Ford Everest (2022) Launch Review

The all-new 3rd-generation Ford Everest has touched down in South Africa and we attended its local launch in Mpumalanga. With a big new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine – and an equally big price tag – the Blue Oval’s 7-seater adventure SUV has lofty ambitions. 

Watch or read our full review of the 2023 Ford Everest here

The Everest has been a solid performer in the bakkie-based Adventure SUV segment; Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCASA) has sold more than 26 000 units of the model, of which the outgoing version was produced locally. 

Now there’s an all-new model and it brings a significant number of updates and upgrades to the Everest family. It’s no longer assembled in the Republic, because FMCSA’s facility in Silverton is focused on producing the new Ranger (and next-generation VW Amarok). The South African market will get its 3rd-generation Everest units from Thailand and sadly, due to the semi-conductor shortage and the ongoing logistics/shipping challenges, stock shortages are expected.

Still, FMCSA is upbeat about its new offering and says the interest shown in, and orders taken for, the new Everest have been impressive. There’ll be a delay, however – one dealer we spoke to says it’ll only receive units in January 2023.

What’s on offer?


The new Everest in Sport (left) and Platinum (right) guises.

FMCSA will initially offer its new Everest in 2 flavours: Sport and Platinum. The two derivatives are separated mainly by engines and features, with the Sport powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder biturbo diesel motor that offers up 154 kW/500 Nm.

The Platinum, however, sees the debut of a new V6 turbodiesel (sourced from Ford’s F-Series range of pickups) with peak outputs of 184 kW and 600 Nm. Both powerplants are mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission.


The newcomer’s tail-lamp treatment would not look out of place on a North American SUV.

As far as generational changes go, the new Everest is bigger in all directions – length, width and height, and boasts a slightly longer wheelbase. For the benefit of 4×4 enthusiasts, the ground clearance of Ford’s 7-seater has gone up to 229 mm and the approach and departure angles have been increased slightly. Then you have those muscular looks; some would even suggest that the Everest’s been Americanised. We’re big fans of the C-shaped daytime running lights.

The Everest Sport makes do with a part-time 4×4 system that allows for shifting from 2H to 4H on the fly, while the Platinum has permanent all-wheel drive. Both derivatives offer an array of selectable off-road drive modes, hill descent control as well as an electronically-controlled rear differential lock.

What is it like to drive?


The Everest continues to offer impressive off-road capability.

We spent the vast majority of our evaluation drive behind the ‘wheel of the flagship Platinum derivative, but not before conducting a quick off-road test at a local fruit farm near Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) behind the tiller of the Sport. Here the systems were put to the test on a tricky little track that combined steep climbs and descents with some nasty little dongas and axle twisters in between. As expected (given its predecessors’ track records), the Everest didn’t break a sweat.

With the off-road excursion done and um, dusted, we jumped into the Platinum – the flagship of the range. Right now this is the pinnacle of the Everest line-up, but we understand that more derivatives are under consideration for our market.


The new Everest offers a resolved ride quality, although the ride is still a tad jiggly on uneven road surfaces.

Two things stood out about the new model’s Platinum derivative… Firstly, that new V6 engine is exactly what the Everest needed. Not only is it a deliciously smooth-running motor, but its ability to produce urgent overtaking acceleration is deeply impressive – revisions to the outgoing model’s 10-speed automatic ‘box certainly help in that regard. This powertrain will be a treat when it comes to towing and, for the record, the braked tow rating has been upped to 3.5 tonnes.

The engine never sounds strained when the throttle is wide open and its outright grunt makes it stand head and shoulders above any other powerplant in this segment. Impressively, and despite some spirited driving on some glorious Mpumalanga backroads around White River, our test unit indicated an average fuel economy figure of 11 L/100 km (which is to be expected, FMCSA’s claimed consumption figure for this derivative – 8.5 L/100 km – is rather optimistic).


The digital dashboard’s display is crisp and modern.

Secondly, the 3rd-generation Everest’s interior makes everything else in the segment look and feel remarkably old-school. There’s nothing analogue in the Ford cabin, which is equipped with a gorgeous digital instrument cluster and a large portrait-orientated infotainment screen. The latter is powered by the latest Ford SYNC4 user interface and while the system seemed a trifle confusing at the outset, we got the hang of it after a (relatively brief) period of familiarisation.

Ford says it has implemented improvements to the suspension, but as the Everest is a body-on-frame vehicle, its ride quality can still get a bit jiggly. It still shimmies on uneven tarred roads, but overall cushiness and comfort levels are high.


The portrait infotainment screen dominates the Everest’s fascia.

The newcomer’s noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels are impressively low, but we did discern some wind noise at the national speed limit, which we suspect was generated by the 7-seater SUV’s chunky side mirrors. We’ll have to wait for a new Everest test unit to arrive in Cape Town to confirm whether this is a major issue or not. It didn’t bother us; we drowned it out with the aural satisfaction provided by a premium audio system from B&O (it incorporates 12 speakers).

As far as standard features are concerned, the Everest Premium comes fully loaded with almost every conceivable gadget and gizmo, as well as a comprehensive semi-autonomous safety suite. There are numerous USB chargers dotted around the cabin, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats for the first two rows, as well as a 400W inverter, which allows rear passengers to charge a laptop, for example.

Click here for full specs and latest pricing of the new Everest


There are only two versions available: Sport (shown above) and Platinum.

Pricing & after-sales support (Sept 2022)

Everest Sport 2.0L BiT 4WD 10AT R965 400
Everest Platinum 3.0L V6 AWD 10ATR1 113 100

Included in the price is a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 4-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000 km or once a year, plus customers have the option of purchasing service or maintenance plans of up to 8 years or 135 000 km. The warranty can be extended up to 7 years or 200 000 km, while the roadside assistance can be extended for up to 2 years.


Ford has lofty ambitions for its 3rd-gen adventure SUV… In fact, the new Everest is said to have the Toyota Prado in its sights.

Summary

Given the array of technology offered in both the Sport and Platinum iterations of the new Everest, plus that range-topping muscular V6 diesel engine, Ford could be accused of being a bit cocky in suggesting that the new Everest is no longer a Toyota Fortuner rival, but a competitor to the Japanese giant’s 7-seater off-roader – the Prado.

