Despite the popularity of the SUV, there’s still room for a stylish luxury coupe. Here’s all you need to know about the new Mercedes-Benz CLE!
Mercedes-Benz has somewhat rationalised its coupe offering, waving goodbye to both the C-Class and E-Class Coupe and ushering in the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe which will be offered in both hardtop and cabriolet body styles.
Hardtop or Cabriolet? Tough choices to be made with the new Mercedes-Benz CLE.
The new CLE Coupe stands 4 850 mm long, 1 860 mm wide, 1 428 mm high and adopts a longer wheelbase, 2 865 mm to be exact (25mm more than the new C-Class), resulting in a more spacious cabin with Mercedes-Benz claiming 72 mm more knee room, 10 mm improved headroom and 19mm better shoulder room. More so, the load bay is said to be 60 litres larger than the C-Class with up to 675 litres of space.
Stylistically, the CLE adopts somewhat familiar design cues such as a forward-leaning “shark nose”, a low-slung bonnet, flat LED headlights, 3D grille design and two-part LED tail lights. It’s worth knowing that the CLE sits some 15 mm lower than the C-Class and wheels sizes vary from 18 to 20 inches, depending on trim grade (either Avantgarde or AMG Line).
The CLE’s interior adopts technology from the E-Class.
As for the interior, highlights include a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, 11.9-inch infotainment display with Merc’s latest third-generation MBUX operating system and ambient interior lighting that offers up to 64 colours to choose from. The new CLE also gains specially-designed sporty front seats as well as a Burmester 3D surround sound system
What engines power the new Mercedes-Benz CLE?
Mild-hybrid powertrains are the order of the day with the new CLE.
Buyers will have a choice of mild-hybrid powertrains, incorporating an integrated starter generator and 48-volt electrical system combining with either a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the CLE 300 4Matic with 190 kW and 400 Nm of torque or a range-topping CLE 450 4MATIC with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine which produces 280 kW and 500 Nm. The only diesel offering is the CLE 220d with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine producing 147 kW. All variants are paired with an optimised 9-speed automatic transmission. A CLE Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) variant is also on the cards.
Merc’s Dynamic Body Control with continuously adjustable damping is optional in addition to rear axle steering as offered n the Technology Package.
When will the new Mercedes-Benz CLE come to South Africa?
At the time of writing, the local arrival of the new CLE has yet to be confirmed. However, Europe will receive the new CLE Coupe in November 2023 with the CLE Cabriolet following in 2024. Therefore, realistically, South African customers can expect the new CLE in South Africa sometime in 2024.
We will keep you updated as soon as we receive confirmation.
We compare the new Toyota Urban Cruiser to the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Same same, but different? Ashley Oldfield weighs up the pros and cons of each, with a definitive verdict.
The Toyota Urban Cruiser and Suzuki Grand Vitara are fundamentally identical, but in this video Ashley Oldfield takes you through the visual differences, trim levels and value offering.
We also assess the on-road driving differences between the manual gearbox and automatic transmission, and climb into the back to see just how much space there is.
If you’re wanting to buy a compact SUV that will be affordable to own and run, this is the video for you.
If you wish to crunch the numbers and do a spec-by-spec comparison, then we can answer that in our written comparison.
The popular baby SUV has been given an update. Here’s all you need to know about the 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross.
The T-Cross has been quite the success story for the Wolfsburg-based brand and as C-segment hatches decline in popularity, SUVs like the T-Cross and T-Roc are going from strength to strength. Globally, there have been over 1.2 million T-Cross units finding homes around the world since its debut four years ago.
What you see here is the 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross which has just been announced. This is the R-Line trim level, which will sit at the top of the range. There are new colours on offer, but the real changes can be found in the design. The lighting structure has been overhauled with LED headlights and Matrix LED headlights (depending on trim level) and the front gets the trendy light bar.
The rear gains some cool-looking LED tail lamps in an X pattern and there’s an LED lightbar linking them. Customers will be able to choose from 16-inch wheels for the base, while the top-spec models get 17-inch units.
Inside, the 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross features a digital instrument cluster across the range, although entry-level models get an 8-inch unit, while 10-inch units are for the higher spec levels. The central screen has grown in size, with an 8-inch unit for the entry level modes and 9.2-inches for the premium offerings.
This new screen has been repositioned for better ergonomics and features Volkswagen’s latest hardware and software. There have also been claims of improvements to the cabin quality, with Volkswagen adding softer padding to the dashboard.
The engine lineup is mostly carried over, with the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol available in two states of tune (70 kW and 85 kW), and customers can choose from a 5-speed / 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol continues to be offered exclusively with the DSG.
2024 Volkswagen T-Cross Availability?
Volkswagen Europe says it will start accepting orders for the updated model in Autumn of 2023, with the first deliveries heading to customers in the first quarter of 2024. Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed that the updated T-Cross will go on sale in SA in 2024.
