Ford Puma (2023) Launch Review

With the Ford Puma, the Blue Oval has returned to the South African passenger vehicle market with a vengeance. The Puma is familiar to Europeans, but what does it mean for South Africans? We got a feel for the latecomer at its local launch in Cape Town.

What is a Ford Puma?

First, a short history lesson… the Ford Puma of the ’90s was a small coupe that was sold in Europe. It had sporty intentions but a mediocre drivetrain, which is probably why its production run lasted only 5 years.

See also: Puma by name – Fiesta by nature?

Moving on a few decades, there is a new Puma, and it’s a small crossover replete with a coupe-style roof and a R600k price tag. The crossover formula that Ford has followed sees the model going up against a plethora of competitors, including the Hyundai Kona, Volkswagen T-Roc and Taigo, Mazda CX-30, Opel Mokka, Renault Captur, Honda HR-V and the Omoda C5. So, what makes the Puma stand out?

Is the Ford Puma bigger than an Ecosport?

The Ford Puma may look like a dainty crossover compared with the Ford Ecosport that preceded it, but it is, in fact, a considerably bigger vehicle. Going through the dimensions, the Puma is 4 207-mm long (the EcoSport was 4 017 mm), 1 805-mm wide (1 765 mm), 1 537-mm tall (1 650 mm, although most of this is baked into the extra ground clearance of the Ecosport) and a wheelbase of 2 588mm (2 519 mm).

In terms of load-bay capacity, the Puma is said to hold 456 litres – 123 litres more than the EcoSport.

The Puma also does a neat trick with its boot floor, which has 2 levels and, when removed (along with the space-saver spare wheel) offers a plastic floor that can apparently load 2 sets of golf clubs standing up.

It also has a drainage plug in the bottom, which means that you can hose it out and drain the mucky water from the bottom (if you happen to have stored muddy gear in there).

Rear legroom and headroom are a bit tight for taller passengers, but you get more space in there than what the outgoing Ecosport offered and besides, it’s a similar scenario in the models that rival the Puma.

ICYMI: Ford Ecosport buyer’s guide

What’s the Puma like to drive?

Doing duty under the Puma’s bonnet is Ford’s familiar 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine. It was used in the Fiesta (now also discontinued in Mzansi) and is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

It produces healthy peak outputs of 92 kW and 170 Nm, while its claimed average fuel consumption is 5.3 L/100 km. During our 100-km evaluation route (in mixed driving conditions) we were able to achieve 6.9 L/100 km, which puts the Ford in the same ballpark as the 1.0-litre we recently tested in the Taigo.

In terms of performance, the Puma feels nippy around town and eager to please (once the boost from the turbo kicks in). Performing overtaking manoeuvres from low speeds is truly the Ford’s forte; at higher speeds, the 3-pot engine is less-than-muscular, but that’s a common trait of small turbocharged motors.

Still, the Puma will easily cruise at highway speeds and, when the adaptive cruise control is active, the auto ‘box resists the urge to change down hurriedly when the vehicle needs to re-accelerate to 120 kph.

The ride quality is on the firm side, especially over rougher surfaces, but on smooth roads, that firmness facilitates sporty handling. The Puma feels light and agile when cornering or changing direction and its steering weighs up well the more lock you add; it instils confidence when placing the car on the road.

What’s it like inside the Puma?

To sweeten the model’s premium pricing, Ford has loaded the Puma with features. Even the Titanium version is equipped with plenty of active safety kit and connectivity options. An 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 is standard fare, as are 2 USB ports (one USB A, with a USB C in the centre console), a wireless charging pad, as well as Android Auto and Apple Carplay (via a cable connection – it’s a bit old school).

The range-topping ST-Line Vignale derivative additionally features leather trim (with massage function for the front seats), 10-speaker B&O audio, a digital instrument cluster, electric tailgate and sunroof.

Active safety systems include hill launch assist, lane-keeping aid, pre-collision assist and auto high beam assist. The Puma further comes standard with 6 airbags and a Thatcham alarm with immobiliser.

Not only does the Puma have an abundance of spec – but its cabin materials and build quality appear upmarket. The dashboard has soft-touch leather and the door inserts either have a nice “jean pant” cloth or leather, while all the major touchpoints feel like quality pieces rather than cost-cutting plastic items.

The one item on the list that might be missing is dual-zone climate control, which isn’t available on either derivative; sorry folks, it’s single-zone climate control only.

