Chery SA has been hard at work building its dealership network and launching its product portfolio, but one model has not yet been confirmed for South Africa. This is the Chery Tiggo 2 Pro.
Chery South Africa has two current offerings, the Tiggo 4 Pro and the Tiggo 8 Pro and we’ve driven both. The Tiggo 4 Pro offers commendable levels of features at a pocket-friendly price, while the Tiggo 8 Pro is a luxury 7-seater family SUV.
There’s still one more vehicle to be launched in South Africa, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, which sits between the two. Think of it as the equivalent to the Mazda CX range with CX-3, CX-30 and CX-5. Now while we’re not complaining about the current Chery Tiggo 4 Pro’s aggressive pricing, we do feel that there’s room for an entry-level crossover sitting below that.
Does such a product exist? Meet the Chery Tiggo 2 Pro. At first glance, it looks a bit like the Hyundai Kona with those narrow headlights, but the bodywork has all the makings of an urban crossover/compact SUV. With so many hatchbacks adopting offroad-looking bodywork and a raised ground clearance, it starts to make a business case a bit more feasible.
There’s not really a size clash with the bigger Tiggo 4 Pro. The 4 is 4318 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2610 mm, while the compact Tiggo 2 Pro is 4200 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2555 mm.
As far as engines go, we can see that the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is offered with the 1.5-litre turbocharged motor, paired with an automatic gearbox. Outputs of 108 kW and 210 Nm are on par for the segment. There’s also a naturally-aspirated petrol engine with 83 kW and 138 Nm. Chery’s international site says the Tiggo 2 Pro has the same engines available.
If the Tiggo 2 Pro were to launch in South Africa, the differentiation will come in terms of features and standard equipment. Both the Tiggo 4 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro are well equipped, but to keep the price aggressive, we suspect the smaller Tiggo 2 Pro might lose nice to haves like the digital dashboard, climate control and wireless charging.
Then there’s the issue of pricing. As it stands, the cheapest Tiggo 4 Pro is R274 900. Tiggo 2 Pro has the same engine, and same platform, but is physically smaller with a reduced level of features. We estimate it could be successful if it the range was priced in the R235 000 – R285 000 bracket.
The performance offerings from Hyundai’s N division have touched down in SA. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for the Hyundai i30 N facelift and Hyundai Kona N.
The Hyundai N brand has become quite a force. With guidance and expertise from former BMW M boss Albert Biermann, performance Hyundai products have become serious contenders in their respective segments. Locally, it was just the Hyundai i30 N offered, with a manual gearbox, which while bringing some hands-on engagement didn’t quite resonate with the dual-clutch obsessed petrolheads in SA. Overseas, the Veloster N and i20 N are highly regarded.
Now for 2022 Hyundai South Africa has launched the facelifted Hyundai i30 N and the Kona N, and both are armed with 8-speed dual-clutch gearboxes. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder delivering 206 kW and 392 Nm, and driving the front wheels. There are custom driving modes that allow the driver to change various aspects of the vehicle like steering feel, engine mapping, exhaust note, and more.
There is a launch control function too, to enable perfect starts, while the active exhaust will let people know you’re driving something special.
Physically, the updated i30 N is fractionally longer and lower than the outgoing model, with the new forged wheels saving 14 kg of weight. Both cars are wrapped in performance Pirelli P Zero 19-inch tyres. Both cars also offer in-car telemetry with data like lap times, g-forces and so on.
From what we can see, the specification is full house – there are no optional extras. Both cars come with niceties like heated seats, multifunction steering wheel, wireless charging, climate control, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, while the Kona N boasts a heads-up display.
*This is a developing story as we’re at the local launch for the next two days.Driving impressions will follow soon.
How much do the new Hyundai i30 N and Kona N cost in South Africa?
The performance duo from Hyundai are sold with a 5-year / 150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, an additional 2 year / 50 000 Km manufacturer’s powertrain warranty, 5 Year / 160 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, 7 year / 150 000 km roadside assistance, and a 5 year / 75 000 km Service Plan
South Africa’s new-vehicle sales figures for March 2022 are out, with the industry hitting its highest monthly sales total since pre-pandemic days. Let’s take a look at exactly what you need to know…
According to Naamsa, South Africa’s aggregate domestic new-vehicle sales reflected a healthy 16.5% year-on-year increase to total 50 607 units in March 2022, a performance the organisation said largely “exceeded expectations”. In month-on-month terms, this figure is almost 6 400 units up on February 2022‘s effort.
In fact, March’s performance represents the highest monthly sales total since October 2019, shortly before the world – and the automotive industry – was thrown into turmoil by the pandemic. Naamsa said the positive showing (largely driven by the passenger-vehicle segment) could be attributed to “pent-up demand aligned with the increasing normalising of business conditions as well as enticing new model choices in the domestic market”.
However, the organisation also pointed out that export sales recorded a year-on-year decline of 12.4% to 34 285 units in March 2022. For the first quarter of 2022, vehicle exports were thus 4.1% below the level of the same period in 2021.
WesBank, meanwhile, said the industry’s broader performance was “cause for the South African market to be a bit more bullish”, adding it provided an “injection of much-needed buoyancy”.
“In the face of interest-rate hikes, spiking fuel prices, and the ongoing industry challenges of supply, March’s new-vehicle market provided a lot to celebrate. Despite all these challenges, March indicated a positive sign of sustained growth,” said Lebogang Gaoaketse, head of marketing and communication at WesBank.
New vehicle sales summary for March 2022
Aggregate new vehicle sales of 50 607 units increased by 16.5% (7 187 units) compared to March 2021.
New passenger vehicle sales of 33 790 units increased by 27.0% (7 191 units) compared to March 2021.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 13 795 units decreased by 2.7% (-389 units) compared to March 2021.
Export sales of 34 285 units decreased by 12.4% (-4 861 units) compared to March 2021.