South Africa’s 15 best-selling passenger vehicles in H1 2023
The first half of 2023 has come and gone! Let’s take a look at year-to-date sales figures and identify the big winners on South Africa’s new passenger-vehicle market…
In the first half of 2023, South Africa’s new passenger-vehicle market saw year-on-year growth of 4.8%, despite facing a number of headwinds. Out of an industry total of 265 824 units, as many as 173 493 new passenger vehicles were registered locally in H1 2023 (this, though, represents a 1.3% decline compared to the same period in 2022). So, which models were the top performers?
Well, we’ve painstakingly sorted through the year-to-date sales figures and identified South Africa’s 15 best-selling passenger vehicles in H1 2023. For the record, Toyota boasts 4 models in the top 15 (and 3 in the top 5), while Volkswagen took 3 spots, with Suzuki and Renault grabbing 2 apiece. As many as 5 models on the list were locally produced, while 7 were manufactured in India. Let’s take a closer look at the statistics…
Toyota Corolla Cross keeps VW Polo Vivo in 2nd place
At the halfway point of 2023, the Prospecton-produced Toyota Corolla Cross – which placed 4th in 2022, a year in which production was halted for around 3 months thanks to the KwaZulu-Natal floods – was leading the pack, with a whopping 10 604 registrations (or a monthly average of 1 767 units). Its best month came in June 2022, when 2 115 units were sold.
That saw the Kariega-built Volkswagen Polo Vivo pushed into 2nd place, though at 9 936 registrations it was just 668 units behind the Corolla-badged crossover. As a reminder, the prolonged-lifecycle Polo Vivo was SA’s strongest-selling passenger car in 2022, when 20 866 units were registered.
Fascinatingly, the Toyota Starlet (8 355 units) – which is manufactured by Maruti Suzuki – grabbed the final position on the passenger-vehicle podium, while also securing the H1 2023 title of best-selling imported car.
The likewise Indian-built Suzuki Swift wasn’t far behind on 8 193 units and thus placed 4th, while the Toyota Fortuner (5 995 units) secured a strong 5th. Recently updated, the Prospecton-manufactured Fortuner was the highest-placed full-sized SUV, bouncing back from a somewhat disappointing (by its lofty sales standards, anyway) 2022.
Volkswagen Polo hatch slips while Chinese vehicles climb
Yes, the Volkswagen Polo hatchback tumbled from the top 5, finishing the opening half of 2023 in 6th position, with 5 650 examples sold in South Africa (a monthly average of 942 units). As a reminder, in 2022, the German hatch placed 5th with 15 697 units registered, a figure it looks exceedingly unlikely to match this year.
While it’s not clear exactly what has caused the Polo’s sustained drop-off in popularity – we have considered various possible factors before, of course – we understand the VW Group’s Kariega facility continues to struggle with production stoppages. The numbers furthermore suggest the German firm has opted to prioritise the export market over the local market. Naturally, we’ll monitor sales for the remainder of the year and see whether we can glean any further insights.
The Hyundai Grand i10 hatchback (4 963 units, not including the Cargo-based light-commercial version) – which will soon be replaced by a facelifted version, complete with the option of a sedan body style – finished H1 2023 in 7th (up from 10th in Q1 2023), while the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (4 954 units) was the highest-ranked Chinese car, finishing in 8th and narrowly beating the 9th-placed Haval Jolion (4 785 units).
The Spanish-built Volkswagen T-Cross completed the top 10, with 4 149 units registered in South Africa in the reporting period. After a strong start in the opening quarter (in which 2 613 examples were sold), T-Cross sales tapered off somewhat, with 1 536 units reported in the 2nd quarter.
Indian-made budget cars (and SA-built Quest) complete top 15
The Renault Kiger was the French firm’s highest-placed model (though it is, of course, manufactured in India), finishing H1 2023 in 11th with 4 053 units sold. The closely related Nissan Magnite (3 890 units) wasn’t far off the pace in 12th.
Another Indian-produced budget car in the form of the Suzuki Baleno – which is, of course, the vehicle on which the 3rd-placed Starlet is based – took 13th spot, with 3 449 units (or around 41% of its cousin’s effort) sold. The prolonged-lifecycle Toyota Corolla Quest ended the reporting period on 3 152 units, which was enough to see the KZN-built model secure 14th and rank as the highest-placed sedan.
The final place on the list went to the Renault Triber (3 034 units), yet another model sourced from India. Interestingly, the Triber was the only MPV to crack the top 15 as well as the 2nd 7-seater vehicle, behind the Fortuner.
A pair of Kia models and the Urban Cruiser bubbling under
So, what about the passenger vehicles that fell just short of making the top 15? Well, the Renault Kwid (3 004 units) found itself in 16th place on the list of SA’s best-selling passenger vehicles for the opening half of the year.
