During the shortest of gaps (just a 48-hour window) in an otherwise torrential week of rain in the Cape, we evaluated the 2025 Kia Sorento – the South Korean marque’s premier SUV – on some prime tar and dirt roads in the Western Cape.
This is the 2025 Kia Sorento – it’s essentially a mid-life update for the 4th-gen model that debuted in 2020 on Kia’s N3 platform. The updates seem subtle (we’ll get to those shortly), but perhaps the most notable change is that, with the Sorento, Kia South Africa has resoundingly broken the R1-million barrier.
Upon closer inspection, the 2025 Kia Sorento‘s restyle is quite extensive, especially at the front- and rear ends, where the Korean executive SUV receives new, vertical LED head and tail lamps.
The sculpted bonnet is taller too, lending its visage some heft, complemented by a 3D grille and chunky front bumper. Its newfound “truckiness” is duplicated at the rear for a more planted and purposeful look.
I particularly enjoy the bold chrome diffuser treatment that incorporates the tail pipes, and similarly, the 20-inch bitone alloy wheels shod in dirt-friendly rubber. The result is a more masculine Sorento – one that’s meant to match its bark with a diesel-powered bite.
Unlike its Hyundai Santa Fe cousin, the Kia foregoes hybridisation for a traditional turbodiesel – a 2.2-litre VGT (variable geometry turbo) inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.
With this configuration, the 2025 Kia Sorento churns a healthy 148 kW and 440 Nm regardless of which variant you’ve chosen, be it the EX+ (R999 995), SX (R1 199 995) or SXL (R1 299 995).
Does that trio of new-car list prices (correct in June 2025) surprise you? Well, let’s talk about that.
What does it offer?
As more Chinese brands’ models flood the R500k to R800k bracket of the new-car market’s crossover and SUV segment, you might wonder: “Where does that leave legacy brands such as Hyundai and Kia?”
Simply put, the Koreans are focusing on their strength: creating great cars with their 20-year advantage (over the Chinese) in our market, and for Kia, that means leaning into the luxury aspect of their vehicles.
The 2025 Kia Sorento doesn’t compete with Chery, GAC, Haval, Jaecoo and Omoda models; it’s meant to take on the German premium brands. In that context, its value proposition makes much more sense.
Think of the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC – the revised Sorento undercuts them by about R100k. If you start adding options to one of those Teutonic offerings (to match the Sorento’s standard spec), you’ll quickly inflate your sticker price by another half a million rand.
Still, it’s a gamble to ask your customer if they’d rather own a R1.2-million Kia or a R1.4-million BMW…
But Kia has bundled features excellently. The base EX+ includes 6 airbags, electronic parking brake, ESC, trailer assist, front/rear PDC, a reverse-view camera, keyless entry & start, a wireless charger and more.
There’s also an Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-compatible 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that pipes out audio via 6 speakers, as well as a panoramic sunroof, dual zone air-con, and cruise control.
It’s feature-rich, and only grows in spec as you jump from 1 trim grade to the next. The mid-range SX variant boasts a larger array of electronic safety systems and a smart tailgate, and the flagship SXL is further enhanced with a luscious 12-speaker Bose audio system, head-up display and mood lighting.
We spent the test period at the multifunction helm (which is clad in leather, as are the seats, across the 2025 Kia Sorento range) of a 2.2 CRDi SX 8DCT AWD variant and didn’t want for anything…
What is it like to drive?
Clambering aboard the updated Sorento revealed a luxurious living space, comfortable and airy, with more than enough space for middle-row occupants, while a pair of 3rd-row seats is optional.
The driver’s pew was particularly pleasant – it’s an impressive cockpit if also a familiar one, mostly on par with the outgoing model and reminiscent of the Carnival (which is the Sorento’s MPV sibling and one of our favourite cars for long road trips).
On that note, it was time to shift into D and lean on the accelerator pedal. Our route was a scenic one, meandering along Sir Lowry’s Pass and Clarence Drive – 2 stalwart routes that allowed us to bend and contort the Sorento’s chassis, meter out its performance and get a feel for its suspension and braking.
The Sorento unwinds favourably the way a torquey diesel should, with overtaking a breeze to conduct. The soundtrack is muted, and that’s just fine in a turbodiesel 4-pot! Midrange torque is there when you need it, gobbling up the long and twisty ascent that ascends Steenbras Dam.
The suspension is refined, introducing a natural amount of pitch and wallow without inducing much notable roll – the 2025 Kia Sportage, although no high-performance corner carver, is made of sporty SUV stuff; it’s a testament to a firm that’s been producing this class of product for decades.
As we detoured off the N2 on a particularly winding gravel section, the Sorento impressed again with its surefootedness, and there’s the objective fact (fight me, if you like) that it just looks right in this setting.
The Sorento is no 4×4, it’s an all-wheel-drive softroader, but when the road underneath you turns brown, it can hold its own. Here, on a slushy Highland Drive, it gripped when pushed and, thanks to great tactile feedback from the steering wheel, could be placed just so, making avoiding potholes a doddle.
Look, I’m not trying to sell you a R1-million Kia. I expected that the 2025 Kia Sorento would land around R100k shy of where it ultimately did, but upon reflection, I can understand how we got here.
And I don’t think it would be impossible for Kia to position its Sorento variants there, if it wanted to be especially competitive and make the German brands sweat. Not just those 3, but Volkswagen as well.
Toyota and Ford don’t have a product in this segment either, unless you open it up to ladder-framed 4x4s such as the Fortuner and Everest. But that’s not where the Sorento plays; it appeals to luxury-car buyers.
And based on that, I’ll concede that the 2025 Kia Sorento is fairly priced for what it offers, and ultimately, what it must compete against. Just know, it’s going to be a battle royale.
Johann Botha – Cape Town’s best-known car detailer
Johann Botha, who founded Dutchman’s Car Care Clinic in the Western Cape, has been detailing high-end cars for over a decade and a half. We sit down with him in Paarl to hear about his journey from washing minibus taxis… to detailing Bugattis.
As I walk into the premises, I’m immediately impressed by its modern, tastefully decorated interior, which is clean as a whistle, even though I’m standing just a few metres from where cars are washed every day.
For the past 6 months, Johann Botha has been detailing cars in a small storage facility in Paarl’s Zandwyk business park – a space he shares with a passionate car collector.
Currently focused on 1 collection
I can’t help but ogle at the collector’s new, modern and modern classic cars, which are stacked on triple car lifts. It includes a 964-series Porsche 911 Carrera 4, a current-gen BMW M3 CS, as well as a Ferrari 360 Modena F1 and supercars in the shapes of a Ferrari 812 Superfast and a McLaren 675 LT.
