Goodbye Portofino M, hello Ferrari Roma Spider. Here’s how much the Maranello-based firm’s new “entry-level” convertible will cost you in South Africa…
The new Ferrari Roma Spider is heading to South Africa to effectively replace the Portofino M as the entry point to open-top Prancing Horse ownership. And we have local pricing for the V8-powered newcomer.
As a reminder, the new Roma Spider features a fabric soft-top design (as opposed to the retractable hard-top arrangement used by the Portofino M and the California T before it) able to deploy in 13.5 seconds and at speeds up to 60 kph.
So, how much will the Roma Spider cost you in South Africa? Well, thanks to our friends over at duoporta.com, we know the new convertible model will be priced from R6 300 000. Naturally, a wide range of options will be on offer locally, from special soft-top fabrics and carbon-fibre exterior components to various alloy-wheel designs, tailpipe finishes and seat designs.
The Roma Spider’s roof system deploys in deploy in 13.5 seconds, according to Ferrari.
Ferrari says rejigging the Roma coupé’s fastback roofline to create the new convertible meant modifying the rear screen to incorporate it into the soft-top so that it could fold below the tonneau cover when open. When the soft-top is lowered, an active spoiler connects with the rear bench and head rests.
Meanwhile, a new patented wind deflector is integrated into the rear bench’s backrest and can be opened at speeds up to 170 kph. The Maranello-based automaker says the roof, when stowed, occupies a height of “just 220 mm”, which “ensures a roomy boot” (claimed as a “class-leading” 255 litres, with the top up).
As is the case with the coupé version, power comes from Ferrari’s twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8 engine, which is sited up front, spins to 7 500 r/min and delivers 456 kW and 760 Nm to the rear axle through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission “derived” from that used by the SF90 Stradale.
According to the Italian firm, the Roma Spider will complete the 0-100 kph sprint in 3.4 seconds (yes, matching its coupé sibling’s time), before reaching 200 kph at the 9.7-second mark. Top speed is listed as being in excess of 320 kph. For the record, the Roma Spider’s dry weight is 1556 kg (with certain “optional lightweight content” boxes ticked, that is), which makes it 84 kg heavier than the coupé.
How much does the Ferrari Roma Spider cost in South Africa?
Ferrari Roma Spider – R6 300 000
The Roma Spider ships with a 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 7-year/unlimited kilometre maintenance plan.
Iconic Opel Kadett GSi Superboss to be immortalised as precision scale model
With work progressing nicely on SentiMETAL’s first 1/18 scale model release (BMW’s locally-developed 333i), Cars.co.za‘s lifestyle sub-brand has now announced that the iconic Opel Kadett GSi Superboss will be the second model to be offered.
“Following immense support and interest in the 333i scale model, of which we will receive a prototype soon, it is with great pleasure that we can open pre-orders for the Opel Kadett GSi Superboss model,” says Hannes Oosthuizen, SentiMETAL project head. “We are committed to growing our scale model portfolio in celebration of South Africa’s unique and rich automotive history.”
This particular scale model project is extra special, as the one variant will be an exact 1/18-scale replica of Cars.co.za’s own Imola Red Superboss, and featuring the car’s now very well-known BMX 749 GP number plate. “As is the case with the 333i model, we will offer two colour variants, with each limited to only 150 models for worldwide consumption. We have sold a significant number of 333i models to overseas collectors, and expect that the appeal of the Superboss will similarly stretch beyond our borders,” says Oosthuizen. “In addition to our Imola Red model, the other variant will be finished in Casablanca White and boast SentiMETAL number plates. It will also be limited to 150 units.”
Development of the high-precision resin scale models will again take place in Germany, with manufacturing ultimately happening in China. The models will come mounted on a display stand inside a clear plastic display box. Unique SentiMETAL box art will be developed for the models and each car will come with an information booklet with a stamped serial number.
“It’s quite a detailed process,” says Oosthuizen, “because we want the end product to be as representative of the real thing as possible, and so we are really going through the dimensions, colour codes etc. in great detail.” The highly-detailed model features ABS parts and TPR tyres on rolling wheels.
HOW TO SECURE YOUR 1/18 SCALE OPEL KADETT 2.0 GSI SUPERBOSS
The price for the model is R5 700. To secure your model(s) visit www.sentimetal.shop. Please note that delivery of the models is only expected during the first half of 2024.
