The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro will be most potent version of the Stuttgart-based brand’s coupe and it’s armed with a thundering V8 engine.
This is the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro and is claimed to be the most track-focused version of the GT coupe yet. Mercedes-AMG has been subjected to a bit of negative press of late, with the four-cylinder hybrid C63 being the target. AMG is known for its V8 engines and what you see here could be seen as normal service resuming.
We assume there’ll be an R and Black Series at some point, but for now, this is the flagship. AMG has taken its 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged petrol engine and cranked it up to make 450 kW and 850 Nm which is 19 kW and 50 Nm more than the standard GT 63.
Thanks to a 9-speed gearbox and all-wheel drive, the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro is good for 0-100 kph in just 3.1 seconds and will run to a top speed of 317 kph.
It’s not just about the straight-line stuff, however. For track applications, aerodynamics and cooling are critical and AMG has upgraded both of those aspects. There are two new radiators in the front wheel arches and there are specialised radiators with water pumps for the transfer case and two differentials.
At the front, there are bigger intakes and more air deflectors along with an active air panel that helps regulate the flow of air based on the cooling and speeds. The front aero setup is claimed to reduce front axle lift, while the rear wing helps with downforce.
The brakes are uprated with carbon-ceramic discs and six-piston callipers, which are the largest offered by AMG and are lighter too. The 21-inch forged alloy wheels are wrapped in trick Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres, but customers can get track-spec Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres as a no-cost option. The car features a hydraulically-linked suspension and rear-wheel steering as standard.
Not much was said about the interior, but we suspect the seats are the AMG Performance buckets. There’s leather and carbon fibre in abundance, as well as the MBUX digital instrument cluster.
When will the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro come to South Africa?
At this stage all we can do is speculate a local arrival time. Our understanding is that the standard AMG GT will be touching down at the end of the year, while this Pro version will be going on sale internationally in early 2025. So, we estimate middle of 2025.
Juliet McGuire shares all you need to know in this Volkswagen Tiguan Buyer’s Guide video.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a popular family SUV in South Africa and is VW’s best selling model. Positioned as a sensible and practical SUV, the Tiguan proved successful against its rivals like the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4. There’s an all-new model on its way but we have no idea how much it will cost, but this current generation is still a highly commended car.
In this video, Juliet McGuire shares all you need to know about buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan SUV. She does a product history, discusses all the common known issues, what to look for, which are the best engines as well the parts pricing.
There really is a Volkswagen Tiguan for everyone with front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive derivatives. There are petrol and diesel engines, and customers can choose from manual and automatic transmissions.
Thanks to GetWorth for this neat manual, non-RLine example featured in the video.
LDV T60 Review (2024) New Player Has Entered the Game
A new bakkie has arrived in South Africa — Meet the LDV T60! Jacob Moshokoa examines the newcomer to determine if it has what it takes to compete in this highly competitive segment.
The LDV T60 is a fresh off-the-boat offering to the ever-growing bakkie segment. This new double-cab bakkie is positioned as a competitor to the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max big three, but also hopes to steal sales away from the Volkswagen Amarok, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara and compatriots from GWM, JAC, Foton etc.
With strong on-paper engine figures and a generous list of standard equipment, the new LDV T60 looks promising. In this video review, Jacob Moshokoa gets behind the wheel of this new double-cab bakkie and evaluates the on-road drive, how it handles on dirt, and tests out the space and features.
BMW vs Mercedes-Benz: premium sales race at 2024’s halfway point
BMW and Mercedes-Benz continue to fight for sales dominance in the premium market. But which of these Teutonic rivals is leading the global race after the 1st half of 2024?
With the opening half of 2024 behind us, it’s time to see which German automaker is leading the premium sales race. So, let’s take a closer look at the latest global sales figures from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
In H1 2024, the BMW Group – which, as a reminder, comprises the BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad brands – reported a worldwide sales figure of 1 213 359 units. For the record, that represents a 0.1% year-on-year decline.
The BMW Group beat the Mercedes-Benz Group and repeated the feat in the brand race.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz Group (which includes the Mercedes-Benz brand and the Smart marque as well as Mercedes-Benz Vans) ended the same 6-month reporting period on 1 168 600 units, down 6% year on year. By our maths, that puts the Stuttgart-based group some 44 759 units behind its Munich-based rival, with the latter thus claiming to have “outperformed its traditional competitors” yet again.
