Mercedes-Benz 170 Da pick-up: Classic Drive

We drive one of Mercedes-Benz’s earliest light-commercial vehicles, a perfect specimen of the rare 170 Da, and this example has received a full restoration.

IMAGES: Kian Eriksen

South Africans love bakkies (pick-ups). That has been the case for a very long time and is especially true today. Our motor industry has had a love affair with these practical, multi-purpose vehicles since the earliest of days. Some bakkies are much rarer than others, and you are currently looking at a very rare example indeed…

Mercedes-Benz 170 Da front three-quarter view.

It doesn’t happen often that I find myself paging through several Mercedes-Benz dedicated books and don’t find a single word on the model I have just driven. This is exactly the challenge I faced here. The Mercedes-Benz 170 Da bakkie is not well-documented at all.

Specifications

Model: 1951 Mercedes-Benz 170 Da (W136)
Engine: 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder, diesel
Power: 30 kW at 3 200 rpm
Torque: 100 Nm at 2 000 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual, RWD
Weight: 1 245 kg
0-100 kph: N/A
Top speed: 100 kph

The history of these bakkies

Mercedes-Benz 170 Da rear three-quarter view.

There is a reason for the lack of information, though. When these vehicles were imported to Southern Africa as chassis cabs, they were also called “half-cars”, as the imported product consisted of the front part of the vehicle, up to the B-pillar. Also referred to as SKD (semi-knocked down) units, it was up to the South African market to find a manufacturer to build the loading bay.

With hindsight, it might not represent the most romantic idea of how a Mercedes-Benz was manufactured, but today they are relatively sought after by South African enthusiasts and collectors, partly because they are a uniquely local product.

The idea to import them came from a South African Mercedes-Benz dealer. As the vehicle would be classified as a commercial vehicle, it would not be subjected to the same import rules as those for passenger cars.

According to the late Fred Schnetler’s book (one of the most respected South African motoring writers), Progress, Passion and People, it was Heinz Grossman, a service engineer at Mercedes-Benz’s head office in Johannesburg who helped to bring the project to fruition. Obviously, Daimler-Benz also put its weight behind the project, as they were keen on increasing sales.

Eventually, Morewear Industries in Germiston (situated outside Johannesburg) fitted the chassis cabs with load-boxes. Then, as at present, the aim was to offer a high-quality product, as several businessmen and farmers would be using the pick-up daily.

Seeing the Mercedes-Benz 170 Da in the metal

As I walk around the Mercedes-Benz 170 Da for the first time, black-and-white images of the vast South African countryside pop up into my head. At the time it still took two or three days to drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town, a trip that can now be done in less than 15 hours. It was a time when the concept of a one-ton passenger pick-up was still a foreign concept.

This 170 Da originated in Namibia, then called South-West Africa. One of the previous owners purchased the bakkie when it was in a totally dilapidated state. As I look at one of the pictures before the restoration project started, it is hard to imagine that it was even possible to consider restoring such a wreck.

To make the car roadworthy in South Africa, the car must have side indicators, so, apart from the flip-out original indicators that the bakkie still has, small indicators have also been fitted. They don’t look out of place at all.

When the 170 Da was purchased, it was fitted with black tyres, but the current white-wall tyres, measuring 6.5/6.7 16, do give it a more vintage look. The wheels also feature the correct wheel hubs with the old, smaller Mercedes-Benz star on the caps.

Another highlight is found at the front of the car. The heavily louvred engine covers create a false impression that there might be a powerful engine lurking underneath. However, pull the spring-loaded metal pins, open both covers and you are greeted with a modest 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine.

Mercedes-Benz 170 Da steering wheel and fascia.

I open the door (backwards) with the small, but solid, door lever situated next to the front of the A-pillar. One immediately notices the leather strap on the inside, low down on the B-pillar, which pulls tight as you open the door. Once seated on the front bench I realise how small the cabin is, especially when the photographer also gets inside!

Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz 170 Da

The cabin is elementary in its layout, and it is the wood surrounds of the door windows that contribute most to the vintage aura of the cabin. The view through the windscreen can be compared to that of a 170 passenger car of the time, especially when one takes into consideration the narrow bonnet with the individual headlights situated on the front wings.

In the centre of the cabin, just above the windscreen, is the button to switch on the wipers. Apart from this button, there are instruments for the fuel tank and even a clock, all covered by chrome surrounds, all situated in the black metal dashboard. The huge steering wheel helps with leverage, while the sight of seeing a steering column running all the way to the footwell is rather captivating.

To start the engine, I need to turn the key on the right of the steering wheel, and then press a small chrome lever, situated on the left of the steering column upwards. The engine catches quicker than I had expected. Immediately the loud, clattering sound of an old diesel engine engulfs the cabin, and suddenly you are transported to the early days of diesel engine technology.

The footwells between the front occupants are divided by the thick and angled gearlever. I expected a cumbersome gearshift action, but as I engage first gear the lever easily navigates straight up and we are off. Reverse gear is hard left and up.

First gear is very short and seconds later I move the gearlever down and into second gear. I can’t help but giggle at the speedo, which barely moves, but once I press the clutch pedal again and move the lever across the gate into third, we surge ahead at 50 km/h. How slow life in general must have been back then! At 1.87-metres, my hair just misses scraping the roof lining, but my field of vision does include the upper part of the windscreen and the lower part of the roof.

In the harsh, mid-day sunlight, the contrast of the two-tone silver and black paintwork, although not original, stands out and somehow does the bakkie justice. Purists might disagree and say that the metallic colour is slightly shinier than the original colours, but it is something you can only notice very close-up.

A neat trick by the restorer was to install additional gauges in the glove compartment to the right of the steering wheel. It makes perfect sense, as it is out of sight, but gives the driver added information about the engine’s water temperature and oil pressure. This is much-needed info, especially during summer.

I park the Mercedes-Benz 170 Da and pull a black lever to switch off the engine. I open the door by reaching forward to the door handle and climb out, over the narrow side-sill. If you don’t look towards the rear, it could just as well be a normal passenger car of the time from which you are egressing.