The Toyota Prado is due for replacement and is priced on par with the Blue Oval’s new offering, but its cabin lacks the “loaded with tech” feel that the Everest offers in abundance. Perhaps there’s some validity in that claim after all…

Still, when it comes down to numbers, consumers won’t be too happy to hear that whereas the outgoing flagship Everest Limited came in at R877 300, the newcomer starts just under R1 million (for the Sport BiT 4WD version). That’s quite a hike, especially when you consider that South Africa’s perennial top seller in the Adventure SUV category – the admittedly long-serving and less tech-oriented Fortuner – tops out at R870 900 (September 2022).

On reflection, is the smarter-but-pricier 3rd-gen Ford Everest worth it? After our introductory drive, we’re certainly interested in the newcomer, but we’ve only had a small taste of what’s undoubtedly a highly-advanced SUV (that packs a wallop in flagship Platinum 3.0L V6 guise). It’s going to take us some time to master the new SYNC4 system, but the initial signs are very promising. We think Ford has succeeded in moving the goalposts of the Adventure SUV segment.

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Haval H6 Hybrid (2022) Launch Review

Haval’s onslaught on the SUV market has taken another step with the introduction of the brand’s first hybrid offering in South Africa – the H6 Hybrid. Might the H6 Hybrid be one of SA’s best-value vehicles on sale right now? We attended its local launch to find out.

Where does the Haval H6 Hybrid fit in?

Haval H6 Hybrid front
The H6 Hybrid addresses the major problem with the Haval range – iffy fuel economy.

The Haval H6 has been a runaway success for Great Wall Motor’s SUV brand. The Chinese brand’s family car/medium SUV seems to offer a lot of what buyers want in this segment: a fresh design, practicality, modern tech and, above all, a decent asking price when all things are added up.

The H6 Hybrid addresses one of the major issues the model lineup has had since its introduction – less-than-excellent fuel economy. Drivetrain efficiency has been the issue that’s most often raised by H6 owners and those who have test driven the H6 (and Jolion). The new range-topping derivative is purported to use about half the fuel of a regular H6 derivative, while not costing all that much more than the top-end non-hybrid version.

The H6 Hybrid also introduces a new Ultra Luxury specification that sits atop the lineup – above the previous best Super Luxury.

What’s the H6 Hybrid like to drive?

Haval H6 Hybrid rear
The best of both worlds – performance AND efficiency.

Toyota has been the go-to brand when it comes to hybrids in the South African new-vehicle market and we’ve become accustomed to hearing that the Aichi-based brand’s hybrid engines have been tuned for efficiency and that’s why they don’t produce more power than their pure ICE (internal combustion engine) siblings… despite having a battery pack and an electric motor on board. The H6 Hybrid, by contrast, combines a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine with an electric motor to produce a combined power output of 179 kW and 530 Nm of torque (at least that’s what Haval claims). That’s crazy considering this is an “average” family SUV.

After spending an afternoon driving the H6 Hybrid I can tell you the newcomer produces excellent overtaking acceleration and that there’s plenty of “get up and go” when you summon it with a firm prod of the accelerator pedal, but it’s difficult to say it felt like 500 Nm of shove, even in Sport mode. That said, it still felt plentiful and considering the derivative’s price point and rival in the segment – the RAV4 Hybrid E-Four, it certainly has the strongest powertrain.

The newcomer’s transmission is quite clever too. The H6 Hybrid uses a 2-speed direct-drive gearbox that I couldn’t find fault with. It’s quiet, and smooth and seems to avoid that annoying elastic feeling that rivals’ CVTs exhibit.

And what about that all-important fuel economy figure? Haval claims its H6 Hybrid uses just 5.2 L/100 km and during our 250-km trip (comprising rural roads and a bit of JHB N1 highway driving), we averaged 6.7 L/100 km. That represents a vast improvement on the 10 L/100 km-plus that users have been achieving in petrol-only versions of the H6.

What is Ultra Luxury spec?

Haval H6 Hybrid infotainment
Fit-and-finish is excellent and the specification on the Super Luxury has everything you’ll ever need.

Ultra Luxury may sound like it incorporates many more features than the Super Luxury grade, but the only notable addition is a self-parking feature. It still features an incredibly well-equipped specification that includes every conceivable safety feature and autonomous-driving function that you’d struggle to find in cars in the R1-million bracket.

The only feature I could detect that was missing was wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The feature is still available on the H6 Hybrid, you just have to have your phone plugged in via a cable.

Check out the list of features and specs on the H6 Hybrid here

Anything not to like?

Haval H6 Hybrid infotainment
The infotainment screen houses all of the onboard functions, but it takes a lot of getting used to.

It’s hard not to recommend the H6 Hybrid considering the sheer value it offers at a competitive price point. I do think that its ride quality isn’t quite up there with those of rival models from Toyota, Volkswagen and the Korean brands (Hyundai and Kia) – at least not yet. The H6 flagship’s ride can be a bit firm over harsh bumps and isn’t as composed as those aforementioned competitors when it comes to traversing dirt roads. However, most modern buyers aren’t likely to find that a deal breaker, unless they take the time to extensively test drive all of Haval’s competitors. Besides, the attractive price and specification of the H6 (hybrid and ICE versions) remain rather compelling value propositions.

I also find the infotainment system to be less user-friendly than most touchscreen setups. It requires a lot of button presses to access often-used settings and the menu descriptions don’t always make it immediately clear what each of the settings is supposed to do. The hardware also dings and beeps a lot until you’ve got all the settings to a state where most of the alerts are converted into haptic vibrations or simple alerts on the instrument cluster.

We compare the RAV4 Hybrid with the H6 Hybrid

Pricing and after-sales

At an all-inclusive price of R669 950 (October 2022), the H6 Hybrid offers near-unbeatable value for money. A 5-year/100 000 km warranty, 5-year/60 000 km service plan and 8-year/150 000 km battery warranty are included.

Summary

Haval H6 Hybrid final
The H6 Hybrid offers a lot of car for the money; expect it to sell very well locally.

The Haval H6 Hybrid solves the fuel economy issue that has been bothering H6 owners and will appeal to those looking to reduce consumption and running costs (provided they can afford a R670k vehicle). The H6 Hybrid Super Luxury comes stacked with all the tech and features you may ever need at a very competitive price. The engine and transmission combine excellently and provide a smooth, powerful and fuel-efficient experience that will undoubtedly trouble the competition.

