Suzuki Baleno vs Toyota Starlet – Which Offers Better Value For Money?

The latest iterations of the Suzuki Baleno hatchback and the Toyota Starlet have arrived in South Africa! They are mechanically identical but differ in terms of styling, feature specification and price. Let’s take a look at what the key differences are to determine which car offers the best value for money!

As a result of a product-share agreement between Suzuki and Toyota, the Baleno and Starlet are built on the same production line at Maruti-Suzuki’s facility in Gujarat, India.

While the pair are mechanically identical, they differ in terms of styling execution, interior feature specification, trim grades and of course, price and warranty.

If you’ve been scratching your head trying to understand what sets these 2 hatchbacks apart, this article will hopefully bring you some clarity but will also highlight which one offers better value for money! Let’s take a closer look at the key differences!

Suzuki Baleno vs Toyota Starlet – Which offers better value for money?

Exterior Styling Execution

The major styling differences between the Suzuki Baleno and Toyota Starlet is seen on the front end with each model exhibiting different grille and bumper designs. The Suzuki Baleno’s face is defined by a 3-D grille design with a chrome belt trim element that runs along the lower edge of the grille to the now-sleeker headlight units. The fog lamps also feature chrome brows.

As for the Starlet, the grille surface is noticeably smaller with a chrome wing running through the middle of the grille from the headlights to the central Toyota badge while the lower air is larger than what’s seen on the Baleno and the fog lights are bracketed with C-shaped chrome trim. In its side profile, the Starlet further differentiates itself from the Baleno with a blacked-out C-pillar and an elegant chrome beltline that curves upwards into the C-Pillar.

At the rear, the 2 models are near-identical with a 2-piece taillight and chrome trim on the tailgate.

Which looks better? Well, we’ll leave that to you to decide!

Interior Execution and Features

The cabin architecture of the Baleno and Starlet are just about identical with trim grades and feature specification being the major differentiators between the 2 models.

The Suzuki Baleno is offered in 2 trim grades, namely the base GL trim and the range-topping GLX trim. The Toyota Starlet, however, is offered with 3 trim grades, namely the base Xi trim, mid-spec Xs trim and the range-topping Xr trim.

Let’s take a closer look at how key feature specification for each trim level differs from one another.

Base Trim Level

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	Suzuki Baleno GL	Toyota Starlet Xi
Price	R225 900 (manual)	R226 200 (manual)
Infotainment system	7-inch infotainment	7-inch infotainment
Instrument cluster	Analogue dials with central information display	Analogue dials with central information display
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, voice control, USB	Yes to all, 3 USB ports (Type A and Type C)	Yes to all, 3 USB ports (Type A and Type C)
Rear view camera	Yes	No
Cruise Control	Yes	No
Air conditioning	Climate Control, with rear ventilation	Climate Control
Park distance control	Rear only	Rear only
Upholstery	Cloth	Cloth
Electric windows and mirrors	Yes, all	Yes, all
Seat adjustment	Manual with height adjustment	Manual
Steering wheel adjustment	Tilt only	Tilt only
Other useful features	Front centre armrest, with slide function	Front centre armrest, with slide function
Safety features	2 front airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control	2 front airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control, hill assist control

Conclusion: As a base offering, the Suzuki Baleno GL represents better value for money than the Toyota Starlet Xi.

Mid-Level Trim

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	Suzuki Baleno (No mid-spec offering)	Toyota Starlet Xs
Price		R239 100 (manual)R261 100 (automatic)
Infotainment system		7-inch infotainment
Instrument cluster		Analogue dials with central information display
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, voice control, USB		Yes to all, 3 USB ports (Type A and Type C)
Rear view camera		No
Cruise Control		No
Air conditioning		Climate Control, with rear ventilation
Park distance control		Rear only
Upholstery		Cloth
Electric windows		Yes, all
Seat adjustment		Manual
Steering wheel adjustment		Tilt only
Other useful features		Front centre armrest, with slide function
Safety features		2 front airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control

Conclusion: The Toyota Starlet Xs trim level features identical interior features to the base-spec Starlet Xi with the exception of larger 16-inch alloy wheels (15-inch steel with wheel covers on Xi) and the fitment of LED fog lights.