Johann walks with me upstairs, makes us a cup of coffee and shares his journey of the past 20 years.
“I grew up in Nietverdiend close to our border with Botswana – and far away from the world of supercars. I went to the UK in 2002, and when I returned in 2006, I was between a couple of jobs,” he says.
“It wasn’t a great time for me, but then 1 day I walked into a CNA in Heerengracht Street in Cape Town. I paged through a magazine that focused on entrepreneurs and business, and there I saw an article about mobile car washes. There and then, I decided that this is what I’m going to do. That was how I started.”
“Back then, I printed flyers and advertised my mobile car wash service at R70 per wash. I owned a Volkswagen Citi Golf at the time, and in its load bay was my vacuum cleaner, a bucket and sponges.
Started his business out of a Citi Golf
“I used to park at a fuel station, give out flyers, approach potential customers and also put the flyers in post boxes. It took about a week before my first client phoned me. You won’t believe it, but my first clients were Gold Fish (an electronic music duo from Cape Town, who are now based in the US).”
“Back then, I used to spend hours on a car, but only charge R70. I started to attract more business via word of mouth, but it was still hard work.
“I also used to wash taxis in the streets of Woodstock, which was a challenge! You have to work in the blazing sun, don’t have all the equipment you need, and must be wary of cars driving past you.
“Then I started charging a bit more for a wax job. After 4 years, I got my first client who owned a Ferrari. This was also after I had approached all the high-end dealerships to offer my services, and they all declined me. And after I finished my first Ferrari, that client was… very disappointed.
“You see, I then realised I don’t really know this trade. I can do a decent clean, but that’s different from detailing. I decided to do more research about detailing and realised it is an art.”
During these early years, Johann Botha and his then-new colleague, Darlington, went through very challenging times; however, things were about to take a turn for the better.
Ferrari came knocking
“My client sat at Ferrari and overheard a conversation about the detailers not being available on a specific day. He said to Ferrari that he ‘knew a guy’ who they should use. I will never forget; I was busy washing a Mercedes-Benz in the business park in Westlake in the sun when the call came from Ferrari. The ‘Benz was still full of soap, and the client said I just need to hose it down, and go to Ferrari quickly!”
“Darlington and I spent several hours on that Ferrari, and I charged the dealer something like R350. That was when the 1st Ferrari 458 units came into the country, and I was simply blown away by that car.
I remember when I invoiced them, the 1 Viglietti brother phoned me and said I can’t invoice so little for so many hours’ work. He said I should invoice for a larger amount to justify the effort we’d put into that job.”
This introduction to the Ferrari family and Johann’s effort to hang out with potential clients on Saturday mornings at the dealership allowed him to quickly broaden his client base.
One thing led to another, and when Crossley & Webb opened their business in Gardens, Johann was approached to hire a part of the premises so that he could manage the detailing side of the business.
Because Johann could attract clients to the business and vice versa, both parties would benefit from his presence on-site. “It was there where I started (what I would describe as) real detailing,” he adds.
Following his time at Crossley & Webb, Johann had another short stint as a mobile business, then joined Club 9, before advancing his career by founding Gardens-based The Archive along with 2 partners.
One of the highlights was when a group of Bugatti owners did a tour through the Cape with their Veyrons and Chirons, and The Archive (in conjunction with Johann’s team) was responsible for the logistics and cleaning the cars daily. “It is still one of the most fun things I’ve ever done,” he remarks.
Johann’s brand was called Dutchman’s Car Care Clinic. Two of his former staff members (John and David) still work for The Archive, “and I’m thankful for that because they also built my brand,” he says.
The ‘secrets’ Johann Botha knows about exotic cars
As we wrap up the interview, Johann Botha shares more stories about some of the most expensive cars he has worked on. He reveals details about the cars (such as build-quality issues, surprisingly) that few people will know about. After all, when you do a quality detail, you get to see parts that no one else does.
Recently, a long-standing client made Johann an offer. The result is that they are now based in Paarl, and it allows Johann to carry on with his detailing business.
However, he can now spend far more time with a client’s car/s, while there’s also time to look into business development, such as a product range that he hopes to launch in the very near future.
From washing taxis to detailing LaFerraris and Bugattis, Johann Botha has steadily climbed the ladder of automotive detailing in South Africa. It seems there is much, much more to come from this “Dutchman”.
Follow him on Instagram to view the cars he attends to or to book your car for a full detail.
New Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept is a 1 000+ kW preview
Meet the Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept, a 1 000+ kW preview of an upcoming 4-door fully electric super sedan from the folks over at Affalterbach…
The new Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept has been revealed as a 1 000+ kW preview of an upcoming 4-door fully electric production model that the German brand promises will unlock “a whole new dimension of performance”.
Officially dubbed the Concept AMG GT XX, the new all-wheel-drive show car employs a trio of axial flux electric motors (which Mercedes-Benz says will “enter series production at Mercedes‑AMG in 2026”) and a newly developed high-performance battery pack.
Mercedes-Benz’s Affalterbach-based performance division says the concept – which rides on 21-inch aero wheels equipped with 5 movable aero blades – includes an “abundance of technical solutions earmarked for use” in upcoming production models based on the latest AMG Electric Architecture.
Billed as the “next milestone in the history of AMG” (and seemingly previewing the successor to the GT 4-Door Coupé), the GT XX concept has a peak output of “over 1 000 kW”, while its top speed is listed as “more than 360 kph”. Perhaps even more impressively, Mercedes-AMG says the battery pack can be charged for “about 400 km of range” in “around 5 minutes”.
According to the German company, the new axial flux motors are more compact, lighter and more powerful than conventional radial flux electric motors. They are furthermore able to deliver a “considerably higher sustained power output as well as higher torque”. In the concept, a single motor is positioned at the front (though kicks in only when additional power or traction is required), with the remaining 2 sited at the rear.
What about the battery pack? Well, though the German automaker doesn’t list a capacity, it claims a high-energy density of 300 Wh/kg and a charging power of “more than 850 kW”. The company also describes the battery pack – which is integrated into the chassis – as a “completely new development”, adding that its “tall and slim” cylindrical cells deliver many cooling benefits.
Inside, the Concept AMG GT XX features a steering wheel similar to that used in the Mercedes-AMG One. The cabin features black trim along with silver and orange accents, while the 2 displays – a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen – are angled towards the driver.
