Chinese brands that have thrived since returning to SA

Some brands that left the South African market are returning… There was little sadness when they departed, but now that they’re back, they have MUCH better cars.

Comebacks rarely live up to expectations, but for some car companies, it has been rewardingly profitable to return to the South African market.

After leaving in the 1980s and returning in the late 1990s, Renault has navigated its aftersales issues and finally blended the appropriate product matrix for local conditions: the Duster and enticingly affordable Indian-sourced models. If you leave bakkies out of the equation, Renault is the country’s 3rd biggest car brand in terms of new-vehicle sales.

Suzuki has done even better since returning in 2008 and although it took a while to really hit its straps, the brand now consistently sits near the sharp end of South Africa’s top-selling car brands list (according to Naamsa’s monthly sales stats).

And then there are the Chinese brands. There was a period in the late Noughties when South Africa was nearly experiencing a Chinese brand introduction each month. Most of these were awful continuation bakkie models, loosely based on 1980s Japanese bakkies.

The Chinese reality check has happened

This is how things started for Chery, in South Africa. With the rather poor QQ3…

Nearly all the Chinese brands failed in South Africa, but GWM endured and eventually found massive success with its SUV sub-brand Haval. And that’s triggered a lot of interest from some other Chinese car companies.

The South African car market has consistently shrunk since its peak of 714 340 units in 2006. Projections for this year are a market of 505 000 cars. It’s not a happy story. South Africa’s population has grown, but the demand for new vehicles has not kept pace with demographics. The regression of new vehicle sales is directly attributable to a gradually eroding economy, wage stagnation and obliterated purchasing power.

Despite a shrinking market, some brands that disengaged from South Africa are keen to return. Who are they? And, perhaps more pointedly, why?

Chery on top

Chery’s SUVs have been transformative for the brand in the South African market.

The most notable Chinese reintroduction to South Africa has been Chery. In 2008, when Chinese brand mania was sweeping across South Africa, I visited the company’s original R&D facility near its headquarters in Wuhu.

Young Chinese engineers, somewhat shy but not inherently awkward in their spoken English, were clearly benchmarking European and American standards when I observed them 14 years ago. At the time, it was a very divergent approach from what was assumed of Chinese technical teams, who had established a reputation of merely imitating exterior design and using the cheapest components to achieve cost goals.

In 2018, Chery opened an advanced European R&D facility in Frankfurt. The location was not accidental, with Chery being very transparent in its desire to leverage German engineering talent to identify the best value components within the country’s enviable automotive component supply chain. Ironically, 2018 was also the year in which Chery quietly ceased operations in South Africa…

Not only price – the cars have become much better

During Chery’s initial misadventure in South Africa, it had no stellar products. Or even average ones, for that matter. The QQ compact hatchback was an awful Daewoo Matiz clone. But when Chery returned in November last year with its new-generation Tiggo SUV range, the potential I saw among those junior engineers back in 2008 had been realised.

The Tiggo range has been expanded from the Tiggo 4 Pro to the 7 Pro and 8 Pro, and market reaction has been overwhelming. August 2022’s new-vehicle sales statistics rank Chery as South Africa’s eighth biggest vehicle brand.

What’s changed? South Africans have not become wealthier since 2018 when Chery left the country. The change has been greater technical expertise and product maturity, not to mention better marketing confidence, with Chery’s SUV strategy being ideal for the South African market.

Instead of attempting to undercut the excellent value offered by Korean compact hatchbacks from Hyundai (i10) and Kia (Picanto) or even the VW Polo Vivo, Chery’s gained traction in the higher-margin market for crossovers and SUVs, priced between R300 000 and R500 000.

Proton is Geely’s Trojan horse

The real reason Geely spent money on Proton (and Lotus).

What is the best car quiz question if you want to confuse hot hatch know-it-alls? Name the rarest hot hatch. That would be the Proton Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing, of course.

For many years Proton was a nearly undetectable presence in the local market. Buoyed by immense petrochemical revenue income, the Malaysian government has been keen on diversifying its economy with broader industrialisation. And creating consumer products, such as automobiles, was foundational in that strategy.

The Satria Neo might have been an underwhelming average car, but it had a brand association that VW Polo GTI and Clio RS owners could only dream of: Lotus. From 1996-2017, Proton owned the British car company, and more importantly, its incredibly valuable engineering consultancy – renowned for having helped some of the world’s most established brands engineer their best road cars.

Recognising the value that has been unlocked with its purchase and ownership of Volvo, Geely bought the controlling share in Lotus from Proton, in which it also holds nearly half the equity. Why? Geely wanted to leverage the technical expertise within its acquired European brands (Lotus and Volvo), to bring European calibre refinement to its vehicles.

How does that play out for South Africa? Geely is the most significant Chinese brand without a direct presence in South Africa and Proton will function as a proxy in that role. After leaving South Africa in 2015, Proton returns with its X50 and X70 SUVs this month.

Powered by 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engines and featuring 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions (you might recognise them as the same units that power the Volvo XC40 T3), these Proton X-Series SUVs are built on Geely’s best internal-combustion vehicle platform.

What about the biggest Chinese car company, SAIC? That’s MG…

MG’s ZS EV has 320 km of range and costs only R520 000 in Australia. Imagine how it could change the South African BEV market…

In the mood for some more nearly unbeatable car quiz trivia? What was South Africa’s first crossover? Really. No, whatever you guessed is wrong.

Yes, it was the terrifically named MG Streetwise, marketed rather unsuccessfully in South Africa without any legal action from KFC.

MG has been perhaps the most unfairly troubled of all British automotive brands. And there is no shortage of troubled British car companies: Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lotus, McLaren, TVR and many names now consigned to history. But MG’s different. Aside from the quite awful MG Streetwise, the MG TF was an authentically fun mid-engine value sportscar, deserving of greater success if not for the presence of Mazda’s MX-5 and the Toyota MR-2.