10 best-selling car brands in South Africa for March 2022
Toyota was once again the country’s best-selling automotive brand in March 2022, cracking the 15 000-unit barrier to set its highest ever monthly sales total (smashing its previous record of 13 694 units achieved in September 2019). The Volkswagen Group remained in second, while Hyundai moved up one place to third, pushing Suzuki down one to fourth (despite the latter setting yet another new monthly sales record of 3 347 units). Renault and Ford each climbed a spot to sixth and seventh, respectively, forcing Haval two rungs down the ladder to eighth.
1. Toyota – 15 008 units
2. Volkswagen Group – 6 433 units
3. Hyundai – 3 816 units
4. Suzuki – 3 347 units
5. Nissan – 3 132 units
6. Renault – 2 600 units
7. Ford – 2 235 units
8. Haval – 2 036 units
9. Kia – 1 910 units
10. Isuzu – 1 723 units
10 best-selling vehicles in South Africa for March 2022
Considering the Japanese firm’s massive sales month, it’s no surprise the Toyota Hilux again led the charge as South Africa’s top seller, with total registrations exceeding 4 500 units. The likewise Prospecton-built Corolla Cross again claimed second, with Volkswagen’s Kariega-produced Polo Vivo holding steady in third. The facelifted Polo hatchback climbed three places to fifth, while the Nissan NP200 and Toyota Urban Cruiser returned to the table (at the expense of the Fortuner and Renault Kwid). The Suzuki Swift dropped three spots to tenth but still managed to crack four figures.
Top 5 vehicles exported from South Africa in March 2022
The Volkswagen Polo hatch retained its spot at the summit of the export table, with more than 9 000 units shipped from our shores. With BMW reporting individual model figures for the first time in a while, we can see the X3 placed second, with nearly 7 000 units exported from Plant Rosslyn. The Toyota Hilux placed third in the exports race in March 2022, with the Silverton-built Ford Ranger down in fourth and the Struandale-produced Isuzu D-Max in fifth. We should point out, of course, that Mercedes-Benz did not submit detailed figures for March 2022, so it’s unclear how many new C-Class sedan units were exported from SA during the reporting period.
1. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 9 236 units
2. BMW X3 – 6 852 units
3. Toyota Hilux – 6 423 units
4. Ford Ranger – 3 652 units
5. Isuzu D-Max – 633 units
Sales outlook
So, what’s next for South Africa’s new-vehicle market? Well, Naamsa says while the temporary reduction in the general fuel levy is welcome, escalating inflation risks, ongoing record fuel prices, low and stagnant economic growth and a rising interest-rate cycle will “impact the new market negatively going forward”.
In terms of new-vehicle exports, the industry representative body says it remains “optimistic” about 2022 on the back of “further new locally manufactured model introductions” on the horizon. That said, global growth is “expected to moderate” as the Russia-Ukraine conflict increasingly impacts demand and supply chains, particularly in Europe, which is the domestic industry’s top export region.
WesBank’s Gaoaketse adds though March sales returned a level of excitement to the South African new vehicle market, forecasts for the year may well need to be adjusted down given the aforementioned global conflicts.
“Although March sales are worth celebrating, the market still has challenges to face and shouldn’t be expected to continue displaying these levels of growth. The market will be hoping to arrive at levels of sustainable stability rather than peaks and troughs of volume performance. However, the indications are improving to make this possible,” Gaoaketse concluded.
7 Ways To Extend Your Car’s Life
Maintaining your car is very important and every car owner should learn to do this diligently – not only to increase the lifespan of their vehicle, but, more importantly, to keep them safe.
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Carrying out preventive maintenance in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations (for your car’s specific model) is the best thing that you can do for your vehicle to increase its operating life and, ultimately, save you money on repairs. Cars with a full service history will also be worth more when the time comes to sell them on (or trade them in). A vehicle that is maintained correctly will perform optimally and will also be lighter on fuel than a poorly maintained vehicle.
Here are 7 tips to ensure that your car is properly maintained for a longer life span, from motus.cars, supported by Motus Ford (previously Imperial Ford):
1. Check your air filter
If the engine is the heart of your car, the air filter is arguably the nose! Why? Because the air filter blocks dust, dirt and other impurities from entering your engine through the air-intake system. The problem is that air filters get clogged after a while and, because they can’t clean themselves, they’ll stop working properly. Therefore, get your air filters changed every 12 months or after 20 000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Filters are usually checked with every regular service.
2. Inspect fluids and tyre pressures regularly
Oil and water are very important components of your car and have a habit of wearing and running out if you don’t keep an eye on them. Check these at least once a month – it only takes 10 minutes – or ask a petrol attendant for assistance.
The oil is the lifeblood of your engine because it provides much-needed lubrication for moving parts that work at high speed and at lofty temperatures. Make sure that you use the correct grade of motor oil for your vehicle, because using the incorrect kind or poor quality of oil can cause major problems for your car, such as excessive wear of the motor’s internal components. This may lead to sluggish performance at best – and a catastrophic failure/seizure at worst.
Therefore, it’s important to check your oil level often, preferably every time you fill up with fuel (excessive oil loss may point to a leak in the lubrication system) and be sure to change your oil regularly too, preferably twice a year.
Water helps to regulate your engine’s operating temperature, so make sure that your car’s water level is sufficient and don’t forget to add antifreeze. Antifreeze increases the water’s boiling point, prevents water from freezing and, of course, helps cool your engine effectively. The mixing ratio is usually 50% antifreeze and 50% water. You should replace antifreeze approximately every two years. Take care when opening the water cap, especially when the engine’s hot.
When you stop at a petrol station to have your vehicle refuelled, ask that your tyres’ pressures be checked to make sure that they are inflated correctly. Refer to your owner’s manual to check what tyre pressure is suitable for your car’s tyres. Maintaining the correct pressure will minimise uneven tyre wear, reduce the chance of a tyre failure (blow-out), and optimise fuel consumption. For an accurate tyre-pressure reading, check the pressures when the tyres are cold.
