How well did the new Chery Tiggo Cross sell in its 1st month?
The new Chery Tiggo Cross has just completed its first month on the market in South Africa. Here’s a look at this fresh-faced Chinese crossover’s early sales figures…
The new Chery Tiggo Cross officially launched in South Africa on 1 November 2024. So, how did this fresh-faced Chinese crossover fare in its first month on sale in Mzansi? Let’s take a closer look at the numbers.
According to figures reported to industry representative body Naamsa, Chery sold 205 units of the Tiggo Cross in November 2024, representing 10.2% of the Chinese firm’s total (excluding other Chery Group brands like Jaecoo, Omoda and Jetour) for the month. Interestingly, an additional 77 units were registered in October, ahead of the nameplate’s official market launch, taking its tally to 282 units.
So, in November 2024, the Tiggo Cross placed behind the Tiggo 4 Pro – which recorded a 2024 best of 1 191 units – as well as the Tiggo 7 Pro (468 units, including 50 sales to the rental industry) but ahead of the flagship Tiggo 8 Pro (142 units).
As a reminder, the Tiggo Cross portfolio currently comprises just a pair of derivatives, priced at R399 900 in the case of the Comfort grade and R449 900 for the Elite trim level. Both offer 108 kW and 210 Nm courtesy of a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front axle via a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard.
Positioned between the Tiggo 4 Pro and Tiggo 7 Pro, the new Tiggo Cross serves as a thoroughly updated version of the former in several overseas markets. However, the Chinese firm’s local division has instead opted to retain the strong-selling (effectively pre-facelift) Tiggo 4 Pro as its entry-level offering, positioning the Tiggo Cross as a separate model.
In addition, Chery South Africa says it plans to add a hybrid powertrain to the Tiggo Cross portfolio in the 2nd quarter of 2025. Expect this dual-powered derivative to slot in at the very summit of the Tiggo Cross range, above the existing turbopetrol variants.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse: Is it worth the extra R300k?
Is the Ford Mustang Dark Horse worth the additional R300k outlay over the standard Mustang GT? Jacob Moshokoa took the Mustang Dark Horse for a gallop in the Lesotho highlands to learn more about the package. Watch the video!
Ford has recently launched the brand new Mustang in SA, but even before the dust has settled on the newcomer, the Blue Oval has launched a special edition Dark Horse version. Jacob Moshokoa travelled across the border to Lesotho to drive the new Dark Horse on what he thinks are some of the best roads he has ever driven.
Is the special edition Mustang Dark Horse worth the extra money? And, what do you actually get for your money? Jacob details some of the differences and decides whether he would rather just have the standard Mustang or the Dark Horse.
EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT: SentiMETAL Gathering 8 December – Lourensford Estate
The final SentiMETAL Gathering of 2024 will take place on Sunday, 8 December 2024, at the spectacular Lourensford Estate, in partnership with Museo Della Passione.
“It’s time to close off 2024 in style,” says Cars.co.za Special Projects manager, Hannes Oosthuizen.
“Following the success of previous events, Lourensford Estate will again host the province’s coolest cars for a day of petrolheaded camaraderie.”
The SentiMETAL Gathering is similar to traditional “cars-‘n-coffee” meets but generally attracts a larger and more diverse crowd of vehicles. “What makes SentiMETAL Gatherings so special is the diversity – attendees keep their eyes on the entrance to catch a sight of what type of car might arrive next, because you’re never quite sure until the actual day what the line-up will be,” explains Oosthuizen.
“We can accommodate around 120 cars at this event, and I’d like to emphasise that although this is a classic car meet, we also include recognised modern classics.”
Lourensford Estate is perfectly suited to this type of car meet, with two lovely large lawns as the display area, and loads of food and beverage options at the Market next door. The SentiMETAL merchandise store will also be there on the day, allowing enthusiasts to stock up on cool apparel, model cars, limited-edition prints and more.
The Museo Della Passione, located on the Lourensford Estate grounds, and of which you can read more here, will also be welcoming visitors. Note that entry into the museum, which houses a mouthwatering display of cars, is not free and a ticket can be purchased on the day.
How to enter your car (it’s free!)
If you have a cool car and would like to be part of the display, then it’s necessary to complete a quick online form here. If you are struggling to register, don’t have a Google account or require more information please email [email protected].
Note that unregistered cars will not be able to park in the display area. Visitors are welcome! Entrance and participation are free. Cars will start arriving from around 8am, and participants are requested to be parked by 9am. Owners are free to leave from 12pm onwards, or stay and enjoy the day at Lourensford.
See you there!
New Electric Cars for SA in 2025
The year 2025 is charging up with new electric cars due to arrive in South Africa. Take a look at what’s coming and let us know what EV you are looking forward to most!
While most local buyers prefer Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars, the market for electric cars, hybrids and plug-in hybrid cars is increasing and there are a growing number of car brands offering New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in South Africa.
This list focuses on all the new electric cars due to reach South Africa in 2025. Note that this list is generated based on information received directly from manufacturers as well as from information published in the public domain. Timings are subject to change and serve as a guideline.
The new Audi Q6 e-tron was revealed in March 2024 and is due to arrive in in the second quarter of 2025.