But MG has reinvented itself and become more, um, streetwise. After the last British-built MG rolled out of the brand’s Longbridge facility in 2016, the company transformed. Being acquired by the biggest Chinese car company, SAIC, will do that.

With perhaps the best automotive acronym and a decent brand legacy, MG’s revival has been remarkable. In South Africa’s global mirror market, Australia, the rejuvenated MG brand is a top-10 sales performer. And much like resurgent Chery and Proton, it is all about offering compact and mid-sized crossovers and SUVs.

MG markets 2 core models: HS and ZS. And like the latest South African market product from Chery and Proton, these are compact crossovers and SUVs. MG disengaged from South Africa in 2016, but considering its success in Australia, a return to the local market would seem logical. Especially, with the promise of MG’s double-cab bakkies.

Will these returning brands bring pricing down across the market?

MG’s Extender bakkie could add another value option to local buyers.

What does all of this mean for you, the average South African consumer, who’s evaluating that R300 000 to R500 000 product choice? Quite a lot, actually.

The local market is getting smaller and Chinese brands are crowding it with compelling models offered at tremendously keen prices.

There is a kernel of truth in the assumption that Chinese brands, especially those who are returning to the Republic, are doing what Hyundai and Kia did in the late 1990s and early 2000s – essentially buying market share with artificially low pricing. But that’s a clever strategy when you know the future product pipeline will be on a trendline of improvement, allowing you to retain customers initially conquered by an exceptional value offering.

For car buyers, it is a big win: More choice and better specification, at keener prices than what long-entrenched manufacturers command for comparable products. The return of Proton and MG, allied to Haval and Chery’s significant market share, will force South Africa’s legacy car brands to re-evaluate their strategy, adjusting price or specification to enhance their offerings in the R300 000 to R500 000 price range.

Who loses in all of this? If you are an Asian brand that happens to be a pure importer, without the benefits of local manufacturing to offset some tariff costs with government incentivised credits, doing business is becoming much tougher.

And the other losers? Could be those very committed longstanding MG Streetwise and Proton Satria Neo hatchback owners, because we doubt that re-established MG and Proton dealers will have the servicing resources you need to keep your modern “classic” going.

Audi RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan (2022) Specs & Price

It’s been a year-long wait but the new Audi RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan have finally blasted into South Africa. Here’s how much these 294 kW high-performance models will cost you…

Audi South Africa has announced the arrival of its new RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan, revealing local pricing for the pair of high-performance derivatives. So, how much are you looking at here? Well, the RS3 hot hatch kicks off at R1 215 000, while sedan body style starts at R1 245 000.

As a reminder, both employ the Ingolstadt-based firm’s turbocharged 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder petrol engine, which offers the same 294 kW of power as its predecessor, but also 20 Nm more for a peak torque figure of 500 Nm. The result, says Audi, is a 0-100 kph sprint time of just 3.8 seconds (three-tenths quicker than before) when using launch control (a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is again standard). Top speed, meanwhile, is electronically limited to 250 km/h, though can be optionally increased to 290 km/h if you tick the “RS Dynamic package Plus” box.

The RS3 twins also debut what Audi calls the RS torque splitter, which replaces the previous rear-axle differential with an upstream multiple-disc clutch package. Here, an electronically controlled multiple-disc clutch is used on each of the drive shafts to distribute torque between the rear wheels in a fully variable manner. According to the German automaker, this system results in “greater stability and agility” as well as a “significant” reduction in understeer.

The latest version of the standard RS sports exhaust system, meanwhile, features a fully variable flap control arrangement that supports intermediate positions, which Audi claims “broadens” the engine’s sound characteristics even further. There’s also a new RS Performance driving mode “designed specifically for the racetrack” and optionally available Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres.

Another fresh addition is the so-called RS Torque Rear mode, which effectively lends the RS3 the ability to drift (on closed roads, we should point out). In this mode, the torque splitter induces what Audi describes as “considerable oversteer” by transferring all of the rearward drive torque to the wheel on the outside of the curve.

What features ship standard on the new RS3 twins?

The RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan both come standard with Matrix LED headlights, complete with darkened bezels that feature digital daytime running lights around their outer downturned angles. LED taillights (including dynamic indicators) and door-entrance LEDs (with the “RS” logo projection up front) are also included in the purchase price.

Both models ship standard on 19-inch alloy wheels in a 10-Y spoke design, though 5-Y spoke items are optionally available. While the Black Styling Package is also included, local buyers furthermore have the option of specifying the Black Styling Package Plus or the Aluminum Styling Package Plus. A total of eight exterior colours are available, including the RS-specific Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey hues.

Other standard features include a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, the Audi smartphone interface, Audi connect e-call functionality, a reversing camera and park assist.

Inside, the RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan both boast the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus, replete with RS-specific graphics. A new shift indicator light is offered and also integrated into the optional head-up display. You’ll find a 10.1-inch touchscreen display in the centre of the facia.

Look around and you’ll also see plenty of carbon-fibre trim (in the instrument panel) as well as RS sports seats with contrast stitching. The seat upholstery is optionally available in fine Nappa leather with RS honeycomb stitching and glossy black, red or – for the first time – green contrast stitching. RS Design packages in red and green are available to match and include floor mats with contrast stitching and RS embroidery, as well as seatbelts with matching coloured edges.

Audi RS3 Price Packages

How much does the new Audi RS3 Sportback cost in South Africa?

Audi RS3 Sportback – R1 215 000

How much does the new Audi RS3 Sedan cost in South Africa?

Audi RS3 Sedan – R1 245 000

Both models ship standard with the 5-year Audi Freeway Plan.

3 New Compact SUVs under R5 000 p/m

Compact SUVs have become hugely popular and if you’re looking for a new compact SUV with monthly repayments of less than R5 000 p/m over 72 months then this list is for you!