It’s not perfect though – there are a few gimmicks within the H6 Hybrid’s onboard systems that require some familiarisation and the ride quality could also be improved in order to really put the sword to the competition. However, even with those faults, it’s still an excellent buy at the moment for those looking to get the most value out of their hard-earned Rands.

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Toyota RAV4 vs Haval H6: Which is the better hybrid?

Watch our Toyota RAV4 Hybrid E-Four video review

DBN GOGO on why she bought her car, her favourite car for gigs, and SA Car Culture


DBN GOGO is arguably South Africa’s hottest DJ right now, selling out gigs across Mzansi with her unique take on the cultural phenomenon that is Amapiano.

This proudly South African genre of dance music has become the soundtrack of young South Africa, and DBN GOGO is at the forefront of the movement.

We were honoured to have her join us in the Cars.co.za Car Culture studio for Episode 3 of the first season of this series.

In this video, DBN GOGO shares her views of car culture in South Africa and discusses the various vehicles (including taxis and cabriolets) that feature prominently in South African music videos.

She also chats about when and why she started liking cars, what cars her parents drove and why she drives a BMW 1 Series – and chose a BMW 128ti over an M135i xDrive!

Why does she prefer a Hyundai H1 when she needs to get to gigs with her crew (not a Mercedes-Benz V-Class) and what’s her explanation for liking Range Rovers?

Find out in Episode 3! if you missed the first two instalments, check out Episode 1, featuring our very own Ciro De Siena and Episode 2, starring 947 DJ Chrizz Beatz.

And, coming up in the next episode of our Car Culture series: DJ Speedsta. Don’t miss it.

Watch our review of the New Range Rover.

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Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition (2022) Price Announced

The German brand has announced a package for its SUV range. Meet the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition and we’ll be driving it this week!

The Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition has been confirmed for South Africa and will be touching down in the third quarter of 2022.

The Platinum Edition adds a number of upgrades to the Cayenne range. Visually, the intakes, badges and 21-inch alloy wheels are finished in Satin Platinum. It gets specific badges, black sport tailpipes, high-gloss black window trim and the special RS Spyder Design wheels.

The cabin of the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition gets chalk-coloured seatbelts, special aluminium trim, and Platinum Edition door sill guards.

Porsche has also added in a Bose Surround Sound system, 8-way adjustable seats, panoramic roof, and LED headlights.

The announcement of the Platinum Edition is usually an indication that the current generation is on its way out and a refreshed/facelifted model is due for a reveal.

How much does the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition cost in South Africa?

The Platinum Edition has been made available for both the Cayenne and the Cayenne Coupe. The below prices include a 3-year Driveplan. A 5-year Driveplan is also available.

Cayenne R1 740 000
Cayenne S R1 892 000
Cayenne E-Hybrid R2 207 000

Cayenne Coupe R1 760 000
Cayenne S Coupe R1 912 000

Further Reading

Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is the world’s fastest SUV

Porsche Macan launch review

Toyota RAV4 vs Haval H6: Which is the better hybrid?


The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is one of South Africa’s best buys, but it now has fresh competition in the shape of the Haval H6 Hybrid. How do these petrol-electric rivals match up?

Toyota’s RAV4 is a stealthy overachiever. Arguably the original crossover/SUV, the RAV4 dominates global sales in its class – and often, overall. Last year, it was the world’s best-selling vehicle.

Product planners at Toyota clearly know what most global buyers want: a mid-sized (family) SUV with some adventure travel ability and mild powertrain hybridisation.


 Hot hatch overtaking performance and compact car petrol consumption. The win/win of a hybrid drivetrain.

In the local context, there is a solid argument to be made that Toyota’s RAV4 hybrid is probably South Africa’s best family vehicle. Its dimensions are more manageable for city driving than most rugged SUVs, like the Fortuner, which is a 7-seater, bakkie-based Adventure SUV. The refinement of its shared Corolla platform makes the RAV4 a lot less fatiguing to drive than any ladder-frame type SUV.

Best of all is that hybrid powertrain. Toyota’s been building mild hybrid vehicles for a long time. Prius was available in the local market way before the concept of “new energy” vehicles escaped a creative agency meeting room, and entered the voice of marketing jargon.

Watch our Toyota RAV4 Hybrid E-Four video review

The car changing hybrid perceptions in SA


 Unofficially, this is probably the best family vehicle you can own in South Africa.

Many South Africans still class hybrids in the stereotype of Prius: slow, weird-looking, light on fuel and easily ruined with prolonged use on dirt roads. But RAV4 Hybrid is only one of those things: it’s frugal, not slow (at all) and doesn’t look strange (but for some blue graphics). And like any RAV4, it’s entirely capable of journeying thousands of kilometres on South Africa’s rural dirt roads.

The RAV4 Hybrid offers a fantastic driving experience, completely unrelated to its statistics. The power system output numbers aren’t shy, with Toyota’s petrol-electric family SUV making the kind of power you’d expect from a hot hatch. But the driving appeal is how the RAV4’s hybrid’s power becomes available exactly when needed – at peak throttle.

The electric energy that flows into acceleration with a hybrid system is there when you need it for executing overtaking manoeuvres. But it doesn’t create a fuel consumption burden when cruising. That’s the issue with any pure petrol or diesel engine – it’s great having the overtaking performance of a potent 2.0-litre turbopetrol or -diesel, but you pay for its unused latency with marginally higher fuel consumption.

Meet the Chinese ‘RAV4 Hybrid’


 The H6 Hybrid looks good and rides on a truly global-standard vehicle architecture – from GWM.

But what if you could have most of what makes the RAV4 Hybrid great, but with a marginally higher power output – and that’s just for starters? Well, that’s exactly what the new, range-topping Haval H6 HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) offers. Keen to harvest the moment and resurgent brand adoption that South Africans have shown towards Haval’s latest products, the H6 Hybrid has a terrifically convincing specification. In theory.

Its platform is proven. The H6 Hybrid is built on the ironically named, but very advanced, GWM L.E.M.O.N. architecture. That means no crashing ride-quality or awkward body roll that older-generation Chinese vehicles were infamous for. As a given for any current-generation Haval model, the cabin architecture is tidy and materials anything but cheap and nasty.


 The Haval H6 Hybrid’s engine produces 113 kW/223 Nm, while its electric motor makes 139 kW/300 Nm.