Top Level Trim

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	Suzuki Baleno GLX	Toyota Starlet Xr
Price	R275 900 (Manual) R295 900 (Automatic)	R294 900 (Manual) R313 300 (Automatic)
Infotainment system	9-inch infotainment touchscreen	9-inch infotainment touchscreen
Instrument cluster	Analogue dials with 4.2-inch color information display	Analogue dials with 4.2-inch color information display
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, voice control, USB	Yes to all, 3 USB ports (Type A and Type C)	Yes to all, 3 USB ports (Type A and Type C)
Rear view camera	360-degree camera	Rear camera
Heads-up Display	Yes	No
Cruise Control	Yes	Yes
Air conditioning	Climate Control	Climate Control
Park distance control	Rear only	Rear only
Upholstery	Cloth	Cloth
Electric windows and mirrors	Yes, all	Yes, all
Seat adjustment	Manual, with height adjustment	Manual with height adjustment
Steering wheel adjustment	Tilt and reach	Tilt and reach
Other useful features	Smart keyless entry, push-button start	Smart keyless entry, push-button-start
Safety features	6 front airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control	6 front airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control, hill assist control

Conclusion: The range-topping Suzuki Baleno GLX offers competitive pricing against the equivalent Starlet Xr and the addition of a 360-degree camera and heads-up display will appeal to tech-savvy buyers.

Engine, Transmissions & Performance

The big news for the latest iterations of the Suzuki Baleno and Toyota Starlet is that a more powerful naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine is now under bonnet, replacing the previous 1.4-litre petrol engine.

Engine outputs for the 1.5-litre engine total 77 kW and 138 Nm, which is 9 kW and 8 Nm more than the previous offering and represents a 10% gain in power. Both manufacturers claim identical fuel consumption figures of 5.4 L/100km for the 5-speed manual derivatives and 5.7 L/100km for the 4-speed automatic derivatives.

Based on our driving experience at both the launches of the Baleno and Starlet, we are happy to report that both products benefit from stronger overall performance. Not only does the engine contribute to better acceleration but both models also benefit from enhanced body rigidity which has noticeably improved dynamic handling ability.

Practicality

	Suzuki Baleno	Toyota Starlet
Length	3 990 mm	3 990 mm
Width	1 745 mm	1 745 mm
Height	1 500 mm	1 500 mm
Wheelbase	2 520 mm	2 520 mm
Ground Clearance	150 mm	150 mm
Turning Circle	10.2 m	10.2 m
Rear Seat Configuration	60:40 split	60:40 split
Load Capacity	314 L	314 L

Conclusion: Both the Suzuki Baleno and Toyota Starlet offer the same level of practicality.

Price and Warranty

Note that pricing is accurate as of June 2022 and prices exclude VAT.

	Suzuki Baleno	Price	Toyota Starlet	Price
Base	Baleno 1.5 GL Manual Baleno 1.5 GL Automatic	R225 900 R245 900	Starlet 1.5 Xi Manual	R226 200
Mid	None	–	Starlet 1.5 Xs Manual Starlet 1.5 Xs Automatic	R239 100 R261 100
Top	Baleno 1.5 GLX Manual Baleno 1.5 GLX Automatic	R275 900 R295 900	Starlet 1.5 Xr Manual Starlet 1.5 Xr Automatic	R294 900 R313 300
Warranty	5-yr / 200 000 km (promotional warranty)		3-yr / 100 000 km
Service Plan	4-year / 60 000 km		3-services / 45 000 km

Which offers better value for money?

It’s clear from the above comparative exercise that the Suzuki Baleno offers better overall value for money compared to the Toyota Starlet.

The Baleno not only offers more standard features across its trim offerings but the range-topping Baleno GLX is aggressively priced and Suzuki is offering a superior warranty and service plan which will undoubtedly sweeten the deal for local buyers.

Armed with this information, will local buyers favour value-for-money or will the power of the Toyota badge prevail? Ever since the Starlet was introduced locally in 2020, it has out-sold its Suzuki counterpart by a large margin (about 8 to 1). With the latest iterations of the Baleno and Starlet now on showroom floors, it will be interesting to see if the Baleno will be able to claw back some much-deserved market share. On Toyota’s side is its vast dealer network that ranges the entire country and has the best after-sales service reputation of any brand in South Africa.

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Buy a used Toyota Starlet on Cars.co.za

Geely Unveils New Electric Bakkie to Launch Radar Brand

Geely has launched what it describes as a new “pure electric outdoors lifestyle vehicle brand”. The first model from the Radar Auto marque? An electric bakkie called the RD6…

Meet the battery-powered Radar RD6 bakkie, the first product from the Geely Holding Group’s freshly launched electric lifestyle brand.

The Chinese automotive giant says its box-fresh Radar Auto brand will “start with trucks [or what we in South Africa know as bakkies] but is much more than just trucks”.

Billed as an “independent brand within the wider” group, Radar already boasts a dedicated research and development facility in Hangzhou as well as a “fully equipped” electric vehicle (EV) production facility in Zibo, Shandong.

It’s the latter factory that will begin production of the Radar RD6 by the fourth quarter of 2022, before the brand rolls out a “full portfolio of electric lifestyle vehicles”, including bakkies, SUVs, ATVs and “other lifestyle products”.

