Toyota Vitz X-Cite (2023) Price & Specs

Toyota’s cheapest new car is now available in a fresh form: meet the Vitz X-Cite. Here’s how much this jazzed-up budget hatchback will cost you in South Africa…

Toyota South Africa Motors has quietly rolled out the new Vitz X-Cite, a fresh version of the Indian-built budget hatchback that features a raft of visual updates.

Of course, the Japanese firm’s “X-Cite” badge is by no means new to Mzansi, with the since-discontinued Aygo having once worn this nameplate. In that case, however, it was applied to a derivative set apart by its black canvas roof.

First spotted on Toyota’s website by IOL Motoring, the Vitz X-Cite is offered in both base and XR guise, and its arrival sees the range expand to 5 derivatives. Interestingly, the new X-Cite variants are available in a choice of 5 colours, compared with the 7 offered on the standard models.

The X-Cite is distinguished by its orange trim accents – which have been applied to the rear spoiler, black side-mirror caps, side mouldings and front foglamp surrounds (the latter in the case of the higher-spec XR) – along with black plastic trim running along the wheel arches, side skirts and lower bumpers, fore and aft. “X-Cite” decals have also been applied to the rear doors.

Inside, you’ll find yet more orange detailing (which the brand describes as a “refreshing citrus hue”), including to components around the air vents, gear-lever base, window switches and on the interior door panels. According to the specifications listed on Toyota SA Motors’ website, the Vitz 1.0 X-Cite furthermore gains a single-din audio system (a feature missing from the standard base model) that includes Bluetooth, an auxiliary port and a USB port. The XR version, though, retains its touchscreen system.

So, how much do the new X-Cite models cost? Well, back in the 2nd week of August, we noticed Toyota SA Motors had effectively cut Vitz pricing by R20 000 with a special “deal assist” offer, which remains in place today (September 2023). The X-Cite derivatives, meanwhile, are listed at the pre-deal prices: the Vitz 1.0 MT X-Cite thus costs R189 900, while the Vitz 1.0 XR MT X-Cite comes in at R219 900.

As with other derivatives in the Vitz line-up, the X-Cite models draw their urge from a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. This motor sends 49 kW and 89 Nm to the front axle through either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automated manual transmission with the same number of cogs (though X-Cite variants are currently offered in 3-pedal form only).

Reviving a nameplate that has roots stretching back to 1998 and was once applied to the Yaris offered in the automaker’s domestic market of Japan, the Vitz arrived in South Africa in April 2023 to replace the Agya. Built by Maruti Suzuki in India (and effectively little more than a rebadged Celerio), the Vitz is yet another result of Toyota’s collaboration with its likewise-Japanese alliance partner.

How much does the Toyota Vitz X-Cite cost in South Africa?

Toyota Vitz 1.0 MT: R169 899 on special offer

Toyota Vitz 1.0 MT X-Cite: R189 900

Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR MT: R199 900 on special offer

Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR MT X-Cite: R219 900

Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR AMT: R214 900 on special offer

The prices above include a 2-service/30 000 km service plan and a 3-year/100 000 km warranty.

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Revealed

After months of teasers and spy shots, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan breaks cover with updated powertrains, new tech and a fresh look. Herewith the key details…

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan has been revealed and it brings a number of upgrades to the party. Volkswagen has taken note of the feedback from customers and product testers, and the result is a thoroughly updated new model.

The third-generation 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan gets a bold new look and the Wolfsburg-based brand released images detailing a standard model in green and an R-Line derivative in red. There’s a lightbar at both the front and the rear, and depending on trim, different bumpers.

new 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan — *The new Tiguan is now more sophisticated than the model it replaces.*

In terms of footprint, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan stands 4 539 mm long (30 mm longer than before), 1 639 mm tall (4mm taller), 1 842 mm wide (same as before) and has the same wheelbase of 2 680 mm. Under the skin, the third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan rides on the new MQB Evo platform and features 10 mm additional legroom while space in the load bay has increased by 33 litres, up to 648 litres.

The cabin architecture is all-new and in pictures, at least, represents a significant improvement over its predecessor in terms of design and material quality. Many of the current Volkswagen products suffer from quirky touch-sensitive buttons but Volkswagen has listened to customer feedback and opted for tried-and-trusted physical buttons instead.

There’s a brand-new 12.9-inch (15-inch on higher grades) tablet-style touchscreen with the firm’s latest MIB operating system with OTA update capability while a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster adds extra flair to the cabin.

