Mini Clubman JCW (2023) Review

The Clubman JCW Untold Edition is the 2nd-to-last special version of the wagon-like Mini variant that’s renowned for its split rear doors. Now, as the Oxford-based brand prepares to roll out a line-up of electric vehicles, is the Clubman going out on a high?

We like: Spirited performance and engaging drive, funky-looking cabin

We don’t like: Not as practical as a van should be, stiff ride quality, pricey

FAST FACTS

Model: Mini Clubman John Cooper Works ALL4
Price: R862 144 (August 2023)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Power/Torque: 225 kW/450 Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
0-100 kph: 5.53 sec (tested)
Fuel consumption: 7.7 L/100 km (claimed)
Luggage/Utility space: 360-1250 litres

Serious about buying/selling?

Some dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials!

Looking to sell your car? Sell it on Cars.co.za for free

*The Clubman is the most distinctive premium hatchback of the lot – just look at that striking side profile!*

Where does the Mini Clubman JCW fit in?

As we move towards the final quarter of 2023, the Mini line-up for the South African market is fairly straightforward. Your entry point (and we’d argue the best definition of Mini) is the Hatch, which is available in 3- or 5-door configurations. If you like fresh air, there’s a Cabriolet droptop too.

The Clubman takes the Hatch concept further with a longer body and cool outward-opening rear doors. For those who want a crossover-like Mini, replete with added practicality, the Countryman is available.

*The Untold Edition is distinguishable by its intricate gold wheels and Sage green paint.*

All of that will change in future, but that’s a story for another day. The Clubman is available with sensible to wild drivetrains – all of which are turbocharged – but only the flagship JCW version features all-wheel drive. The Untold Edition you see here encompasses a cosmetic upgrade, which we’ll touch on shortly.

If you’re thinking about buying a fun-to-drive premium compact car, your choices are getting fewer and quite pricey. The sportier iterations of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Audi A3 hatchback and sedan and BMW 1 Series or 2 Series Gran Coupe all make good cases for themselves, but if you want an all-wheel-drive version that has the pace to match the Mini Clubman JCW, you’ll close to, or more than, R1 million.

How the Mini Clubman JCW fares in terms of…

Design and Packaging

Contemporary Minis models have always had a distinctively fun and spirited look, even though they are much larger than the Sixties original that inspired them. The Clubman has the same face as its brethren but boasts additional length and practicality over the hatchback. What you see here is quite a departure from the conventional Mini… It’s called the Untold Edition and adds R58k to the Clubman JCW’s price.

Replete with striking (and intricately patterned) gold wheels, a Sage Green paint finish, badging and edges finished in Refined Brass, the Clubman Untold Edition is unmistakable. The cabin gets a similar treatment; it features Refined Brass trim elements and sports seats finished in Sage Green leather.

*The Untold Edition adds some lavish gold detailing, as seen on the surrounds of the ventilation outlets.*

The JCW treatment for the Clubman is extensive. There are subtle John Cooper Works badges on the nose and wheels, as well as 2 large-bore exhaust ends. If you look closely, you’ll see that the left pipe is closed – it only opens in the Sport drive mode and the full-bore soundtrack is urgent, if less than rowdy.

*As expected, the rear legroom is a little tight, not that it will bother most Mini Clubman JCW buyers.*

While the Clubman looks like an estate version of the Mini, it doesn’t feature the practicality associated with that class of car. The rear legroom is best suited for children (this author wasn’t able to sit behind the driver’s seat comfortably after it had been adjusted to suit his 1.88-metre frame. Aft occupants are catered for to some extent, however: they get their own panoroof and are availed USB-C charging ports.

The same can be said for the load bay. At just 360 litres (a VW Polo is 575 litres), the Clubman lacks the carrying capacity to be considered a practical car. You can fold the rear seats down for additional space.

Performance and Efficiency

*Activate launch control, take your foot off the brake pedal and away you go!*

The Mini Clubman JCW is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that produces healthy peak outputs of 225 kW and 450 Nm of torque. If those numbers sound familiar, there is a good reason for that – this powertrain forms the backbone of the BMW Group’s compact performance products. It also does duty in the M135i xDrive, as well as the M235i Gran Coupe and X2 M35i.

Power goes to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and there are three primary driving modes: Sport, Mid and Green.

Mini says the derivative will accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 4.9 sec and we put that claim to the test with our timing gear. Thanks to our utilisation of launch control, the Mini Clubman JCW charged from 0 to 100 kph in 5.53 sec, which was satisfactory, but left us feeling underwhelmed due to the lack of aural drama.

*These gearshift paddles are some of the best in the business*

The vehicle features steering wheel-mounted shift paddles and, while the car’s transmission changes up and down crisply – and predictably – in fully automatic mode, the hands-on activity of actuating manual ‘shifts boosts driver engagement. Not only did it facilitate a more authentic Mini experience – we noticed the exhaust emitted additional pops and bangs when you changed gears yourself. That’s more like it!