What do we know about the new Radar RD6?

Geely has yet to reveal any specific details about the Radar RD6 (no, not even its dimensions), but we do know the all-electric bakkie was styled with a little help from veteran British designer Peter Horbury, who was appointed executive vice-president of design at Geely Auto back in 2011. The version shown in the press images features a double-cab body style; it’s not yet clear whether a single-cab version is on the cards (though it seems unlikely considering the “lifestyle” angle of the brand).

From what we understand, the RD6 rides on what Geely calls the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), which is shared with the Smart#1 (remember, Geely and Mercedes-Benz started a joint venture a little while back to revive the Smart marque) and includes both single- and dual-motor options. The Chinese firm says performance figures and range will be announced “in due course”, though a report out of China claims a single-charge range in the region of 600 km.

Geely has, however, confirmed the RD6 will boast a “front trunk” under the bonnet as well as a load bed with “external charging facilities”.

“The Radar product portfolio is focused on electric pick-up trucks and SUVs. This direction challenges us to mix functionality and usability with aesthetic form. Our aim is to let Radar users expand their horizons and explore nature in a sustainable way,” said Horbury.

An auto powerhouse: Geely’s vast collection of brands

Geely has appointed Dr. Ling Shi Quan – an engineering veteran who also helped establish the Lynk & Co brand – as the CEO of Radar.

“Understanding this new market segment and creating a new brand specifically for these unique users has been the highlight of my career so far. Radar Auto will be purpose-driven from the outset and that purpose is to allow users to explore the world in a more sustainable way,” explained Dr. Ling.

Of course, the Geely Holding Group produces vehicles not only under its various domestic brands (such as Geely Auto and Geometry), but also under its overseas subsidiaries, which include Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lynk & Co, Proton and Lotus.

Here’s hoping Geely releases more details about the new Radar RD6 soon…

New Honda CR-V Revealed with Bold Looks

Honda has unwrapped its latest 6th generation CR-V family car! Take a look at what the newcomer from Honda has to offer…

It was just 5 short years ago when Honda released the 5th generation CR-V in South Africa and now an all-new CR-V has been revealed boasting a more rugged and refined design.

In terms of dimensions, the new CR-V is both 69 mm longer and 13 mm wider than the model it replaces and its wheelbase has grown by 41 mm, contributing to a noticeably more spacious interior. The CR-V now features a bolder upright grille design, similar to that found on the Honda Ridgeline bakkie in the USA and it oddly resembles that of its key rival, the Toyota RAV4. and the grille is flanked by slim LED headlights. Note that Honda has done away with the prominent chrome wing that dominated the front grille of the outgoing generation. In the US, the CR-V’s front-end design will differ depending on the derivative, of which there are 4, including the base EX, EX-L, Sport and Sport Touring. At the rear, the new CR-V gains newly designed tail lights that extend vertically along the edge of the tailgate aperture.

The CR-V’s interior architecture is familiar from the Honda Civic with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Higher grade derivatives gain a larger 9-inch infotainment system and wireless charging while a 12-speaker Bose sound system is fitted in the CR-V Sport Touring derivative.

The CR-V’s interior execution takes direction form the 11th generation Civic.

Honda Sensing driver assistance and safety features are also fitted as standard across the range too including a new 90-degree wide-angle camera and a 120-degree radar that serves functions such as Traffic Jam Assist, Low-Speed Braking Control with Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Information.

What powertrains are offered with the new Honda CR-V?

The CRV’s current 1.5-litre engine has been updated but a new hybrid powertrain has been added to the added.

The base EX and EX-L derivatives are equipped with an updated 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine that offers the same 140 kW as before but with a slight increase of 3 Nm of torque to 243 Nm. This engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Moving up the range, the CR-V Sport and Sport Touring derivatives feature a new 4th generation two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain comprising a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder petrol engine that combines with a pair of electric motors mounted side-by-side to produce total outputs of 150 kW and 335 Nm of torque.

The CR-V’s torsional rigidity has been enhanced and Honda says that the body is now 15% stiffer which has contributed to improved ride, handling and refinement. More so, Honda has also revised the CR-V’s suspension for improved ride quality.

We have reached out to Honda South Africa to find out when we can expect to see the new CR-V in South Africa but its local arrival has yet to be confirmed. We suspect that an arrival in 2023 is likely. As always, we shall keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.

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Mercedes-Benz EQS (2022) Specs & Price

Mercedes-Benz’s flagship fully electric sedan will hit South Africa soon, boasting a claimed range of nearly 800 km. Here’s how much the EQS 450+ and the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 will cost you…

In the market for an electric S-Class? Well, the Mercedes-Benz EQS battery-powered sedan is poised to launch in South Africa in the very near future, and we have pricing for both the long-range EQS 450+ and the high-performance Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+.