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Engines

Volkswagen has given the Tiguan range a diverse array of engines for customers to choose from. The front-wheel Tiguans feature two mild-hybrid 1.5 turbocharged petrol engines, as well as a 2.0 diesel. Outputs range from 95 kW to 110 kW for the two petrol-hybrid derivatives while the diesel engine offers 110 kW.

In addition to the front-wheel drive derivatives mentioned above, the Tiguan will also be available in 4Motion all-wheel-drive guise powered by an updated 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with either 148 kW or 192 kW while the 2.0-litre turbodiesel 4Motion derivative will offer 140 kW. The new Tiguan makes use of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Volkswagen says the new Tiguan features updated 4Motion hardware to reduce vibrations. The new Tiguan is available with the optional DCC Pro adaptive dampers for additional comfort and sportiness, depending on mode.

There are also new plug-in hybrid powertrains with a 19.7 kWh battery giving 100 km of pure electric range. The charging speed is up too, with DC charging now possible. There will be 2 PHEV models and both will be front-wheel driven and feature 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engines with electric assist. Outputs are 148 kW and 197 kW respectively. The plug-in hybrid Tiguans are paired with a 6-speed DSG.

A 232 kW Tiguan R is also in development with the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine found in the new Golf 8 R.

When is the new 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Coming to South Africa?

The new 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is due in South Africa in 2024. Local pricing and specification will be communicated closer to the launch.

Buy a used Volkswagen Tiguan on Cars.co.za

Ford Ranger PHEV Unveiled

This is the Ford Ranger PHEV and will feature a pure electric range of 45 km along with a 3.5 ton tow rating. Here are the early details!

The Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) has just been revealed, but not every technical detail is available. Right now, we know that it will be going on sale globally in early 2025, is powered by petrol, offer a tow rating of 3.5 tons and have a pure electric driving range of around 45 km.

The Ranger PHEV is powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, paired to an electric motor and battery. Ford says its latest creation features more torque than any Ranger before, but didn’t mention power and torque amounts. If we look at the current Ranger lineup, that means the PHEV will have more than the 600 Newtons offered by the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel.

Ford has said that it has worked on the chassis and suspension to cope with the additional weight of the battery and electric motor. For what its worth, the standard 2.3-litre offers 210 kW and 415 Nm, and it will be interesting to see how big the battery and motor combination are.

The PHEV componentry is not just for reduced consumption as Ford says it can power and recharge your tools, meaning you won’t need to bring along extension cables and generators. Dubbed “Pro Power Onboard”, this optional feature is also perfect for camping.

Ranger PHEV Technology

Right now, the Ford factory in Silverton, Pretoria assembles the new Ranger (and Volkswagen Amarok) for both local consumption and for export. Europe is the primary customer of Ford SA’s wares and it’s only a matter of time before we hear from Ford SA about the local debut of the Ranger PHEV.

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

Here are the latest specifications and prices of Ford vehicles.

SA’s best-selling 1-tonne single-cab bakkies YTD (August 2023)

We’ve already looked at year-to-date double-cab sales in South Africa, but what about 1-tonne single-cab bakkie figures? Let’s see which workhorses are Mzansi’s favourites…

Recently, we revealed which bakkie was the most-popular double cab in South Africa in 2023 thus far. So, what about the single-cab bakkie sales race? Well, let’s take a closer look at year-to-date registrations for 2-door 1-tonne bakkies.

Since Naamsa’s monthly sales figures unfortunately don’t include a breakdown of the available bakkie body styles (single-, extended- and double-cab shapes), we’ve again turned to the statistics experts over at Lightstone Auto for some help identifying Mzansi’s best-selling 1-tonne single-cab bakkies over the opening 8 months of 2023.

*Year to date, the Toyota Hilux is SA’s best-selling single-cab bakkie.*

Before we examine the figures, we should take a step back and consider what the overall picture – including all body styles – looks like, year to date. In 2023 thus far, the Prospecton-built Toyota Hilux is leading the pack on 25 092 units, followed by the Silverton-made Ford Ranger (16 182 units) and the Struandale-produced Isuzu D-Max (13 174 units).

