Chery has confirmed it plans to develop at least two unibody bakkies, while also mulling the idea of offering a body-on-frame model to battle the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger…
The man at the very top of Chery has confirmed the Chinese automaker has big plans to enter the bakkie segment.
Charlie Zhang, Chery International executive vice president, made the comments to carsales ahead of the Chinese state-owned firm’s return to Australia.
“According to our planning, we will develop two pick-ups. One small-medium sized, the other is a large one, with electric or PHEV [plug-in hybrid electric vehicle] [powertrains]. That is something we are planning for,” Zhang said.
He revealed these two bakkies would employ unibody rather than ladder-frame platforms.
“Most of the pick-ups are still the traditional body-on-frame, so the other type of pick-up is for the urban use. It is a new lifestyle, right? We call it the unibody pick-up. It is developed on the passenger vehicles. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the perfect example,” Zhang explained.
What about a body-on-frame bakkie from Chery?
The Karry Higgo, which interestingly appears to share much with the GWM Steed 5…
So, are there any plans to offer a ladder-frame model to compete with top sellers like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max? Well, Zhang suggests the Wuhu-based firm is investigating its options in that space, too.
“Also for the traditional pick-up, we will see if there are emerging opportunities for us. We will see if we can do it through mergers or acquisitions,” Zhang said.
As the Australian publication points out, Chery has a potential partner within its group in the form of the Karry brand, which it founded back in 2009. As its name suggests, Karry specialises in light-commercial vehicles and has built a few bakkies in years gone by, including the Aika and Higgo.
Zhang emphasised the importance of the bakkie segment in global sales terms.
“According to our study, the pick-up segment accounts for at least 15% of the total [global sales], so worldwide more or less eight million total units pick-ups.
“If we have 8% or 10% market share, that’s roughly 700 000 units. So, it is one of the largest segments we have not yet entered. So, for pick-up it is very, very interesting.”
Chery’s return to the South African market
The Tiggo 4 Plus has been Chery’s strongest seller locally in recent months.
Chery officially announced its return to the South African market in August 2021, entering the space directly as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chinese automotive giant. The current line-up comprises three crossover models: the Tiggo 4 Pro that touched down in November 2021, the Tiggo 8 Pro that arrived in February 2022 and the Tiggo 7 Pro that launched in May 2022.
The automaker’s local division started reporting sales figures to Naamsa in July 2022, registering 1 262 units that month. The company’s sales total improved to 1 320 units in August and 1 352 in September, before dipping slightly to 1 229 units in October.
While fellow Chinese brand Haval is playing in both the passenger and light-commercial spaces, Chery is currently limited to the former by virtue of its crossover-only portfolio. Judging by Zhang’s comments, that may well change in the next few years…
All-new Proton X50 In-depth Review – Specs and Features, Price, Fuel consumption, Comparison to rivals
We get behind the wheel of the new Proton X50 in South Africa. Join Ciro De Siena as he walks us through this new SUV from a brand new badge on South African roads…well, it’s more of a comeback story!
Many South Africa’s may remember the Proton name and badge from our roads, before the brand pulled out of South Africa in 2012.
While those cars left much to be desired, we were pleasantly surprised to find that Proton has grown and matured considerably in the decade since their disappearance.
With an initial lineup comprised of two SUVs, namely the X50 reviewed here and the larger X70, local importers, the large CMH group, are confident that these new products have what it takes to compete in what has become a fiercely competitive market, made even more so by strong offerings from Chinese brands Chery and Haval.
While it is difficult not to compare the new Proton to offerings from the aforementioned Chinese brands, the X50 is more closely priced with more established rivals such as Kia and Hyundai.
However, will South Africans be convinced that there is significant value on offer from Proton to stump up the extra cash? We’ll let Ciro try and answer that question for you.
The new Mercedes-AMG One is the new Nurburgring record holder for road-legal production vehicles with a scorching lap. Watch the hypercar in action!
With professional racing driver Maro Engel behind the wheel, the new Mercedes-AMG One charged around the 20.832 km Nürburgring-Nordschleife track in 6:35.183.
Impressively, this time was set in less than perfect conditions as it had rained earlier. “That was really an unforgettable experience,” said Maro Engel after completing the record lap. “I didn’t expect that we would be able to set such a lap time with these track conditions. In some crucial areas of the track, it hadn’t dried completely yet and was therefore tricky. That was a special challenge.”