Get your car’s battery checked regularly as batteries only have a lifespan of approximately three years. Having a fully charged battery is imperative because numerous vehicle components, such as the ignition system (to start the engine reliably on demand), head- and tail lights, aircon, radio, gauges etc draw power from it (and modern vehicles have many more electrical components than those). Batteries’ ability to discharge/charge diminishes as they get older, but if your battery runs down to the point that it’s difficult or impossible to start the car while the unit is still relatively new that may point to a drain on the system (an electrical fault) or a failing/malfunctioning alternator (which recharges the battery).
Batteries can also “die” when there is no failsafe system to stop the unit’s charge from being run down too far. Avoid jump-starting a modern vehicle if you can, because if you get the procedure wrong, you can damage its electric system.
Cleaning and polishing your car regularly will ensure the longevity of the paintwork, which is the sheet metal’s first line of defence against corrosion (rust), as well as rubber and plastic trimmings, especially if your car is often parked in the baking African sun. Bird droppings or tree sap should be washed off immediately, if possible. Therefore, do your best to keep the car clean for as long as you can: park it indoors, under a roof, or use a car cover so it stays cleaner for longer.
And remember, don’t use household cleaning detergents to clean your car, rather buy cleaning products (car shampoo, a high-quality chamois/sponge and soft drying cloths) that are designed specifically for cleaning cars.
This will prevent uneven or excessive wearing of tyres, because the longer you can make them last, the less frequently you will need to replace them. Tyres do not wear evenly – so by rotating the front and back tyres (the wheels that propel the car tend to wear faster), you balance the tyre wear evenly and ensure that the set lasts longer. Rotating your tyres on a regular basis (between 5 000 km and 10 000 km) will ensure the best results (and don’t forget those tyre pressures).
Also, make sure your tyres are correctly balanced whenever you have your tyres changed or repaired – a tyre service centre can assist you in this regard, although the service isn’t complimentary (as fluid and tyre pressure checks are at a fuel station, for example). It is important, though – unbalanced tyres cause premature and irregular tyre wear and can damage your vehicle’s suspension. If you feel vibrations while driving, you need to have your tyres balanced correctly.
You should also check your car’s wheel alignment, which can be done upon request when you take your car for a service or by a tyre service centre. It’s important to have your wheels and steering components correctly aligned to prevent premature and uneven tyre wear. Alternatively, you should check your wheel alignment after every 10 000 km. If you notice uneven tread wear on your tyres, the best remedy is to have your front wheels correctly aligned.
If you do not clean your car’s windscreen properly (the windscreen spray/wipe function may not be sufficient), the accumulated dirt or insect residue on your windscreen not only makes it difficult to see – it can also scratch the glass.
Make sure that your windscreen wipers are functioning properly and that their rubber blades have not perished. Also, make sure that you have sufficient water in your windscreen-washer reservoir (again, a fuel station attendant can help you).
When the rainy season is approaching, be sure to check your wipers and get the blades replaced if necessary. Some motorists replace their cars’ windscreen wipers at least once a year.
It’s important to check engine oil and coolant levels regularly, but don’t forget about the brake fluid either. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water and, if it becomes contaminated with moisture, the car’s hydraulic braking system, which relies on the fluid, will no longer function properly. Replace it timeously. To ensure that your brake fluid is sufficient, consult your owner’s manual and follow the directions to check the level in your car’s brake-fluid canister.
Remember, safety is paramount… If your brakes are making unusual noises or you notice your vehicle’s not stopping as quickly as it should, get the car’s brake pads and disks checked out by a dealer- or reputable independent workshop.
The Central Energy Fund has announced fuel price adjustments for April 2022.
Update:Earlier this month, the South African Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, announced interventions to help bring relief to consumers and the wider industry as steep fuel increases are expected for the month of April 2022.
As a starting point, Phase 1 of intervention will see the General Fuel Levy temporarily slashed by R1.50 per litre from Wednesday, 6 April 2022 to 31 May 2022. The General Fuel Levy for petrol will be reduced from the current R3.85 per litre to R2.35 per litre while the R3.70 levy for diesel will be reduced to R2.20 per litre. The Road Accident Fund Levy and the Carbon Fuel Levy remain unchanged.
This intervention will cost the government around R6-billion in foregone tax revenue for the 2 month period and the cost will be recouped by selling strategic crude oil reserves held by the Strategic Fuel Fund and will therefore not have an impact on the fiscal framework outlined in the 2022 Budget.
Phase 2 of interventions, as of June 2022, as proposed by the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy includes a price cap on 93 octane petrol which will allow retailers to sell below regulated prices. A 3 c/l reduction in the Basic Fuel Price is also on the cards while the Demand Side Management Levy (DSML) of 10c/l on 95 unleaded petrol (inland) is due to be scrapped. Furthermore, the publishing of guidance on diesel prices will also be stopped to promote competition and the Regulatory Accounting System (including the retail margin, wholesale margin and secondary storage and distribution margins) will be reviewed to assess whether adjustments can be made to lower the margins over the medium term. Interventions to reduce price pressure for illuminating paraffin will also considered over the medium term.
“The intention of the temporary reduction of the general fuel levy is to support a phasing in the fuel price increases that we are expecting in the short term. This will go some way in assisting South Africans to adjust to the new reality,” said Godongwana. addressing Parliament on Thursday.
South African consumers have been hit hard in the last few months with unrelenting fuel price increases and for the first time, motorists are now paying over R21 per litre of fuel. However, the fuel price crisis is expected to worsen following the current Russia-Ukraine conflict which has yet to be resolved.
International oil prices and the South African Rand’s performance against the US-Dollar are key factors that determine the monthly fuel price adjustments.
