2023/24 CarsAwards – The finalists

These are the 39 finalists of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa – SA’s most comprehensive and authoritative motoring awards programme.

Now in its seventh iteration, the #CarsAwards annually recognises the best purchasing propositions in 13 respective segments of the domestic new-vehicle market.

“The CarsAwards underlines Cars.co.za’s commitment to helping our users understand the best way to spend their hard-earned Rands when purchasing new vehicles,” says Cars.co.za Managing Director, Amasi Mwela. “As new-car prices escalate, it further underlines the need to make educated and informed buying decisions.

“The CarsAwards brings together the insights of the top motoring experts in the country combined with feedback from real people who drive these vehicles every day to help our users make the best choices for their budget and lifestyle,” Mwela adds.

*Multiple CarsAwards Brand of the Year winner Toyota has 5 models in the running for category wins.*

Categories reflect a changing marketplace

“One of the most important differences between the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa and other automotive awards programmes is that it continues to evolve each year to reflect South Africa’s ever-changing motoring landscape,” explains Hannes Oosthuizen, who has headed the #CarsAwards project since 2015.

“We scrutinise sales data and market trends annually to define categories that are actually relevant to the South African consumer. That is why there are now so many crossover- and SUV-dominated segments, because South African car buyers have shown a predilection for those types of vehicles.”

*The BMW X3 is one of 5 finalists that the Munich-based brand has in the 2023/24 CarsAwards.*

The thirteen 2023/24Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa category winners will be selected from the list of 39 vehicles, which includes model derivatives from no fewer than 18 brands represented in the South African market. All vehicles available on the South African market on September 1, 2023 were eligible, not only new products that were launched during the past 12 months.

In some instances, models that would be launched in the domestic market in the upcoming months, and of which the panel had acquired enough experience and information to make a decision, were also included, as long as they had been priced and were available for order.

Ford Ranger Raptor — *Ford has 2 of the 3 finalists in the Leisure Double Cab category of the 2023/24 CarsAwards.*

The 39 finalists for the 2023/24 programme were selected by the extended Cars.co.za editorial team; each member scored the 65 pre-selected semi-finalists individually, based on the “Filters of Eligibility” and the “Pillars of Success” of the 13 respective categories. Once the scores were tallied, 3 finalists remained in each of the segments.

“Pricing is a critical factor for most car buyers in this tough economic climate, so we’ve focused our categories lower down the pricing ladder,” explains Oosthuizen. “Still, there remains healthy demand for premium SUVs, which is why that category was retained.”

GWM Ora — *GWM electric sub-brand Ora is a contender in the new Electric Vehicle category.*

Consider, for example, that the market for sedans has shrunk dramatically; there are not enough strong-selling contenders to justify a sedan category in the 2023/24 programme. South Africa’s fledgling electric vehicle market is growing, but very slowly… Nonetheless, the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa has a category focused on the country’s most affordable EVs for the first time.

“On the one hand, the #CarsAwards is about being in tune with consumer trends, but on the other hand, we also need to educate. Therefore, it’s important to take a leadership role in the EV space,” Oosthuizen adds. “And it’s worth noting that even when it comes to EVs, which are typically exorbitantly priced, we’ve focused on the most affordable offerings.”

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max front — *The 2023/24 CarsAwards marks the first time that a Chery model has reached the final stage of the programme.*

BMW & Toyota have the most finalists

Prospecton-based Toyota and luxury brand BMW have the most finalists with 5 contenders apiece. Hot on their heels are Haval and Ora (GWM’s two sub-brands), as well as Suzuki.

The soon-to-be-launched Ora 03 Super Lux is the country’s most affordable EV, and another Chinese brand – Chery – makes the final for the first time with its revised Tiggo 8 Pro Max.

Herewith the full list of 2023/24 CarsAwards finalists:

Entry-Level Hatch (Priced below R250 000)

Renault Kiger 1.0 Zen	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL	Price & Specs	Review
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX	Price & Specs	Review

Budget Hatch (R250 000 to R350 000)

Renault Clio 1.0 Turbo Zen	Price & Specs	Review
Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Toyota Starlet 1.5 XR	Price & Specs	Launch Review

Compact Hatch (R350 000 to R500 000)

Honda Fit 1.5 Elegance	Price & Specs	Review
Opel Corsa 1.2T Elegance	Price & Specs	Review
Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI 85kW R-Line	Price & Specs	Launch Review

Entry-Level Crossover (R300 000 to R400 000)