Fascinatingly, the Toyota Urban Cruiser (2 905 units) – which ranked 3rd with a whopping 16 992 units in 2022 – had to settle for comparatively lowly 17th in H1 2023. Of course, the switchover to a new, larger generation took place in April 2023, a month in which local sales dipped to just 317 units. However, that wasn’t the Urban Cruiser’s most modest monthly tally, which instead came in June 2023 with 281 units.
The Kia Sonet (2 902 units) ended the reporting period in 18th, ahead of the Haval H6 (2 633 units) in 19th and Kia Picanto (2 604 units) in 20th. The Hyundai i20 (2 515 units), Suzuki S-Presso (2 488 units), Hyundai Venue (2 312 units), Suzuki Ertiga (2 143 units) and Toyota Rumion (2 042 units) – each imported from India, easily the top country of origin for SA – occupied the next 5 spots.
South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles in H1 2023
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek recently went on sale in South Africa and we have put the top-of-the-range 2.0 iS derivative through its paces. Can the Japanese compact crossover’s all-road capability and generous features list justify its steep price tag?
We like: Ride quality, most off-road capable in class, cabin space, build quality, safety tech
We don’t like: Small boot space, pricey, not the most energetic performer
Subaru has styled the XV’s successor to more closely resemble the new WRX from the front.
Presenting the artist formerly known as XV… Yes, Subaru has given its compact crossover a fresh face and a new name in South Africa, which brings the model in line with international markets. What exactly is new under the Crosstrek’s sheet metal? Well, its platform has been updated and tuned for improved refinement, and the Shibuya-based marque has adjusted the model’s standard features list as well.
If you’re shopping around for a small family car with a raised ride height that offers hatchback dynamics and all the modern convenience features, you’re really spoilt for choice in the South African new-vehicle market. Spec for spec, the Volkswagen T-Roc 2.0TSI 140kW 4Motion Design is arguably the closest rival to the Subaru Crosstrek 2.0 iS. You could also consider the (soon-to-be-replaced) Hyundai Kona 1.6T N-Line, but the Korean model can’t match the Crosstrek’s ground clearance and all-wheel-drive capability.
Compared with its iL sibling, the 2.0 iS features 19-inch wheels, plus self-dimming, -levelling and corner-following headlamps.
How the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek fares in terms of…
Engine and performance
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with what Subaru claims is an upgraded continuously variable transmission (CVT). Petrolheads tend to despise CVTs because they don’t deliver satisfying gear shifts… Why? because they don’t have gears – the automatic transmission utilises “steps” to utilise optimal engine performance. But CVTs do have their strengths: they’re less complicated than torque-converter-type ‘boxes and prioritise fuel efficiency.
With peak outputs of 115 kW and 196 Nm on tap, the Subaru Crosstrek’s 2.0-litre motor lacks that low-down turbocharged punch that many of its rivals offer, but data from our test equipment confirmed that the 2.0 iS could accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 9.84 sec. Its overtaking acceleration is quite leisurely; evidently, the newcomer was engineered for comfort and efficiency rather than punchy performance…
Although the Crosstrek’s transmission doesn’t shift gears, the steering wheel has paddles with which to simulate ‘shifts.
The flat-4 sounds quite vocal, but there’s little urge at full acceleration, which feels old-school compared with modern turbocharged motors paired with quicker-shifting automatic boxes. There are ‘shift paddles on the steering wheel and, when you utilise them, the CVT does an okay job of simulating gearshifts.
That’s not to say the Subaru Crosstrek feels slow or underpowered all of the time. Sure, when you want to execute a quick overtaking manoeuvre, the 2.0 iS may feel a little out of breath, but when you drive the crossover in a considered (unhurried) manner on the daily commute, its performance is quite adequate.
Subaru claims an average fuel-consumption figure of 7.2 L/100 km for the Crosstrek (which has a 63-litre tank) and, at the end of its tenure in our fleet, the test unit indicated 8.9 L/100 km… and that’s after we’d driven it in a variety of urban- and extra-urban conditions. In truth, we didn’t expect it to be particularly frugal – after all, the Subaru is saddled with the additional weight of its permanent all-wheel drivetrain.
The Crosstrek’s analogue instrument cluster is neat, but some of its rivals now feature all-digital screens instead.
Ride, handling and safety
Like the VB-series WRX, the Crosstrek utilises the Subaru Global Platform, which means the crossover emulates the sporty sedan’s impressive driving manners – even if it’s not as performance-oriented as its sibling. The steering setup is nicely weighted, which is to say that it’s light and quick enough to make city driving a cinch, but also provides reassuring heft and responsiveness when cornering at brisk speeds.
What’s more, the Subaru’s general ride quality is pleasingly composed and refined, which is a big plus, considering the Republic’s wildly divergent qualities of road surfaces! Allied with excellent build quality, the level of noise, vibration and harshness suppression in the Crosstrek is up there with the best in class.