How much is a Ford Puma in SA?

Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost TitaniumR569 900
Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost ST-Line VignaleR613 900

The prices above include a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, while Ford says customers “have the option” of purchasing service or maintenance plans up to 8 years or 135 000 km (service intervals are 15 000 km).

Summary

Ford South Africa is certainly not looking to recoup lost Ecosport sales with the Puma – it’s not the type of car that will push massive volume through the brand. The small/compact coupe-crossover segment remains a niche market with even the top players (such as the VW T-Roc) netting only 100 sales a month.

Ford hasn’t had anything competitive to play with in the crossover segment for a while and the Puma gives the Blue Oval a decent prospect with which to corner a bit of the market. It also serves as a timely reminder to South African motoring consumers that Ford is still in the business of selling passenger cars.

Ford also plans to expand the Puma range at some point. However, the Silverton-based brand has kept quiet on whether it will introduce the facelifted Puma, which is said to be due towards the end of 2024.

New Ford Puma Specs & Prices in South Africa

Search for a used Ford on Cars.co.za

All-new Mercedes SL43 AMG Video Review – World’s most expensive 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo?

Our video journalist, Ciro De Siena, decided to take this stunning new Mercedes-AMG SL43 to his hometown of Sea Point, Cape Town, which features slow traffic and palm tree-lined, beachside boulevards.

The Mercedes Benz SL is an iconic nameplate. It’s been with gracing roads around the world since the Gullwing 300 SL, examples of which now cost more than Australia. Sure, over the years, there have always been hardcore versions of the SL, and we fondly remember the SL55 and SL63 AMGs. There was even the highly memorable SL Black Series.

But for this new 2023 generation of SL, there will be no softcore SL500 version, at least as far as we know. And this “entry level” SL43 AMG now features a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder mild-hybrid electric/gas turbo drivetrain, which has certainly raised some eyebrows.

There will be V8 versions of the SL coming soon to our market, but right now, in South Africa, the SL43 AMG is the only variant officially on sale.

But how would this generation SL43 AMG fare? Well, it certainly drew a lot of attention; it is a real show stopper. However, perhaps less importantly for some…how does it drive? Only one way to find out.

Further Reading

Want to purchase a new or used Mercedes-Benz? Browse stock here

All-New Renault Duster Revealed

Meet the third-generation Renault Duster which has just been revealed to the European market. While it may be badged as Dacia in the images, we reckon we’ll see the new model in SA dealerships in 2024.

The Renault Duster has been a phenomenal sales success. Since its inception back in 2010 and update in 2017, more than 2.2 million have been sold globally and around 1000 Dusters roll off the production lines every day.

This new third-gen Duster is assembled on the CMF-B LS platform, which is a version of the same platform that underpins the Captur and Clio. This new platform is said to offer more cabin space for passengers and boot space for luggage, without increasing the overall length too much. The new platform is also said to offer more refinement and comfort.

The design looks remarkably similar to the Dacia Bigster concept from a few years ago, which is great as that was a very interesting-looking vehicle. Climb inside, and it looks like the new Duster is rugged and durable. There’s a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Other noteworthy features include 4x illuminated USB ports, wireless smartphone charging, 6-speaker sound system as well as smartphone connectivity.

Engines and Transmission

Let’s get the bad news out the way, it looks like the 1.5-litre DCI diesel engine has been discontinued. Making their debut in the new Duster is a pair of electrified engines. There’s a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine with 70 kW, paired to two electric motors (37 kW and a starter generator). This derivative features an electric automatic gearbox as well as a 1.2 kWh battery, and Renault claims this powertrain will be in all-electric mode up to 80% of the time in cities.

The next engine is a new-generation 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol 3-cylinder with 96 kW that runs on the Miller cycle and uses a 48V mild hybrid electric motor that helps the combustion engine during acceleration. This model is available in 4×2 and 4×4 configuration and available with a 6-speed gearbox.

The all-new Renault Duster will still be an impressive offroader. The 4×4 models feature Terrain Control with 5 driving modes: Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road, Eco and Auto (where the car automatically distributes power to the front and rear axle based on grip and speed.) There’s a ground clearance of 217 mm and approach/departure angles of 31 degrees and 36 degrees respectively.

When will the all-new Renault Duster come to South Africa?

Renault South Africa did confirm that it is “exploring viability to launch New Gen Duster starting with 4×4 variant.” Given the model’s popularity in our market, we estimate that it will be arriving in South Africa in 2024.

