10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: July 2022
The Toyota Hilux still found itself outside the top three on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies for July 2022. Let’s take a closer look at the figures…
While Toyota South Africa Motors recently confirmed production at its Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal had resumed after the facility was forced to halt assembly back in mid-April 2022 owing to severe flood damage, it will take some time for the company to ramp up. So, the Hilux had to again settle for fourth place on the list of SA’s best-selling bakkies in July 2022.
We should point out, too, that domestic sales of new light-commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini-buses fell 6.9% year on year to 9 547 units in July 2022, thanks in part to a lack of production of the Hilux and Hi-Ace at Prospecton for much of the month.
So, if the Hilux wasn’t at the top in July, what was? Well, the outgoing Ford Ranger (the first units of the new model are scheduled to start rolling off the line at Silverton towards the end of October 2022) took first place – just as it did in June 2022 – with 1 838 units registered during the month.
Ford’s outgoing Ranger enjoyed its third consecutive month at the top.
The Isuzu D-Max (1 602 units) grabbed a strong second place, though this figure seemingly includes the prolonged lifecycle model known as the Gen 6. The Nissan NP200 (1 213 units) was again third, ahead of the aforementioned Toyota Hilux (1 012 units), while the fifth-placed Mahindra Pik Up (recently bolstered by the launch of a trio of special-edition models) put in another impressive showing with 847 registrations.
The Rosslyn-built Nissan Navara (561 units) held steady in sixth spot, while the GWM Steed (365 units) climbed two places to seventh, pushing its sibling, the GWM P-Series (279 units), down one to eighth. The now ninth-placed Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (252 units) likewise dropped a spot, with the outgoing Volkswagen Amarok (115 units) again rounding out the table.
Best of the rest in July 2022
Peugeot registered 58 examples of the Landtrek in July 2022.
Wondering how the bit-part players performed? Well, wonder no more. The Peugeot Landtrek (58 units) graduated to the position of “best of the rest” in July 2022, just ahead of the Mitsubishi Triton (56 units). The Mahindra Bolero had to settle for 45 registrations, while the R1 259 900 Jeep Gladiator finished on 27 units in its first full month on sale. Finally, Mazda could find homes for just 26 examples of its D-Max-based BT-50.
Export winners in July 2022
Ford exported 6 587 units of its Ranger in July, far ahead of the Nissan Navara (479 units) and Isuzu D-Max (421 units). Toyota’s Hilux export figure, meanwhile, was a mere three units, though is expected to ramp up considerably over the next two or three months. As is often the case, the Nissan NP200 (81) made up the numbers here.
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for July 2022
Pricing and some spec details have been loaded into the Range Rover South African configurator, giving us a first look at what’s headed to our shores in October 2022.
Jaguar Land Rover is claiming this all-new Range Rover Sport is ” the most desirable, advanced and dynamically capable yet.” The Electrical Vehicle Architecture (EVA 2.0) supports Software Over the Air updates and the award-winning Pivi Pro infotainment system is back, this time with a high-res floating 13.1-inch curved touchscreen.
There’s a 13.7-inch digital dashboard, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a 15w wireless charger, Emergency Braking, 3D Surround Camera, including front and rear parking sensors, Wade Sensing, ClearSight Ground View6, Manoeuvring Lights, Driver Condition Monitor and Lane Keep Assist.
Powertrains on offer
Range Rover is offering customers a choice of three 6-cylinder engine options for South Africa. There will be a plug-in hybrid petrol, conventional petrol and a diesel. All Range Rover Sports feature 8-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive.
The 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo PHEV develops 375 kW / 700 Nm and is good for a 0-100 kph in a claimed 5.4 seconds while consuming just 1.6 L/100 km on the WLTP cycle.
The 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel produces 258 kW / 700 Nm and can do 0-100 kph in 5.9 seconds and will use 7.4 L/100 km.
The 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol makes 294 kW / 550 Nm and can sprint to 100 kph in a claimed 5.7 seconds and use 9.4 L/100 km.
For those wanting something special and fast, JLR SA has confirmed the twin-turbocharged V8 powertrain (P530) will be coming too. There’ll be just 60 units of the 390 kW Range Rover Sport and it’s said to sprint to 100 kph in just 4.5 seconds.
Based on the configurator, we can see multiple trim levels like Dynamic S, Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, First Edition and Autobiography. Wheel sizes range from 20-inch to 23-inch.
How much does the new Range Rover Sport cost in South Africa?