Still, we can’t shake the notion that the model would benefit from having a more powerful motor under its bonnet. Come on Subaru, you know you want to slot the Forester’s 136 kW 2.5 litre in the Crosstrek!
The provision of adaptive cruise control makes the Crosstrek a great vehicle for relaxed touring.
Comprehensive safety tech is a must-have at this price point and, to Subaru’s credit, the Crosstrek’s systems are well-integrated and not overly intrusive. Driving assist features (grouped under the EyeSight banner) include lane-departure prevention, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, intelligent speed limiter and pre-collision braking. The key to the EyeSight moniker is the Subaru’s stereoscopic high-res camera setup, which can identify cars, bikes and pedestrians in the path of the vehicle (in most driving conditions) and apply the brakes to avoid – or reduce the impact severity of – a traffic collision.
Apart from ABS with EBD, electronic stability control and new fewer than 9 airbags, the 2.0 iS is equipped with rear cross-traffic alert with automatic reverse braking functionality, as well as a 360-degree camera.
As with many other contemporary Subaru models, the Crosstrek sports excellent interior build quality.
Interior tech and space
New for the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, but while it doesn’t sound like much has changed, the outgoing XV was already very well specified. In addition to iL specification, the 2.0 iS comes fitted with auto high-beam assist, LED daytime running lights, steering responsive headlights, leather trim, 19-inch wheels, 2-mode X-Mode, plus a 360-degree camera view.
The user interface of the portrait-orientated infotainment screen takes some getting used to, but once you’re familiar with it, it’s a great system that houses an array of functions, including built-in navigation and climate controls. If you prefer old-fashioned climate control buttons, the Crosstrek has those too…
The Crosstrek offers device-charging options for those with the latest… and not-so-new devices.
Despite its compact size, the Crosstrek offers enough cabin space to accommodate 4 adults in comfort. There are no climate vents for rear occupants, but they are availed USB-A and USB-C ports to recharge their electronic devices. There is even enough head- and legroom for taller passengers and the sunroof contributes to the sense of spaciousness, but on the downside, the Subaru’s claimed load-bay capacity (320 litres), is substantially less than what most of its (fellow compact crossover) rivals offer.
The portrait-orientated touchscreen is sizeable and connects wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The front seats, which Subaru claims to have reworked extensively for improved comfort and support, are well worth a mention. Not only are they particularly comfy – this top-spec derivative features 8-way electric adjustment (including lumbar support) to help you achieve that perfect driving position easily.
Meanwhile, there is plenty of cabin storage space, including decently-sized drink holders, deep door pockets and, of course, you can rest things on the wireless charging pad when you’re not using it.
The Crosstrek’s cabin offers a multitude of storage spaces and scores high marks for occupant comfort.
Off-road capabilities
Thanks to its symmetrical all-wheel drive, the Crosstrek is arguably the most off-road-capable vehicle in its segment. While it lacks low range for true go-anywhere capability, the model may pleasantly surprise those who drive it through mud or on sand. Stability when traversing a gravel road is very impressive too.
By compact-crossover standards, the Subaru Crosstrek is exceedingly capable on unsealed road surfaces.
With 220 mm of ground clearance and the clever X-Mode (which reduces the likelihood of getting stuck (unless your off-road exploits are well and truly foolhardy), the all-paw Crosstrek made light work of the minor off-road obstacles it encountered during the test. Switching from tar to off-road doesn’t require much fiddling either: simply activate the appropriate X-Mode terrain setting – the vehicle will do the rest.
The Crosstrek 2.0 iS’ pair of X-mode settings are: Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud.
Price and after-sales support
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/75 000 km maintenance plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.
Crosstrek iL
R570 000
Crosstrek iS
R669 000
Verdict
If you are currently a Subaru XV owner, you’re unlikely to be blown away by the Crosstrek, because it incorporates incremental improvements over its predecessor. But if you’ve never considered Subaru’s entry model before and want a capable crossover that can do it all, well, the 2.0 iS may well fit the bill!
Look, it’s not without its flaws. The lack of real overtaking punch, middling fuel efficiency and limited load-bay capacity may be deal breakers for some prospective buyers, especially because, at the price point of the top-spec Crosstrek, lower-end medium SUVs represent more metal for your money.
Still, some buyers simply want a compact crossover that is a refined and nice-to-drive premium product (which the Subaru is), the 2.0 iS is not that thirsty (if you drive gently), plus it comes fully equipped (it has more standard kit than many of its rivals). We’d also contend that its on-road manners are excellent and, when the tar road ends, it’ll probably go further than anything else in this segment ever could.
The Korean brand’s local best seller has been given an update. Here’s the 2024 Kia Picanto!