We’ll have more info on the new Duster soon and will update this article as soon as we hear more.

Further Reading

Want to purchase a new or used RenaultDuster? Browse stock for sale.

The latest Renault specs and prices

Fuel Price Relief for December 2023

Month-end fuel price data suggests that significant fuel price cuts are on the cards for December 2023, which will bring much-needed relief to overburdened consumers. 

With the holiday season fast approaching, South African motorists will be pleased with the prospect of significant fuel price cuts in December. 

Unaudited month-end data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF) indicates that the price of petrol could see cuts of around R1 per litre while the price of diesel could see reductions of well over R2 per litre. 

It must be highlighted, however, that this data is only indicative and official fuel price adjustments will be communicated this week and come into effect on Wednesday 6 December 2023.

With the Rand showing some strength against the US Dollar in November 2023 and coupled with lower international oil prices during the same period, fuel price cuts are inevitable.

The cuts will provide some financial relief for consumers who have faced stiff fuel price increases during the course of 2023.

Fuel Price Forecast in South Africa for December 2023

Fuel Type Nov ’23 Inland Nov ’23 CoastDec 23 Inland*Dec’ 23 Coast*
Petrol Unleaded 93R23.44R22.72R22.44R21.72
Petrol Unleaded 95R23.90R23.18R22.90R22.18
Diesel 0.05%R24.16R23.44R22.16R21.44
Diesel 0.005%R24.40R23.69R22.40R21.69

*December figures are forecast figures and not official.

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We don’t want to leave, says VW SA boss

The head of Volkswagen Group South Africa says the company doesn’t want to leave Mzansi “at all”, but adds that government needs to fix some issues “rather sooner than later”…

Martina Biene, chairperson and managing director of Volkswagen Group South Africa, says the German automotive giant doesn’t want to leave the country “at all”, but adds that the government needs to implement various fixes “rather sooner than later”.

Biene made the comments during an interview with eNCA, responding to a Reuters report quoting Thomas Schäfer, global CEO of the Volkswagen brand, as saying he is “very worried” about the future of vehicle manufacturing in South Africa.

Schäfer pointed to South Africa’s persistent load-shedding problems, sustained logistical issues (both on the railways and at the ports) and increasing labour costs as key disadvantages to building cars in the country.

“Eventually you have to say, ‘why are we building cars in a less-competitive factory somewhere far away from the real market where the consumption is?’. I’m very worried about it… We’re not in the business of charity,” Schäfer said, according to the Reuters report.

Biene told the news station Schäfer’s comments were “clearly a warning”.

“We don’t want to leave – not at all. And the intention is not to do so. But we need some fixes and we need them rather sooner than later,” she said, adding “let’s take it as a warning, what has been said [by Schäfer]”.

The VW Group SA MD said life for the German brand’s local division “mainly has been made difficult by the government not making decisions”.

“That’s a major part of the worries and also something Thomas [Schäfer] expressed. If I may give you one example, we recently had to go to [Volkswagen Group] headquarters to apply to purchase or to rent generators to run our plant in case of load-shedding. Renting generators for a 14 MWh plant is R130-million over 2 years.

“So, that’s R130-million [that isn’t going to be] invested into a product or [used to] upgrade our facility, but it’s just a waste of money that we’ll have to explain to headquarters. And money’s getting tighter also in headquarters,” Biene explained to eNCA, referencing VW’s global cost-cutting drive as it bids to remain competitive in the transition to electric cars.

“We want to build a 3rd product in our Kariega plant… But as I said, generator purchasing or renting doesn’t help with our feasibility calculations. I think if we don’t manage to solve the significant issues during the course of next year [2024] – not solve them, but really provide an answer – then we would have a problem in terms of sustaining our business.

“We are asking not for gifts; we are asking for a business environment in which we can competitively operate. Our biggest competition is not the other brands – that happens at the very end in terms of product – our biggest competition is internally in VW,” she explained, making reference to competition with VW plants in other parts of the world.

Biene said that although the company’s costs for exporting cars to Europe were becoming “increasingly uncompetitive”, VW still saw great potential on the continent.

“We are very passionate about the country and also about the potential the African continent provides to us. But one must see somehow an upwards trajectory in terms of things getting fixed.”