The below prices are before optional extras and include VAT, but exclude CO2 tax.
Just how well are Chery vehicles selling in South Africa?
It’s been almost a year since Chery announced its return to South Africa. But just how well are its vehicles selling? Let’s take a closer look at July 2022’s figures…
Chery officially announced its return to the South African market in August 2021, this time entering the space directly as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chinese automotive giant. So, have local buyers taken to the 25-year-old brand?
Well, now that Chery is finally reporting its sales figures to Naamsa, we have a firm idea of how well its range is selling. As a reminder, the current line-up comprises three crossover models: the Tiggo 4 Pro that touched down in November 2021, the Tiggo 8 Pro that arrived in February 2022 and the Tiggo 7 Pro that launched in May 2022.
According to Naamsa, Chery registered 1 262 units in July 2022, with every single one sold through the dealer channel. That was enough to see the brand rank 13th on the list of best-selling automakers in South Africa, behind fellow Chinese firm Haval (1 502 units) and Indian manufacturer Mahindra (1 327 units).
Chery SA sold 372 examples of the Tiggo 7 Pro in July 2022.
To give you a better idea of where that sort of volume sees it slot in, Chery’s tally meant it easily beat the likes of Stellantis (which comprises the Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Fiat, Jeep, Opel and Peugeot brands, and ended up on 904 units), as well as Mazda (421 units) and Honda (297 units).
In the passenger-vehicle space (so, excluding light-commercial and truck sales), Chery ranked eighth overall, 404 units ahead of Haval (which relies on the P-Series and Steed bakkies for a large chunk of its volume).
If we drill down to individual model sales, we find the Tiggo 4 Pro was Chery’s best-selling vehicle in July 2022, with 689 units registered. Next came the Tiggo 7 Pro (372 units), with the flagship Tiggo 8 Pro (201 units) bringing up the rear. We’ll be tracking Chery’s growth closely in the coming months now that it’s reporting sales figures to Naamsa…
The Tiggo 8 Pro managed to cross the 200-unit mark in July 2022.
South Africa’s new-vehicle sales for July 2022 reflect what appears to be a healthy year-on-year increase, though off an admittedly low base. Here’s what you need to know, including SA’s best-selling car brands and models…
New-vehicle sales in South Africa for July 2022 increased 30.9% year on year to 43 593 units, representing the fourth consecutive month of growth for the industry. However, as Naamsa points out, this came off a low base considering where the market was a year ago, dealing with disruptions caused by unrest in KwaZulu-Natal, a cyber-attack on Transnet operations and the adjusted COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown restrictions.
Still, July 2022’s total was up slightly on the previous month’s tally, which is certainly encouraging. Overall, out of the 43 593 vehicles registered, an estimated 83.6% represented dealer sales, with 10.4% coming courtesy of the rental industry. The new passenger-car market finished on 31 455 units, with the aforementioned rental channel accounting for 13.2% of these sales.
However, domestic sales of new light-commercial vehicles, bakkies and mini-buses fell 6.9% to 9 547 units. Exports, meanwhile, jumped 177.7% year on year to 31 242 units, pushing the year-to-date figure into positive territory for the first time in 2022 (2.9% ahead of the corresponding period in 2021).
WesBank echoed Naamsa’s heed to view the latest market figures with July 2021’s KZN unrest and COVID-19 lockdown restrictions firmly in mind, describing year-on-year comparisons as “skewed”.
“It would be easy to get over-excited about July sales when looking just at the numbers. However, the context of July last year is critical to appreciating the slow and steady growth being experienced in the market,” said Lebogang Gaoaketse, head of marketing and communications at WesBank.
New vehicle sales summary for July 2022
Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 43 593 units increased by 30.9% (10 281 units) compared to July 2021.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 31 455 units increased by 50.2% (10 517 units) compared to July 2021.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 9 547 units decreased by 6.9% (-710 units) compared to July 2021.
Export sales of 31 242 units increased by 177.7% (19 990 units) compared to July 2021.
10 best-selling car brands in South Africa for July 2022
The new Taigo (528 units) helped VW grow its monthly tally past the 6 000-unit mark.
Although most assembly lines at Toyota’s flood-damaged Prospecton plant finally started moving again towards the end of July 2022, the gradual return to production would have had virtually no impact on sales for the month (full capacity is expected to be reached only in September, after all). That said, the Japanese brand again managed to hold its title of SA’s best-selling automaker, registering 7 110 units in July thanks largely to the performance of its imported models.