But, for the (battery-assisted) thrust of this article, let’s compare the balance of performance and fuel consumption that Toyota and Haval’s petrol-electric medium (family) SUVs offer.

Hybridised powertrains are complex, and Toyota has a particular methodology of stating total system outputs, which are often lower than cumulative petrol and electric motor power ratings. The RAV4 Hybrid’s petrol engine is good for 131 kW, with its electric motor spinning 88 kW of power. But combined, it only has a total power output of 163 kW (no combined torque figure is stated). Haval’s H6 Hybrid? It’s claimed to produce a total system output of 179 kW and 530 Nm.

The H6 Hybrid is more powerful than Toyota’s new-energy drivetrain RAV4, but analyse the technical specifications with more scrutiny, and an interesting detail emerges. One that could influence fuel efficiency and long-term ownership cost.


 Befitting a top-of-the-range derivative, the H6 Hybrid comes fitted with a digital instrument cluster.

The Haval H6 Hybrid utilises a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which is much smaller than the RAV4 Hybrid’s naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder powerplant. Why does that matter if both vehicles have battery packs and electric motors, the latter of which provide the smoothing element of electric power?

Well, hybrid drivetrains are complicated. Marrying internal combustion power and electric energy requires precise software and powertrain calibration. And it is much easier to achieve that balance and provide a smooth hybrid drivetrain experience when the petrol engine component is naturally-aspirated, instead of turbocharged.

Despite dramatic improvements in all aspects of Chinese vehicle technology, design and build quality, engines remain an issue. They aren’t as powerful or efficient, for a given capacity and configuration, compared to the leading engines produced by American, European, Korean and Japanese car manufacturers.

Fuel costs versus battery life


 RAV4 offers great range and cruising performance, without the long-term maintenance fragility of turbocharging.

Although it has a smaller petrol engine element as part of its hybrid system, Haval’s new-energy H6 may potentially be heavier on fuel than its RAV4 equivalent – and that’s despite the fact that the capacity of Toyota’s petrol engine is 66% larger. Why? Haval’s H6 Hybrid will be on-boost most of the time and its claimed consumption is 5.2 L/100 km, which is a bit higher than RAV4 Hybrid’s 4.8 L/100 km.

The fuel costs should be to Toyota’s advantage. But what about long-term ownership risk, concerning batteries? An issue which has traditionally created resistance to broader hybrid vehicle adoption domestically.

South Africans need to start cultivating an awareness of battery quality as a powertrain feature of excellence. And although a deep dive into the respective hybrid batteries of the RAV4 and H6 derivatives isn’t possible, China is a global leader in battery production. As such, the turbopetrol part of an H6 Hybrid’s drivetrain might be average, but its battery quality is likely to be class-leading.

Value is a given with the H6 Hybrid


 The Toyota RAV4’s interior exemplifies fine build quality, even though it’s not quite as stylish as that of the H6 Hybrid.

And what about the value equation? Assertive market positioning has been a feature of Haval’s South African product strategy and the H6 Hybrid is no exception. With a list price of R669 950, the Haval H6 Hybrid offers many more standard features than the slightly more affordable RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX-R E-Four (R663 400, September 2022), but holds a significant price advantage over the Japanese brand’s range-topping 2.5 Hybrid VX E-Four derivative (R744 900).

For context, the flagship Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid VX E-Four comes equipped with automatically activated LED headlamps with auto high beam, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated and folding side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, digital rear-view mirror, semi-digital instrument cluster, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system with departure warning and lane-trace assist, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging pad, electric adjustable front seats (with heating function), partial leather upholstery, front and rear PDC, plus an electric tailgate. Those are by no means all of the derivative’s features, but the most prominent ones.


 The H6 Hybrid comes fully loaded, plus it offers 20 litres more luggage space than the RAV4, Haval claims.

The H6 Hybrid, which costs about R75k less than the top-spec RAV4 Hybrid (September 2022), may have synthetic leather trim and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, but it offers the rest of the features mentioned above. What’s more, it comes with 19-inch alloys, a fully-digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, as well as automatic parking with reverse memory assistance, to name just a few additions.

See also: Haval H6 Hybrid (2022) Specs & Price

Toyota’s service plan for the RAV4 Hybrid (6 services/90 000 km) bests Haval’s 5-year/60 000 km offering for the H6 Hybrid, but the Chinese brand’s general warranty is valid for longer (5 years/100 000 km versus 3 years/100 000 km). Both manufacturers offer good hybrid-battery warranties (8 years/195 000 km for the Toyota and 8 years/150 000 km for the Haval).

The arrival of another petrol-electric medium (family) SUV offering – if at the upper end of the segment – could see many more South Africans embracing “new-energy” vehicle ownership. For Haval, the hybrid-drivetrain H6 narrows an advantage in one area where legacy brands, like Toyota, have traditionally held the ascendancy over GWM – advanced internal combustion engine technology. A hybrid derivative of the Jolion small crossover is also in the pipeline.

We will publish a full spec-versus-spec comparison between the range-topping petrol-electric RAV4 and H6 derivatives, as well as a full review of the latter, soon.

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Ford Everest (2022) Specs & Pricing

The all-new Ford Everest has touched down in South Africa. Here’s what you can expect to pay, plus the specifications and engine details. 

The bakkie-based 7-seater segment gets a new challenger, in the form of the brand-new Ford Everest which brings a new flagship V6 engine, more comfort and more features than ever before. The Ford Everest will be taking on players like the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Haval H9.
Read or watch our full review of the 2023 Everest here

“The Next-Gen Everest has been designed with one thing in mind, and that’s our customers,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa. “Everest owners are people who like adventure, recreation and being able to go out with family and friends. Whether they’re conquering sand, rocky paths or city life, these customers appreciate the utility, capability and spaciousness of an SUV, and this is where the Next-Gen Everest excels by being tough on the outside, while providing a sanctuary on the inside matched to amazing capability underneath.”

However, Ford SA has said that supply of the new Everest will be limited due to current global issues. “We are already seeing a high demand around the world for Next-Gen Everest, and we are confident that this new model will live up to expectations for all those who have reserved a vehicle.

However, global supply chain challenges, including shipping logistics, are causing extended wait times across the industry,” says Neale Hill, President, Ford Motor Company Africa Region. “Our local and global teams are working around the clock to get vehicles to dealers and customers as soon as possible,” concludes Hill.