Fitted with a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery that allows for a 625 km driving range, the Q6 e-tron can be had with either 285 kW of power in the standard Q6 or with 380 kW in the SQ6, both offering quattro all-wheel-drive ability.
In terms of acceleration, the 285 kW Q6 e-tron claims a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 5.9 seconds while the SQ6 e-tron is faster with a claim of 4.3 seconds.
Audi is also expected to introduce the new A6 e-tron with a claimed range of over 700km thanks to a newly developed 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the same used in the Q6 e-tron!
The Q6 e-tron is also built on the same Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform as the Q6 e-tron and if will rival products such as the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE.
The Q6 e-tron will offer 270 kW and 565 Nm over the rear axle and is claimed to sprint from zero to 100 kph in 5.4 seconds.
The familiar e-tron GT will receive an update in 2025 with a new 97 kWh battery pack as well as the arrival of a new flagship e-tron GT RS Performance which will pack a mighty 680 kW and accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 2.5 seconds! Electric range is claimed at around 600 km and maximum chagrin speeds have been boosted from 270 kW to 320 kW which means that a charge from 10% to 80% will take about 18 minutes.
Leapmotor will enter the South African market with its C10 SUV due to make landfall in September 2024. As a new EV brand within the Stellantis stable, Leapmotor will be able to levarage existing infrastructure and support to fast-track its entry into the South African market.
The C10 is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that develops 160 kW and 320 Nm of torque while a 69.9 kWh battery pack allows for a claimed WLTP range of 420 km. More models are expected to join the local lineup at a later stage.
Pricing for the Leapmotor C10 will be confirmed closer to launch.
Lexus is expected to welcome its first fully electric RZ SUV early in 2025.
Equipped with 2 electric motors, including a 150 kW front motor and a 80 kW rear motor, the RZ offers 250 kW and 435 Nm while claiming an electric cruising range of 450 km. As you’d expect from Lexus, the interior is luxurious and well-appointed.
Local pricing and specifications will be confirmed in due course.
The arrival of theMG Cyberster Roadster will mark the return of the MG brand offering EV performance in a stylish convertible sportscar package replete with scissor doors.
The Cyberster RWD version offers 250 kW and 475 Nm generated from a single, rear-mounted electric motor with an electric range of around 508 km and a claimed zero to 100 kph sprint time of 5 seconds!
The more powerful Cyberster GT AWD has 2 electric motors offering a total output of 375 kW and 725 Nm. Electric range for this derivative drops to around 444 km but it boasts faster acceleration with MG claiming 3.2 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100 kph.
MINI will kick off the year with the arrival of the new Aceman! The Aceman is a compact electric crossover that slots in beneath the new Countryman but above the new Cooper hatchback.
A total of 2 Aceman derivatives are expected from launch. The Aceman E will offer 135 kW and 290 Nm and will be equipped with a 42.5 kWh battery that will allow for a claimed range of 310 km.
A more powerful Aceman SE will offer 160 kW and 330 Nm but will also have a larger 54.2 kWh battery that will push the claimed range up to 406 km.
Earlier in 2024 at the firm’s local SOMI event, Toyota confirmed plans to introduce the bZ4X Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in South Africa.
Toyota is well-known for dominating the hybrid car market in South Africa with its Corolla Cross Hybrid accounting for the majority of the firm’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales locally. Built on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, the bZ4X will join the mix as a fully electric vehicle equipped with a 71.4 kWh battery which is said to provide a range of 450 km and with total power outputs of either 150 kW and 265 Nm (single electric motor) or 160 kW and 336 Nm (dual electric motor) depending on the derivative.
Local pricing and specifications will be revealed closer to the launch.
In 2025, Volvo will welcome its flagship EX90 SUV in South Africa which will solidify the firm’s grip on the local EV market. You can expect at least 2 derivatives when the EX90 arrives including the 300 kW /770 Nm EX90 Twin Motor or the range-topping EX90 Twin Motor Performance with 380 kW and 910 Nm.
Thanks to a 111 kWh (of which 107 kWh is usable) battery, the Volvo’s claimed range is between 570 and 614 km (WLTP).
New Swift soars! SA’s best-selling passenger cars in Nov 2024
The new Suzuki Swift rocketed back onto the passenger-car podium in November 2024 as 1 of 6 models in the top 10 to register its best sales performance of the year…
In November 2024, South Africa’s new-vehicle market grew 8.1% year on year to 48 585 units, with passenger vehicles again proving the catalyst for the industry’s overall growth. Indeed, sales in this segment increased 20.0% year on year to 35 101 units last month.
As was the case in October, the passenger-vehicle segment was aided by sales to the rental industry, which comprised a significant 19.5% of its total. But which models were the most popular overall? Let’s break down SA’s best-selling passenger vehicles for November 2024.
VW’s recently updated Polo Vivo enjoyed its best month of the year.
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2 999 units) stayed out in front in November 2024, registering its best showing of the year so far and coming ever-so-close to cracking the 3 000-unit mark. In fact, the Kariega-built hatchback – which received a facelift in August – was Mzansi’s best-selling vehicle overall last month, eclipsing even the mighty Toyota Hilux (see our list of SA’s top-selling bakkies here).
