Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible (2024) Launch Review

The drop-top convertible segment may not be a massive seller in SA, but that hasn’t stopped Mercedes-Benz from introducing a new beach boulevard cruiser to the local market. We spent a day with the CLE Cabrio to see if it will be a hit this summer.

What is a CLE Convertible?

Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible top down — *The folding roof takes just 20 seconds to fold down or up and can be done at speeds below 60 kph.*

If you’re struggling to figure out what a CLE even is, it’s the combination of a C-Class coupe and an E-Class coupe (both of which have been discontinued and replaced with the CLE). In previous editions of both those models, there was a convertible but as Mercedes-Benz tries to consolidate its model lineup to something easier to understand, it has launched a convertible version of the CLE, with identical engine offerings to the CLE Coupe model we drove earlier this year.

The Convertible is currently available as a CLE 200 and a CLE 300 (both 4-cylinder turbpoetrols) with the introduction of a straight-six versioned CLE 53 likely to arrive in 2025.

Which is the best CLE Convertible?

Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible rear top up — *Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet features two 4-cylinder turbopetrol engines for now. A 6-cylinder is coming in 2025.*

The price point of the two new CLE drop-tops are very similar (see the bottom of the article for pricing) so the obvious choice is to spring for the C300. It’s also the better car, with a bit more go to match the show. The lesser C200, with 150 kW and 350 Nm augmented with 17 kW and 205 Nm of electric power (only available at certain times) feels a little underpowered on the open road. At this price point, I think you’d want a bit of excitement from your driving experience and that’s why the C300 and its 190 kW and 400 Nm (with similar electric contributions as the C200) seems the better choice.

The C300 claims a sprint time to 100 kph of 6.6 seconds which goes some way to sustaining that driving thrill I imagine a convertible owner is looking for, after all if you are considering a cabrio, you must like cars and driving them, right? Even if all you intend to do with your convertible is cruise your local area or enjoy a coastal drive, I think the C300 will be the more appealing choice, complete with artificial engine sound pumped through the speakers.

What’s the CLE Convertible like to drive?

Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible driving — *The drop top Merc is a great cruiser but by no means a sportscar.*

Mercedes appears to have positioned the CLE convertible as a soft boulevard cruiser. For a car lacking a roof, it’s remarkably supple over bumps soaking up road imperfections without having to brace for impact every time you strike an errant manhole cover. Comfort seems to have been the priority and it shows.

The CLE convertible is still adept at cruising through a wide open mountain pass with good levels of grip and chassis control. It might be a bit out of its depth if you were to try and hound it through a tight and twisty mountain pass, but that sort of behaviour seems not to be the intended use case for the CLE convertible.

Slow everything down and enjoy the open air at a moderate pace and the CLE delivers a pleasing open air experience without the uncomfortably crushing ride quality that is often associated with convertibles.

What’s cool about the CLE Convertible?

Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible Aircap — *AirCap deflects wind over and around the driver so there is less buffeting in the cabin.*

Mercedes loves including new features in convertibles to make them more appealing or more comfortable for passengers. The classic AirScarf is fitted, venting hot or cold air from the headrest area towards the neck and shoulders of both the driver and the passenger. This means that even on those chilly winter mornings, you can still comfortably roll with the top down.

A new feature for the CLE Convertible is the AirCap, which is basically a wing that extends from the top of the windshield and deflects air over the driver’s head. It reduces that constant buffeting in the face you get at speed in a convertible and allows you to spend more time with the roof down. It works well and you can test it by using a button in the centre console.

The optional Burmester sound system has two huge speakers behind the rear passengers that point upwards (while the roof is down). It means that you can still hear your tunes even at 120 kph, but I suspect this will mostly be used to blast music to unsuspecting pedestrians and civilians in towns who happen to be near your CLE.

What’s the interior of the CLE like?

Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible interior — *Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet interior mimics that of the Coupe version.*

The CLE Convertible’s interior is a copy and paste of the CLE coupe’s interior, which you would expect as they are essentially the same car. MBUX sits at the centre of the tech-fest and can controlled via touch or via the left side of the steering controls. The infotainment screen can also be tilted forward if there’s too much glare from the sun.

How much does the Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible cost?

Mercedes-Benz CLE200 Cabriolet – R1 515 350

Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4Matic Cabriolet – R1 573 651

The prices above include Mercedes-Benz’s 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and its 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, though exclude CO2 emissions tax.