Toyota Urban Cruiser (2023) Price & Specs
The new, significantly larger Toyota Urban Cruiser has touched down in South Africa! So, how much more will you pay? Here’s a look at pricing and specifications…
The new Toyota Urban Cruiser has arrived in South Africa, boasting significant size gains but ditching the Hyryder suffix used in India.
Yes, the newcomer is badged simply as the “Urban Cruiser” in SA, despite the fact it’s considerably larger than its forebear (and wears the aforementioned Hyryder badge in India). As a reminder, news of the outgoing Urban Cruiser’s shock axing first emerged in November 2022, though it went on to become SA’s best-selling crossover last year.
As part of the global alliance between the 2 Japanese automakers, the new model was developed by Suzuki alongside the closely related new Grand Vitara (which itself has just touched down in SA), but is produced by Toyota Kirloskar Motor at its Bidadi plant in India.
The new Urban Cruiser was developed by Suzuki but is built by Toyota in India.
The local range comprises 3 front-wheel-drive derivatives, each powered by Suzuki’s familiar K15B naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol mill, which here generates 77 kW and 138 Nm (just as it did in the old model). Transmission choices again include a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4-speed torque-converter automatic cog-swapper (the claimed combined fuel economy figure is 6.1 litres per 100 km, regardless of the specified transmission).
So, what about pricing? Well, the Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS kicks off the range at R329 400, while upgrading to the 1.5 XR pushes the price to R347 400. Finally, the self-shifting range-topper – badged as the 1.5 XR AT – comes in at R369 900.
As a reminder, the old Urban Cruiser line-up featured 5 derivatives – including a base XI variant – with pricing bookends of R283 200 and R357 100. Of course, the newcomer is a considerable 370 mm longer (at 4 365 mm) than its predecessor, while its wheelbase is a handy 100 mm lengthier at 2 600 mm. Luggage capacity comes in at a claimed 353 litres (25 litres more than before), while ground clearance is 210 mm.
There should be considerably more space in the rear of the new version.
That puts it fairly close in size to the locally produced Corolla Cross, which is 4 460 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2 640 mm. Still, the new Urban Cruiser is shrewdly positioned just below the Corolla Cross, which starts at R392 900 and runs through to R512 500.
Standard features for the Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS include keyless entry (and push-button start), a touchscreen infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), automatic air-conditioning, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, tilt & telescopic adjustment for the steering column, LED daytime running lights, bi-halogen headlamps, LED taillights and 17-inch steel wheels. Safety is covered by dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-assist control, electronic stability control and IsoFix child-seat anchors at the rear.
The XR grade adds items such as cruise control, an extra 2 speakers (for a total of 4), the option of 2-tone paint (including black side-mirror caps), black roof rails, 17-inch alloys and side and curtain airbags (for a total of 6). Interestingly, all derivatives do without a rear wiper…
How much does the new Toyota Urban Cruiser cost in South Africa?
Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS – R329 400
Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR – R347 400
Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR AT – R369 900
The new Urban Cruiser ships standard with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 4-service/60 000 km service plan.
Wondering how much the twin-turbo V6-powered Maserati MC20 Cielo will cost you in South Africa? Well, wonder no more – we have local pricing for the spyder model…
Back in May 2022, the covers came off the Maserati MC20 Cielo, the so-called “spyder” version of the MC20 coupé, complete with a nifty retractable glass roof. Now, with the first units having seemingly arrived in South Africa, we can share local pricing.
Thanks to our studious friends over at duoporta.com, we know the Maserati MC20 Cielo will be priced from R7 650 000, which makes it R900 000 more expensive than its hardtop sibling. Of course, the Modena-based firm will also offer a range of options, from fresh wheel designs and eye-catching bodywork liveries to carbon-fibre styling packages, an uprated sound system and various driver-assistance packages.
For the record, the 2-seater MC20 Cielo employs the same mid-mounted, twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno petrol engine as the coupé, producing a whopping 463 kW and 730 Nm. With drive delivered to the rear axle through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the spyder boasts a claimed 0-100 kph time of just 2.9 seconds (matching that of the coupé) and a top speed in excess of 325 kph.
The MC20 Cielo with the glass roof in place.