What a lovely little vehicle this is. It shows how rudimentary, and in its early stages, car design was at the time. It also shows how Mercedes-Benz, more than 70 years ago, thought about the importance of economies of scale – how to use a single chassis for multiple applications.

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Puma by name – Fiesta by nature?

Ford may now be widely considered ‘a bakkie brand’, but its recently launched compact crossover – the Puma – heralds the return of the Blue Oval’s best passenger-car values…

South Africa has one of the most loyal, competitively traded and profitable bakkie markets globally. And Ford is a major presence in it, with the Ranger.

But there was a time when bakkies and ladder-frame SUVs weren’t Ford’s entire business. Suppose you are old enough to remember the Escort, Sierra, Sapphire, Telstar, TX5, Mondeo, Fiesta and Focus. In that case, you’ll recall that Ford passenger cars were regarded as “reasonably priced, yet involving to drive”.

It’s a pity Ford chose not to continue with the Fiesta and Focus in our market. Those hatchback platforms strike a fine balance between ride quality and driving dynamics, which has been a hallmark of European-engineered Ford models for decades. But, as the hatchback market devolved into a bargain segment (dominated by VW’s locally built continuation cars and Suzuki and Hyundai’s keenly-priced imports from India), there’s no business case for Fiesta or Focus in Mzansi. Globally, Fiesta’s lifecycle will end soon.

Without hatchbacks and their corresponding crossovers or SUVs, Ford has a problem. The bakkie market can never account for all South African new-vehicle sales, and not everyone can afford a Ranger double-cab as their family vehicle. Or wants one, for that matter.

The most affordable “reasonable” specification Ranger double-cab is the XLT 4×2, priced at R632 000 (November 2023). Without Kuga or EcoSport, Ford is short on customer alternatives for South African buyers who don’t want to deal with the parking or garaging issues of a double-cab bakkie.

*Never available in SA, the 1st-gem Puma was a highly regarded compact FWD coupe*.

Ford needs ‘passenger cars’

Despite Ranger’s success, Ford dealers jealously observe the sales volumes that Toyota achieves with the Corolla Cross and Volkswagen does with the Polo Vivo – they’re 2 of South Africa’s most popular affordable cars, for which Ford doesn’t have a counter.

Ford’s solution? The Puma. If your blood is blue, you’ll know the 2nd-gen Puma, a compact crossover that Ford launched globally in 2019, was preceded by a very competent front-wheel-drive coupe, built from 1997 to 2002. South Africa was never considered for the Puma coupe, because hot hatches were more in-demand than front-wheel-drive coupes. But the 2nd-generation Puma is available at your local Ford dealership, priced at R569 900 for the Titanium grade and R613 900 for an ST-Line Vignale.

With 1 drivetrain option and only 2 specification grades, the Puma has a very narrow model range in South Africa. Still, it is a curiously symbolic car for Ford and local followers of the Dearborn-based brand.

*The Fiesta ST built a significant hot hatch reputation for Ford.*

Why the Fiesta is missed

Ford’s decision to exit the hatchback business in South Africa made business sense, but it upset loyal brand followers. Ford’s hatchback legacy in South Africa traces back to the 1980s and cars like Escort, Sierra, Laser, Fiesta and Focus built legacy and brand affinity.

There was disappointment when Ford decided not to offer the facelifted version of the 7th-gen Fiesta in South Africa. Why? Because the Fiesta is a great driver’s car, regardless of specification.

Since the 1990s, European engineering teams have developed Ford’s compact cars prioritizing ride and handling. The result was hatchbacks with excellent high-speed tracking stability, even when rolling at speed over poorly surfaced South African roads.

By the time Ford’s 6th-gen Fiesta was ready for replacement, there was little argument against it being the best driver’s car in its class – superior to German, Korean and Japanese rivals. The 7th-gen Fiesta was even better, and although it failed to emulate its predecessor’s sales success, Ford fans were left frustrated when the (by then, admittedly pricey) compact hatchback was withdrawn from our market.

*Ford’s 6th-generation Fiesta was the class-leading driver’s car of its time.*

Puma is the ‘new’ Fiesta

With the introduction of Puma, Ford is re-entering the South African passenger car segment with a European-specification vehicle, built on arguably its best platform.

The Puma shares its vehicle architecture with the Fiesta, with the notable difference being a 95-mm longer wheelbase, which endows the crossover with more cabin space. Built on Ford’s B2E platform, Puma leverages Fiesta’s excellent ride and handling characteristics in a crossover configuration.

“But wasn’t EcoSport also built on the Fiesta platform?” Yes, the EcoSport used the same platform, but its suspension setup was more rudimentary, with monotube dampers, whereas Puma uses Hitachi twin-tube frequency reactive shock absorbers. On South Africa’s, um, textured road surfaces, the Puma’s more sophisticated suspension makes a difference regarding ride comfort, tracking stability and cornering grip, especially when rolling over mid-corner bumps and imperfections.

Ford Puma front three-quarter view. — *Sized in-between, can Puma replace both Kuga and EcoSport?*

Are we getting the best engines for the Puma?

We’ve mentioned Volkswagen’s dominance in the shrinking local hatchback market as one of the reasons that Ford didn’t continue to offer the Fiesta in South Africa. But another reason was local fuel quality limiting available engine choices. That does beg the question: what has happened since the Fiesta was discontinued and now? Zilch, because South African fuel quality remains deeply problematic.

Engine choice is potentially the issue with Puma. Its price-to-performance ratio is low, with a much narrower powertrain offering than Volkswagen offers in the T-Cross, for example.

There is only one engine option, Ford’s familiar 1.0-litre turbopetrol “Ecoboost” triple, which also powered the EcoSport. It produces peak outputs of 92 kW and 170 Nm, plus delivers confident throttle responses. But like all moderately boosted 1.0-litre engines, it’s always on-boost and actual world fuel consumption is heavier than many customers anticipate for an engine of such modest capacity.