Summary

Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible four seater — *Rear occupant space is good for a convertible.*

The cabrio market in South Africa represents a very small share of the overall market, but considering our warm climate does beg the question as to why more aren’t sold. The CLE cabrio is a comfortable cruiser that you would enjoy taking on a long Sunday drive with the roof down. Added features such as the AirScarf and AirCap make driving with the roof down for long periods more enjoyable too.

It’s not a performance car by any stretch of the imagination but certainly one of the best-riding drop-tops on the market.

5 Cheapest New Cars in South Africa 2024

Here are the 5 cheapest new cars currently available in South Africa…

We all know that buying a new car can be an expensive exercise but this article highlights the 5 cheapest brand new cars currently available in South Africa.

Yes, you may have to compromise somewhat in terms of quality and features in the low-end of the new car market but if these 5 cheapest cars don’t quite meet your needs then it’s worthwhile exploring the used car market right here on Cars.co.za.

Also, if you need car buying advice, feel free to engage with us on Facebook or X and we will gladly assist you.

Let’s take a closer look at 5 of the most affordable brand-new cars money can buy in South Africa.

Also see: Latest New Car Specials in South Africa

Pricing is accurate as of November 2024.

1. Suzuki S-Presso – From R178 900

The updated Suzuki S-Presso is ideal for first-time car buyers looking for a quirky hatchback. The S-Presso is powered by a 49 kW/89 Nm 1.0-litre petrol engine and can be had with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual transmission.

The S-Presso is offered in 3 trim grades including GL, GL+ and S-Edition. Pricing starts from R178 900 and goes up to R219 900 for the range-topping S-Presso S-Edition automatic.

Read or review of the Suzuki S-Presso here!

See specification details for the Suzuki S-Presso

Buy a used Suzuki S-Presso on Cars.co.za

2. Suzuki Celerio – From R188 900

A new Suzuki Celerio arrived in South Africa in 2022 to entice local buyers and it remains a popular choice in the budget car segment.

The Celerio is powered by a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre engine that offers 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission does service in the Celerio, but you can have the Celerio in 5-speed automatic guise too.

The base-spec Celerio 1.0 GA is priced from R188 900 but the higher-spec Celerio 1.0 GL is priced at R210 900 while the automatic derivative is priced at R225 900.

Read our review of the Suzuki Celerio here!

Buy a Suzuki Celerio on Cars.co.za

See specification details for the Suzuki Celerio

3. Toyota Vitz – From R189 900

Toyota has introduced the new Vitz to South Africa.

Yes, it’s based on the new Suzuki Celerio as part of the Toyota-Suzuki product alliance and the Vitz is powered by a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre engine with 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission and 5-speed automatic is available. Pricing for the Vitz starts from R189 900 and goes up to R239 900 for the Vitz 1.0 XR automatic.

Buy a Toyota Vitz on Cars.co.za

See the specification and pricing details for the Toyota Vitz

4. Renault Kwid – From R196 999

The Renault Kwid is proving to be quite popular locally and it’s by far the best-selling model for Renault in South Africa.

The Kwid is powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine with 50 kW and 91 Nm of torque. The range starts with the Kwid 1.0 Life priced from R196 999. The higher-spec Kwid Zen is priced from R206 999. A range-topping Kwid Climber is also on offer with pricing starting at R217 999. Renault also offers an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) for the Zen and Climber trim lines in addition to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Read our review of the Renault Kwid here!

See specification details for the Renault Kwid

Buy a new or used Renault Kwid on Cars.co.za

5. Suzuki Dzire – From R217 900

The Dzire is the booted sedan version of the hugely popular Suzuki Swift hatchback. Both are well-priced and offer good value in the budget car segment. The Dzire and Swift are powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 113 Nm of torque and can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automated manual transmission.

The Dzire GA is priced from R217 900 while the higher specification Dzire GL is priced from R239 900. For those seeking the convenience of an automatic, the Swift GL automatic is priced at R254 900.

See specification details for the Suzuki DZire

Buy a used Suzuki Dzire on Cars.co.za

Most Fuel-Efficient Compact SUVs Under R350k

Household budgets are tight and buying an affordable and fuel-efficient car is first prize in the current economic climate. The compact SUV segment is currently one of the most popular segments in South Africa and with high fuel prices, new car buyers will be wise to shop with fuel efficiency in mind. Here are the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs in South Africa you can buy right now for under R350k.