Lightstone Auto’s figures, however, show the Toyota Hilux is currently South Africa’s favourite 1-tonne single-cab bakkie, with 9 017 units – or around 36% of the Japanese vehicle’s total – registered over the opening 8 months of 2023. That’s more than even the Nissan NP200 – which is the market’s only half-tonne (as opposed to than 1-tonne) contender, but will be put out to pasture in Q1 2024 – managed, with the latter reaching 8 862 units.

*About 44% of total Isuzu D-Max sales in 2023 thus have been single-cab units.*

The Isuzu D-Max claims 2nd position on the list of SA’s best-selling 1-tonne single cabs, with 5 781 units (about 44% of a total that includes both the current-generation D-Max as well as the prolonged-lifecycle Gen 6 line-up) registered so far this year. Fascinatingly, the final spot on the podium goes to the Mahindra Pik Up, which managed 4 322 units – or nearly 75% of the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled bakkie’s total – in the 2-door body style.

*The Mahindra Pik Up completes the single-cab sales podium, year to date.*

What about the Ford Ranger? Well, the single-cab version of the Blue Oval brand’s bakkie is well off the pace, with just 932 units (or not even 6% of the Ranger’s grand total) sold in the reporting period. According to Lightstone Auto, single-cab derivatives of all other 1-tonne bakkies available in this body style come to 6 722 units, year to date.

And extended cabs? Well, the Hilux Xtra Cab leads the charge here with 3 762 units (approximately 15% of Hilux sales), followed by the Ranger SuperCab (1 358 units or about 9% or Ranger registrations) and D-Max Extended Cab (1 265 units or around 10% of D-Max sales).

SA’s best-selling 1-tonne single-cab bakkies YTD (August 2023)

1. Toyota Hilux – 9 017 units

2. Isuzu D-Max – 5 781 units

3. Mahindra Pik Up – 4 322 units

You Can Recover Your Insurance Excess if an Accident Wasn’t Your Fault

If you’re the owner of an insured vehicle, you will know that when a claim you submit to your car insurance company is approved, you’re obligated to pay an excess – even if the accident wasn’t your fault. However, it might be possible for your car insurance company to recover your excess and make you – and your budget – smile again.

PARTNERED CONTENT

If a claim you submit after an accident is successful, your insurance company will cover the costs of the repairs (once you’ve made a small co-payment – the excess), but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll never see that money again.

You have to make an insurance excess payment if your claim is approved.

How to recover an insurance excess

If you were involved in an accident and it wasn’t your fault, there’s a chance you may be able to get your excess back (or at least a portion of it). Your insurance company can help you recover this money. The reverse applies – if you were at fault, the other party’s insurer may attempt to recover their costs from you and your insurer.

The first rule for the best chance to recover your excess money is: “Gather as much information as possible.”

At the time of the accident, fish out that notebook and pen gathering dust in the cubby hole and write down:
1. Date and time
2. Weather conditions
3. Road conditions
4. All the relevant personal details of the parties involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses.
  1. Full name
  2. ID number
  3. Contact number
  4. Address
  5. Vehicle description
  6. Vehicle registration number
  7. Vehicle licence details
Take photographs of the accident from as many different angles as possible and the licence discs of the vehicles involved.
Report the accident at the nearest police station to open a case as soon as possible.

When you are unlikely to recover your insurance excess

Obviously, if the accident was your fault there is no point trying to recover an excess – but, unfortunately, there are situations where recovery isn’t possible even if it wasn’t your fault, for example:

If you’re the only person involved in an accident. (That pillar might have jumped out at you, but we can’t claim from it.)
If you did not get the complete details of the person at fault.
You didn’t report it to the police station.
The guilty person doesn’t have income or assets with which to pay.
The legal costs of recovering the money outweigh the excess amount.
The guilty party cannot be traced
The merits of the claim are too tricky to be worth the recovery of the excess.

Conclusion

Being involved in a road accident is, at the very least, inconvenient and just not worth the time, money, and headaches. Remember that if you were speeding when the accident happened, you are a guilty party, no matter what the other circumstances might be.

Do you want to learn more about car insurance or review your car insurance requirements with the help of experts? Budget Insurance’s team is always ready to assist; contact them on 086 1600 120 or utilise their online car insurance calculator, which gives you an accurate and budget-friendly quote in minutes.

Renault Arkana (2023) Preview Drive

The Renault Arkana is due to hit South African showrooms in 2024 and we’ve had a preview of this new hybrid compact coupe SUV.

What is it?

It’s quite the looker! Renault is the latest brand to jump on the coupe-SUV bandwagon; that is why the Arkana’s sweeping exterior design is quite distinct from those of the French marque’s other models.

