The price for the new GWM Ora has been announced for South Africa. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for the compact electric vehicle when it goes on sale in SA this year.
The GWM Ora is a cute-looking compact city car and it will be hitting South African showrooms soon, priced from R716 900. In a statement where GWM Haval confirmed its attendance at Nampo’s Harvest Day, the giant also confirmed the local arrival of the hybrid Tank 300 for public viewing.
That launch price is aggressive and positions the new Ora as South Africa’s cheapest electric car. Prior to its arrival, the previous affordability champion was the Mini Hatch Cooper SE at R742 142. The Mini offers up outputs of 135 kW and 270 Nm, and a claimed range of 217 km.
The new GWM Ora is claimed to have a range of 400 km and has outputs of 126 kW and 250 Nm. GWM says it can be fast-charged from an 80 kW DC charger and it’ll go from 10% to 80% in just 41 minutes. With that range, we’re confident the Ora for SA is the 63 kWh battery-equipped derivative. There is a smaller 48 khW version.
“This is a significant step for GWM South Africa, especially as the car uses a Dragon Volt battery from SVolt Energy Technology Co. that is cobalt-free, as well as being long-lasting and extremely durable,” says Conrad Groenewald, Chief Operations Officer of Haval Motors South Africa.
With such a price difference between the entry-level Ora and the top-spec model, we can only assume the GWM Ora spec levels will vary greatly. The equipment levels for our market are yet to be confirmed, but the right-hand drive Australian models we drove at the beginning of 2023 came with 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster combo, USB ports front and rear, a wireless charging pad, selectable drive modes, LED lighting, climate control (auto aircon) and 60/40-split folding rear seats.
How much does the GWM Ora cost in South Africa?
At this stage, there was no derivative breakdown, but instead GWM Haval confirmed a price range. We’ll have more information like trim levels closer to the vehicle’s debut.
GWM Ora R716 900 – R915 900
Toyota GR Corolla Unveiled & Coming to SA (Price Update)
Toyota has finally whipped the covers off its long-awaited GR Corolla, which combines the GR Yaris’ thumping powertrain with a five-door body and model-specific Torsen limited-slip diffs (as part of the GR-Four AWD system). Good news, it’s coming to SA and we have pricing!
Ostensibly a rival to the Volkswagen Golf 8 R, the Toyota GR Corolla is powered by a strengthened version of the homologation-special GR Yaris‘ engine with cog-swapping duties handled by a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching functionality. Toyota says the GR Corolla’s turbocharged three-cylinder G16E-GTS engine, which displaces just 1.6 litres, develops 224 kW at 6 500 rpm and 370 Nm of torque between 3 000 and 5 500 rpm.
*Update: Thanks to Twitter user @stevefromafrica, who has been on the money with past GR Toyota product info, we have some clarity on pricing. We understand the GR Corolla will be offered in a two-model lineup: 1.6T Core and 1.6T Circuit. Pricing will start at R816 500 for the former, with the top-spec model retailing for R876 100. As a reminder, the GR Yaris has 198 kW and 360 Nm, and sells for R815 700.
That little birdie has been whispering in my ear again. This time it’s about the official pricing of the GR Corolla.
The GR Corolla is the nameplate’s first sporting model in nearly two decades and the latest of several GR models from the Aichi-based brand. It follows in the tracks of the GR Supra, GR Yaris and the GR 86.
Featuring several variant-specific performance attributes including widened front and rear fenders (to accommodate the car’s widened track), the GR Corolla sports a unique front bumper design, which channels more air to the model’s powertrain and braking system, a diffuser-adorned rear bumper and an electronic multi-plate clutch all-wheel-drive system capable of quickly shuffling drive between the front and rear axles.
Toyota says its engineers have separated the system’s “4WD” mode (which controls driving force distribution) and “Drive” mode (which controls accelerator response, steering and other systems), enabling selection according to driver preference and the driving environment. The selectable drive system can provide 60:40, 50:50 and 30:70 front-to-rear torque split settings, depending on the driver’s preference.
Furthermore, the GR Corolla rides on pillow-ball bushings and enhanced springs, shock absorbers and wheel alignment further contribute to maximum cornering control, while body rigidity has been increased to “achieve driving performance that responds instantly to driver operation”, Toyota says.
The model rides on a MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear suspension arrangement and 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 235-40-series Yokohama Advan Apex V601 or Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber (depending on market).
The GR Corolla features additional bracing in the rear wheel wells, beneath the central tunnel, and ahead of the 50-litre fuel tank to further bolster stability. The model tips the scale at 1 475 kg, just 55 kg more than a regular Corolla hatch.