The shenanigans come at a price, however. If you drive the JCW in the manner that the late, great John Cooper had intended, the flagship Mini Clubman will gulp unleaded like Springbok fans quenching their thirst after that win against the All Blacks on a Friday night. This derivative is said to have an average fuel consumption of 7.7 L/100 km, but after we had completed our fuel route, the Mini SA test unit’s indicated figure was a sobering 11.1 L/100 km. With a full (48-litre) fuel tank, it has a theoretical range of 623 km.

Ride and Handling

*These gold 18-inch alloy wheels are oh so cool!*

Irrespective of derivative, every Mini product has offered an engaging and hands-on driving experience, and the Clubman JCW is no exception. You’re seated low down and those sports seats do a fine job of making you feel at one with the vehicle.

The JCW treatment for the Clubman includes a lowering kit and a sporty suspension setup; it certainly aids corning capability, but also detracts from day-to-day driving comfort. Mini’s products have always been firmly sprung, but the ride quality borders on harsh on uneven road surfaces. Deal breaker? Almost.

*The view most other road users will see*

The steering setup is pleasingly weighted, direct and quick from lock to lock. If you hustle the Clubman JCW through a hilly section of serpentine blacktop, it delivers just about sufficient driving dynamics to entertain a driving enthusiast. The All4 system does a great job of keeping the car stable and planted.

However, does it handle as crisply and deftly as a front-wheel-driven JCW (on a dry road)? We don’t think so; while the JCW Hatch produces less power than its estate-esque counterpart, it feels much more darty and agile by virtue of weighing 200 kg less than the all-wheel-driven Clubman JCW.

Comfort and Features

According to Mini SA’s configurator, the Untold Edition costs R58 000 more than a standard Clubman JCW, but you get more than just blingy wheels and a verdant paint finish. If you tick this option, you get niceties like adaptive LED headlights, interior light package and the Mini Excitement package thrown in.

A premium product at a premium price means there are certain expectations when it comes to standard equipment and the Clubman JCW ticks most of the boxes. Climate control, parking sensors, a reverse-view camera, satnav, Harman Kardon audio, Apple CarPlay and adaptive cruise control are stock fitment.

The lack of wireless Android Auto connectivity and heated seats were the only 2 omissions worth noting. The quirky infotainment system, with its colour-changing bezel and cutesy icons, won’t be to everyone’s taste (the “Disco Ring” debuted in 2014), but we’d say the display is undeniably fun and light-hearted.

Price and After-Sales Support

Mini Clubman Cooper 1.5	R595 831
Mini Clubman Cooper S 2.0	R681 832
Mini Clubman John Cooper Works All4	R862 144

The Mini Clubman is sold with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, with service intervals every 20 000 km. The Untold Edition package adds R58k to the listed price.

Verdict

The Mini Clubman exists to exude an extroverted personality and, yes, it oozes charm and cool. In JCW guise, it can deliver a brisk turn of speed too. The Untold Edition adds some bold styling to the mix and we loved the green and gold combination – it really looks the part and there’s nothing else quite like it.

If the stiff ride quality isn’t a dealbreaker and you don’t require loads of luggage space to facilitate lifestyle hobbies such as, say, mountain biking, then a Clubman JCW may be of interest. However, given the price positioning, it’s difficult to ignore the allure of a well-sorted small SUV. BMW X1, anyone?

However, the Clubman is on run out, with Mini effectively shelving the derivative with an aptly-named Final Edition (due in SA at the end of 2023). The brand intends to have a fully electric line-up by 2030, so expect to see a diminishing number of petrol-powered Minis on the road. Enjoy them while you still can!

New Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Boasts 544 kW

Porsche has whipped the wraps off the latest Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, which – with a whopping 544 kW on tap – is the most powerful version of the SUV yet…

The new 544 kW Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid has joined the Stuttgart-based firm’s refreshed 3rd-generation SUV range, arriving as the most powerful version of the Cayenne yet and boasting even more oomph than the Aston Martin DBX707 and Ferrari Purosangue. Check out pricing at the bottom of this page.

Courtesy of an uprated plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid – which is offered in both SUV and coupé body styles – generates heady peak system outputs of 544 kW and 950 Nm (for reference, the previous version, badged Turbo S E-Hybrid, made 500 kW and 900 Nm). An electric motor contributes 130 kW, supplementing what Porsche describes as an “extensively reworked” 441 kW version of the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine.

As a result, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid sees off the obligatory 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 3.7 seconds, before topping out at 295 kph. Of course, that means it’s not quite the fastest-accelerating Cayenne in the line-up, an honour that instead goes to the 485 kW Cayenne Turbo GT (which hits 3 figures in a claimed 3.3 seconds and runs out of puff only at 305 kph).

That said, the latest Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid does benefit from “significant gains” in electric range as well as shorter charging times. With an increased capacity of 25.9 kWh, the high-voltage battery (installed under the load-compartment floor) allows an electric range of up to 82 km, according to Porsche. There’s also a new 11 kW on-board charger in the mix.

So, how will you be able to identify the new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid out on the road? Well, it adopts the front-end styling reserved for Turbo models, complete with larger air intakes and gloss-black “air blades”, while also boasting quad-tailpipes in brushed stainless steel as well as red brake callipers.