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Elite Auto	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Haval Jolion 1.5T Premium	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 GLX manual	Price & Specs	Review

Compact Family Car (R400 000 to R500 000)

Haval Jolion S Super Luxury	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Renault Duster 1.5dCi Intens	Price & Specs
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR	Price & Specs	Review

Family Car (R600 000 to R800 000)

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDi 390 Executive	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Haval H6 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury	Price & Specs	Video Review
Kia Sportage 1.6CRDi EX	Price & Specs	Review (model)

For more: 2023/24 CarsAwards Finalists: Best Family Car in SA

Premium Crossover (R700 000 to R1 million)

Audi Q3 Sportback 40TFSI quattro S Line	Price & Specs	Review
BMW X1 sDrive18d M Sport	Price & Specs	Review (model)
Volvo XC40 B4 Ultimate Dark	Price & Specs	Review (model)

Executive SUV (R1 million to R1.3 million)

BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Lexus NX 350h F Sport	Price & Specs
Mercedes-Benz GLC220d 4Matic Avantgarde	Price & Specs	Video Review (model)

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

BMW iX xDrive40	Price & Specs	Video Review (model)
BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport	Price & Specs
Land Rover Defender 110 D250 SE County	Price & Specs	Video Review (model)

Adventure SUV (R800 000 to R1.2 million)

Ford Everest 3.0 V6 Wildtrak	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Isuzu MU-X 3.0TD Onyx 4×4	Price & Specs	Review
Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4×4 VX	Price & Specs	Video Review

Performance Car (Below R1 million)

Honda Civic Type R	Price & Specs
Toyota GR Corolla Circuit	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Toyota GR Yaris Rally	Price & Specs	Review

Leisure Double Cab (Above R800 000)

Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 EcoBoost Raptor 4WD	Price & Specs	Video Review
Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 Wildtrak 4WD	Price & Specs	Video Review
Volkswagen Amarok 3.0TDI V6 Aventura 4Motion	Price & Specs	Review (model)

Electric Vehicle (Below R1.3 million)

BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport	Price & Specs
GWM Ora 300 Super Luxury	Price & Specs	Launch Review
Volvo XC40 Twin Motor Ultimate	Price & Specs	Video Review

On to the Final!

Each of the 39 finalists (three per category) was subjected to back-to-back testing at the Gerotek proving ground in Gauteng by the combined judging panel (the Cars.co.za editorial team members and respected guest judges from various backgrounds and fields of expertise) on 2 and 3 November 2023.

The judges for the 2023/24 CarsAwards are:

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

*Phuti Mpyane (Business Day) is a veteran CarsAwards judge.*

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

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

More about the #CarsAwards

The winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) will be named on 29 February 2024.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

New Renault Niagara bakkie concept revealed

The Renault Niagara Concept seemingly previews an upcoming double-cab bakkie set to be positioned above the Oroch and built on the group’s latest unibody platform…

This is the Renault Niagara Concept, which the French firm bills as a “glimpse into the style of the future Renault range” for international markets. Built on a new modular platform, the Niagara double-cab bakkie – should it reach production – would likely be positioned above the Oroch.

Thanks to its “ultra-flexible” underpinnings, Renault claims the Niagara Concept offers “outstanding” driving comfort. Endowed with a 48-volt electrical system, the bakkie concept features an unspecified mild-hybrid petrol engine up front and an additional electric motor at the rear (no further powertrain details have been released).

As such, Renault promises “optimised” off-road performance, adding the bakkie would be able to “handle half of your everyday drives in full-electric mode, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions”. Though the press material is light on technical details, the company does promise “extra-high” ground clearance, long-travel suspension and “ample” off-roading angles.

Of course, the Niagara Concept features a unibody construction – as opposed to the ladder-frame configuration employed by Mzansi favourites such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max, as well as Alliance bakkies, the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton – which suggests more of a “lifestyle” bent. That would see it instead pitted against the likes of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.

“Niagara Concept embodies the style of the future international line-up of the Renault brand. Robust and mighty with oversized and exuberant lines, this exploratory concept is also sophisticated and packed with technologies. It is the promise of an unlimited journey,” said Gilles Vidal, Vice President of Renault Design.

While the company hasn’t provided any exterior dimensions, it’s clear the Niagara Concept is a little larger than the likewise unibody (and Duster-based) Oroch. The latter, of course, has long been in the planning for a South African introduction but has yet to materialise for local buyers.