As a reminder, the Mercedes-AMG Project One was built to take Formula One engineering and technology from the racetrack to the road. There’s 782 kW from a 1.6-litre V6 petrol and 4 electric motors. Interestingly, Mercedes-AMG doesn’t list a peak torque figure, saying that quoting such a specification is “not possible due to [the] complex drivetrain”. A limited top speed of 352 kph is claimed.
The 0-100 kph sprint is smashed in a claimed 2.9 seconds in the angriest of the six drive modes, the 200 kph mark arriving in just 7.0 seconds and the speedometer reading 300 kph in a mere 15.6 seconds. If you’re wondering just how much the Mercedes-AMG One weighs, we can tell you its kerb weight is listed as 1 695 kg.
The previous record holder was the Porsche 911 GTS RS with the Manthey Racing kit, that completed the lap in 6:38.835, followed by the the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series with a 6:43.616 run.
Lifeline for 1 Series? BMW Commits to Compact Cars
BMW’s CEO has effectively put to bed rumours the German firm will abandon the compact car segment, predicting such models will become the “core” of the business in future…
Back in May 2022, a report out of Europe suggested the future of BMW’s compact front-wheel-drive models – such as the 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupé – was hanging in the balance. However, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has now confirmed the company has no plans to leave what he terms the “lower market segment”.
“We are not leaving the lower market segment. Even if you consider yourself a premium manufacturer, it is wrong to leave the lower market segment – that will be the core of your business in the future,” Zipse said at an event in Berlin, according to Reuters.
Of course, rival German automaker Mercedes-Benz seemingly disagrees, having confirmed earlier this year it plans to renew its focus on the high-end luxury segments, while reducing its number of compact entry-level models. In fact, rumours suggest the A-Class badge will be retired at the end of the W177 hatchback and V117 sedan models’ lifecycles in 2025, with no direct successors planned.
Have compact BMW models such as the 2 Series Gran Coupé been given a lifeline?
Zipse’s latest comments suggest we will indeed see a next-generation version of the current F40 1 Series (which debuted in 2019), though it’s not yet clear what sort of powertrain such a model would employ nor which platform it would be built on (with the current UKL architecture seemingly not well suited to housing hybrid components).
The Munich-based automaker is, of course, investing heavily in electric vehicles and is in the midst of what it calls a “transformation towards e-mobility”. If BMW does also plan on offering next-generation combustion-engined versions of its compact models, it remains to be seen how it would deal with meeting ever-tightening emissions regulations in key markets such as Europe.
For instance, Audi has already confirmed its current A1 Sportback and Q2 crossover will be discontinued at the end of their respective lifecycles, proving just how difficult it is to build compact premium electrified (never mind fully electric) vehicles with low enough price tags and large enough margins…
Citroen has launched an updated version of its stylish and practical C5 Aircross medium SUV. We headed to Johannesburg to experience the newcomer.
When Citroen returned to South Africa with a 3-model line-up in late 2019, many consumers were sceptical about the long-term prospects of the French brand (now part of the Stellantis group) in our market. However, Citroen’s products – from the compact C3 to the C5 Aircross (the C1 city car has been discontinued) – are attractive and they warrant consideration. With 37 dealers throughout the Republic and 103 years of history behind it, Citroen is here to stay.
The C-segment SUV portion of the market is booming – to the detriment of the C-segment hatchback. In the Stellantis context, think of how the Opel Astra and Peugeot 308 have been dropped in favour of the stylish and high-riding Opel Mokka and Peugeot 3008 respectively.
South African market trends indicate that in the small crossover and medium SUV segments, buyers favour front-wheel-driven petrol-powered models with automatic transmissions.
The author of this launch review is quite fond of the Citroen C5 Aircross; he conducted a month-long test of the model in December in 2020. You can read that report here. Are the updates to the French contender significant enough to improve the package? Let’s find out.
What’s new?
Design-wise, the C5 Aircross’ front-end has received quite an extensive update – replete with revised headlights and LED DRLs, plus a new-look bumper. The rear only features fresh taillights; compared with the thoroughly updated front, that tweak seems a little tame.
