The Kia Carens is scheduled to launch in South Africa in 2025, with this crossover-styled 3-row MPV likely to arrive in facelifted form. Here’s what we know so far…
While Kia South Africa’s product plans for 2025 are headlined by the new Tasman bakkie, there’s another interesting model patiently waiting in the queue for a local introduction next year: the Kia Carens.
Yes, the South Korean automaker’s local division has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the Indian-built Carens is scheduled to launch in Mzansi at some point in the 2nd half of 2025. That timing lines up neatly with a recent Autocar India report that suggests production of the facelifted Carens will commence in May 2025.
Based on that, it seems highly likely our market will receive the as-yet-unrevealed refreshed version of this crossover-styled 3-row MPV rather than the pre-facelift model pictured here. So, expect updated exterior styling, tweaks to the cabin design and perhaps a few fresh features, too.
What do we know about the Anantapur-built Kia Carens? Well, back in August 2023, Kia SA quietly registered 2 units of the 4th-generation Carens, soon thereafter confirming to Cars.co.za these were brought in “for homologation, study and consideration”.
However, at the time, the company added that the Carens – a nameplate that was briefly offered in Mzansi in 2nd-generation form, before exiting the local market around 2009 – would “not be introduced” to South Africa. For whatever reason, that stance has now changed.
As a reminder, the current Carens was revealed at the end of 2021, built on a stretched version of the Seltos platform. Measuring 4 540 mm from snout to rump (so, slightly longer than the current Sportage), the 3-row family vehicle boasts a generous 2 780 mm wheelbase. Unlike its decidedly MPV-shaped predecessors, the KY-series Carens features a distinctly crossover-inspired exterior design.
In India, this model is offered in both 6- and 7-seater guise, pitched as a rival to the likes of the Suzuki Ertiga, Suzuki XL6 and Hyundai Grand Creta. It’s available with a choice of 1.5-litre engines, each driving the front axle: a naturally aspirated petrol unit (with a 6-speed manual gearbox), a turbopetrol motor (with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission) and a turbodiesel mill (using either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic cog-swapper).
Of course, powertrains, local specifications and indeed pricing have yet to be nailed down for South Africa, with more information likely to be released closer to this model’s anticipated arrival in the 2nd half of 2025. As an aside, before then we can also expect the facelifted Sorento and Carnival to make local landfall, likely in the opening half of next year.
The new Kia Syros will soon be unveiled in India, likely positioned just above the Sonet. Judging by a local trademark filing, this boxy little SUV could be on the cards for SA…
Think there’s no space between the Sonet and the Seltos? Well, a certain South Korean automaker disagrees, with the new Kia Syros set to slot in between these nameplates in the relatively near future.
Yes, Kia in India – the country that manufactures the Sonet and Seltos for the South African market – has released a fresh teaser video confirming the upcoming small SUV’s name, with a full reveal likely to take place relatively soon. So, will we see this newcomer in Mzansi?
Well, while it’s too early for Kia South Africa to comment specifically on the Syros, the firm’s local division did tell Cars.co.za that it “will look at all product made available to SA in right-hand drive and evaluate all possibilities” to ensure it brings in “the right product at the right price” for the local market.
In addition, it’s interesting to note the automaker’s head office in Seoul applied to trademark the “Syros” badge locally in March 2024, with the status currently listed as “pending”. Of course, we should point out that an application to protect a badge is by no means a guarantee the brand will use the nameplate in question.
What do we know about the upcoming Kia Syros? Well, official information is hard to come by, with the teaser video simply describing the model as a “a new species of SUV”. The brand did, however, previously release a couple of shadowy teaser shots that confirm the new model will adopt particularly boxy proportions.
In addition, the folks over at Autocar India suggest this design – which isn’t dissimilar to the Soul still offered in certain international markets – will see interior space maximised, with a firm focus on rear-passenger room (despite likely measuring under 4 metres in length, making it similar in size to the Sonet).