Of course, this model’s distinguishing feature is its retractable glass roof, which employs Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal technology that allows it to be transformed from clear to opaque at the touch of a button. As a reminder, the Italian word “Cielo” translates to “sky”, which Maserati says highlights the fact this is a model “devoted to driving pleasure in the great outdoors”.
Maserati further claims the roof is “best in class” in terms of its thermal insulation, while its opening and closing speeds come in at 12 seconds each. According to the Italian automaker, the special roof adds just 65 kg to the model’s overall weight, while the carbon-fibre chassis “guarantees uncompromising torsional rigidity”. Despite the presence of the roof system, the coupé’s butterfly doors remain.
In South Africa, the Maserati MC20 Cielo will ship standard on 20-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in 245/35 R20 tyres up front and 305/30 R20 rubber at the rear. Adaptive suspension will likewise be a standard feature, while the cabin upholstery will take the form of a suede-cloth/leather combination.
How much does the Maserati MC20 Cielo cost in South Africa?
Maserati MC20 Coupé – R6 750 000
Maserati MC20 Cielo – R7 650 000
The Maserati MC20 ships with a 3-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Remember the Opel Corsa Lite? Well, the nameplate has made a return to South Africa, this time applied to the G2J0-generation hatchback. Here’s how much it costs…
The Opel Corsa Lite nameplate has made a return to South Africa! Back in 1996, the Corsa Lite was launched as a South African-specific derivative, based on the 2nd-generation (S93) Corsa and built right here in Mzansi. Remember the “Lite Side of Life” marketing campaign?
The original Corsa Lite was sold alongside the 3rd-generation (X01) hatch, before production finally ended in 2007. This time, however, it’s not a prolonged lifecycle model and is instead based on the current G2J0-generation version of the German’s firm’s B-segment hatchback.
Note the “Lite” badge on the newcomer’s rump.
Somewhat curiously, though, Opel SA has opted to equip the new Lite with the 74 kW/205 Nm turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine rather than the naturally aspirated 55 kW motor used in the base Corsa 1.2. For the record, however, the latter variant appears to have been discontinued, with the Lite now – rather appropriately – functioning as the entry point to the range.
The 3-strong line-up thus kicks off with the Corsa Lite 1.2T, which is priced at R349 900 (so, R24 000 more than the old base Corsa 1.2). Next comes the Corsa Edition 1.2T at R356 900 (yes, just R7 000 more), with the 96 kW Corsa Elegance 1.2T 6AT topping the range at R436 900.
The Corsa Lite retains the standard version’s 7-inch touchscreen.
Like the Edition derivative, the Corsa Lite’s turbopetrol engine drives the front axle through a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the Elegance variant employs a 6-speed automatic cog-swapper.
Standard features on the freshly introduced Lite derivative include a 7-inch touchscreen, air conditioning, electric windows (front only), power-adjustable side mirrors, a multifunctional steering wheel, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a 180-degree reversing camera, hill-start assist, automatic headlamps, tyre-pressure monitoring and 16-inch alloy wheels.
It’s an interesting move from Opel parent company Stellantis, which clearly hopes to leverage a badge that remains well known in South Africa. We can’t help but feel, however, the Lite should be more than just R7 000 less expensive than the mid-tier derivative, even if that would mean stripping more standard kit…
How much does the Opel Corsa Lite 1.2T cost in South Africa?
Opel Corsa Lite 1.2T 74 kW 6MT – R349 900
Opel Corsa Edition 1.2T 74 kW 6MT – R356 900
Opel Corsa Elegance 1.2T 96 kW 6AT – R436 900
All Corsa models ship with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan.
In this comprehensive review, Ciro De Siena explores the subtle yet significant updates to the 2023 Toyota Fortuner, a vehicle that holds a special place in the South African new-vehicle market.Watch the video!
This 2023 Toyota Fortuner is more of an evolution rather than a revolution and it still ranks as a top contender and a smart buy for local consumers looking for a capable adventure SUV.
The updated 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine produces 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque, putting it on par with its competitors.
The interior includes modern features such as two-tone leather seats, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB-C ports while rear occupants are treated to their own air conditioning controls and vents!
The third-row seats fold up against the windows to create a large boot space. The Fortuner can also tow up to 3.5 tons!