Where would the proposed production version of the Niagara be offered? Well, the new Renault Group modular platform underpinning the bakkie concept has an “international scope”, according to the automaker, which further makes reference to markets outside of Europe.

Latin America seems the most obvious choice for the Niagara Concept (Brazil was the brand’s 2nd-biggest market outside of Europe in 2022, after all), which could potentially go into production by 2027. Of course, whether or not a right-hand-drive version would be developed remains to be seen…

New Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 Sedan Video Review – First Drive in an Electric AMG

Well, this day was always coming. While this EQE is not a fully-fledged AMG model (those are still to come), this is the very first electric vehicle from Mercedes to wear the AMG badge. And it certainly is interesting…

The EQE 43 is a 350kW bahnstormer with a properly decent-sized battery delivering a usable (official) range of over 400km. It’s a luxurious tech fest in the cabin too although as Ciro De Siena found out, the build quality leaves quite a lot to be desired.

Join us for an in-depth look at the Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 sedan, where he discusses the price, rivals, rear seat space, boot space and of course what it’s like to drive.

Buy a Mercedes-Benz on Cars.co.za

It’s back! Honda Prelude reborn in concept form

The return of the Honda Prelude nameplate has been all but confirmed, with the Japanese automaker unveiling a fresh concept bearing this storied badge…

Yes, the Honda Prelude is back – well, sort of. Some 22 years after this storied nameplate was put out to pasture, the Japanese automaker has whipped the wraps off a sleekly styled coupé concept bearing the badge. And it looks very likely to reach production.

In a surprise reveal right at the end of Honda President Toshihiro Mibe’s media address at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 in Tokyo, the company introduced what it called the “Prelude Concept”.

*The Prelude Concept employs an electric powertrain.*

What do we know about this show car? Well, though details are still thin on the ground, Honda has confirmed the concept employs an electrified powertrain of some sort, which furthermore suggests any upcoming production version will, too. That said, powertrain specifications have yet to be released.

Describing it as a “specialty sports model”, Mibe-san said the concept was “the prelude for our future models, which will inherit the ‘joy of driving’ into the full-fledged electrified future and embody Honda’s unalterable sports mindset”.

*Honda’s president says the firm is “diligently progressing with development”.*

“The Prelude Concept is a specialty sports model that will offer exhilarating experience that makes you want to keep going forever and extraordinary excitement you never felt before. In order to offer the ‘joy of driving’ only Honda can realise, we are diligently progressing with development, so please keep your expectations high for this model,” the Honda boss added.

As a reminder, the Prelude was built between 1978 and 2001, with 5 generations on offer. Though the 1st-generation version wasn’t officially sold in South Africa, our market did receive the next 4. All were 2-door coupés using the front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Globally, the 2nd-gen model was by far the best-selling Prelude, with sales dropping off drastically over the following generations.

*The “Prelude” script used here resembles the 4th-gen model’s badge.*

We’ll keep our eyes peeled for more official information from Honda on the rebirth of the Prelude nameplate…

Chery showcases rapid progress in technology

If you think Chery’s transformation from the producer of entry-level cheapies to one that offers fashionable, feature-rich top-selling models has been impressive, wait until you see what technology it is working on for the (well, immediate) future...

During my more than 2 decades in the motor industry, I have sat through my fair share of car-company strategy sessions. Usually, one can pick out 2 or 3 interesting technologies, and perhaps a new model or two that will eventually reach South Africa.

*The Chery “Tech Day” was attended by hundreds of delegates from across the globe.*

But the recent Chery “Tech Day” in Wuhu, China, was very different. This was not merely a confident company rolling out a few treats, but a rampant, increasingly global automotive giant unleashing a technological tour-de-force the likes of which I have not experienced before… certainly not in a single day. To be honest, it was difficult to take in, and it’s difficult to know where to start…

On my return journey, I spotted a random poster at the airport. It featured a fantastical image of a Viking ship in mid-air and a quote by Jules Verne, which finally managed to aptly describe the Tech Day experience for me.

*This installation showcases the underpinnings of a Chery off-roader, replete with a winch.*

“Anything one man can imagine,” said Verne, “other men can make real.”

Chery’s investment in Research and Development over the next 5 years will amount to 100 billion yuan (more than R260 billion), and it will set up 300 “Yao Guang” laboratories globally.