What happens if we compare only the 2 core brands? Well, the BMW marque finished the 1st half of 2024 on 1 096 486 units (a year-on-year increase of 2.3%), while the Mercedes-Benz Cars brand came in at 959 700 units (a year-on-year fall of 6%). It’s also worth noting the latter figure seemingly includes Smart sales, which Mercedes has opted not to list separately.
Sales of BMW Group electric vehicles increased nearly 25%, year on year.
And the battle in the all-electric premium sector? Well, the BMW Group says it registered 190 622 units in the fully electric segment in H1 2024 (179 557 of which came from the BMW brand), a year-on-year improvement of 24.6%. The Mercedes-Benz Group’s total EV, meanwhile, dipped 16% year on year to 101 600 units.
The BMW M division grew its sales 5.1% year on year to finish the opening half of 2024 on 99 517 registrations (note this includes not only full-fat M products but also M Performance models). Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz no longer makes an AMG-specific figure available, instead listing a sales total for “top-end” models (comprising Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, G-Class, S-Class, GLS, EQS and EQS SUV registrations). The latter number dropped 22% year on year to 136 900 units.
Mercedes-Benz lists a “top-end” sales figure that includes Maybach, AMG and more.
For the record, the Mini brand contributed 114 054 units (down 18.7%, year on year) to the BMW Group’s overall total, while Rolls-Royce added 2 819 registrations (down 11.4%, compared with H1 2023) and BMW Motorrad a considerable 113 072 units (up 0.2%, year on year). Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz Vans accounted for 208 900 units of its Group’s H1 2024 tally, down 4% year on year.
In South Africa, it’s unfortunately not exactly clear how each firm performed in the 1st half of the year, since BMW reports sales figures for only every 3rd month and Mercedes-Benz doesn’t share registrations with Naamsa at all (though the industry representative body supplies “estimates” each month)…
Pricing for the facelifted BMW M440i xDrive – in coupé and convertible form – has been released for SA. Here’s how much these updated M Performance models cost…
Towards the end of May 2024, we shared local pricing for the facelifted 420i Coupé and 420d Coupé derivatives, before revealing the prices of the updated M4 Competition earlier in July. But what about the refreshed M440i xDrive, which is again offered in both coupé and convertible form?
Well, these M Performance variants have now also been added to BMW South Africa’s price lists (along with the 420i Convertible M Sport, priced from R 1 127 070), effectively completing the G22- and G23-generation 4 Series range (no sign of the likewise facelifted G26-series Gran Coupé quite yet).
So, how much are we looking at here? Well, the refreshed M440i xDrive Coupé is priced at R1 499 607, while the M440i xDrive Convertible kicks off at R1 606 286. Of course, the Munich-based automaker offers several options, including the Deluxe Package (R70 000), M Carbon Exterior Package (R56 600), M Sport Package Pro (R25 000) and M Technology Package (R7 000).
Various standalone extras for the Dingolfing-built M Performance models are also available, ranging from steering-wheel heating (R5 000), front-seat heating (R7 000) and M seat belts (R6 000) to Adaptive M Suspension (R10 000), M Sport brakes (R14 000) and an M Carbon roof (R32 000, and obviously only for the coupé).
As a reminder, the M440i xDrive derivatives again employ the German firm’s familiar B58 turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-6 petrol engine, which delivers its oomph to all 4 corners via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Interestingly, while the international press material suggests the facelifted models gain 48V mild-hybrid technology, the SA-spec versions appear unchanged.
So, the locally offered M440i xDrive’s peak power is again listed as 285 kW (on tap between 5 800 and 6 500 r/min), while maximum torque comes in at 500 Nm (available from just 1 800 all the way through to 5 000 r/min). The 0-100 kph sprint is completed in a claimed 4.5 seconds in the coupé, with the soft-top model taking 4 tenths of a second longer. Top speed is 250 kph in either case.
How much does the refreshed BMW M440i cost in SA?
BMW M440i xDrive Coupé – R1 499 607
BMW M440i xDrive Convertible – R1 606 286
The prices above include a 5-year/100 000 km Motorplan (which BMW Group SA says the buyers “may elect to opt out of” at the point of purchase.