Compact SUVs are all the rage right now and if you are shopping for a new compact SUV or crossover priced under R269 850 and can afford to pay up to R5 000 per month over 72 months (6 years) then this list is for you! The monthly repayment of R5 000 is calculated over 72 months with no deposit, no residual and the interest rate set at 10%.

Use our Finance Calculator to work out monthly repayments

Browse our New Car Specials page for all the latest and greatest deals on new cars in SA

Note: Models such as the BAIC X25 and JMC Landwind 5 haven’t been tested by Cars.co.za and we’re therefore not able to recommend them and they have been excluded from this list.

The compact SUVs/crossovers on this list are ordered from the cheapest to the most expensive and prices are correct as of September 2022.

New Compact SUVs Under R5 000 p/m

Renault Kiger – From R209 900

Last year, Renault introduced its new budget-busting Kiger compact SUV to market and it’s the most affordable product on this list. The Kiger is offered with a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre 3-cylinder motor with 52 kW and 96 Nm and buyers can also opt for a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder motor with 74 kW and 160 Nm. A 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed Automated Manual is offered for the naturally aspirated engine while the turbopetrol engine is paired to either a 5-speed manual or CVT. Trim levels include the base Kiger Life, mid-spec Zen and range-topping Intens.

Monthly repayments start from approximately R3 889 per month.

See specification details for the Renault Kiger

Buy a used Renault Kiger on Cars.co.za

Mahindra XUV300 – From R242 999

The XUV300 compact crossover is perhaps the most accomplished and stylish product offering in Mahindra’s local lineup and points to a distinct shift in perception for the brand. The updated XUV300 was arrived on local soil earlier this year. Both petrol and diesel engines are on offer but for those who prefer petrol power, the XUV300 1.2T is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine with 81 kW and 200 Nm of torque and is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. The diesel XUV300 1.5TD is powered by a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 86 kW and 300 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission but the XUV300 1.5TD W6 is priced outside of this list.

Monthly repayments start from approximately R4 502 per month.

See specification details for the Mahindra XUV300

Buy a used Mahindra XUV300 stock on Cars.co.za

Suzuki Vitara Brezza – From R255 900

The Suzuki Vitara Brezza is proving to be popular and the base GL derivative (with a 5-speed manual transmission) is currently priced under the price barrier for this list. The Vitara Brezza is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque on offer.

Monthly repayments for the Brezza start from approximately R4 740 per month.

See specification details for the Suzuki Vitara Brezza

Buy a used Suzuki Vitara Brezza on Cars.co.za

Also see:

10 Most Fuel Efficient Compact SUVs Under R350k

8 Cheapest Compact SUVs Under R300k

Most Fuel Efficient Budget Cars in SA

New Volkswagen Polo Sedan (2022) Price Revealed

Volkswagen South Africa is preparing to launch a new version of its Polo Sedan. However, we’ve already managed to dig up prices for the fresh-faced, three-box version of the Polo…

Earlier in 2022, the new Volkswagen Virtus was revealed in India. It’s a model that will be launched in South Africa soon, though here it will wear the Polo Sedan badge.

Riding on the ubiquitous MQB A0 platform, South Africa’s version will be produced at the Wolfsburg-based company’s Chakan facility in Pune, India. Since the Jetta, Passat and Arteon have long since left the local market, the three-box Polo will again be the sole saloon in VW’s local line-up. Question is, how much will it cost?

Well, we’ve done some extensive digging and managed to unearth Polo Sedan pricing. For the record, it seems the SA-spec model won’t be available with either of the two turbocharged petrol engines – a 1.0 TSI making 85 kW and a 1.5 TSI churning out 110 kW – offered in India.

Instead, the model for the SA market will be powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine seemingly based on the outgoing unit. Peak power sent to the front axle is 81 kW (an increase of 4 kW), while maximum torque comes in at 152 Nm (a drop of 3 Nm). The local line-up comprises three derivatives at launch, with both a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed automatic transmission available.

VW says the manual models take 11.2 seconds to reach 100 kph, while the top speed is listed as 190 kph and fuel consumption as 6.2 litres per 100 km. The automatic derivative, meanwhile, takes a second longer to reach three figures, tops out at 187 kph and sips at a claimed 6.5 litres per 100 km.

The GT trim level offered in India is seemingly not on the cards for a local introduction.

The range kicks off with the base Polo Sedan 1.6 MPI, which will be priced from R318 300. Meanwhile, the Polo Sedan Life 1.6 MPI will come in from R345 600, with the self-shifting Polo Sedan Life 1.6 MPI Tiptronic topping the portfolio at R365 500. From what we understand, the sportily styled GT derivative will not be sold in South Africa. Local exterior paint colour options, meanwhile, include Candy White, Wild Cherry Metallic, Rising Blue Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic and Carbon Steel Grey Metallic.

As a reminder, the outgoing Polo Sedan range – which launched locally as long ago as 2011, gaining minor updates over the subsequent years – comprised five derivatives with pricing bookends of R271 100 and R334 800. Two variants used an atmospheric 1.4-litre petrol mill and three employed a version of the 1.6-litre unit mentioned above.

The new Polo Sedan is considerably larger than the saloon it replaces, measuring 4 561 mm long and 1 752 mm wide, while standing 1 507 mm tall. The wheelbase is listed as 2 651 mm, while luggage capacity is a claimed 521 litres. Based on those figures, the new Polo Sedan has grown by 171 mm in length, while the distance between its axles will have increased by 98 mm and its boot space by an appreciable 67 litres. Inside, you’ll find dual-tone upholstery.

The entry-level derivative comes standard with LED head- and taillights, App-Connect, a 7-inch touchscreen system, cruise control and a multi-functional steering wheel. The Life grade adds keyless entry (and start), a reversing camera, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone charging, wireless App-Connect, power adjustable (and folding) side mirrors, the Climatronic air-conditioning system, ambient lighting, a leather-wrapped tiller, front foglamps (and cornering lights) a chrome exterior package and 16-inch “Scimitar” alloy wheels (the base model rides on steelies). Finally, the Tiptronic flagship is further equipped with hill-start assist and shift paddles.