Are you looking for the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs to buy in South Africa?

Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when buying a car as fuel consumption will have a direct impact on your household budget and cost of living.

It’s no secret that compact SUVs are hugely popular in South Africa and this is evidenced in the boom of new products that have come to market in recent years. The compact SUV spans across a wide price range but if you’re a budget-sensitive buyer looking for the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs on sale, what are your options?

In an effort to balance affordability and fuel efficiency, we are looking at compact SUVs with the best fuel consumption that come in at under R350 000!

Note that this list is determined according to claimed manufacturer fuel consumption figures. In the real world, consumption will vary depending on factors such as driving style, load, road conditions and so forth, so consider this a guideline.

Prices are accurate as of November 2024.

Most Fuel-Efficient Compact SUVs in South Africa under R350 000

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

Most Fuel Efficient Compact SUVs Renault Kiger

The turbocharged Renault Kiger Zen and Kiger Intens are the most fuel-efficient in the Kiger range with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.0 L/100km.

The 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine develops 74 kW and 160 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Pricing for the Renault Kiger starts from R249 999.

Read our review of the Renault Kiger

See specification and pricing for the Renault Kiger

Buy a used Renault Kiger on Cars.co.za

2. Opel Crossland 1.2 – 5.1 L/100km

Most Fuel Efficient Compact SUVs Opel Crossland

Opel’s Crossland is equipped with Opel’s naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine and is particularly frugal (5.1 L/100km) and offers 60 kW and 118 Nm of torque and comes paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Pricing for the Opel Crossland starts from R359 900.

See specification and pricing for the Opel Crossland

Buy a used Opel Crossland on Cars.co.za

3. Nissan Magnite Turbo Acenta / Visia – 5.2 L/100km

The Nissan Magnite is a quirky offering in this segment and if you opt for the 5-speed manual derivatives you are likely to see the best fuel consumption returns with Nissan claiming 5.2 L/100km.

The updated Magnite arrived recently

The Magnite is powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that offers 74 kW and 160 Nm and there’s also a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine available with 52 kW and 96 Nm which is also paired with either a 5-speed manual or AMT.

Pricing for the Nissan Magnite starts from R246 200.

Read our review of the Nissan Magnite

See specification and pricing for the Nissan Magnite

Buy a used Nissan Magnite on Cars.co.za

4. Mahindra 3XO 1.2T – 5.3 L/100km

Mahindra recently launched the new 3XO compact SUV in South Africa and the newcomer is already proving to be quite popular. What’s not to like? The Mahindra 3XO is also a finalist in the 2025 #CarsAwards!

The 3XO is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 82 kW and 200 Nm to the front wheels via either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The manual derivatives are more fuel efficient (5.3 L/100km) than the automatic derivatives (5.6 L/100km).

The Mahindra 3XO is priced from R254 999.

See specification and pricing details for the Mahindra 3XO

Buy a used Mahindra 3XO on Cars.co.za

5. Suzuki Fronx GL / GLX manual – 5.5 L/100km

The new Suzuki Fronx is one of Suzuki’s most popular cars. The Fronx 5-speed manual derivatives boast 5.5 L/100km and a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine offers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque.

Also see: What to Buy: Suzuki Fronx vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro vs Nissan Magnite

Pricing for the Fronx starts from R298 900.

See specification and pricing for the Suzuki Fronx

Buy a used Suzuki Fronx on Cars.co.za

6. Renault Triber – 5.5 L/100km

The Renault Triber offers seating for 7 and is equipped with Renault’s proven 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine, which produces 52 kW and 96 Nm of torque is paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT. All Triber derivatives claim 5.5 L/100km!

Pricing for the Renault Triber starts from R228 999.

See specifications for the Renault Triber

Buy a used Renault Triber on Cars.co.za

7. Citroen C3 1.2 Feel / Max – 5.6 L/100km

The new Citroen C3, the current World Urban Car Award title holder, came to market in May 2023. It’s powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque and exclusively mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Citroen C3 claims a frugal 5.6 L/100km.

The new Citroen C3 is priced from R242 900.

See specification and pricing for the Citroen C3

Buy a used Citroen C3 on Cars.co.za

8. Toyota Starlet Cross – 5.6 L/100km

The Toyota Starlet Cross is Toyota’s version of the Suzuki Fronx as part of the Toyota-Suzuki product share agreement.