If you’re in the market for a Fortuner, this review will help you make an informed buying decision.
2023 Toyota Fortuner – Should you buy it?
Performance
The new Fortuner’s most impactful change is the “beefed up” 2.8-liter engine, which now produces a robust 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque. This power upgrade is crucial, as it puts the Fortuner squarely on par with its main rival, the Ford Everest. This strategic move ensures the Fortuner remains competitive in a segment where engine performance and towing capacity are key considerations for buyers. The vehicle’s proven reliability, combined with this new power output, strengthens its reputation as a dependable workhorse capable of handling both daily commutes and more challenging off-road adventures.
Interior Features
While some interior elements may not feel as modern as those in its competitors, the Fortuner’s cabin has received thoughtful updates to enhance comfort and convenience.
The introduction of a new bi-tone leather interior with red accents adds a more premium feel to the cabin. The Fortuner VX is also equipped with modern features like an Android Auto / Apple CarPlay capable infotainment system, USB-C ports and a 220-volt socket.
The Fortuner’s practicality is a key factor in its market success. Its unique third-row seating, which folds up against the side windows rather than into the floor, is a sticking point for some buyers but the system does result in more boot height compared to its flat-folding rivals.
The Fortuner’s significance for the South African market is rooted in its ability to marry tradition with timely updates. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t try to be something it’s not; instead, it refines its core strengths of durability, reliability, and practicality, which are qualities that continue to resonate deeply with South African motorists.
The Fortuner is a 7-seater SUV with three rows of seats, designed to accommodate a driver and up to six passengers.
What is the ground clearance of the Toyota Fortuner?
The Toyota Fortuner has a ground clearance of approximately 225 mm to 279 mm, depending on the model year and specific variant. This high clearance makes it well-suited for off-road driving and navigating rough terrain.
What are the engine and transmission options for the Toyota Fortuner?
The Toyota Fortuner is available with two diesel engines, with some derivatives featuring 48V mild-hybrid technology to improve efficiency. Engines include a 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine. Transmission choices typically include both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox, with some variants offering a 4×4 drivetrain.
What are some key features of the Toyota Fortuner?
Key features of the Toyota Fortuner include a high-strength body-on-frame chassis for durability, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leather seats, automatic climate control, and a suite of safety features such as multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, and traction control. Higher trims may also offer a premium JBL sound system and a powered tailgate.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the Toyota Fortuner?
The Toyota Fortuner has a fuel tank capacity of 80 litres.
We headed to the Garden Route to drive the brand-new Suzuki Grand Vitara. The model name has quite a legacy, so we were very keen to drive the newcomer...
The Suzuki Grand Vitara (GV) is one of the Japanese brand’s most-loved legacy vehicles and this author happens to have fond memories of adventuring through sand dunes in the old 2.4 Summit. It sure was a thirsty ol’ SUV, but if you’re shopping for a used vehicle, the GV’s still a desirable and capable family car.
The new Grand Vitara is built in India and represents an all-new chapter for the nameplate. Yet, some Suzuki fans (especially the older ones) may not be too excited; perhaps a name of such stature shouldn’t be bestowed on a model that is little more than a crossover (or “softroader”, as some people call it)?
What’s on Offer?
Beneath its sheet metal, the Grand Vitara is an all-new vehicle, with a fresh platform and powertrain.
Suzuki Auto SA offers the new Grand Vitara with a 5-derivative lineup, which starts with the 1.5 GL manual and is topped off by an all-wheel-drive 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip flagship. The latter costs a heady R529 900, but the good news is that the range starts from just R339 900… The entry-level derivatives offer exceptional value for money – they effectively plug the gap left by the discontinued Vitara Brezza.
All derivatives are powered by versions of the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol motor that does duty in many of the Japanese brand’s products. The non-assisted motor produces 77 kW/138 Nm and drives the model’s front wheels via either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The flagship version also has a 1.5, but it is paired with a mild-hybrid system (a first for Suzuki SA) and a 6-speed auto ‘box. It has peak outputs of 76 kW and 136 Nm, so the 12V system is there to optimise fuel efficiency (not boost performance); Suzuki claims the GLX AllGrip consumes an average of 5.6 L/100 km.
Don’t let your eyes fool you: the new Grand Vitara is neither as large, nor as imposing, as it may appear.