Inside, you’ll notice aluminium inlays in the dashboard and door panel trims, along with roof lining trimmed in the brand’s Race-Tex material. The standard equipment list includes a heated GT sports steering wheel and 18-way adjustable leather sports seats (with 14-way adjustable leather comfort seats optionally available).

The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid furthermore ships standard with adaptive air suspension that features new 2-chamber, 2-valve technology, which Porsche says “enhances comfort and safety in equal measure” while offering an “even wider spectrum between the Comfort and Sport Plus suspension settings”. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus is likewise standard, while Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control and rear-axle steering are offered as options.

The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupé will be offered with a new “GT Package” (which, among other things, sees the claimed 0-100 kph sprint time cut to 3.6 seconds and top speed hiked to 305 kph), though this option doesn’t appear to be destined for South Africa. Indeed, Porsche says the availability of the GT package will be “limited to the markets” in which the Cayenne Turbo GT is no longer available due to local regulations.

How much does the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid cost in SA?

Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid – R3 312 000

Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupé – R3 390 000

The above prices include Porsche’s 3-year Driveplan.

Refreshed VW Saveiro revealed as half-tonner SA can’t have

A facelifted version of the Volkswagen Saveiro has been revealed in Brazil, but the half-tonne bakkie is still off the menu for South Africa. Here’s what we’re missing out on…

South America has just welcomed a refreshed version of the Volkswagen Saveiro, but the German firm’s half-tonne bakkie – which is built exclusively in left-hand-drive form – remains firmly off the menu for South Africa.

Effectively the 4th facelift of the 3rd-generation Saveiro – a unibody bakkie based on the since-discontinued Gol hatchback and tracing its roots all the way back to 1982 – this latest update compromises styling tweaks and a smattering of extra standard kit, with the powertrains offered in Brazil unchanged.

That means power again comes from VW’s naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine (EA211), which drives the front axle through a 5-speed manual transmission. Peak outputs sit at 79 kW and 151 Nm, or a little higher should ethanol rather than petrol be used. Single-cab derivatives have a payload capacity of 664 kg, while double-cab versions (though still with 2 doors) can carry up to 638 kg.

The renewed Saveiro range comprises 4 distinct models: the entry-level Robust single cab, the entry-level Robust double cab, the mid-tier Trendline single cab and the flagship Extreme double cab (a variant previously known as the Saveiro Cross). Standard safety features across the range include dual front airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold control, ABS, disc brakes all round and rear parking sensors.

Volkswagen’s Brazilian division says the Saveiro’s restyling includes a new bonnet, a fresh front bumper and a redesigned grille (the latter now with a chrome strip connecting the headlamps). Furthermore, the fenders gain new wheel-arch trim, while the updated taillights are connected by a matte-black strip on the higher-spec models.

In addition, the rear bumper scores an overhaul (ostensibly resulting in an improved departure angle), while the front suspension receives an extra 10 mm of ground clearance, which VW claims allows for a “more comfortable response to ground imperfections” and a “better angle of attack” during off-road driving.

The range-topping Saveiro Extreme is identified by the piano-black emblem on its B-pillar (reminiscent of that fitted to the original Amarok Extreme) and decals on its bonnet and flanks, along with its model-specific black 15-inch alloy wheels and roof rack. Inside, you’ll find leather upholstery and more “Extreme” logos.

With production of the Nissan NP200 scheduled to end by March 2024, South Africa’s half-tonne bakkie market will soon be no more. Earlier this year, we asked Martina Biene, chairperson and managing director of Volkswagen Group South Africa, whether VW SA had any plans to offer the Saveiro locally.

Answering a question the German firm’s management has fielded time and again, Biene suggested numerous feasibility studies had been conducted over the years, but each time indicated converting the Latin America-only bakkie to right-hand-drive would be prohibitively expensive.

“We’ve done multiple calculations [in an attempt] to get the current Saveiro converted to right-hand drive. Unfortunately, the downside of our Brazilian partnership is that all these [Latin American] countries are left-hand-drive countries,” she explained.

So, what about building a similar unibody bakkie in South Africa? Well, Biene revealed such an opportunity may well present itself at some stage, making reference to the mystery 3rd product the German firm’s local division plans to build – alongside the Polo hatchback and the Polo Vivo – at the Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape.

In November 2022, VW SA announced an intention to add a new model to its local production line, confirming the vehicle will ride on the same MQB-A0 platform as the Polo and numerous other VW Group products. Internally dubbed the “A0 Entry SUV”, the newcomer is set to be positioned below the T-Cross as part of the Polo family.

“The nice thing with this ‘A0 Entry SUV’ is that it provides an opportunity for an even bigger than half-tonne bakkie – so, a 750 kg [payload] bakkie. This is something we are looking into,” Biene revealed. “So, there is hope, but there is not hope for the current Saveiro. But probably for something nice to come in the future.”

Super Cruiser! SA-modified Land Cruiser 79 is something special (and you can order one)

In our latest video, we check out a one-of-a-kind Toyota Land Cruiser 79 that packs a 350 kW punch!