On 24 February 2022, the Brent Crude oil price was recorded at $95.42 per barrel. This was the same day that Russia undertook its military action in Ukraine. Mere days later, the Brent Crude oil price surged to well over $130 per barrel before slowly tapering off to below $100 and then rising once more. International markets, however, remian volatile.
On a more positive note, the Rand’s performance against the US-Dollar has strengthened over the same period.
Fuel price adjustments for April 2022
The Central Energy Fund (CEF) has announced the following increases:
Petrol 95: increase of 36 cents per litre;
Petrol 93: increase of 28 cents per litre;
Diesel 0.05%: increase of R1.53 per litre;
Diesel 0.005%: increase of R1.69 per litre;
Illuminating Paraffin: increase R2.66 per litre
The Government’s temporary R1.50 reduction of the Fuel Levy has helped to take the sting out of the fuel price increase but this levy is due to be re-instated as of June 2022, so the relief will be short-lived.
Apart from motorists having to pay more for fuel at the pumps, fuel price increases have a severe impact on food production (farming) and increases will have a negative impact on food prices, putting even more pressure on already stretched household budgets.
BMW has given its 8 Series a makeover as part of its midlife update. See SA pricing details for the latest BMW 8 Series below!
The new head-turning BMW 8 Series arrived in South Africa back in 2019 and BMW has now implemented a Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) in an effort to keep the model bang-up-to-date in terms of styling and equipment.
The 8 Series is offered in varying body styles including the Coupe, Cabriolet and Gran Coupe with the range being headlined by the M8 Competition.
What’s changed?
The illuminated kidney grille with U-shaped grille slats is the easiest way to recognise the updated 8 Series.
Starting with the exterior changes, all 8 Series model variants (barring the M8) now feature the M Sport package as standard. However, perhaps the most significant styling addition is the ‘Iconic Glow’ kidney grille (also standard) which illuminates when the car is unlocked or when a door is opened. Some might find this feature to be too gimmicky but you will be able to disable the feature if you wish.
The M Sport treatment adds aerodynamically-optimised elements in body colour seen on the front apron, side skirts and rear apron. The latest 8 can be identified by its horizontal slats while the diffuser insert in the rear apron is finished in Dark Shadow metallic. The look is finished off with double-spoke 19-inch M light-alloy wheels with M sports brakes with blue callipers.
The M850i xDrive derivatives gain the M8’s M exterior mirrors and front spoiler attachment while the M850i xDrive Coupe gains an M rear spoiler. Other new features for the M850i XDrive include a powerful M sports brake system, M sports differential and Y-spoke 10-inch M light-alloy wheels. An optional M Sport Package Professional adds a black grille, black callipers, black spoiler and Shadowline headlights.
As part of BMW M GmbH’s 50th anniversary, buyers can also have the optional, classic “BMW Motorsport” logo fitted on the bonnet, tailgate and wheel hub covers. A total of 4 new body colours will also be offered and they include Skyscraper Grey metallic, San Remo Green metallic, M Portimao Blue metallic and BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic. Additionally, 2 new wheel choices will also be offered.
Moving inside, BMW Individual Merino leather is also standard but the most notable change is the fitment of BMW Live Cockpit Professional which is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, replacing the previous 10.25-inch digital interface.
When will the updated BMW 8 Series come to South Africa?
Pricing and local specifications for the BMW 8 Series and M8 Competition will be communicated closer to launch.
Current powertrains for the BMW 8 Series will be carried over (barring the diesel derivatives) and BMW South Africa has confirmed that local customers can expect to see the new BMW M8 Competition Coupé, the BMW M8 Competition Cabriolet and the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé in local showrooms from the third quarter of 2022.
The BMW M8 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine delivering 460 kW and 750 Nm and comes mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The M850i xDrive employs the same powertrain but is tuned to deliver 390 kW and 750 Nm.
Buyers can also opt for a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder petrol engine (840i) with 250 kW and 500 Nm while the previous 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine (840d) with 235 kW and 680 Nm has now been committed from BMW’s local pricelist.
What is the price of the BMW 8 Series in South Africa?
Volkswagen South Africa has quietly released specifications and pricing for its facelifted Tiguan Allspace, despite the fact that its local launch is still seemingly a handful of months away.
While the refreshed Volkswagen Tiguan arrived in South Africa towards the middle of 2021, the 7-seater Allspace version has yet to officially hit the market (and is due only in the third quarter of 2022). However, the German firm’s local division has now added pricing and other details to its website.
Like the updated Tiguan, the refreshed three-row Allspace features tweaked exterior styling as well as additional digital elements in the cabin (including touch-sensitive controls for the climate system). Owing to its redesigned front end, the Tiguan Allspace has grown to a length of 4 723 mm.
The renewed Tiguan Allspace line-up now comprises four derivatives, with three engine options carried over unchanged. As with the standard wheelbase model, the updated Allspace drops the Trendline, Comfortline and Highline trim levels, instead switching to Life, Style and R-Line.
From what we can tell, the rejigged range does away with a pure base model, leaving the Life variant as the entry point. This derivative employs the VW Group’s familiar 110 kW/250 Nm turbocharged 1.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which drives the front axle through a 6-speed DSG transmission. This powertrain is also offered in R-Line guise.
There’s again also a 2.0 TSI engine available in Style specification. In this case, the turbocharged four-pot makes 132 kW and 320 Nm, peak outputs that are directed to all four wheels via a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The high-output version of this powerplant sits at the summit of the range (also in R-Line trim), generating 162 kW and 350 Nm.
Standard equipment and options
The refreshed Tiguan Allspace is 27 mm longer than before.
The Life model ships standard on 18-inch Frankfurt alloy wheels, while the cabin features the Composition Media 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (like all variants, with the option of upgrading to the Discover Pro 9.2-inch arrangement for R17 700) and fabric seats. A digital instrument cluster is likewise standard, as are automatic headlamps, tyre-pressure monitoring, a powered tailgate and park distance control (fore and aft).