The Starlet Cross employs the same 1.5-litre petrol engine that delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. the 5-speed manual derivatives are the most frugal with Toyota claiming 5.6 L/100km while the automatic derivatives claim 5.8 L/100km.

Pricing for the Toyota Starlet Cross starts from R299 900.

See specification and pricing details for the Toyota Starlet Cross

Buy a used Toyota Starlet Cross on Cars.co.za

M2 vs RS3 vs A45 S – #CarsAwards Quarter-mile shootout!

Welcome to the 2025 Cars.co.za Awards, and welcome to the first drag race video in a three-part series, filmed during the intensive testing of our 39 Awards finalists by 20 judges, in November 2024. In this video, we pit the new BMW M2 against the Mercedes-AMG A45 S and Audi RS3. What car will win? Watch the video!

In this classic battle of Germany vs Germany vs Germany, the hot-hatch poster cars of our generation go head-to-head on the drag strip, side by side.

The M2 may initially appear disadvantaged by its rear-wheel-drive layout versus the all-wheel-drive RS3 and A45 S AMG, however with significantly more power, if it can get off the line, you can never count it out.

With the least power of the three, the RS3 actually has the quickest 0-100 time of the group, while the A45 S arguably has the best launch control system.

We’re so excited to bring you this drag race and we hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it.

Start the engines, let’s race!

Buy a BMW M2 on Cars.co.za

Buy a Mercedes-AMG A45 S on Cars.co.za

Buy an Audi RS3 on Cars.co.za

Mazda SA boss sounds warning to imported bakkies

With the BT-50 gone, Mazda SA’s boss has warned that other imported bakkies trying to compete with locally built stalwarts will continue to face “immense” challenges…

Back in March 2024, Cars.co.za broke the news that the Mazda BT-50 nameplate had been discontinued in South Africa after an 18-year run, with the Japanese firm’s local division citing “an extremely challenging landscape for imported vehicles competing directly with locally manufactured products”.

And now the head of the Mazda brand in Mzansi has hinted that other imported double-cab bakkies could follow suit. Craig Roberts, Managing Director at Mazda Southern Africa, was speaking to Cars.co.za during a podcast interview at Naamsa’s South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town.

*A facelifted BT-50 has been revealed overseas but won’t come to SA.*

“I’m sitting in the [Cars.co.za podcast] booth here and I’m looking across at a Mitsubishi Triton – just using that as an example. So, in that [light-commercial vehicle] space, we have a number of importers that are bringing in a competing vehicle in, let’s say, that double-cab space,” said Roberts, gesturing towards the new Triton exhibited just outside the booth.

“I’m looking at Mitsubishi Triton and Stellantis has got a Peugeot Landtrek on display here this week. The challenges in that segment – which is 30% of our total market – are immense, in terms of local versus imported product,” he said.

South Africa’s double-cab market is dominated by bakkies built right here in Mzansi, with the Prospecton-made Toyota Hilux, Silverton-manufactured Ford Ranger and Struandale-produced Isuzu D-Max ruling the roost in this segment.

“That was the reason, one of the tough decisions that we made, was to discontinue BT-50. We were no longer manufacturing that [model] locally – it was a fully imported vehicle,” explained Roberts.

*The pre-facelift 2nd-gen BT-50 was built in SA by Ford.*

As a reminder, the 2nd-generation BT-50 debuted in South Africa in 2012, initially produced locally by Ford, alongside the Ranger on which it was based. However, Mazda Southern Africa switched to a Thai-manufactured version at the facelift in 2017, before the Isuzu-built 3rd-generation BT-50 (likewise brought over from Thailand but now based on the D-Max) touched down in Mzansi in July 2021.

“From a price-positioning perspective – once duties, etc. had been calculated into the business case – it just did not prove a competitive business case for us to continue importing that vehicle. I think my colleagues in the other brands that are still importing [in] that particular segment, or that particular type of vehicle, are experiencing exactly that,” Roberts suggested.

*The Landtrek was also on display at SA Auto Week 2024.*

For the record, the Nissan Navara is also produced in South Africa (in Rosslyn), as is the 2nd-gen Volkswagen Amarok (which is built by Ford in Silverton). The Mahindra Pik Up, meanwhile, is assembled at a facility in the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in KwaZulu-Natal.