The cabin gets a makeover too with changes to the fascia in terms of the quality of the larger (10-inch) touchscreen and its position. Citroen says it moved the panel higher for better ergonomics; the ventilation outlets now sit below (as opposed to on either side of) it.
A modern-looking e-Toggle transmission selector has been added and the drivetrain gains drive modes (Sport, Normal and Eco) – previously it only had a sport button that essentially prompted the ‘box to delay upshifts.
What’s on offer?
Citroen South Africa has followed the same strategy as before, with a two-derivative line-up.
There’s only one engine and transmission combination, with two trim levels available: Feel and Shine. The differences between the versions are minimal, so rest assured: if you can only afford the entry-level version, you won’t feel as if you’re had to settle for a far lesser product.
The powerplant on duty in the C5 Aircross is the 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which we’ve experienced in quite a few of the Stellantis group’s products throughout the years. In this application, the powerplant produces peak outputs of 121 kW and 240 Nm.
Power goes to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission and, has far as efficiency is concerned, Citroen claims the model will consume 7.9 L/100 km on the combined cycle.
What is it like to drive?
The on-road evaluation route of the C5 Aircross launch saw us drive towards the Vaal River from OR Tambo via open roads in the top-spec 1.6T Shine derivative. This version comes equipped with luxury items such as a panoramic sunroof and leather trim, to name a few.
First impressions count for a lot: the Citroen’s cabin is undeniably a funky and cool space to occupy – the driver’s seat position is great (it feels sufficiently high-perched and affords excellent exterior visibility), plus the front seats are well padded and particularly comfy.
As far as the ride quality is concerned, the C5 Aircross retains its reputation for delivering superb on-road refinement over tar and gravel road surfaces. There’s plushness galore; you could be forgiven for thinking you’re behind the ‘wheel of a pricier premium-brand product.
Some of the roads we traversed were coarse and poorly maintained; although there were no major potholes, there were plenty of ruts dotted along the route. Top-spec crossovers, which are typically fitted with larger wheels shod with low-profile rubber, tend to bounce over such surfaces, but the Citroen (with its 18-inch wheels wrapped in chunky rubber) didn’t.
We also had the chance to drive on some dirt roads, which were damaged by recent heavy rains in the Gauteng region, and again, the C5 Aircross didn’t break a sweat. The claimed ground clearance for the model (230 mm) seems ambitiously high though, so we’ll be sure to measure that aspect when the vehicle arrives in Cape Town for a thorough evaluation.
The proven engine and transmission combination doesn’t disappoint, with the auto ‘box delivering seamless shifts. There are gearshift paddles mounted to the steering column (not on the ‘wheel, strangely), but they don’t feel particularly engaging to use. Also, given the excellent mapping of the transmission, you’re unlikely to need to use them often anyway.
We were very impressed with the C5 Aircross’ fuel economy too – at the end of 200-km trip, our test unit indicated a commendably low consumption figure of 7.7 L/100 km. It needs to be noted, however, that we spent most of the journey driving with the Eco mode engaged.
Gripes? As with the pre-update model, there are no physical buttons with which to adjust the climate control settings. Instead, you must scroll through the infotainment screen to make temperature and ventilation adjustments, which is frustrating, especially if you’re using the navigation (provided by Waze via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) at the time.
Copyright William CROZES @ Continental Productions.
How much does the Citroen C5 Aircross cost in South Africa?
Both Citroen C5 Aircross derivatives are sold with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and a 5-year/100 000 km warranty.
C5 Aircross 1.6T Feel
R633 900
C5 Aircross 1.6T Shine
R683 900
Summary
The revisions to the Citroen C5 Aircross are minor, but the update serves as a reminder of what a solid and commendable out-of-left-field package the model is. Still, in the 2 years since we tested this model’s predecessor, the small crossover and medium SUV segments have become more competitive than ever. For around R650 000, there are excellent options, such as the Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4, that offer a bit more than this Citroen…
Still, Citroen SA is well aware of how cutthroat the market is, especially given the less-than-stellar reputation of the brand in Mzansi. Therefore, to sweeten the deal, the firm offers the C5 Aircross with a 5-year manufacturer warranty, which is one of the longest of its kind in the market, as well as a maintenance plan, which is more comprehensive than a service plan.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Axed in Shock Move
Toyota in India has pulled the plug on the Urban Cruiser, suggesting the popular baby crossover’s time in South Africa will soon come to an abrupt end, too…
UPDATE: Toyota SA Motors says it has enough stock of the Urban Cruiser to carry it into the new year.