The Indian publication furthermore speculates that the new Syros – which bears an internal codename of “AY” – will launch with internal combustion engines, with a fully electric version slated to follow (in India, at least) at a later date. Expect a full reveal either before the end of the year or early in 2025…
New Suzuki Dzire revealed: will it come to SA in 2025?
The new Suzuki Dzire has been revealed, sporting fresh styling and new features. While it’s not yet been confirmed for SA, this small sedan seems likely to arrive in 2025…
Meet the new Suzuki Dzire. The latest version of the Japanese firm’s Indian-built small sedan adopts a fresh exterior design and various new features, further differentiating it from its Swift hatchback sibling.
Interestingly, though the new Swift recently hit the market in Mzansi, Suzuki Auto South Africa is keeping its cards close to its chest when it comes to the related small saloon, opting not to confirm the freshly unveiled new Dzire – nor any other potential future products, for that matter – for the local market.
Note the front-end styling is far removed from that of the new Swift.
“At this stage, we are unable to provide specific details or projected launch dates for the new vehicles Suzuki Auto South Africa plans to introduce in 2025. As always, we remain committed to bringing exciting new products to the South African market, and we will share more information when we are able to do so,” Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager, Suzuki Auto SA, told Cars.co.za.
Still, considering the Dzire nameplate has carved out a healthy sales niche in Suzuki’s local line-up – initially in 2nd-generation form (when it still used the “Swift” prefix) and then in its current, standalone guise – we’d speculate a local introduction is likely to take place at some point in 2025.
In India, the new Dzire is available with a sunroof.
Indeed, over the opening 10 months of 2024, Suzuki Auto SA registered 2 007 units of the Dzire – a model that has proven particularly popular with the local rental industry – in South Africa, hitting a high of 412 units in October. Whether or not the outgoing model (currently priced from R217 900) will continue to be sold alongside the new version, as is the case in India according to Autocar India, remains to be seen.
But back to the new Suzuki Dzire. Whip out the measuring tape and you’ll find the new model is virtually identical in size to the outgoing version, again featuring a length of 3 995 mm, a wheelbase of 2 450 mm and a width of 1 735 mm. In fact, the only change is the addition of 10 mm to the listed height, taking this figure to 1 525 mm.
Dimensions are virtually unchanged compared with the outgoing model.
Unsurprisingly, the latest version of this small saloon employs the same naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine as the new Swift. In India, this Z-Series (Z12E) motor delivers 60 kW and 112 Nm to the front axle via either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automated manual transmission (AMT) with the same number of cogs. Considering the new Swift launched here with a CVT option rather than India’s AMT, it seems likely the same approach would be taken with any SA-spec Dzire.
Inside, the new Dzire’s dashboard is clearly based on that of the latest Swift, though features a dual-tone finish (combining black and beige) as well as silver-hued accents and even faux-wood textures. The Indian-spec model is furthermore available with a “segment-first” electric sunroof, a 360-degree camera system, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone charging and dedicated rear air-conditioning vents.
In the world’s most populous nation, the new Dzire ships standard with 6 airbags, electronic stability control, ABS (with EBD) and hill-hold assist. Despite having just been revealed, the sedan has already been assessed by Global NCAP, scoring 5 stars for adult-occupant safety and 4 stars for child-occupant safety, setting what the organisation describes as a “significant safety benchmark”.
Amarok ‘Dark Label’ return? VW trademark hints at special edition
A fresh local trademark application suggests Volkswagen might revive the “Dark Label” badge in SA, potentially hinting at a special-edition version of the 2nd-gen Amarok…
Remember the “Dark Label” badge Volkswagen used on a special-edition version of the original Amarok? Well, a fresh trademark filing in South Africa suggests the German firm might be thinking about reviving this nameplate.
Yes, Cars.co.za has discovered that VW’s head office in Wolfsburg filed to trademark the “Dark Label” badge in South Africa as recently as June 2024, with the application currently listed as “pending”.