Though the Toyota Corolla Cross (2 655 units) likewise put in its best effort of 2024 thus far, the Prospecton-made crossover remained in 2nd position in the passenger-vehicle segment in November. For the record, the Polo Vivo enjoyed as many as 923 sales (or 30.8% of its tally) via the rental-industry channel, while the Corolla Cross managed 408 units in this space.
Toyota’s Corolla Cross breached the 2 500-unit mark in a single month for the first time this year.
Meanwhile, the Suzuki Swift – led by a new-generation model that enjoyed its first full month on the local market – rocketed back onto the podium in November, climbing 3 places to finish 3rd. As the highest-ranked imported vehicle, the Indian-sourced hatchback also enjoyed its best effort of the year, with 1 776 units sold. As many as 778 sales came via the rental market, representing a whopping 43.8% of this nameplate’s registrations.
The Hyundai Grand i10 (1 296 units) jumped a spot to 4th last month, with its tally including 265 sales to the rental industry. For the record, since we’re examining the passenger-car segment here, take note that this figure excludes light-commercial vehicle sales of the Cargo-badged panel van, which attracted a further 99 sales.
Chery’s Tiggo 4 Pro was another model that put in its best performance of the year in November.
The Suzuki-made Toyota Starlet (1 238 units) slipped a spot to 5th, while the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (1 191 units) was once more the highest-ranked Chinese vehicle, recording its strongest showing of the year and moving up 2 positions to 6th in November.
The Haval Jolion (1 062 units) and Kia Sonet (1 059 units) both returned to the top 10 in November 2024, each breaching 4 figures for the very first time this year and ultimately placing 7th and 8th, respectively. That saw the Volkswagen Polo hatch (1 003 units) plummet as many as 6 rankings to end in 9th, with the recently refreshedNissan Magnite (945 units) making a comeback to the table to snaffle 10th.
Haval’s updated Jolion (including Pro derivatives) reached 4 figures in November.
We should point out the 3 models that cracked the top 10 in October but fell away in November were the Suzuki Fronx (888 units), Toyota Fortuner (872 units) and Renault Kwid (692 units). Honourable mentions for November 2024 should also go to the Mahindra XUV 3XO (511 units) and Hyundai Exter (438 units), newcomers that didn’t at all rely on sales via the rental channel.
SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in November 2024
There have been Korean double cabs before (such as the Hyundai Santa Cruz), but never one quite like this. Will the Kia Tasman prove that looks don’t matter?
The Kia Tasman – Hyundai’s sister brand’s first proper double-cab bakkie – doesn’t have an accidental name. “Tasman” is thoroughly Australian, symbolising the importance of the world’s biggest island to global bakkie marketers, who undoubtedly also have South African bakkie buyers in mind…
Australians and South Africans have very similar customer preferences and driving conditions for double-cab bakkies (they also share predilections for outdoor pursuits, beer and braaiing). The Tasman received a lot of design and development input from Australia, which bodes well for its SA debut next year.
As you’d expect from a Korean company, Kia isn’t chancing its arm with the Tasman – it’s being daring. The global bakkie market is worth a staggering R5.8 trillion, and Kia has invested a lot of money to ensure the Tasman is successful – but also distinctive as a model from the South Korean marque’s stable.
Kia’s design language is always dramatic. The Tasman is no exception.
The Tasman’s exterior design has stimulated much debate. Specifically, a relatively small design feature of the bakkie (its headlamps) has sparked a lot of discussion. Mounted to the leading edges of the newcomer’s front wheel arches, the Tasman’s headlamps are exceptional, but not for the sake of it.
Daring design is inherent to Kia. Since the company appointed former Audi and VW design master, Peter Schreyer, to its team in the mid-2000s, it’s created a portfolio of distinctive cars. In all classes. From the Picanto city car to Kia’s huge 7-seater Telluride SUV, the designs are never conservative or boring.
Kia has developed a reputation for daring design, and Tasman must defend it. Kia’s brand association and -legacy dictates that it cannot look like a generic bakkie. And it doesn’t. Former BMW designer Karim Habib has been leading the Kia design centre since 2019. Habib worked on the 5th-gen BMW 7 Series and has overseen an evolution of even more radically styled Kias during the last few years.
The Tasman is simply a bakkie version of Kia’s established language. What matters is that its design language doesn’t compromise functionality.
Are those headlamps clever?
Small offset headlamps might look strange. But they make sense.
Lighting technology has advanced remarkably in the past decade. Powerful LEDs and adaptive intelligent lighting solutions mean cars (and, therefore, bakkies) can now have more powerful lighting and better low-light/nighttime driving awareness than ever, but without requiring huge headlamps. And that matters.
Oversized headlamps are a packaging issue. As a front design feature, they are very vulnerable to damage. This is especially true for bakkies that travel thousands of kilometres on dirt roads, where stone chips from leading vehicles can easily project a stone into your bakkie’s headlamp and crack it.
And the larger that headlamp is, the more likely it is to get impacted by a gravel surface stone flung by the rear tyres of a vehicle you are following.
It’s even more pronounced in areas with much construction activity and indifferent road quality… such as South African urban centres. Most of us have endured that awful sensation of hearing debris clatter into our car’s headlamp, body or windscreen when following a truck past a construction or road works zone.
Why the Tasman’s headlamps look unusual
Those smaller offset headlamps have statistically less risk of getting damaged in convoy, on a dirt road.