What’s on offer?

There will be two levels of trim from launch: Everest Sport and Everest Platinum. Customers will be able to choose from either a 2.0-litre BiTurbo diesel engine or a brand-new 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel. Both vehicles feature a 10-speed automatic transmission.

In the Sport, the vehicle features an electronic shift-on-the-fly part-time four wheel drive system, while the Platinum has permanent all-wheel drive. The 2.0 has outputs of 154 kW and 500 Nm, while the 3.0 packs 184 kW and 600 Nm.

Both the Sport and Platinum models are equipped with Ford’s Lane Keeping System, which includes Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, along with Road Edge Detection and Driver Warning. Pre-Collision Assist with Dynamic Brake Support, Forward Collision Warning, Automated Emergency Braking and Reverse Brake Assist further up the arsenal of innovative safety features. Additionally, the Platinum gains Distance Alert and Indication, Evasive Steer Assist and Intersection functionality.

Ford has prioritised flexible seating in the Next-Gen Everest; the second-row slides with a 60:40 split seatback, and the 50:50 split third row in the seven-seater configuration can be folded at the touch of a button on the Platinum series.

Everest Sport

  • 8-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 12-inch portrait infotainment screen
  • Ford SYNC4A 
  • Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
  • Factory-fitted modem
  • FordPass connectivity

Everest Platinum

  • Integrated wireless charging
  • 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 12-inch portrait infotainment screen
  • Ford SYNC4A 
  • Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
  • Factory-fitted modem
  • FordPass connectivity
  • Electric parking brakes
  • Leather-trimmed gear shifter
  • Heated/ventilated 10-way adjustable front seats with memory function
  • Second row seat  heating
  • Power outlets for all three rows
  • Windscreen mounted USB charging port
  • Type A, Type C USB ports in front and centre consoles
  • 12-Volt sockets
  • 400-Watt inverter
  • 360-degree camera

Offroad Ability?

The new Ford Everest comes armed with advanced offroad tech. The Sport derivative features its electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system with 2High, 4High and 4Low. The Platinum makes use of a permanent 4-wheel drive system. Both models can wade in up to 800 mm of water and tow up to 3 500 kg (which is 400 kg more than the predecessor). Ford says there’s enough space in the Everest Sport’s bay to accomodate a 2nd battery for aftermarket accessories. 

There are 6 offroad drive modes on offer; Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, and Sand. Ford is also offering an electronic rear differential lock, and hill-descent control.

The selectable drive modes dovetail into the raft of other technologies designed to enhance capability, such as the electronic rear differential lock which can be activated via the dedicated SYNC off-road screen, Hill Descent Control, and the front camera view with steering overlays which displays on the large-format infotainment screen.

How much does the new Ford Everest cost in South Africa?

Everest Sport 2.0L BiT 4WD 10AT                R965 400

Everest Platinum 3.0L V6 AWD 10AT           R1 113 100

Included in the price is a 4-year/120 000km warranty, 4-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and 5-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, plus customers have the option of purchasing service or maintenance plans up to eight years or 135 000km. The warranty can be extended up to seven years or 200 000km, while the roadside assistance can be extended for an additional one or two years.

Want to buy a new or used Ford? Browse stock now

Haval H6 Hybrid (2022) Specs & Price

The Haval H6 Hybrid has been launched in South Africa. Here’s how much it costs, plus what you get for your money. 

The popular Haval H6 family car (medium SUV) range has been bolstered by the addition of a top-of-the-range hybrid derivative. The H6 Hybrid eschews its siblings’ 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine in favour of a smaller 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol unit, which is mated with an electric motor and a self-charging hybrid battery. 

Read our launch review and economy test here

Total outputs of 179 kW and 530 Nm are claimed, with all that shove driving the front wheels via an automatic transmission. Being a petrol-electric hybrid, the economy figure should be impressive, with Haval claiming just 5.2 L/100 km for the combined cycle. You can spot the newcomer by virtue of its revised grille and subtle HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) badge on the tailgate. 

There’s just one derivative available and as it’s a flagship model, it comes with almost every conceivable feature and option. 

Haval will be positioning its new H6 Hybrid against the Toyota RAV4 2.5 E-Four, which is priced from R663 400.

Standard features on the H6 Hybrid

Wireless charger
Panoramic sunroof
Digital instrument cluster
Infotainment touchscreen
Bluetooth/Apple Carplay/Android Auto
Voice control
USB ports (front/rear/dashcam)
Drive modes (Normal/Eco/Sport/Snow)
360-degree parking camera
Automatic parking
Safety suite (Front Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist/Blind Spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition)
Hill Descent Control
Head-up display
Steering wheel heating
Heated/Ventilated seats for front seats
Dual-zone climate control
Powered tailgate
Synthetic leather trim
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
19-inch alloy wheels

How much does the new Haval H6 Hybrid cost in South Africa?

The H6 Hybrid is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty, 5-year/60 000 km service plan and a further 8-year/150 000 km battery warranty.

Haval H6 Hybrid Ultra LuxuryR669 950

Want to buy a new or used Haval? Start your search here.

Related content:

Toyota RAV4 vs Haval H6: Which is the better hybrid?

Watch our Toyota RAV4 Hybrid E-Four video review

405 kW BMW M4 CSL Coming to SA in Limited Numbers 

The highly-anticipated BMW M4 CSL has arrived to celebrate 50 years of M and BMW says the model “blends old-school racing passion with innovative technology to create an inimitable performance experience.” 

BMW’s M performance division celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and what a better way to kick off the celebrations than with a new, scintillating special-edition M4 CSL! 

The M4 CSL will retain exclusivity with a limited production of just 1 000 units with only 15 units destined to reach South Africa, priced at R3 570 038. The model will be produced as of July 2022 at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. 

BMW M4 CSL is Powerful, Light and Fast!

BMW M4 CSL
The expressive face of the new BMW M4 CSL. Do you like the detailing? 