The original Dark Label special edition was available overseas with the V6 engine.
Though this moniker could theoretically be applied to any of the German automaker’s products, we’d speculate that a limited-run version of the Amarok is the most likely candidate. After all, that’s the model – albeit in previous-gen form – on which this badge was used locally before (though, for the record, it’s since been applied to the Caddy in some markets, too).
Interestingly, Volkswagen also filed to trademark the “Black Label” nameplate in Mzansi, making this application a month earlier, in May 2024. However, this badge seems a little less likely to be rolled out locally considering alcoholic-beverage company Carling has long used the same name for a popular beer.
The SA-spec Dark Label featured a locally sourced styling bar and a 4-cylinder engine.
So, if a new Amarok Dark Label were to see the light of day, what should we expect? Well, it’s worth looking at the original special edition, which debuted in South Africa late in 2018 in double-cab form (though was offered in various other markets earlier, including in pre-facelift guise).
That model was set apart by its matte-black styling bar (complete with “Amarok” lettering), while also scoring black finishes for items such as the exterior door handles, side-mirror caps, B-pillars, side sills and elements of the front bumper. In addition, it featured tinted rear windows, smoked taillights, 18-inch “Rawson” alloy wheels and “Dark Label” decals along its flanks.
The 2nd-gen Amarok is produced alongside the Ranger at Ford’s Silverton facility.
As a reminder, the current version of VW’s 1-tonne bakkie is based on the Ford Ranger, with the Blue Oval brand’s Silverton plant being the only facility in the world producing the 2nd-generation Amarok. A refreshed version of the original Amarok, however, is interestingly still in production in Argentina.
Of course, as we always point out in articles that involve trademark filings, an application by an automaker to protect a badge (in South Africa or indeed abroad) is by no means a guarantee the brand will use the nameplate in question. So, we’ll just have to wait to see if a new Amarok Dark Label emerges…
All-new GAC Emzoom Review – Dressed to impress, but does it convince?
The new GAC GS3 Emzoom has zoomed into South Africa boasting a unique design and Jacob Moshokoa recently spent time with the newcomer to find out if there’s merit in considering the Emzoom. Watch the our video review!
Chinese brand GAC Motor recently entered the South African new-vehicle market with a brace of new models, one of which is the GS3 Emzoom.
This new small crossover has a head-turning appearance, sporty packaging (in range-topping R-Style guise) and loads of features, but does it have the substance to back up the style?
To help us find out, Jacob Moshokoa puts the GS3 Emzoom to the test and discusses the newcomer’s history, price, driving experience, interior features, practicality, performance and more. GAC Motor South Africa has 13 active dealerships – based in Gauteng, KZN, Limpopo and Mpumalanga (November 2024), with more to come soon. The model comes standard with a 5-year/60 000 km service plan, as well as a 5-year/150 000 km warranty.
The updated BMW M2 coupé has touched down in SA, arriving with more oomph from its twin-turbo straight-6 engine and a higher top speed. Here’s what it costs…
Revealed as recently as June 2024, the updated BMW M2 has already arrived in South Africa, boasting extra power, a loftier top speed and a few subtle styling changes. So, how much does this revised rear-wheel-drive sportscar cost?
Well, BMW SA lists a price of R1 570 988 for the 8-speed automatic derivative, which represents an increase of R65 000 compared with the outgoing version of the M2. A 6-speed manual gearbox is again optional, available for an additional R8 500 (previously, this difference was R10 346) and thus pushing the price of the 3-pedal variant to R1 579 488.
Switching to a 6-speed manual will cost you R8 500 more compared with the standard auto.
What do you score for the extra outlay? The big news is the fact the M2’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 engine now offers even more oomph, with peak outputs having been hiked by 15 kW and 50 Nm to 353 kW and 600 Nm, respectively (note, however, that the manual version sticks with the old maximum twisting-force figure of 550 Nm).