The Arkana sports Captur-like front-end styling and black cladding all round, but the similarities don’t stop there – the model rides on a tweaked version of the small crossover’s CMF-B HS platform.

Assembled in South Korea (in the same factory that produced the Koleos), the Arkana looks set to offer a long list of standard features, including a digital instrument cluster, portrait-style infotainment screen and advanced safety equipment. Based on our first impression, the cabin looks and feels quite upmarket.

Globally, the Arkana is offered with a choice of two engines: a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor with 113 kW and 270 Nm, and a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid, which is the derivative shown here.

How does this powertrain work?

We could explain how E-Tech works in detail, but for the sake of brevity, the Arkana Hybrid is propelled by a 70 kW petrol engine in combination with an electric motor, while a 2nd electric motor works as the starter, manages the regeneration and balances the transition between the engine and the other motor.

Combined outputs of 108 kW and 148 Nm are on offer and an automatic transmission drives the front wheels. The electric setup comprises a 36 kW motor and a 15 kW starter generator, and there’s a 1.2 kWh hybrid battery. There’s good news: the electric system is internal and doesn’t need an external charging source. The vehicle’s self-charging and will use braking and coasting to recoup energy.

There’s also a dedicated brake regeneration mode, which can be activated via the transmission lever. Renault claims the Arkana Hybrid can zip from 0 to 100 kph in 10.8 sec and reach a top speed of 172 kph.

Is it that efficient?

With Renault SA claiming a combined fuel consumption of just 5L/100 km and emissions of 108g of CO₂/km (for the sake of comparison, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is said to consume 4.3 L/100 km and emit 98g/km), the Arkana Hybrid has all the makings of a stylish and efficient urban-based compact family car. Considering it has a 50-litre fuel tank, the E-Tech model has a theoretical range of 1000 km.

That sounds almost too good to be true for a petrol vehicle! We know that the Renault Duster (which also has a 50-litre tank) could travel about 1 000 km without needing to be refuelled, but that’s a turbodiesel.

To demonstrate the Arkana E-Tech Hybrid’s efficiency, Renault set up an endurance event at Zwartkops Raceway. The reason for choosing a circuit to host this challenge was twofold: firstly, the pair of Arkana units weren’t road-registered and secondly, the track was a controlled and consistent environment. To compare the hybrid and ICE-only technologies, a standard Renault Captur 1.3 EDC also took part.

The objective of the endurance event was simple… You have 8 hours to complete as many laps of Zwartkops as you can while consuming as little fuel as possible. The author was paired with Naresh Maharaj (Bizcommunity), Brendon Staniforth (Maroela Media) and Reuben van Niekerk (freelance).

The author was first on track and tried to make the indicated fuel consumption dip as low as possible. Unfortunately, his return of 4.6 L/100 km came with a drawback – his team fell behind on laps, so the other drivers increased the pace to make up the deficit, which came at the expense of consumption.

With over 250 laps run, the author’s team finished 2nd overall with an average of just over 7 L/100 km; they were disappointed, but relieved to have finished ahead of the conventionally-engined Captur!

In the real world, however, we expect the hybrid-powered Arkana to be even lighter on fuel, especially if you’re likely to spend the majority of your time commuting (or running errands) in the urban environment.

When will the Renault Arkana arrive in South Africa?

Has the Arkana E-Tech Hybrid piqued your interest? Do you want more local details about this sharp-looking, efficient coupe SUV? Sadly, we don’t have more info to share; the Arkana won’t go on sale in SA any time soon, mainly because of the unfavourable weak Rand/Euro exchange rate, Renault SA says.

To compound matters, because the French brand doesn’t have manufacturing operations in South Africa, it does not earn export credits that it could use to offset the duties levied on the vehicles it imports. And, don’t forget that electrified vehicles are subject to additional government taxation.

Right now, the Renault Arkana retails for £31 000 (United Kingdom) and €32,600 (France) to give you some idea of where it’s positioned elsewhere in the world. Remember these prices do not factor in the previously-mentioned additional taxes.

Renault South Africa is hoping to bring the Arkana to market in 2024. There’s also the option of a Captur with the same powertrain and that too is poised to arrive in Mzansi, market viability permitting, of course.

SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkies YTD (August 2023)

It’s a question we’re often asked: which bakkie leads the double-cab sales race in South Africa? Well, we finally have the answer. Check out year-to-date sales for Mzansi’s most popular double cabs…

Month in and month out, we collate a list of South Africa’s most-popular bakkies, based on sales figures that incorporate all 3 body styles. But there’s a question that’s often left unanswered: which is the best-selling double-cab bakkie in the land? Yes, you asked and we listened.

Since Naamsa’s monthly sales figures unfortunately don’t include a breakdown of the available bakkie body styles (single-, extended- and double-cab shapes), we’ve turned to our studious friends over at Lightstone Auto for a little help to identify Mzansi’s best-selling double-cab bakkies over the opening 8 months of 2023.

*Year to date, the Ford Ranger is SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkie.*

Before we dive into those figures, let’s take a step back and consider what the overall table – including all body styles – looks like year to date. So far in 2023, according to Naamsa figures, the Prospecton-built Toyota Hilux is leading the bakkie pack with 25 092 units, followed by the Silverton-made Ford Ranger (16 182 units) and the Struandale-produced Isuzu D-Max (13 174 units).

Lightstone Auto’s figures, however, show the Ford Ranger is ruling the double-cab bakkie sales roost in South Africa so far this year, with 13 892 units (1 884 of which came in August 2023) registered – or fascinatingly about 85% of its total. Note this figure includes the flagship Raptor derivative, which is imported from Thailand rather than built at Silverton alongside all other variants of the Ranger.

*After the 1st 8 months of 2023, the Hilux is 1 601 units behind the Ranger in the double-cab sales race.*

The Toyota Hilux thus currently finds itself in 2nd place on the list of SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkies, with 12 291 units – or around 49% of its total – sold around the country over the opening 8 months of the year (including 1 684 units in August 2023). For the record, that puts the Japanese stalwart 1 601 units off the pace when only 4-door derivatives are considered.

The final spot on the double-cab bakkie podium goes to the Isuzu D-Max, with 6 125 units sold, year to date (so, 6 166 units behind the 2nd-placed Hilux). From what we understand, this figure – which represents approximately 46% of total D-Max sales this year – includes 4-door versions of both the current-generation D-Max as well as the prolonged-lifecycle Gen 6 line-up.

*Isuzu’s D-Max completes the double-cab bakkie sales podium, year to date.*

According to Lightstone Auto, double-cab derivatives of all other bakkies available in this body style total 11 609 units, year to date.

SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkies YTD (August 2023)

1. Ford Ranger – 13 892 units

2. Toyota Hilux – 12 291 units

3. Isuzu D-Max – 6 125 units

2023/24 CarsAwards – The semi-finalists

These are the 65 semi-finalists – 5 in each of 13 vehicle categories – of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. The 39 finalists of the 7th iteration of South Africa’s definitive automotive awards programme will be chosen from this list.

The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards (CarsAwards – or #CarsAwards in social media posts) recognises the best purchasing propositions in 13 categories of the South African new-vehicle market.

The list of 65 vehicles includes model derivatives from no fewer than 25 brands represented in the South African market. 9 brands have at least 3 semi-finalists in the running for category honours. The brands with the most nominations are: Toyota (8), BMW (6) and Suzuki (5). Chery, Omoda (a Chery sub-brand) and Ora (GWM’s new EV brand) appear on the list for the first time.

All vehicles available on the South African market on September 1, 2023, were eligible, not only new products launched during the past 12 months.

Some models that had not been launched by that date were considered, provided that they had already been priced, could be ordered by consumers and Cars.co.za extended editorial team had sufficient experience with the vehicles.

The first phase of CarsAwards saw the extended Cars.co.za editorial team select the five best vehicles in each of the 13 categories devised for this year’s programme. Careful attention was paid to the respective categories’ “Filters of Eligibility” and the “Pillars of Success” in order to come to a consensus on the list of semi-finalists.

“Another unique aspect of the CarsAwards is that the categories are re-evaluated every year,” says Cars.co.za’s Hannes Oosthuizen. “With so much activity in the lower-priced crossover segments, we decided to sacrifice some of the higher-priced categories in favour of those segments where consumers are actually currently buying.”

“But the 2023/24 CarsAwards must also educate and, as such, we’ve introduced an EV category focused on the most affordable electric vehicles in the market,” he adds.