Upgrades for the Style trim level include 18-inch Nizza alloys, hill-descent control, comfort front seats (heated and electrically adjustable) and Vienna leather upholstery. Finally, the R-Line models gain 19-inch Valencia alloys (with the option of 20-inch Suzuka items in a choice of two finishes), R-Line logos for the front seats, a sports steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting, dark-red taillamps, and the R-Line body kit.
The Black Style Package is furthermore available for the R-Line trim level, adding a black chrome grille, black decorative trim on the side windows, black side-mirror caps and the otherwise optional black-painted Suzuki 20-inch alloy wheels.
How much does the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace cost in South Africa?
All Allspace models come with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).
Tiguan Allspace 1.4 TSI (110 kW) Life R671 700 Tiguan Allspace 2.0 TSI (132 kW) Style 4Motion R726 000 Tiguan Allspace 1.4 TSI (110 kW) R-Line R719 700 Tiguan Allspace 2.0 TSI (162 kW) R-Line 4Motion R798 000
The Volkswagen Caddy has been a mainstay of the South African market for several years. The latest version of the model has finally found its way to our shores, but with stock shortages and lengthy delays plaguing the Wolfsburg-based brand at the moment, how long will the Caddy’s domination of the small van/MPV segment continue?
What’s new with the Caddy?
The new Caddy has wider opening doors than before and easier-to-remove seats.
The old leaf-sprung Caddy is gone – this new version is underpinned by the MQB platform, which underpins the Golf 8 and Polo (as well as numerous other VW/Audi products). It’s bigger inside (in all variants of the expanded lineup) and those who intend to use the new Caddy as a people-carrier may be pleased to know that the rear row has been converted from a single bench into 2 individual seats. That makes the seats much easier to extract and avails more seating options.
Noting the dual-purpose nature of the Caddy (owners buy them for doing business- and pursuing leisure activities), the German small MPV’s design has been updated to a stylish, less appliance-like appearance that could persuade SUV buyers to try out the “van lifestyle” without fear of being expelled from their social circles.
The engines have been reworked to provide more linear power and torque delivery, while the old 5-speed manual has been swapped out for a 6-shifter. It’s notable that there isn’t a DSG (automatic transmission) in the range yet – VWSA appears to be struggling to acquire an allocation of the DSG derivatives, because Mzansi isn’t considered a major Caddy market. Autos are expected to arrive eventually, but the timeline could be anything from 6 months… to a few years.
There are more tethering points in the rear and a wider load bed.
There are 2 variants available in terms of wheelbase. You get the Caddy Cargo, which is the short wheelbase, or the Caddy Maxi, which is the long wheelbase. The shorter Caddy nevertheless has a longer wheelbase than the previous model (+73 mm) and is also slightly wider (+62 mm). Strangely, the Maxi is actually a bit shorter than the outgoing model (by 25 mm) in terms of overall length and its wheelbase has shrunk by 36 mm. It’s still easily recognisable as a Maxi variant though, as the standard Caddy length is 4 500 mm, compared with the Maxi’s 4 853 mm. The wheelbase difference is 2 755 mm for the Caddy versus 2 990 mm for the Maxi.
The rearmost seats in the Caddy are now individual seats (previously it was a single bench) and weigh just 22 kg. Therefore, they are reasonably easy to lift in and out of the vehicle.
Interior load space has been improved too – the Caddy’s hold is now capable of accommodating a full-size Euro pallet. The limited width of the previous Caddy meant a pallet wouldn’t sit flat in the rear.
What’s more, moving to MQB has had some effect on the load capability, with the Caddy’s payload dropping from around 750 kg to between 650 kg and 700 kg (depending on the variant).
No Composition Media here, just a simple touchscreen fitted with the basics.
You can never have too many storage compartments in a van, but the Caddy has always been particularly nifty in this department. We noted that the Caddy Cargo has a roof compartment, whereas the Caddy Kombi people-mover doesn’t. There’s an odd storage tray (for assorted bits and pieces, we assume) on the dashboard, but it isn’t fitted with a grippy lining that would stop items from sliding around when the MPV’s cornering, however.
Dual sliding doors are available on the Caddy Cargo and the Caddy Kombi variants, while you get a choice of tailgate styles to choose from. You can either have the single tailgate which rises up like a normal hatch, or you can have the traditional split-door configuration with new hinges that allow the doors to open to 180-degrees – this was also a choice on the previous version.
The infotainment system is a down-specced version of what we’re used to seeing in Polos and Golfs, but without being overly complicated, it still incorporates most of the modern features and connectivity that you’d want, such as Android Auto and Apple Carplay, as well as Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming.
What’s the new Caddy like to drive?
With the MQB platform, the Caddy feels more composed on the road and less like a commercial vehicle.
The shift from a commercial-vehicle chassis to a passenger-car platform has made the ride quality of the Caddy measurably better. It’s more composed over bumpy roads and traversing speed bumps doesn’t result in a “pogo-stick bouncing”.
The seating position has generous height adjustability for those who like to be perched up high (in a typical van-like driving position) or lower, for those who prefer a more passenger car-like feel when they’re behind the ‘wheel.
The engines that have been carried over from the previous model include the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol. This engine is the most popular choice among South Africans due to its proven track record for reliability and relatively low maintenance costs. I see this engine as a city runabout for small businesses, as it’s much better in short bursts than out on the freeway, where the distinct lack of torque (152 Nm) makes overtaking manoeuvres a bit trickier to execute.
The 1.6-litre engine will also struggle if you intend to use the Caddy’s maximum payload capacity or tow big trailers. It did turn out to be quite fuel-efficient on our launch route, however… After 100 km, the 1.6 returned an average consumption figure of 6.5 L/100 km with two passengers and some small bags on board. The new 6-speed gearbox helps to optimise fuel efficiency because the top gear drops the revs appreciably once you’ve reached cruising speed on a freeway.