“We’re bringing groundbreaking technology that redefines high performance. And the best thing is that this car is a true AMG with every fibre of its being. The heart of an AMG was always the motor, and that will remain so with our in-house electric architecture,” said Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
“With our high-tech axial flux motor, we’re delivering a revolutionary new drive that is unparalleled in terms of power density, weight and packaging. This pairs with a new performance battery developed from scratch that enables previously unimagined level of performance and endurance.”
Eyeing the VW Polo GTI but want to make it a little more special? Here are 5 of the best optional extras available for the Kariega-built hot hatch in South Africa…
Based on 2024 sales figures, the locally built VW Polo GTI is South Africa’s most popular hot hatch. So, considering there are so many examples on Mzansi’s roads, how can you make yours feel a little more special?
Well, we’ve identified 5 of the best optional extras for the facelifted Mk6 model.
As a reminder, the 147 kW Polo GTI is produced at VW’s Kariega plant – the exclusive manufacturer of this nameplate for global markets, in fact – right here in South Africa. While it ships with a relatively generous list of standard equipment, there are a few choice options we’d consider specifying. So, here they are…
Top 5 Equipment Options for the VW Polo GTI
1. Tilt-and-Slide Panoramic Sunroof
An extremely popular option among Volkswagen new-car buyers in South Africa, the sunroof is 1 of only 2 extras (not counting paint colours) that have a direct impact on the look the Polo GTI from the outside. VW offers a tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof for its B-segment hot hatch, with this electrically operated item covering approximately half the length of the vehicle’s roof.
2.18-inch Alloy Wheels for VW Polo GTI
As standard, the Polo GTI rides on 17-inch “Milton Keynes” alloy wheels wrapped in 215/45 R17 tyres. However, you also have the option of upgrading to 18-inch “Faro” items shod in 215/40 R18 rubber. Like the standard wheels, these rims are diamond-turned and feature an eye-catching black-and-silver finish, though in a completely different design.
3. Upgrade your VW Polo GTI with the Leather Package
If you ask us, the Polo GTI’s standard black cloth upholstery doesn’t exactly scream “flagship hot hatch”. To remedy such concerns, the German automaker will gladly sell you the “Varenna” leather package. Tick this box and you score sports seats up front, with leather all around. The front pews retain the standard heating function, and furthermore, each gains red contrast stitching and a “GTI” logo to further enhance the sporty look.
4. Infotainment Upgrade: Discover Media
If you order your VW Polo GTI in standard form the infotainment will be taken care of by the basic 8.0-inch “Composition Media” system. Upgrading to the “Discover Media” version (also using an 8.0-inch display), however, will add items such as built-in navigation, wireless App Connect, voice control and wireless smartphone charging. Moreover, this package includes VW’s highly configurable digital instrument cluster. We think it’s worth ticking this option box!
5. Safety Package for the VW Polo GTI
While the VW Polo GTI comes standard with all the basic safety features you’d expect (including a full complement of 6 airbags), the optional safety package adds some extra “big-car” kit. Select this option and your hot hatch will gain adaptive cruise control (complete with “stop and go” function) as well as a lane-keeping system and traffic-jam assist. Forward-collision warning and autonomous emergency braking are also included, along with proactive pedestrian monitoring.
We compare the specifications of theJaecoo J7 and Ford Territory to see how well they stack up against those of the popular Haval H6.Which one of these family SUVs makes the strongest buying proposition? Let’s find out!
If you’re in the market for a new family car, there are many candidates to consider in mid-2025! New products, such as the Jaecoo J7 are giving established models such as the Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester and the Haval H6 a run for their money!
Since both the Jaecoo J7 and Ford Territory are produced in China, we think it’s appropriate to pit them against a hugely successful Chinese-made family car in SA — yes, you guessed it, the Haval H6!
Haval, Great Wall Motor’s luxury SUV division, has been on a tear since the (now prominent) brand arrived on local soil in 2017. Steady sales of its Jolion compact SUV and H6 family SUV have propelled the brand up the sales chart to become one of the country’s best-selling SUV marques. More so, a thoroughly updated H6 has arrived in June 2025 and it’s expected to further solidify the model’s standing in the local market.
Now, with the Jaecoo J7 in the family car mix and the Ford Territory vying for the flag, how do their spec sheets and prices compare with those of the Haval H6? Which car has the strongest buying proposition?
Also, watch our video comparison of the Jaecoo J7 and Ford Territory below!
This article aims to help you, the consumer, make an informed buying decision (or at least finalise your shortlist of contenders). To help you do this, we will provide you with the need-to-know information and insight based on available vehicle information and our experience with the cars in question.
This article will cover key aspects including Exterior Styling, Performance & Efficiency, Interior Features & Safety, Dimensions & Practicality, as well as Pricing & Warranty details.
If, at the end of this article, you are still undecided about what to buy, you are more than welcome to reach out to us for advice via X, Facebook or Instagram. Our experienced test team will gladly assist you.
Haval H6 vs Jaecoo J7 vs Ford Territory
Exterior Styling
Jaecoo J7
The J7 brings fresh design flair to the family car segment.
The Jaecoo J7 comes to market with a suave design. Its upright slatted grille and slim headlights make a strong style statement, while its hidden door handles and sleek haunches enhance the modernised look.
The J7 range comprises 3 derivatives: the front-wheel-drive 1.6T Vortex and 1.6T Glacier (riding on 18-inch alloy wheels), as well as the range-topping 1.6T Inferno AWD, which gains larger (19-inch) rims.
Haval H6
The updated H6 brings fresh design flair to the family car segment.
The facelifted Haval H6 has just arrived in South Africa with a refined design execution that aims to elevate the H6 to the top of the segement. Haval has revised the front-end with a more progressive grille design and unique Daytime Running Light (DRL) design as well offering sportier 19-inch alloy rims to complete the new look.
The H6 range comprises both front- and all-wheel-drive derivatives with Luxury, Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury trim lines on offer. In addition, the H6 HEV (Hybrid) is offered in Ultra Luxury guise and, for those looking for a sportier H6 experience, the H6 GT is also available with the new powerful H6 GT PHEV, topping the H6 range.
Ford Territory
With a purposeful front-end design, the Territory has the looks, but does it have the go?
The Ford Territory boasts an attractive front-end design characterised by a distinctive grille design and daytime-running-light signature. Chrome finishes add a dash of class to the package and a tapering silhouette provides a sense of athleticism.
There are 3 Territory trim options on offer: the base Ambiente, mid-spec Trend (both with 18-inch alloy wheels) and a range-topping Titanium (with 19-inch alloy wheels) and Territory Dark Edition.
Middling performance deters from an otherwise attractive package.