But even as things stand today, Chery has already applied for and accumulated more than 26 000 patents. Evidently, Chery has a lot of men and women with wild imaginations, and even more to turn those fantasies into reality…

*Chery Holdings Group chairman Yin Tongyue says the company strives for a “reputation of excellence”.*

“We aspire to establish a robust and flourishing innovative ecosystem, characterised by a sturdy core. Chery is committed not only to autonomously cultivating talent but to continuously attracting leading experts from around the world. We aim to achieve a reputation for excellence that speaks for itself, creating a resounding impact with our endeavours,” said the chairman of Chery Holdings Group, Yin Tongyue.

The company certainly has the financial muscle to invest aggressively. From January to September this year, Chery’s cumulative sales have reached 1.253 million vehicles, surpassing the total sales for the entire previous year, which is the current record.

*The SA delegation in conference with Chery executives of the local subsidiary as well as the mother company.*

At the start of the conference, attended by more than 500 international guests, the goals communicated at the previous Tech Summit (in 2022) were displayed and, in many instances, Chery is tracking ahead of its own ambitious targets. But what about the next 5 years?

What technology is Chery developing

As expected, the battery-electric vehicle is a major focus area; Chery used the conference to announce a new platform powered by a battery developed by CATL, the world’s largest power battery manufacturer.

*The Shenxing ultra-fast-charging battery is said to facilitate a BEV range in excess of 700 km.*

Chery will be the first to use the new “Shenxing” ultra-fast-charging battery technology. It will debut in one of the Chinese marque’s Exeed luxury brand models early next year and promises zero to 100% charge in 19 minutes, as well as a range in excess of 700 km!

The company also announced that it would launch no fewer than 24 hybrid and 15 high-end electric vehicles on its E0X platform within 2 years. Of course, the upcoming local launches of the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as the Omoda E5 (BEV), have already been confirmed.

*Chery’s Fengyun T9 is a plug-in hybrid variant of the Tiggo 9 7-seater crossover.*

The overarching technology strategy, called Yaoguang 2025, breaks down Chery’s ambitions into 5 main areas, notably Safety, Low energy consumption, Space, Intelligent cockpit and Intelligent driving. Nearly 20 major core technologies, including platform architecture, hydrogen technology, autonomous driving and even an intelligent cloud platform are being developed.

Following the conference, there was an opportunity to experience some of the advanced tech, which seemed fantastical on stage. Chery debuted an on-board AI system, which includes a health monitor, for example.

*Chery plans to incorporate virtual reality in an immersive in-cabin experience.*

There was also a Level 4 autonomous robotaxi, a metaverse display (yes, it’s coming to a Chery near you, soon) and an intriguing technology that allows for an immersive 4D cabin experience, complete with the ability to emit smells that you may find enjoyable, such as the ocean, or coffee.

It works incredibly well. It won’t be long before you get into your fully autonomous Chery, enter the Metaverse and experience a completely different, exciting or relaxing world on your way to your destination, compared with the hustle-bustle of the outside world.

*The impressive Chery Arrizo 8 is under consideration for the South African market!*

For those of you who still prefer to take the steering wheel in your hands, and experience the thrill of driving, there is also some good news. Chery still predicts a lengthy future for the internal combustion engine and is continuing investment in these drivetrains.

I had a brief drive in the Chery Arrizo 8, a handsome sedan that is under consideration for South Africa. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, and featuring all-wheel drive, it’s an impressive showcase not only of Chery’s technological prowess but also the build quality of its latest products.

The staggering acceleration in the development of new technology, coupled with excellent quality will be key to the global ambitions of the Chery Holdings Group. I wouldn’t bet against them.

Updated Mercedes-AMG GLE (2023) Price & Specs

The performance derivatives of the updated Mercedes-AMG GLE have made their way to SA. Here’s pricing and specifications.

The rollout of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV range to South African showrooms is now complete with the arrival of the performance-focused updated Mercedes-AMG GLE derivatives.

Visually, there’s a subtle upgrade to the LED daytime running lights and the front apron gets redesigned air intakes. There are new LED tail lamps at the rear and the Mercedes-Benz star logo has been replaced by the AMG logo.

The updated Mercedes-AMG GLE range offers more equipment and the brand claims that options in the pre-facelift are now standard. For the GLE 53, luxuries like the electric panoramic sliding roof, heated front seats, adaptive highbeam assist, smartphone integration, active AMG exhaust, Burmester audio and 360-degree parking pilot are now standard fare. In fact, there are very few options, but for those cold winter mornings, the heated steering wheel might be worth looking into.