The 2.0-litre turbodiesel (81 kW/300 Nm) makes more sense for heavier loads or for lifestyle/people-mover buyers. The turbodiesel’s torque band seems much wider than before and the motor pulls smoothly when accelerating from low revs.
The engine seems particularly unstressed, which should make it quite reliable in the long run, but we’ll only really be able to say for sure after the vehicles have been on sale for a while.
2022 Volkswagen Caddy pricing & after-sales support
The Caddy has always proved popular as a reliable choice with a wide dealer network to back it up.
Caddy 1.6i 81 kW Manual
R484 200
Caddy 2.0 TDI 81 kW Manual
R573 800
Caddy Maxi 2.0 TDI 81 kW Manual
R600 400
Caddy Kombi 1.6i 81 kW Manual
R412 100
Caddy Kombi 2.0 TDI 81 kW Manual
R476 100
Caddy Maxi Kombi 2.0 TDI 81 kW Manual
R502 700
Caddy Cargo 1.6i 81 kW Manual
R404 000
Caddy Cargo 2.0 TDI 81 kW Manual
R460 600
Caddy Maxi Cargo 2.0 TDI 81 kW Manual
R487 200
The new VW Caddy is sold with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty, while the Caddy Kombi, Caddy Maxi Kombi, Caddy Cargo and Caddy Maxi Cargo come standard with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty. The entire Volkswagen Caddy range also comes standard with a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is every 15 000 km. A 3-year/45 000 km service plan is included as standard, with multiple options available to upgrade the length of the programme.
The Caddy seems to be more appealing as a lifestyle vehicle now than as an out and out workhorse.
The new Caddy’s biggest achievement is that it feels considerably more car-like to drive compared with its much-loved predecessor. With the seats in or out, practicality has been improved through the provision of more harnessing points, which make it easier to remove and re-install seats. The overall payload has admittedly been reduced with the shift to a unibody platform, but the space inside is more usable/practical than before.
As a working vehicle, the Caddy will appeal to buyers who seek the strong backup network that Volkswagen offers in South Africa, while the unfussy drivetrains promise to deliver many, many kilometres of loyal service.
If you’re looking to procure a Caddy as a lifestyle vehicle, the lack of derivatives with an automatic transmission might not be ideal, but the manual ‘box doesn’t require any real heavy-lifting to use. The Caddy is sure to store all your surfboards, mountain bikes and family members in a package that looks trendy when parked at the beach… or in the school parking lot.
BMW iX3 (2022) Price Announced for SA
Pricing for the all-electric BMW iX3 SUV has been announced ahead of the vehicle launching in SA. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for it.
The locally-built BMW X3 has been quite the success story for the Bavarian carmaker, but as European brands start transitioning to electrification, it was only a matter of time before mainstream electric models came to our shores. We’re not talking about uniquely styled anomalies like the i3 and i8, which have their place, of course, but rather your run-of-the-mill family SUVs that have swapped out a petrol/diesel motor for an electric powertrain.
What you see here looks like your normal BMW X3, but it’s actually the all-new and all-electric BMW iX3. Subtle styling touches like the closed grille, aerodynamic wheels and discrete iX3 badging let you know this is the electric version.
Inside, the cabin gets unique styling touches like a blue start/stop button and blue detailing on the gear selector.
Powering the 2022 BMW iX3 is an electric motor that’s packaged with the gearbox and electronics in one single housing. Outputs are rated at 210 kW and 400 Nm, and BMW says its updated iX3 is good for a 0-100 kph of just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 180 kph.
Power consumption is said to be 18.9 – 21.6 kWh/100 km and the vehicle has a range of 440-505 km based on the WLTP cycle, thanks to an 80 kWh battery. Fast-charging is available and a 10-minute charge from a 150 kW charger will give you around 100 km of range.
At this stage, specification details are not yet available, but we can see from the BMW SA price list that the model sold in our market will come with an M Sport kit. We’ll update our story when we receive the specs from BMW SA, but given its pricing, we expect it to come fully loaded with BMW Head-Up Display and Harman Kardon Surround Sound System to name but a few.
Although the Peugeot Landtrek double cab is unlikely to win over Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger loyalists, it does pose a notable threat to other bakkies, including the popular GWM P-Series. Does the newcomer offer the right mix of style, performance, practicality and value? Gero Lilleike takes a closer look at Peugeot’s new Chinese-built double-cab contender…
The Landtrek is a Chinese-built bakkie that takes design cues from Peugeot’s passenger-car range.
Peugeot hasn’t produced a bakkie before, has it? Yes, it has – and not just one. Some of you may be surprised to learn that the Landtrek is not Peugeot’s first foray into the pick-up market. In fact, Peugeot has an extensive bakkie legacy that stretches back as far as 1938 – anoraks might remember the 202, 403, 404 and 504 bakkies that served as workhorses throughout Africa.
The modern Landtrek double-cab bakkie, however, has Chinese underpinnings. This stems from a joint venture between Peugeot and Changan Automobile, which gave rise to a brand known as Kaicene. The Peugeot Landtrek is effectively a rebadged version of the China-only Kaicene F70 bakkie, but importantly, it incorporates a generous dollop of the selfsame design flair that has made the French brand’s passenger cars so appealing.
Chinese-built passenger vehicles have come a long way since they were introduced in the South African market in the mid-2000s. As we have witnessed in recent years, offerings such as the GWM P-Series, Haval’s Jolion and H6 and more recently, Chery’s Tiggo 4 Pro and 8 Pro SUVs, are proving that Chinese brands and their products are now either on par with – or even better than – some of their rivals from Europe, the US, Japan and Korea.
The Landtrek enters a hugely competitive segment in South Africa, where the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger (of which a new model is expected in a few months’ time) grab the, um, lion’s share of sales. Peugeot, therefore, has the unenviable task of convincing brand-loyal (or, to put it another way, risk-averse) buyers to spend their money on a largely unproven French-badged Chinese bakkie. Does the Landtrek have what it takes to achieve the “unthinkable”? Let’s find out!