We recently drove the Jaecoo J7 at its local launch in Johannesburg and while it doesn’t perform poorly, it does lack some urgency in terms of acceleration. This is a result of its tardy transmission calibration, which while smooth in operation, is sluggish to respond to throttle inputs. Admittedly, even though this might irk a few buyers, it’s unlikely to unsettle those who will be happy with the Jaecoo’s workmanlike performance and high feature value proposition, especially in 1.6T Glacier guise.
The Jaecoo J7 does have a comfortable ride quality (it’s not firmly sprung), which family car buyers will appreciate. According to our correspondent, the J7’s steering feel is light, which makes it a breeze to execute parking manoeuvres, but it does lack a sense of directness with a vague steering response.
We also spent an extended period with the J7 and we recommend that you read our “Living with it” article a thorough analysis of this car.
The Haval H6 offers impressive overall performance.
Compared with the J7’s 1.6-litre turbopetrol powertrain, the H6’s uprated 2.0-litre 4-pot turbopetrol is punchier and quite well-calibrated with the transmission to deliver a pleasing driving experience. There’s sufficient oomph for overtaking (when required) and the H6 pips its countryman with good overall performance.
As far as ride quality is concerned, the H6 doesn’t disappoint. While the Haval’s suspension is relatively firmly sprung, it doesn’t sacrifice overall ride comfort. As it turns out, it contributes to a more engaging drive, in combination with a more direct and communicative steering feel.
The performance of the H6 HEV is even more impressive, boasting the full-fat 179 kW and 530 Nm of torque, which is plenty for a family car. The H6 HEV is also the most frugal in the range (5.2 L/100 km versus standard derivatives’ 7.4 L/100 km), which is important considering the rising cost of fuel.
As for the new H6 GT PHEV, it offers considerable performance punch with its 1.5-litre PHEV powertrain producing 321 kW and 762 kW! Watch the review below for insight on its performance!
Ford Territory
The Territory offers good overall performance with high levels of refinement.
We tested the new Ford Territory at the end of 2024 and came away impressed with its general performance. Not only does the Territory deliver a comfortable ride quality but it also exhibits a pleasingly refined driving experience. It utilises a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but in this case, it’s mated with a 138 kW/318 Nm 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine.
The transmission is smooth and unobtrusive and in-gear acceleration is more than adequate for executing overtaking manoeuvres. Based on our launch drive experience, the Territory also delivers good fuel consumption for a car of its size. Ford claims 7.0 L/100 km, we saw an indicated figure of 8.1 L/100 km at the end of our launch drive (the figure dropped to as low as 7.7 L/100 km during the journey).
When compared to the Jaecoo J7 and 2.0-litre Haval H6 derivatives, the Territory’s performance is not as forthcoming at its rivals and is clearly outgunned in terms of power and torque.
Interior Execution and Features
For the purpose of this feature comparison, we will compare the specifications offered in the range-topping derivatives of each model range.
Yes, 10.25-inch digital display with Head-UP Display
Yes, 10.25-inch digital display, with Head-Up display
Yes, 12.3-inch digital display is integrated into a single panoramic display
Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
Yes, both
Yes, both
Yes, both
Bluetooth, Voice Control, USB, Wireless Charging
Yes to all. 2 front USB, 2 rear USB
Yes, 1 front USB 1 rear USB
Yes to all. 3 front USB, 1 rear USB
Rear View Camera
Yes, with panoramic view (360 degrees)
Yes, with panoramic view (540 degrees)
Yes
Steering Adjustment: Rake / Reach
Yes, both
Yes, both
Yes, both
Cruise Control
Yes, adaptive
Yes, adaptive
Yes, adaptive
Air Conditioning
Dual Zone Climate Control
Dual Zone Climate Control
Dual Zone Climate Control
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes, sliding
Yes
Yes, dual-sliding
Upholstery / electric seats
Artificial leather, front electric seats with heating/ventilation
Artificial leather, front electric seats with heating/ventilation
Leather, manual adjustment
Front / Rear Park Distance Control
Both
Both
Both
Safety Features
8 airbags, ABS with EBS, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control , Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Hill Descent Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring
6 airbags, ABS with EBS, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control , Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Hill Descent Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring
6 airbags, ABS with EBS, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control , Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Hill Descent Control, Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Jaecoo J7
A large tablet-style infotainment screen dominates the central dashboard in the Jaecoo J7.
The Jaecoo J7 features a minimalist interior design execution, replete with one of the largest, if not the largest, central touchscreens in the family-car segment. The J7’s standard specification is generous, even in the base 1.6T Vortex offering, with the mid-spec Glacier arguably being the pick of the range.
Compared with the Haval H6 and Ford Territory, the Jaecoo has the most airbags (8) and its standard safety specification is indeed very good. Some safety features seem overly sensitive, however; they tend to trigger multiple (intrusive) audible warnings, which you can only deactivate via the touchscreen menu.
Haval H6
Haval’s fully loaded standard specification strategy has paid off – it’s one of the reasons why the H6 has proven such a hit in the South African new-vehicle market. Beyond the Haval’s neat and modern cabin execution, buyers are availed of a wide range of comfort and convenience features.
Ford Territory
A panoramic infotainment display is a highlight inside the new Ford Territory.
The Ford Territory’s cabin is a pleasant place to be and we found its perceived build quality to be very good indeed. The highlight feature is the expansive screen that houses the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen, which reminds of the infotainment screens seen in the latest Mercedes-Benz models.
That’s a good thing, because the panoramic screen gives the cabin a decidedly premium ambience, which might partly justify the Territory’s higher-than-average asking price. Other interior highlights include a dual-panel panoramic “Moonroof”, but the Territory does lack a few nice-to-haves such as electric seat adjustment and ventilated seats.
Dimensions and Practicality
Jaecoo J7
Haval H6
Ford Territory
Length
4 500 mm
4 703 mm
4 630 mm
Width
1 865 mm
1 886 mm
1 935 mm
Height
1 680 mm
1 730 mm
1 706 mm
Wheelbase
2 672 mm
2 738 mm
2 726 mm
Kerb Weight
1 709 kg
1 720 kg
1 630 kg
Ground Clearance
200 mm
170 mm
190 mm
Load Capacity
412 litres
TBC
435 litres
Jaecoo J7
The Jaecoo J7 is touted to offer some offroad capability thanks to its ARDIS.
The J7 has a smaller footprint than the H6 and Territory, but has the highest clearance advantage of the 3 models (200 mm), which is useful if you intend to venture off tar. Moreover, if you opt for the range-topping 1.6T Inferno AWD, which is equipped with Jaecoo’s All Road Drive Intelligent System (ARDIS) that has 7 drive modes (including Sand and Mud), you’ll have some added confidence in the dirt.