It is noticeably longer (by 350 mm) than the outgoing Vitara Brezza and it rides on a 2 600-mm, as opposed to a 2 500-mm wheelbase, which has resulted in improved rear legroom. During our evaluation of the new model, we found that it could accommodate 4 adults in reasonable comfort, even if the rear headroom was a little tight for taller occupants. Curiously, the claimed luggage capacity has shrunk a little (from 328 litres to 310 litres), but it can expand to 1 147 litres when the rear seatback is folded flat.
In terms of interior fit-and-finish, the Grand Vitara’s level is comparable with – or slightly better than – that of its predecessor, which is to say it’s solid and durable-looking, as opposed to luxurious. There are 2 trim levels – GL and GLX – and the entry-level derivatives seem impressively specced for the price.
We drove the 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip and our test route included many gravel and off-road sections.
Let’s get the downsides out of the way. The flagship derivative’s outright performance is underwhelming. While its peak outputs feel sufficient at double-digit speeds, the Suzuki’s open-road/highway overtaking performance is middling at best. When 3 adults and their luggage were travelling in the car, overtaking manoeuvres required some pre-planning because the motor’s shortage of torque was quite apparent.
By contrast, the 6-speed automatic transmission was impressive. It didn’t hunt for gears and while there were shift paddles on the ‘wheel, we left the ‘box to its own devices for the on-tar portion of the route.
When traversing gravel roads, the Grand Vitara felt well at ease, with excellent steering response and -feel, as well as admirable body control. The off-road system, which we left in its default (automatic) mode, cleverly and seamlessly activated the rear-wheel drive when the front wheels scrabbled.
There’s the ability to lock the central diff in extreme circumstances, which we did when traversing a historic ox wagon path up the Outeniqua Mountains. Most Grand Vitara customers will never be that adventurous, but it’s reassuring to know the vehicle’s quite capable with its 210 mm of ground clearance.
We also had a chance to drive the automatic entry-level GL, which we mostly drove on asphalt roads. It may look much like the AllGrip version, but it is tailor-made for budget-conscious crossover buyers.
Also, the 4-speed automatic may seem like an antiquated transmission, but it works well in combination with the rev-happy 77 kW/138 Nm 1.5-litre engine. The spec difference between the GL and GLX isn’t considerable either; owners are unlikely to feel like they should have opted for the higher-trim level.
The model’s on-road demeanour is good around town. As befits a town/city runabout, the Suzuki requires minimal effort to steer, plus the high-profile tyres and pliant suspension deliver a fair ride quality.
While the engine can sound a bit strained when required to explore the upper reaches of its rev range, it did provide adequate shove (the launch was admittedly at sea level). We suspect that on the Reef, with the altitude-induced power deficit and four passengers on board, the Grand Vitara may labour. Sadly, the punchy 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine from the Vitara is unlikely to make its way into this model.
Summary
Should this model – a replacement for the Vitara Brezza – be called the Grand Vitara? It’s not “superior” to its older, but sufficiently urbane, Vitara sibling (as the name suggests) and has very little in common with the aforementioned iconic family off-roader of days gone by. Granted, the 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip will take you further off-road than you’d expect, but it’s highly unlikely to appeal to 4×4 enthusiasts.
We spent the majority of our time driving the flagship Grand Vitara, which is hamstrung by a steep asking price and lack of punch, but Suzuki admits it won’t be the range’s top seller. Yes, its tech adds a modern flavour to the brand, but at over R500k, it doesn’t offer quite enough in-gear oomph compared with turbocharged rivals such as the Kia Seltos 1.4T-GDI GT Line and VW T-Cross 1.5TSI 110kW R-Line.
Look past the flagship, however, and you’ll find that the other Grand Vitara derivatives offer notable value, comfort, and practicality at a great price, which is Suzuki SA’s forte. Given the model’s 5-year/200 000 km warranty and 6-year/90 000 km service plan, it does represent a solid ownership proposition.
The facelifted GWM P-Series has debuted in China, featuring a refreshed front end and a significantly upgraded cabin…
A facelifted version of the GWM P-Series double cab has broken cover at the Shanghai motor show, boasting fresh front-end styling and an extensively overhauled interior.