In a surprise move, Toyota’s Indian division has discontinued the Urban Cruiser. Since the model is produced only in that country, it seems all but certain the Suzuki-built (and outgoing Brezza-based) crossover will also soon exit the South African market.
Interestingly, zero units were registered in India in October, with the vehicle also having been removed from Toyota India’s website. Now, Autocar India has received confirmation the Urban Cruiser is indeed a thing of the past. Perhaps more pertinent, though, is the claim a fresh version based on the new Vitara Brezza is not on the cards.
According to the report, the main reason Toyota has seemingly opted not to move the Urban Cruiser into a new generation involves the notion it would be priced to close to the larger Urban Cruiser Hyryder (apparently in part thanks to “royalties” that would have to be paid to alliance partner, Suzuki).
What does this mean for the Urban Cruiser in SA?
So, what are the ramifications for South Africa? Well, for now the Urban Cruiser is still listed on Toyota SA Motors’ website. Launched locally as recently as March 2021, the model quickly became a firm favourite with South African buyers.
October 2022 was another strong sales month for the budget crossover, which with 1 820 registrations placed third – behind only the Hilux and Corolla Cross – on the list of SA’s best-selling vehicles. Year to date, as many as 14 713 units have been sold in South Africa, making it one of Toyota’s top-performing models locally.
Though nothing is yet official, it seems likely any stock Toyota SA Motors has built up will start depleting soon (unless the factory in India continues producing for export markets for a little while longer). Once the Urban Cruiser officially exits the local line-up, it will leave a gaping hole.
What could replace the Urban Cruiser in SA?
So, what could step into the Urban Cruiser’s shoes? Well, a Toyota SA Motors official confirmed to Cars.co.za the local division does have “a replacement lined up, which carries a very similar name”. That would lead us to believe the aforementioned Urban Cruiser Hyryder could indeed be launched in South Africa.
However, considering the Hyryder – which shares much with the Suzuki Grand Vitara scheduled to arrive in South Africa in early 2023 – is larger and more premium than the Urban Cruiser, it would surely not be quite as affordable (for the record, the five-strong range is currently priced from R280 400 to R353 600). That means there would be a distinct risk of the Hyryder overlapping with the locally produced Corolla Cross.
Does Toyota SA Motors have any alternatives? Well, there is the Yaris Cross, though considering it would have to be imported from Japan or France, it too would surely be too pricey to plug the gap. There’s also the option of the Raize, which is built by Daihatsu in Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Finally, Toyota in India is said to be working on something called the Taisor, which will effectively be a coupé-style crossover based on Suzuki’s Baleno.
Previous iterations of the Nissan Qashqai were very popular, but the small crossover and medium SUV segments are awash with strong contenders. Does the 3rd-generation Nissan Qashqai have what it takes to be a segment leader?
We like: Refined powertrain, excellent fit and finish, comfortable ride quality, premium ambience, large fuel tank, comprehensive warranty.
We don’t like: Pricey compared with rivals, so-so fuel economy, small load bay.
With fresh and modern looks, the Qashqai certainly stands out from the crowd.
Although the Almera budget sedan and Magnite small crossover are reasonably popular models in South Africa, Nissan’s passenger-vehicle line-up is rather limited. The Japanese marque, which produces the long-serving NP200 and recently updated Navara bakkie at its Rosslyn plant, could easily have followed Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa’s strategy of focusing on the light commercial vehicle market. Thankfully, it hasn’t.
The 3rd-generation Nissan Qashqai recently landed in Mzansi and will be joined by its bigger X-Trail sibling next year. Both models will be available with conventional petrol engines, as well as new-gen e-Power electrification, with the latter technology earmarked for 2023.
The Qashqai line-up comprises 3 derivatives; there are manual and auto versions and prices start at R568 200. Tested here is the flagship 1.3T Acenta Plus (R670 600). Right off the bat, this is a freshly styled and eye-catching motor vehicle. Perhaps it was the Ceramic Grey two-tone paint, or its bold face with futuristic LED lights, but it drew many onlookers’ attention.
There are three trim levels available in the new Qashqai line-up.