Full list of 2023/24 CarsAwards semi-finalists

Entry-Level Hatch (Priced below R250 000)

Citroen C3 1.2 Feel	Price & Specs	Video Review
Renault Kiger 1.0 Zen	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL	Price & Specs	Review
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX	Price & Specs	Review
Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR	Price & Specs	Launch Review

Budget Hatch (R250 000 to R350 000)

Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Fluid	Price & Specs	Video Review
Renault Clio 1.0 Turbo Zen	Price & Specs	Review
Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Toyota Starlet 1.5 XR	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.6 Highline	Price & Specs

Compact Hatch (R350 000 to R500 000)

Audi A1 Sportback 30TFSI S Line	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Honda Fit 1.5 Elegance	Price & Specs	Review
Opel Corsa 1.2T Elegance	Price & Specs	Review
Peugeot 208 1.2T GT	Price & Specs
Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI 85kW R-Line	Price & Specs	Launch Review

Entry-Level Crossover (R300 000 to R400 000)

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Elite Auto	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Haval Jolion 1.5T Premium	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX Auto	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 GLX manual	Price & Specs	Review
Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR automatic	Price & Specs	Review

Compact Family Car (R400 000 to R500 000)

Haval Jolion S Super Luxury	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux S	Price & Specs	Video Review
Peugeot 2008 1.2T Allure	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Renault Duster 1.5dCi Intens	Price & Specs
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR	Price & Specs	Review

Family Car (R600 000 to R800 000)

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDi 390 Executive	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Haval H6 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury	Price & Specs	Video Review
Hyundai Tucson 2.0D Elite	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Kia Sportage 1.6CRDi EX	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.5 Aspire	Price & Specs	Video Review

Premium Crossover (R700 000 to R1 million)

Audi Q3 Sportback 40TFSI quattro S Line	Price & Specs	Review
BMW X1 sDrive18d M Sport	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Lexus UX 250h SE	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Mercedes-Benz GLA200d AMG Line	Price & Specs
Volvo XC40 B4 Ultimate Dark	Price & Specs	Review (model)

Executive SUV (R1 million to R1.3 million)

BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Hyundai Palisade Elite 7-seater	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Lexus NX 350h F Sport	Price & Specs
Mercedes-Benz GLC220d 4Matic Avantgarde	Price & Specs	Video Review (model)
Volvo XC60 B5 Ultimate Dark	Price & Specs	Review (model)

Premium SUV (R1.3m to R1.8 million)

BMW iX xDrive40	Price & Specs	Video Review (model)
BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport	Price & Specs
Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.6 4×4 Overland	Price & Specs	Review
Land Rover Defender 110 D250 SE County	Price & Specs
Mercedes-Benz GLE300d AMG Line	Price & Specs	Review (model)

Adventure SUV (R800 000 to R1.2 million)

Ford Everest 3.0 V6 Wildtrak	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD Onyx 4×4	Price & Specs	Review
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 3.6 Rubicon	Price & Specs
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4DiD 4×4 Exceed	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4×4 VX	Price & Specs	Video Review

Performance Car (Below R1 million)

Honda Civic Type R	Price & Specs
Subaru WRX manual	Price & Specs	Video Review
Toyota GR Corolla Circuit	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Toyota GR Yaris Rally	Price & Specs	Review
Volkswagen Golf R	Price & Specs	Review

Leisure Double Cab (Above R800 000)

Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 EcoBoost Raptor 4WD	Price & Specs	Video Review
Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 Wildtrak 4WD	Price & Specs	Video Review
Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD V-Cross 4×4 Auto	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 4×4 Legend RS Auto	Price & Specs	Video
Volkswagen Amarok 3.0TDI V6 Aventura 4Motion	Price & Specs	Review (model)

Electric Vehicle (Below R1.3 million)

BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport	Price & Specs	Launch Review
BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport	Price & Specs
Mercedes-Benz EQA250 AMG Line	Price & Specs	Launch Review (EQB)
Ora 03 Super Lux	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Volvo XC40 Twin Motor Ultimate	Price & Specs	Video Review

In the next round (due to take place in early October 2023), the extended Cars.co.za editorial team will score the semi-finalists individually, taking into account various criteria set out for each of the respective categories. Following that, the 3 finalists per category will be announced and subjected to back-to-back testing at the Gerotek proving ground in Gauteng by the judging panel on 2 and 3 November 2023.

Combined judging panel for the 2023/24 CarsAwards:

In building the judging panel, the goal was to achieve a balance of motoring expertise (particularly in the first two phases of the programme, which determine the finalists) and respected non-motoring, highly analytical media professionals.