How much does the new Volkswagen Polo Sedan cost in SA?

Volkswagen Polo Sedan 1.6 MPI 81 kW – R318 300

Volkswagen Polo Sedan Life 1.6 MPI 81 kW – R345 600

Volkswagen Polo Sedan Life 1.6 MPI 81 kW Tiptronic – R365 500

A 3-year/45 000 km service plan ships standard, along with a 3-year/120 000 warranty.

Ford Ranger (2015-2022) Buyer’s Guide

Ford’s first T6-based Ranger was in production for more than a decade. Here we’ll focus on the facelifted version, which hit SA in 2015 and was updated again in 2019. What should you look out for and which one should you buy?

Although the original T6-based Ford Ranger went into production as long ago as 2011, the Blue Oval bakkie received a significant mid-cycle update in 2015 (plus a second refresh in 2019). It’s this version – like the pre-facelift model, produced at Silverton near Pretoria – on which we’ll concentrate in our in-depth buyer’s guide, with a further narrowing of focus to the lifestyle-orientated double-cab derivatives.

With plenty of examples available on South Africa’s used market, let’s take a closer look at the derivatives offered locally as well as product strengths and weaknesses, what you can expect to pay for a second-hand Ranger and our pick(s) of the Dearborn-based firm’s broader bakkie range.

Ford Ranger model line-up

The XLS version of the Ranger slotted in below the XLT and Wildtrak.

The refreshed version of the P375 Ranger was revealed in Thailand in March 2015, with the first unit rolling off the Silverton production line by September of that year. Within a couple of months, the upgraded Ranger was launched in South Africa, with the local line-up comprising as many as 33 derivatives. In short, it was Ford’s latest answer to the strong-selling Toyota Hilux, which itself moved into a new generation locally by February 2016.

But back to the Ranger. There were single-, extended- and double-cab body styles (plus chassis-cab versions of the single and double cabs, though these didn’t remain in the range for all that long) as well as 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, while trim levels included base, XL, XLS, XLT and the flagship Wildtrak.

The Super Cab line-up grew to six variants with the 2015 facelift.

Interestingly, Ford decided to switch from hydraulic to electrically assisted power steering at this stage of the Ranger’s life. The powertrain line-up, meanwhile, consisted of 5 choices, with only the 5-cylinder turbodiesel engine offered with the option of an automatic transmission at launch:

2.5i (122 kW/226 Nm) 5-speed manual
2.2TDCi LP (88 kW/285 Nm) 5-speed manual
2.2TDCi HP (118 kW/385 Nm) 6-speed manual
3.2TDCi (147 kW/470 Nm) 6-speed manual
3.2TDCi (147 kW/470 Nm) 6-speed auto

Over the next seven years, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa made specification tweaks to multiple derivatives, created fresh variants and implemented one large range update, before rolling out a raft of special-edition versions towards the end of this Ranger’s life.

In July 2016, the line-up was expanded with the option of a 6-speed automatic transmission for the high-output 2.2 Duratorq TDCi engine, prompted by Ford noting “unprecedented” customer demand for the self-shifting version of the Wildtrak. This new powertrain combination also resulted in the first auto-equipped single cab on the local market but was available across all three body styles, seeing 9 extra variants added to the range.

The Wildtrak unwrapped in 2015 shipped standard with the SYNC2 infotainment system.

By April of the following year, XLT and Wildtrak derivatives were handed the then-new SYNC3 infotainment system (complete with navigation). At the same time, a factory-fitted, electronically operated rear differential lock was added to XL, XLS, XLT and Wildtrak variants, with the XLS furthermore gaining a reversing camera and park distance control. All models, meanwhile, were then fitted with a spare wheel lock.

Later that month, Ford launched the limited-edition Fx4, which was based on the 3.2-litre XLT double cab 4×4 and offered with either a manual or automatic cog-swapper. In December 2017, the XLT and Fx4 both gained front parking sensors, while the Fx4 package was extended to all XLT double cabs (so, with either the 2.2- or 3.2-litre engine).

Another facelift for the Ranger in 2019

The 2019 refresh of the Ranger included a relatively restrained exterior redesign.

A second facelift followed in April 2019, bringing subtle styling updates inside and out but more importantly introducing the new Struandale-built 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder single- (132 kW/420 Nm) and twin-turbo (157 kW/500 Nm) diesel engines, plus a box-fresh 10-speed automatic transmission. All models also boasted upgraded suspension, while the Wildtrak gained a self-parking feature (and, along with the XLT, the so-called “EZ Lift” tailgate, plus keyless entry and passive start).

The long-awaited Ranger Raptor finally hit the South African market in May 2019, offered exclusively with the aforementioned 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine. Five months later, XLS models gained the no-cost option of a chrome styling pack. August 2020 saw the arrival of the Thunder model as well as the roll-out of specification upgrades such as LED headlamps (with LED daytime running lights and front foglamps) to XLT, Wildtrak and Raptor variants. At the same time, the XLS scored a touchscreen.

In October 2020, the XL was handed a Sport Pack option, while the new FX4 (rather than “Fx4”) appeared in February 2021, debuting FordPass Connect, a feature that was then extended to XL, XLS, XLT, Wildtrak and Raptor derivatives, too. The Wildtrak-based Stormtrak hit the local scene in September 2021, before the Raptor Special Edition strutted into town the following month.

Product strengths

The Ranger offers impressive rear-passenger space.

Commendable road manners: When this version of the Ranger debuted in 2015, most bakkies on the market made do with what we’d charitably describe as agricultural road manners, particularly when the load bay was empty. Ford’s contender, however, brought a fresh level of ride comfort and predictable handling to the segment, helping it make its mark as a leisure bakkie alongside models such as the Volkswagen Amarok.