Ford Puma ST rear three-quarter view. — *Puma ST is wonderfully reminiscent of everything great about Ford’s ST hot hatches.*

Power outputs and the ST option

In the T-Cross, Volkswagen’s equivalent 1.0-litre triple is less powerful than the Puma’s engine, at 85 kW, but has 30 Nm more torque. In addition, VW offers a 1.5-litre engine option, too, with outputs of 110 kW and 250 Nm, making the T-Cross more powerful and responsive than the Puma at a comparable price.

But surely there are better engine options for Puma? Well, there are. A hybridised version of the 1.0-litre turbopetrol is available in other RHD markets, such as the UK, offering Puma drivers 114 kW/240 Nm or 125 kW/248 Nm. Perhaps the most compelling drivetrain option is the Puma ST; it features the legacy Fiesta 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine (with 147 kW and 320 Nm) mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Even if they are mild-hybrid versions with tiny battery packs, imported hybrids trigger a significant tariff cost, and it’s likely the 114- or 125 kW Pumas would have priced way too near to R700 000.

Ford’s Puma ST combines a 147 kW engine and 6-speed manual gearbox, but would legacy Ford hot hatchback customers be keen on it, even if the price was beyond R700 000? It remains an untested question for now, but a very tempting one…

Ford Puma interior. — *Ford’s excellent infotainment interfacing could be the clincher for potential Puma customers…*

The comeback of a Ford driver’s car

The Puma is entering a challenging market with established rivals. In a sense, Puma needs to be many more things in South Africa than in other markets where it is sold. Puma is partly a Fiesta legacy car and a junior Kuga replacement (Mzansi is one of the very few markets in which the 3rd-gen Kuga isn’t sold).

If you buy a crossover purely considering price and engine performance, Volkswagen’s T-Cross 1.5TSI 110 KW offers more kilowatts for your Rands.

The Omoda C5 and Haval Jolion are larger than Puma, with superior standard equipment levels and much cheaper pricing, but Ford’s compact crossover offers far excellent dynamic driving qualities.

With a 2-derivative range, Ford is being conservative with Puma. But Ford fans will be heartened by having the option of a proper European-designed, engineered and assembled family car, that isn’t a bakkie or large SUV.

Manual vs auto sales: SA reaches tipping point!

The manual gearbox has long dominated South Africa’s light-vehicle segment, but the latest figures show that’s no longer the case. Yes, a tipping point has been reached, with automatics now outselling manuals in Mzansi…

In South Africa, the humble manual gearbox has long governed sales in the new-vehicle market, with automatic transmissions having to settle for a distant 2nd place. But that ratio (if you’ll excuse the pun) has been shifting (sorry, more wordplay) over the past few years – and has now been reversed (that’s the last one, we promise).

Yes, rather fascinatingly, the split has just tipped in favour of the auto. Based on the latest sales figures, we can confirm the automatic transmission has crept ahead of the manual cog-swapper in the local market. That’s right, autos are now officially outselling manuals in Mzansi.

*The automated manual is classed as an automatic transmission.*

How do we know? Well, we were curious about the sales split so reached out to our studious friends over at Lightstone Auto, who graciously supplied us with what turned out to be an exceptionally interesting dataset. Bear in mind we asked for the figures to be restricted to light-vehicle sales – so, all passenger cars, including SUVs, and light-commercial vehicles (LCV) – thus excluding medium-, heavy- and extra-heavy commercial vehicles (such as trucks) as well as large buses from the equation.

In addition, note “automatic transmission” here covers all types of self-shifting gearboxes, including the traditional torque converter, the dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and even the automated manual transmission (AMT). So, any light vehicle with 2 rather than 3 pedals, then.

Sales split by transmission in SA since 2013

*Top-spec double-cab bakkies are routinely bought in auto guise in 2023.*

To provide a clear picture of exactly how buyer patterns have changed over time, we asked Lightstone Auto for figures going back an entire decade. As you can see in our illustration below, the automatic transmission’s rise has been slow but incredibly steady, with the 2023 year-to-date (up to the end of September) split finally seeing the manual ‘box dipping below 50% for the 1st time.

Back in 2013, the manual gearbox accounted for a whopping 77% of all new light-vehicle sales in South Africa – so, not even 1 in 4 models sold was an auto – before losing a single percentage point the following year. From 2015 to 2018, the automatic transmission improved its share of the market by a considerable 10% (moving neatly from 26% to 36%), and increased it further to 39% in 2019.

In 2020 – which the local automotive industry will remember as a year defined by the lowest sales total in around 2 decades, courtesy of a certain global pandemic – the auto gearbox breached the 40% barrier, achieving a 43:57 split with 3-pedal models. It added 2 more percentage points in 2021 and a further 3 in 2022 (when the scale was teetering at 48:52), before finally reaching a turning point over the opening 9 months of 2023. So far this year (up to the end of September), 51% of light vehicles sold in SA were fitted with an automatic cog-swapper. Based on what looks like a clear trajectory, the auto seems likely to remain ahead in 2023 overall.

Why has the auto overtaken the manual ‘box in SA?

*Subaru doesn’t offer its EyeSight system on the manual-equipped WRX.*

So, why has the automatic gearbox moved into pole position in South Africa? Well, there are a number of plausible theories, each in spite of the fact derivatives with a self-shifting transmission tend to attract a price premium over the equivalent manual variant. For instance, there are simply more auto options on the market today than in years gone by.

In line with global trends, this phenomenon has been partly driven by vastly improved gearbox designs and indeed by manufacturers striving to meet ever-stricter emissions regulations in certain parts of the world (many modern autos are more efficient than manuals, after all). Even several semi-autonomous driving functions are far simpler to implement on auto-equipped cars. As an example, the manual version of the current-gen Subaru WRX does without the Japanese firm’s EyeSight 4.0 Driver Assistance System, which is fitted as standard on the CVT-equipped derivative.

Of course, there’s also the convenience factor, which has grown increasingly relevant as local roads have become more and more congested; even staunch fans of the manual gearbox will admit it’s no fun working a clutch pedal in multiple-hour traffic jams. The rise of the dual-clutch transmission, too, has surely played a role here, as has the penetration of the (admittedly clunky) automated manual gearbox in the local budget-car segment.