Yes, we’ve driven the Volkswagen ID.4 on local soil but don’t go knocking on your Volkswagen dealer’s door for an ID.4 just yet as the German firm is taking a cautious approach to its Electric Vehicle (EV) rollout in South Africa. Nevertheless, the timelines for the ID.4’s market launch in South Africa have now been set…
The all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 has been earmarked for a South African introduction for some time now and the wait is over. Well, almost…
Volkswagen this week announced the deployment of a 10-strong ID.4 test fleet that will be made available to the media, dealers and other selected organisations or individuals with their feedback guiding the brand’s decisions on its EV roll-out in the coming years.
Timing is important, but is the Volkswagen ID.4 a good fit for South Africa?
The VW ID.4 is a stylish EV that fits the current SUV trend.
Volkswagen is a major global EV powerhouse and you might be wondering why such a conservative approach is being implemented for South Africa when newer EV products than the ID.4 are being introduced regularly. The Wolfsburg-based marque is not alone in taking this route. Remember, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia are all significant players with EV products available elsewhere, but not yet in South Africa.
Volkswagen believes that South African EV sales will escalate significantly in the coming years and predicts that the 10 000 units per year mark will be achieved by 2030. The increase, the brand says, will be driven by greater affordability, rising fuel costs and improved charging infrastructure. Regarding the latter point, Volkswagen points out that in 2021 South Africa had 1 charging station for every 8 electric cars, but that ratio had improved to 4 charging stations per electric car in 2023.
Charging infrastructure is improving in South Africa and Volkswagen believes the case for EV introduction is getting stronger.
Still, the brand believes there are many unknowns about EVs. This fact, coupled with some logistical and technical challenges to get the right vehicle, in the right specification for South Africa has resulted in Volkswagen’s cautious EV roll-out.
Let’s take the ID.4 as an example; it’s obvious that South Africans prefer a crossover/SUV body shape, not only because they offer ‘fashionable style’, but also for practical considerations such as ride height and interior flexibility. But the ID.4 in its current guise is not deemed suitable for regular gravel-road use, which will be a problem for many South Africans. This type of technical feedback is being sent back to Germany and will ensure that South African-spec ID.4s, once launched, are fully ready for South African roads.
What’s the ID.4 like to drive?
The ID.4 Pro Performance is earmarked for introduction in SA.
The test drive of the ID.4 coincided with the first big Cape winter storm of 2024, bringing incessant rain, flooding and strong winds. Despite lacking all-wheel drive capability, the smoothly sculpted ID.4 handled the conditions with aplomb.
The specification selected for South Africa is the ID.4 Pro Performance, which features a 77kWh battery and motor driving the rear axle. Power is rated at 150 kW and 310 Nm, certainly enough to deliver nippy performance. Volkswagen claims a zero to 100 kph time of 8.5 seconds and a 160 kph top speed.
With a claimed range of 500 km, the ID.4 will likely satisfy local consumers.
Volkswagen claims a combined consumption figure of 16.5 kWh/100km, which as with almost all petrol-fuelled vehicles, is optimistic. Real-world consumption will depend heavily on driving conditions, load, and driving style.
The claimed electric range is around the 500 km mark, which is decent. In addition to the general increase in charging stations dotted across South Africa, Volkswagen also noted that the availability of more powerful (DC) charging stations is improving. So, while you can top-up the ID.4 using AC charging (up to 11kW), the good news is that the ID.4 is fast-charging compatible and can charge up to 150 kW, which will charge the ID.4 Pro from zero to 80% in 40 minutes!
On the road, the ID.4 Pro is a relaxed, smooth car to drive, with better ride quality than you’d expect of a vehicle fitted with large 19-inch alloy wheels. Underpinned by the same MEB architecture as the smaller ID.3, its exterior dimensions are similar to that of the firm’s Tiguan family car.
What’s the ID.4’s interior like?
The ID.4’s cabin is familiar but not excessively over-styled as other EVs.
Inside, the EV architecture has allowed Volkswagen’s designers to create a generously spacious and practical cabin with a big boot (543L) and lots of legroom, front and rear.
Unlike some electric cars, the ID.4’s facia avoids being overly futuristic just for the sake of it. A neat digital display in front of the driver relays the most pertinent information, while the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system will be familiar to most Volkswagen owners.
Space is not a problem in the ID.4.
The specification chosen for the vehicles in the newly launched ID.4 test fleet is equally generous with niceties such as adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, park assist and 30-colour ambient lighting.