For the flagship V8-powered GLE 63 S derivative, heads-up display, air-balance package, multi-contour front seats, temperature controlled cupholders and AMG logo projection. As a reminder, all AMG GLE models feature the crisp MBUX infotainment and digital instrument cluster that stretches across the dashboard.

AMG Powertrain enhancements

Under the bonnet of the GLE 53 is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder with electric assistance. The power figure of 320 kW is unchanged, but torque is now up to 560 Nm from 520 Nm thanks to larger turbochargers and a software update. It’s claimed to dash to 100 kph in 5 seconds dead, which is quicker than the predecessor (5.3 seconds).

The flagship GLE 63 S retains its monster 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with 450 kW and 850 Nm, giving it thundering performance of 3.9 seconds to 100 kph. Both powertrains benefit from an integrated starter generator and 48-volt electrical setup which helps save fuel, reduce turbo lag and provide near instant engine start.

All AMG GLE derivatives feature 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, air suspension with adaptive dampers and a 9-speed automatic transmission.

How much does the Updated Mercedes-AMG GLE cost in South Africa?

GLE 53 4MATIC+ SUV R2 400 000

GLE 53 4MATIC+ SUV 7-seater R2 419 400

GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ SUV R3 799 000

GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe R2 525 850

GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe R3 799 000

Mahindra Pik Up S6 Karoo SC (2023) Price & Specs

We’ve dug up pricing for the new Mahindra Pik Up S6 Karoo single cab, which is available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. Here’s how much they cost in SA…

The Mahindra Pik Up – which is assembled in KwaZulu-Natal – has made 5th place on the monthly list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies very much its own. And now the Indian manufacturer’s local division has quietly expanded the range, adding a pair of fresh Karoo single-cab derivatives.

Of course, the Karoo nameplate is by no means new to Mahindra’s Pik Up line-up in Mzansi, having been applied to various double-cab derivatives over the past 5 or so years (including special-edition bakkies featuring suffixes such as Dusk, Dawn, Storm and Dew). However, this is the first time the Karoo badge has used on the single-cab body style.

So, what do we know about the new 2-door Karoo variants? Well, there’s the choice of either 4×2 or 4×4 configurations, with urge provided by Mahindra’s familiar 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine in each case. As a reminder, this motor generates 103 kW and 320 Nm, peak outputs that are delivered via a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard.

*The Karoo badge is familiar from the double-cab Pik Up range.*

According to our information, the Pik Up S6 Karoo 4×2 single cab is priced at R402 499, while the S6 Karoo 4×4 version comes in at R440 499. By our maths, that translates to a premium (over the standard 2-door S6) of R68 000 in the case of the 4×2 model and R67 000 in the case of the 4×4 variant.

The new single-cab Karoo models are set apart from the standard S6 derivatives by what Mahindra describes as a “limited-edition” Sand Dune exterior paintjob, along with obligatory “Karoo” decals on the lower parts of the doors. In line with the double-cab derivatives of the same name, the package also includes a Karoo-branded nudge bar and a sports bar, each of which is finished in black, along with a tonneau cover (enclosing a load bay we suspect is rubberised).

Since we’ve thus far been able to unearth just a single image of the special-edition bakkie’s exterior (which further suggests it scores 2-tone alloy wheels), it’s not entirely clear what sort of upgrades have been implemented in the cabin. However, we have it on good authority the Karoo derivatives gain a rear-view camera, at the very least.

We’ll update this article once we know more about tweaks made to the cabin…

How much does the Mahindra Pik Up SC Karoo cost in SA?

Mahindra Pik Up S6 Karoo 2.2CRDe single cab 4×2 – R402 499

Mahindra Pik Up S6 Karoo 2.2CRDe single cab 4×4 – R440 499

The prices above include a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 20 000 km).

Buy a Mahindra Pik Up on Cars.co.za!

The story behind BMW’s iconic TV adverts + BMW SA exports to the world – BMW Group SA Chronicles (Ep 5 Video)

After growing its market share gradually during the ’70s, BMW Group South Africa expanded its model line-up in the ’80s and ’90s. BMW became a household name thanks to compelling products – and a multitude of iconic advertising campaigns!

As South Africa came out of isolation, it was ready to show its automotive production capabilities to the world. This meant building cars like the 3, 5, 7 and even the 8 Series. That didn’t stop BMW SA from producing its very own special editions – after local production of the E34 M5 ended, the firm modified the E34 540i with local specification and a 6-speed manual ‘box (only 72 units were made available).