Imported bakkies still playing in Mzansi’s double-cab segment include the aforementioned Triton and Landtrek. Stellantis, however, plans to start local assembly of the latter at a facility in the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape towards the end of 2025.

*The P-Series is perhaps the most well known of the current Chinese contenders.*

Other fully imported contenders here include the Chinese-made GWM P-Series, the Japanese-built Toyota Land Cruiser 79, the US-manufactured Jeep Gladiator and the French-produced Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, along with several other Chinese products (the Foton Tunland G7, LDV T60 and JAC T-Series bakkies, for instance). The new Kia Tasman (to be imported from South Korea) is slated to join the fray in the 2nd half of 2025.

Buy a used Mazda BT-50 on Cars.co.za!

Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet (2024) Price & Specs

We have pricing for the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet, which is set to be offered in 2 forms at launch. Here’s what this open-top model will cost you in South Africa…

Wondering how much the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet will cost you when it launches in South Africa in the near future? Well, wonder no more because we have official local pricing for this new 4-seater open-top model.

Yes, we can confirm the local CLE Cabriolet line-up will mirror the coupé range in Mzansi. That means SA buyers will at launch have the choice between the rear-wheel-drive CLE200 Cabriolet and the all-paw CLE300 4Matic Cabriolet (perhaps the 6-cylinder CLE450 and Mercedes-AMG CLE53 will follow at a later stage).

As a reminder, the CLE family effectively replaces the 2-door (coupé and cabriolet) versions of both the C-Class and the E-Class as part of the Stuttgart-based firm’s efforts to streamline parts of its portfolio.

So, what sort of sticker prices are we looking at here? Well, thanks to our hawk-eyed friends over at duoporta.com, we know the CLE200 Cabriolet will start at R1 515 350. For the record, that figure includes a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan but excludes CO2 emissions tax (with the latter depending on tyre size and maxing out at R11 921 for this derivative).

The CLE200 Cabriolet’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine delivers 150 kW and 320 Nm to the rear axle via a 9-speed automatic transmission. However, the powertrain also includes a 48-volt system with an integrated starter generator, capable of adding 17 kW and 205 Nm. Expect this derivative to complete the obligatory 0-100 kph sprint in 7.9 seconds (half a second tardier than the coupé), before running out of puff at 236 kph.

Meanwhile, the CLE300 4Matic Cabriolet will kick off at R1 573 651, with CO2 emissions tax for this derivative topping out at an additional R13 432 (again, dependent on the selected tyre size). While this powertrain likewise features a 17 kW/205 Nm mild-hybrid set-up, the forced-induction 2.0-litre petrol engine has been tuned to deliver a heftier 190 kW and 400 Nm.

Thanks to this extra oomph plus the off-the-line traction benefits of all-wheel drive, the CLE300 4Matic Cabriolet should see off the 0-100 kph dash in approximately 6.6 seconds (making it 4-tenths slower than the coupé version) and top out at 250 kph.

The CLE Cabriolet comes with a multi-layer fabric soft top, which is available in black, red or grey. According to Mercedes-Benz, the roof opens and closes in 20 seconds up to a road speed of 60 kph. The German brand’s so-called “Aircap” electric wind-deflector system and “Airscarf” heating system ship standard.

Inside, you’ll find a free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument display as well as an 11.9-inch central display. Interestingly, the latter display can be electrically tilted to prevent distracting glare when the soft top is down.

How much does the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet cost in SA?

Mercedes-Benz CLE200 Cabriolet – R1 515 350

Mercedes-Benz CLE300 4Matic Cabriolet – R1 573 651

The prices above include Mercedes-Benz’s 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and its 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, though exclude CO2 emissions tax.

Jetour X70 Plus Review: Should you buy it?

The Jetour X70 Plus is a new 7-seater SUV from the recently launched Jetour brand. In this video, Jacob Moshokoa takes a closer look at the X70 Plus including features, performance, practicality and pricing. Should you consider the new Jetour X70 Plus? Watch the video!

The X70 Plus is priced at under R500 000 it’s a rather enticing proposition for cash-strapped South African consumers. At this price point, there are very few 7-seater SUV options, but you can look at the Suzuki Ertiga/Toyota Rumion as well as the Mitsubishi Xpander for people-carrying capability, but none of them are as luxuriously appointed as the X70 Plus.

The X70 Plus is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with 115 kW and 230 Nm and mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Watch the video!