SUV-like cabin: That theme continued in the cabin, which became increasingly SUV-like with each update and sported more rear passenger space than that of the Toyota Hilux. Even back in 2015, the SYNC2 infotainment arrangement (then standard in the XLT and Wildtrak) featured voice control. Furthermore, the Blue Oval brand included a nifty 240-volt power socket in the cabin.

Standard safety equipment: At launch in 2015, the entire Ranger line-up shipped standard with an electronic stability programme (incorporating traction control, hill launch assist, hill descent control, adaptive load control and trailer sway control) and ABS (with EBA and EBD), bar the base model, though even in that case ABS was available as an option. The Wildtrak, meanwhile, set new standards in the segment with driver aids such as lane-keeping alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control (with forward alert), tyre-pressure monitoring, a driver impairment monitor and parking sensors, fore and aft. With the 2019 update, the flagship version furthermore gained a semi-automatic parallel parking system, while all but the base model received a category 1 Thatcham-specification alarm.

The Ranger update in 2019 brought even more driver assistance kit to the Wildtrak model.

Towing capacity: Back in 2015, each Ranger derivative featuring 4×4 and either the 2.2- or 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine sported a braking towing capacity of 3 500 kg, a figure that has since become the segment’s benchmark. With the 2019 refresh, all variants (including those with 4×2 configurations) except the low-output base models and later the new Raptor (with its coil-sprung rear end) upgraded to this towing capacity.

Broad model range: While the number of derivatives in imported bakkie line-ups tends to be rather limited, the fact this version of the Ranger was built in South Africa means there was opportunity to market an exceptionally broad range. That’s exactly what the Michigan-based automaker did, offering more variants than all rival ranges, including the 23-strong Hilux portfolio that launched in the first quarter of 2016. Today, that means there’s more choice for you on the used market.

Product weaknesses

There have been some instances of torque-converter woes with the earlier 6-speed automatic transmission.

While there are a number of known issues with the 3.2-litre, 5-cylinder turbodiesel engine – for example, crank position sensor failures, injector problems, torque-converter worries (for the 6-speed auto models) and turbo failures, with around 11 000 examples recalled locally in 2014 for the latter – many are limited to the pre-facelift versions of this powerplant, so aren’t entirely relevant here.

Still, there are a few reliability troubles that could potentially plague later versions of this engine as well as the 2.2-litre unit. There’s not quite as much data on the long-term reliability of the newer 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines just yet, but we have heard of 2.0 SiT engines smoking excessively and using oil (as well as a few failures of earlier examples of the 10-speed automatic transmission).

Oil pump issues: The 2.2- and 3.2-litre turbodiesel engines interestingly each employ a variable-displacement oil pump. Chain driven rather than self priming, this vane-style component has a 10-minute oil drain time limit. Exceed this and the oil pump will likely have bled dry. Without the ability to prime itself, oil pressure will be virtually non-existent when the engine is next started, which will quickly lead to very expensive damage indeed (priming the pump from this position, meanwhile, isn’t exactly a small job). In addition, these pumps have been known to fail prematurely.

The TDCi engines employed a variable-displacement oil pump.

EGR cooler problems: Another potential gremlin in the two TDCi engines revolves around the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, which here is water cooled and shares the engine’s coolant. Many owners have reported instances of the EGR cooler splitting and leaking, something that quickly leads to overheating problems.

Faulty flexible brake hoses: In mid-2019, Ford issued a recall of certain Ranger models (produced at Silverton from late in 2014 to August 2018) due to front flexible brake hoses that were prone to failure. This could lead to a loss of brake fluid, causing increased brake-pedal travel and increased stopping distances.

Widespread use of non-approved accessories: For whatever reason, the Ranger became a popular base for customisation, including the common use of non-approved accessories such as Raptor-style grilles. Such aftermarket items would have voided the vehicle’s warranty, with Ford warning in 2020 that these could even “cause premature failure of components”. Interestingly, the automaker launched its own range of factory-approved accessories (including a Raptor-esque grille) in the second quarter of 2021.

What to pay?

Make sure to inspect the load bay to get an idea of just how hard that particular Ranger has had to work.

As is the case with any model that isn’t in short supply on the second-hand market, we’d suggest simply walking away from a vehicle should there be any semblance of a niggle. After all, you can afford to be fairly fussy since there are plenty of options out there.

When considering a vehicle, make sure to inspect the bakkie’s undercarriage, looking closely for any off-road damage. We’d also suggest avoiding modified vehicles completely. Furthermore, make sure to ask for evidence the bakkie was diligently maintained and keep in mind all models bar the base derivatives were sold with a 5-year/100 000 km service plan (with intervals of 20 000 km) until the 2019 update, when this changed to a 6-year/90 000 km service plan (interestingly with shorter intervals of 15 000 km).

The Raptor was the most expensive (and most capable!) version of the Ranger.

Of the used post-2015 Ranger stock on Cars.co.za at the time of writing, the double cab was unsurprisingly the most prevalent body style, accounting for around 75% of all listings. Virtually all were powered by diesel, while 64% featured the rear-wheel-drive configuration. More than half used the 2.2 TDCi engine, with the newer 2.0-litre units (both single- and twin-turbo) next in line, followed by the 3.2 TDCI powerplant. Interestingly, automatic was the dominant transmission, with 58% of listed models featuring a self-shifting gearbox.

Below R200 000: We’d steer well clear of this sparsely populated price bracket unless you happen to be in the market for a high-mileage, early model-year single cab (which we’re guessing you’re not). We found a few examples of double cabs here, though each had in excess of 350 000 km on the clock.
From R200 000 to R350 000: There were far more options in this space, which featured an abundance of nearly new single cabs as well as a few examples of the so-called Super Cab. Of course, the double cab was still the dominant body style here, though again most featured fairly high mileage.
From R350 000 to R700 000: Considering the broadness of the Ranger line-up, it was no surprise this wide price bracket contained all manner of derivatives, from early Wildtrak variants to virtually brand-new double cabs. If your budget stretches towards the top end of this cap, you should easily be able to pick up a clean demonstrator vehicle.
R700 000 and up: Here we found yet more low-mileage, high-specification double-cab models, including plenty of examples of the Wildtrak (plus Wildtrak-based special editions such as the Thunder and Stormtrak). The majority of Raptors were likewise priced in this bracket, as were a surprisingly high number of armoured Rangers (Ford-approved armouring packages became available from the start of 2021).