Braking performance is likewise upgraded with 14-inch front- and 11-inch rear discs clamped by opposed-piston four-pot and two pot clamps respectively. The braking system is tuned to provide what Toyota says is stable braking and control, enabling confident and enjoyable driving, even on the racetrack.
The GR Corolla is further fitted with a mechanical park brake (handbrake turns, anyone?) and includes a long list of standard safety inclusions courtesy of Toyota’s latest Safety Sense technologies.
Given the tremendous success the GR Yaris achieved in Mzansi, it stands to reason there will be much interest in the GR Corolla in the local market. Toyota South Africa Motors has confirmed the GR Corolla will be launched in South Africa in the 2nd quarter of 2023, with pricing, detailed specification and model line-up for the GR Corolla will be confirmed closer to launch.
New Ford Ranger Raptor vs Wildtrak V6 – Which one should you buy?
There is a lot of hype behind the latest Ford Ranger and the Raptor. We pointed them towards the dunes to see how they compare and which is the better buy.
We’ve been seeing a lot, and we mean a lot, of new Ford Ranger Raptors on South African roads. With a price difference of R140 000 between the top-of-the-range Ford Ranger Wildtrak and the Raptor, are many buyers choosing to fork over the extra money and go for the Raptor?
In this video, we look at the pros and cons of both vehicles, in a bid to help you decide between the two. We cover everything from exterior comparison to the interior, suspension differences, ride quality and load and towing capabilities.
And, as you have to do if you have a Ranger Raptor on test, we jump it.
The Honda e:Ny1 is the Japanese brand’s second fully-electric vehicle and has just been revealed. Here’s a first look at what’s on offer.
After the adorable Honda e city car broke cover, many have wondered what Honda would do next and here it is. This is the curiously-named Honda e:Ny1 which is positioned as an all-electric B-segment SUV.
First impressions from these images suggest similar design language to the Honda HR-V which is sold in South Africa. Honda Europe says the e:NY1’s design elements will be used on the brand’s future offerings.
Under the skin of the new Honda e:Ny1 is a brand-new platform called e:N Architecture F which is a front-driven setup with a focus on solid body structure, low centre of gravity and trick aerodynamics. There’s a 150 kW and 310 Nm electric motor that’s cleverly packaged into one unit along with the gearbox. The 68. 8 kWh battery is good for a range of 412 km based on the WLTP cycle and thanks to fast DC charging, can go from 10-80% in 45 minutes.
Inside, Honda claims there’s plenty of space thanks to the packaging of the electric powertrain and there’s a new central console dominated by a 15.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The Honda e:Ny1 will be hitting European showrooms later this year.
ContributorSudhir Matai spent a few days in China learning more about the Chery brand and what the brand has planned for SA in the next few years.
Chery is a brand that was relatively unknown to most new-car buyers just a few years ago. Today, the Chinese automaker regularly occupies a top-ten spot in the new-car sales charts for any given month. That is both surprising, considering the scope of brands on sale locally, and not unsurprising when you take a closer look at what it has to offer.
“The South African market is a strategic market and was one of the first right-hand-drive markets Chery launched in, and the Chery Group has been putting a lot of importance into the African market. We want to give our customers the best service and efficiency,” said Tony Liu, deputy managing director for Chery South Africa, at a recent round table conference attended by South African journalists at the company’s HQ in Wuhu China.
Diversification
Over 23 million new cars were sold in China last year, about 10 million more than the second biggest market, the USA. As you can imagine, just about every brand you can name is represented in that market.
What is interesting is the number of nameplates that most will not have heard of as they aren’t represented outside China. With such a massive market there is plenty of room for diversification, which is exactly what Chery does.
Chery
Until very recently, if you wanted a Chery there were just three model lines to choose from. These are badged Tiggo 4, 7 and 8; with the body size of each increasing with its badge number. The cars are aimed at families looking for an SUV/crossover.
O&J
Omoda and Jaecoo will introduce models to SA in the next 2 years.
A few weeks ago that changed as Chery South Africa introduced the Omoda sub-brand into the local market. In fact, SA was one of the first markets outside of China to receive Omoda, and its first product called the C5. Omoda is one half of a division that the company bills O&J. The other, called Jaecoo, made its international debut at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, where its first production model was also shown (more info below).
According to Chery: O&J Brand will specifically target buyers in the crossover and SUV segments and more specifically young people and those who are young at heart. As such, all the models from O&J will have a very striking design language and a high level of technology.