How the market for autos has changed: a few examples

*A significant 60% of derivatives in the local VW Polo hatch range come with a dual-clutch transmission.*

To show how transmission options provided to SA buyers have changed over time, let’s look at the make-up of 3 traditionally popular model ranges at various points – in 2014, 2019 and today – over the past decade or so. In 2014, just 12% of derivatives in the local Volkswagen Polo hatchback line-up comprised automatic variants, a percentage that climbed to 44% in 2019 and 60% in 2023. Over the same period, auto derivatives in the Toyota Hilux range moved from 24% to 41% and finally settled on 44%. The change is even more stark in the BMW 3 Series portfolio, with respective figures of 62%, 100% and 100%.

Though the Bavarian automaker does still offer a manual gearbox in Mzansi – though only in the G87-generation M2, which curiously costs R9 714 more in stick-shift guise than in 8-speed auto form – most other brands with a premium bent have long since ditched the “row-it-yourself” transmission. In South Africa, such marques include Alfa Romeo, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Mini and Volvo.

In these spaces – that is, outside of the budget and LCV segments – the manual gearbox is thus the preserve of a select few high-performance cars. Though, with modern automatic transmissions offering faster shift times and added efficiency, even these 3-pedal sports cars are dying out (Porsche SA, however, appears to be an exception, as it still offers as many as 10 variants with 3 pedals).

Rise of electrification to accelerate auto dominance

*Every EV offered in South Africa features an automatic transmission.*

So, will the manual cog-swapper continue its slip down the sales charts? Well, it’s worth keeping in mind the auto gearbox has another distinct advantage: the global market’s transition towards electrification. You see, fully electric vehicles (EVs) are currently available exclusively in auto guise, often with just a single gear (though Toyota is working on a manual ‘box for EVs). This will only further amplify the shift.

It’s a similar case with traditional hybrids as well as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which are currently also offered only in automatic form in South Africa. In addition, we couldn’t find a single example of a manual-equipped mild-hybrid vehicle on Mzansi’s new-car market (though this configuration does exist in some other countries).

Of course, the local market’s entrenched price sensitivity – and indeed the budget segment’s considerable share of total industry sales – means the manual gearbox will surely be around in South Africa for many more years to come. But there’s little doubt its stake will continue to drop, with the local market having now officially reached a tipping point.

Toyota’s new bakkie to be badged ‘Hilux Champ’?

Toyota’s new ladder-frame bakkie has been spotted in what appears to be production-ready guise in Thailand. And, fascinatingly, it’s wearing the “Hilux Champ” badge…

We’ve already seen Toyota’s upcoming workhorse bakkie concept in several forms, but now what appears to be the production version has been spotted in Thailand. And, rather fascinatingly, it’s wearing the “Hilux Champ” badge.

As a reminder, Toyota revealed the IMV 0 Concept in Thailand towards the end of 2022, before showing off a few interesting applications of the ladder-frame bakkie concept – since christened “Rangga” in that country – in August 2023. Further iterations were then unwrapped at the recent Japan Mobility Show 2023.

Now, Kurdistan_Automotive_Blog has published spy photographs of the vehicle on Instagram. While the seemingly production-spec bakkie doesn’t appear too far removed from the basic concept version, the images do show the vehicle sporting “Hilux Champ” plates.

According to the Instagram post, Toyota is scheduled to show the production version in Thailand on 27 November 2023. Based on that timing, the bakkie may well be available in initial markets as early as next year.

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Of course, South Africans will associate the Champ nameplate with the Rosslyn-built Nissan 1400 bakkie that preceded the NP200, with the former nicknamed the “Champion of Africa” (or Champ, for short). But the moniker has been used by Toyota before, applied to an updated version of the 7th-generation Hilux offered in Thailand from 2012 (with the official name of that model being the “Toyota Hilux Vigo Champ”).

So, what do we know about the new Hilux Champ? Well, though powertrain details have yet to be released – indeed, we have very little official technical information (so, no word on payload capacity, for instance) at all – the Japanese automaker has confirmed the bakkie’s exterior dimensions.

The wheelbase is listed as 3 085 mm, precisely the same distance between the axles of the current-generation Hilux. In concept form, the bakkie measures 5 300 mm from nose to tail, which is 30 mm longer than a single-cab Hilux but 25 mm shorter than extended- and double-cab versions of Toyota’s big-selling bakkie. It’s 1 785 mm wide (a touch narrower than a standard Hilux) and stands 1 740 mm tall.

Whether or not the Hilux Champ is on the cards for South Africa remains to be seen (nor whether it will wear this badge in all markets), but it’s worth keeping in mind that earlier in 2023, as reported by IOL Motoring, Toyota SA Motors executives hinted at an upcoming model that could slot in below the Hilux and likely be built at the same factory in KwaZulu-Natal. Considering the new Champ seemingly shares its underpinnings with the current-generation Hilux, could that mean local production is indeed on the horizon?

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: October 2023

We have the latest sales figures, bakkie fans! Here’s your monthly look at South Africa’s best- and worst-selling bakkies for October 2023…

In October 2023, South Africa’s new-vehicle industry registered a year-on-year decline of 2.0% to finish on 45 445 units. The light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment likewise experienced a fall, with registrations in this space coming in at 12 361 units, or 3.0% down on the same month in 2022.

So, what happened on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies? Well, the Prospecton-produced Toyota Hilux (a new widebody GR Sport derivative is currently “under study” for SA) was predictably again way out in front, ending October 2023 on a heady 3 110 units. For the record, this was the 6th time this year the Japanese stalwart had crossed the 3 000-unit barrier.

Meanwhile, the Ford Ranger shed 560 sales month on month to finish on 1 853 registrations, though that was still enough for the Silverton-made bakkie to retain 2nd place. The Straundale-built Isuzu D-Max (1 464 units) also experienced a decline in sales compared with its September effort, but nevertheless again completed the podium. Though a facelifted D-Max has broken cover overseas, we likely won’t see it here for some time still.