This hardcore M4 CSL shares its genes with the BMW M4 GT3 and is powered by a high-revving, twin-turbocharged in-line 6-cylinder 3.0-litre engine that produces 405 kW (30 kW more than the M4 Competition) at a heady 6 250 rpm with 650 Nm of torque unleashed between 2 750 and 5 950 rpm. Power is channelled to the rear wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission and BMW claims a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 3.7 seconds and just 10.7 seconds to reach 200 kph. Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers are standard as is the M Traction Control which allows the driver to decide where to set the traction limit with 1-5 allowing for controlled drifting and 6-10 accounting for surface conditions and tyre temperatures to maximise traction and directional stability.  

The BMW M4 CSL has proven its performance at the famous Nurburgring or “Green Hell” where it posted the fastest lap times ever for a series-production BMW with a time of 7:20.207.

The M4 CSL’s staggering performance is, in part, made possible due to its low weight and it boasts a kerb weight of 1 625 kg with a power-to-weight ratio of 4.01 kg/kW. The M4 CSL has shed up to 100kg in weight and sits some 8mm lower than the M4 Competition Coupe.

BMW M4 CSL interior
The interior is performance-focused but still offers the necessary technology to make the M4 CSL useable on the road. 

A number of weight saving strategies were employed to keep weight down in an effort to maximise performance. Some of these include the fitment of M Carbon bucket seats which shed 24 kg over the standard seats fitted in the M4 Competition Coupe and the removal of the back seats (saving 21 kg). By using light-alloy wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear), springs and struts as well as lightweight M Carbon ceramic brakes, engineers managed to shave a further 21 kg! Using less soundproofing and employing lightweight sound insulation shed another 15 kg while the use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components reduces overall weight by a further 11 kg. The rear titanium exhaust silencer saves 4 kg as well as enhancements to the grille, rear lights, floor mats and climate control. 

All of these changes have resulted in a lean and mean machine that is the new BMW M4 CSL.

BMW M4 CSL drift
Traction can be dialled in using M Traction Control depending on what the driver wants to achieve.  

As far as styling is concerned, the BMW M4 CSL will be offered in either Frozen Brooklyn Grey metallic, Alpine White solid or Sapphire Black metallic as standard and these colours are complemented with exposed carbon-fibre surfaces and red accents to highlight the sportiness of the model. BMW Laserlight headlights are standard and they illuminate in yellow when unlocking the doors, similar to BMW GT racing cars. The BMW M4 CSL also features a unique rear lighting signature with LED taillights that feature intricate light threads woven into the glass covers which are illuminated with laser technology.  

Notable interior features include an M Alcantara steering wheel with 2 customisable M buttons, carbon-fibre interior trim strips, an anthracite-cloured headliner, Merino leather upholstery and 2 helmet storage units in the rear compartment. 

The driver also benefits from a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25 inch infotainment display featuring BMW Maps (navigation), BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, smartphone integration, wireless smartphone charging and a WiFi interface. 

More so, an M4 CSL Hommage model is also expected to be revealed soon… Hang onto your hat!

BMW M4 CSL Price in South Africa

BMW M4 CSL        R3 570 038

Buy a BMW M4 on Cars.co.za 

Related Content 

Curved Display Coming to More BMW Models

Future of BMW’s Small FWD Models ‘Under Review’

New BMW XM: Peak Outputs Revealed

BMW M4 CSL to spawn limited-edition Hommage model

New BMW 7 Series and Electric i7 Revealed 

BMW X7 Gets Updated Look & Tech 

Mitsubishi Triton Heritage Edition (2022) Specs & Price

Mitsubishi has unveiled a new Triton Heritage Edition model for the South African market, with the purchase price including a number of “exclusive experiences”. Here’s how much it costs…

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has added a Heritage Edition model to its Triton range to celebrate what it describes as the brand’s “long and distinguished heritage” in the country.

Fittingly joining the line-up (which recently gained a new GL trim level and a single-cab body style) just before South Africa celebrates Heritage Day, the limited-edition derivative is based on the Triton 2.4L DI-D double cab 4×4 AT. Just 50 units will be available, with each priced at R719 990 (thus commanding a R40 000 premium over the model on which it’s based).

The Japanese firm’s local distributor claims the purchase price “also includes a number of exclusive experiences”, which we’ll touch on below. First, though, let’s take a look at what makes a Triton Heritage Edition.

A closer look at the new Triton Heritage Edition model

Mitsubishi Triton Heritage Edition

The additions to the special-edition bakkie are subtle, mostly comprising a handful of black trim pieces. For instance, the lower scuff plate, grille and wheel-arch cladding are finished in black, as are the roof bars. The front fenders, meanwhile, are furnished with numbered Heritage badges. Other upgrades include the standard fitment of a tow bar, along with rubberising for the load bay, which also gains a black Keko sports bar and a black tonneau cover.

Inside, it seems the only change is the addition of a numbered plaque. Of course, since the Heritage Edition is based on a high trim level, standard features include items such as dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery and an electrically adjustable driver seat.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find Mitsubishi’s familiar 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which sends an unchanged 133 kW and 430 Nm to all four corners via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

What else do you score with a Triton Heritage Edition?

Mitsubishi Triton Heritage Edition

Mitsubishi Motors SA claims the combined “accessory and experiential upgrades” for Triton Heritage Edition come to a value of R70 000. This includes a bespoke gift box (incorporating the vehicle’s limited-edition number) with space for the two keys and a “host of experiential benefits”.

There’s the opportunity to join a 4×4 club, including an activity to help owners get to know their vehicle under the guidance of instructors. Buyers will also “gain access to an exclusive and specially curated off-roading experience trip”, designed to “showcase the beauty and heritage of South Africa”.

The gift box furthermore contains a Heritage Edition card that will provide access to a “bespoke Heritage Edition portal”, where owners will be treated to “VIP customer support”. The online portal will give Triton Heritage customers direct access to a trained Mitsubishi Motors specialist, who will offer aftersales support, concierge services (such as personalised service bookings), service plan extensions and “many more personalised experiences”.

Separately, Mitsubishi Motors SA also announced a range of Ralliart accessories (for the Triton and other vehicles) will be available locally in the “coming months”.

How much does the Mitsubishi Triton cost in South Africa?

Triton 2.4L DI-D single cab GL 4×2 – R409 995

Triton 2.4L DI-D double cab GL 4×2 – R484 990

Triton 2.4L DI-D double cab 4×2 – R599 990

Triton 2.4L DI-D double cab 4×2 AT – R619 990

Triton 2.4L DI-D double cab 4×4 – R659 990

Triton 2.4L DI-D double cab 4×4 AT – R679 990

Triton 2.4L DI-D double cab Heritage Edition 4×4 AT – R719 990

Triton 2.4L DI-D double cab Xtreme 4×4 AT – R748 990

All Triton models are covered by Mitsubishi’s 3-year/100 00 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 10 000 km).