The Volkswagen Group (6 204 units) was again second, though closed the gap considerably compared with June. Suzuki held steady in third place with yet another record showing, this time registering 4 734 units (up on its previous best of 4 622 units achieved in June). Meanwhile, Nissan (2 625 units) climbed one place to fifth and Renault (2 552 units) one spot to sixth, forcing Ford (2 473 units) down two to seventh. The BMW Group entered the top 10 (though its figure is technically an estimate), meaning Haval fell from the official table in July 2022. Interestingly, Chery started reporting its sales statistics to Naamsa in July, with its final tally of 1 262 units enough for it to rank 13th.
1. Toyota – 7 110 units
2. Volkswagen Group – 6 204 units
3. Suzuki – 4 734 units
4. Hyundai – 2 965 units
5. Nissan – 2 625 units
6. Renault – 2 552 units
7. Ford – 2 473 units
8. Kia – 2 087 units
9. Isuzu – 1 951 units
10. BMW Group – 1 512 units
10 best-selling vehicles in South Africa for July 2022
Demand for the Ford Ranger remains strong, despite a new model being close.
With the Toyota Hilux (1 012 units) having to settle for tenth place, South Africa crowned a new best-selling vehicle for July 2022. Yes, the Suzuki-built Toyota Urban Cruiser (1 854 units) grabbed first just ahead of the Ford Ranger (1 838 units), with the likewise locally produced Volkswagen Polo Vivo (1 820 units) close behind in third.
The Isuzu D-Max (1 602 units) climbed three places to seize fourth, while the Suzuki Swift fell from June 2022’s first place to fifth with a still-impressive tally of 1 521 registrations. The Kariega-built Volkswagen Polo (1 166 units), meanwhile, found itself in unfamiliar territory all the way down in eighth.
Top 5 vehicles exported from South Africa in July 2022
As many as 11 526 units of the Polo were exported from VW’s Kariega facility in July 2022.
Although the Polo hatchback didn’t have its best sales month in South Africa, the VW-badged supermini triumphed by quite some margin in the export market, with a whopping 11 526 examples shipped from our shores. The Ford Ranger (6 587 units) was again second, while the Nissan Navara (479 units), Isuzu D-Max (421 units) and Nissan NP200 (81 units) made up the numbers. Just three examples of the Toyota Hilux were exported in July.
As always, we should point out BMW and Mercedes-Benz did not submit detailed figures, so it’s unclear exactly how many new X3 and C-Class sedan units were exported from SA during the reporting period. For the record, however, Naamsa’s estimates stand at 3 700 units and 8 147 units, respectively.
1. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 11 526 units
2. Ford Ranger – 6 587 units
3. Nissan Navara – 479 units
4. Isuzu D-Max – 421 units
5. Nissan NP200 – 81 units
Sales outlook
What’s next for the South African new-vehicle market? Well, Naamsa warns that the South African Reserve Bank’s recent 75 basis point interest-rate hike – the biggest since September 2002 and the fifth increase since November 2021 – will “impact consumer and business sentiment negatively”, and “consequently the new vehicle market”, too. This will likely be compounded by further interest-rate increases expected for the remainder of the year.
WesBank’s Gaoaketse likewise cautions that “the significant increase” in interest rates may dampen August sales as “new deals confront an affordability challenge or consumers simply delay purchase decisions”. However, he maintains interest rates are still “relatively low”, meaning a new-vehicle purchase will remain an “appealing financial opportunity” for some.
On the exports front, Naamsa points out global economic growth prospects “have been revised downwards” in recent times. This includes significantly weaker demand in Europe, which is the South African automotive industry’s largest export region. Still, as mentioned above, the year-to-date export figure is currently 2.9% in the positive.
Fuel Price Cuts for August 2022
Fuel price adjustments for August 2022 are confirmed and after a long bout of brutal increases, motorists will finally see fuel prices slashed.
Fuel prices in South Africa have ballooned in the first half of 2022 putting huge strain on household budgets while also having a negative impact on commodity prices.
At the halfway mark of July 2022, mid-month fuel price is indicated that the price of fuel would be slashed in August 2022. That indication came to fruition at the end of July following the announcment of fuel price cuts that would bring some relief to heavily over-burdeoned motorists.
Numerous factors impacted the reduction including the drop in the price of Brent Crude oil and petroleum products during the period under review and falling demand for Brent Crude oil. However, the Rand weakened against the dollar during the same period which eroded the depth of the fuel price decrease. Furthermore, the government-imposed reduction of the General Fuel Levy (75c/l) is set to come to an end on 2 August 2022.