The Nissan NP200 – production of which is scheduled to come to a close at Rosslyn in March 2024, with Nissan SA having entered a “formal consultation phase to restructure the business” as it seeks a replacement model – held steady in 4th position with 961 units. Recently bolstered by new S6 Karoo single-cab derivatives, the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (565 units) range again grabbed 5th.

*The new VW Amarok’s 7th-place finish in October was its best yet.*

With a hardcore Warrior derivative on the cards and a new generation starting to appear on the horizon, the Nissan Navara (354 units) moved up 2 places to 6th. The Volkswagen Amarok (352 units), though, was right on its tail in 7th. That’s the highest ranking the new-generation (Ford-built) Amarok has managed since launching in Mzansi in March 2023, when it placed 8th with 401 registrations (though that figure likely included a few 1st-gen units).

China’s GWM P-Series (281 units) slipped 2 places to 8th, while the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – which has received an update overseas, including the option of the familiar 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission – fell 2 spots to 9th, with 248 registrations. Finally, the GWM Steed (99 units) returned to the table to seize the final position.

Best of the rest in October 2023: bakkies outside the top 10

*Sales of the Peugeot Landtrek were boosted month on month by rental-industry purchases.*

So, which bakkies didn’t crack the top 10 in October 2023? Well, the Peugeot Landtrek improved its tally to 63 units – 35 of which came via the rental-sales channel. While this model is currently imported from China, local production is due to start in Coega (near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape) by “early 2026”.

After making the cut in September, the Mitsubishi Triton was relegated from the top 10 in October, with just 48 examples sold. Meanwhile, JAC’s T-badged bakkies (the Chinese automaker unfortunately reports only a combined figure for its T6, T8 and new T9 line-ups) managed 96 registrations.

The rationalised Mahindra Bolero range had to settle for just 27 sales in October 2023, while the Jeep Gladiator (7 units) and Mazda BT-50 (5 units) again failed to make it into double figures. For the record, the facelifted Gladiator is likely to make local landfall only towards the end of 2024.

Export winners in SA’s bakkie segment in October 2023

What about the export market? Well, the Toyota Hilux kept its nose ahead of the Ford Ranger in this race too, with 7 149 units of the Prospecton-built bakkie and 6 544 examples of its Silverton-produced rival shipped off to overseas markets in October 2023.

The D-Max (544 units), Navara (327 units) and NP200 (11 units) again made up the numbers on the export charts. As has been the case for several months now, the official Naamsa report furthermore showed a couple of imported models being exported from local shores in October 2023, this time in the form of the Mitsubishi Triton (28 units) and GWM P-Series (27 units).

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for October 2023

1. Toyota Hilux – 3 110 units

2. Ford Ranger – 1 853 units

3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 464 units

4. Nissan NP200 – 961 units

5. Mahindra Pik Up – 565 units

6. Nissan Navara – 354 units

7. Volkswagen Amarok – 352 units

8. GWM P-Series – 281 units

9. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 248 units

10. GWM Steed – 99 units

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

South Africa’s new-vehicle sales fell 2.0% year on year in October 2023. Here’s your full overview, including Mzansi’s most popular brands, best-selling vehicles and much more…

In October 2023, South Africa’s new-vehicle industry registered a year-on-year drop of 2.0% to finish on 45 445 units. That made it 3 consecutive months of year-on-year declines in sales (and the 5th drop overall in 2023), with October furthermore representing a 1.3% fall compared with September 2023’s effort of 46 021 registrations.

Industry representative body Naamsa said the “persisting economic strain on businesses and consumers continued to impact directly on new-vehicle sales”.

Out of the total reported industry sales of 45 445 vehicles, Naamsa estimated 36 468 units (or 80.2%) represented sales via the dealer channel, while 12.9% were sales to the vehicle-rental industry, 4.1% to government and 2.8% to industry corporate fleets.

ALSO READ: Nissan SA to ‘restructure’ as it seeks NP200 replacement

In October 2023, the new passenger-vehicle market registered a 3.5% year-on-year fall to 29 912 units (with sales to the rental industry accounting for 18.3%). Even the usually robust light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment couldn’t escape the decline, with sales in this space sliding 3.0% to 12 361 units.

It was only the medium-commercial vehicle segment (up 8.3% to 807 units) and heavy truck-and-bus segment (up 26% to 2 365 units) that achieved year-on-year growth in the domestic market, though these are relatively low-volume spaces.

*Export sales were up nearly 40%, year on year (though off a low base).*

Meanwhile, export sales climbed a whopping 39.5% year on year to 40 302 units, though Naamsa cautioned that October 2022 represented a low base thanks to the Transnet strike of the time (and the “consequent supply chain disruptions”). Still, vehicle exports year to date were a considerable 12.7% ahead of the same period in 2022.

Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank, was a little more optimistic about the market’s overall performance in October 2023, saying it should not be seen “as a curse”.

He pointed out South Africa’s new-vehicle market showed year-to-date growth of 2.1% to 446 877 units compared with the first 10 months of last year, representing a slow recovery. “This is a healthy 9 027 more new vehicles sold so far this year than 2022, which remains a positive step in the market’s recovery.”

“Looking at sales for the 12 months from November 2022 to October 2023 compared to the same period a year previously shows a market performing 4.1% better. This displays the sensitivity of the market to impacting forces and the need for industry to take a longer view of growth as the market recovers,” Gaoaketse added.

ALSO READ: Fresh info suggests Ford Ranger PHEV will be built in SA!

Thembinkosi Pantsi, National Vice-Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), further said declines in key market segments were “generally smaller than the industry had anticipated”.

“It’s quite clear that the ongoing buydown trend continues as the Chinese brands gain more momentum, alongside affordable mobility options from other brands. The tough economic conditions, policy uncertainty and the high cost of living are massive problems. The increase in new car prices on certain brands has also contributed to the drop in October numbers, leading consumers to opt for demo models or pre-owned vehicles,” suggested Pantsi.