The updated version of the Chinese bakkie – which also wears the Cannon, Ute or Poer badge, depending on the market – scores a new (even bolder) grille design, along with a restyled front bumper housing new foglamps. The wheel-arch extensions, too, have been tweaked, while the vehicle on show features roof rails, a sports bar and a hard load-bed cover.
From what we can tell, no significant changes have been made to the double-cab model’s rear end, nor to its profile (though the alloy-wheel design appears to have been reworked). Of course, it’s worth keeping in mind the vehicle on display in Shanghai is a Chinese-spec model, so styling could vary by market.
Inside, the Luxury version of the revised P-Series features a freestanding 7-inch colour LCD instrument cluster and a new 12.3-inch touchscreen (as opposed to the old integrated 9-inch item) that likewise sits proud of the facia. It seems the cabin employs far fewer physical controls than before, which suggests more functions have been moved to the touchscreen.
The refreshed P-Series made its debut at the Shanghai motor show.
We also spotted new steering-wheel and automatic gear-shifter designs as well as a change in orientation for the air vents (from vertical to a more conventional horizontal layout). According to the press material we managed to dig up (and translate), the cabin furthermore gains “large storage” compartments up front and added soft-touch materials atop the dashboard.
The Chinese-market version also gains a “fully automatic parking system”, improved driver-assistance technology and the ability to be unlocked and started remotely. In China, the engine range looks set to continue unchanged.
Haval Motors South Africa, which distributes the GWM brand locally, has yet to confirm when (or indeed whether) we can expect to see the facelifted P-Series on local roads. Of course, if it does come to South Africa, the SA-spec model may well differ somewhat from the Chinese version.
As a reminder, the P-Series launched in SA in December 2020. The local line-up currently comprises 16 derivatives (4 single cabs, 8 “commercial” double cabs and 4 “passenger” double cabs), with pricing running from R404 950 to R640 950. All derivatives are powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor generating 120 kW and 400 Nm, though there is a choice of driven wheels (4×2 and 4×4) and transmissions (a 6-speed manual gearbox and a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic cog-swapper).
In 2022, the P-Series registered 4 183 sales in South Africa, slightly behind its Steed sibling (4 522 units). Still, that haul was enough to secure the P-Series 8th place on the list of SA’s best-selling bakkies, ahead of established contenders like the Toyota Land Cruiser 79, the previous-generation Volkswagen Amarok and the Mitsubishi Triton. In the opening quarter of 2023, GWM registered 903 units of the P-Series, which again puts it in 8th position.
Mazda is perhaps the most distinctive of all the Japanese automotive brands. Smaller than the rest, but agile and with a sense of agency regarding design and engineering, the Hiroshima-based brand often gets its products spot on, but there are exceptions.
Since Mazda’s relaunch in South Africa in 2014 (when it left the custodianship of the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa and became an independent entity in our market), it has thrived.
Mazda’s crossovers and SUVs have distinctive designs; their cabins are a touch dark, but excellently made; plus, there is a defined coherence between Mazda’s product planning and the engineering that supports it. Apart from the new BT-50, no Mazda model feels like a platform twin of anything else.
Then there are the engines. Mazda is renowned for powertrain innovation – its rotaries remain some of the most characterful engines ever utilised in road-going vehicles. And although Mazda took a while to adopt diesel tech, its compression-ignition engines have proved excellent. But the brand’s powertrain strategy contains a big paradox – one that has become obvious again with the engine in the local CX-60.
CX-60 has oodles of road presence. But will it have adequate overtaking prowess at altitude?
Near-perfect proportions – but what about performance?
Built on a focused rear-wheel-drive architecture, the new Mazda CX-60 represents an impressive feat of luxury car design. Then again, Mazda is one of the very few car brands that don’t have a single inelegant or unattractive passenger-car model in their product portfolio. And CX-60 is at no risk of altering that status. It blends tidy proportions with restrained detailing and looks purposeful without being pastiche.
Japanese, Korean and Chinese brands might be powerful in the compact to mid-sized crossover market, but European brands dominate when you edge up towards the large luxury crossover/SUV segment. Therefore, the new CX-60 is a bold enterprise, especially in the South African market. Price and specification are always a challenge for product planners. Still, Mazda’s people have possibly made a very curious choice with CX-60: equipping it with a very mild engine, even if at a reasonable price.