The solution to that headlamp damage risk? Well, simply put, the smaller the headlamp surface area, the lower the risk of incurring damage from flying road debris, or very low-speed front-corner impacts.
With advanced LEDs, you can have smaller headlamps mounted in a more recessed position, shielded from impact – without sacrificing any illumination capability. That’s what Kia’s done with the Tasman!
Those offset headlamps, mounted away from the grille on the front fender edge, have the lowest possible risk of being ruined by a flung stone when you’re trailing a convoy on a gravel road – or travelling behind a construction truck.
The Kia’s headlamps offer great functionality, a lower risk of damage AND give it a distinct appearance.
Form follows Function
Steel wheels with large volume tyres. A great option on South African roads.
The bakkie market has a strange asymmetry in customer expectations and product capabilities. Tradition says that bakkies must be excellent load carriers. However, very few double cabs operating in South African cities carry more than 25% of their capacity – even for a few hours.
It’s why most bakkies have such terrible ride quality: they’re configured with completely over-sprung rear suspensions… to carry loads that are never loaded. Kia’s added hydraulic rebound stop technology to the front and rear suspension, to mute some of the traditional bakkie ride quality harshness when unladen.
Having invested so much in the Tasman’s R&D, Kia is building a broad portfolio with its new model: from work bakkies to leisure double cabs and serious 4×4 versions. The standard 4×2 versions are graded for 231 mm of underbody clearance, while the X-Pro 4×4 has 252 mm.
It’s wise to split the ground clearance specification like that – it gives buyers who need a bakkie with true grade 4/5 off-road ability the extra ground clearance option but retains slightly lower clearances for the bulk of its Tasman range, which caters for leisure double-cab buyers, who need the better high-speed tracking (for cruising) or -cornering ability afforded by a slightly lower centre of gravity.
Why Kia SA needs the Tasman
Plenty of extreme terrain wheel travel off-road, without tyres scraping the wheel arches.
Mazda’s decision to discontinue its BT-50 proves that a good double-cab bakkie model, even one with an established heritage, can fail in the local market – if it’s an imported product.
Kia’s Tasman will navigate the same taxation and tariff matrix that other imported double cabs such as the recently introduced new-gen Mitsubishi Triton and Chinese bakkies do. The difference with Kia, however, is that it has built a South African brand presence and customer loyalty over 3 decades.
The Kia Tasman’s interior is utilitarian by the brand’s standards, but it does not lack a sense of occasion.
It also leverages the South Korean brand’s design and product quality association, which has become an invaluable differentiator for all Korean products in the last few years – from consumer electronics to cars.
Add to that a distinctive design, typically excellent device synching and infotainment UX, all built upon a rugged ladder-frame chassis with a proven turbodiesel engine. It certainly looks promising for Kia.
Kia Tasman will be a halo model
The Tasman will never be a volume seller, but Kia South Africa and its dealers need it to be a halo model. This double-cab bakkie is a vital offering to have. Why? Having happy Sportage and Sorento customers exit the brand, being conquered by similarly priced double cab bakkies, is bad business.
With the Tasman, those Kia SUV customers who want something bigger and more rugged can now be retained. Its value is graduating Kia’s higher-income South African buyers to a product offering with huge passenger vehicle appeal, as proved by Hilux and Ranger, despite its commercial vehicle billing.
Triton cracks top 10! SA’s best-selling bakkies in November 2024
The Mitsubishi Triton inched onto the list of South Africa’s 10 best-selling bakkies in November 2024. Let’s take a closer look at the sales figures…
In November 2024, South Africa’s new-vehicle market grew 8.1% year on year to 48 585 units. While the passenger-vehicle segment was the catalyst for this welcome growth, sales in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space dipped 16.3% year on year to 10 827 units.
So, what happened on the list of Mzansi’s best- and worst-selling bakkies in November 2024? Well, the Toyota Hilux again led the charge, with 2 702 units of the Prospecton-built stalwart registered around Mzansi last month. For the record, that’s a 3.3% drop compared with October 2024’s effort and meant the Hilux wasn’t SA’s top-selling vehicle overall in November, with that honour instead going to the Volkswagen Polo Vivo.
No stopping the Toyota Hilux in November.
Meanwhile, local sales of the Ford Ranger increased 1.4% month on month to 2 248 units, which saw the Silverton-manufactured bakkie retain the runner-up position in November. Meanwhile, the Struandale-made Isuzu D-Max – which recently gained a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine in Thailand – again completed the podium, with its 1 764-unit total (including 352 sales to government) representing a 2.4% month on month fall.
The KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (699 units) – which could potentially welcome the Indian firm’s upcoming global bakkie to its new, larger assembly line in 2025 – held steady in a very comfortable 4th position, while the Rosslyn-produced Nissan Navara (344 units) rounded out the top 5 once more. The local Navara range is expected to welcome a new Warrior flagship next year, with pre-production having already kicked off.
Just a handful of sales behind the Navara, the Ford-built Volkswagen Amarok (337 units) moved up a ranking to 6th, while the imported Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (290 units, more than doubling its October effort) likewise climbed a spot to finish 7th in November.
As such, the made-in-China GWM P-Series – which is set to adopt the P300 badge in early 2025, along with a new 2.4-litre turbodiesel motor, as part of its facelift – slipped 2 places to 8th, with 280 units registered. Meanwhile, the GWM Steed (108 units) kept hold of 9th spot.
