s double-cab rankings, with 15 322 units registered last year. Based on our calculations, dual-cab sales comprised 46.9% of the Prospecton-built bakkie’s overall tally for 2024.
As expected, the Isuzu D-Max – which looks set to benefit from a facelift (and perhaps even a new engine option) this year – completed the double-cab top-3 last year, with the Struandale-made bakkie ending on 7 965 units. That works out to 42.0% of the D-Max’s overall figure for 2024.
Lightstone Auto’s figures furthermore showed that all other 1-tonne double-cab bakkie derivatives – excluding the Ranger, Hilux and D-Max, that is – collectively managed 16 681 units in 2024.
SA’s top-selling single- and extended-cabs in 2024
Toyota’s Hilux topped SA’s single-cab sales charts in 2024.
What happened in the single-cab space? Well, the Toyota Hilux was again South Africa’s best-selling 1-tonne single cab last year, with 12 161 units registered. The Isuzu D-Max single cab snatched 2nd place with 9 037 units, while the 2-door version of the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up completed the single-cab top 3, with 6 610 units sold. The Ranger single cab, meanwhile, finished the year on just 1 702 units.
The Toyota Hilux reigned supreme in the extended-cab segment in 2024, too, finishing the year on 5 161 units. Next came the Ford Ranger (3 772 units), followed by the Isuzu D-Max (1 971). For the record, these are the only 3 bakkies offered locally in this so-called “cab-and-a-half” body style.
As a reminder, the Hilux remained SA’s best-selling bakkie overall (so, all 3 body styles combined) last year, despite sales falling 12.6% year to year to 32 656 units. The Ranger took 2nd place, improving 3.8% year on year to 25 553 units. That meant the D-Max again completed the podium, with its registrations growing 0.1% to 18 973 units.
Updated Toyota GR Yaris for SA: more power and auto ‘box
The updated Toyota GR Yaris is scheduled to launch in South Africa in March 2025, arriving with more power and torque as well as an automatic transmission…
Toyota South Africa Motors has confirmed that an updated version of the Toyota GR Yaris is scheduled to launch locally in March 2025. The big news? The Japanese firm’s small hot hatch gains even more power and torque, along with an 8-speed automatic torque-converter transmission.
At its recent 2025 State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) address in Gauteng, Toyota SA Motors announced plans to introduce the revised GR Yaris before the end of Q1 2025. As a reminder, the current GR Yaris launched locally in mid-2021, before the range was halved to just a single high-spec “Rally” derivative around a year later.
While the outgoing SA-spec version of the all-paw hot hatch is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox and offers 198 kW and 360 Nm from its turbocharged 1.6-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, the updated version boasts peak outputs as high as 210 kW and 400 Nm – and switches to a “newly developed” 8-speed automatic transmission.
Interestingly, that maximum power figure is down on the Japanese-spec model’s 224 kW but up slightly on Europe’s 206 kW tune. It’s not yet confirmed whether Toyota SA Motors will retain the option of a manual cog-swapper in the revised GR Yaris line-up or opt for an auto-only approach, though we’ve heard rumblings the 3-pedal version will fall away locally.
Toyota says the new self-shifting ‘box’s close-ratio gears “make the most of the engine’s power band”, while the transmission boasts “world-class” shifting speeds thanks to the use of “highly heat-resistant friction material” in the clutch and “enhancements” to the control software. The company has yet to reveal a claimed 0-100 kph time, but it will undoubtedly beat the current manual version’s 5.5 seconds.
According to the Aichi-based automaker, the all-paw hot hatch’s driving position has been lowered by 25 mm, while forward visibility has ostensibly been improved by moving the rearview mirror to the top of the windscreen and lowering the upper edge of the central cluster by 50 mm. Furthermore, the control panel and display have been tilted 15 degrees towards the driver.
In terms of exterior styling, the updated 3-door model (revealed in January 2024) features revised designs for its lower grille and front bumper, while the rear lower garnish has been tweaked for improved aerodynamics. The taillamps likewise benefit from mild revisions and the high-mounted brake light has been separated from the rear spoiler.