As a reminder, VW SA currently manufactures the prolonged lifecycle Polo Vivo and the Polo hatchback at its Kariega factory in the Eastern Cape. The facility produces the Polo hatch for all right-hand-drive markets – while also supplementing production for left-hand-drive markets – and is the sole producer of the Polo GTI. However, many key export destinations are shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs), casting doubt on the global future of the Polo nameplate.

Related content

VW’s global CEO sounds warning to South Africa

Why you won’t see VW hybrids in SA before 2027

Farewell, Volkswagen Up! City car axed globally

Omoda C5 GT, everything that will follow it, and Jaecoo

Calvin Fisher recently drove the newly introduced Omoda C5 GT derivative (all 77 units of which have already been sold), plus, having seen Chery South Africa’s barrage of upcoming Omoda and Jaecoo models in the metal, he has some strong opinions...

We’ve seen this before, haven’t we? American and European carmakers kicked back when brilliant little Japanese cars first invaded their respective markets over half a century ago. Smaller, more efficient, reliable – and far more affordable, the Nipponese models grew in popularity during the tough economic climate of the ’70s and today, well, Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Nissan are household names.

Omoda C5 GT

Fast forward to the beginning of the 21st century and we witnessed the phenomenon again, this time by Hyundai and Kia. What took the Japanese brands 40 years took their Korean counterparts just 20, which was when their products became the de facto “hot new affordable cars that you could fall in love with”.

Watch our video review: Omoda C5 – A Fancy Chery or Premium Car Contender?

Compare early Tucson and Kia models with their much-evolved and highly desirable current iterations! Unfortunately for Hyundai and Kia (and many other brands, mainly of European and Japanese descent), there’s a new threat to the status quo – an influx of Chinese-brand vehicles onto our roads. We’ve seen GWM/Haval and Chery/Omoda both re-enter our market with renewed vigour and they’re relentless.

Omoda C5 GT

The Omoda C5 small crossover has already made an impression on our market thanks to its more premium “look and feel”, with the promise of more models on the horizon. In fact, here’s one: the C5 GT.

Read more: Omoda C5 GT (2023) Price & Specs

What if I told you that this specification was a uniquely South African offering? Indeed, for the C5 GT, Omoda shopped locally for the gold trim along the bonnet, gold badges and wheels, plus the diffusers and skirts. But it isn’t all show… for extra go, they’ve shipped in the same 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that just debuted in the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max. That means you now get 145 kW and 298 Nm for the modest sticker price of R589 900. Add an extra R10k and you get the sports kit with that rear wing.

Omoda C5 GT

How well does the C5 GT perform? About as well as you would expect. That is, it’s quicker than its C5 siblings – and those new details give it even more kerb appeal than before. The cabin feels upmarket, is well laid out and enjoys all the modern hop-ups you expect in a modern crossover. I won’t try to sell it to you, because all 77 units that were produced have already been sold, apparently “in under 90 minutes.”

C5 GT is a mere taste of what’s to come…

That speaks to the demand these vehicles generate in sunny Mzansi, but spare a thought for what will happen next… No sooner than we wrapped our drive in the C5 GT, we were ushered into a parking lot to witness the new Omoda C9 flagship. It fills a parking bay handsomely – the public is going to love it.

From it you can expect more power (2.0-litre turbopetrol) and more space, a global 5-star safety rating (courtesy of a host of advanced driver assistance systems that are never at a loss of warning chimes; you know them: beep, beep, ping, ping), plus an adaptive suspension. Omoda has verily hit its stride.

We were then shown their upcoming product onslaught with a battery-electric version of the C9, plus an EV iteration of the C5 dubbed the E5, plus a more compact C3 SUV. And then, with mere hours to spare, the 2-year-old car company known as Chery South Africa revealed yet another new brand…

Jacked-up Jaecoo duo

Enter Jaecoo, my 3rd softroader brand experience in 2 days (after the Tiggo 7 Pro Max and Omoda C5 GT) and perhaps that is why it was all so overwhelming. Think of Jaecoo and Omoda being in the same premium silo, versus the mainstream Chery Tiggo product range and you’ll have a fair understanding.

I wish I could tell you how the Jaecoo and Omoda models differ, but our experience was limited to seeing a pair of parked SUVs: the J7 and J8. Where one feels inspired by Range Rover, the other evokes visuals of Mercedes-Benz SUVs – but neither of them is a facsimile. It’s my brain’s job to find familiar shapes and lines in the design languages of car makes, and if the brief was to create luxurious shapes – job done.