In the 5th episode of a 6-part video series about the history of BMW in South Africa, Jacob Moshokoa chats with BMW Group SA chief executive officer Peter van Binsbergen about BMW’s edgy advertising and marketing campaigns in the ’90s (in which the Munich-based brand sometimes taunted its rivals) and with Leo Haese, who famously established BMW’s 2nd oldest dealership in South Africa in 1982.

When BMW Group SA began producing the 3rd-gen 3 Series in 1992, it set the Rosslyn Plant on course to commence an enduring export programme once our Republic had transitioned to a democracy.

Keen on buying the BMW book mentioned in the video? Buy it here!

Order a 1/18 scale model of a BMW from SentiMETAL

Order a A2 or A3 print of a 325iS, 333i, or other unique-to-SA BMWs

BMW Concours d’Elegance 2023

Other ‘BMW 50 Years’ series episodes:

Mzansi’s love for BMW M cars – BMW Group SA Chronicles (Ep 6)

BMW 333i and 325iS – BMW Group SA Chronicles (Ep 4)

The M1-engined 745i – BMW Group SA Chronicles (Ep 3)

How BMW’s SA race cars were born – BMW Group SA Chronicles (Ep 2)

Celebrating 50 years of BMW in SA – BMW Group SA Chronicles (Ep 1)

Toyota EPU Previews Next-Generation Bakkie

The Toyota EPU concept will be shown publicly at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show and previews a new bakkie that will sit under the Hilux.

This smart-looking concept is the Toyota EPU and while there’s been no mention of what exactly EPU stands for, we’re guessing its Electric Pick Up.

The Toyota EPU concept is just over 5 metres long which is fractionally shorter than the current Toyota Hilux. Under the skin, the EPU is said to feature a monocoque body unlike the body-on-frame setup which is commonly used for bakkies.

A monocoque is more commonly associated with passenger vehicles. While not sold here, both the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick have monocoque platforms and we suspect Toyota has been watching those two products closely.

We know Toyota is working on a smaller bakkie (nicknamed Stout) and this could be the first official preview of this model. Right now, the Toyota EPU is an electric-only concept, but given the Japanese giants cautious approach towards full electrification, we’re expecting customers will be offered a choice of internal combustion power, hybrid or battery.

Inside, the Toyota EPU features a modern and minimalist interior and we noticed a yoke controller as opposed to a steering wheel. It’s all very futuristic, but if just some of these design elements are incorporated into future Toyota bakkies, fans will be delighted.

Earlier in 2023, as reported by IOL Motoring, Toyota SA Motors executives hinted at an upcoming model that could slot in below the popular Hilux and likely be built at the same factory in Prospecton, KwaZulu-Natal. As we’ve touched on before, however, this may well end up being a prolonged-lifecycle version of the Hilux (a “Hilux Quest”, if you will) rather than an all-new model (or indeed a unibody half-tonner), but the EPU has given us something else to think about. Watch this space!

Spy Shots: 2025 BMW X3

The spy photographers have spotted the brand-new 2025 BMW X3 and here’s what we know so far.

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.

Development work on the brand-new 2025 BMW X3 is well underway and our spy photographers have spotted one of the prototypes out and about.

While BMW has made quite the statement with its Neue Klasse platform, the new BMW X3 is expected to retain its CLAR platform, albeit with some updates. BMW will be offering its X3 with both an electric lineup as well as a family of internal-combustion powertrains.

The next-gen BMW X3 will receive quite the visual update with new daytime running lights, bold squared kidney grille, flushed door handles. At first glance, these DRLs look quite similar to those of the current-shape X1. We’ve yet to see any interior photographs, but we’d be surprised if the cabin didn’t get the big curved infotainment screen.

Our spy photographers say the vehicle here is the BMW X3 M50i, which will be the quickest X3 before the all-new X3 M Competition makes its debut. We understand that the M50i should retain the iconic 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, while the flagship M Competition will gain some form of hybrid technology.

The best news is this new-gen 2025 BMW X3 will be assembled right here in South Africa at BMW Group South Africa’s plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria. Dr Milan Nedeljkovic, Chairman of the Board of Management for BMW Group SA said, “From 2024 we will produce the BMW X3 in SA as a plug-in hybrid and export it to the world. To this end, the BMW Group is investing R4.2 billion in the site over 5 years.”

When will the 2025 BMW X3 be revealed?

We expect this new-generation BMW X3 to be revealed before the end of 2023 or early 2024, and marketed as a 2025 model.

BMW X3 PHEV to be built in SA

Cars Awards Best Executive SUV in SA

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