Mitsubishi Motors SA recently launched its new-gen Triton.
Finally, with the new generation having launched in Mzansi in the latter part of November 2024, the Mitsubishi Triton returned to the list of SA’s 10 best-selling bakkies, with 82 units registered last month (18 of which were “single registrations”; that is, units Mitsubishi SA kept and licensed for its own use). Interestingly, this represents the nameplate’s 2nd-highest tally of 2024, beaten only by the 88-unit total of February, and helped push Mitsubishi to its biggest total of the year (269 units overall).
Best of the rest in November 2024: bakkies outside top 10
Stellantis SA recently expanded its Peugeot Landtrek range.
What about the bakkies that didn’t make the top 10 in November 2024? Well, the JAC T-Series – the Chinese firm unfortunately reported only a combined figure for its T6, T8 and T9 line-ups, so we technically can’t rank these individual nameplates in the top 10 – managed 112 units.
With the local range recently expanded to include a single cab as well as a pair of more affordable double-cab derivatives, the Chinese-made Peugeot Landtrek finished November 2024 on 64 units (remember, Stellantis SA plans to commence local assembly of the bakkie from completely knocked-down kits at a new facility in Gqeberha towards the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026).
The long-in-the-tooth Mahindra Bolero closed the month on 37 units, while sales of the since-discontinued Nissan NP200 (production ceased at Rosslyn back in March 2024) came in at just 17 units. The final spot on the list thus again went to the Jeep Gladiator (11 units), a facelifted version of which is expected in Mzansi in 2025.
While the original Hyundai Atos enjoyed an extended run in South Africa, its belated successor wasn’t around for nearly as long. But it nevertheless represents an interesting option as a used buy in the budget hatchback segment…
The original Hyundai Atos – or Atoz (as in “A to Z”), as it was initially known when it launched locally around the turn of the millennium – was one of the nameplates that helped the South Korean firm truly cement itself in the South African new-vehicle market.
After a successful 1st generation, the Atos badge was put out to pasture in Mzansi in 2013. However, around 6 years later, the moniker made a return to the market in AH2-generation form, again positioned as Hyundai’s cheapest offering (and again, as a rebadged Santro from India).
The Atos badge returned to South Africa in 2019.
Thanks to a strong value proposition, local sales of the 2nd-gen Atos were highly respectable, with the little budget hatchback making a habit of cresting the 700-units-a-month mark during the peak of its popularity (in 2022, for instance, Hyundai Automotive SA reported a healthy 7 419 registrations of the Atos). However, the picture wasn’t quite as rosy in India, where sales were dwindling.
Moreover, with increasingly stringent emissions and safety regulations looming in the world’s most populous nation, it’s thought Hyundai simply couldn’t justify the cost of re-engineering the hatchback to meet these latest requirements.
Production wrapped up in 2022, though the Atos soldiered on in SA until the following year.
As such, the South Korean firm pulled the plug on the Santro – and, by extension, killed off the SA-spec Atos – with production at the Tamil Nadu factory ending in the first half of 2022.
In South Africa, the Atos technically remained on the market deep into 2023, though local sales tapered to single figures in those final few months, before stock finally ran dry.
Hyundai Atos model line-up in South Africa
At launch, just a single derivative was on offer.
The AH2-gen Santro was revealed in India in October 2018, riding on what the South Korean automaker described as an “all-new” platform. The reinvented hatchback arrived in South Africa as the Hyundai Atos just over a year later – in November 2019 – mere days after the Indian-spec model scored a disappointing 2 stars in its Global NCAP crash test (more on that in a bit).
Offered in a choice of 6 exterior colours, the 2nd-gen Atos was a modern take on the so-called “tall boy” design; it was 3 610 mm long, 1 645 mm wide and stood 1 560 mm tall (with a wheelbase of 2 400 mm). At launch, just one derivative (the 1.1 Motion) was available – it was powered by a naturally aspirated 1.1-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that sent 50 kW/99 Nm to the front axle via a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The Atos Cargo was positioned as an alternative to a half-tonne bakkie.
In August 2021, Hyundai’s local distributor extended the Atos nameplate to the LCV segment by launching the Atos Cargo in Motion and Fluid grades. The firm positioned these new Cargo derivatives – each featuring a load area in place of the rear bench – as alternatives to traditional half-tonne bakkies.
The following month (September 2021), a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) became available in the Atos line-up. Like the standard manual variant, the AMT derivative shipped exclusively in Motion trim. This ended up being the final change to the Atos portfolio in South Africa.
What are the advantages of a Hyundai Atos?
The level of fit and finish was commendable for the price.
Build quality (though spec was a mixed bag): Despite its positioning as Hyundai’s entry-level vehicle and the unsurprising presence of various hard plastics, the interior of the Atos managed to steer clear of the “cheap and nasty” description often bandied about at this end of the market. The level of fit and finish was commendable for the price, while the list of standard features wasn’t exactly sparse.
Indeed, the Atos featured a Bluetooth-enabled 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (including Apple CarPlay), along with a 4-speaker audio system, a multifunction steering wheel, manual aircon and a USB port. Note, however, that cost-cutting was evident in other areas – here are a couple of examples: only the front doors featured electric windows and rear passengers had to make do with manual winders.