How it performs in terms of…
Kerb Appeal
The Landtrek has a muscular stance and buyers can enhance the look with a range of optional accessories.
In the metal, the Peugeot Landtrek exudes a “large and in charge” demeanour and it certainly appears to be a burly contender in this segment. With its bulging bodywork, the Landtrek stands tall and wide and looks resplendent in its deep Magnetic Blue paint finish. The muscular front end is defined by a large grille (emblazoned with a prominent Peugeot badge), which is framed with a flashy chrome surround and flanked by LED headlights. The combination of the Landtrek’s sheer size and design drew much attention from onlookers – many of them appeared fascinated by the sight of the French firm’s lion emblem on a double-cab bakkie. We think it’s a strong and attractive-looking product from Peugeot.
It’s worth knowing that Peugeot does offer a selection of optional accessories, such as additional LED lighting, bull bar, roll bar, tonneau cover, hardtop cover, snorkel, wheel-arch cladding, bumper protection, roof bars and so forth, should you wish to beef up the kerb appeal (and, in some cases, enhance the overall practicality) of the bakkie.
Even so, it’s debatable whether the Landtrek looks better than other bakkies in this segment, but, seeing that design is subjective, you can decide for yourself whether you like the look of the Landtrek, or not.
Performance and Efficiency
The Landtrek’s engine performance is middling, but it’s still good enough to compete with its main rival, the GWM P-Series.
The powertrain is arguably the most vital component of a purpose-built product (such as a double-cab bakkie) and the Peugeot Landtrek’s small-capacity diesel powerplant — a 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque, isn’t particularly punchy compared with what else is offered in the market. If you consider that the outgoing Ford Ranger’s 2.0-litre single-turbodiesel engine develops 132 kW and 420 Nm, then, at this price point, the Landtrek’s on-paper outputs are likely to disappoint – and may even deter – some potential buyers. Even the GWM P-Series’ middling (also 2.0-litre) turbodiesel motor has more oomph (120 kW/400 Nm)!
In its defence, the Landtrek’s on-road performance is better than what its outputs suggest, but it’s still best described as “average”… Peugeot’s newcomer ultimately lacks the outright pulling power offered by some of its bigger-engined rivals.
At start-up, the Landtrek’s engine does have an agricultural diesel um, roar, to it (which is not uncommon in this segment) and noticeable turbo-lag translates to tardy acceleration from a standstill, but matters do improve somewhat as the Landtrek gathers pace. The Landtrek’s overtaking ability is fairly good and, for the most part, the bakkie cruises comfortably and effortlessly on the highway.
At times, particularly under harder acceleration, the 6-speed automatic transmission does struggle to find the appropriate gear (it “hunts”) and while the ‘box is generally good at changing cogs in general driving conditions, it’s not as decisive- and smooth-shifting as those of its rivals. A Sport drive mode, which perks up the throttle response and modifies the transmission’s shift pattern to maximise performance, is also available – it will also be useful in offroading scenarios. If you wish to save fuel, there’s also an Eco drive mode that dulls the throttle feel and transmission responses to optimise fuel consumption.
On the subject of fuel consumption, Peugeot claims a combined-cycle figure of 9.1 L/100km and our test returned around 9.8 L/100km, which is just about on par with its rivals.
The Landtrek 4Action 4×4 is equipped with an offroad dial for easy on-the-fly use.
As far as off-road performance is concerned, our test period was too short to put the Landtrek through its paces on a tough 4×4 course, let alone against one or more of its rivals. We did, however, test Landtrek’s 4×4 capability at the local launch and found it to be fairly competent in this regard.
With a flood of new double-cab bakkies coming to market this year (Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger, VW Amarok), a full-scale double-cab 4×4 bakkie comparative test – to determine how all the players in this segment stack up against each other –is on the cards for the near future. We look forward to giving the Landtrek a proper 4×4 shakedown soon!
Like most of its rivals, the Landrek 4Action 4×4 is equipped with a shift-on-the-fly off-road dial that allows the driver to switch from 2H (rear-wheel-drive) to 4H (four-wheel drive) and 4L (low range) to tackle tough terrain. Moreover, a rear diff lock can be activated at the push of a button should you require maximum traction to contend with a tricky off-road obstacle. It’s also worth noting that the Landtrek boasts a useful ground clearance of 235 mm, as well as a wading depth of 600 mm, both of which are likely to be sufficient for the average weekend bush-whacking mission.
Ride and Handling
The Landtrek’s ride comfort is on par with most of its rivals in this segment, but it’s not class-leading.
We drove the Landrek on tar and gravel roads and found that while the test unit offered satisfactory levels of ride comfort on those surfaces (at least to satisfy the majority of family-car buyers, we’d say), it wasn’t quite class-leading in that regard. As is the case with the majority of bakkies on the market, the Peugeot’s rear leaf-sprung suspension is prone to jiggling when the bakkie traverses uneven road surfaces, which is most noticeable when the load bin is unladen, but the ride does settle somewhat when there’s a modest load on the back. It’s worth noting that Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) suppression is admirable, which ultimately contributes to a more refined driving experience.
Steering feel is positive with a light motion, which is useful in urban driving situations, but it’s worth noting that the ‘wheel is quite responsive to inputs too – at least by double-cab bakkie standards. As such, the Landtrek exhibits driving qualities that one would typically experience in an SUV, which is certainly a good thing for a humble bakkie.
Practicality
The 360-degree camera is a major highlight and is hugely beneficial for manoeuvring in tight spaces or in offroad situations.
Most double-cab bakkies are, by their very nature, a trifle cumbersome to manoeuvre in tight spaces (by virtue of their extended dimensions and large turning circles). The Landtrek is no exception; Cape Town’s narrow, congested streets proved a constant challenge for the French bakkie and its driver. However, Peugeot has equipped the Landtrek with an effective (and arguably segment-leading) 360-degree camera system, which made parking manoeuvres much easier.