Furthermore, the auto-equipped coupé’s increased peak torque is now on tap across a wider rev range, available from 2 650 all the way to 6 130 rpm (in the previous iteration of this S58 motor, maximum twisting force began to fall away from 5 870 rpm).
The “M2” badges are now finished in black with a silver-coloured border.
As a result, the updated M2 auto sees off the 0-100 kph sprint a tenth of a second quicker than before at a claimed 4.0 seconds, while also cutting 6-tenths from its 0 to 200 kph time, which improves to 12.9 seconds, according to the Munich-based automaker. The manual derivative is likewise a tenth faster than its forebear to 3 figures, taking a claimed 4.1 seconds. In South Africa, the M Driver’s Package is now included as standard, pushing the top speed from 250 kph to 285 kph.
Styling changes include subtle exterior revisions such as black tailpipe trim and black model lettering (on the boot lid and grille), the latter with silver-hued borders. Fresh paint colours include Sao Paulo Yellow solid, Fire Red metallic, Portimao Blue metallic and Skyscraper Grey metallic, while the selection of BMW Individual finishes has also been expanded.
M Sport seats ship standard in South Africa.
The updated M2 ships standard on new M light-alloy wheels – measuring 19 inches in diameter at the front and 20 inches at the rear – in a double-spoke design and with a “Jet Black” finish (silver versions of these wheels are available at no extra cost). In Mzansi, M Sport seats come standard (as does an M Carbon roof), while M Carbon Bucket seats cost an additional R95 000.
Inside this Mexican-built model, you’ll find a newly designed steering wheel with a flat-bottomed rim and a red centre marker. An Alcantara-trimmed tiller (R10 000) is also available as an option, as is a steering-wheel heating function (R3 000) and front-seat heating (R6 000). Furthermore, the 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display now feature the latest BMW Operating System 8.5.
How much does the updated BMW M2 cost in SA?
BMW M2 Coupé 8AT – R1 570 988
BMW M2 Coupé 6MT – R1 579 488
The prices above include a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
The muscle-car era is finally drawing to a close in its heartland, but that has not dissuaded Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) from launching the 7th-gen Mustang in Mzansi. We take it for a spirited gallop in the Western Cape. Yeehah!
Much like social-democratic sensibility and hopes for a first female commander-in-chief were smashed by the outcome of this week’s US presidential election – the American muscle car all but died in 2024.
The Chevrolet Camaro has been killed off and the Dodge Challenger – the top-selling hot rod in (soon-to-be Donald J) Trumptown (again…) – will soon emerge from the shadows as an electric-only option.
Which, (and believe it or not – seeing as the current-gen Corvette Stingray is mid-engined) leaves just the Ford Mustang as the last standing front-engined American performance- (or muscle) car.
While the demise of the muscle car (which seemed unthinkable not too long ago) is certainly a tragic state of affairs, it makes the local arrival of the Blue Oval’s latest-generation stallion quite momentous.
But let’s not race to Kamala Harris’ levels of giddiness quite yet. Although Ford deserves praise for enduring with the anthemic Mustang, the motoring universe is a wholly different place today. The reason is obvious: carmakers now allocate the lion’s share of their resources to the development of volume-selling crossovers, SUVs and EVs – not über-niche models with Jurassic internal combustion engines.
This phenomenon essentially frames the context of why the 7th-gen Ford Mustang is, by and large, an evolution of its predecessor. Yes, the more angular body panels, broader hips, (squarer) front and (shorter) rear are all new, with its concave-shaped boot lid a loving nod to the 1967 Fastback.
The dimensions and wheelbase have been left unaltered, as have the engine and transmission; although admittedly the latter 2 have been both given a killer cocktail of botox and creatine – to the achieved goal of releasing more dopamine in its driver.
To this end, the 5.0-litre Coyote V8, now in its 4th iteration, has received a pair of throttle bodies with separate intakes added, new conrods and a freer-flowing left-hand side exhaust manifold, to produce peak outputs of 328 kW at 7 000 rpm and 540 Nm at 5 100 rpm, which translates to a claimed 0-100 kph sprint time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph.