Local pricing for the updated model has yet to be confirmed, though it’s worth keeping in mind the outgoing GR Yaris 1.6T GR-Four Rally comes in at R848 600. We suspect Toyota SA Motors will again receive only a small allocation; in 2024, for reference, the company registered just 11 examples of the GR Yaris in Mzansi.
Are you looking for the cheapest Compact SUVs available in South Africa with a budget under R300k?
Do you have up to R300 000 to spend on one of South Africa’s cheapest compact SUVs?
The demand for affordable compact SUVs is surging in South Africa and car manufacturers are meeting that demand with a flurry of new products, giving consumers lots of choice across a broad price range.
Times are tough and many consumers will be eagerly eyeing out the lower end of the compact SUV market for an affordable and compact urban runabout. This list, therefore, focuses on the cheapest compact SUVs available for under R300k. Let’s take a look at what’s available!
Pricing is accurate as of January 2025.
Cheapest Compact SUVs under R300k in South Africa
1. Nissan Magnite – From R246 200
An updated Nissan Magnite came to market in November 2024. Two engines are offered including a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre petrol engine with 53 kW and 96 Nm of torque and a more powerful 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine delivering 74 kW and 152 Nm of torque when paired with a CVT or 160 Nm in conjunction with a 5-speed manual transmission.
The new Renault Kiger is one of the cheapest compact SUVs you can buy right now and is offered with 2 engine choices including a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine with 52 kW and 96 Nm as well as a more powerful turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine with 74 kW and 160 Nm. A 5-speed manual transmission and a CVT are available for both engines.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO features a bold design and is powered by the firm’s mStallion turbocharged petrol 1.2-litre motor with 82 kW and 200 Nm on offer and paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The XUV 3XO is available in base MX2 time, mid-spec MX3 guise or in range-topping AX5 (and AX5L) or AX7L guise.
Citroen has introduced the new C3 to market to woo local buyers and the C3 comes fitted with a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
A turbocharged C3 is also available from R299 900 and is offered with a 3-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 81 kW and 205 Nm in conjunction with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The newcomer is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol that produces 61 kW and 114 Nm and comes paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). Trim grades include the base Premium, mid-spec Elite and top-spec Elite derivatives.
The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is proving to be quite popular in this segment and buyers shopping with a budget under R300k can consider the Tiggo 4 Pro LiT derivative. The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro range is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 83 kW and 138 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Suzuki recently introduced its new Fronx crossover to the market to complement its growing range of affordable cars. The Fronx is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque and can be had with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission in either GL or range-topping GLX guise.
The M3 CS Touring has been officially revealed, bring even more performance to the table, plus it’s confirmed for a SA market introduction!
After a short, yet intense teaser campaign via social media, the BMW M3 CS Touring has been officially revealed. The debut took place at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia as part of the Bathurst 12 Hour race weekend.
CS is all about enhanced performance and weight saving, with a splash of exclusivity as the production run is generally limited. But, let’s talk about that engine first. The 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol engine’s outputs have been increased from the standard car’s 390 kW up to 405 kW, while the torque remains the same at 650 Nm.
Thanks to a quick-shifting 8-speed transmission the new M3 CS Touring is said to dash to 100 kph in just 3.5 seconds. It’s just not about the straight-line stuff either as BMW has fitted the CS Touring with a bespoke chassis tune, some eye-catching carbon fibre reinforced plastic bits that both look good and save weight, as well as the option of carbon ceramic brakes and ultra-track tyres.
Step inside and you can see right away this is not your standard M3 Touring. The M3 CS Touring features M Carbon bucket seats, carbon fibre gear shifters on the steering wheel, and some of the interior has been replaced by carbon fibre, saving around 15 kg.
The BMW M3 CS Touring can be ordered with a paint finish in British Racing Green, Laguna Seca Blue, Frozen Solid White or Sapphire Black metallic, and because its a CS model, the daytime running lights are yellow, to remind everyone this is not your standard run-of-the-mill vehicle.