Pick of the range?

The XLT grade arguably offers the best mix of features and value.

So, which derivatives should you consider? Well, that depends a great deal on your budget and intended usage (do you require 4×4, for instance?). Still, if you’re shopping for a double cab towards the bottom of the market, you’ll be largely restricted to earlier (pre-2019) models. Here, we’d suggest considering the high-output 2.2TDCi engine over the larger-capacity 5-cylinder if you value efficiency, since the former offers sufficient grunt for most applications and seemingly suffered from fewer reliability issues. That said, the 3.2-litre engine is arguably better suited to applications that include regularly towing a caravan or similar.

Though their long-term reliability has yet to be established, the 2.0 SiT and 2.0 BiT engines that joined the range with the 2019 update are generally more efficient than the earlier engines (which soldiered on anyway), as well as more refined, lighter and paired with a more sophisticated 10-speed automatic cog-swapper. Comparing the 3.2 TDCi and the biturbo 2.0 units, the latter also offers more grunt, though the counter argument would be that the 5-cylinder lump doesn’t have to work nearly as hard to produce its peak power.

The 157 kW/500 Nm 2.0 BiT engine was reserved for the Raptor and other high-spec derivatives.

We’d advise leisure-bakkie buyers leaning towards a later-model Ranger double cab to look at the mid-spec XLT grade (where the engine options are the 2.2TDCi, 3.2TDCi and 2.0SiT) should they be eager to maximise value. Those demanding all the bells and whistles as well the choice of the two most powerful motors in the range should search for Wildtrak, Thunder and Stormtrak models.

Finally, the flagship Raptor – which comes complete with high-performance, model-specific Fox suspension components and a dedicated Baja driving mode – is a remarkably capable vehicle for high-speed off-road driving and also incidentally boasts the best on-road ride quality of all Ranger models in this generation. Note, though, this variant features reduced load and towing capacities.

Verdict

The limited-edition Stormtrak boasted a power roller shutter with an adjustable bed divider.

This iteration of the Ranger has been an exceptionally strong seller in South Africa over the years and was outsold in its segment by only one model: the Hilux. Its popularity on the new-vehicle market means the used space is today very well stocked indeed. Since residual values for the Ranger aren’t quite as impressive as those of its Toyota-badged rival, unearthing a decent deal shouldn’t be all that complicated.

In terms of alternatives, the Hilux is still considered the go-to option in South Africa, though you’ll likely pay more thanks to the aforementioned stronger resale values. The previous-generation Mazda BT-50, meanwhile, might be worth a look considering it shared much with the earlier versions of the Ranger and offers even better value on the used market (though its styling is certainly an acquired taste).

As an aside, it’s also worth noting the original Ranger Raptor didn’t have a true rival in South Africa, with the AT35 version of the Isuzu D-Max and the GR-Sport variety of the Hilux nowhere near as sophisticated in terms of suspension set-up.

The Raptor (seen here in Special Edition form) had no direct rivals in the local market.

Other mainstream competitors for the Ranger include the likewise locally produced D-Max (which wore the KB moniker until late in 2018) and the Nissan Navara, while the Volkswagen Amarok is a strong shout for those seeking V6 TDI grunt and SUV-like road manners. The Mitsubishi Triton is also vastly underappreciated in South Africa. Budget beaters here include the Mahindra Pik Up (which used the Scorpio prefix until late in 2017) and the Chinese duo of the GWM Steed and P-Series.

As a leisure-oriented vehicle, well maintained double-cab versions of the Ranger make for compelling buys, offering a heady mix of on-road comfort and off-road ability, as well as an impressive towing capacity in most cases. The breadth of the line-up – in terms of both trim levels and engine options – as well as the length of the production run means there’s something to suit most tastes and budgets.

Looking for a Ford Ranger to buy?

Find one on Cars.co.za here.

Or, sell your car here, for free

Buyer’s Guide: SA’s Cheapest 7-Seaters

If you need to move people plus luggage, and a 7-seater bakkie-based SUV won’t cut it, then this is the Buyer’s Guide for you! Multi-Seater MPVs are hugely practical, but what products are available in South Africa and what should you consider buying? Read on…

For the purpose of this Buyer’s Guide, we have focused on vehicles that offer 7 seats and come in at a low price. Offroad credentials are not required, but the focus here is rather on value, passenger comfort and practicality. There’s something on this list for everyone!

Pricing is accurate as of September 2022.

Multi-seater MPVs in South Africa

Renault Triber

The Renault Triber offers a lot of standard specification for not an unreasonable amount of money.

The Renault Triber is the French brand’s offering to a price-sensitive market. There are 5 derivatives on offer, all sharing the same 1.0-litre naturally-aspirated 3-cylinder petrol engine which produces 52 kW and 96 Nm. The Triber’s road manners are decent, it’s stable at speed and rides bumps well. The steering could be more communicative at low speed but that’s expected in this segment.

Read our full review of the Renault Triber here

Price Range: R197 400 – R233 400
Pick of the Range: 1.0 Intens
Reason to Buy: Value for money, seating configurations, features galore
Criticisms: Not the fastest thing around

Toyota Rumion/Suzuki Ertiga

The Toyota Rumion and Suzuki Ertiga are the same car, separated by badges and pricing.