That’s 2 kW less and 11 Nm more than before, plus Ford’s ubiquitous 10-speed paddle-shift auto ‘box has been remapped to deliver virtually “twin-clutch levels of shifting speed”. Aint broken? Don’t fix it.
Drivers can choose between 6 drive modes, of which Drag and Track will be the most loved by tyre firms.
At launch, the 5.0 GT fastback (R1.3 million), which comes standard with Ford’s Performance Package, is the sole Mustang derivative, but a range-topping Dark Horse (R1.5 million) über-’Stang will be here soon. The aforementioned speed suite comprises a limited-slip diff, adaptive dampers, firmer front springs and rear anti-roll bar, a strut brace, 6-piston Brembo brakes up front, as well as 19-inch Pirelli P Zero tyres.
The next 2 additions are a question of taste (and most likely age). It’s a tug-of-war between the most eye-rolling features of the 2024 Ford Mustang: a remote-revving function activated from the muscle car’s keyfob for attracting onlookers at cars-and-coffee events; or the pro-drift-style e-brake that locks the car’s rear tyres to all but guarantee lurid slides that may precede sheepish phone calls to insurers.
The most apparent amendments appear inside. A flat-bottom steering wheel has been fitted and gone are the analogue dials – they’ve been replaced by a connected pair of digital displays – a 12.4-inch instrument cluster and a SYNC 4-powered infotainment touchscreen, which measures 13.2 inches. Both screens offer a wide scope of customisability (courtesy of the video game-powering Unreal graphics engine, Ford says), including calling up digitised versions of the fascias of previous-gen Mustangs…
Also absent is the folding rear seatback from the 6th-gen car and, frustratingly, physical HVAC controls – those functions are now hidden behind on-screen sub-menus, and what remains is not a row of buttons under the centre vents, but a piece of moulded plastic with 6 icons for (infrequently used!) functions.
Key enhancements include heated and vented seats that provide sumptuous, mile-munching comfort; a 12-speaker B&O audio system and subwoofer (pity that the onboard nav communicates from a single, tinny dashboard-mounted speaker), wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a wireless charging pad.
In terms of driver-assistance systems, the Mustang has adaptive cruise control, speed-sign recognition, lane centring-, evasive steer- and reverse brake assists; as well as active pothole mitigation. First seen on the Fusion, the latter works through the continuously sensing active dampers that automatically firm to their maximum to limit wheel drop (and potential -damage) when tyres or a tyre thud/s into a pothole.
Every Mustang moment is an occasion
Now that you’re clued up on the specs, here’s what the Mustang is like to ride… The combination of a majestic view of the horizon over the long bonnet (that is a bit wobbly at high speeds), the sink-back seats that provide a near-perfect, eminently comfy driving position, and the symphony of the burbling V8 (whose rumble builds into a wail at the redline) makes every Mustang moment, well, “an occasion”.
Yet for acolytes of speed and debutants buying into the genre alike, bear in mind that the 1.8-tonne 2024 Ford Mustang is not a sportscar, but rather, as its label promises, a grand tourer.
A grand tourer, yes, but one that’s capable of unleashing great speed! With such a large-capacity engine only fed air from the atmosphere, there’s no lag or sudden torque spike from a spooling turbo – just a wave of torque that builds to a stentorian crescendo as the tachometer tickles 4 o’clock on the dial.
At centre, its heftily-weighted helm offers sparse feedback to the driver and an uneasy rear end (when velocity begs to be scrubbed off at less-than-ideal angles) sends a stern warning that the Mustang’s happy place isn’t the nearest canyon or the Monaco Grand Prix. Rather, it’s at its most content when cruising through corners before crushing the kilometres on the open plains of Marlboro country.
When a twitch of the tail triggers that uncomfortable sensation that you’ve asked for too much on corner entry under braking, you’ve missed the point: the Mustang’s inherent lower limit adds more engagement, and considering it hails from the nation of supersized burgers served with gallon-sized beer jugs, there’s a broader spread of fun on offer when one’s expectations of its dynamic abilities are tempered.