When will the BMW M3 CS Touring arrive in South Africa?
According to BMW Group SA, the South African market introduction is planned for the first quarter of 2026. BMW has not said how many units it will be making and we know already that CS units are limited. The last version was the M4 CS and SA received just 25 units, so if you want one of these, we suggest making your intentions known and prepare a deposit.
BMW M3 CS Touring Teased Ahead of Imminent Arrival
As if the standard M3 Touring wasn’t aggressive enough, the M division is preparing an even hotter BMW M3 CS Touring. Here are some early details.
We’re expecting the new BMW M3 CS Touring to be formally revealed very soon, based on BMW M’s daily posting of camouflaged prototypes. But what exactly is a CS?
The standard Touring makes 390 kW and 650 Nm from its 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The BMW M3 CS Touring is likely to make 405 kW and 650 Nm, thanks to the same forged lightweight crankshaft, 3D-printed core cylinder head, replumbed oil system and cooling, as well as increasing the turbochargers boost pressure from 1.7 to 2.1 bar.
Image from www.bmwblog.com
Performance will be brisk, with the BMW M3 CS Touring likely to hit 100 kph in 3.4 seconds – quicker than the standard car’s 3.6. It’s all about the carbon fibre and lightweight handling performance, with an M precision strut across the engine bay, a titanium exhaust with black matte pipes, CFRP engine bonnet, CFRP roof, M carbon bucket seats in red and an Alcantara steering wheel.
Expect near-identical seats from the M4 CS in the CS Touring
Visually, expect the same yellow LED daytime running lights and CSL-style tail lights as the standard BMW M3 CS and M4 CS. We will not be surprised if BMW offers the same Michelin Cup 2R semi-slick tyres. Given the social media posts on the Nurburgring, we’re expecting BMW M to try break its own production car lap record for station wagons. Back in 2022, the standard M3 Touring went around in 7 minutes 35 seconds.
2025 will be a busy year for BMW M as the M2 CS will be following on from this hot Touring derivative, and let’s not forget there’s potentially an M5 CS to come by the end of the year too.
Typically, the CS derivatives are exclusive, with limited production runs. The M3 CS had a production run of fewer than 2000 units and just 1 700 units of M4 CS were built. As a reminder, just 25 of the latter made it to South Africa.
The BMW iX facelift brings numerous changes inside and out, and has been confirmed for a South African market introduction in 2025.
The #CarsAwards category winner has received an update. The 2026 BMW iX facelift is locked in for a South African market arrival in the 3rd quarter of 2025.
Visually, the BMW iX facelift benefits from a new-look radiator grille and BMW SA has confirmed the illuminated kidney grille will be standard for this facelifted model. There are new-look headlights with vertical daytime running lights and these will be of the adaptive LED variety.
BMW SA will be offering the facelifted iX with an optional M Sport package, as well as M Sport package Pro, but for the flagship M70, this will be standard. BMW has some additional colours joining the palette, like Arctic Race Blue metallic, Dune Grey metallic, Carbon Black metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Deep Grey metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic, Tanzanite Blue metallic and Space Silver metallic (available from winter 2025 production). The BMW Individual Exterior Line Titanium Bronze is also available as a further option for the BMW iX xDrive45 and the BMW iX xDrive60.
There are new model designations, with xDrive40 falling away in favour of the xDrive45, xDrive60 replacing xDrive50 and the flagship M60 being surpassed by M70 xDrive.
Small refinements in the areas of tyres, wheel bearings, electronics have seen an decrease of around 8% in terms of electricity consumption, and BMW says the xDrive60 has an increased range of around 60 km. The biggest change is the new battery cell technology which sees the battery capacity increased for additional performance and range.