Note that the Jaecoo’s wheelbase is also shorter, which will, inevitably, translate into less cabin space for passengers and luggage. The J7 is fitted with a full-size spare, which results in a shallow load bay with a claimed capacity of 412 litres, which contrasts starkly with the generous 600 litres offered by the H6.
Haval H6
The H6 is a capable all-rounder with suitable practicality traits.
The numbers suggest the Haval H6 is the most practical offering compared with the J7 and Territory. It has a generously-sized load bay for hauling luggage and the boot-floor height can be easily adjusted.
While its ground clearance (170 mm) is the lowest in this trio of family cars, the AWD-equipped H6 has an off-road driving mode to maximise traction should you decide to drive on an unsealed surface.
Ford Territory
The Territory is a smartly packaged family car.
The Territory has a ground clearance of 190 mm and is a front-wheel drive model only. Despite having a traction-enhancing “Mountain Mode”, the Territory will be most comfortable on tar.
However, the Territory’s true strength lies in its clever packaging. Its load bay looks larger than its claimed 448-litres suggests and combined with its added width and generous wheelbase, the Territory has its rivals licked as far as passenger comfort is concerned and offers excellent rear leg- and knee room for rear passengers.
Price and Warranty
Be sure to check out our New Car Specials to get a good deal on your next car!
While the new Jaecoo J7 presents a compelling value proposition, especially in 1.6T Glacier guise, we don’t think its pricing and value offering (in top-spec guise) is stronger than that of the Haval H6 or the new Ford Territory. With middling performance and compromised practicality, the J7 has its drawbacks.
The Haval H6, in the company of the J7, is a more well-rounded offering, while the added performance and efficiency of the H6 HEV is hard to ignore, given that the J7 Inferno AWD and H6 HEV are so closely priced and buyers will be happy know that the thoroughly updated H6 is now available in South Africa.
As for the Ford Territory, we think it’s a strong product that buyers should have on their family car shortlist. Yes, it’s a slightly pricier proposition but from a performance and build quality perspective, we think the additional outlay coincides with its value proposition.
Cars.co.za, South Africa’s leading online car portal, has launched a new Price Track Alert feature that allows users to receive notifications when a car’s price is reduced, increasing the chance of getting a good deal!
As a consumer champion, Cars.co.za is always striving to find useful solutions to make browsing for new and used cars easier and more practical for you, the consumer.
Our latest feature update is Price Track Alert!
Users who are logged in to their Cars.co.za profiles will be able to request a Price Track Alert on the vehicle listings page and receive an email notification when the price of a particular car is reduced.
What are the benefits of Price Track Alert?
The new Price Track Alert feature will save you time and money!
You will receive notifications when pricing on a particular vehicle changes so you don’t have to keep checking back, saving you time!
If the price of the car matches your budget, you can reach out to the dealer directly and proceed to buy the car! Receiving price alerts will increase your chance of buying a car at a better price, saving you money!
Price Track Alerts can be requested for multiple models of interest to you which means you can personalise your Price Track Alert only for the cars that you want to buy, resulting in a more focused buying strategy.
Other useful features to look out for
In addition to the new Price Track feature, Cars.co.za recently added Listing Badges to both new and used car listings to help consumers identify cars that might deserve a closer look.
Deal Badges include Great Deal, Good Deal and Fair Deal. The Fast Seller badge highlights listings in high demand and Price Drop badges highlight listings with a reduced price.
The facelifted Kia Sorento has finally hit the market in South Africa, with the local range now comprising a trio of 7-seater derivatives. Here’s what each one costs…
The facelifted Kia Sorento has officially hit the market in South Africa, with the South Korean firm’s local division trimming the range slightly to a trio of 7-seater derivatives.
As a reminder, the MQ4-series Sorento – the 4th iteration of this nameplate – touched down in Mzansi in January 2022, before the refreshed version was revealed overseas in November 2023. Now, that facelifted model has officially arrived.
While the pre-facelift line-up featured 4 derivatives, the updated portfolio comprises 3 variants, with the all-wheel-drive version of the EX grade falling away. As before, the range kicks off with the front-wheel-drive Sorento 2.2 CRDi EX+, which is now priced at R999 995. For the record, that represents a R51 000 increase over the pre-facelift line-up’s entry point.
Next comes the Sorento 2.2 CRDi SX AWD, priced from R1 199 995 (up a considerable R146 000 compared with the outgoing derivative), followed by the flagship Sorento 2.2 CRDi SXL AWD at R1 299 995 (priced some R166 000 higher than before).
From what we can tell, the 3-row Sorento’s powertrain carries over unchanged. Therefore, all 3 derivatives again employ a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which here delivers 148 kW and 440 Nm via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
So, what has changed? Well, in addition to the adoption of Kia’s latest exterior design language as well as the fitment of new 20-inch alloy wheels (up from the 18- and 19-inch items previously used), the refreshed Sorento’s cabin scores features like a redesigned gear lever and “sustainable” interior trim.
Inside, you’ll also find a 12.3-inch touchscreen (with navigation) and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. There’s also again a wireless smartphone charger, while the cabin upgrades to 6 USB-C ports (2 per row). Kia says it has furthermore “upgraded” the various advanced driver assistance systems on offer.
Here’s a quick rundown on the standard kit. The EX+ grade features smart entry (with push-button start), 8 airbags, parking sensors (fore and aft), a reverse-view camera, LED headlamps, LED front foglamps, synthetic leather upholstery, cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, dual-zone climate control and a 6-speaker sound system.
Stepping up to the SX trim level scores you powered front seats (including electric lumbar support for the driver, plus heating and ventilation for both pews), rear sun-shade blinds, “smart” cruise control, a height-adjustable powered tailgate, LED taillamps, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel, rear-seat check alert, driver-attention alert, rear-cross traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance assist, lane-following assist, lane-keep assist and blind-spot collision avoidance.
Finally, the range-topping SXL specification additionally boasts rear parking-collision avoidance assist, side parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, an around-view monitor, interior mood lighting, an uprated instrument cluster, a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a head-up display.
What does the facelifted Kia Sorento cost in SA?
Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi EX+ 8DCT – R999 995
Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi SX 8DCT AWD – R1 199 995
Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi SXL 8DCT AWD – R1 299 995
The prices above include Kia’s 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km maintenance plan.
Ineos Automotive owes its existence to a dream of adapting a legendary off-roader for the contemporary motoring world, but given the lofty asking prices (and lengthy option lists) of the British brand’s models, how much are YOU willing to pay for nostalgia?