As a reminder, the EQS sedan (not to be confused with the closely related EQS SUV) was revealed back in April 2021, billed as the first all-electric luxury saloon from Mercedes-EQ and the world’s most aerodynamic series production vehicle.

From what we understand, two derivatives will be available at launch in South Africa (ruling out the EQS 580 4Matic … for now, at least). The EQS 450+ uses a rear-mounted permanently excited synchronous electric motor to generate 245 kW and 565 Nm. This results in a claimed 0-100 kph time of 6.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 210 kph.

The Stuttgart-based firm says the high-voltage battery pack boasts a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh and a claimed range of between 631 km and 782 km. That gives it the longest claimed range of any electric vehicle (EV) currently on the market in South Africa. And the price? Well, the EQS 450+ will start at R2 615 100 (or R2 755 100 when ordered in AMG Line specification). For reference, S-Class base pricing currently runs from R2 341 689 to R2 582 514.

The first battery-powered production model from AMG

The second variant on the menu for deep-pocketed local EV enthusiasts is the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+, which starts at a heady R3 410 100. This Affalterbach-fettled version was unwrapped on the global stage in September 2021 as the first battery-electric AMG production model, and features a claimed single-charge range of between 529 km and 586 km (using the same battery pack as the 450+ model).

AMG’s high-performance battery-powered sedan features an electric motor on each axle for peak outputs of 484 kW and 950 Nm. However, specify the AMG Dynamic Plus package (for an additional R82 000, of course) and maximum power increases to 560 kW, with peak torque climbing to a whopping 1 020 Nm (both in Race Start mode).

The result is a 0-100 kph claim of just 3.4 seconds (provided the vehicle has a battery charge level of at least 80%, that is) and a top speed limited to 250 kph. If you don’t stump up for the optional package, the sprint time increases to 3.8 seconds and the top speed drops to 220 kph.

Various optional extras for the Mercedes-Benz EQS

Despite the fact the all-electric luxury saloon will ship standard in South Africa with a lengthy list of standard kit, there are many optional extras on the table. This is an electric S-Class, after all. In the case of the EQS 450+, the list of paid extras includes items such as the R31 000 Driver Assistance Plus package, the R28 000 rear-axle steering system, a R26 000 Burmester surround sound system, various upgrades for the rear quarters and the R155 000 MBUX Hyperscreen (complete with a fingerprint scanner).

While the Hyperscreen arrangement is standard in the AMG-badged EQS 53 4Matic+, there are other options on offer for this model, including AMG ceramic brakes (R90 000), red-painted brake callipers (R14 500) and a range of AMG-specific two-tone leather upholstery combinations (R20 000).

How much does the Mercedes-Benz EQS cost in South Africa?

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ — R2 615 100

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ AMG Line — R2 755 100

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ — R3 410 100

Applying for Car Finance: Why an acceptable credit score is important

Buying a vehicle is a long-term decision and we want to help you make an informed one with our Street Smart series, brought to you by Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance. In this episode, Absa’s Fulufhelo Mandane and Hatfield VW Melrose’s Vleis Manyama explain the importance of getting and maintaining an acceptable credit score.

PARTNERED ARTICLE

Given South Africa’s changing economic conditions, household budgets are under pressure to meet their financial obligations. This could lead to changes in individuals’ credit profiles. Cars.co.za Social Media Specialist Kgahliso Nyamane asked the Head of Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance Sales, Fulufhelo Mandane and the Dealer Principal of Hatfield VW Melrose, Vleis Manyama to tell us more about how these changes could affect your credit score and what you can do to protect your credit profile.

What is a credit score?

MANDANE: A credit score indicates your ability to undertake credit, and the ability to honour the accompanying terms and conditions. Banks and other lending institutions use credit scores as part of the credit assessment process to decide how financially dependable customers are and whether or not to grant them credit. A credit score is primarily based on information on a credit report, information typically sourced from credit bureaus.

Factors that influence your credit score include:

The length of your credit history
The number and type of credit products you own
How you have managed your respective loans and credit facilities in the past and
Your payment history (i.e. whether or not you pay on time)

Why is a good credit score important?

MANYAMA: Maintaining a good credit score shows lenders that you use credit responsibly and are more likely to pay back the money you want them to lend you.

Your credit score affects the offer you receive on your vehicle finance application. A poor score could result in you not being considered for a loan, or paying pack higher interest rates.

Which factors have a negative impact on your credit score?