South African buyers will pay just over R700k for the entry-level CX-60 derivative and the model will be powered exclusively by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine. And this is the paradox of Mazda powertrain design: there is a legacy of reticence towards (non-rotary) turbocharged engines.
And it’s not a case of Mazda trying to be cheap or having lazy engineers who don’t want to integrate turbochargers…
Mazda’s 3.3-litre mild-hybrid turbodiesel. Boosts 187 kW and 550 Nm, ideal outputs for South African driving demands.
The turbo engines we can’t have
Mazda’s argument has always been that turbocharged engines struggle to equal the volumetric efficiency of an atmospheric engine in real-world driving conditions. And anyone who has driven a small-capacity turbopetrol engine will agree: there’s no way of getting close to achieving the manufacturer’s claimed fuel consumption figure (which explains why the New European Driving Cycle fuel-efficiency testing protocol has been replaced by the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure).
To Mazda engine designers, a turbocharger’s added complexity and cost don’t compensate for the consequence of heavier fuel consumption. The brand asserts that fuel consumption transparency is a higher principle than peak power and it has steadfastly stuck to its guns. Why? Because that’s what an atmospheric engine delivers: consistent fuel consumption, regardless of driving style.
Mazda’s engineering honesty about turbocharged engines and fuel consumption is admirable, but that doesn’t mean they don’t build some terrific forced-induction engines. As more markets have demanded turbocharged engines (turbopetrol ones, to be specific), Mazda has duly delivered.
The Hiroshima-based brand has utilised a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol in its Mazda3 (in the ‘States), as well as the Mazda6 and crossover models (including the CX-5) in overseas markets. It also has a new family of inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engines, which pair ideally with luxury crossovers and SUVs.
However, the very best of these new-generation turbocharged engines from Mazda remains unattainable for South African followers of the brand. At least, for now.
Plug-in hybrids aren’t a thing in South Africa. CX-60’s PHEV offers a very credible 241-kW combined system output.
Is 258 Nm enough from a CX-60 engine?
Mazda’s 3.3-litre inline-6 engines won’t be available in the CX-60 when Mazda Southern Africa launches the eagerly awaited model in South Africa next month. What will be available is the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine, without its plug-in hybridisation and battery power.
The non-turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol is an engine of charming simplicity, reliability, consistent fuel consumption… and modest outputs. The CX-60’s 2.5-litre engine is rated for 143 kW and 258 Nm, but the latter number is underwhelming – especially for a vehicle that weighs just shy of 2 000 kg. Mazda’s plug-in hybrid version of the CX-60, which uses the same petrol engine, is good for 241 kW/500 Nm.
Altitude-related power dropoff will affect most potential CX-60 customers (in Gauteng, the loss is about 16.8%) and, because the Mazda’s a roomy 5-seater luxury vehicle, it’s reasonable to expect it will often be fully loaded. The heavier a car is, the more apparent its power-to-weight shortcomings become.
Not many better-looking large crossovers back in 2010. But CX-7’s local spec was underpowered.
History repeats with the 2.5-litre engine
Mazda has done this before: deliver a distinctive design statement crossover, with excellent trim and equipment levels – but an underwhelming engine – to South African buyers. Remember the CX-7?
In the late 2000s and early 2010s, the CX-7 was one of the most distinctive Japanese large crossovers you could buy in South Africa (the unfortunately styled Subaru Tribeca notwithstanding). But it was powered by a 2.5-litre atmospheric engine, despite a 2.3-litre turbopetrol and 2.2-litre turbodiesel powerplants being available in other markets. With the CX-60, it appears much of the same again.
Engine power matters with large crossovers and luxury SUVs. These vehicles are regularly used on longer journeys, travelling to weekend getaway venues. Or routing from Gauteng to the coast. South African highways and B-roads are competitive driving environments, where overtaking performance is not a question of vanity, but safety.
It is a pity that the Mazda CX-60 is not being marketed with its full spectrum of available engines, capable of delivering potent overtaking acceleration for local customers.
Is having CX-60’s least potent engine as the only local option, a titanic misjudgement?
What determined Mazda’s engine choice for the CX-60?