Haven’t some of the world’s best (and also, often, worst) ideas been conceived in bars out of scribbled back-of-a-napkin propositions? Depending on who you ask – or believe, the jet engine, Linux operating system and Velcro were all conceived over a few tipples, as was the Ineos Grenadier off-roader.
When it comes to off-roaders, either by coincidence or try-hard marketing spin, the story goes that the Ineos Grenadier was indeed birthed in an eponymous London pub by chemicals giant Ineos’ owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe (pictured above), as far back as 2016.
According to legend, he’d reportedly previously approached Land Rover for the rights to continue building the OG Defender, but was turned down, not that that snag dissuaded Sir Jim whatsoever…
As one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet (and presumably bolstered by a fair degree of Dutch courage), Sir Jim and his associates set about planning to build a Defender-that-was-not-a-Defender; a retromodern clone that benefited from high-tech componentry, but retained the spirit of the original.
Just how hard could it be?
The common availability of off-the-shelf parts and global sourcing means that nearly anyone can build a car today: you only need to be a coachbuilder and have access to an assembly line. As for the rest, the Grenadier is assembled using BMW engines, Brembo brakes, Eibach suspension and ZF gearboxes.
And sure enough, the generous ground clearance and suspension travel, ladder-frame chassis, solid axles, low-range transfer case and exposed screwheads all pointed to a rugged, utilitarian go-anywhere boulder-buster in the spirit of the Toyota Land Cruiser 76, Jeep Wrangler and yes, the old Defender.
The vision of a supremely capable and modern, made-over Defender has all the hallmarks of a slam-dunk winner aimed at rose-tinted nostalgists and retro-cool hipsters.
Yet somewhere in the process, something went wrong. Sir Jim’s noble, almost Robin Hood-like vision of bridging past and present for the pathfinding purist, with an industrial, relatively affordable modern-day overlander, stumbled at the final hurdle – affordability.
Ignoring the commercial variants of the Ineos Grenadier for the moment, the 3.0T (turbopetrol) and 3.0TD (turbodiesel) variants of the 5-seat Grenadier Station Wagon cost R1 717 100 before options, with the Fieldmaster version adding another R145 000. Read our review of the 3.0TD Trialmaster Edition.
According to Cars.co.za’s New Car Specs, the most affordable Land Rover Defender 110 (5-door) is the D250 X-Dynamic SE, which costs R1 801 100. “But that’s even more expensive than the entry-level Grenadier, silly,” I hear you say. Indeed, it is, but in contrast with the relatively new (and rather niche) Ineos, there is a glut of keener-priced demo and slightly used Defenders on the used market.
Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the 2021 Land Rover Defender:
Besides, the big gripe with the Grenadier’s new-vehicle price is that it excludes a multitude of features.
Ineos Automotive seems to have taken a leaf from the German premium marques by only offering the Grenadier with a moderate spec level; buyers have to add the options as expensively bundled extras: if you want front and rear locking diffs and/or chunkier all-terrain tyres, that’ll cost an extra R48 250.
Watch Jacob Moshokoa’s recent launch review of the Jeep Wrangler:
More basic conveniences, such as electrically operated side mirrors, a rear-view camera or front PDC and some more charging points? Another R33 500, which pushes the price up to just below R1.8 million.
The weak ZAR-GBP exchange rate is certainly an impediment, but the fact is R1.8 million for what was meant to be a glorified off-road kit car (and of which its spiritual predecessor was intentionally designed as industrial so as to facilitate DIY roadside repairs) – is a lot of dead presidents in anyone’s language.
Watch Ciro De Siena’s review of the Toyota Land Cruiser 76:
So, much of that plucky maverick spirit that sparked the creation of the Grenadier no longer exists either in philosophy or execution: you pay for the privilege and can forget about fixing it with nothing but your Leatherman and your wife’s bikini bottom if you’ve whacked one off of its half-shafts in the Richtersveld.
Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Mahindra Scorpio-N:
And a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.0T Rubicon costs R1 299 900; for adventurers with a considerably smaller budget, the Mahindra Scorpio-N is a 7-seater (if you want to take gran along on safari) – 4Xplor variants’ prices begin at R587 999. Also, don’t forget the Suzuki Jimny 5-door, starting from R434 900.
Considering its undeniably cool backstory and, importantly, inarguable off-road credentials, it’s hard to bet against the Ineos Grenadier, provided, as ever, that you can afford one. But you have to consider the model within the broader context of nostalgia becoming a profitable commodity in the car world.
Legacy was also the one asset that Land Rover wanted to protect most (upon hearing the suggestion of a retromodern remake of the Defender by an interloper) and the very, however unmeasurable, reason why you’re paying more for memories than actual metal if you’re gunning for an Ineos Grenadier.
The all-electric Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin Performance – the Swedish brand’s most powerful, advanced and luxurious model – recently landed in Mzansi, but is it a well-resolved product?
We like: Hushed cabin, build quality, minimalist clean design, balance of performance and range.
The EX90 is unmistakably Volvo; note the LIDAR sensor located just behind the windscreen.
The author of this review has followed the gestation of Volvo’s sleek, all-electric, 3-row premium SUV closely since the model’s global reveal in late 2022 – he even attended the international media launch in Los Angeles in 2024. Cars.co.za can now finally conduct a comprehensive test of the EX90 on home soil.
But, before we get stuck in, note those dates. There’s quite a time gap between the announcement of the model (2022) and the start of production at the Charleston, South Carolina plant in June 2024, which speaks volumes for the sheer complexity of this new-gen vehicle. Volvo says the 2025 EX90 is not just a car but rather a high-tech supercomputer on wheels, and unsurprisingly, it has had teething troubles.
The EX90’s rear styling is neat and retains Volvo’s distinctive lighting signature.
Case in point, the international launch cars at the Los Angeles launch event lacked some (of what we’d deem) must-have features, especially at the price, such as Apple CarPlay, the full Bang & Olufsen audio suite as well as EV-specific functionality like Vehicle to Load (V2L) where the car can power your house.
Volvo promised that those missing features would be activated by a substantial update (sent to the cars via over-the-air tech), and the South African-spec EX90 went on sale in April 2025, a few days after Volvo globally rolled out its then eagerly-awaited (1.2.15) software update. Impeccable timing, then?
Now, to the product itself. At the moment, there’s no other BEV in South Africa that offers the Volvo’s levels of all-electric performance and specification in a 3-row (7-seat) configuration. The EX90’s 2 chief rivals – BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQS – are from Germany and should be able to match the Swedish newcomer’s performance and price, but what about the standard features list? More about that later on.