MANDANE: Factors that play a role include:

How much debt you currently have or owe creditors
Whether you have a limited credit history or no credit history
Whether you have defaulted on payments, have been in arrears or had legal proceedings against you or
Whether you have used your full credit limits (for example on your Credit Card)

What steps can you take to improve your credit score?

MANYAMA:

It’s important to review your budget and ensure there are sufficient surplus funds. This will help with accommodating an interest rate increase which would impact monthly loan repayments if you opted for a variable interest rate. (A variable interest rate fluctuates over the term of the loan in line with the prime lending rate)
Keep expenses to a minimum and expenditure low to accommodate economic downturns.
Increase your savings pool for unexpected expenses.
Reduce your take-up of additional credit to allow for more surplus funds to pay for existing credit or save for unexpected expenses.
Manage your credit score efficiently and ensure all debts are repaid timeously to prevent a negative impact on your credit profile.
Consider an automated debit order known as DebiCheck, which is linked to your salary date so that there’s an automatic payment to the bank immediately after your salary reflects in your account. This could help prevent your debit order from returning unpaid. Missing a payment on your vehicle, for example, will affect your credit record.
And also remember to contact the bank for assistance if you encounter financial distress

For extra information on how you can become a better consumer, keep a lookout for more episodes from our Street Smart series and be sure to visit the Absa blog.

Electric Kia Coming to SA Soon?

With rising fuel prices hurting the pocket, an electric car could help alleviate some of those financial woes. However, the Electric Vehicles (EVs) currently available in South Africa aren’t exactly affordable, but Kia South Africa has a plan…

During the recent local launch of the turbocharged derivative of the Kia Sonet, we had the chance to chat to the good folk at Kia South Africa about its future plans, particularly around electrification.

Right now, there’s simply no electric car offering that’s priced within reach of the average South African motorist. The cheapest is the Mini Cooper SE at around R700 000, but its limited range of 200 km restricts it to the confines of the city. It would make a fantastic runabout / second car. Other electric offerings we’ve sampled have impressed us, but nearly all of them around priced comfortably over R1 million.

Where are the more affordable and mainstream models from other brands? One brand which is quietly working behind the scenes is Kia. While nothing is immediately confirmed, Kia South Africa admitted that one model has passed South African homologation. There was no confirmation on what that model is either, so now we can play the speculation game.

Based on what’s available in right-hand drive, we’ve narrowed it down to the Kia e-Soul, Kia Niro and Kia EV6.

Which electric Kia vehicles could come to SA?

Kia e-Soul

The eccentrically-designed Kia Soul is available overseas in electric form. Customers have a choice of a long-range (64 kWh) or a standard-range (39.2 kWh) powertrain. The 64 kWh comes with a 150 kW / 395 Nm motor, and is good for a range of 452 km based on the WLTP cycle.

The standard-range 39.2 kWh comes with 100 kW and 395 Nm and can go up to 276 km on a single charge. Both are capable of DC fast charging and when connected to a 100 kW fast charger, the battery will go from 20% to 80% in around 42 minutes.

The Kia e-Soul looks, on-paper at least, like a viable electric offering that shouldn’t be priced into six figures. What if money was no object? Read on….

Kia EV6

The strikingly-styled Kia EV6 is the current European Car of the Year for 2022 and it’s arguably the most advanced electric offering from the Korean brand right now. Under the skin, there’s a brand-new EV-focused platform, 800V charging capability (10-to-80 % battery charge in just 18 minutes), and customers can choose from all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. There’s even a performance GT version that will hit 100 kph in under 4 seconds!

Even the entry-level EV6 boasts impressive numbers like outputs of 166 kW and 350 Nm, 77.4 kWh battery, a claimed range of over 500 km based on WLTP and its good for a 0-100 kph in 7.3 seconds. The dual-motor all-wheel drive EV6 is faster, with 236 kW and 605 Nm and sprints to 100 kph in 5.2 seconds.

Kia Niro

As cool and as desirable as the Kia EV6 is, we think its punching right into very expensive territory and it’s perhaps not the model that Kia SA is looking to launch. Enter the Kia Niro.

Cleverly, its packaging can support conventional internal combustion engine, hybrid, plug-in hybrid powertrain or full electric.

The Kia Niro EV features a 64.8 kWh battery and a 150 kW motor. Fast charging is supported and you’ll go from 10-80% in under 45 minutes, with a maximum charging capability of 85 kW. A range of around 400 km is quoted. Given our recent pleasant experience with a Volvo plug-in hybrid (PHEV), we reckon the Niro PHEV is also worth a look.

Its party trick is a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a 62 kW electric motor, giving it a total outputs of 132 kW and 264 Nm. It has an 11.1 kWh battery and a pure electric range of just over 50 km. The real benefit is the low fuel economy thanks to the two engines working togther.