Fuel Price Decreases for August 2022
The fuel price adjustments will take effect on Wednesday, 3 August 2022.
Petrol (93 / 95 ULP and LRP) will decrease by R1.32 per litre.
Diesel (0.05% sulphur) will decrease by 88 cents per litre.
Diesel (0.005% sulphur will decrease by 91 cents per litre.
Illuminating Paraffin will decrease by R1.44 per litre.
Earlier in July 2022, the Automobile Association (AA) noted that despite the forecast decreases, fuel prices in South Africa remain high and that the previous sizable increases will still impact the economy in coming months.
“Decreases offer immediate relief but increases filter into the economy over time, especially as those sectors affected by them don’t immediately adjust their prices downward but instead wait for more consistent fuel cuts that lower their input costs. We stand by our call that a review of the fuel price structure, and an audit of the components that comprise the fuel price, is essential and long overdue to offer sustainable solutions that mitigate against rising fuel costs in the country,” said the AA.
The facelifted version of the flagship BMW X7 has been confirmed for SA. Here’s when it’s arriving and which models we’re getting.
The BMW X7 is the Bavarian brand’s take on a flagship luxury SUV. As a rival to the Mercedes-Benz GLS, the X7 brings luxury in abundance, paired to powerful engines.
The design gets a rework with horizontally split LED headlights with the upper section featuring daytime running lights and matrix LED headlights seen in the lower section. The large kidney grille gains an optional Iconic Glow illuminated grille and for the first time the X7 can be equipped with 23-inch BMW Individual wheels. The rear end gains new LED light units with 3D graphics and BMW has also updated its M Sport packages and added a new Sparkling Copper Grey metallic body colour to the range.
Key interior features include a large 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an even larger 14.9-inch infotainment system with the latest BMW Operating System 8. BMW has also added standard features such as Comfort Access, panoramic glass sunroof and heated front seats. If you look carefully, you’ll spot the gear knob has been removed, in favour of a much more discrete gear selector.
The X7 can seat 7 passengers as standard but it can be had as a 6-seater with 2 comfort seats in the second row as an option.
BMW X7 South African arrival
The facelifted BMW X7 will be arriving in the 4th quarter of 2022 and customers will be able to choose from two engines. For the diesel fans, the xDrive40d features 259 kW and 720 Nm from a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder. Headlining the X7 range is the M60i xDrive, a petrol-powered rocketship. A 4.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 390 kW and 750 Nm.
As far as performance goes, the diesel powered xDrive40d is good for a 0-100 kph in 6.1 seconds while the M60i xDrive is said to sprint to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds. Both models feature automatic 8-speed gearboxes.
There will be 3 levels of trim for the xDrive40d (Design Pure Excellence, M Sport Package, M Sport Package Pro) and 2 trim levels for the M60i xDrive (M Performance, M Sport Package Pro)
How much does the updated BMW X7 cost in South Africa?
Not since the launch of the first-generation Cayenne has there been quite as much uproar about a new high-riding Porsche as with this, the new Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT. The reason? For the first time, Porsche’s premium SUV bears the evocative GT badge, which is usually reserved for the brand’s purest driver’s cars. The question is, can an SUV really justify it?
We like: Stonking performance, build quality, ride/handling balance, superb dynamics
We don’t like: Four-seat only, some of the extra-cost options should be standard
The Coupe Turbo GT is distinguished by its sportier front bumper, black cladding and a host of carbon-fibre addenda.
Where does the 2022 Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT fit in?
When Porsche first unveiled the Cayenne SUV in 2002, brand enthusiasts were up in arms. According to many of them, a company with such a storied history as a manufacturer of purist driving machines (exclusively sportscars, up to that point) simply had no business building high-riding SUVs. Nevertheless, the company persevered and the Cayenne quickly became Porsche’s cash cow, allowing the brand to not only survive, but thrive. And, as many have subsequently discovered, the Cayenne was indeed the “Porsche of SUVs”, with exceptional dynamics given its proportions and weight. These days, most of those folk who lamented the model’s introduction… drive Cayennes as their daily cars.
But now Porsche aficionados are upset once more, this time because the Zuffenhausen-based company has dared to apply the GT badge to a Cayenne for the first time. You see, in Porsche’s long and illustrious history of incredibly focused driving machines, a GT badge symbolises a Porsche distilled to its purest form. The fact that the GT team that usually works on Porsche’s hardcore road cars was involved in this new flagship Cayenne’s development should provide some hope that the company has made it work, but the question remains… Can a Porsche SUV truly be worthy of the GT badge?