The Toyota Land Cruiser 79 is a living legend, but let’s face it, it’s hard to live with. The awesome folks at US Trucks decided they might be able to improve on this age-old formula, and build something special.

With a revised turbo and management, power is up from 151 kW to a staggering 350 kW, with torque nearly doubling to 880 Nm. But the big news is an auto-swop, which until recently is something Toyota has never offered from factory.

Additional nice touches include a 13-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, as well as modified elbow-rests with cupholders and even USB ports! Certainly beats the after-market radio that the car comes fitted with as standard.

And then of course there is the new front-end treatment which totally modernises the look of the vehicle

We absolutely love this conversion and we salute the folks at US Trucks for pursuing their vision, and we have no doubt this is going to be a popular conversion for Land Cruiser lovers in SA.

Reach out to them here: www.ustrucks.co.za

Proton X90 (2023) Price & Specs

The Proton X90 has arrived in South Africa. Here’s all you need to know about the new 7-seater hybrid SUV.

Proton is a Malaysian brand that’s owned by the Geely Group (who also own Volvo and Lotus). Locally, there’s a three-model lineup (X50, X70 and Saga), but a fourth model has just arrived.

This is the Proton X90 and is the largest vehicle offered by the brand and also sees the debut of hybrid technology. The Proton X90 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V electric motor synergy system. Outputs of 130 kW and 255 Nm are claimed, with 14 kW and 52 Nm from the electric setup.

All X90 units are two-wheel driven and feature a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. There’s a 60 litre fuel tank. Proton South Africa is offering its new 7-seater SUV in a four-model lineup priced from R559 900 and going to R679 900. There are six colours on offer.

X90 Trim Levels

Standard

18-inch alloy wheels
Electric parking brake
LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights
LED Fog lamps
Leather steering wheel
Cruise control
Driving modes
Intelligent entry with start button
Remote engine start
Power windows
Fabric seats
Auto dual zone climate control
12.3 inch infotainment screen with voice command, smartphone connectivity, 6 speakers, 7x USB ports
6 airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, hill hold assist, hill descent
Front and rear parking sensors

Executive (the above content plus:)

Automatic headlamps
Automatic rain sensing wipers
Power tailgate
Leatherette trim
Driver seat adjustment 6 way
Tyre pressure system
360-degree camera

Premium (the above content plus:)

19-inch alloy wheels
Auto tailgate with nearby auto open
Nappa leather steering wheel
Auto dimming rear mirror
Nappa leather
Driver seat lumbar 2 way
Front ventilated seats
Autonomous emergency braking
Auto park assist
Forward collision warning
Adaptive cruise control
Lane keep/lane departure
Intelligent high beam
Wireless device charging

Flagship (the above content plus:)

Panoramic sunroof
Captain’s seats in a 2-2-2 configuration

How much does the new Proton X90 cost in South Africa?

Standard	R559 900
Executive	R589 900
Premium	R644 900
Flagship	R679 900

The new X90 is sold with a 5-year / unlimited kilometer warranty. It appears that a service plan is sold separately.

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

Explore the Proton new car range, with prices and specifications.

Suzuki Jimny 5-door to arrive in SA soon

Suzuki Auto SA has exhibited the eagerly awaited 5-door variant of the Jimny in Johannesburg ahead of the small off-roader’s local introduction late in 2023.

When the (then new) 4th-gen Jimny was launched in South Africa in 2018, Suzuki was overwhelmed with demand for the Japanese-built off-roader; many months passed before the brand was able to clear stock shortages and deliver vehicles to buyers. In truth, demand for the model has often outstripped supply.

However, shortly before rolling out a revised Jimny line-up early in 2022, the local subsidiary of the Hamamatsu-based firm began sourcing its Jimny stock from Maruti’s Gurgaon production line in India, which is also the facility that started producing the new 5-door variant of the pint-sized SUV this year.

The longer, more practical iteration of the Jimny was first shown in New Delhi at the beginning of the year. The 5-door, which is designed to broaden the appeal and, therefore, boost sales of the range, is ostensibly the same height and width as the 3-door version, but gains 360 mm in overall length (3 985 mm vs 3 625 mm), mostly by virtue of a wheelbase that has been stretched by 340 mm to 2 590 mm.

The Jimny 5-door – still based on a ladder-frame chassis – is powered by Suzuki’s familiar 75 kW/130 Nm 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol motor mated with a 5-speed manual ‘box or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Torque is distributed to all 4 wheels by the AllGrip four-wheel-drive system that allows for a change between 2WD and 4WD on the fly, but low range (4L) is also available for trickier off-road conditions.

Although it has lengthened the Jimny, Suzuki says it has made the 5-door’s off-road capabilities as close to those of the 3-door variant as possible. Apart from 210 mm of ground clearance, the newcomer has an approach angle of 36 degrees, a breakover angle of 24 degrees and a departure angle of 50 degrees. By comparison, the 3-door Jimny offers 37 degrees, 28 degrees and 49 degrees respectively.