Buy a new Jetour X70 Plus on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Jetour X70 Plus on Cars.co.za

Toyota files to trademark ‘Tacoma’, ‘Tundra’ and more in SA

Toyota has applied to trademark a raft of badges – including Tacoma and Tundra – in South Africa, despite the fact several of these models aren’t factory-built in RHD…

Well, this is interesting: Toyota has applied to trademark several badges in South Africa, including “Tacoma”, “Tundra” and “Highlander”. These models are, of course, not currently factory-built in right-hand-drive form.

Having spotted a report from carsales.com.au on Toyota’s recent trademark activity in fellow right-hand-drive market Australia, we decided to find out if similar applications had been made in South Africa. And we found plenty (13 in total, though we suspect our list is not at all exhaustive)…

*The Toyota Tundra, seen here fitted with a TRD Rally Package.*

Before we go on, we should point out – as we always do in such instances – that an application to protect a badge in a given market is by no means a guarantee that the automaker will use the nameplate in question. Sometimes, the company is simply safeguarding its intellectual property.

So, what did we discover? Well, over a couple of weeks from the end of October 2024 into the first half of November 2024, Toyota’s head office in Aichi, Japan filed to trademark the “Tacoma”, “Tundra”, “Sequoia” and “Sienna” badges in South Africa. These models are all sold in left-hand drive in North America.

*The Sequoia is based on the Tundra platform.*

As a reminder, the Tacoma and Tundra are Toyota’s Texas-built pick-up trucks (the Tacoma is similar in size to the Hilux), while the Sequoia is a full-size SUV based on the latter and likewise produced at the firm’s San Antonio facility. The Sienna, meanwhile, is a minivan manufactured in Indiana as well as in China (where it’s known as the Granvia, a badge incidentally registered in SA back in 2020).

We then found applications to protect the “Highlander” and “Venza” names in Mzansi. The former is an SUV made in Indiana and sold as the Kluger in Australia (interestingly, we found a recent local trademark filing for “Kluger”, too), while the latter is a Japanese-built crossover that’s also known as the Harrier in some markets.

*Toyota’s latest-gen Alphard, as sold in Japan.*

Digging a little deeper, we furthermore unearthed trademark applications (all filed within the same short period) for various nameplates familiar from Toyota’s domestic market of Japan – which is, of course, a right-hand-drive country. These badges include “Alphard”, “Century”, “Noah”, “Sienta”, “Vellfire” and “Voxy”.

Of course, all of these trademark applications by Toyota are just that – applications. So, they certainly don’t indicate that the brand’s local division has any active plans to launch these products in South Africa. But it’s nevertheless fascinating that Toyota’s head office has seen fit to expand the protection of these nameplates to our market…

Ford SA won’t get into ‘price war’ with Chinese brands

The head of Ford in South Africa says the Blue Oval brand won’t get into a “price war” with the Chinese, suggesting such a scenario would result in “a race to the bottom”…

Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company Africa, says while it’s “important to be competitive from a price perspective”, the Blue Oval firm won’t engage in a “price war” with Chinese brands as this would quickly devolve into “a race to the bottom”.

Speaking to Cars.co.za at Naamsa’s South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town, Hill said the Chinese were “always going to be a threat to the global market”.

“We are seeing an influx of Chinese competitors. The reality is, they were always going to come. I was fortunate enough to have lived in China in 2009 and could see what was going on. The installed capacity that they were putting in was always going to be a threat to the global market.

“They’re innovating very quickly – they’re extremely nimble – and they are going to challenge the industry. We cannot be a dinosaur and not react and not innovate. We have to make sure that as a brand we continue to provide the real value to our customers of what a company that is 120 years old globally – and 100 years old in South Africa – means,” he told us.

Hill, who has been with Ford for nearly 34 years, suggested that the Dearborn-based brand would differentiate itself not only through its products but also thanks to its service offerings.

“We have to fight for our slice of the market. Is it going to be tough? Yes, it is. But if I look at the engineering, the services that we’re offering our customers, and the convenience? That’s where we can win.

“Your products, at the end of the day, are going to be very similar. Whether it’s built in China, designed and engineered in China, or done so in America or elsewhere in the world, you’re still selling a product. But it’s how you back it up and how you support your customers that’s going to be a key brand differentiator,” he added.