“Nevertheless, we were surprised and proud that the retail sales channel, which sells vehicles through franchised dealers, managed to sell 36 468 units, accounting for 80.2% of the total for October,” he added, before pointing to the positive performances of the medium-truck and heavy truck-and-bus segments as a “measure of underlying confidence in the business sector”.

New-vehicle sales summary for October 2023

Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 45 445 units decreased by 2.0% (905 units) compared to October 2022.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 29 912 units decreased by 3.5% (1 068 units) compared to October 2022.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 12 361 units decreased by 3.0% (387 units) compared to October 2022.
Export sales of 40 302 units increased by 39.5% (11 411 units) compared to October 2022.

10 best-selling automakers in South Africa in October 2023

*Hyundai reclaimed 4th place in October, with the facelifted Grand i10 leading the charge.*

Though Toyota experienced a small month-on-month fall, its tally of 12 440 units (or 27.4% of the total market) again put it far ahead of the 2nd-placed Volkswagen Group, which nevertheless improved its showing to 6 595 units. Suzuki (4 480 units) continued its remarkably consistent performance to again complete the podium, setting a new dealer-sales record of 3 857 units in the process.

After surrendering 4th place to Ford in September, Hyundai reclaimed this spot in October 2023, finishing the month on 2 638 units. That saw the Blue Oval brand fall a place to 5th, on 2 318 units. Nissan (2 178 units) and Isuzu (1 848 units) held steady in 6th and 7th, respectively.

Meanwhile, Renault (1 606 units) moved up a position to 8th, forcing Kia (1 417 units) down a spot to 9th. Chinese firm Haval completed the table, finishing the month on 1 389 units. A mere 87 registrations behind on 1 302 units, Chery again had to settle for 11th position, ahead of the BMW Group (with a Naamsa estimate of 1 179 units), Mahindra (827 units), Stellantis (778 units) and Mercedes-Benz (669 units).

1. Toyota – 12 440 units

2. Volkswagen Group – 6 595 units

3. Suzuki – 4 480 units

4. Hyundai – 2 638 units

5. Ford – 2 318 units

6. Nissan – 2 178 units

7. Isuzu – 1 848 units

8. Renault – 1 606 units

9. Kia – 1 417 units

10. Haval – 1 389 units

10 best-selling vehicles in South Africa in October 2023

*The Toyota Hi-Ace climbed to 5th on the list of SA’s best-selling vehicles last month.*

As was the case in the preceding month, the Toyota Hilux (3 110 units) led the charge in October 2023 as the only model to breach the 3 000-unit mark – a feat the Prospecton-built bakkie has now achieved a remarkable 6 times this year. The Kariega-produced Volkswagen Polo Vivo – with 2 280 registrations, of which 796 were sales to the rental industry – again placed 2nd.

The Toyota Corolla Cross (2 100 units) climbed a place to 3rd, which saw the Silverton-manufactured Ford Ranger (1 853 units) slip a ranking to 4th. The Toyota Hi-Ace (1 546 units) moved up a spot to 5th, while the Struandale-made Isuzu D-Max (1 464 units) dropped a position to 6th.

Mzansi’s best-selling imported vehicle in October 2023 was the Toyota Starlet (1 363 units), which gained a spot month on month to end in 7th. The Suzuki Swift (1 248 units) was down a place to 8th, just ahead of the Volkswagen Polo hatch (1 235 units), which retained 9th. The soon-to-depart Nissan NP200 (961 units) again completed the table in 10th.

So, what about vehicles bubbling under in October? Well, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (856 units) was just outside of the top 10 once more, while the Toyota Vitz (779 units) – currently billed as South Africa’s cheapest new vehicle thanks to an ongoing “deal assist” promotion – achieved its best showing yet, with 425 units sold through the rental channel alone. The Nissan Magnite (715 units), Hyundai Grand i10 (680 units) and Renault Kwid (661 units) completed the top 15.

1. Toyota Hilux – 3 110 units

2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 280 units

3. Toyota Corolla Cross – 2 100 units

4. Ford Ranger – 1 853 units

5. Toyota Hi-Ace – 1 546 units

6. Isuzu D-Max – 1 464 units

7. Toyota Starlet – 1 363 units

8. Suzuki Swift – 1 248 units

9. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 1 235 units

10. Nissan NP200 – 961 units

Top 9 vehicles exported from SA in October 2023

*The Volkswagen Polo continues to do the heavy lifting for SA’s new-vehicle export market.*

For the 6th month in a row, the Volkswagen Polo hatchback topped the export charts, with 12 309 Kariega-built examples shipped off in October 2023. The Toyota Hilux’s export figure climbed to 7 149 units, allowing the Prospecton-built bakkie to retain the runner-up place in this space, ahead of the Silverton-made Ford Ranger (6 544 units).

Yet again, the Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Corolla Cross, Nissan NP200 and Toyota Corolla Quest made up the export numbers. We should point out BMW and Mercedes-Benz did not submit detailed figures, so it’s unclear how many new X3 and C-Class sedan units were exported during the month (but for the record, Naamsa’s estimates for October 2023 stood at 5 500 and 7 364 units, respectively).

1. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 12 309 units

2. Toyota Hilux – 7 149 units

3. Ford Ranger – 6 544 units

4. Isuzu D-Max – 544 units

5. Nissan Navara – 327 units

6. Toyota Fortuner – 208 units

7. Toyota Corolla Cross – 116 units

8. Nissan NP200 – 11 units

9. Toyota Corolla Quest – 6 units

Vehicle-sales outlook in SA for the rest of 2023

With just 2 months to go, what’s next for South Africa’s new-vehicle market in 2023? Well, Naamsa says the country’s “weak economic growth rate, although still marginally positive, remains a key challenge for the new-vehicle market going forward in view of the close correlation between new-vehicle sales and the GDP growth rate”.

“Alongside faster economic growth, moderate inflation and lower interest rates would go a long way to support the new-vehicle market over the medium term,” the industry body points out, adding vehicle export momentum “remains upward for the balance of the year” despite a global economic outlook which “remains clouded by risks to the inflation trajectory”.