Suzuki has not only added another pair of doors – it has also lengthened the load compartment (slightly) and allowed the front seats to fold flat to create two cushioned sleeping spaces (in conjunction with the rear bench) for adventurers who want to spend the night inside the Jimny on rugged adventures.

Although it remains to be seen whether the Jimny 5-door will be offered in South Africa in GL and GLX specification (or just in the latter grade), expect the newcomer to be fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels and offer standard features such as electric windows, electrically adjustable side mirrors, alloy wheels, audio controls on the steering wheel, Bluetooth functionality and remote central locking in GL guise.

The GLX version is likely to feature automatic LED headlamps, automatic climate control, cruise control, a touchscreen infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality), a leather-trimmed steering wheel and a rear cargo “convenience package”, which includes an additional 12V socket, rear interior light and flat-floor luggage box. Interestingly, it’s been reported that the Jungle Green Jimny 5-door on display at the 2023 Festival of Motoring in Midrand has an upgraded (9-inch) touchscreen.

The model will also be offered in a couple of new – and ostensibly exclusive to the 5-door variant – paint colours, namely Celestial Blue, Granite Grey and a Sizzling Red in combination with a metallic black roof.

According to our info, the Jimny 5-door will be launched in South Africa in November. We will update this story as soon as local specifications and pricing details have been confirmed, but considering that the current range-topping Jimny costs R419 990, expect the newcomer’s prices to start around that mark.

Buy a Suzuki Jimny on Cars.co.za

Suzuki XL6 (2023) Launch Review

Before the recent arrival of the Suzuki XL6, the Japanese brand already had a compact people-mover in its line-up. But, unlike the dutiful Ertiga, the SUV-flavoured 6-seater XL6 is more appropriately packaged to make the most of the small crossover craze.

I know what you’re thinking. Where have all the new Suzukis gone? I am, of course, kidding. We’re living in a time when it feels like we’re getting a new car from the Hamamatsu-based brand every few days, and that’s mostly true because last week saw the arrival of the Fronx budget crossover!

Like that car, the XL6 is equipped with the K15B 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, which has quickly become a ubiquitous motor in the SA new-vehicle market. It does duty in a plethora of Suzuki cars and, if we’re being honest, their Toyota-badged counterparts as well. But, what the heck is an XL6? Let’s talk about it.

The Suzuki XL6 is an MPV that attended SUV classes at the weekend. When viewed from the front, you’d be forgiven for thinking it is yet another compact crossover from the marque, but if you make it all the way to the rear you’ll encounter a more van-like flank, culminating in a familiar rear end that will have you mouthing the name “Ertiga”. But no, it’s not that car, even though it is based on the same platform.

The XL6 is positioned above the Ertiga and is priced accordingly; it’s intended for small families rather than a lifetime of Uber duty. There are other fundamental differences here, such as the fact that it’s a 6-seater as opposed to a 7-seater, with two individual captain-style chairs in the middle row instead of a conventional bench, as per the rear row. What it does share, however, is the aforementioned petrol engine, which churns out the now-familiar peak outputs of 77 kW and 138 Nm.

It’s no rocket ship, but it delivers tried and tested performance, here paired with a 5-speed manual ‘box or a 4-speed automatic transmission. In a bold move, Suzuki Auto SA decided against making range-topping GLX derivatives available for our evaluation drive, which left us to test versions of the entry-level GL. The firm’s reasoning for this was that “the base car is so well equipped, you’ll barely miss a feature.”

Well, the GL’s extensive equipment list includes – but is not limited to – machine-polished 15-inch alloy wheels tucked into each arch, LED headlamps, daytime running lamps and clear rear lamps.

Also standard is keyless entry and push-button start, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a reverse-view camera, cruise control and climate control with rear air-con outlets.

Safety features are about par for the course for a model at this price point: dual front airbags, ABS, EBD and electronic stability control. There’s also an array of 12V sockets and USB charging points, a 4.2-inch info panel in the instrument cluster and, if you’ve opted for the automatic, it comes with hill-hold assist.

But, if you absolutely must have a top-grade XL6 for some reason, GLX derivatives further feature a leather-trimmed steering wheel and seats, dual-tone paint finish, automatic headlamps and auto-folding mirrors. But, be warned, this comes at a R21 900 premium, which you feel on a car at this affordable end of the segment. On that note, pricing is keen at R326 900 for a row-your-own gears 5MT GL, with the auto selling for R345 900. The GLX, therefore, can be had at R341 900 (manual) or R360 900 (auto).

I drove both manual and auto versions of the XL6 in the thinner air of the Highveld, where naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) lose about 15- to 17% of their power outputs. Personally, I’d have the manual- over the automatic version, because it somehow feels less afflicted by the Reef conditions, but trust me – they’re both more than up to the task of transporting a small family safely – and quite briskly.

I may have gone off route a little… and I may have commandeered an XL6 for the evening to have some extra time behind the ‘wheel (and to run a personal errand) in thick peak hour traffic from Hartbeespoort to Randburg. I can confidently report that Suzuki’s newcomer handled the task with real-world ease.