Perhaps a feature that Volkswagen might want to consider adding is an automated tailgate, as the rear hatch is rather heavy and cumbersome to lift. It’s worth noting that the vehicles in the test fleet are pre-facelift examples and the recently facelifted ID.4 will eventually become available locally with an upgraded infotainment system.
When will the ID.4 go on sale in South Africa?
The ID.4 will first be offered on leasing terms in 2025 before going on sale in 2026.
You’ll have to wait a little longer before you can park an ID.4 in your driveway. Volkswagen’s current plan is to introduce the ID.4 in South Africa in 2025, but initially only via a lease agreement. Customers who would prefer to buy the ID.4 conventionally will be able to do so in 2026.
As far as pricing is concerned, Volkswagen hasn’t yet released indicative pricing but the firm concedes that affordability will be vital to unlock meaningful sales when the ID.4 does go on sale.
New information suggests the Lexus GX – the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado’s luxury twin, but with twin-turbo V6 grunt – is set to launch in South Africa in 2025…
The new Lexus GX has been locked in for South Africa. Yes, Cars.co.za‘s latest information suggests that the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado’s luxury twin is scheduled to launch locally in early 2025, introducing a nameplate never before offered in Mzansi.
While Lexus South Africa has yet to make an official announcement on the GX – having told us in mid-April 2024 that it “can’t comment on future product plans” – our information suggests this luxury off-roader will indeed roll onto local dealership floors in the opening quarter of next year.
This is the Overtrail model, which is said to have an off-road bent.
For the record, Toyota Motor Corporation applied to trademark the “GX550” badge in South Africa in June 2023, about 2 weeks after the 3rd-generation GX was revealed on the global stage. While the trademark has yet to be officially registered in Mzansi, it’s surely only a matter of time.
As a reminder, the Lexus GX is a body-on-frame SUV that traces its roots all the way back to 2002. While the opening 2 generations were produced exclusively in left-hand-drive guise (catering primarily to North America), this 3rd iteration is also manufactured in right-hand drive, opening the door to introductions in its domestic market of Japan as well as in Australia and indeed SA.
Versions of the GX other than the Overtrail appear more road-biased.
Set to be positioned between the Lexus RX and flagship LX, the GX shares various elements with the latest (and already popular) Land Cruiser Prado, right down to its “J250” model code (for the record, it’s 25 mm longer than the Prado at 4 950 mm, though the 2 850 mm wheelbase is common to both). The new GX will be a welcome addition considering the local line-up lost the RC coupé and LS sedan at the end of 2023.
Riding on the same GA-F platform as the latest-generation Prado (which is currently available locally only in turbodiesel guise and globally only with 4-cylinder motors), the new Lexus GX is offered in other markets in GX550 form, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. Familiar from the Land Cruiser 300 and LX600 but here detuned to 260 kW and 650 Nm, this V35A-FTS engine is mated to all 4 wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
A twin-turbo V6 petrol engine will likely be offered at launch.
However, in select countries, there’s also a hybrid model that wears the GX550h badge and employs an 8-speed automatic cog-swapper. This dual-powered derivative uses a turbocharged 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor (T24A-FTS) as a base, while also incorporating an electric motor with a battery pack. It’s a powertrain that is likely very closely related to that of the RX500h.
Like the SA-spec Prado, we expect the Lexus GX to come with a 7-seater configuration as standard, though if the Overtrail specification is included in the South African range, this derivative is likely to feature only 2 rows of seats.
Will the Overtrail model also be offered in Mzansi? Time will tell…
This Overtrail grade adds what Lexus describes as an “exclusive exterior design that elevates off-road performance” (including model-specific bumpers and black wheel-arch cladding), along with all-terrain tyres, e-KDSS (Toyota’s clever off-road suspension system), the Multi-Terrain Select system, crawl control, a rear differential lock, chunkier roof rails and special seats.
Check back later in the year or early in 2025 for more local information as it becomes available…
A refreshed Hyundai i20 hatchback has arrived in South Africa with stylish upgrades and a reduced pricing structure! Calvin Fisher braved a wet winter storm in Cape Town to experience Hyundai’s freshly reiterated i20 hatch in the metal. Is the latest i20 worth a closer look? Read on…
As South Africa’s roads face an onslaught of new metal from China and the Pacific Rim, the Korean and Japanese manufacturers have had to batten down the hatches… Or is that hatchbacks – a segment somewhat less affected due to the warring factions mostly competing in the SUV markets, both small and large.