“It is absolutely crucial that motoring journalists’ opinions are supplemented by those of non-motoring media professionals, who, in many ways, represent the consumer at the test days,” explains Oosthuizen.

“As these Awards are designed to be of maximum benefit to the consumer, it is critical that as many South Africans as possible know about the results,” says Oosthuizen. “Our panel of judges has been selected with that in mind, and therefore comprises a mix of new and traditional media, print, broadcast and social media specialists,” he explains.

The judges for the 2023/2024 CarsAwards are:

Ashley Oldfield (Cars.co.za)
David Taylor (Cars.co.za)
Gero Lilleike (Cars.co.za)
Ciro De Siena (Cars.co.za)
Jacob Moshokoa (EWN)
Wendy Knowler (Consumer Specialist – 702/Cape Talk/Sunday Times)
Brenwin Naidu (Sowetan, Sunday Times)
Muzi Sambo (Independent – Youtube)
MrHowMuch (Independent – Youtube/Social)
Rebaneilwe Semakane (Social, Voice of Wits)
Juliet McGuire (Independent – Cape Talk)
Nafisa Akabor (Tech Expert)
Phuti Mpyane (Business Day)
Lerato Matebese (Top Gear)
Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars)
Mpho Mahlangu (Independent – Social)
Tshidi Malebana (Independent – Social)
Sibonelo Myeni (uKhozi FM, iMoto)
Brendon Staniforth (Maroelamedia)
Clement Manyathela (702)

The 20 judges’ scores for each of the 39 finalists of the 2023/24 CarsAwards will only count for 50% of the final standings, however. The other 50% will be based on rankings that the respective vehicle brands represented by the finalists achieved in the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey. The data incorporates feedback from thousands of vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles (less than four years old and serviced through franchised outlets).

“The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards programme is designed to be a guide for all new passenger vehicle buyers, not only those who follow motoring publications,” Oosthuizen concludes. “With 50% of the final scores determined by brands’ rating in the survey, a vehicle only really stands a very good chance of winning if it is a good product in the eyes of the judges and if its brand delivers solid after-sales service.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV (2023) Price & Specs

Wondering how much the new Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV will cost you in South Africa? Well, pricing for the German firm’s latest fully electric luxury SUV has been released…

The fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has arrived in South Africa and we now know how much this luxury SUV will cost.

The Tuscaloosa-built EQS SUV – not to be confused with the likewise battery-powered sedan that wears the same EQS badge – will be offered with either 5 seats or 7.

*The EQS SUV fitted with the optional AMG Line exterior package.*

At launch in Mzansi, the electric SUV will be available in EQS 450 4Matic guise. The 5-seater version will be priced from R2 726 100, while the 3-row iteration will start at R2 759 300, according to a Mercedes-Benz release. These figures include a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, which the buyer is entitled to opt out of at the point of purchase.

Regardless of the number of pews selected, the EQS 450 4Matic will offer peak outputs of 265 kW and 800 Nm courtesy of an electric motor on each axle. These motors draw their urge from a 108.4 kWh (useable capacity) battery pack, which facilitates a claimed WLTP-cycle range of “up to 616 km”. The 0-100 kph sprint is seen off in a claimed 6.0 seconds, with the EQS 450 4Matic SUV’s top speed listed as 210 kph.

*The EQS SUV is also offered in 7-seater form.*

As a reminder, the EQS SUV measures 5 125 mm long, 1 959 mm wide and stands 1 718 mm tall, while it shares its 3 210 mm wheelbase with the EQS Sedan. The 5-seater version has a claimed luggage capacity of 645 litres, a figure that drops to 565 litres in the case of the 7-seater model. The maximum DC charging capacity comes in at 200 kW.

Of course, various options will be available for the EQS SUV, including the AMG Line exterior package (R82 800), the Night Package (R13 973), the Exclusive Nappa leather package (R144 900) and the choice of 4 equipment packages: Advanced (included), Advanced Plus (R109 710), Premium (R194 100) and Premium Plus (R227 200).

*Here’s the EQS SUV in the standard Electric Art Line.*

In addition, various alloy-wheel designs (up to 22 inches) and interior trims will be on offer, along with a digital lighting package (R39 900), aluminium-effect running boards (R12 938), multi-contour front seats (R30 300), the rear-seat comfort package (R19 872), microfibre roofliner (R33 120), the MBUX augmented reality head-up display (R41 400) and the MBUX high-end rear-seat entertainment system (R61 893).