Final Thoughts

Despite the inane taxation of electric vehicles which makes them more expensive than their petrol/diesel counterparts, progress is inevitable as more brands take the plunge and bring EVs to South Africa.

We can’t wait to see what Kia SA rolls out in the near future, (we suspect its either Soul or Niro) and hope that Kia is joined by a few more carmakers.

Whick one of the above electric Kia’s would you like to see in South Africa?

Some Kia 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 Kia here

Haval Cool Dog Announced

Meet the new Haval Cool Dog, an offroad-biased SUV with rugged styling.

Remember the mega-cool Haval Big Dog, a rival to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado? Well, Haval has made a smaller version, positioned below and it too features rugged offroad styling.

This is the Haval Cool Dog and with dimensions of 4 520 mm, 1 875 mm, 1 745 mm and a wheelbase of 2 710, you can think of it as similarly sized to the Kia Seltos and Toyota Corolla Cross. It could also be seen as a rival to the offroad lifestyle crew of the Jeep Renegade and Suzuki Jimny.

It just looks so damn cool, with design elements that really look the part. There are round LED headlights, a bold box-shaped grille, and aluminium-style skidplates. The ground clearance and box-shaped wheel arches really give it that old-school go-anywhere stance.

Styling-wise, the Cool Dog integrates a few styling features from the popular Big Dog although the two SUVs are not sharing any body panels. At the front, the round LED headlights are enclosed within the boxy-shaped grille, for a rugged and aggressive look in combination with the unpainted bumpers and the aluminum-style skidplates.

The cabin is far from old-school however, and while it doesn’t look as advanced as some of the other Haval products we’ve seen of late (check out the epic Haval H6 interior), it still feels like a fairly modern place to hang out. There’s a digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, upmarket steering wheel and an 18-speaker audio system powered by JVC. Haval says the higher trim levels get 2-tone leather seats as well as some piano black and carbon fibre interior accents.

Lurking inside that muscular bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with 135 kW and 275 Nm. Haval says customers can choose from either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard.

The Haval Cool Dog will be hitting the Chinese showrooms before the end of the year. We understand that Haval South Africa has been studying the Big Dog for a possible market introduction at some point. We also know that hybrid versions of the Jolion and H6 are due to be launched before the end of the year, along with the striking Haval H6 GT.

Some Haval 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 Haval here

Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic (2022) Specs & Price

Looking for an all-electric model capable of seating 7 people? Well, here’s how much the new Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic will cost you in South Africa…

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is planning to roll out a raft of electric vehicles (EVs) in the coming months. We’ve already brought you local pricing for the new EQA and it seems the EQB is hot on its tail.

The Stuttgart-based firm whipped the wraps off the EQB back in April 2021, giving it the lengthy wheelbase of the GLB. Like that model, then, the electric version ships with 5 seats as standard but is optionally available as a 7-seater.

Built in Hungary, the EQB measures 4 684 mm long, 1 834 mm wide and stands 1 667 mm tall, offering what Mercedes-Benz describes as a “generous amount of space”. In 5-seater guise, the boot can swallow 495 litres (expandable to 1 710 litres), while the 7-seater version has a luggage capacity of 465 litres (or 1 620 litres with the final two rows folded flat).

Interestingly, the 168 kW EQB 300 4Matic won’t be available in South Africa at launch, with only the EQB 350 4Matic on offer. The latter employs an asynchronous motor at the front axle and a permanently excited synchronous motor at the rear, making it an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

Peak power and torque outputs for the EQB 350 4Matic stand at 215 kW and 520 Nm respectively, with the obligatory sprint from 0 to 100 kph taking a claimed 6.2 seconds (and top speed limited to 160 kph). The battery has a usable capacity of 66.5 kWh, while Mercedes-Benz SA lists a claimed single-charge range of between 395 km and 423 km.

So, what sort of pricing are we looking at here? Well, the EQB 350 4Matic will start at R1 374 500. As with the EQA, Mercedes-Benz SA says this “includes the price of a 5-year/100 000 km service and maintenance plan, which you shall be entitled to exclude from the purchase of your vehicle”.

Plenty of optional extras for the Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic

The Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic will be available locally in Edition 1 form for a limited time.

As standard, the B-badged EQ model will be sold with the Progressive trim level. However, for an extra R53 000 (to take the price to R1 427 500), it can be specified in AMG Line form, complete with items such as more aggressive body styling, upgraded interior finishes and flashier alloy wheels. In addition, Mercedes-Benz will offer a special “Edition 1” version for a limited time, adding R126 800 to the base price for a total of R1 501 300.

Plenty of optional packages will be on offer for the EQB, along with various individual options such as a panoramic sliding sunroof (R16 400) and adjustable damping (R17 600). Should you wish to specify that third row of two seats to turn your EQB into a 7-seater, be prepared to part with an additional R22 000.