When it comes to rivals to the Qashqai, many brands offer products in this space. By sorting the results of our Buyer’s Guide and Compare Tool searches by values such as the number of seats and driven wheels, we came up with a long list of alternative models that are priced around R650k. Bigger family cars such as the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4 and VW Tiguan occupy this space, albeit with entry- to mid-spec trim levels.
There are some left-field alternatives, such as the all-wheel-drive Forester and the oh-so-stylish 3008 from established brands Subaru and Peugeot, but don’t discount models such as the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and Haval H6 – they offer excellent value and are great to drive too.
The optional two-tone finish is tasteful and the newcomer thankfully doesn’t overdo the SUV-look black cladding.
How the Qashqai fares in terms of…
Performance and economy
The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance’s 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor is utilised in all Qashqai derivatives. Interestingly, due to Nissan’s partnership with Daimler/Mercedes-Benz, this engine is also used in the German marque’s compact models, such as the A-Class. In the Qashqai, it develops 110 kW/250 Nm and drives the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The entry-level version has lower outputs – and a manual ‘box.
A CVT transmission that behaves like an old-school auto is a treat!
The good news is that the CVT is one of the best in the segment; it’s evidently a new-gen unit that’s well-calibrated to the engine’s performance characteristics, because it behaves much like a conventional torque-converter-type automatic transmission. Not only does Nissan’s newcomer deliver smooth acceleration – it even comes equipped with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel; when you use them, they create a satisfying illusion of “changing gears”.
There’s precious little of that typical CVT drone, unless you flatten the accelerator pedal. That was exactly what we did, obviously, to see just how it would fare against the stopwatch. With its Sport drive mode engaged, the Qashqai achieved a 9.71-sec 0-100 kph sprint time, which is fine. Its powertrain’s quite responsive, particularly when you need to overtake slower traffic.
An average (indicated) consumption figure of 9.0 L/100 km is not class-leading.
Whereas the powertrain’s refined – the cabin’s largely devoid of mechanical noise – it does fall short in terms of fuel economy. At the end of the test, the Qashqai indicated 9.0 L/100 km, which is a bit more than Nissan’s claim of 6.1 L/100 km. We utilised the Standard mode most of the time, so you should be able to better our return if you favour the Eco mode and drive conservatively. The fuel tank holds 65 litres – it’s larger than those of most of its rivals.
Ride and handling
Previous iterations of the Qashqai were renowned for their forgiving suspension setups and the new model is no exception. Many top-spec small crossovers are dressed up to look sporty and their bigger wheels tend to contribute to rather firm ride qualities, but this Nissan again prioritises comfort. Despite our test unit being the flagship – it rides on large (19-inch) alloy wheels – the Qashqai rode quietly and comfortably, irrespective of the road surface quality.
These 19-inch alloys offer a cushy ride quality, despite their size.
We traversed an unusually surfaced European-style road in the Stellenbosch area (made from old bricks!) and the Qashqai positively breezed over them; not once did it become unsettled. Better still, under 100 kph the noise generated by the road surface barely entered the cabin.
The refinement of the Qashqai is particularly impressive, especially when you consider that Nissan is not regarded as a premium brand, and yet this new offering delivers “Teutonic” levels of comfort and quietness. On the downside, however, because the Qashqai eschews sportiness in favour of outright comfort, it’s not exactly the most engaging vehicle to drive.
The multifunction steering wheel is adorned with beautifully finished switchgear.
That’s all good and well if you just want a comfortable family car that is relaxing to drive, but if you – like us – want to extract some enjoyment from driving, you’re unlikely to find many thrills here. Fortunately, it’s not a deal-breaker. The steering setup is pleasantly light, which largely takes the hassle out of parallel parking and navigating congested city traffic.
Features, tech and safety
All three Nissan Qashqai derivatives come well-equipped with standard features, especially the Acenta and Acenta Plus versions. Not only do you get more features, but the powertrain offers more power and a smoother driving experience, thanks to that rather well-sorted CVT.
Cellphone mirroring tech is a must-have at this price point.
The 1.3T Acenta Plus may be priced concerningly close to R700k, but, by small-crossover (and even medium-SUV) standards, it’s a generously specced proposition. You’ll be perched on supportive and comfortable leather seats that offer heating – and massage – functions at the front, while enjoying your favourite songs through the Bose 10-speaker audio system.