How much does the Suzuki XL6 cost in South Africa?

Suzuki XL6 1.5 GL MT	R326 900
Suzuki XL6 1.5 GL AT	R345 900
Suzuki XL6 1.5 GLX MT	R341 900
Suzuki XL6 1.5 GLX AT	R360 900

The prices include a 5-year/200 000 km (promotional) warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.

See also: Suzuki XL6 (2023) Price & Specs

Summary

So the Suzuki XL6 is a good proposition, but who is it for? I touched on that before and, perhaps this is an inelegant oversimplification, but the XL6 is aimed at small families, not the ride-hailing app and private shuttle markets. Whereas some of its rivals are, well, frumpy, the XL6 comes across as stylish – but also comfy, roomy and well-appointed with premium touches. That it remains affordable, well that’s a Suzuki hallmark and certainly one of the factors that have drawn so many customers to the brand.

V-Class Rival? New Volvo EM90 Luxury MPV Confirmed!

Yes, Volvo is launching a luxury MPV. Here’s an early look at the fully electric Volvo EM90, which could be positioned to take on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class (or, more specifically, the EQV)…

Volvo has confirmed plans to add a fully electric luxury MPV – set to be badged as the Volvo EM90 – to its line-up. The Swedish firm will whip the wraps off the new EM90 on 12 November 2023, opening pre-orders in China at the same time.

From what we understand, the newcomer has been developed with the Chinese market chief in mind, though looks likely to be offered in some other countries, too. If it gets the global green light, the Volvo EM90 may well be positioned to take on the likes of the recently updated Mercedes-Benz V-Class – or, more specifically, the fully electric EQV derivative.

A 30-second teaser clip provides us with a bird’s eye view of the upcoming premium people-mover, showing 2 glass sections – a smaller traditional sunroof up front and a larger panoramic version for the rear quarters. Expect similar front-end styling to that of the likewise electric EX90 flagship SUV.

We also spy handles for (powered?) sliding doors on either side of the vehicle, along with distinctive taillamps and what appears to be an illuminated “Volvo” badge on the tailgate. Though Volvo has yet to confirm any specific details, we’d speculate the EM90 is large enough to handle 3 rows of spacious seating, perhaps with the option of captain’s chairs in the middle bank (judging by what we can see through the glass roof).

According to the Gothenburg-based automaker, the new EM90 has been “designed for you to make the most of the time spent in the car, like a Scandinavian living room on the move”. Volvo promises it will be a “place where you can connect with your loved ones, create, relax, work or just think”.

Interestingly, some reports claim the EM90 will be closely related to the Zeekr 009, an MPV offered in China by another of Volvo parent company Geely’s brands. For the record, the Zeekr 009 boasts a dual-motor electric powertrain generating somewhere in the region of 400 kW.

While official information – regarding everything from exterior dimensions and number of seats to electric powertrain specifications – are still thin on the ground, Volvo does says it will “reveal a lot more details around the car in the coming months”…

Can Land Rover thrive without the Land Rover brand?

Land Rover wants to be known as JLR in the future, but if few buyers, not least those in China, know that the brand used to be the name of a model famed for its off-road prowess (before it became the Defender), there’s a method to the firm’s madness.

How much money does it take to establish an iconic car brand? Toyota is the world’s biggest car company, selling in most markets, and it has an estimated brand value of about R900bn. If it costs so much money and time, to establish something iconic, then why would you give it away?

Land Rover is unquestionably iconic, with a legacy that spans nearly 8 decades and a product funnel that has triumphed despite quality issues throughout the 1990s and 2000s. But even the most iconic adventure vehicle brand can’t survive solely on its legacy.

Although the 911 remains Porsche’s defining car, without Cayenne and Macan, the German brand wouldn’t have the revenues or profitability to fund all those RS-edition 911s we hold so dear.

Land Rover has the same problem: its revenue reality and brand legacy have diverged – radically. Virtually no one buys a Land Rover as a farm vehicle anymore. All the models in the Solihull-based brand’s line-up are luxury cars, which require a different brand voice and marketing approach.

Scale is important for car companies because they have all become beholden to external suppliers. Even luxury vehicle brands – and Land Rover is no exception – must achieve specific sales volumes to purchase sophisticated componentry in adequate numbers, enabling a discount.

Land Rover has struggled with production since lockdown, with a huge volume of backorders. Demand for its model mix has also become deeply asymmetric, with too many buyers for Range Rover and Defender, and far too few for Discovery.

To simplify its business and branding structure, Land Rover wants to be known simply as JLR in future and focus on Range Rover, Discovery, Defender and Jaguar as sub-brands. But is that a good idea?

When memory doesn’t matter anymore

In China, this is a European luxury car. Its Land Rover legacy is largely irrelevant.

To some, the decision to “un-name” the brand’s official corporate identity is inexplicable. Land Rover traditionalists would see it as brand treason. But there is a method to Land Rover’s madness.

What happens with the Land Rover rebrand? Minimalist Land Rover on-vehicle branding and a quartet of sub-brands, positioned as Range Rover, Discovery, Defender and Jaguar. But why?