The 22-inch satin Neodyme (matte gold) wheels are standard on the flagship Cayenne.
How the 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT fares in terms of…
Design and Packaging
The Cayenne Turbo GT is only available in the Coupe body shape and is the new flagship of the range. Our test unit came specified in striking Arctic Grey paint (a R54 390 option), which contrasted nicely with the massive (22-inch) satin Neodyme (matte gold) wheels, which are standard fitment.
Look closer and you’ll spot a whole host of other distinguishing features – and many of them are functional, not merely cosmetic. The carbon-fibre roof, for example, is there to lower the centre of gravity. You also get a GT-specific front apron and spoiler lip, as well as larger side air dams. Black wheel-arch extensions add visual width (muscle) to the car, and there’s a neat carbon-fibre roof wing, in addition to an adaptively extendable rear spoiler lip that’s 25mm larger than the one fitted to the Turbo. Consequently, Porsche claims a downforce increase of around 40kg at the Turbo GT’s top speed. At the rear is a carbon-fibre diffuser panel, which frames the massive titanium exhaust outlets.
The elaborate roof wing and diffuser are fashioned from carbon fibre, while the adaptively extending spoiler is upsized.
Even so, our test team was of the opinion that the Cayenne Turbo GT didn’t present as “brash” or “blingy” (as is the case with its aforementioned rivals). In fact, those who don’t really know their Porsches might consider it a (tastefully) upgraded “normal” Cayenne Coupe. This endows the Turbo GT with considerable sleeper appeal…
Inside, there are many, many little details to remind you that you’re in something special, such as Turbo GT lettering on the headrests of all 4 (yes, only 4) seats, lovely Alcantara upholstery and contrasting trim elements. As ever, build quality feels rock-solid and comfort levels are exceptional. The fascia is mostly unchanged from what you’ll see in the current-generation Cayenne, but it does debut the company’s new PCM 6.0 infotainment system, which has a revised user interface and “improved operating logic”, says Porsche. We found its interface pretty straightforward to get used to. Of course, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility is standard.
The interior is highlighted with applications of Alcantara upholstery and contrasting trim elements.
Space is good for the 4 occupants, with a 1.8m-tall adult able to sit comfortably behind a similarly tall driver. Lanky occupants may struggle with the downward sloping roof impinging on rear headroom, however. The load bay is spacious (at 549 litres), but is nevertheless bested by those of the BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Utility space (with the rear seats folded down) is also slightly down on the class leaders, but we’d still rate the Turbo GT as a surprisingly spacious, practical car.
Performance and Efficiency
The Turbo GT is powered by the most powerful version of the marque’s bi-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine (which is also used in various other Volkswagen Group products). For use in the Turbo GT, it pumps out a heady 471 kW at 6 000 rpm and 850 Nm of torque from 2 300 to 4 500 rpm. These outputs compare favourably with its rivals from BMW and Mercedes-AMG, with the Cayenne having the most power of the trio and only the AMG being able to match the Porsche’s torque.
The Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT holds the official Nurburgring lap record for an SUV (7:38.9 minutes).
Importantly, however, keep in mind the Cayenne is relatively light compared with its rivals – by around 250 kg. Therefore, its significant performance advantage should not come as too much of a surprise. Fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission (not a PDK dual-clutch), the Turbo GT can blast from 0 to 100 kph in 3.3 sec, while its rivals take around 3.8 sec… Astonishingly, this 2.2-tonne beast will hit 200 kph in only 12.2 seconds and go on to a top speed of 300 kph.
Porsche’s engineers haven’t only worked their magic on the engine in the pursuit of more power; they have also upgraded it for better durability. Compared with the standard Turbo, the Turbo GT’s engine differs in such parts as the crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, timing-chain drive and torsional vibration dampers. The standard sports exhaust system, which is unique to this derivative, is made from lightweight and heat-resistant titanium. To save weight, there is no centre silencer. Due to the presence of a soft limiter when the vehicle is parked, you can’t quite get it to bark very loudly at a standstill, but on the go, the crackles and pops from those large 2 central exhaust outlets are particularly pleasing.
The Turbo GT’s not only more powerful than its siblings; its 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 powerplant has several bespoke upgrades.
Impressively, and again probably largely down to the Cayenne’s relatively low weight, the Turbo GT has the lowest claimed consumption figure of vehicles of its type (11.9 L/100 km). You’ll probably average closer to 13.5 L/100 km, however.