When asked if this customer experience was more important than price, Hill said: “Price determines value for money. We’re changing the conversation to value of ownership”.

“Price can be easily matched. The quality of the product that you’re providing and the ownership experience that you’re providing is a lot more long lasting that the price you pay. For example, if I can tell you that you don’t need to come to a dealership to have your car serviced; I’ll bring a technician and a mobile service unit to your house and I’ll service it in your driveway – and I’ll be done in 40 minutes. That makes a difference,” he said.

Hill went on to say that should established brands engage in a “price war” with the market’s new Chinese entrants, the customer would benefit only in the short term.

“Price is always going to be a challenge to meet. I think all of us recognise that as soon as you get into a price war, it becomes a race to the bottom. Yes, the consumer wins – in the short term. The question is, what do they get when they trade their vehicle in and when they go onto the next vehicle, have they actually got value in the vehicle that allows them to continue that ownership cycle and that ownership experience?

“So, yes, it is important to be competitive from a price perspective, but I think it’s also looking at the holistic package that you’re putting in front of the customer. How the vehicle performs, how the vehicle drives, but also the support that you get in terms of looking after a customer.

“What we are trying to do is … be competitive on price – it’s also about the features and what we put into our vehicles – but it’s also going to be about the holistic package that goes beyond just the price that you pay when you buy the car,” Hill said.

Year to date over the opening 10 months of 2024, Ford has registered 27 088 new vehicles (21 381 of which were Ranger bakkies) in South Africa, representing year-on-year growth of 7% and seeing it rank 4th – a position higher than it achieved in 2023 overall.

Nissan Magnite (2024) Price & Specs

The facelifted Nissan Magnite has arrived in South Africa a little over a month after its global reveal in India. Here’s a closer look at the updated range’s pricing…

Revealed globally as recently as October 2024, the mildly facelifted Nissan Magnite has already touched down in South Africa.

Interestingly, the local range has been pared back slightly, from 13 to 9 derivatives. The outgoing line-up’s pair of Kuro variants fall away (though perhaps they’ll make a comeback at a later stage), as do the manual-equipped versions of the 1.0 Acenta Plus and the 1.0T Acenta Plus.

*The refreshed Magnite has already arrived in Mzansi.*

In early October 2024, the pre-facelift portfolio had pricing bookends of R240 000 to R377 800, though Nissan SA quietly hiked these figures to R244 800 and R385 400 towards the end of last month. The refreshed range, however, runs from R246 200 to R410 700. Scroll to the bottom of this page to check out pricing in detail.

Some derivatives are only slightly more expensive than before, while others have attracted a more significant premium. For instance, the Magnite 1.0 Visia 5AMT is now priced at R263 200, representing a hike of either R1 300 or R6 400, depending on which of October’s price lists you use as a base.

*Note the updated model’s new 2-tone alloy wheels.*

Meanwhile, the flagship Magnite 1.0T Acenta Plus CVT now costs R410 700, which makes it R25 300 or R32 900 pricier than before (again, hinging on which of the previous pricing structures you use as a comparison).

Still, while we’ve yet to lay our hands on a detailed specification sheet, it certainly appears the Japanese firm has added some extra standard kit to its Magnite. For example, all derivatives now boast 6 airbags as opposed to the dual front items used across the outgoing line-up, while some variants gain a remote engine-start feature, a “walkaway lock and approach unlock” function, a cooled glovebox and an on-board air ioniser.

*Pre-facelift on the left and refreshed version on the right.*

The styling updates, however, are minor. The boomerang-shaped daytime running lights are untouched, for instance, while the headlight clusters appear largely unchanged, too (though perhaps benefit from an internal structure tweak).

Black trim now frames the grille (though the chrome-effect side caps remain), but the biggest change up front is the adoption of a new, more angular lower-bumper design. In addition, certain versions feature fresh dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels.

*High-spec derivatives switch to dual-tone faux-leather upholstery.*

Inside, Nissan claims to have “refined” the Magnite’s cabin and “improved seat comfort”, with the high-spec derivatives now featuring brown-and-orange leatherette trim for the dashboard, seats, interior door panels, parking brake lever, steering wheel and front armrest.

Mechanically, the facelifted Magnite is seemingly unchanged. As such, the Japanese automaker again offers a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine – which makes 53 kW and 96 Nm – as the entry-level motor, available with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automated manual transmission (AMT) with the same number of cogs.