And, of course, when you turn into an empty parking lot, you can indulge in some of its basic pleasures.
Price-wise, the Mustang is hard to pigeonhole. It’s a smidge more expensive than the outgoing Audi S5, though it undercuts a BMW M440i xDrive (of which neither truly fits the muscle-car bill) by up to R230k; and the Toyota Supra, which is more at home in the pure sportscar segment. Yet the Ford (forgive me) outmuscles all of them, and lest one forgets, soldiers on as the cheapest performance V8 you can buy.
The price (correct in November 2024) includes a 6-year/90 000 km service plan, a 4-year/120 000 km Ford warranty, 4-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and a 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.
That’s a salient point underlining the fact that, exactly 60 years after its introduction, the new stuck-in-time, same-but-better Ford Mustang has not strayed from its roots. The short-on-lux-but-big-on-power muscle car was introduced to democratise performance in the early-1960s; and while 7-digit prices are far from affordable for many consumers in 2024, rand-for-kilowatt the Mustang still, um, trumps them all.
Today, America is a more uncertain place than it was last week. Yet, amidst the all social pressure against performance cars; existential threats of hybridisation, electrification and its muscle-car rivals falling by the wayside, the fortitude of the V8-engined Mustang has made the rest of the world a better one.
Why Hyundai SA has yet to lock in the new Santa Fe
Though Hyundai Automotive South Africa has ordered homologation units, it hasn’t confirmed the new Santa Fe for a local launch. Here’s why, according to the CEO…
In August 2024, Hyundai Automotive South Africa told us the new Santa Fe had been put “on the back burner” for the local market, adding that it is not currently “on the horizon”. Now, after catching up with the brand’s local boss, we know why.
Gideon Jansen van Rensburg, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, was speaking to Cars.co.za during an interview conducted in a custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town.
We asked him whether the new Santa Fe – which was unveiled globally in 5th-generation form back in July 2023, before the South Korean automaker revealed more details the following month – was still planned for South Africa.
“I wish I could answer that with great certainty. We’ve ordered homologation vehicles. In line with the global manufacturing policy, that vehicle is not available in diesel [for] South Africa,” Jansen van Rensburg told us.
Since the outgoing 4th-gen Santa Fe – local stock of which has seemingly almost run dry – is offered in Mzansi exclusively with an oil-burning motor, the lack of a turbodiesel engine in the new range is likely a significant driver of Hyundai Automotive SA’s apparent circumspection.
Still, that doesn’t mean the new Santa Fe is completely off the table for South Africa, with Jansen van Rensburg confirming the Korean firm’s local division has already sampled the new model in hybrid flavour (a form of powertrain not currently part of Hyundai Automotive SA’s broader line-up).
“So, it’s available [as] a hybrid vehicle. We’ve tested the hybrid engine – it’s giving great fuel consumption, great power, great drive. We’ve ordered homologation vehicles and we’ll be testing [them] and we’ll obviously look at the price positioning of that vehicle before we make a final decision on bringing the vehicle in,” he explained.
Though the new Santa Fe is available with a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain in certain parts of the world, it’s our understanding that Jansen van Rensburg was referring to the standard petrol-hybrid engine, as offered in fellow right-hand-drive market Australia.
This electrified powerplant combines a 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream petrol unit with a 44 kW electric motor, with the latter drawing power from a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. This hybrid powertrain produces peak outputs of 172 kW and 367 Nm, and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, the hybrid version of the new Santa Fe would surely come at a significant premium over the outgoing turbodiesel model, which currently tops out at R1 094 500 (not far behind the flagship R1 204 500 Palisade). Therefore, a potentially unfeasibly high price point perhaps also stands in the way of the new Santa Fe’s local launch.