Steelies with plastic wheel covers shipped standard.
Curiously, a rear wiper was also missing from the spec sheet (there wasn’t even a demisting function for the rear screen), while all derivatives rode on steel wheels and the side mirrors had to be adjusted manually. Finally, keep in mind that the load bay – Hyundai claimed a luggage capacity of 235 litres with the rear seats up – was one of the smallest in the class.
4 rather than 3 cylinders: While several contenders in the budget-hatchback class were powered by 3-cylinder engines, the Atos instead drew its urge from a free-revving 4-pot. Though this G4HG motor’s peak outputs weren’t particularly impressive, the little Hyundai was one of the quieter and more refined models in the segment, particularly when compared with rivals featuring inherently unbalanced (and thus generally more vibration-prone) 3-cylinder units.
The engine was relatively refined and light on fuel.
Aided by the fact that the Atos tipped the scales at a mere 866 kg, the 1.1-litre mill was capable of returning wallet-friendly fuel-consumption figures. Hyundai listed a combined figure of 5.7 L/100 km for the manual variant and 5.9 L/100 km for its AMT counterpart. Keep in mind, however, that this engine used a timing belt (which would require replacement at set intervals) rather than a chain.
Lengthy warranty: Though the 2nd-gen Atos came with only a 1-year/15 000 km service plan, it was backed up by Hyundai Automotive SA’s lengthy 7-year/200 000 km mechanical warranty as well as 7 years or 150 000 km of roadside assistance. As such, even examples from the earliest model year would still enjoy active warranty coverage today – unless said warranty was voided for some reason, of course.
What are the disadvantages of a Hyundai Atos?
Global NCAP handed the Indian-spec Santro (née Atos) just 2 stars for safety.
Disappointing Global NCAP score: Shortly before the Atos launched in South Africa, Global NCAP released the results of its Santro crash test, handing the South Korean brand’s budget car a disappointing 2 stars for adult-occupant safety and the same score for child-occupant safety.
While the Indian-spec model under evaluation was missing the front-passenger airbag offered as standard in South Africa, the chief concern was that the hatchback’s bodyshell was rated as “unstable” and “not capable of withstanding further loadings”. The footwell area, too, was given an “unstable” rating.
Dual front airbags were standard for the passenger-vehicle version.
The SA-spec Atos shipped with ABS (with EBD) as well as 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts and ISOfix child-seat anchors, though unfortunately did without stability control (an item admittedly missing from virtually all new models at this price point). The Atos Cargo Motion, meanwhile, downgraded to a single airbag.
Compromised driving position: For many, dialling in the perfect driving position in the Atos was downright impossible. The reason? Well, the low-sited steering column was fixed in place, with zero tilt- or telescopic adjustment on offer. To make matters worse for taller pilots, who had to contend with an obscured view of the instrument cluster, the driver’s seat lacked any form of height adjustment.
We’d steer clear of the AMT model.
Unsophisticated AMT: We should applaud Hyundai for having offered a 2-pedal version of what was its cheapest car. On the other hand, it’s a pity the company opted for an automated manual over a conventional torque-converter automatic cog-swapper (or even a continuously variable transmission).
You see, the AMT (effectively a robotised manual gearbox) was an utterly unsophisticated transmission, delivering sluggish and anything-but-smooth shifts. While painfully slow cog changes were unavoidable, drivers could at least mitigate lurching by lifting off the throttle during shifts between gears.
How much is a used Hyundai Atos in South Africa?
Most examples will still have active warranty coverage.
As mentioned, the Hyundai Atos shipped standard with a 7-year/200 000 km mechanical warranty and a 1-year/15 000 km service plan. Since the latter plan included only the first service, make sure to check for evidence that the required maintenance thereafter has been carried out.
Of the used AH2-gen Hyundai Atos models listed on Cars.co.zaat the time of writing, more than 80% featured a manual gearbox, while under 5% were Cargo-badged panel-van derivatives. Interestingly, 2022 was easily the most popular model year, accounting for 51% of all listings. The highest indicated mileage we saw was 130 000 km, covered by a 2021 Cargo panel van.
Below R125 000: Though options below R125 000 were limited at the time of writing, it was interesting to note that most model years were nevertheless represented in this space. We also found a couple of panel-van derivatives here.
From R125 000 to R150 000: There was a broader choice between these pricing bookends, where we discovered several low-mileage examples (as well as a few AMT models). Most listings here were from the 2021 and 2022 model years.
From R150 000 to R200 000: A whopping 68% of AH2-gen Atos listings (including several Cargo derivatives, along with a higher-than-usual proportion of AMT variants) were positioned between these bookends. Some examples in this bracket furthermore rode on aftermarket alloy wheels.
R200 000 and up: At the time of writing, we found just a single model priced above R200 000: a 2023 manual Atos finished in blue, with a mere 169 km on the odometer. Listed for R229 950, the seller was interestingly asking more than what it would have cost new.
Which Hyundai Atos derivative should you buy?
Stick with the manual-equipped Atos.
So, which Atos derivative is the pick of the bunch? Well, we’re going to assume you’re unlikely to be in the market for either of the Cargo derivatives, leaving us with the standard hatchback. Since there was just the Motion grade on offer locally, the only real choice is regarding the transmission.