But why is Mazda only offering its least powerful engine for the SA-market specification CX-60s? A contributing issue could be fuel quality. South African petrol and diesel quality can be wildly inconsistent throughout the nation: some of it is excellent, but most of it isn’t.
SkyActiv fuel-purity requirements from Mazda’s headquarters in Japan could have scuppered the ambition to add those 3.3-litre inline-6 engines to the CX-60’s South African model range. But fuel quality is always a weak variable for product planning justifications in South Africa… because German brands market similar-capacity engines locally, with arguably similar sophistication. Surely Mazda’s 3.3-litre turbodiesels aren’t more fuel sensitive than a BMW X5 xDrive30d’s 3.0-litre inline-6, for example?
The more truthful reason for the CX-60’s underwhelming powertrain specification is price alignment. The pair of CX-60 derivatives are positioned at R739 800 for the rear-wheel-drive 2.5 Dynamic and R844 500 for an all-wheel-drive 2.5 Individual. Those prices are very competitive.
There’s a probability that Mazda’s wonderful 3.3-litre 6-cylinder engines would have edged pricing beyond R900 000, and too close to R1-million. And that would have positioned CX-60 against rivals such as Hyundai’s Sante Fe and Kia’s Sorento, which are powered by more torquey turbodiesel engines.
The 6-speed manual version of the updated Toyota GR Supra (now with 285 kW) will arrive in South Africa shortly – and we’ve unearthed local pricing. Here’s how much you’ll pay…
Been hanging on for the 6-speed manual version of the Toyota GR Supra? Well, the wait is almost over – and we’ve uncovered pricing ahead of the local launch.
Yes, after a lengthy delay, the updated A90-generation Supra line-up is expected to debut in South Africa shortly, complete with extra power from its BMW-sourced 6-cylinder heart and a highly anticipated 3-pedal derivative.
As a reminder, the outgoing range comprised a trio of 3.0T variants – the base Track (R1 213 700), the standard model (R1 365 600) and a special Matte Grey version (R1 391 000) – with each featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-6 petrol engine driving the rear axle through a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder version, of course, didn’t ever make it to local shores.
Spherical GR-branded gear knob, present and correct.
Meanwhile, the updated line-up will incorporate 2 derivatives, though there will now be a choice of transmissions. According to our information, the Toyota GR Supra 3.0T manual model will start at R1 417 500, while specifying the 8-speed automatic transmission will cost you R34 300 more, pushing the starting price to R1 451 800.
From what we understand, the BMW-built B58 engine’s peak power will furthermore rise from the outgoing version’s 250 kW to a healthier 285 kW (finally matching the output of the closely related Z4 M40i roadster, which itself recently benefited from a facelift). Maximum torque, meanwhile, is likely to remain at 500 Nm. Claimed 0-100 kph times and top speeds for the SA-spec models have yet to be announced.
According to the Japanese firm, the “newly developed” 6-speed manual cog-swapper was “engineered and tuned specifically” for the inline-6 engine. It features Toyota’s so-called “iMT” system, complete with an auto-blip function for downshifts (though this can be deactivated in Sport mode). Meanwhile, the final drive ratio has been shortened from the auto model’s 3.15:1 to 3.46:1.
Expect the new manual derivative to score a red “Supra” badge.
The rear-driven coupé’s braking control systems and suspension have also been “retuned for even better performance”, while modified stabiliser bushings ostensibly result in improved steering response.
Though local specifications have yet to be make public, we expect a few other updates to be introduced with this model change. For instance, the revised 2023 GR Supra will likely be offered with a new 19-inch alloy-wheel design, a couple of fresh exterior paint-colour options and an upgraded JBL premium sound system.
The A90-generation Supra launched in South Africa in mid-2019 and has since been joined by Gazoo Racing siblings in the form of the GR Yaris and the GR86 (with the GR Corolla on the way as well), along with GR-Sport iterations of Prospecton-built favourites such as the Hilux and Corolla Cross and imported models like the Land Cruiser 300. Remarkably, the last time Toyota SA Motors sold a new GR Supra locally was in May 2022 (when dealer orders for this new version were expected to open).
How much does the Toyota GR Supra cost in South Africa?
Toyota GR Supra 3.0T 6MT – R1 417 500
Toyota GR Supra 3.0T 8AT – R1 451 800
The updated Supra is likely to ship standard with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-service/100 000 km service plan.