Interestingly, the Santa Fe line-up in Australia is due to gain a 2.5T-GDi engine towards the end of 2024, with this turbopetrol motor delivering 206 kW and 422 Nm through an 8-speed (wet) dual-clutch transmission. It’s not known whether Hyundai Automotive SA might consider this mill instead.
As a reminder, the fresh-faced Santa Fe is 45 mm longer than its forebear, now measuring 4 830 mm long and 1 900 mm wide, while standing 1 720 mm tall. There’s an extra 50 mm between the axles, too, taking the wheelbase to 2 815 mm and allowing the new 7-seater model (though some markets will also feature a 6-seater) to offer what Hyundai calls “enhanced” 3rd-row seating.
The tailgate opening is 145 mm wider than before at 1 275 mm, while the luggage compartment has gained 91 litres of space (now set at a “class-leading” 725 litres; we’re guessing this is with the 3rd row folded flat). Legroom in the 2nd row has increased by 35 mm to 1 075 mm, with occupants of the 3rd row furthermore gaining an extra 15 mm in this area (and an additional 69 mm of headroom), according to Hyundai.
The Chery Tiggo Cross has arrived in South Africa and we recently drove the small crossover at its local debut in Johannesburg.
What is a Tiggo Cross?
Chery South Africa is on a massive upward trend – apart from adding the Omoda and Jaecoo brands to its stable, the local subsidiary of the Chinese auto giant has become a firm fixture in the new-vehicle market’s top 10 best-selling brands list! See SA’s Top 10 best-selling brands list for October 2024. Its dealership footprint is expanding rapidly too: the brand has 82 showrooms dotted around the country.
The Tiggo Cross joins the Chery crossover family (which now stands at 4) and the brand says the new model is positioned between the Tiggo 4 Pro and Tiggo 7 Pro. 2025 will be huge for Chery, with all-new products, such as the Tiggo 9 Pro, and model-year updates to be rolled out during the next 12 months.
The Tiggo Cross takes its design cues from the Tiggo 7 Pro (would it be unkind to describe it as a Tiggo 7 Lite?). The newcomer is 4 351 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2 610 mm but, while it looks slightly bigger than the Chery 4 Pro, the latter is only slightly shorter (4 318 mm) and has an identical wheelbase.
Interestingly, the vehicle is badged as “an export market Tiggo 4” in its home country, China (and the 2024 Tiggo 4 Pro in Australia), so we wonder what this means for the future of the entry-level model.
What’s on offer?
The Tiggo Cross is offered in 2 trim grades: Comfort and Elite, both of which are generously specced.
Priced from R399 900, even the entry-level 1.5T Comfort variant comes equipped with features such as a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10-25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, a 6-speaker Sony audio system, black leatherette trim, 6 airbags, and 17-inch alloys.
The 1.5T Elite further features 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, a 360-degree camera system, selectable drive modes, as well as enhanced safety features, such as an additional airbag and semi-autonomous driver assistance features, including auto emergency braking, lane change assist, adaptive cruise control etc.
Power comes from a 108 kW/210 Nm 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that drives the Tiggo Cross‘ front wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Given the Tiggo Cross‘ price point, the perceived build quality of the cabin is impressive. Perhaps other brands, whose equivalent models cost much more, should (as they say) take a leaf from Chery’s book?
Unlike some of its compatriots, the Tiggo Cross’ throttle mapping is quite refined (resolved), with the intensity of the powertrain’s responses (and resulting increases in the forward momentum of the vehicle) corresponding appropriately with the respective levels of accelerator-pedal inputs made by the driver.
Despite the newness of the vehicles that were available to drive during the launch event (our test unit, for example, had clocked up 200 km at the time), the 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine gave a good account of itself and delivered a respectable level of performance. If you select the Sport drive mode, the engine’s responses become sharper, but don’t rev it out – the motor tends to sound a bit strained at its rev limit.