Other noteworthy features include a 12.3-inch infotainment system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, USB-A and USB-C chargers, a wireless charging pad, a 360-degree parking camera, front/rear park sensors and dynamic LED headlights.
Need a recharge? USB-A and USB-C sockets are provided.
A major highlight is the Qashqai flagship’s array of semi-autonomous safety tech. Top-shelf features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and our favourite tech, intelligent forward emergency braking, are included.
With the latter, the vehicle will automatically apply braking if it detects that the driver hasn’t reacted quickly enough to onboard collision warnings (it detects vehicles and pedestrians).
Semi-autonomous safety tech is fitted as standard.
In addition to ABS with EBD and electronic stability control, 6 airbags are fitted, while tyre-pressure monitoring is very useful for those who traverse some of SA’s worst-kept roads.
Packaging and Practicality
The 1.3T Acenta Plus’ cabin looks and feels notably upmarket, which suggests that Nissan hopes to attract buyers who’d usually consider premium brands’ models… The build quality is up there with the best in the segment – panels line up neatly, materials feel plush, and the switchgear wouldn’t look out of place in a similarly sized model made by a German marque.
Heated seats (with a massage function) are standard on the top-spec derivative.
Not only does the Qashqai’s interior create a distinctly upmarket ambience; it is designed to maximise ergonomic efficiency (user-friendliness). Clearly, Nissan’s factory in Sunderland –and the firm’s designers elsewhere – are at the top of their games, which is praiseworthy.
The position of the driver’s seat, for example, is spot on; it offers excellent visibility all-round and enough height to instil that premium SUV feeling that so many buyers crave.
There’s more than enough space for adults at the back.
What’s more, rear passengers are afforded satisfactory leg- and headroom. This author is just over 1.9m tall and was able to successfully complete the (time-honoured) sit-behind-yourself set. If you find yourself seated in the back, there are a pair of USB ports to charge devices.
The luggage space is a little on the small side compared with other (medium) SUVs at this price point, but bear in mind the Qashqai is physically smaller than those models. The load bay features a 12V power socket and clever little hooks from which to hang shopping bags.
The load bay is a bit small compared with those of similarly priced rivals.
Price and After-sales support
The Nissan Qashqai 1.3T Acenta Plus costs R670 600 (November 2022), which includes a 3-year/90 000 km service plan, plus a 6-year/150 000 km warranty with roadside assistance.
Verdict
Nissan has achieved phenomenal success with the Qashqai – the 1st- and 2nd-gen models lit up the sales charts and helped to kickstart the small-crossover craze. The third-gen Qashqai is well made and it meets virtually all the requirements of a high-end compact family car. However, it comes at quite a price, literally. The SUV market is ultra-competitive and in this price bracket, there are some tantalising prospects that offer more power and more space.
It’s a great car, but there’s better value for money in the middle of the range.
As excellent as the Qashqai 1.3T Acenta Plus is as a standalone model, we must consider its rivals at the price – and many of them compete in the medium SUV segment. Truth is, the Nissan starts to look uncomfortably expensive if you consider that the larger Kia Sportage GT-Line Plus and Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX-R are priced just a few thousand Rand more and offer more performance, interior space and features. A fully-loaded hybrid Haval H6 is priced almost the same as a top-spec Qashqai and outguns it in almost every department.
One of the best family SUVs we’ve driven this year – it’s just a pity about the price.
So, should you buy one? This model sees the Qashqai move upmarket and, in Acenta Plus guise, it’s arguably more of a rival to premium brands’ small crossovers… If you have your heart set on the Nissan, the best value can be found in the Acenta derivative (R639 300). The newcomer’s comprehensive warranty and service plan certainly help to sweeten the deal.
The Citroen C5 Aircross has come in for a mid-life facelift in 2022. The family SUV has always proved to offer good value, updated tech and excellent practicality. What’s in store for the updated model? Check out our specs and pricing here.
The most obvious addition to the exterior of the Citroen C5 Aircross is the new daytime running lights that form a V shape at their outer edges. More brands are focusing on unique lighting brands to distinguish themselves and Citroen is no different. The rear lights have a permanent lighting signature that’s also new for the facelift model. As with almost all model updates there is a newly designed wheel – in this case, an 18-inch diamond cut alloy with black finishing.
The interior features an updated infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. The centre console has also been redesigned to incorporate an e-toggle and drive mode selector.