Interestingly, these two brands will be sold in separate showrooms from Chery. O&J will have their own sites and will be treated as standalone entities from the Chery brand.
Omoda
Omoda has plans to introduce this C5 EV if local demand dictates.
For now, there is just one C5 derivative (which you may have read about in our recent launch report). It features a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine that is connected to the front wheels, In the not-too-distant future a 1.6-litre turbo engine, as well as an all-wheel-drive version with the same engine, will be offered locally. Interestingly, Chery’s SA electrification strategy will potentially start with a battery electric vehicle (BEV) based on the C5.
Jaecoo
The Jaecoo brand will feature larger SUVs than its sister brand Omoda.
Jaecoo will be added to the SA listings before the year ends or early in 2024. Incidentally, Jaecoo is a portmanteau of ‘Jae’ (a contraction of the German word for hunter Jager) and ‘cool’ making it the ‘Coolhunter’. Its name gives you an idea of whom Chery is targeting with this line.
“It represents a new brand that promotes the finer things in life and high quality. It is a call to return to life pure and simple,” as described by the head of design at Jaecoo Europe, Chris Rhoades.
First of its Name
The Jaecoo J7 will be the first model the brand introduces. It’s about the same size as a BMW X3.
The first model to carry the Jaecoo badge will be the J7. The aesthetic of the J7 is bold and there are several design cues borrowed from other premium products. Among these are retractable door handles, Range Rover-esque rear styling treatment, and the front grille which takes its inspiration from AMG’s Panamericana (vertical slats) version. Slim, technical-looking LED headlamps are found high on each corner of the facade. The squared-off aesthetic continues into the cabin with Jeep-style door handles and straight lines perpendicular to each other with a large infotainment screen set in portrait orientation on the fascia.
The J7 is heading for SA within a few months, if not at the end of 2023, then early in 2024. Under the clamshell bonnet is a 1.6-litre engine that develops about 140 kW along with 275 Nm. This turbopetrol unit is coupled with a seven-speed DCT. The J7 will be available with front- or all-wheel drive.
New Cherys
A Max version of the Tiggo 7 should arrive later this year.
The top-selling Tiggo 4 will continue in its current form in the SA. There will be a small software update, but there will be no changes noticeable to the eye.
Right now the Tiggo 7 Pro is offered with a single powertrain, a 1.5 turbopetrol that is connected to the front wheels. The range will soon expand to include ‘Max’ derivatives. As with the Tiggo 8, Max denotes a larger engine. This will be a 1.6 T-GDi engine and will be offered in front- and all-wheel drive versions. These new additions could arrive as early as Q3 of this year.
Interestingly, we also had a brief encounter with the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV. This derivative could spearhead Chery’s NEV offensive into the SA market. This hybrid, badged Tiggo 7 PRO e+, features a 1.5 turbopetrol engine combined with two electric motors for a total system output of 180 kW/510 Nm. The pure electric driving range is said to be a handy 75 km.
The updated interior of the Tiggo 8 Pro will feature a newly styled infotainment screen.
An updated Tiggo 8 Pro will also be introduced sooner rather than later. The revised version has a few visual updates. The most notable change is the reshaped frontal design with a grille that features an illuminated badge. The rear end will also benefit from a body-wide light bar.
At the time of the update, new buyers can also expect a revised facia. The newer look will feature a Mercedes-esque two-screen set–up in a single panel, which replaces the two individual screens of the current range leader. The Tiggo 8 is currently only offered in front-wheel-drive guise. This will soon change as an all-wheel-drive version is on the cards for SA.
2023 Honda Elevate Teased
Honda is preparing a new model for reveal. This is the 2023 Honda Elevate SUV that will be revealed in early June 2023. Here’s what we know so far.
Honda’s teaser video (at the bottom of this article) shows a new SUV called the Elevate. Based on our assumptions, we reckon this Indian-built SUV will be positioned to take on the Kia Seltos, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Hyundai Creta.
The brand has confirmed that the 2023 Honda Elevate will be a global model, with India being the first market to receive it. We understand the Honda Elevate will be riding on the same platform as the 5th-generation Honda City/Ballade. It’s fair to assume the powertrains from the sedan will be carried over too, and as a reminder, its a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine with 89 kW and 145 Nm. City/Ballade customers have the choice of either a manual gearbox or CVT.
This segment of the market is booming, both in South Africa and India. India is rapidly becoming a powerhouse for manufacturing and export of new vehicles.