The third product from the Toyota Suzuki partnership is a 7-seater vehicle. Powered by a 1.5-litre engine which summons 77 kW and 138 Nm, the vehicle never lags in performance. The Ertiga/Rumion offers not only exceptional value for money but is simply a product that is hard to beat in the areas where it matters most – space, practicality and comfort. You also have the might of the Suzuki and Toyota after-sales network to back up your purchase.

Read our full review of the Suzuki Ertiga here

Rumion Price Range: R260 600 – R336 500
Ertiga Price Range: R254 900 – R312 900
Pick of the Range: The manual derivatives are pleasant to drive and are impressively fuel-efficient
Reason to Buy: Mechanically solid, Suzuki and Toyota partnership means excellent value, reliability and dealership backup.
Criticisms: The 4-speed auto is only suitable for double-digit speeds.

See specification and pricing details for the Toyota Rumion

Buy a Toyota Rumion on Cars.co.za

See specification and pricing details for the Suzuki Ertiga

Buy a Suzuki Ertiga on Cars.co.za

Mitsubishi Xpander

Futuristic styling makes the Xpander one of the more interesting-looking models in the segment.

If you’re after something that doesn’t look like a ride-sharing vehicle, then the recently-updated Mitsubishi Xpander may be of interest. There’s a 1.5-litre engine with 77 kW and 141 Nm, with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic to choose from. The latter really blunts the car’s performance, so be mindful if you must have the convenience of a two-pedal setup. Standard features are generous, with all-round electric windows, 3x 12V sockets and full-automatic air conditioning to name but a few.

Price range: R329 995 – R349 995
Pick of the range: 1.5 Manual
Reason to buy: Versatile cabin, looks great
Criticisms: Some cheap cabin touches, powertrain not the most eager, warranty could be better

Mahindra Scorpio S11

The Mahindra Scorpio has 8 seats and offers an SUV experience, unlike the others on this list.

Mahindra is a brand that’s quietly doing rather well for itself. Its latest products like the XUV 300 are all good, and sales are on the up. Mahindra’s Scorpio may not be the latest, but continuous refinement has seen it become quite a popular (and cost-effective) alternative for adventurous families in need of a rugged, spacious SUV. Interestingly, the rearmost row is a bench and not 2 individual seats, which makes the Scorpio an 8-seater. With a commanding view of the road, great outward visibility and a soft ride set-up, the Scorpio is a relaxed touring vehicle. The 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine delivers 88 kW / 280 Nm.

Price range: R381 999 – R453 999
Pick of the Range: Mid-spec 4×4 model (R406 999)
Reason to Buy: Comfortable, excellent visibility, value for money,
Criticisms: Small boot with the third row of seats deployed, a little too old-school for some

See specification and pricing details for the Mahindra Scorpio on Cars.co.za

Buy a Mahindra Scorpio on Cars.co.za

Honda BR-V

The new Honda BR-V has moved upmarket to cater for the family car buyer.

A new Honda BR-V has arrived in South Africa and it’s bigger and better than the model it replaces! It’s still equipped with a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with 89 kW and 145 Nm. There are three levels of trim (Trend, Comfort and Elegance). The Honda BR-V is a well-packaged crossover SUV that offers lots of space and versatility for a variety of family tasks, with decent performance in most applications.

Read our Honda BR-V (2022) Launch Review

Price Range: R379 900 – R459 900
Pick of the Range: 1.5 Elegance
Reason to Buy: Good engine, pleasant to drive, feels solid
Criticisms: Become pricey

See specification and pricing details for the Honda BR-V

Buy a used Honda BR-V on Cars.co.za

Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S (2022) Launch Review

Toyota continues to integrate its Gazoo Racing sub-brand in its model lineup as it looks to build up the famed motorsport division’s nameplate. The latest vehicle to get the Gazoo Racing treatment – or, to the point, be decked out in GR-Sport trim – is the locally-produced Corolla Cross; we drove it at the local launch in the Western Cape.

What is a Corolla Cross GR-S?

The GR-S focuses on enhancing the appearance of the Corolla Cross and encompasses minor handling improvements.

It’s not always easy to understand the tier system that Toyota employs for trim grades on its vehicles and, specifically, where Gazoo Racing-infused derivatives are concerned. Still, the same can be said for the likes of BMW with M Performance, M Sport and M (models). GR Sport (GR-S) encompasses merely cosmetic upgrades to the exterior, with a few minor handling improvements made to the likes of the suspension and steering. The GR-S in the Land Cruiser 300 line-up has a slight off-road upgrade (if you are wondering how it fits in there). GR models, such as the GR Yaris, get performance and handling upgrades and finally, GRMN models are the pinnacle products of the Gazoo Racing brand.

With that out of the way, you may have figured that the Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S has a fancy body kit and some handling upgrades, but no performance enhancements. In terms of standard spec, the GR-S is based on the top-spec XR, but it is adorned with a new gloss black grille and GR badging. The gloss black theme flows through to the side mirrors, rear spoiler and roof rails. The overall look is decidedly sporty and the GR-S can be easily distinguished from its siblings.

The GR-S is only available in 3 exterior colours: Red, Silver and White and exclusively available with a 1.8-litre petrol motor mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission. It produces peak outputs of 103 kW/172 Nm, is said to achieve a top speed of 185 kph (for what that’s worth) and has a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 6.8 L/100 km (for a theoretical full-tank range of 691 km). The Corolla Cross GR-S is not available in hybrid guise.

What handling changes have been made to the GR-S?

The suspension and steering setups have been adjusted to deliver a sportier driving experience.

The Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S benefits from new shock absorbers and revised coil springs that improve the handling without making the car’s ride quality overly firm. The power steering module is tuned to provide better response and feedback.

Our short drive on a coastal road didn’t allow us to get a proper feel for the upgrades, but I certainly noticed the improved steering. The steering wheel’s action has more weight to it and the direction of the front wheels seems to change a little faster when you steer away from the centre. The suspension upgrades do add a little more firmness to the ride, but without detracting from the on-road refinement that we’ve come to appreciate of vehicles based on the TNGA-C platform.