*The Magnite is again offered in naturally aspirated and forced-induction form.*

There’s also a 74 kW turbocharged version of this 3-pot mill, which we believe again generates 160 Nm in the case of the 5-speed manual gearbox and 152 Nm for the continuously variable transmission (CVT).

As a reminder, South Africa is key market for the Magnite, since this baby crossover has taken over from the since-discontinued NP200 half-tonne bakkie as Nissan SA’s best-selling product. Year to date (at the end of October 2024), as many as 8 630 units have been registered in Mzansi, taking the nameplate overall tally since launch to around 26 000 units.

How much does the facelifted Nissan Magnite cost in SA?

Nissan Magnite 1.0 Visia 5MT – R246 200

Nissan Magnite 1.0 Visia 5AMT – R263 200

Nissan Magnite 1.0 Acenta 5MT – R277 300

Nissan Magnite 1.0 Acenta 5AMT – R294 400

Nissan Magnite 1.0T Visia 5MT – R309 700

Nissan Magnite 1.0 Acenta Plus 5AMT – R323 900

Nissan Magnite 1.0T Acenta 5MT – R340 100

Nissan Magnite 1.0T Acenta CVT – R370 500

Nissan Magnite 1.0T Acenta Plus CVT – R410 700

The prices above include a 6-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/30 000 km service plan (with intervals of 10 000 km).

Find a used Nissan Magnite on Cars.co.za!

Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible (2024) Launch Review

The drop-top convertible segment may not be a massive seller in SA, but that hasn’t stopped Mercedes-Benz from introducing a new beach boulevard cruiser to the local market. We spent a day with the CLE Cabrio to see if it will be a hit this summer.

What is a CLE Convertible?

Which is the best CLE Convertible?

What’s the CLE Convertible like to drive?

What’s cool about the CLE Convertible?

What’s the interior of the CLE like?

How much does the Mercedes-Benz CLE Convertible cost?

Summary

5 Cheapest New Cars in South Africa 2024

Here are the 5 cheapest new cars currently available in South Africa…

1. Suzuki S-Presso – From R178 900

2. Suzuki Celerio – From R188 900

3. Toyota Vitz – From R189 900

4. Renault Kwid – From R196 999

5. Suzuki Dzire – From R217 900

Most Fuel-Efficient Compact SUVs Under R350k

Most Fuel-Efficient Compact SUVs in South Africa under R350 000

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

2. Opel Crossland 1.2 – 5.1 L/100km

3. Nissan Magnite Turbo Acenta / Visia – 5.2 L/100km

4. Mahindra 3XO 1.2T – 5.3 L/100km

5. Suzuki Fronx GL / GLX manual – 5.5 L/100km

6. Renault Triber – 5.5 L/100km

7. Citroen C3 1.2 Feel / Max – 5.6 L/100km

8. Toyota Starlet Cross – 5.6 L/100km

M2 vs RS3 vs A45 S – #CarsAwards Quarter-mile shootout!

Mazda SA boss sounds warning to imported bakkies

With the BT-50 gone, Mazda SA’s boss has warned that other imported bakkies trying to compete with locally built stalwarts will continue to face “immense” challenges…

Related content

Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet (2024) Price & Specs

We have pricing for the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet, which is set to be offered in 2 forms at launch. Here’s what this open-top model will cost you in South Africa…

How much does the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet cost in SA?

Related content

Jetour X70 Plus Review: Should you buy it?

The Jetour X70 Plus is a new 7-seater SUV from the recently launched Jetour brand. In this video, Jacob Moshokoa takes a closer look at the X70 Plus including features, performance, practicality and pricing. Should you consider the new Jetour X70 Plus? Watch the video!

Toyota files to trademark ‘Tacoma’, ‘Tundra’ and more in SA

Toyota has applied to trademark a raft of badges – including Tacoma and Tundra – in South Africa, despite the fact several of these models aren’t factory-built in RHD…

Related content

Ford SA won’t get into ‘price war’ with Chinese brands

The head of Ford in South Africa says the Blue Oval brand won’t get into a “price war” with the Chinese, suggesting such a scenario would result in “a race to the bottom”…

Related content

Nissan Magnite (2024) Price & Specs

The facelifted Nissan Magnite has arrived in South Africa a little over a month after its global reveal in India. Here’s a closer look at the updated range’s pricing…

How much does the facelifted Nissan Magnite cost in SA?

Related content