As with the EQA, two charging cables also find themselves on the list of options, with the 8-metre cable for a wallbox and public charging station priced at R1 300 and a second 8-metre version for use with domestic sockets coming in at R4 800. From what we can tell, 5-metre versions come standard. It’s not yet clear whether a wallbox unit is included in the EQB’s purchase price.

Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic price in South Africa

Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 Progressive – R1 374 500

Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 AMG Line – R1 427 500

Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 Edition 1 – R1 501 300

The EQB comes with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, though Mercedes-Benz SA says buyers have the option of excluding the price of this from their purchase.

Kia Sonet 1.0T (2022) Launch Review

The Kia Sonet has become a firm favourite in the wildly popular small SUV segment. In fact, Kia has struggled to satisfy customer demand for the model. However, the Korean brand’s local subsidiary is confident that its stock shortage will soon ease and, last week, it added two 1.0-litre turbopetrol derivatives to the Sonet line-up.

What’s new with the Kia Sonet?

The new EX+ version features more standard features and a turbocharged engine.

With the introduction of a new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine to its range, the Sonet, which was powered exclusively by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine since its local launch last year, now offers a pair of derivatives that directly rival the similarly-powered Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Volkswagen T-Cross and Hyundai Venue. The 1.5 litre still propels the bulk of the range – the 1.0-litre turbo features only in the top two versions.

A new EX+ derivative now sits at the top of the range and features a few more tech and safety bits and pieces. This is the second tweak of the Sonet line-up… In August 2021, Kia also introduced LX entry-level derivatives.

For a full list of Sonet specifications, click here

What’s the new engine like?

The new engine and gearbox deliver one of the better automatic driving experiences in the segment.

The Sonet’s 1.0-litre turbopetrol motor is the same unit as used in the Hyundai Venue and produces peak outputs of 88 kW and 172 Nm of torque. The engine is mated with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and, by the standards of self-shifting ‘boxes fitted to “small turbos”, this is one of the best. It shifts smoothly and is very well matched with the motor’s performance characteristics. Small-turbo autos tend to struggle with gearing because they don’t have much torque to work with and, as a result, they can shift awkwardly at low speeds and hold onto gears for longer than needed.

The Kia probably does the best job of mitigating many of these problems and delivers a very smooth drive and hassle-free experience. What’s more, the powertrain seems quite spritely – facilitating quick overtaking manoeuvres and climbing steep(ish) gradients present no problems for the 1.0-litre motor. Well, within reason; the Sonet’s no performance SUV, but feels to have a little more shove than its rivals and will certainly feel stronger than its 1.5-litre siblings upcountry.

Fuel efficiency is becoming a deal-breaker for many buyers. The T-GDI EX and EX+ are claimed to consume an average of 6.0 L/100 km and, during the course of our 200-km loop of the Cape Peninsula, we averaged 6.5 L/100 km, which was not far off the manufacturer’s estimate. The (1.0-litre) Volkswagen T-Cross is claimed to be the most efficient model in the segment (4.8 L/100 km), but, as we have found with “small turbos”, an efficiency-minded driving style is critical to achieving a miserly fuel consumption. It always is, of course, but it’s especially true for derivatives powered by downsized (small-capacity, forced-induction) engines.

Search for fuel-efficient cars for sale here

What new features are there?

A new digital instrument cluster is available on the EX+.

The introduction of the EX+ derivative to the Sonet range adds some useful safety features, such as 6 airbags (up from 2 in the rest of the range) and cruise control. All versions of the Sonet are equipped with ABS, EBD and stability control.

Further additions include LED tail-lights, electrically folding mirrors, artificial leather seats, automatic climate control, a digital instrument cluster and a drive mode selector, with which you can toggle between Sport, Normal and Eco modes.

Wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto is supported in both the EX and EX+ derivatives, which is certainly a step above in terms of connectivity options, but no wireless charging pad is fitted (it’s not available as an option, either).

Compared with its rivals’ standard specifications, the Sonet comes quite well-equipped, but there are a few strange omissions from its features list… The steering column, for example, has no reach adjustment – only rake (up and down) – and the driver’s electric window doesn’t feature a one-touch auto up/down feature. I’m pretty certain that buyers who are shopping in the upper bracket of the segment may also want LED daytime running lights and front parking sensors.

8 Compact SUVs for under R300k

What’s the Kia Sonet turbo like to drive?

Of all the offerings in the small SUV/budget crossover segment, the Sonet delivers the most accomplished driving experience. The Kia’s ride quality is really good and the cabin offers decent noise insulation. At freeway speeds, the wing mirrors can generate a little bit of wind buzz, but the road noise is kept well at bay.