The Citroen C5 Aircross comes in 2 models, the entry model remains the Feel, while the top spec is called the Shine. Both use the familiar (to Peugeot and Citroen) 1.6-litre turbopetrol with 121 kW and 240 Nm. Fuel economy is claimed to be 7.9L/100 km with CO2 emissions at 179g/km.
In terms of specification the entry-level Feel is equipped with:
LED daytime running lights
Dual zone climate control
Aluminium pedals
Sliding rear seats
Cruise control
8-inch infotainment system
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
6-speaker audio system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility
2x USB ports
Remote central locking
ABS with EBD
Park distance control
The top spec Shine model builds on that spec with the following:
Blind-spot monitoring
Electrically operated tailgate
Roof rails
Auto dimming interior mirror
Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
10-inch infotainment system
Keyless start
Active safety braking
Collision detection alert
Front and rear park distance control
180-degree park assist
Reverse camera
Selling points for the new Citroen C5 Aircross include class-leading ground clearance which is claimed to be 230 mm – about 15mm more than most of the Family SUV rivals it competes with. The C5 Aircross also has one of the largest luggage capacity spaces in the segment claiming 720 litres of load space.
A new maintenance package has been added to the C5 Aircross to match the 5-year/100 000 km warranty, the brand is now offering a competitive 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan as well.
Look out for our drive of the new model, with full details later this week.
Citroen C5 Aircross Pricing
1.6T Feel – R633 900
1.6T Shine – R683 900
How the interest rate on your loan is calculated
Buying a vehicle is a long-term decision and we want to help you make an informed one with our Street Smart series, brought to you by Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance. In this episode, we chat with Absa’s Deen Govender about the factors that play a role in the interest rate that a financial institution will offer you on a loan.
PARTNERED CONTENT
The cost of living is rising so quickly and so too is the cost of borrowing money. When you apply for a new loan, it’s important to make an informed decision by considering factors that influence the interest rate that is offered. This could help you save a good deal of money throughout the life of the loan.
Deen Govender – Absa Vehicle & Asset Finance’s Head of Dealer Relations for Gauteng and Limpopo – tells us more.
What determines the credit assessment and interest rate?
Absa employs a risk-based pricing approach, where customers’ risk, finance structure and asset characteristics are considered on a deal-by-deal basis.
Therefore, a credit assessment and interest rate are determined by:
A customer’s income, and the sustainability of this income, in order to ascertain and ensure affordability.
Their credit score and credit history. In other words, the manner in which previous credit obligations have been managed.
Depending on the loan, the type and quality of the asset, vehicle or property.
The channel used to buy the vehicle.
The type of interest rate you select when applying for a loan. In other words, whether it is fixed or linked to the prime lending rate.
The choice between a fixed and a variable rate depends on whether a customer is willing to allow market forces to affect their monthly instalments. Generally, the fixed rate option will give one the comfort of an instalment amount that doesn’t change. However, this certainty comes at a cost because the interest rate is typically higher than the variable interest rate, which will increase or decrease in line with the prime lending rate.
Therefore, a customer needs to consider the benefit of the fixed instalment versus the variable instalment and the possible fluctuations that may occur.
Which factors will contribute to having a more favourable outcome on your application for a vehicle-finance loan?
A vehicle with a lower age is less risky for the bank to finance because of the higher value and better warranty, leaving you to focus mostly on maintenance rather than repairs. New vehicles may come at a higher price, but interest rates may be lower because of ongoing car-dealership specials and promotions.
Paying an upfront deposit on the vehicle and borrowing less money. This saves you in the long run, because the interest charged on the loan is lower.
Not taking a large balloon amount – or not taking one at all. It cannot be stressed enough that you need to prepare for this, or you will find yourself making other arrangements such as taking out a personal loan to pay off the balloon amount at the end of the contract term.
Having an existing primary banking relationship with your bank. This makes it easier to assess the recent activity on your account and other credit products.
Having a higher credit score and a longer credit history.
How can you increase your credit score?
You can work towards increasing your credit score by following steps such as:
Paying loans on time and setting up debit orders for payments.
Paying off existing loans, closing any unnecessary accounts and keeping credit use low.
Reviewing your credit score regularly, rectifying mistakes, and identifying any fraudulent activities early.