According to Naamsa, the top country of origin in pure volume terms was again India, from which a whopping 165 910 vehicles (up from 129 364 units in 2021) were sourced. That translates to 51.2% of total light vehicles imported in 2022.
The stylish Mercedes-Benz CLS is no more. After 19 years, production will end as Mercedes-Benz ramps up the new 6th-generation E-Class.
We’ll miss the Mercedes-Benz CLS, that’s for sure. Underpinned by the E-Class platform, it offered exquisite looks, a great range of powertrains and dynamics that perfectly blended refinement and engagement.
A report from UK publication Autocar says the 4-door coupe will be canned as the Sindelfingen plant in Germany ramps up production of the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It may have flown under the radar and garnered the same attention as some of the other models, but it was around for three model generations and 19 years.
It’s worth noting the Mercedes-Benz CLS quietly left the South African new car market in the second half of 2021, and the facelifted model that was announced in April 2021 never came. At the time of its departure, there were just two models on offer, the CLS 400d and the CLS 53 AMG, the latter making use a hybridised inline 6-cylinder engine. Sadly, the last V8 in the CLS was the 2nd-gen and that 5.5-litre biturbo 8-cylinder was magnificent.
There was also a Shooting Brake derivative, but that didn’t make the second or third generation. Still, its a highly desirable model amongst enthusiasts.
So, what if you want one? Good news, as there are a few listed on Cars.co.za and represent good value in comparison to the current new car pricing carnage. For just under R1 million, you could bag yourself a low-mileage CLS 400d…
Exactly how many model derivatives are offered in South Africa? Though local buyers still have huge choice, the number has actually fallen markedly since 2018…
According to Naamsa, South African new-car buyers have the widest choice-to-market-size ratio in the world. But the lofty local model-derivative count has actually fallen markedly – by 31.13%, according to our maths – since 2018.
The organisation describes the new-car trading environment in South Africa as “extremely competitive compared to global standards”, saying original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) continue to “introduce a growing range of model variations and body shapes of each model”.
Indeed, Naamsa lists South Africa’s new passenger-vehicle market as having encompassed as many as 43 brands and 2 513 model derivatives in 2022. In the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment, meanwhile, 22 brands were operating last year, with 498 model derivatives from which to choose.
While those are certainly sky-high numbers considering the local market’s size in global terms, they’re down on 2021’s figures, when 43 passenger-vehicles brands offered 3 077 model derivatives and 23 LCV brands put forward 746 model derivatives. Meanwhile, in 2020, the model-derivative count in the passenger-car space was higher still at 3 132, while the LCV figure was slightly lower at 689.
Fascinatingly, the numbers from the prior year were remarkably similar to those of 2022. Yes, in 2019, South Africa had 46 passenger-car brands offering a total of 2 507 model derivatives, along with 28 LCV brands marketing 526 model derivatives.
And 2018? Well, back then, the South African market featured a whopping 49 brands in the passenger-vehicle space, offering a heady 3 716 model derivatives between them. The LCV-brand tally stood at 30, which together provided 656 LCV derivatives. If we combine passenger-car and LCV variants, we find the market’s total model-derivative count dropped from 4 372 in 2018 to 3 011 in 2022, representing a fall of 31.13%.
Still, there’s no doubt South African buyers remain spoilt for choice. In the LCV space, for instance, Toyota currently offers as many as 39 derivatives of its popular Hilux. Isuzu, meanwhile, markets 27 variants of its D-Max (plus another 5 in the prolonged-lifecycle Gen 6 line-up) and Ford lists 24 derivatives of its new Ranger (with more likely in the pipeline).
In the passenger-vehicle segment, we currently count as many as 31 derivatives of the 992-generation Porsche 911, as well as 24 variants of the Land Rover Defender…
Volkswagen Amarok Single Cab (2023) Price for SA Confirmed
The Volkswagen Amarok Single Cab is due to go on sale in South Africa at the end of May 2023. Take a look at specifications and pricing details below!
The locally-assembled Volkswagen Amarok, which is built alongside the new Ford Ranger at the Blue Oval’s production facility in Silverton, will soon welcome the addition of a single cab to the local range. Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed that the Amarok Single Cab will go on sale at the end of May 2023 with pricing starting from R499 000!
The Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab went on sale in March 2023 with 710 units sold in 2 months. The Amarok Single Cab will appeal to commercial operations looking for a dependable workhorse.
“We are pleased to be extending the new Amarok range to include the Single Cab; the workhorse of the range. The Amarok Single Cab is a key model for increasing our volumes and market share in the rental and corporate segments as well as supporting our Sub-Saharan Africa growth plan by retailing in key African markets,” said Mark Handley, Head of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
What engines power the Volkswagen Amarok Single Cab?