Read more: Jaecoo J7 coming to SA in Q1 2024

Chery now owns a chunk of JLR

There’s something else to consider. Chery has acquired a sizable share of the company known as Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). At what point do we concede that a Chery that resembles a JLR product isn’t copying, but rather capitalising on the Chinese brand’s investment? It’s an investment in technology, R&D, design studios and more – all the know-how required to fast-track a new brand from obscure to established.

Chery knows that it cannot compete when it comes to legacy. Jaecoo is a hatchling and Omoda is in its first year of operation. I reckon that’s only a liability if your business is copying, whereas Chery considers itself a rapidly moving technology company, with innovation at its core. I just wouldn’t bet against them.

Related content:

Chery to launch Jaecoo SUVs in SA in 2024

Omoda C5 GT (2023) Price & Specs

Chinese SUV Fight! Haval H6 vs new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max (2023) Launch Review

With a new face and all-wheel-drive derivative at the summit of its line-up, the Tiggo 7 Pro Max significantly bolsters Chery’s offering in the South African market’s family car segment. We drove the newcomer in the Western Cape this week.

Say hello to the Pro Max; not to be confused with the latest in smartphone technology, it’s the new top-tier iteration of the Chery Tiggo 7. The new car comes with 145 kW and 290 Nm, which makes it much more potent than the 115 kW and 230 Nm on offer in the Tiggo 7 Pro, I’m sure you’ll agree.

Whereas the entry-level Distinctive 2WD retails for R529 900, the range is topped off with a pair of Executive derivatives. The front-wheel-drive version of the Executive (2WD) costs R559 900, but the flagship features all-wheel drive (AWD) – it’s the first Tiggo model in our market to be offered with all-paw traction. For R609 900, the Executive 4WD is the embodiment super well-appointed family car.

ICYMI: Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max (2023) Price & Specs

A lot has happened in 2 years…

Chery South Africa is only 2 years old, but this is its 6th product launch since the brand returned to our market – quite a bullish assault on the new vehicle market by any stretch of the imagination. And, with the Pro Max, they’ve really hit their stride thanks, in part, to the new 1.6 TGDi engine. It’s been paired with a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission and, on the flagship, distributes its torque via an AWD system.

Exterior styling has been sharpened up somewhat on what was already a handsome exterior (I really like the diamond grille). Clamber aboard, however, and this is where the bulk of the upgrades can be felt.

I refer to the new pair of 12.3-inch screens – one for the entertainment system, and one ahead of the driver for the digital gauges and instruments. It isn’t a new system, but it’s considerably larger than the pair of 10.25-inch items that previously lived here.

What’s more, the audio is now blasted via a Sony 8-speaker system, the wireless phone charger has been upgraded from 15W to 50W (to facilitate fast charging), plus a 360-degree camera system features on the Executive derivatives. As before, you’ll encounter Android Auto, wireless Apple Carplay and a generally tech-laden cabin, which is bathed in natural light courtesy of a panoramic sunroof.

For bonus mood settings, there are 64 shades of ambient lighting to choose from. Settle into the new sports seats and, if you’re in the AWD version, you’ll notice that where there are 3 drive modes in the 2WD derivative, there are 6 modes in the flagship: Eco, Normal, Sport plus Snow, Mud and Off-Road.

It’s worth noting that Chery considers itself to be a quick-moving technology company (as opposed to a mere car manufacturer). Naturally, when it comes to vehicle tech, we don’t want it to move too quickly – for fear of missing out on what typically takes generations of development to gain through trial and error.

The Chinese brand has managed to essentially halve the time it takes to bring new products from pencil to asphalt, which makes our job of evaluating their efforts even more critical. If you’ve driven a Chery product (and that includes the Omoda C5), you will have encountered (or been driven mad by) a number of beeps and bongs, pings and whistles to indicate when you’re speeding. Also, when you’re crossing into lanes, when you need to take a break, when you’ve engaged reverse and so on, ad infinitum.

But this is a strategic move to get a 5-star global safety rating (not to mention a jump on the opposition). It’s a pity that the tech feels so invasive, but it’s the standard that Chery’s striving for as it looks to enter the European market… and it’s the standard we’re being sold with our South African passenger cars.

How much does the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max cost in SA?

Every Tiggo 7 Pro Max comes with a 5-year/60 000 km service plan, along with a 1-million-kilometre/10-year engine warranty.