The camera view is clear and sharp and the driver can toggle between different views to scan their surroundings. This feature is also hugely beneficial if you are off-roading, when you can use it to effectively identify objects/obstacles to avoid. At slow speeds and when the indicator is on, the camera system displays a kerb view (so that you can avoid bashing your wheels) as well as active guidelines (when reversing) to indicate your direction of travel as you execute the manoeuvre.
With a spacious and deep load bay, the Landtrek is ready to work when you are.
As far as loading and towing are concerned, the Landtrek has a maximum tow capacity (braked) of 3 000 kg and a payload capacity up to 1 050 kg! The load bin has a rubberised coating and Peugeot claims it’s the biggest “bak” in the segment with a useful depth of 500 mm. As a beekeeper, the tester used the Landtrek on a honey-harvesting expedition, where the double cab proved particularly useful at transporting big and bulky bee boxes and equipment. It’s worth noting that there’s a useful 12V socket in the load bin, but keep in mind that the base of the tailgate is high off the ground, so lifting heavy items onto the back does require some extra elbow grease, as they say.
The Landtrek’s passenger-carrying capability is average at best. Rear legroom is fairly tight (taller passengers will almost certainly complain), but there’s little amiss in terms of seat comfort fore or aft (if there are kids seated at the back).
Interior execution and features
The Landtrek’s interior is not only impressive in terms of design and fit-and-finish, but it’s also very comfortable.
This is the highlight of the Landtrek package – the French newcomer has one of the most comfortable and aesthetically-pleasing cabins in its segment. Granted, the interior is dominated by harder plastics (the only soft-touch material is located on the door armrests), but it’s important to mention that the materials don’t look or feel cheap.
The fascia has a neat, sophisticated design that would not look out of place on a basic unibody SUV. Plus, not only is perceived build quality very good, but the standard specification sheet is nothing short of comprehensive. The electrically-adjusted (front) leather seats are well-bolstered (with lumbar support) and offer supreme levels of comfort – they are not too hard and not too soft, just perfect!
The thick-rimmed leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, which is similar to the one in the Peugeot 3008, is also very impressive. Sadly though, Peugeot’s latest i-Cockpit instrument cluster doesn’t feature in the Landtrek, but the sporty-looking analogue cluster with a central digital display does an adequate job of relaying vital information to the driver. Cruise control is standard but, unfortunately, adaptive cruise control is not offered.
The infotainment system’s layout is legible and easy to navigate.
The Peugeot’s 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been transplanted from the Peugeot 5008 and is equipped with integrated navigation, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The system’s menus are easy to navigate and we think it’s one of the better infotainment systems currently on offer in the bakkie market. There are three USB ports – two in the front of the cabin and one for rear passengers.
Safety features for the Landtrek include a total of 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control with traction control, brake assist, hill descent control, front and rear park distance control sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, trailer sway control and tyre-pressure monitoring.
Overall, the Landtrek’s cabin is well-equipped and will satisfy the needs of most buyers in this segment.
Price and after-sales support
The Peugeot Landtrek 1.9TD 4Action 4×4 is priced from R669 900 and is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km service plan. The Landrek 1.9TD Allure 4×2 is priced from R579 900.
If you are considering the GWM P-Series, the Peugeot Landtrek is a worthy alternative.
The Peugeot Landtrek both hits, and misses, the mark. While it scores highly in terms of kerb appeal, a smart interior execution and standard feature value, the Landtrek also lacks that little bit of extra punch that potential buyers (many of who will also be considering crossovers or medium SUVs) will be looking for at this price point. So where does that leave the French bakkie?
Well, a fairly solid case can be made for the Landtrek if you consider current trends and you’re honest about what you will usually be using the bakkie for. You see, many double-cabs are bought as status symbols that spend more time hopping pavements than going on off-road trips or doing serious workhorse chores. With that said, if you plan on towing boats, horse carts or caravans quite often, you might want to look elsewhere for a bakkie that has more power and torque to achieve those goals comfortably. But, if you just want an average-performing, good-looking double-cab with most of the features you could want at a fairly reasonable price point, then perhaps the Landtrek deserves a closer look.
The bakkie segment is a notoriously tough nut to crack, as many brands have found. Even so, relative success is not entirely impossible to achieve for the boldly-styled Peugeot, especially given the pricing bracket in which it finds itself.
The Landtrek is unlikely to steal many sales from the venerable Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, but it undoubtedly takes square aim at the GWM P-Series. We single out the P-Series because it also is a relatively new-to-the-market bakkie that trades on its handsome looks (as does the new Mazda BT-50, which is also a head-turner), but the GWM also offers particularly generous specification at the top end of its range. By offering exceptional value, the P-Series has managed to win over buyers who can’t quite afford top-end Hilux or Ranger derivatives… and its sales success has been nothing short of astounding. With the arrival of the Landtrek, buyers at this end of the market will have some more thinking to do…
Even in its base Allure 4×2 trim (R579 900), the Landtrek makes a strong buying proposition (if you don’t need 4×4 ability) thanks to its raft of stock features. However, there is an R85k (April 2022) price difference between the range-topping 4×4 derivatives of the Landtrek and P-Series and, while their standard specifications are well-matched, the latter does offer stronger engine outputs. As far as kerb appeal and interior execution are concerned, the Peugeot arguably pips the GWM, but those aspects are subjective – and probably not dealbreakers. It’s up to you to decide if those attributes justify the premium that the Landtrek 1.9TD 4Action 4×4 demands over the P-Series 2.0TD double cab LT 4×4.
Still, if you are looking at buying the P-Series then you should also have the Landtrek on your shortlist before making your final buying decision. The Landtrek may surprise you and, price-wise, there might even be some wriggle room.