Land Rover’s future is in China. It’s already the most important market for Land Rover’s SUVs, but also one without owners of classic Defenders. In China, Range Rover and Discovery are considered British luxury cars, they aren’t desired in the context of being loosely associated with the classic Defender.

To survive and thrive, Land Rover needs to move beyond its legacy. For decades, it had precious few rivals in markets which were important to it. Land Rovers and Ranger Rovers effectively sold themselves in the late 1970s and 1980s – customers were loyal and had no interest in the superior offerings from Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, or Toyota. But since the 1990s, things have changed dramatically.

German luxury brands have targeted the segments once dominated by Range Rover and Discovery, due to build-quality and reliability issues, the Defender conceded market share to Toyota’s Land Cruiser.

The truth is that much of the hysteria around Land Rover’s legacy being undone by rebranding is memory, not fact. Land Rover’s brand equity was always due to first-mover advantage. Engineering excellence aside, it made several strategic blunders, participated in some peculiar mergers (Honda, BMW and Ford), and… unfortunately, built poor-quality vehicles for nearly 2 decades.

Range Rover, Discovery and Defender as ‘sub-brands’?

Older Discoveries had prominent Land Rover bonnet badging. The newer ones don’t.

Is Land Rover crazy to sacrifice that green badge’s implied brand equity? Well, maybe not. For all the criticism about its future powertrain approach, Toyota is the world’s most diverse and successful legacy car brand. Toyota produces everything from affordable city cars to mining bakkies, luxury SUVs and traditional limousines. But it doesn’t always do it with a Toyota badge. And that’s important.

Lexus is arguably the world’s most successful sub-brand. Its success in conquering the North American luxury vehicle market remains one of the most remarkable and notable automotive product strategies. And it was done without any Toyota badging.

Does that prove that Land Rover might be doing the right thing? Maybe.

Lexus is an example of success beyond brand alignment. Although it must be said that for all the success Toyota achieved with Lexus, there have been similarly configured failures, such as Nissan and Infinity.

South Africa is a legacy market for Land Rover. The brand is entrenched locally, with excellent customer loyalty and many owners with both a legacy and modern Land Rover. And that’s important because if you think of how local Land Rover owners speak about their vehicles, it’s always model name, never brand.

You’ll hear “Disco”, “Rangey”, “Defender” or “Series II”, but rarely will you hear people refer to their “Landy” anymore. And, that is the argument from Land Rover’s head office in defence of its new brand strategy: Land Rover owners are aligned with its models, not the idea of an overarching brand.

Sub-branding since the 1970s…

The original Range Rover. Not much Land Rover badging to be seen…

Land Rover as Land Rover changed a very long time ago. If you want a date, it was the moment that the first Range Rover was introduced in 1970. When Land Rover gained a second model line, the Land Rover name became problematic because since 1948, “Land Rover” denoted a model range – not a brand. This is why the company renamed its original product line “Defender” in 1983.

If the Land Rover name has been a legacy issue since the introduction of Range Rover, why has it taken so long to change? The lagging recognition of Land Rover’s changing customer profile could be a reason. Land Rover was financially vulnerable for so long, that it never dared to risk anything that endeared it to the brand’s legacy customers, mostly based in the United Kingdom.

As Land Rover became a resurgent brand in the 2010s, thanks to Indian auto giant Tata’s recapitalisation, the growth has been powered by new customers in China. And without any legacy regarding Land Rover’s 1st-generation products, the brand cachet of “Land Rover” is lost on Chinese buyers.

Land Rover history doesn’t decode in China

A convoy like this would be revered in some parts of the world, but certainly not everywhere.

To some, it might be curious that Land Rover, who spent a tidy sum of legal money unsuccessfully challenging Ineos Automotive (the producer of the Defender-inspired Grenadier) in court, is now “un-naming” itself. But what’s the point of pillaring all your brand videos, social media posts and everything else in the marketing funnel with “Land Rover” if it risks confusing your most important customers?

Ultimately, the effort and investment required to educate buyers about what “Land Rover” is, with its backstory, is not worth the effort. Chinese buyers are impressed by luxury, design and European build quality. They don’t care about yellow 20th-century Land Rovers that conquered jungles and pioneered expeditions. To the world’s most important car market, Land Rover isn’t a thing, but Range Rover is.

And that’s why the Land Rover badge might still be present on future Rangeys, Discos and Defenders, but it will be much smaller – and nobody’s allowed to say Land Rover anymore… It’s all JLR. And, to be perfectly honest, the first letter of that acronym (J, for Jaguar) is where Land Rover’s real problem lies.

Suzuki XL6 (2023) Price & Specs

The Suzuki XL6, which offers a mix of crossover styling and MPV practicality, has arrived in South Africa. Check out the local pricing and specifications of the Japanese firm’s 3-row budget people-mover.

The Suzuki XL6 has made local landfall in South Africa, touching down as the latest addition to the Japanese firm’s burgeoning passenger-vehicle range and offering seating for 6 as standard.