The surfaces inside the cabin appear smart with a mix of plastics and artificial leather. The EX+’s red stitching adds a bit of colour to the interior and, overall, it feels well built and a slight cut above Japanese (but also built in India) offerings such as the Honda WR-V, Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Toyota Urban Cruiser.

Kia Sonet price after-sales service

The Kia Sonet is sold with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan, which is one of the most comprehensive after-sales offerings in the segment today.

Sonet 1.5 LX Manual	R296 995
Sonet 1.5 LX CVT	R317 995
Sonet 1.5 EX Manual	R316 995
Sonet 1.5 EX CVT	R337 995
Sonet 1.0 T-GDI EX 7DCT	R359 995
Sonet 1.0 T-GDI EX+ 7DCT	R389 995

Summary

The Sonet remains an excellent choice in a very crowded segment.

Kia South Africa says it could sell many more Sonets – if it could secure more stock of the model. Some easing on that front is expected over the next few months and, with its current lineup, the Sonet is undoubtedly a match for its rivals.

It’s right up there with the best-built models in the segment and the new 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine (in combination with a slick transmission) seems a good addition to the range. For those who looking to purchase an upper-end small SUV in automatic guise, which we suspect would be the majority of buyers (in this price bracket), the Sonet 1.0 T-GDI EX and EX+ offer a notably upmarket driving experience.

Search for a used Kia Sonet here

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 (2022) Specs & Price

Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric offensive in South Africa finally looks set to kick off! Here’s how much the least expensive model – the EQA 250 – will cost you…

If you’ve been waiting patiently for Mercedes-Benz’s range of EQ-badged electric vehicles (EVs) to touch down in South Africa, we have some exciting news for you: the EQA appears to be just around the corner, and we have unearthed local pricing.

As a reminder, the Mercedes-Benz EQA was revealed in January 2021, billed as the “new entry-level model to the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles”. The Stuttgart-based firm describes the EQA as a “close relation of the GLA”, saying it shares that model’s “robust structure”. The EQA is expected to be the first of as many as 5 battery-powered Mercedes-Benz models launching in SA in the relatively near future.

The variant set to arrive in South Africa first is the same one detailed at the global reveal: the EQA 250. This derivative employs an asynchronous electric motor mounted on the front axle – rendering it front-wheel drive (unlike more powerful versions offered overseas with a second electric motor at the rear) – and generating peak outputs of 140 kW and 370 Nm. It uses a fixed-ratio transmission with a differential.

The high-voltage lithium-ion battery doubles as a structural element within the underbody of the vehicle and has a usable energy content of 66.5 kWh, while the on-board AC charger is rated at 11 kW. Though Mercedes-Benz lists a claimed range of 486 km in its international release (along with a 0-100 kph time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 160 kph), the German firm’s local division claims a range of between 402 km and 429 km.

So, how much cash will you have to part with to drive one out of your local Mercedes-Benz dealership? Well, EQA 250 pricing will start at R1 169 500, though Mercedes-Benz SA says this “includes the price of a 5-year/100 000 km service and maintenance plan, which you shall be entitled to exclude from the purchase of your vehicle”. For reference, the GLA line-up runs from R773 376 to R838 768.

At the time of writing, this makes the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 the second most affordable EV in South Africa, slotting in between the Mini Cooper SE Hatch 3-door (R723 000) and Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge AWD (R1 260 000).

Options aplenty for the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250

Mercedes-Benz EQA AMG Line — *This is the EQA 250 in AMG Line form, whereas the model pictured in the gallery additionally boasts the Edition 1 package.*

The EQA 250 will be available in the Progressive trim level (which includes synthetic leather upholstery, aluminium roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels) as well as the popular AMG Line configuration, which adds sportier styling and R53 000 to the price (taking it to R1 222 500). The lengthy list of options will include various packages, such as the R12 900 Night package, R40 400 Advanced Plus package and R14 000 Electric Art package. As many as 10 exterior paint colour choices will be available.

Of course, there are plenty of individual extras available as well, including heated front seats (R5 700), a panoramic sliding sunroof (R16 400), adjustable damping (R17 600) and various alloy wheel choices measuring up to 19 inches in diameter. Interestingly, two charging cables also find themselves on the list of options, with the 8-metre cable for a wallbox and public charging station priced at R1 300 and a second 8-metre version for use with domestic sockets coming in at R4 800. From what we can tell, 5-metre versions ship standard. It’s unclear whether a wallbox unit is included in the vehicle’s purchase price.

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 price in South Africa

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Progressive – R1 169 500

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line – R1 222 500

The EQA comes with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, though Mercedes-Benz SA says buyers have the option of excluding the price of this from their purchase.