Which other 3-row premium SUVs can you get when you’re playing in the R2.5 million bracket? If you’re not completely sold on pure electric power, consider these models:
Volvo Car South Africa offers the EX90 in Twin Motor Performance spec (with an electric motor for each axle). With peak outputs of 380 kW and 910 Nm, the EX90 drives all 4 of its wheels via an automatic transmission. There are no drive modes, just a simple, discreet Performance All-Wheel Drive button.
With that mode activated, our test unit bolted from standstill to 100 kph in just 4.79 sec (compared with Volvo’s claimed 0-100 kph time of 4.9 sec) and completed the quarter mile sprint in a touch over 13 sec.
Those performance figures (according to our test equipment) are deeply impressive for something that tips the scales at almost 3 tonnes. As usual, Volvo has fitted an electronic speed limiter of 180 kph.
Volvo claims a fully-charged EX90 can travel over 600 km before it needs to be plugged in again.
When it comes to range, Volvo claims the EX90 can extract over 600 km from its fully charged 111 kWh battery (of which 107 kWh is usable). That claim is ambitious because true battery range depends on factors such as ambient temperature, style of driving and speed. Suffice it to say, EVs are at their most efficient in a low-speed urban driving scenario, which is where you are likely to get closest to 600 km.
Volvo EX90 flanks a BMW iX3 at an Audi e-tron DC charger.
As far as charging goes, the EX90 supports up to 250 kW DC fast-charging, but as far as we’re aware, the fastest charger in South Africa is 150 kW. Still, 30 minutes at our local 75 kW DC box was enough to gain plenty of range, with time to check emails and enjoy that outstanding audio system while we waited.
During its tenure in our test fleet, the EX90 consumed 22 kWh/100 km – fractionally higher than claimed, but to be fair, we often enjoyed the addictive nature of the Volvo’s powertrain, which allowed us to surge past slower traffic effortlessly. Interestingly, the infotainment system’s consumption readout highlighted just how power-intensive some functions are. For example, we listened to music and enjoyed a massage (with the heating function on) while the Volvo was being recharged, and those actions consumed 3 kW.
A 530 km range from a 90% charge level is impressive, but it’s subject to your driving style.
With the car charged to 90% (you extend the battery’s lifespan if you don’t charge it to 100% often), the EX90 indicated 3 ranges: if you drove spiritedly at triple-digit speeds, you’d get a minimum of 240 km, if you drove extremely conservatively at urban speeds, 530 km was possible and the final projected range was 440 km, based on mixed driving conditions, which was arguably the most realistic figure.
The minimalist digital instrument panel displays how the EX90’s recharging is progressing.
To sweeten the EX90’s value proposition, Volvo Car SA includes R7 500 towards the installation of a GridCars wall box charger at your house (useful for those overnight trickle charges), as well as a R12 000 public charging voucher (valid for 24 months) that you can utilise at your shopping mall, dealerships etc. There are more public EV chargers than you think and the infrastructure has grown at an impressive rate.
Pilot Assist facilitated our journey home in peak traffic. You still need to keep a hand on the ‘wheel!
The EX90’s 1-pedal operation is one of the best we’ve ever assessed, and the Pilot Assist assisted driving tech remains excellent. There’s no need to dab the accelerator and brake pedals repeatedly in dense traffic as the car does most of the work for you, but remember the Volvo’s adaptive cruise control strictly adheres to its following-distance setting; other road users will slip into the large gaps it leaves.
Features and Practicality
Minimalist, clean interior design – it can only be Volvo! But the touchscreen needs regular cleaning.
The 2025 Volvo EX90’s cabin is superb, both in terms of minimalist design and trim quality. Recycled and sustainable materials are used extensively, and the front seats offer class-leading levels of comfort and support. With this flagship (Ultra) specification, the seats also offer heating and massage functions.
The front seats are superbly comfortable!
Unlike the Volvo EX30, the EX90 has a neat digital instrument panel behind its tiller. It may look simple, but it displays the essentials: speed, range, and satnav directions. It’ll also show you what the SUV can see in terms of other vehicles, and it can recognise the differences between cars, trucks, scooters, etc.
The Ultra Twin Performance’s standard spec is comprehensive, but then, given the EX90’s list price of almost R2.7 million, it should be! We suspect that lower-specced and less-powerful variants (such as a single-motor EX90) will be offered locally in future, but we have no official confirmation of that yet.
Features such as soft-closing doors, a sensational 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, heated seats with a massage function, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charger and USB charging ports are just some of the highlights of the EX90 Ultra Twin Performance‘s specification. Speaking of lights, we just loved how the horizontal elements of the Volvo’s DRL arrays split to reveal the headlamps.
The Google Automotive user interface.
Safety-wise, the EX90 sports hardware such as a 360-degree camera system, lane-keeping aid, blind-spot info system, cross-traffic alert, road-sign information, plus its Pilot Assist assisted driving tech.
Now, while Volvo’s flagship SUV has LiDAR (light detection and ranging), radar and cameras to scan the road and detect vehicles in its vicinity, not all of it has been activated, but future over-the-air (OTA) updates should put that right (version 1.3.17 dropped on 16 June 2025). Functions such as Vehicle-to-Load, through which the car can power appliances and even your house, will be available one day.
We cleared error messages like this one by switching the car off and on again.
But apart from activating features of the EX90 that are not available yet, those OTA updates can’t come quickly enough to iron out the software glitches, several of which we encountered with Volvo’s test unit.
We encountered an air suspension failure message (which resolved itself after we locked, unlocked and restarted the car); we struggled for 45 minutes to get the Volvo to recognise its key tag to allow keyless entry (in other words, unlock itself – 1.3.17’s release notes say the update addresses this issue); finally, while we conducted the photoshoot, the EX90 showed a “Driving performance reduced” message (after which the Volvo was effectively in limp mode). We drove home at (an electronically limited) 80 kph, and the following day, the test unit started and performed normally, as if no such problem had occurred…
Maps and other Google applications are available.
A Google-based system is at the heart of the EX90’s UX. Android Automotive – not to be confused with Google’s Android Auto smartphone-mirroring tech – powers the Volvo’s infotainment system. If you’re an Android acolyte, you’ll appreciate the Google suite, including Maps, Assistant, and critically, access to the Google Play store, where you can download even more apps like YouTube, games, Spotify and so on.
Are you an Apple disciple? Well, fear not, as we tested Apple CarPlay in the 2025 Volvo EX90 and it ran beautifully on the test unit’s massive (14.5-inch) centre screen. This SUV requires a data connection for all functionality, and Volvo SA supplies 10 GB of in-car data from Vodacom every month for 36 months.