The xDrive45 gets around 30% increase up to 94.8 kWh from 76 kWh while the xDrive60 features a 109.1 kWh battery and the flagship M70 gets a massive 108.9 kWh battery. There’s a new inverter system that’s more efficient and range has been increased. Based on the WLTP test, the xDrive45 can do 602 km (from 490 km), the xDrive60’s range is now at 701 km (from 563 km) while the M70 has gone from 521 km to 600 km. The adaptive recuperation has also been upgraded to help recoup some range.
In terms of outputs, every derivative has seen an increase in power and performance. The xDrive45 makes 300 kW and 700 Nm, and is good for a 0-100 kph sprint of 5.1 seconds and run to a top speed of 200 kph. The xDrive60 delivers 400 kW and 765 Nm, and does the same dash in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 200 kph. Finally, the flagship M70 packs 345 kW and 1 100 Nm, sprints to 100 kph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 250 kph. All derivatives feature all-wheel drive.
The cabin of the BMW iX facelift has also received an update, with new materials and new-look seats. The new BMW Operating System 8.5 has been fitted along with updates to the semi-autonomous driving and parking technology.
When will the BMW iX facelift arrive in South Africa?
BMW Group SA confirmed that the BMW iX facelift is headed to our market and will be retailed from the third quarter of 2025. Pricing and local specifications will be confirmed then.
The new Lexus LX 700h will soon launch in South Africa, headlining a raft of changes to the Japanese firm’s luxury SUV range. Here’s what we know so far…
The new Lexus LX 700h is scheduled to launch in South Africa in February 2025, bringing hybrid power to the LX line-up – which will furthermore benefit from a raft of updates, including the debut of an Overtrail grade – for the very first time.
Toyota South Africa Motors confirmed the imminent arrival of the new LX 700h as well as a broader update for the overall LX range (which, you’ll remember, is closely related to the Land Cruiser 300) at the recent 2025 State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) address in Gauteng.
The LX 700h on stage at SOMI 2025.
As a reminder, the current LX portfolio – orders for which opened locally back in May 2022 – comprises 5 derivatives, presently running from R2 517 500 to R2 997 400. Pricing for the LX 700h has yet to be announced but this new hybrid version will likely arrive as the most expensive Lexus SUV yet.
From what we understand, the new LX 700h will effectively replace the petrol-powered LX 600, with the diesel-driven LX 500d (225 kW and 700 Nm) expected to remain. While the outgoing LX 600’s twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 petrol motor generates 305 kW and 650 Nm, the hybrid derivative predictably offers more oomph.
The LX 700h is seen here in Overtrail guise.
According to Toyota SA Motors, the LX 700h’s newly developed “1MT-HEV” powertrain – which integrates a motor generator with a clutch positioned between the twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 petrol unit and the 10-speed automatic transmission – offers peak system power of 341 kW. While the petrol engine alone generates 650 Nm, it’s our understanding that total system torque comes in at around 790 Nm.
Claimed fuel consumption figures have yet to be announced. The hybrid battery is located in the rear floor within a “waterproof tray” divided into upper and lower sections. This design, says the automaker, “effectively prevents water ingress during deep water crossings, ensuring a fording capability of 700 mm”.
A look at the newly developed hybrid system for the LX 700h.
What about the rest of the LX range? Well, while the “F Sport” and “VIP” trim levels look set to carry over, the “Urban” grade will seemingly fall away in favour of a new “Overtrail” specification (as applied to the incoming Lexus GX).
This fresh Overtrail grade is set apart by a dark grille and matte-grey alloy wheels, while various other exterior components – from the fog-lamp surrounds, roof rails, wheel-arch mouldings, door handles, side-mirror caps and rear-bumper garnish – likewise feature darkened tones.
The new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
A new “Moon Desert” paint colour will also be exclusive to the Overtrail trim level. In addition, Overtrail derivatives will ship standard with front- and rear differential locks (in additional to the centre diff lock), likely along with all-terrain tyres.
Other updates to the LX line-up include various revised driver-assistance systems, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an upgraded wireless smartphone charging pad and an “Advanced Park” system (complete with remote function) exclusive to the hybrid.
Check back soon for more details, including local pricing…