Tiggo 7 Pro Max Distinction 2WDR529 900
Tiggo 7 Pro Max Executive 2WDR559 900
Tiggo 7 Pro Max Executive AWDR609 900

Summary

The Tiggo 7 Pro Max is more than a facelift with the wick turned up – it is a bold statement on the part of Chery South Africa. A Tiggo 8 Pro Max is a finalist in the family car category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards because, among other things, it offers “an awful lot of luxurious medium SUV” at its price point – but it has 7 seats, which is a nice-to-have, but not a requirement for most family car buyers.

The Tiggo 7 Pro Max, by comparison, is a 5-seater medium SUV at an even keener price point. It rides as well as it looks (sitting as it does on a multi-link suspension, front and rear) with safety further bolstered by an 8-airbag configuration. Plus, in Executive AWD guise, it offers all-wheel drive, which adds all-road ability to an already lengthy list of talents, for the same price as a Tiggo 8 Pro 1.6TGDI 290T Executive.

On the downside, the Tiggo 7 Pro Max may ride well and pull strongly, but, as is often the case with models from fledgling brands, it could benefit from better fuel consumption. Think of the penalty at the pumps as the premium you pay after the savings you’ve made on the purchase price… and you’ll be fine.

Related content:

Chery to launch Jaecoo SUVs in SA in 2024

Jaecoo J7 coming to SA in Q1 2024

Omoda C5 GT (2023) Price & Specs

Chinese SUV Fight! Haval H6 vs new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max

10 Fuel Efficient Used Compact SUVs under R300k

Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when buying a car but what cars should you consider if you are shopping for a compact SUV or crossover in the used car market with a budget of up to R300 000? Here are 10 budget-friendly fuel-efficient compact SUVs to take a closer look at!

The compact SUV segment is hugely popular in South Africa at the moment and new car buyers have so much choice over a wide price range. 

However, it’s no secret that rapidly increasing fuel prices are putting tremendous strain on household budgets and many buyers are turning to the used car market in an effort to find a more affordable mobility solution. 

Anyone that’s considering taking the leap to purchase a car will have to think about the operating costs (maintenance, insurance etc.) of that vehicle, including fuel costs. Fuel efficiency is therefore an important factor to consider whether you are buying a new or used car. 

So, if fuel efficiency is important to you and you have a budget of up to R300 000 to spend on a used compact SUV, then this list will help you find one! 

If you are unsure about how much you are able to afford to spend on a car then we suggest you use our new Car Affordability Calculator and you can also work our estimated monthly premiums using your Finance Calculator. 

Fuel Efficient Used Compact SUVs Available in South Africa

1. Renault Captur 1.5 DCi Dynamique – From 3.6 L/100km 

Renault Captur

Renault introduced the Captur way back in 2015 and while it proved to be quite popular with local buyers, it was the diesel-powered Captur that impressed the most with its low fuel consumption. The 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine under the bonnet produces 66 kW and 220 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The new Renault Captur arrived earlier in 2023, but a diesel engine is no longer on offer.

Buy a used Renault Duster 1.5 DCi Dynamique for under R300k on Cars.co.za 

2. Peugeot 2008 1.6 HDi Active – From 4.0 L/100km 

Peugeot 2008

The new Peugeot 2008 has been available in South Africa since 2021 and it’s undoubtedly one of the best products in this segment. However, the previous generation 2008 also had much to offer and the diesel-powered 2008 returned impressive fuel economy. A 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine does service under bonnet with 68 kW and 230 Nm on offer and is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. 

Buy a used Peugeot 2008 1.6 HDI on Cars.co.za for under R300k 

3. Nissan Qashqai / Juke 1.5 dCi Acenta – From 4.2 L/100km

Nissan Qashqai

The new Nissan Qashqai arrived locally in 2022 but buyers can consider the outgoing generation diesel-powered Qashqai with 81 kW and 260 Nm of torque on offer which is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and claims to return just 4.2 L/100km. The Nissan Juke employs the same powertrain and thus offers buyers with some choice from the Nissan stable. 

Buy a used Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi for under R300k on Cars.co.za 

Buy a used Nissan Juke 1.6 dCi for under R300k on Cars.co.za 

4. Opel Crossland X 1.6 TD Enjoy – From 4.4 L/100km 

Opel Crossland X

The Opel Crossland X is an often overlooked choice in this segment, but it shouldn’t be. The Crossland X 1.6 turbodiesel derivative is the most frugal in the range and it offers 68 kW and 230 Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. 