A button for the glove box on the screen? That’s odd.
Although the infotainment system’s interface is undeniably slick, we were mildly frustrated that access to many onboard functions is built into the touchscreen menu. You need to tap the touchscreen to perform simple tasks such as opening the glovebox and tailgate, or adjusting the steering column and mirrors.
Granted, a driver won’t need to adjust the 2025 Volvo EX90’s side mirrors to their preference that often, but it was irksome nonetheless. The menu system doesn’t seem intuitive at 1st, but Volvo says the car will learn what users access often and then automatically create shortcuts on the home screen. Clever!
Rear passengers get all the space, plus ventilation controls and USB-C ports.
Seeing as the EX90 is a luxurious 7-seat family car, it’s expected to have an abundance of occupant and cargo space, and, to a degree, it does. The front- and 2nd-row seats offer ample head- and legroom.
The 3rd-row seats are best suited for kids, but if you only need to transport 5 occupants, the rearmost row stows neatly into the load-bay floor, which is practically shaped and sized (324 to 697 litres). You can use the air-suspension control console to lower the rear of the car to make it easier to load cargo.
The Volvo EX90 offers sufficient load-bay capacity when the 3rd-row seats are stowed.
Ride and Handling
When we saw the EX90 Ultra Twin Performance‘s gorgeous (but rather sizeable) 22-inch alloy wheels, shod with skinny 265/40 tyres, we were worried they’d negatively impact the Volvo’s overall ride quality, but our fears were unfounded. Okay, the ride’s not flawless – it’s still firm at low speeds – but once you’re on the move, the EX90 floats along beautifully. Few cars that run on 22s offer such lofty ride refinement!
The secret to the forgiving ride quality is the fitment of adaptive air suspension, which enables the Volvo to quietly absorb all but the worst road imperfections, of which there are many on South African roads. In terms of the driving experience, it’s plug and play: there isn’t a multitude of confusing drive modes, you only need to choose between 2 suspension- and 2 steering feel settings. How refreshingly simple!
Look carefully and you’ll notice there is no logo on the centre cap.
Has Volvo Car SA missed a trick by not fitting wheels shod with higher-profile tyres, which would better suit local conditions, in conjunction with a spare wheel, or does the Volvo’s sheer heft (as a large battery-electric vehicle) prohibit that? An all-wheel-drive family SUV should be able to drive on tar and gravel with ease, but even when travelling to our photoshoot location, we worried about getting a puncture!
Another thing that really impressed us about the EX90 package was the hushed cabin. There’s an eerie spookiness to driving along in near silence with only the slightest of road noise intrusions; unlike some of its rivals, Volvo has chosen NOT to pipe in futuristic noise (soundscapes) through the EX90’s speakers.
The cabin is cool and stylish, but we think the BMW iX’s interior offers a bigger sense of occasion at this price.
At over 5 metres in length, the almost 2.8-tonne EX90 is not a compact or nimble vehicle; it can be a bit stressful to manoeuvre the SUV into tight parking spaces, but its sensors and cameras are invaluable in that regard. That said, for a R2.6+ million car, the camera feed isn’t of great quality, especially in low light.
The EX90’s all-new SPA2 platform (shared with no other Volvos, for now) incorporates a trick torque-vectoring system, which means the SUV can corner reasonably deftly if it needs to. While most family cars won’t be driven briskly through sweeping bends, it’s comforting to know the Volvo’s up to the task.
Price and After-sales support
The 2025 Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin Performance retails for R2 650 000 (June 2025), which includes R7 500 towards the installation of a GridCars wall box charger at your home, a R12 000 charging voucher (valid for 24 months) for public charging, and 10 GB of in-car data per month (Vodacom) for 36 months.
The EX90’s price includes a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 3-year/60 000 km full maintenance plan.
There’s a lot to like about the EX90, but we wish it had fewer software bugs.
The 2025 Volvo EX90 marks a new chapter for the Gothenburg-based brand, and while the compact EX30 BEV landed in SA first, its big(gest) brother has been in development for much longer. There’s an awful lot to like, such as the incredibly quiet cabin, the sensational seats, 1 of the finest audio systems ever installed in a car, an impressive range, and let’s not forget that blistering acceleration either.
If you’re interested in buying a new EX90, should you take the plunge? Our answer, at this time (June 2025), is: No, wait a while. This Swedish diamond needs some finishing touches, and thanks to the magic of over-the-air updates, you can bet that bug fixes and tech upgrades will be rolled out rapidly throughout this year and beyond. This car should, in theory, get better and gain more features with time.
We took a deep dive into online Volvo EX90 owner forums and learnt about some eye-opening issues with the model beyond those that we experienced. We’ll spare you the details, but suggest that if you’re serious about acquiring an EX90, you have to do your research and understand what you’re getting into.
In Volvo’s defence, this is one of its very first software-based vehicles, so some teething troubles should be expected. There’s no mistaking that if you look beyond buggy software, this is a deeply impressive, if pricey, offering. Watch this space, the only way is up for the Volvo EX90, but there’s a long way to go. We hope to get another loan unit in the future to fully experience what this model is truly capable of.
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is confirmed for SA, bringing rugged capability and adventuring to the electric segment. Here’s what we know.
The Cross Country is essentially a Volvo EX30 which went to Cape Union Mart and accessorised itself for the great outdoors. Jokes aside, just look at it, you get the feeling that this little electric crossover is ready to tackle some gravel roads.
Officially, Volvo says the EX30 Cross Country offers an increased ride height over the standard EX30 and in our opinion, all-wheel drive and substantial ground clearance are the foundation for confident gravel travel. Visually, the car makes quite the statement, with 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels which are finished in Matte Graphite with Matte Black aero inserts. The front shield and boot lid have a darker look and if you look closely, the front has the outline of a topographical map, giving you some idea of the car’s capabilities.
Volvo South Africa has confirmed the Cross Country will only be available in the flagship Ultra Twin Performance which means you get an electric motor on each axle. Power outputs are claimed at 315 kW and 543 Nm, which means impressive performance. Volvo claims 0-100 kph in just 3.6 seconds for the standard EX30 with this powertrain, and we suspect the Cross Country will be fractionally slower due to its offroad accessories. A range of 427 km is being claimed.
This derivative has all the latest modern convenience features fitted as standard, with Volvo offering luxuries like heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats and lets not forget Volvo’s safety tech either. Volvo SA confirmed numerous personalisation options like mudflaps, load carrier and roof racks.
Pricing and local specifications will be confirmed soon with Volvo SA launching the product in our market later in 2025.