The 2024 Kia Picanto has just been revealed and what you see here is the sporty GT-Line flagship that shows off the extensive redesign. You’ll quickly spot the new paint finish, which is straight from the new-generation Kia Sportage and some of those design elements are very similar to that of both the aforementioned family SUV and the eco-focused Niro.
Despite the rise of the compact SUV and crossover, there’s still a considerable interest in affordable and uncomplicated city hatchbacks. Admittedly in some markets, the A-segment has shrunk dramatically, but right here in South Africa, the Kia Picanto flies the flag as the Korean’s best-selling vehicle, with the Kia Sonet in hot pursuit.
The vertical headlights get an LED bar across the front (like the Seltos GT-Line) and the rear gets the tailgate lightbar treatment. Its a striking upgrade and while this may be the sporty-looking GT-Line, we expect similar for the mainstream models. Pictured here is a European-spec car that comes with a sunroof! As far as wheel sizes are concerned, the Kia Picanto ranges from 14-inch units going up to the 16-inch GT-Line wheels you see here.
Inside, the 2024 Kia Picanto’s cabin has been given a subtle update with the addition of an 8-inch touchscreen and digital dashboard. The GT-Line gets the sporty-looking flat-bottomed steering wheel and as you can see, this Euro-spec flagship comes fully loaded with things like heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
Kia didn’t release too many details about the powertrain lineup other than confirming two engines; a 1.0 and a 1.2, and both of which are naturally-aspirated petrol 3-cylinders. Both a manual gearbox and an automated manual transmission (AMT) will be offered. Kia says these two engines have been updated for efficiency.
2024 Kia Picanto in SA?
Given the popularity of the Korean A-segment hatchback in our land, we will be very surprised if this model doesn’t come to SA. Kia SA put out a statement: “The enhanced Kia Picanto will be available in South Africa in due course – no official launch date is available at the time of release, and features or specifications applicable to the South African model will only be confirmed closer to its South African launch date.“
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: June 2023
The numbers are in! Here’s your monthly look at South Africa’s best- and worst-selling bakkies, this time for June 2023…
South Africa’s new-vehicle industry registered largely unexpected year-on-year growth of 14.0% in June 2023, finishing the month on 46 810 units. As was the case in May 2023, the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment was responsible for much of this positive momentum, with sales in this part of the market increasing a whopping 57.1% year on year to 13 945 units (though admittedly off a somewhat low base).
So, what happened on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies? Well, the Prospecton-produced Toyota Hilux – which is set to gain mild-hybrid assistance in 2024 – retained the top spot, enjoying a particularly strong month with 3 792 units (or a month-on-month increase of 35.5%) registered in June 2023. According to the firm, 1 886 units took the form of double cabs, with 1 391 being single cabs and 515 extended-cab derivatives. For the record, Toyota SA Motors has just hiked Hilux pricing, a move that sees the top-spec model breach the R1-million mark.
The Silverton-built Ford Ranger – which has likewise just been hit with a price increase – thus had to settle for 2nd place (after narrowly taking 1st in April 2023). While the Blue Oval bakkie’s tally of 2 099 units was enough to secure the runner-up spot, the 3rd-placed Struandale-manufactured Isuzu D-Max (including the prolonged-lifecycle Gen 6 line-up) was just 146 units behind on 1 953 units. Interestingly, there’s still no sign of the D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 derivative, which Isuzu Motors SA confirmed for the local market back in May.
The half-tonne Nissan NP200 (1 108 units) – which is produced in Rosslyn – held steady in 4th position, while the Mahindra Pik Up (662 units) and GWM P-Series (430 units) likewise retained 5th and 6th, respectively. The latter Chinese range recently gained a fresh flagship derivative in the form of the P-Series LTD.
The Rosslyn-built Nissan Navara finished June 2023 on 417 registrations, which saw it climb 2 positions to 7th. The Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (342 units) and Volkswagen Amarok (273 units) each thus dropped 1 place to 8th and 9th, respectively. The GWM Steed (99 units) again grabbed the final spot, though failed to crack 3 figures.
Best of the rest in June 2023: bakkies outside the top 10
Jeep Gladiator sales were boosted by the rental channel in June 2023.
So, what about those bakkies that didn’t manage to break into the top 10 in June 2023? Well, the Jeep Gladiator was best of the rest, though of its 83 registrations as many as 80 fascinatingly came via the rental channel. Next was the Mitsubishi Triton (69 units), followed by the Peugeot Landtrek (59 units).
JAC’s T-badged bakkies – the Chinese automaker unfortunately reports only a combined figure for its T6 and T8 line-ups – finished June 2023 on a total of 59 units. Then came the Mahindra Bolero (34 units), with the Mazda BT-50 again bringing up the rear with just 5 units.