At launch, the Amarok Single Cab will be offered with the option of 2 turbodiesel engines.
The first engine is a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine offering 110 kW and 350 Nm and comes paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.9 litres/100km.
A more powerful 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 125 kW and 405 Nm is also available but with a 6-speed manual transmission with a claimed fuel consumption of 6.9 L/100km. Fuel consumption for the 4MOTION all-wheel drive derivative is claimed at 7.1 L/100km.
What features are fitted as standard on the Volkswagen Amarok Single Cab?
The Amarok Single Cab 110kW derivative comes standard with:
16-inch steel wheels
Full-size steel spare wheel
Height-adjustable driver seat
LED headlights
Driver/passenger/side/curtain airbags
Bluetooth connectivity including wireless App-Connect
10-inch colour touch-screen infotainment screen
8-inch partial active-info display for the instrument cluster
Electronically foldable side mirrors
Multi-function steering wheel
Front centre armrest.
The Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 125kW 4×2 and Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 125kW 4MOTION derivatives offer additional specification which includes:
17-inch Combra alloy wheels
Rear differential lock
Trailer hitch
Raised suspension and improved payload capacity of over 1.2 tons.
The load compartment width between wheel arches measures 1 227 mm in length to accommodate a standard European pallet on all new Amarok Single Cab derivatives.
The new Amarok Single Cab can be had in either Clear White, Midnight Black, Bright Blue, Light Grey, Dark Grey, Deep Red, Bright Beige and Mid Blue.
The new Volkswagen Amarok Single Cab comes standard with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Furthermore, the 125kW models include a 3-year/60 000 km Easy Drive Service Plan. The service interval for all models is 15 000km.
World Car Awards – Do EVs still deserve their own category?
Having been a long-serving jury member of the World Car Awards programme, it has been interesting seeing it evolve into its current form. The last few rounds have also highlighted how far behind South Africa has fallen in terms of the availability of the cars that make the cut. And I have some suggestions…
First, however, a quick look back at the finalists and winners for this year’s World Car Awards. Overall honours went to Hyundai’s Ioniq6 (an electric vehicle). In fact, it was the Korean marque’s second win on a trot, with the Ionic5 EV taking the overall spoils as well as the Electric Car of the Year and World Car Design trophies last year (as did the Ioniq6 this year).
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV may be used on an EV trialbasis by Hyundai SA.
At present Hyundai South Africa has no confirmed plans to bring either of these models to the market, but it will be importing Ioniq5 trial units to familiarise itself with the tech and challenges. According to a spokesperson, price remains the biggest stumbling block.
This year, the World Performance Car of the Year trophy was scooped by the Kia EV6 GT, beating noteworthy rivals such as the Toyota GR Corolla and the new Nissan Z to the prize. Similarly to Hyundai, Kia has no finalised plans to bring the EV6 to the South African market, although “studies are ongoing”.
The World Luxury Car trophy went to the Lucid Air, another EV, which has no representation in South Africa, and which beat the highly-rated (and locally available) BMW i7 to the Award.
The Lucid Air (also a full EV) won World Luxury Car of the Year.
Overall there are six categories and three top finalists in each of those. This year, out of the 18 Top 3 finalist spots, 12 were occupied by EVs (though judges could also vote on the hybrid/ICE variants of the Kia Niro, BMW 7 Series/i7 and BMW X1/iX1 line-ups). The only entirely ICE top 3 finalists were the Volkswagen Taigo, Range Rover, Genesis G90, Toyota GR Corolla, Nissan Z and Citroen C3 (the latter due for launch in South Africa soon).
The World Car Awards jury is made up of around 100 judges, from 32 countries, and I can only imagine that those judges in countries that are not at the forefront of the EV revolution are in a similar position to me. To be fair, the GWM/Ora Funky Cat, GR Corolla, Citroen C3 etc will become available in South Africa, but too late for me (and my fellow South African judges) to vote on them.
Is it time for a World Pick-Up category to make the awards more globally relevant?
So, what’s the way forward? Personally, I think EVs have become so dominant on the new-vehicle launch cycle that they no longer merit a category of their own. As this year’s results have shown, EVs are capable of winning in any of the non-EV-specific categories, anyway.
To make this a truly World Car Awards programme, a way will have to be found to include developing nations such as ours. How about a World Pick-Up of the Year award or even an Affordable Car of the Year award? What categories would you suggest?