Meanwhile, WesBank’s Gaoaketse says the recovery of the market “continues to gain traction”, returning to pre-pandemic levels and sale volumes last experienced in 2019.

ALSO READ: SA’s top 10 automakers – winners & losers in 2023 so far

“More room for optimism includes levels of demand that exceed market performance. Despite the decline in volumes, the appetite for a new vehicle is strong, with applications up nearly 7% year-on-year,” says Gaoaketse, adding that this “pent-up demand” provides opportunities on which manufacturers can capitalise with incentivised deals, “if banks can accommodate consumer affordability”.

“There is no denying the economic headwinds that continue to face South Africans and the impact these will have on purchase decisions in the new-vehicle market. The market remains under pressure, but at relatively stable and reassuring levels,” says Gaoaketse.

Finally, NADA’s Pantsi cautions the macro-economic climate in South Africa is currently not conducive to “consumers making significant purchasing decisions”, pointing to “key issues” such as unemployment, poverty and inequality, along with daily disruptions such as “frequent power outages” and “water shortages and intermittent supply”.

However, Pantsi likewise remains optimistic, saying: “As we enter the last 2 months of 2023, we are still 2.1% ahead of 2022 in terms of our year-to-date total sales figures. We are confident that we should be able to maintain a positive figure at the end of December”.

New Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD Video Review – At R700k is this the SUV bargain of the year?

In a market dominated by the Fortuner and Everest, does the Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD represent a better buying proposition for buyers prioritising value-for-money? Ciro De Siena investigates…

The Isuzu MU-X is underappreciated – and accustomed to living in the shadows of the top-selling Toyota Fortuner and, to some extent, models such as the Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

However, for 2023, Gqeberha-based Isuzu Motors SA has introduced a model-year update for its Adventure SUV and launched an entry-level 1.9TD LS 4×2 derivative at a VERY keen price point.

In his in-depth review, Ciro De Siena weighs up the pros and cons of Isuzu’s bakkie-based SUV as family car. Pricey medium SUVs may offer more on-road and interior refinement, but is there another Adventure SUV that can offer as much value for money as the 1.9-litre MU-X derivative?

Watch the video!

Buy a used Isuzu MU-X on Cars.co.za

CarsAwards heads for Gerotek – and Mall of Africa

It’s a big week for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, with 39 finalist vehicles in 13 categories of the 2023/24 programme – as well as 20 judges – heading for the Gerotek testing facility to complete two days of back-to-back, real-world testing.

Furthermore, the 39 contenders (and some of the judges) will appear at the Mall of Africa in Johannesburg this weekend!

“We are thrilled to add another element to the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards,” says Head of Special Projects at Cars.co.za, Hannes Oosthuizen.

“As the name indicates, these awards exist to assist consumers in their car buying journey, and by taking all 39 vehicles to a busy, public space such as the Mall of Africa, our message is clear – these are the top vehicles you should consider in 13 of the most important categories of the new-vehicle market. It’s a mammoth logistical challenge, but consumer awareness of CarsAwards is critical to its success.”

Several CarsAwards-themed displays will be dotted throughout the Mall of Africa on Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th of November. What’s more, several of the CarsAwards judges will be in attendance, and doing interviews with Cars.co.za video presenter Ciro De Siena.

Expect to see judges Juliet McGuire, Kumbi Mtshakazi, Muzi Sambo, Mpho Mahlangu, MrHowMuch, Rebaneilwe Semakane, Brendon Staniforth, Tshidi Malebana, Jacob Moshokoa and, of course, Cars.co.za’s very own Ashley Oldfield, David Taylor and Gero Lilleike in attendance.

Consumers will not only be able to view the finalist vehicles, but also enter some exciting competitions with fantastic prizes, including a weekend getaway valued at R20 000, simply by indicating their preferences in the vehicle categories. “We expect a very busy weekend, and a very ‘Cars.co.za red’ Mall of Africa,” says Oosthuizen.

The importance of Gerotek testing

Unlike other automotive award programmes, the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards considers all vehicles that are available in the domestic new-vehicle market on a given date (1 September 2023, in the case of the 2023/24 instalment). From this pool, the judges pick 65 semi-finalists and the list is whittled down to 39 finalists using a rigorous set of criteria, including the feedback from owners and market insight from Cars.co.za’s deep knowledge of the automotive market.

The 3 finalists in each category are then pitted against one another during a two-day test at Gerotek, with specific judges assigned to each category. Their inputs are weighted, based on the category, and combined with the customer data from the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey, conducted by Lightstone Consumer, to truly find the best vehicle in each category.

This process means that if a manufacturer offers poor service support or sub-par durability, it will show up in the Ownership Satisfaction Survey and act as a counterbalance to excellent on-track and -road performance at Gerotek. Similarly, a car brand may prove to offer exceptional service and durability (based on the gathered survey data), but if its product doesn’t stand out above its peers on merit, it could fall short in the final phase.

The winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards will be named in late February 2024.

“Once we have determined the category winners and awarded trophies to the manufacturers of those vehicles (including Brand of the Year), we will start an intensive marketing campaign to spread the CarsAwards message to consumers. After all, our goal with CarsAwards is to impact consumer behaviour by assisting in the decision-making process,” concludes Oosthuizen.

Ford debuts new Ranger overlanding kit at SEMA

Ford has revealed a new overlanding package for the Ranger, debuting the extensive ARB-sourced off-roading kit at SEMA 2023 in the United States…

Keen to take your Ford Ranger on an overlanding adventure? Well, the Blue Oval brand has previewed a new off-road package for the double-cab bakkie at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

The kit was conceived by the Ford Performance division and is billed as a “first taste of what’s to come” for buyers in North America, though the accessories come from Australian off-roading experts, ARB.

“Ford customers love to personalise the performance and appearance of their vehicles, especially Mustang, Bronco and Ranger,” said Mark Wilson, Ford North America Vehicle Personalisation manager. “The Ford Performance parts packages we’re debuting combine the latest design trends with aftermarket accessories engineered to work with these vehicles out of the box.”