Export winners in the bakkie segment in June 2023
What about the export market? Well, the Toyota Hilux moved back into top spot, with 3 957 units shipped off from the Prospecton factory in KwaZulu-Natal in June 2023. That meant the Ford Ranger was relegated to 2nd, with its export tally dropping to 2 373 units. Of course, whether or not the Ranger’s export number includes the new Volkswagen Amarok built at the same Silverton factory remains to be seen (though Ford SA has again emphasised the figure is indeed “Ranger only”).
The D-Max (427 units), Navara (364 units) and NP200 (6 units) again made up the numbers on the export charts. As has been the case for the past few months, the official Naamsa report furthermore showed a handful of imported models being exported from local shores in June 2023, this time in the form of the Triton (13 units), P-Series (9 units) and Steed (1 unit).
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for June 2023
Corolla Cross jumps Ranger! SA’s best-selling cars in June 2023
Against all odds, South Africa’s new-vehicle sales grew a considerable 14% year on year in June 2023. Here’sa look at the country’s best-selling cars, most popular brands and more…
In June 2023, South Africa’s new-vehicle industry registered unexpectedly robust year-on-year growth of 14.0% to finish on 46 810 units. This performance furthermore represented a month-on-month improvement of 8.7% (compared with May 2023’s industry tally of 43 060 units) and marked the 2nd consecutive month of year-on-year growth.
Naamsa described the figures as “encouraging” given the “multiplicity of negative considerations that still outweigh the positive”. Out of the total reported industry sales of 46 810 vehicles, an estimated 39 086 units (or 83.5%) were sales through the dealer channel, while 10.0% represented sales to the rental industry, 3.5% to government and 3.0% to industry corporate fleets.
As was the case in the preceding month, the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment seemed to do much of work, with sales in this part of the market increasing a whopping 57.1% year on year to 13 945 units. Of course, it’s worth bearing in mind the corresponding month in 2022 was still plagued by the effects of the devastating KwaZulu-Natal floods, which halted production of various popular Toyota vehicles in Prospecton.
According to Naamsa, the June 2023 new passenger-vehicle segment held steady, with its effort of 29 795 units representing a marginal gain of 0.8% compared to June 2022. The rental industry again provided useful support to this part of the market, accounting for a considerable 13.4% of sales.
In terms of exports, the manufacturing industry shipped off 27 296 units last month, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 12.6%. That said, vehicle exports year to date were still 4.7% ahead of the corresponding period in 2022.
Meanwhile, Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communications at WesBank, said new-vehicle sales for June “impressed” with double-digit growth, pointing out it was the second-best sales month of 2023 thus far.
“South Africa’s new-vehicle market is almost counter-cyclical, displaying reassuring levels of growth that outperform most sectors of the economy. It is clear to see the correlation between actual market performance and levels of demand as measured by applications for finance, which are now firmly driving new vehicle deals as opposed to pre-owned purchases,” Gaoaketse explained.
According to Gary McCraw, Director of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), there were distinct reasons for the overall positive sales performance in June.
“A consistent stream of new and updated models, particularly in significant high-volume segments, along with improved availability of popular models, appeared to be crucial factors in sustaining the growth trajectory of new-vehicle sales in South Africa,” said McCraw, adding another positive aspect influencing the market was the “enhanced supply of new vehicles, which fostered competition among various brands”.
New vehicle sales summary for June 2023
Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 46 810 units increased by 14.0% (5 758 units) compared to June 2022.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 29 795 units increased by 0.8% (251 units) compared to June 2022.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 13 945 units increased by 57.1% (5 070 units) compared to June 2022.
Export sales of 27 296 units decreased by 12.6% (3 920 units) compared to June 2022.
10 best-selling automakers in South Africa in June 2023
Yes, it’s still very much the Toyota show at the top of the table, with the Japanese firm’s local division registering a whopping 13 016 units in June 2023 (representing month on month growth of 14.2% and a market share of 27.8%). Once again, that meant the Volkswagen Group (5 578 units) had to settle for a distant 2nd place, with Suzuki (4 335 units) likewise holding steady in 3rd position, though closing the gap slightly on its German rival.
Hyundai (2 645 units), Ford (2 514 units) and Nissan (2 380 units) remained in 4th, 5th and 6th place, respectively, while Isuzu’s total of 2 365 units was enough to see it climb a spot to 7th (not to mention come close to overhauling Nissan). Renault (1 836 units) was likewise up a position to 8th, which saw Haval (1 749 units) drop a couple to 9th. Kia again rounded out the top 10, with 1 507 units registered in June 2023.
So, which manufacturers came close to cracking the table? Well, Chinese firm Chery (1 402 units) found itself in a particularly strong 11th (just 105 sales behind Kia), boosted slightly thanks to its “first large fleet transaction” of 100 units (in the form of Tiggo 4 Pro units sold to Hertz Rent A Car). Meanwhile, the BMW Group grabbed 12th place with 1 246 registrations. Mahindra (955 units) slotted into 13th, ahead of Mercedes-Benz (with a Naamsa-estimated 824 units) and Stellantis (596 units), with the latter group comprising as many as 7 brands locally.