Criticisms? Sure, there are a few that are worth mentioning. Firstly, as competent as this powertrain is, it has quite a thirst for unleaded. Chery claims the Tiggo Cross will consume an average of 6.5 L/100 km; when we drove it with Sport mode engaged, the vehicle indicated a return of 10.2 L/100 km, but even after we reset the trip computer and utilised Eco mode, the best we could manage was 8.9 L/100 km.
Secondly, the steering feels very light, but also overly sensitive (perhaps there is too much assistance from the electric power steering system?), which means you need to make constant micro-adjustments to accurately place the vehicle on the road. It’s not a dealbreaker, but we would like more weighting.
To be fair, the upside of the light-feeling – and highly responsive – steering setup is that the Tiggo Cross is likely to be effortless to manoeuvre into tight parking bays…
How much does the Chery Tiggo Cross cost in South Africa?
The vehicle is sold with a 5-year/60 000 km service plan, 5-year/150 000 km standard warranty, 10-year/1 million km warranty for the first owner, and roadside assistance for 5 years/unlimited km.
Considering the new Chery Tiggo Cross’ keen price positioning, we wonder if sales of the Tiggo 4 Pro, which retails from R269 900 to R415 900 in November 2024, may suffer as a result of the newcomer’s arrival. If the latter is on run-out anyway, which we suspect may be the case, it won’t matter much.
Think of the Tiggo Cross as a facelifted Tiggo 4 Pro; if you were considering a high-spec version of the latter, it makes sense to purchase a newer-spec car (with more kit) for not all that much more money.
Given the price sensitivity of our market, we think the Tiggo Cross offers excellent value for money and when a brand-new car comes to market with such attractive price tags, it is easy to overlook some of the minor criticisms. Besides, you can use the money you save to take the edge off your fuel expenditure!
Next-gen Mazda CX-5 ‘pencilled in’ for SA; CX-80 nixed
The head of Mazda Southern Africa says the as-yet-unrevealed next-gen Mazda CX-5 has already been “pencilled in” for a local introduction in around April 2026…
The next-gen Mazda CX-5 has yet to be revealed, but the head of the Japanese firm’s local division says the upcoming new version of the family SUV has already been “pencilled in” for a local launch in about April 2026.
Craig Roberts, Managing Director at Mazda Southern Africa, confirmed the news to Cars.co.za during an interview at Naamsa’s South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town.
“Our next new introduction will be the launch of a new CX-5. That is currently pencilled in – and I use the term ‘pencilled in’ – for around about April 2026,” he told us.
Based on Roberts’ comments, we would speculate that the 3rd-generation CX-5 – which earlier reports suggested might not happen at all – will be revealed globally at some point in 2025, before hitting initial markets in the latter part of next year.
Official details on the next-gen CX-5 are thin on the ground, though Mazda did confirm during a financial results presentation in May 2024 that the new model would be available with a “Mazda-developed hybrid engine”.
As a reminder, the KF-series (2nd-generation) CX-5 has been around since 2017 yet continues to serve as Mazda Southern Africa’s best-selling model. Interestingly, however, the local CX-5 line-up was rationalised from 6 to 3 derivatives in February 2024, with both the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine and the 2.5-litre petrol mill removed from the range (leaving only the 121 kW/213 Nm 2.0-litre petrol motor).
Other than the new CX-5, is there anything else on the cards for South Africa? Well, though the 3-row CX-80 was initially planned for the local market, Roberts suggested that was no longer the case.
“Mazda globally will be and has launched new product in the larger SUV [space]: CX-80, CX-90 and also CX-70 for the US [United States] market. Those vehicles are not slated for the South African market or various other right-hand-drive markets.
“So, from a new-product introduction perspective, it is somewhat quiet. And it’s one of the challenges that I think we all face – Mazda, in particular – in terms of how quickly we are able to bring new product to market.
“Our competitors are able to do that, it seems, at a way faster pace and I think that’s one of the strategic adjustments that we as a brand globally have to make in terms of how quickly and how effectively – how speedily – we can introduce new products,” he said, pointing to a general industry trend of shortening vehicle lifecycles.