It’s here in the B-segment hatchback arena where the i20 remains a stalwart, competing against all manner of rivals including the Volkswagen Polo, Suzuki Swift and Renault Clio.
But Hyundai isn’t sending its i20 into the fight without an impressive array of features and attributes, perhaps the most significant of which being the turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine found under the bonnet of the i20 N Line derivative.
Before I share my findings with you, let’s quickly look at the powertrain hierarchy of the updated Hyundai i20 range.
What engines power the latest Hyundai i20?
A total of 3 engines are offered for the updated Hyundai i20.
In addition to the feisty 1.0-litre engine in the i20 N Line, there are lesser engines in the trim levels beneath it such as the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre Kappa engine with 61 kW and 114 Nm of torque found in the entry-level i20 Premium derivative or buyers can opt for the larger capacity 1.4-litre Kappa engine with 73 kW and 133 Nm in the i20 Executive derivative.
The range-topping i20 N Line is endowed with 90kW and 172Nm and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Elsewhere in the range, Hyundai will give you a 5-speed manual or 4-speed conventional automatic at a significant cost reduction! See pricing details below!
What improvements have been made to the updated Hyundai i20?
The i20 N Line adopts a sportier look combined with a vibrant 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine.
The updated Hyundai i20 is undoubtedly one of the most stylish and eye-catching hatchbacks on the market. Boasting attractive styling, appealing proportions and a pleasant cabin, the i20 has much to offer.
Where the previous iterations i20 models were hardly evocative, the latest model on which this “facelift” is based did much to reform Hyundai’s image – with some motorsport cred inherited from the marque’s multiple decades of conquest at the sport.
The i20 N Line bares all with the sharp lines, triangles and diffusers that endow it with a bit of machismo while riding on two-tone alloy wheels. The Premium model must make do with wheel covers while the Executive gets single-tone alloy wheels. The N Line and Executive derivatives also gain a wireless charger, but a comprehensive entertainment system is standard across the range.
Where the Premium and Executive have cloth and artificial leather cabins respectively, the N Line is exclusively fitted with faux leather. There are 5 colours on offer but if you’re set on the i20 N Line you’ll have to choose between Atlas White and Thunder Blue.
I copped the keys to the i20 N Line and set off for a test drive…
How does the latest Hyundai i20 N Line perform?
The i20 N Line shown in Atlas White.
I stuck the transmission into Drive and made my way to Riebeeck Kasteel. The total trip distance was around 200 km, a fair test of a car’s abilities.
The first thing to report is a pretty sweet engine note from the rear pipe. It’s not even pretending to be a hot hatch, so neither will I – but it’s engaging, far more than I thought it would be!
Acceleration is satisfyingly linear considering it has a tiny capacity, forcefully-aspirated engine. At under 4 metres long, it’s a pleasure to swap directions in, scrubbing off speed as you do – but that’s where the 180 Nm of torque comes in, quickly getting you back up to speed again to chuck it into the next bend.
So, I guess what I’m saying is that the i20 N Line loves a roundabout, or three, and it’s an utter hoot to drive!
We will have the Hyundai i20 N Line on test soon so you can expect to see a thorough evaluation on Cars.co.za in the near future.
What’s the interior like?
The i20’s cabin is well-equipped with standard features.
I genuinely enjoyed my time driving the i20 – the cabin is airy, the cockpit suitably ergonomic thanks to a grippy pew with plenty of adjustability including tilt and telescopic reach adjustment, a feature present across the i20 range. As a result, it’s easy to get comfortable and remain that way for the rest of the trip.
Furthermore, the N Line boasts automatic climate control versus the manual air-conditioning in the Executive and Premium derivatives, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker for buyers. Importantly, the i20 has a wealth of charging points and sockets including a 12V socket, USB ports and USB-C ports!
In summary, while the i20 N Line didn’t surprise me, it continued to impress me as a car that’s worthwhile considering in this segment. If value-for-money is a factor, I’d almost certainly opt for a lower trim level – the automatic i20 Executive at R349 900 in particular stands out as the sweet spot in the i20 range. But if you’d like the extra performance and some of the hop-ups that come with owning the flagship, I wouldn’t blame you for choosing the N Line, it’s a cracker!
How much does the new Hyundai i20 cost in South Africa?