On that front, we’d unequivocally recommend the manual ‘box over the automated manual transmission. Though the latter might bring ease-of-use benefits during bumper-to-bumper traffic (Hyundai’s in-house-developed AMT featured one of the better “creep” functions, after all), it lacked sophistication during all other driving scenarios.
Is the Hyundai Atos a smart used buy?
The Atos faced plenty of competition from likewise Indian-built models.
The 2nd iteration of the Atos faced several rivals in the budget hatchback segment, many of which were also imported from India. Compared with the likewise-axed Datsun Go (not to mention the still-popular Renault Kwid), the little Hyundai delivered both a more resolved driving experience as well as higher levels of perceived build quality.
Other Indian-made competitors included the Honda Brio (which has also since been discontinued), along with the plucky Suzuki Celerio. Meanwhile, the Korean-built JA-generation Kia Picanto offered a palpably more polished – almost upmarket – experience, as did the Czech-made trio of the Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 108 and Citroën C1.
The AH2-generation Atos wasn’t in Mzansi for long.
However, those shopping for a used Atos today may well be tempted by another product from within the Hyundai stable. Considering the AH2-series model’s particularly tight luggage compartment and potentially awkward driving position (depending on your frame, that is), there’s certainly an argument to be made that the larger, BA-gen Grand i10 represents a compelling upgrade for very similar money…
5 top-10 brands hit highs! SA’s new-car sales in November 2024
November 2024 was the SA new-vehicle market’s best month of the year so far, with 5 top-10 brands hitting 2024 highs. Here’s your overview, including Mzansi’s best-selling automakers…
South Africa’s new-vehicle market recorded a 2nd consecutive year-on-year increase in monthly sales, with local registrations in November 2024 growing 8.1% to 48 585 units. Moreover, November was the best month of the year so far, beating October’s tally of 47 942 units. According to Naamsa, this showing “could signal the start of the long-awaited upward trend” in the market.
The positive local sales performance, however, did not extend to the export market, with 30 431 units – a year-on-year decline of 28.6% – shipped from Mzansi’s shores in November 2024. So, over the opening 11 months of the year, vehicle exports are 23.9% down compared with the same reporting period in 2023.
But back to the local market. Out of the total reported industry sales in November 2024, Naamsa estimated that 81.2% represented registrations via the dealer channel, while an again-considerable 14.6% were sales to the vehicle-rental industry, 2.4% to government and 1.8% to industry corporate fleets.
As was the case in October, the new passenger-vehicle segment was the catalyst for the local market’s growth, improving 20.0% year on year to 35 101 units in November 2024. Again boosted by rental sales (which contributed a significant 19.5%), that figure even exceeded October’s effort, which was the highest new passenger-vehicle tally since October 2019.
Yet again, the new light-commercial vehicle segment suffered a year-on-year decline, with sales in this space dropping 16.3% to 10 827 units in November 2024. As we’ve pointed out in previous instances, this fall was no doubt amplified by the discontinuation of the Nissan NP200.
Brandon Cohen, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), said the commercial-vehicle market continued to “reflect the economic challenges facing businesses”, adding the latest figures highlighted “the cautious sentiment within the business sector despite lower consumer inflation and 2 interest rate cuts this year”.
Commenting on the overall market’s “robust” performance in November 2024, Cohen suggested this was not only “bolstered by a strong contribution from the rental market” but also “fuelled by growing consumer demand”.
“November is traditionally challenging for the motor industry, as many consumers postpone purchases until January to benefit from new-year registrations or await year-end bonuses, typically paid in December. Despite these factors, dealers have navigated the month with careful strategies, considering the competitive environment,” he explained.
Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank, pointed out that while November represented the largest market growth of the year thus far, the industry was by no means out of the woods.
“November sales are the best performance for the market since March last year [50 114 units]. But there is a lot more momentum to create before the country’s automotive industry can rest easier on a recovery path.
“Consumers remain under severe household budget constraints, displayed in 2 key pieces of WesBank data. The average deal size financed by the bank is 6% lower year-on-year for new vehicles, indicating affordability concerns amidst new-car price inflation. In addition, despite sales being significantly higher than a year ago, demand as measured by applications has softened substantially,” Gaoaketse added.
New-vehicle sales summary for November 2024
Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 48 585 units increased by 8.1% (3 658 units) compared to November 2023.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 35 101 units increased by 20% (5 849 units) compared to November 2023.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 10 827 units decreased by 16.3% (2 110 units) compared to November 2023.
Export sales of 30 431 units decreased by 28.6% (12 110 units) compared to November 2023.
10 best-selling automakers in SA in November 2024
Ford enjoyed its strongest month of 2024 thus far.
With only December to come, Toyota recorded its strongest month of 2024 thus far, registering 12 106 units (including the Lexus and Hino brands) across the country in November 2024. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Group (6 321 units, including the Audi brand) and Suzuki (6 004 units) held steady in 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
Ford (3 071 units) breached the 3 000-unit barrier for the first time this year, retaining 4th position and keeping its nose ahead of Hyundai (2 940 units), which likewise put in its best effort of 2024 so far to stay in 5th. Isuzu (2 061 units) remained in 6th and Chery (2 006 units) held onto 7th place.