We’ll be able to give it a bit more of a thorough evaluation when we get a test unit shortly.

Any special GR-S bits inside?

Red stitching on the seats, steering wheel and gear lever complement the red insert across the dash.

There are a few subtle changes to the interior of the Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S. The leather seats get a large GR logo embossed in the headrests, while red stitching features around their seams to intensify the sporty look and feel of the GR-S.

The multifunction steering wheel also acquires red stitching at the seams as does the transmission lever’s boot. A red strip then runs the width of the cabin, highlighting the air vents at either end.

As with the top-spec XR, the GR-S benefits from Toyota’s Safety Sense, which incorporates adaptive cruise control, hill assist and the pre-collision system, along with the usual safety features such as ABS, traction control and stability control.

For a full list of specifications, check out our New Car Specs page here

Pricing and after-sales

The Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-S sits just below the top hybrid derivative – the 1.8 Hybrid XR – in the current model lineup (September 2022). It is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 6-services/90 000 km service plan.

Corolla Cross 1.8i GR-S

R453 200

Summary

The additions on the GR-S don’t command a hefty premium.

The Corolla Cross GR-S commands a R15k premium over the XR derivative it’s based on. It doesn’t seem “all that much” considering the design enhancements and handling improvements that the newcomer offers. Whether the upgrades are necessary on a family SUV is up to the buyer to decide, but they don’t have any real negative effect on the driving experience, so if the design is to your liking then it’s probably still one of SA’s best buys at this end of the market.

How Safe is the New Ford Ranger? Crash-Test Results Revealed

Ford’s new Ranger has been subjected to an ANCAP crash test under the latest, tougher safety evaluation protocols. Let’s take a look at how the bakkie fared…

While the new Ford Ranger has yet to launch in South Africa, it is already available Down Under. In fact, Australasia’s independent voice on vehicle safety, ANCAP, has just announced the results of the Blue Oval bakkie’s crash test.

So, how did the new-generation Ranger fare? Well, it scored a safety rating of 5 stars following a full suite of tests conducted in Australia.

Of course, we should point out Australia (and New Zealand) sources its Ranger from Thailand, while the version set to hit the market in South Africa before the end of the year will be produced locally at the Dearborn-based automaker’s Silverton facility. In addition, we can expect some specification differences between the two markets.

Regardless, the results make for very interesting reading. ANCAP awarded the Ranger a score of 84% for adult-occupant protection and 93% for child-occupant protection, along with 74% for vulnerable road-user protection and 83% for its standard safety assistance equipment.

A closer look at the Ranger’s crash-test results

The new Ford Ranger undergoes ANCAP’s side-impact test.

According to ANCAP, the Ranger’s passenger compartment “remained stable” in the frontal offset test. The bakkie furthermore recorded a “solid score” for protection of adult occupants in the frontal offset, side impact and far-side impact tests, though had to settle for a “marginal” score for protection of the rear passenger’s chest in the full-width frontal crash test and for the driver’s chest in the oblique pole test. In addition, the Ranger’s front structure “presented a high risk to occupants of an oncoming vehicle”, resulting in the application of a penalty.

For the record, in Australia and New Zealand, the Ranger ships standard with dual front, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting curtain airbags, as well as a driver and passenger knee airbag. A centre airbag (providing added protection to front-seat occupants in side-impact crashes) is also standard, taking the total to 9 airbags. This version of the Ranger furthermore boasts a range of active collision avoidance systems, scoring “well” in performance tests of autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assistance and speed assistance.

The safety authority says the 5-star safety rating applies to all Australian-spec variants of the Ranger (built from February 2022) bar the high-performance Raptor, which for now remains “unrated”. The new Everest, too, was awarded 5 stars, with its safety rating based on testing of the Ranger.

Ciro De Siena reveals his favourite cars and chats South African Car Culture

Ciro De Siena talks about South African Car Culture in this new series by Cars.co.za. Ciro tells us where his passion for cars, particularly BMWs, comes from and reveals his favourite car, which he also owns – a stunning BMW E39 M5.

Why do South Africans love the BMW brand so much? How did he get into the car reviewing business – thank you, Jeremy Clarkson! and why should you consider buying a classic rather than a new car? Ciro did just that … He bought an old Lexus LS400 for a third of the price of South Africa’s cheapest new car (the Suzuki S-Presso) and uses it as his daily. Ciro also tells the amazing story of how one of the first cars he drove after getting his license, a Mazda MX-5, came back to him many years later.

Ciro reflects on South Africa’s rich motorsport heritage, particularly the era of the South African specials, which saw cars such as the iconic BMW 325is (E30) – also known as the “Gusheshe” – and Opel Kadett GSi Superboss battle on South African racing circuits like Kyalami and Aldo Scribante in Group N racing. These days the Gusheshe and Superboss are valuable classics, not only in South Africa, but across the globe.

So now you know what South African car culture is to Ciro? What is it to you? Let us know in the comments below and look out for Episode 2 of SA Car Culture at 6pm on Sunday, September 18th.

Bonkers Fatboy V12 Hilux Unleashed

Meet Francois Fritz, the owner of FatBoy Fab Works and the builder of this bonkers twin-turbocharged V12-powered Toyota Hilux!

This project started with a stock single-cab Toyota Hilux 3.0 D-4D Hi-Rider which Francois used as his daily runabout.

Then, Francois came up with the idea of building something unique, a once-off build that no one has done before. Fritz sourced a 5.0-litre 1GZ V12 engine from Japan and dropped it into the engine bay of the Hilux, bolted on some turbochargers and tuned it up to over 420 kW and 900 Nm! The result is fabulously bonkers! Watch the video to see this epic V12 Hilux perform!

Cars.co.za tips its hat to the team at FatBoy Fab Works for bringing this car to life.

Buy a used Toyota Hilux on Cars.co.za

Buy a new Toyota Hilux on Cars.co.za