Buy a used Opel Crossland X for under R300k on Cars.co.za 

5. Ford EcoSport 1.5 TDCi Ambiente / Titanium – From 4.6 L/100km 

Ford EcoSport

The diesel Ford EcoSport is well-known for returning low fuel consumption figures. The 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine under the bonnet produces 74 kW and 205 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Note that the EcoSport is no longer in production.

Also see: Ford EcoSport (2013-2023) Buyer’s Guide

Buy a used Ford EcoSport 1.5 TDCi for under R300k on Cars.co.za 

6. Jeep Renegade 1.6 MJet Limited – From 4.6 L/100km 

Jeep Renegade

Jeep isn’t often associated with fuel economy but the diesel-powered Renegade MJet Limited returns fair economy. The turbocharged 1.6-litre diesel engine delivers 88 kW and 320 Nm making it one of the more powerful options on this list and it combines with a 6-speed manual transmission to get the job done. 

Buy a used Jeep Renegade 1.6 MJet for under R300k on Cars.co.za 

7. Mahindra XUV300 1.5TD W8 – 4.8 L/100km

Mahindra XUV300

The updated Mahindra XUV300 arrived in South Africa earlier in 2022 and the diesel-powered W8 derivative claims fuel consumption at 4.8 L/100km. The 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine offers 86 kW and 300 Nm of torque and is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. 

Buy used Mahindra XUV300 1.5TD for under R300k on Cars.co.za 

8. Volkswagen T-Cross 70 kW Comfortline  – From 4.8 L/100km 

Volkswagen T-Cross

Volkswagen cracks a nod on this list with the T-Cross Comfortline. The turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine develops 70 kW and 175 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. 

Buy a used Volkswagen T-Cross 70 kW Comfortline for under R300k on Cars.co.za 

9. Renault Kiger Turbo Intens / Zen – 5.0 L/100km

Renault Kiger

Renault’s budget-friendly Kiger hits the fuel efficiency mark in Intens and Zen guise and it packs a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine offering 74 kW and 160 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. 

Buy a used Renault Kiger Turbo for under R300k on Cars.co.za 

10. Renault Duster 1.5 dCi Zen – 5.1 L/100km

Renault Duster

Renault rounds out this list with the popular Duster in diesel guise offering good real-world fuel consumption returns. The 1.5-litre turbodiesel under the bonnet offers 80 kW and 240 Nm and comes paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. 

Buy a used Renault Duster 1.5 DCi on Cars.co.za 

Mercedes-AMG GT63 SE Performance 4‑Door Coupé (2023) Price & Specs

We’ve uncovered local pricing for the refreshed 620 kW Mercedes-AMG GT63 SE Performance 4‑Door Coupé, which arrives as the most expensive model in the brand’s high-performance range…

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has quietly added the wordily named Mercedes-AMG GT63 SE Performance 4Matic+ 4‑Door Coupé to its local configurator. So, how much will the refreshed version of this 620 kW all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid monster cost you?

Well, it arrives as the most expensive model in the Affalterbach-based division’s local line-up, bearing a starting price of R4 036 144 (excluding the cost of a maintenance plan, according to the Mercedes-Benz SA configurator, which pushes the price to R4 219 301). That sees it slot in above the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S 4Matic+ (R3 827 538) and the Mercedes-AMG G63 (R3 962 717).

Revealed as recently as October 2023, the updated GT63 SE Performance 4‑Door Coupé sticks with its mighty PHEV powertrain, which here comprises a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine and various hybrid components (as well as the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission). As before, peak system outputs stand at a lofty 620 kW and 1470 Nm, which facilitate a 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 316 kph.

Revisions to this model – which again ships with air suspension featuring adaptive adjustment damping but also gains a bit of extra standard kit – include a wider air inlet below the AMG-specific grille and vertical air ducts integrated into the outside of the front apron. Inside, the apex version of the GT 4-Door Coupé scores an updated version of the MBUX multimedia system, including AMG-specific items.

Mercedes-AMG GT63 SE Performance

In South Africa, the GT63 SE Performance can be specified with all manner of add-ons, from the AMG Night Package (R17 300) and AMG Exterior Chrome Package (R19 100) to the AMG Aerodynamics Package (R51 800), AMG Exterior Carbon Package (R67 300) and AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package II (R81 800).