Related content

Double-cab 4×4 bakkie Buyer’s Guide (2022)

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: August 2022

10 vehicles quietly killed off in SA in 2022 so far

Jeep Grand Cherokee L (2022) Review

New Jeep introductions are few and far between and, when it’s a long-awaited replacement for a previously popular model, expectations are high. How does the all-new Grand Cherokee L fare?

We like: Spaciousness, luxury, ride comfort, standard features, perceived quality

We don’t like: Fuel thirst, not quite as good off-road as a Jeep should be, intrusive warning signals, ergonomics

FAST FACTS

  • Model: Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.6 V6 4×4 Overland
  • Price: R1 479 900 (before options)
  • Engine: 3.6-Litre, V6, petrol
  • Power/Torque: 210 kW/344 Nm
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Fuel consumption: 10.6 L/100 km (claimed)
  • Luggage/Utility space: 487 L (7-seat config.), 1 328 L (5-seat config.), 2 396 L (2nd/3rd row folded down)

Serious about buying/selling?

Some Jeep dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials!

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Search for a new or used Jeep


The new Jeep Grand Cherokee debuts in South Africa in long-wheelbase guise.

Where does the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L fit in?

The 4th generation of Jeep’s venerable Grand Cherokee was initially a popular choice in the South African premium SUV market because it offered a good mix of luxury and true off-road ability. Of course, the market has moved on considerably since that model was introduced in 2011, which is why this 5th-generation Grand Cherokee’s arrival feels so long overdue. It is, however, a significantly different proposition from its predecessor in many respects. 

At the moment, it is only offered in long-wheelbase “L” specification, with 7- or 8-seater configurations available, depending on your preferred specification. This particular 3.6 V6 4×4 Overland is a 7-seater. Five-seat derivatives may become available at a later stage. For now, there is also only 1 engine in the line-up – a 3.6-litre V6 petrol, with the lack of a turbodiesel option attributed to poor local fuel quality. 

With a price tag of around R1.5 million, the Grand Cherokee L has clearly moved upmarket significantly and is chasing hallowed scalps, such as those of the Land Rover Discovery and Toyota Land Cruiser 300, to name but two examples. 

Ultimately, Jeep’s goal with this new Grand Cherokee L has been to move into the premium segment with increased sophistication and luxury, without sacrificing too much of the rugged appeal that Jeeps have always offered. Let’s see whether the American brand has been successful.

Compare specs and prices of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.6 V6 4×4 Overland, Land Rover Discovery P360S and Toyota Land Cruiser 300 3.3D ZX

How the Jeep Grand Cherokee L fares in terms of…


The Grand Cherokee L is a “big unit” and based on the platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Maserati Grecale.

Design and Packaging

When the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L arrived at our offices for testing, the entire team ventured outside for a closer look. This was partly due to the fact that a new Jeep is quite a rarity, and because it looks so imposing. This is a very large vehicle indeed…

Although based on underpinnings related to the rear-wheel drive Giorgio platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Maserati Grecale, the latest Jeep is much bigger than its Italian cousins. It is 5.2m long, 2.1m wide and 1.8m tall (in its standard ride setting). The wheelbase is lengthy too, at 3 091 mm, which is longer than those of the aforementioned Discovery and Land Cruiser 300. 

Despite its ginormous size and some nice detailing in the LED head- and tail lamps, as well as a “chromed” upright grille, we would venture to say that the Grand Cherokee L is not the flashiest of large SUVs on the market. This might be a good thing for some (who don’t want to seem too ostentatious in austere times), while others may want to opt for the pricier Summit Reserve variant, which has a more muscular appearance (the “If you got it, flaunt it” brigade). 


The Grand Cherokee L’s cabin is awash with technology and creature comforts. 

Slide inside and you’ll find what is probably the best Jeep cabin ever. Firstly, the finishes are more than worthy of the premium SUV segment and there’s a sturdy feel to all the fittings. It is also very obvious – from the outset – that this Overland is equipped with a veritable smorgasbord of toys (more about that a little later). Fronting the driver is a digital instrument cluster that can be adjusted to display information in a variety of layouts. The fascia is dominated by an impressive-looking, high-resolution 10.1-inch touchscreen that is integral to the Uconnect 5 system. Of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is included (wireless), but the built-in Uconnect system is pretty intuitive and slick in itself. 

A quirky feature that inevitably becomes a talking point whenever someone enters the Jeep’s cabin for the first time, is the screen in front of the front passenger. Designed in such a way so as to not be visible (and therefore distracting) to the driver, it gives the front passenger access to navigation info, camera views and visual entertainment. 


Friends and family members may squabble over the privilege of occupying the front passenger seat. 

We’ll delve into all the features a bit later, but core to the Grand Cherokee L’s family appeal is its packaging and all-around spaciousness. This is a genuine 7-seater – even the 2 rearmost seats are capable of accommodating adults in relative comfort. Jeep’s designers have also come up with some simple and clever solutions to gaining access to those pews, so you don’t have to strain any muscles or contort yourself into koeksister to get into the back. In fact, when standing behind the car and with the tailgate open, you can drop down the 2nd- or 3rd-row seats at the push of a button. 

What impressed us most was that even when all 7 of the Grand Cherokee L’s seats were occupied, (a very useful) 487 litres of luggage space was available. We undertook a lengthy road trip with a full complement of passengers (as well as their luggage) on board and all of those occupants were extremely complimentary about their comfort levels. Those in the 2nd row have their own climate control system, as well as numerous USB charging points (2x USB-B, 2x USB-C) and a 230V power outlet. In fact, even those in the 3rd row are availed USB ports (USB-B as well as USB-C for BOTH rearmost passengers). So, to put it simply, the Grand Cherokee L makes for a wonderful long-distance family car.


The naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine needs to work hard to propel the large Jeep, to the detriment of fuel consumption.