Though GWM (1 847 units) also reported its strongest showing of the year thus far, it wasn’t enough to shift it from 8th spot. Therefore, the only movement in the top 10 came courtesy of Kia (1 662 units), which – also with its highest tally, year to date – climbed a ranking to 9th after returning to the table in October. That meant Renault (1 505 units) slipped a place to 10th.
Mahindra (1 368 units) again fell just short of a top-10 ranking in November 2024, though stayed ahead of Nissan (1 326 units), with the Japanese firm having to settle for a lowly 12th place once more. The BMW Group (1 083 units, by Naamsa’s estimates) was again 13th, while Omoda & Jaecoo (711 units) again grabbed 14th, finishing ahead of Stellantis (553 units). Mercedes-Benz thus fell from the top 15.
1. Toyota – 12 106 units
2. Volkswagen Group – 6 321 units
3. Suzuki – 6 004 units
4. Ford – 3 071 units
5. Hyundai – 2 940 units
6. Isuzu – 2 061 units
7. Chery – 2 006 units
8. GWM – 1 847 units
9. Kia – 1 662 units
10. Renault – 1 505 units
Sales outlook in SA heading towards 2025
With a month of 2024 to go, what’s next for South Africa’s new-vehicle market? Well, Naamsa points to the “robust” new passenger-car sales market as a “shining beacon” in recent months, thanks in part to “sound seasonal sales to the vehicle rental industry”. This, says the industry representative body, along with 5 consecutive months of lower consumer inflation and a 2nd interest-rate cut of 25 basis points, “sparked positive sentiment”.
Thanks to this strong year-end performance, new vehicle sales are now just 3.5% below the corresponding period in 2023, though Naamsa says the market is “unlikely to return to the pre-pandemic level” by the time 2024 is done and dusted. Still, it adds that further anticipated interest-rate cuts in the new year will “support vehicle affordability across all the various segments”.
Meanwhile, NADA’s Cohen suggests there is certainly space for “cautious optimism” for a stronger December to close out the year.
“With some stock available in key segments and marketing support from manufacturers expected, there is potential for a positive finish to the year. The strong rental industry sales signal a promising festive season, which we hope will set the stage for a better trading year in 2025,” says Cohen.
WesBank’s Gaoaketse adds that “consumers have welcomed the 2nd interest-rate cut and will be hoping for the trend to continue”.
“In addition, the energy crisis is seemingly under control, inflation lower for 5 consecutive months, the currency performing better and fuel prices contributing to budget savings – but all this positive impetus will take time to filter through to overall market performance and general consumer affordability.
“The market’s year-to-date performance remains the reality check for the industry. We continue to be on the slow path of recovery and whilst positive market growth for 2 months should be celebrated, cyclically softer December sales should be expected as consumers delay purchase decisions into the new year. However, the market remains primed for some stability during 2025 if October and November performances can be sustained,” concludes Gaoaketse.
The Citroën C3 line-up in South Africa has gained a new turbocharged flagship derivative with an auto gearbox (as well as added safety kit). Here’s what it costs…
Stellantis South Africa launched the CC21-generation Citroën C3 back in May 2023, adding a 2nd variant in March 2024. Now the company has expanded the range to include a 3rd option: a new turbocharged flagship derivative featuring an automatic transmission.
As a reminder, the CC21-series C3 is a more budget-friendly Indian-built model than the European-sourced hatchback that preceded it in the local market. Alongside the likewise Indian-made C3 Aircross, it forms part of Stellantis SA’s drive to reposition Citroën as the group’s most affordable brand.
The portfolio kicks off at R249 900 with the C3 1.2 Plus 5MT (with this grade renamed from “Feel”), followed by the C3 1.2 Max 5MT at R259 900. Having previously shipped standard with dual front airbags, these 2 derivatives have upgraded to 6 airbags. Drive again comes from a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, which now generates 60 kW (down a single unit) and 115 Nm.
So, what about the new variant? Well, the C3 1.2T Max 6AT slots in at the summit of the line-up, priced at R299 900. It employs a turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol motor that delivers 81 kW and 205 Nm (peak torque is on tap from 1 750 to 2 500 rpm) to the front axle through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Claimed combined fuel consumption comes in at 6.3 L/100 km.
While a comprehensive specification sheet has yet to be published on Citroën SA’s website, we do know this top-spec offering boasts stability control, a safety feature the atmospheric derivatives do without, along with hill-start assist.
The C3 1.2T Max 6AT further upgrades from manual air-conditioning to automatic air-con and scores a leather finish for its steering wheel, 2 extra speakers (for a total of 6) for its audio system, auto-folding side mirrors and LED headlamps.
The Citroën C3 is easily Stellantis SA’s most popular model year to date, being the only nameplate to crack 4 figures over the opening 10 months of 2024. According to numbers reported to Naamsa, 1 011 units of the C3 have been registered so far this year (to go along with the 669 units sold in 2023), with a high of 183 units achieved in April.
How much does the Citroën C3 cost in South Africa?
Citroën C3 1.2 Plus 5MT – R249 900
Citroën C3 1.2 Max 5MT – R259 900
Citroën C3 1.2T Max 6AT – R299 900
The prices above include a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan (with intervals of 10 000 km).