Known as the Ford Performance Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) offering, the package is described as a “turn-key solution” to transform the Ranger into an “even more highly capable off-roading vehicle”. 

Targeting the overlanding space and available on 4×4 Ranger derivatives (featuring the XLT or Lariat trim levels offered in the US), the package includes an ARB-sourced overland suspension kit. ARB furthermore provides new front and rear bumpers with additional (red-painted) recovery points, while an onboard air compressor, a trio of SOLIS lights and a fridge/freezer combo are also available.

The vehicle on show at SEMA 2023 furthermore features a “Ford Performance” decal applied across the top of its windscreen, along with bold graphics (including the “ORV” logo) for the bonnet and above the rear wheel arches. All-terrain tyres have also been fitted.

For now, it seems this package will be limited to the North American market, applied to models manufactured at Ford’s Michigan assembly plant. However, there’s always a chance such a kit will spark similar action in other markets (it’s worth keeping in mind the automaker already offers various factory-backed ARB options Down Under).

For the record, the Silverton-built Ranger sold in South Africa is already available with an Off-Road Pack, but it’s relatively tame in comparison to this latest kit, comprising only steel underbody protection, 17-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tyres. In addition, of course, the new Wildtrak X and Raptor cater to local off-road buyers.

Buy a Ford Ranger on Cars.co.za!

What to Do if You’ve Been in a Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it is important to keep your perspective and carefully follow procedures to file a successful car insurance claim – and stay on the right side of the law! Budget Insurance recommends that you take the following steps.

Step 1: Checking for injuries & calling for help

Budget Insurance reminds drivers that it is considered a criminal offence if you fail to stop your vehicle at the scene of an accident, especially if their passengers, other commuters or pedestrians have been injured, or if any property has been damaged. A driver who fails to stop after an accident is liable to be prosecuted, fined up to R36 000 or sent to prison for up to 9 years (or both). Car insurers advise that you stop your vehicle in a safe area (to the side of the road, so that you won’t obstruct traffic), switch on your hazard lights and call for professional medical assistance, if necessary. Wait for help to arrive.

Step 2: Assessing the damage to vehicles

Car insurers further recommend that once the injured parties (driver and/or passenger/s) have been attended to, you should assess the damage to your car and any other vehicles or property involved in the collision/incident. It’s advisable to take several detailed photos of the damaged areas and objects (with your smartphone, if you can) from a variety of angles.

Step 3: Exchanging important information

While the situation might be quite stressful, Budget Insurance recommends that you remain as calm as possible. Avoid a confrontation with any other driver/s, and do not discuss who may be at fault, because this may escalate into a situation in which you or other parties may be harmed. Rather keep your wits about you. You will need to exchange the following information with the other driver(s):

Full name and surname as it appears on their South African identity card
ID numbers
Contact details (cellphone number, email address, business details, postal and/or physical address)
Vehicle registration
Description of the vehicle (model, make and colour)
Location of the car accident (street number and suburb)
The time of the incident
Road conditions and any other noteworthy points to consider
Name and description of any attending authorities, like paramedics, police officers or tow-truck drivers

Car insurers recommend you take some notes about what happened, before, during and after the accident (in case you forget specific details). All these points are very important if you decide to submit a car insurance claim to your insurer or the Road Accident Fund.

If your car needs to be towed, make sure you are using your car insurer’s authorised towing company to avoid an out-of-pocket expense.

Step 4: Report the car accident to the police

You are required to report any car accident to the police within 24 hours. You will be required to submit your name, address and vehicle registration details. You can also get a copy of the accident report upon request. It is an offence not to report an accident, especially if there are injured parties or damage to property, regardless of whether anyone intends to take legal action or file an insurance claim.

If you were injured during the accident and had to be hospitalised for treatment, report the accident as soon as possible thereafter and explain the reason for the delay.

Step 5: Report the car accident to your car insurer

Having followed the correct steps listed, you can now go ahead and report the accident to your car insurer and submit a claim, if necessary. Remember that you need to report the accident regardless of whether or not you will be claiming against your policy.

Car insurance to cover car accidents and collisions

Make sure that you select the right kind of insurance to insure your (or your dependent’s) vehicle, and that you fully understand the type of coverage you’re getting and what kind of options are available. Comprehensive car insurance from Budget Insurance will cover accident damage, theft, hijacking and third-party cover. Get a car insurance quote online.

Mercedes-Benz 170 Da pick-up: Classic Drive

We drive one of Mercedes-Benz’s earliest light-commercial vehicles, a perfect specimen of the rare 170 Da, and this example has received a full restoration.

Specifications

The history of these bakkies

Seeing the Mercedes-Benz 170 Da in the metal

Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz 170 Da

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Toyota’s new ladder-frame bakkie has been spotted in what appears to be production-ready guise in Thailand. And, fascinatingly, it’s wearing the “Hilux Champ” badge…

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New Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD Video Review – At R700k is this the SUV bargain of the year?

In a market dominated by the Fortuner and Everest, does the Isuzu MU-X 1.9TD represent a better buying proposition for buyers prioritising value-for-money? Ciro De Siena investigates…

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CarsAwards heads for Gerotek – and Mall of Africa

It’s a big week for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, with 39 finalist vehicles in 13 categories of the 2023/24 programme – as well as 20 judges – heading for the Gerotek testing facility to complete two days of back-to-back, real-world testing.

The importance of Gerotek testing

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Ford debuts new Ranger overlanding kit at SEMA

Ford has revealed a new overlanding package for the Ranger, debuting the extensive ARB-sourced off-roading kit at SEMA 2023 in the United States…

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What to Do if You’ve Been in a Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it is important to keep your perspective and carefully follow procedures to file a successful car insurance claim – and stay on the right side of the law! Budget Insurance recommends that you take the following steps.

Step 1: Checking for injuries & calling for help

Step 2: Assessing the damage to vehicles

Step 3: Exchanging important information

Step 4: Report the car accident to the police

Step 5: Report the car accident to your car insurer

Car insurance to cover car accidents and collisions

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