1. Toyota – 13 016 units
2. Volkswagen Group – 5 578 units
3. Suzuki – 4 335 units
4. Hyundai – 2 645 units
5. Ford – 2 514 units
6. Nissan – 2 380 units
7. Isuzu – 2 365 units
8. Renault – 1 836 units
9. Haval – 1 749 units
10. Kia – 1 507 units
10 best-selling vehicles in South Africa in June 2023
Toyota’s refreshed Fortuner rocketed back into the top 10 in June 2023.
The Toyota Hilux was again South Africa best-selling vehicle, with a massive 3 792 units – that’s a month on month increase of 35.5% – registered around the country in June 2023. Fellow Prospecton-built model the Toyota Corolla Cross (2 115 units) grabbed 2nd, an improvement of 2 spots compared with May 2023.
That saw the Silverton-manufactured Ford Ranger (2 099 units) slip a place to 3rd, with the Kariega-produced Volkswagen Polo Vivo (1 967 units) likewise falling a spot to finish the month in 4th. Meanwhile, the Struandale-built Isuzu D-Max remained in 5th, though its tally of 1 953 units saw it finish right on the Vivo’s tail.
Thanks in part to 661 sales to the rental industry, the Suzuki Swift (1 685 units) moved up 2 places to 6th, again taking the title of SA’s best-selling imported vehicle. The locally produced and recently revised Toyota Fortuner (1 639 units) returned to the table to grab an impressive 7th, while the Indian-built Toyota Starlet (1 415 units) slipped a position to 8th. The Toyota Hi-Ace (1 413 units) was down 3 places to 9th, while the Rosslyn-manufactured Nissan NP200 (1 108 units) fell a spot to close out the table in 10th.
What about vehicles that just missed out on a top-10 finish in June 2023? Well, the soon-to-be-faceliftedHyundai Grand i10 (894 units) found itself bubbling under in 11th, while the locally produced Volkswagen Polo hatch fell from the table to 12th, with 882 units registered. The Haval Jolion (835 units) wasn’t far behind in 13th, followed by the Nissan Magnite (783 units) and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (771 units).
Top 10 vehicles exported from South Africa in June 2023
BMW Group SA exported 6 206 units of the locally built X3 in June 2023.
For the 2nd month on the trot, the Volkswagen Polo hatchback found itself at the top of the export charts, with 6 837 units shipped off from the German automaker’s Kariega facility in June 2023. With the BMW Group reporting figures last month (it unfortunately does so only quarterly), the BMW X3 (6 206 units) jumped back into the mix to grab 2nd. As an aside, BMW recently announced a R4.2-billion investment into the Rosslyn plant, which will produce and export the next-generation X3, including in plug-in hybrid form.
The Toyota Hilux (3 957 units) was again in 3rd on the list of exports, while the Ford Ranger (2 373 units) fell to 4th position. Whether or not the Ranger’s export figure includes the new Volkswagen Amarok built at the same Silverton factory remains to be seen (though Ford SA has again emphasised the number is “Ranger only”)…
As we’ve come to expect, the Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Corolla Cross, Nissan NP200 and Toyota Corolla Quest made up the export numbers. We should, of course, point out Mercedes-Benz did not submit detailed figures, so it’s unclear how many new C-Class sedan units were exported during the month (for the record, though, Naamsa’s estimate for June 2023 stands at 6 872 units).
1. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 6 837 units
2. BMW X3 – 6 206 units
3. Toyota Hilux – 3 957 units
4. Ford Ranger – 2 373 units
5. Isuzu D-Max – 427 units
6. Nissan Navara – 364 units
7. Toyota Fortuner – 34 units
8. Toyota Corolla Cross – 31 units
9. Nissan NP200 – 6 units
10. Toyota Corolla Quest – 2 units
Vehicle-sales outlook in SA for the remainder of 2023
So, what’s on the horizon for South Africa’s new-vehicle market? Well, Naamsa again points to “challenges confronting the economy and the automotive industry”, including high interest rates, high inflation and currency depreciation, which continue to “strain consumers’ budgets”.
Despite these factors, the industry body welcomes the “easing in inflation by more than expected” as well as an “improvement in significantly less daytime load-shedding” and the “renewed collaboration between business and government to urgently tackle key current challenges relating to energy, infrastructure and transport logistics, as well as combating crime”.
“If successful, the collaboration efforts could assist to reduce policy uncertainty and promote a more predictable economic environment, which would enable much higher levels of investment, growth and job creation and to break out of the current low economic growth trap,” says Naamsa.