In addition, Mercedes-Benz SA offers a range of alloy wheels (over and above the standard 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy items), along with a panoramic sunroof (R22 500, though a sliding sunroof is now standard), AMG sports stripes (R11 000), AMG Performance seats (R35 000), a head-up display (R18 100), Driving Assistance Plus Package (R44 000) and power-closing doors (R10 000).

Mercedes-AMG GT63 SE Performance price in South Africa

Mercedes-AMG GT63 SE Performance 4‑Door Coupé – R4 036 144

Note the price above does not include a maintenance plan, which Mercedes-Benz SA says the “customer shall be entitled to include in the purchase”. Including the motorplan, the starting price rises to R4 219 301.

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Ford Puma (2023) Price & Specs

We recently broke the news that the Ford Puma was destined for South Africa. Now the Blue Oval brand has released pricing for this subcompact crossover. Here’s how much you’ll pay…

In August 2023, Cars.co.za broke the news that the Ford Puma was coming to South Africa. Now the Blue Oval brand has finally confirmed this model for a local introduction, while also announcing pricing for the subcompact crossover.

As a reminder, the Puma was revealed for European markets as long ago as June 2019. But, just as our information suggested, this model is scheduled to launch in South Africa in October 2023, with the local line-up comprising 2 derivatives: a 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium and a 1.0 EcoBoost ST-Line Vignale.

The Puma Titanium will be priced from R569 900, while the Puma ST-Line Vignale will start at R613 900. Take note these prices do not include the cost of a service plan, which Ford says buyers “have the option of purchasing”.

In South Africa, the Puma will launch with a single engine option in the form of the familiar turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine, which here generates peak outputs of 92 kW and 170 Nm. Both the Titanium and ST-Line Vignale variants will ship standard with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Titanium grade features black-machined 17-inch alloy wheels, and chrome elements for the grille, side skirts and fog lamps. The rear diffuser and skid plate on this derivative are finished in metallic grey, while the window surrounds are finished in gloss black. Inside, the Titanium boasts a leather-trimmed steering wheel, “wood-effect appliques” for the cluster bezel and instrument panel, and fabric inserts for the door interiors.

Meanwhile, the ST-Line Vignale rides on black 18-inch machined alloy wheels and gains a sports suspension. Up front, the ST-Line grille features matte-black elements and a high-gloss surround, along with glossy foglamp surrounds and a larger rear spoiler. Inside, the ST‑Line Vignale scores a flat-bottomed steering wheel, red contrast stitching, alloy pedals, an aluminium gear shifter and black headliner.

Ford claims the Puma has a luggage capacity of 456 litres, while the so-called “Ford MegaBox” – providing a “versatile storage space that is capable of comfortably accommodating 2 golf bags in an upright position” – will be optional.

Safety features standard on both variants will include ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-launch assist, tyre-pressure monitoring, auto high beams, a lane-keeping system and 6 airbags. An optional Driver Assistance Pack – adding items such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, front parking sensors, a reverse-view camera, active park assist and a driver-impairment monitor – will also be offered. Furthermore, the top-spec derivative will be available with an optional ST-Line Styling Pack.

As a reminder, the Puma measures 4 186 mm long in standard guise (and 4 207 mm in ST-Line form), with a wheelbase of 2 588 mm. Though the Puma is clearly not positioned as a driver of significant volumes, the Dearborn-based company’s local division will nevertheless be glad to add a fresh-to-SA model (even one revealed as long ago as mid-2019) to its passenger-vehicle line-up.

Why? Well, production of the EcoSport has officially ended at both the Chennai facility in India and the Craiova plant in Romania, and local stock is run virtually dry (just 9 units were registered in South Africa in August 2023). Though it won’t serve as a direct successor to the more budget-friendly EcoSport, the Puma will at least bolster a passenger-vehicle line-up that has effectively been reduced to the outgoing Mustang and new Everest. Remember, the Fiesta was discontinued locally in March 2022 (before Ford pulled the plug globally), with the Figo following soon thereafter.

The Puma will be available in a choice of 5 exterior colours: Frozen White, Fantastic Red, Grey Matter, Desert Island Blue and Magnetic.

How much does the Ford Puma cost in South Africa?

Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium – R569 900

Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost ST-Line Vignale – R613 900

The prices above include a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, while Ford says customers “have the option” of purchasing service or maintenance plans up to 8 years or 135 000 km (service intervals are 15 000 km).

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