Performance and Efficiency

The Grand Cherokee L is offered locally exclusively with a naturally aspirated (non-turbocharged) 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine; Jeep’s oil-burning engines can’t handle our 50ppm diesel, unfortunately. The engine delivers 210 kW and 344 Nm, but both its power and torque outputs are bested by those of the Land Rover (turbopetrol) and Toyota (turbodiesel). It’s also worth noting that the torque is developed quite high in the rev range (at 4 000 rpm). 

The engine is coupled with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission that does well to hide the dearth of low-down power, but it often needs to click down two, three or even four gears to achieve the necessary oomph to execute brisk overtaking manoeuvres, especially with a full complement of occupants – and their luggage – on board. Remember, this is a 2.2-tonne-plus machine! On the plus side, the engine does emit a nice snarl at high revs…


The infotainment system includes a number of vehicle dynamics-related displays and avenues to alter suspension and terrain settings.

Jeep claims an average fuel consumption of 10.6 L/100 km, but we couldn’t achieve anything near that figure. Around town, we averaged around 14.5 L/100 km and out on the open road, when cruising at the national speed limit and with all seats taken, we got the figure down to around 13.8 L/100 km. So, prepare to spend quite a lot of time (and cash) at the pumps. At the current fuel price (22 September 2022), it will cost around R2 000 to fill the 87-litre tank (yikes!).

If you are going to tow trailers regularly (and you’re planning to tow something rather hefty), you may also want to have a close look at the Grand Cherokee L’s tow rating. At a rated tow capacity (braked) of 2 813 kg, the Jeep is beaten comfortably by the Discovery and Land Cruiser 300, both of which offer tow ratings of 3 500 kg. For the record, the GCM for the Jeep is 5 761 kg.


Access to the rear seats is relatively straightforward; the 2nd and 3rd rows can be folded down from inside the Jeep’s load bay.

Comfort and Features

Priced at just shy of R1.5 million, the 3.6 V6 4×4 Overland comes pretty much fully loaded with features, while still undercutting a vehicle such as the Land Rover Discovery (by more than R100k), which would need some option boxes ticked to come close to matching the American offering. 

We’ve already mentioned the advanced and impressive uConnect 5 infotainment system. Also fitted to the Overland is a McIntosh high-performance audio system that features a 17-channel amplifier with a maximum output of 950W and 19 speakers, including a 10-inch subwoofer. Needless to say, the system produces excellent sound quality. During one rainy outdoors adventure, the kids sat in the Jeep’s load bay and watched the ocean, while we shifted the sound output to the rear of the cabin (the speakers mounted in the tailgate) – a nice touch indeed.


The 3.6 V6 4×4 Overland’s infotainment system is enhanced by the provision of a 19-speaker McIntosh audio setup.

The front seats offer a wide range of electric adjustments, as well as heating and cooling functions, while the 2nd-row seats also feature heating. Other noteworthy features include a digital rear-view mirror (as pioneered by Land Rover) and simultaneous Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones.

In terms of safety features, the Grand Cherokee L comes liberally equipped. In addition to the usual active features, this derivative features collision warning with active braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, parallel and perpendicular park assist with a 360-degree surround-view camera system, rear cross-traffic alert (a very useful feature on a long vehicle such as this), active lane management, adaptive cruise control, a drowsy driver detection system and much more.


Second-row occupants are seated in comfort and have their own climate control console, plus numerous USB ports, at their disposal.

While the introduction of a greater variety of safety features can never be a bad thing, we did find the various warning dings and dongs intrusive and sometimes downright frightening. The lane-departure detection function is very sensitive and will ring the alarm bells (loudly) even when you’re still a few rulers away from a solid line. On several occasions, the Jeep’s warnings nearly gave the driver such a fright that it could’ve caused an accident – instead of avoiding one.

Ride and Handling

In Overland specification, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L rides on air suspension and attractive 20-inch alloy wheels shod with 265/50 tyres. The suspension does a very good job around town and out on the open road, delivering a supple ride quality which, coupled with good noise suppression, results in a very relaxed cabin ambience. At higher speeds, the suspension will automatically adjust to a lower position to aid the vehicle’s aerodynamic- and therefore fuel efficiency.


The Grand Cherokee impressed with a composed ride quality courtesy of its refined air-suspension setup.

Jeep’s newcomer is not a “sporty” SUV by any means – you are always aware of its weight and size, but the same can be said for its rivals. We took the Grand Cherokee L on a long road trip to view the West Coast spring flowers, during which it delivered a luxury-car experience in terms of its NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) control and ride suppleness.

Less impressive, however, and surprisingly so, was the Grand Cherokee’s off-road ability. Of course, this is no “Trailhawk”; the 3.6 V6 4×4 Overland rides on road-biased tyres, but we did expect a stronger showing off the beaten track, especially as the derivative comes standard with Jeep’s highly regarded Quadra-Trac II off-road system, lockable low-range and selectable off-road modes (in addition to 277 mm of ground clearance).


Although equipped with Jeep’s Quadra-Trac II off-road system, the Grand Cherokee L was a bit cumbersome off-road.

During our off-road testing, we found the Jeep was prone to bottoming out… and it doesn’t seem to have particularly robust underbody protection. Throttle modulation also proved tricky. Then again, it needs to be emphasised that Jeep’s design approach with this generation of Grand Cherokee L was in response to real owner usage patterns. The reality is that very few owners of luxury 7-seat SUVs ever venture off-road. 

Price and After-sales Support

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L 3.6 V6 4×4 Overland sells for R1 479 900 before options. A 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan are included. The service intervals are relatively short (12 000 km).


The latest generation Grand Cherokee is an impressive luxury family vehicle, even though its engine is a trifle underwhelming.

Verdict

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Jeep’s new Grand Cherokee L. As a full-sized family vehicle, it is a superb product that offers a luxurious, spacious and practical cabin, as well as great ride comfort and general refinement. Yes, it may not be the rock climber that previous generations of the model were, but how often are you really going to need a vehicle of this kind to traverse demanding off-road conditions?

It is a pricey proposition, but you have to keep in mind that the Jeep comes fully loaded with features that are options (or not even available) on rival models that have higher base prices. Our only real criticism is, however, quite a serious one – the engine doesn’t deliver quite enough power and is simply too thirsty. That said, if you can afford a R1.5-million premium SUV, the petrol price might not scare you… in which case we can highly recommend this new Jeep.

Some Jeep dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials!

Looking to sell your car? You can sell your car to SA’s biggest dealer network

Search for a new or used Jeep