Arriving hot on the heels of the new Fronx, the 3-row XL6 – which measures 4 445 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2 740 mm – has been around in some other markets for a few years now. Based on the 7-seater Ertiga, it launched in India (where it is produced) in 2019, before receiving a refresh in 2022. It’s the latter, updated version that has now launched locally.

In South Africa, the newly launched XL6 line-up comprises 4 derivatives (in the GL and GLX trim levels), starting at R329 900 and running through to R360 900. For the record, the 3-strong (closely related) Ertiga range is currently priced from R265 900 to R325 900, though comprises only base GA and mid-tier GL derivatives.

While the XL6 is offered in India with a mild-hybrid powertrain, here in Mzansi it is instead available with Suzuki’s familiar naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine. As it does in the likes of the Baleno, Ciaz, Ertiga, Grand Vitara and indeed Fronx, this K15B motor delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm to the front wheels via either a 5-speed manual gearbox (resulting in a claimed consumption of 6.0 L/100 km) or a 4-speed automatic transmission (which Suzuki says sees the figure rise slightly to 6.1 L/100 km).

Standard safety features across the range include ABS (with EBD), dual front airbags, electronic stability control and a pair of ISOfix child-seat anchors.

In terms of standard specification, the GL grade comes with machine-polished 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, LED taillamps, daytime running lights, keyless entry (with push-button start), a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with wireless Apple CarPlay), a reverse-view camera, automatic climate control (with dedicated rear vents), cruise control and leather-and-cloth upholstery.

The GLX trim level adds automatic headlamps, power-folding side mirrors, full leather upholstery, dual-tone paint options (effectively adding a black finish for the roof, a section of the tailgate and the side-mirror caps) and leather trim for the steering wheel. Both derivatives with the automatic transmission, meanwhile, ship standard with hill-hold control.

How much does the Suzuki XL6 cost in South Africa?

Suzuki XL6 1.5 GL MT	R326 900
Suzuki XL6 1.5 GL AT	R345 900
Suzuki XL6 1.5 GLX MT	R341 900
Suzuki XL6 1.5 GLX AT	R360 900

The prices include a 5-year/200 000 km (promotional) warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.

Mini Clubman JCW (2023) Review

The Clubman JCW Untold Edition is the 2nd-to-last special version of the wagon-like Mini variant that’s renowned for its split rear doors. Now, as the Oxford-based brand prepares to roll out a line-up of electric vehicles, is the Clubman going out on a high?

FAST FACTS

Serious about buying/selling?

Where does the Mini Clubman JCW fit in?

How the Mini Clubman JCW fares in terms of…

Price and After-Sales Support

Verdict

Related content:

New Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Boasts 544 kW

Porsche has whipped the wraps off the latest Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, which – with a whopping 544 kW on tap – is the most powerful version of the SUV yet…

How much does the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid cost in SA?

Related content

Refreshed VW Saveiro revealed as half-tonner SA can’t have

A facelifted version of the Volkswagen Saveiro has been revealed in Brazil, but the half-tonne bakkie is still off the menu for South Africa. Here’s what we’re missing out on…

Related content

Super Cruiser! SA-modified Land Cruiser 79 is something special (and you can order one)

In our latest video, we check out a one-of-a-kind Toyota Land Cruiser 79 that packs a 350 kW punch!

Proton X90 (2023) Price & Specs

The Proton X90 has arrived in South Africa. Here’s all you need to know about the new 7-seater hybrid SUV.

X90 Trim Levels

How much does the new Proton X90 cost in South Africa?

Suzuki Jimny 5-door to arrive in SA soon

Suzuki Auto SA has exhibited the eagerly awaited 5-door variant of the Jimny in Johannesburg ahead of the small off-roader’s local introduction late in 2023.

Related Content

Suzuki XL6 (2023) Launch Review

Before the recent arrival of the Suzuki XL6, the Japanese brand already had a compact people-mover in its line-up. But, unlike the dutiful Ertiga, the SUV-flavoured 6-seater XL6 is more appropriately packaged to make the most of the small crossover craze.

How much does the Suzuki XL6 cost in South Africa?

Summary

Related content:

V-Class Rival? New Volvo EM90 Luxury MPV Confirmed!

Yes, Volvo is launching a luxury MPV. Here’s an early look at the fully electric Volvo EM90, which could be positioned to take on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class (or, more specifically, the EQV)…

Related content

Can Land Rover thrive without the Land Rover brand?

Land Rover wants to be known as JLR in the future, but if few buyers, not least those in China, know that the brand used to be the name of a model famed for its off-road prowess (before it became the Defender), there’s a method to the firm’s madness.

When memory doesn’t matter anymore

Range Rover, Discovery and Defender as ‘sub-brands’?

Sub-branding since the 1970s…

Land Rover history doesn’t decode in China

Related content:

Suzuki XL6 (2023) Price & Specs

The Suzuki XL6, which offers a mix of crossover styling and MPV practicality, has arrived in South Africa. Check out the local pricing and specifications of the Japanese firm’s 3-row budget people-mover.

How much does the Suzuki XL6 cost in South Africa?

Related content