The BMW M4 LCI range comprises a coupe and a convertible derivative and it has gone on sale in SA. Here’s a look at pricing and changes.
The biggest change for the BMW M4 LCI range is the increase in power. The 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol now makes 390 kW and 650 Nm (up by 15 kW) and both vehicles feature all-wheel drive. A manual gearbox is not offered for our market and both cars feature 8-speed automatic transmissions.
As a reminder, a M3 sedan LCI is on its way to South Africa and we reckon its just a matter of time until pricing for that is loaded to the local BMW website. Let’s not forget the BMW M3 Touring station wagon is also confirmed for SA.
The bump in power does not translate into an increase in performance with the brand claiming the same acceleration figures as before. The M4 LCI is good for a 0-100 in just 3.5 seconds, with its soft-top sibling completing the same run in fractionally slower at 3.7 seconds.
What other changes are there? BMW has mostly retained the front end and despite initial reactions, we think that grille is really bold and aggressive. There are tweaks to the LED headlights and there are new LED taillights with laser technology. There are new-look wheel designs with 19-inch units at the front and 20-inch wheels at the rear.
Climb inside and there’s a new-look steering wheel with BMW offering either a leather trim or an Alcantara flat-bottomed wheel and there are new materials for the panels. The BMW Operating System 8.5 makes its debut and customers have a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen in a curved setup.
How much does the BMW M4 LCI cost in South Africa?
The below prices do not include CO2 tax of R23 002.30 and R23 841.80 respectively. Each vehicles ships standard with a 5-year/100 000 km service plan and 2-year/unlimited km warranty.
Hyundai SA cuts prices of Grand i10, i20 and Venue
Hyundai Automotive SA has repositioned its 3 core ranges, cutting the respective starting prices of the Grand i10, refreshed i20 hatchback and Venue crossover…
Hyundai Automotive South Africa has cut the starting prices of its 3 most affordable (and indeed best-selling) models, lowering the barrier to buying a new Grand i10, refreshed i20 hatchback and Venue crossover.
Earlier in July 2024, we reported that the introduction of the refreshed i20 line-up had seen this hatchback’s starting price reduced to R309 900, representing a R23 600 saving over the pre-facelift model (in fact, all derivatives bar the N Line benefited from lower prices). Now, Hyundai Automotive SA has applied a similar strategy to 2 other likewise Indian-built models, effectively cutting prices across the range.
Just like the updated i20, the rejigged Grand i10 and Venue ranges switch from the South Korean firm’s earlier trim-level naming convention (which incorporated the “Motion” and “Fluid” grades) to the latest nomenclature, which uses the “Premium” and “Executive” equipment levels. Where applicable, N Line models remain.
When the facelifted Grand i10 range launched in Mzansi in August 2023, the portfolio comprised 8 derivatives – 5 hatchbacks, 2 sedans and a single light-commercial vehicle Cargo variant (effectively a panel van). Now, the line-up has been quietly trimmed to 6 derivatives, with a pair of 1.2-litre hatchback variants falling away.
At the same time, the Grand i10 range’s starting price drops from R239 500 to R224 900, a saving of R14 600 (as a reminder, this model plays the role of Hyundai’s most-affordable car, with the Atos having since been discontinued). Taking a closer look at the rest of the Grand i10 line-up, the sedan now starts at R279 900 (down R12 600), while the Cargo panel van’s starting price has been cut by R8 000 to R249 500.
What about the Venue? Well, this once 7-strong line-up now comprises 5 derivatives, with the starting price reduced by R19 000 to R309 900 (incidentally matching the i20’s entry point). This latest shuffle sees a couple of turbocharged 1.0-litre derivatives fall away, with the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre motor now also available in mid-spec guise.
At the new prices, the Venue Cargo panel van is now a considerable R30 400 more affordable at R321 500, while even the range-topping Venue 1.0T N Line’s price has been reduced, falling R6 000 to R499 900. Interestingly, the new Exter is scheduled to launch in South Africa towards the final quarter of 2024, when it is expected to slot in below the Venue.
So, are these price cuts the result of standard kit been stripped from the models in question? Well, after scouring the facelifted i20’s specification sheet we could find no evidence of such (in fact, the base model has gained a few features). However, we’ve not yet been able to perform this exercise with the Grand i10 and Venue since the specification sheets on Hyundai Automotive SA’s website still reflect the old ranges.