Meanwhile, WesBank’s Gaoaketse believes “there is hope for better news for the economy and consumers during the 2nd half of the year”. Gaoaketse says the “outlook remains positive for consumers” and “for the industry to continue its resilient recovery”.
“More stable fuel prices, hopefully fewer – if any – interest-rate changes, first-half growth for the manufacturing sector as well as a strong recovery in exchange rates will all contribute to economic performance as a whole during the 2nd half, as well as affordability for consumers in the market for a new vehicle,” says Gaoaketse.
NADA’s McCraw touched on “affordability pressures”, a depreciating rand that continues to drive prices higher, low business confidence and “political instability”, though the NADA director nevertheless remains optimistic.
“Generally, sentiment towards making major purchases remains slightly negative in South Africa, as consumers grapple with the effects of high interest rates. Looking ahead, if we can maintain the current rate of power outages, continue to experience a drop in inflation and benefit from the recent relief in petrol prices, sentiment may gradually improve. This, in turn, could lead to increased dealer sales as more new models become available and, hopefully, sales assistance persists,” concludes McCraw.
In a positive development for South African motorists, petrol prices are expected to decrease for the second consecutive month, according to unaudited data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF). However, the latest data suggests that diesel prices are set to increase. See the details below!
South African motorists will be happy to know that the petrol price is set to decrease in July 2023 while diesel prices are set to rise, according to the latest unaudited data from the CEF. Official adjustments will be effective from next Wednesday, 5th July 2023.
The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) commented, “The breakdown of the data shows that the average exchange rate used in the basic fuel price decreased over June from around R19.50 to the US Dollar to around R18.80 to the USD, which accounts for most of the petrol price decrease. However, the movement in international oil prices is impacting negatively on diesel, contributing significantly to its expected increase,”
While motorists will benefit from a reduction in the petrol price, diesel price increases will negatively impact various sectors.
“A decrease to the price of petrol is naturally welcome news, and will provide some relief to embattled consumers. The increase to diesel, though, means input costs in, amongst other sectors, the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, are also likely to increase which may result in higher prices for consumers”
The data suggests that the price of 93 and 95 grade petrol will derease by 24c/l and 17c/l respecitively while the price of diesel 0.05% and diesel 005% will increase by approximately 18c/l and 12 c/litre respectively.
The flagship Toyota Hilux now costs more than R1-million after the latest round of price increases. Here’s a look at the Japanese bakkie’s revised pricing…
The local new-vehicle market has been hit with a fresh round of price increases, including price revisions from Toyota South Africa Motors. The latter hike – which came into effect on 1 July 2023 – has resulted in the top-spec version of the Toyota Hilux breaching the R1-million mark.
Yes, the Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend RS 6AT double cab – which generates peak outputs of 150 kW and 500 Nm – is now priced from R1 003 000, marking the first time Toyota SA Motors has listed a new Hilux for 7 figures. Before the increase, the top-spec Hilux was priced from R973 800. For the record, the 39-strong Hilux range – which has long held the title of South Africa’s best-selling vehicle and is set to gain mild-hybrid assistance in 2024 – now starts at R356 600 (for the base single cab) and runs through to the above figure.
The local line-up includes 6 double-cab derivatives positioned on the far side of R900 000, including the Hilux 4.0 V6 4×4 Legend (R900 900), Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend 6AT (R901 400), Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 GR-Sport (R945 600), Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Legend RS 6AT (R949 600) and Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend RS (R965 100). In addition, the most expensive Land Cruiser 79 – the venerable 4.5D-4D LX V8 double cab – now starts at R998 500.
The Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend RS 6AT DC has joined the list of R1-million-plus bakkies.
Of course, the flagship Hilux is by no means the only 7-figure bakkie in South Africa, with the Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 BiTDI PanAmericana 4Motion (R1 006 700), Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 Wildtrak 4WD (R1 026 400), Amarok 3.0TDI V6 PanAmericana 4Motion (R1 084 600), Amarok 3.0TDI V6 Aventura 4Motion (R1 138 200), Ranger 3.0 V6 EcoBoost Raptor 4WD (R1 184 100) and Jeep Gladiator 3.6 Rubicon (R1 329 900) all also members of the R1-million-plus bakkie club.
A number of Toyota SA Motors’ products have been handed price hikes from 1 July, with the Prospecton-built Corolla Cross now kicking off at R404 400 and the new GR Corolla now starting at R841 000, for instance. Recently launched models such as the Vitz and Urban Cruiser, however, have been spared.
We also noticed general price increases from a few other brands, including Kia Motors South Africa and Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. The Blue Oval brand’s Ranger line-up thus now starts at R494 400 (for the Ranger 2.0 SiT XL manual single cab) and runs through to R1 184 100 (for the aforementioned Raptor).
According to TransUnion’s Q1 2023 report, South Africa’s new-vehicle price increases were “below inflation” in the opening quarter of the year, although the company added “this is forecasted to increase in the upcoming months”.