For extra information on how you can become a better consumer, keep a lookout for more episodes from our Street Smart series and be sure to visit the Absa blog.
Absa’s Fulufhelo Mandane discusses what you need to consider before you start shopping for a vehicle, the costs of ownership and your various finance options. Absa First-time Buyer Guide to Vehicle Finance
Absa’s Gordon Wood details how the new Aftermarket Guidelines, which were introduced in the motor industry last year, affect you as a vehicle owner. Absa’s Guide to Responsible Vehicle Ownership
The new Volvo EX90 all-electric flagship SUV has finally been unwrapped, billed as the start of a new era for the Swedish firm and the safest Volvo yet…
Volvo, which aims to be a fully electric brand by 2030, has whipped the covers off its new battery-powered EX90 flagship SUV in Stockholm.
Effectively arriving as the successor to the XC90 (though the latter will likely continue alongside the newcomer for a while yet), the 7-seater EX90 is described as the safest Volvo yet and the “start of a new era” for the company. Production will start in the United States in 2023 before also expanding to China.
The new EX90 is the third fully electric Volvo following the launch of the XC40 Recharge variants and the standalone C40 Recharge. The Swedish automaker says it plans to reveal “one new fully electric car each year” as it moves towards its 2030 goal. Furthermore, it has an ambition to be a climate-neutral company by 2040.
What we know about the EX90’s powertrain so far
So, what’s happening under the skin? Well, the EX90 rides on Volvo’s new fully electric platform and will deliver “up to 600 km” of range on a single charge. The initially available 300 kW twin-motor all-wheel-drive version will feature a 111 kWh battery and two permanent magnet electric motors (one on each axle). There will later be a “performance version” generating peak outputs of 380 kW and 910 Nm.
Though the Gothenburg-based automaker has not yet gone into specifics around charging outputs, it has said the battery will be capable of moving from 10 to 80% in “under 30 minutes”. Selected markets will also gain the company’s home energy management system, which includes a bi-directional wall box and the ability to monitor and optimise the entire household’s energy consumption.
While Volvo promises the EX90 will deliver a “great and smooth driving experience”, it also describes the newcomer as “a highly advanced computer on wheels”, explaining it has been designed to “get better over time” thanks to regular over-the-air software updates.
Will the EX90 be the safest Volvo yet?
That extends to safety, with Volvo claiming the EX90 will “get smarter and safer over time, as it learns from new data and receives updates”. The safety system depends on cameras, radars and Lidar (note the roof-mounted sensor system), which connect to the vehicle’s high-performance core computers.
The Luminar-supplied Lidar system, for instance, is capable of picking up “small objects hundreds of metres ahead”. In the cabin, meanwhile, special sensors and cameras gauge the driver’s concentration levels and will even “safely stop and call for help” should it detect the driver has fallen asleep or taken ill.
Volvo says the sensors also help improve the “reliability and overall performance” of the Pilot Assist driving function, including new steering support for changing lanes. In fact, the company claims the EX90 is “hardware-ready for unsupervised driving in the future”.
A quick look inside the EX90’s cabin
The dashboard design appears fairly minimalistic, though is dominated by a 14.5-inch centrally sited screen running infotainment powered by Android (but also compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay). The range of Google apps and services will include hands-free help from Google Assistant and Google Maps navigation. In addition, 5G connectivity will be standard “where available”. The EX90 will also come with phone-key technology as standard, with the driver’s smartphone serving as a car key and automatically unlocking the vehicle, starting a “personal welcoming sequence” and loading a personal profile.
The Swedish firm describes the cabin as being “full of natural and responsibly sourced materials”. Indeed, the EX90 contains approximately 15% recycled steel, 25% recycled aluminium and 48 kg of recycled plastics and bio-based materials, which corresponds to around 15% of the total plastic used in the car.
“The Volvo EX90 is a statement for where we are, and where we are going. It’s fully electric with a range of up to 600 km on a single charge, designed to further raise our safety standards, the first Volvo car to be truly defined by its software and part of a wider ecosystem, connecting to your home and your other devices. The Volvo EX90 is the start of something new for Volvo Cars in many ways,” says Volvo Cars chief executive, Jim Rowan.
Although Volvo Car South Africa has yet to nail down an introduction date, it says the new EX90 is indeed planned for a local launch at some point in the future.