How much does the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV cost in South Africa?

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4Matic SUV – R2 726 100

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4Matic 7-Seater SUV – R2 759 300

The figures above include a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, which the buyer is entitled to opt out of at the point of purchase.

More Fuel Price Increases for October 2023?

Fuel prices in South Africa could rise further in October 2023 based on unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF).

Motorists in South Africa (and the economy) are taking a beating after significant fuel price increases came into effect in early September but unfortunately, the fuel price forecast for October 2023 isn’t looking good and motorists must prepare for another round of increases.

Rising oil prices (now trading above $90 per barrel) and weak Rand (currently at R19 to the US Dollar) are the major contributing factors for the potential fuel price increases looming in October.

According to unaudited mid-month data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF), the fuel price outlook is as follows:

Petrol 93 increase of R1.15 per litre
Petrol 95 increase of R1.22 per litre
Diesel 0.05% increase of R2.03 per litre
Diesel 0.005% increase of R1.93 per litre

With 2 weeks of September remaining, the forecast is likely to change. Official fuel price adjustments will be announced in early October 2023. If the above forecast becomes a reality, the price of inland petrol and diesel will breach the R25 per litre mark.

Predicted Fuel Price for October 2023

Fuel Type	Sept ’23 Inland	Sept ’23 Coast	Oct ’23 Inland*	Oct ’23 Coast*
Petrol Unleaded 93	R24.14	R23.42	R25.29	R24.57
Petrol Unleaded 95	R24.54	R23.82	R25.76	R25.04
Diesel 0.05%	R23.82	R22.33	R25.85	R24.36
Diesel 0.005%	R23.29	R22.58	R25.22	R24.51

*October figures are forecast figures and not official.

Toyota Vitz X-Cite (2023) Price & Specs

Toyota’s cheapest new car is now available in a fresh form: meet the Vitz X-Cite. Here’s how much this jazzed-up budget hatchback will cost you in South Africa…

How much does the Toyota Vitz X-Cite cost in South Africa?

Related content

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Revealed

After months of teasers and spy shots, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan breaks cover with updated powertrains, new tech and a fresh look. Herewith the key details…

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Engines

When is the new 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Coming to South Africa?

Related Content

Ford Ranger PHEV Unveiled

This is the Ford Ranger PHEV and will feature a pure electric range of 45 km along with a 3.5 ton tow rating. Here are the early details!

Ranger PHEV Technology

SA’s best-selling 1-tonne single-cab bakkies YTD (August 2023)

We’ve already looked at year-to-date double-cab sales in South Africa, but what about 1-tonne single-cab bakkie figures? Let’s see which workhorses are Mzansi’s favourites…

SA’s best-selling 1-tonne single-cab bakkies YTD (August 2023)

Related content

You Can Recover Your Insurance Excess if an Accident Wasn’t Your Fault

How to recover an insurance excess

When you are unlikely to recover your insurance excess

Conclusion

Related content:

Renault Arkana (2023) Preview Drive

The Renault Arkana is due to hit South African showrooms in 2024 and we’ve had a preview of this new hybrid compact coupe SUV.

What is it?

How does this powertrain work?

Is it that efficient?

When will the Renault Arkana arrive in South Africa?

Further Reading:

SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkies YTD (August 2023)

It’s a question we’re often asked: which bakkie leads the double-cab sales race in South Africa? Well, we finally have the answer. Check out year-to-date sales for Mzansi’s most popular double cabs…

SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkies YTD (August 2023)

Related content

2023/24 CarsAwards – The semi-finalists

These are the 65 semi-finalists – 5 in each of 13 vehicle categories – of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. The 39 finalists of the 7th iteration of South Africa’s definitive automotive awards programme will be chosen from this list.

Full list of 2023/24 CarsAwards semi-finalists

Combined judging panel for the 2023/24 CarsAwards:

The judges for the 2023/2024 CarsAwards are:

Related content:

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV (2023) Price & Specs

Wondering how much the new Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV will cost you in South Africa? Well, pricing for the German firm’s latest fully electric luxury SUV has been released…

How much does the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV cost in South Africa?

Related content

More Fuel Price Increases for October 2023?

Fuel prices in South Africa could rise further in October 2023 based on unaudited mid-month fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF).

Predicted Fuel Price for October 2023

Related Content