Comfort and Features
Priced at R3.5 million before options, the flagship Cayenne is significantly more expensive than its Audi/BMW/Mercedes-AMG rivals, and once you start adding options (of which there are several), you might get to a point where a Lamborghini Urus or Bentley Bentayga are not unreasonably out of range, but having said that, you’ll still have to go through a speccing-up process with the Porsche’s Italian and British cousins anyway. So, in reality, the Cayenne Turbo GT is positioned neatly between its “mainstream” German rivals and those more evocative prestige-brand offerings.
The “turbo GT” embroidered headrests add a sense of occasion to the Porsche’s interior.
The Cayenne Coupe is an inherently comfortable vehicle with great NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) control and a cabin that, even before options, ticks the most important boxes in terms of luxury and entertainment. You get heated seats front and rear as standard, for example, but if you want ventilation (for the front seats), that’ll be an extra R32 140. As mentioned before, Porsche’s latest infotainment system offers full Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, but if you want a wireless charging pad, Porsche charges an additional R13 310 for that.
And so the list goes on… Yes, a reverse-view camera and rear park assist are standard, but if you want a surround-view (360-degree) monitor, which is increasingly common on cars priced at around the R500 000 mark, you will have to fork out another R16 850. You get cruise control, but if you want adaptive cruise control with autonomous braking, the extra charge is R38 890. You can also have rear-seat entertainment fitted for R43 890. So it’s very easy to go overboard and end up with a seriously pricey car that would have to be extremely good in some other aspect to justify the outlay…
The Turbo GT’s cabin has a four-seater configuration. Note the Neodyme-coloured seat belts and trim accents.
Ride and Handling
And so, welcome to the section that will detail that “other aspect” needed to justify this car’s heady pricing (options included). Fettled by the same team that works on Porsche’s GT sportscars, the Cayenne Turbo GT’s underpinnings have been significantly revised. The result? A Nurburgring lap time of 7:38.9 minutes, which is an official new record for an SUV around the Green Hell. That’s impressive…
The Turbo rides 17mm lower than the Cayenne Coupe Turbo, and the Turbo GT’s development team substantially re-engineered the car’s passive and active chassis systems to improve its dynamic performance. The rigidity of the 3-chamber air suspension has been increased by up to 15% and, as for the damping characteristics of the active suspension management system, they’ve been altered significantly.
The engineers took an all-inclusive approach to the development, and nothing that had an impact on the Turbo GT’s dynamic ability was left untouched – even the power steering characteristics were modified and rear-axle steering was added to the mix. The active roll stabilisation system now operates with new performance-oriented software.
Traditionalists will appreciate the (gold accented) analogue rev counter that’s flanked by 2 pairs of digital dials.
The result of all the fiddling is, quite frankly, mind-blowing. No big, hefty SUV such as this should be able to feel so light-footed, eager to change direction and, dare we say it, “engaging” to drive. Porsche Torque Vectoring is also part of the package, which includes a “comprehensively optimised front axle” and greater negative camber for the massive front wheels; they’re shod with 22-inch Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres specifically developed for the Turbo GT.
It is really quite an experience to drive this Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT on a particularly challenging piece of road and experience it virtually “shrinking around you”. The steering feel reminds us very much of Porsche’s sportscars, and the way it pivots around its centre is something we have not yet experienced in any other SUV. This Porsche just never feels like a lumbering SUV – in terms of its handling dynamics, the Turbo GT is, in a word, magnificent…
Drivers can easily toggle between drive modes using the rotating knob on the Porsche’s multifunction sports steering wheel.
Price and After-Sales Support
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is only available in the Coupe bodyshell and sells for R3.5 million (before options), which includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and 3-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. As mentioned in other parts of this article, there are numerous optional extras to pick from.
At R3.5-million, the Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT is pricey, but it does undercut its cousin, the Lamborghini Urus, by R500k.
Verdict
Porsche has done it again. By delivering an SUV that justifies the GT badge, the Zuffenhausen-based brand has proved the naysayers wrong once more. It occupies a very specific niche in the market and will likely be a rare sight on our roads, but for buyers who crave the practicality and comfort of a large SUV, but who are unwilling to compromise on the thrill of driving promised by Porsche’s GT badge, nothing in this class will come close to the Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT.
JAC has bolstered its local T6 double-cab bakkie offering with the introduction of a more affordable petrol powered derivative. See specification and pricing for the JAC T6 petrol below!
JAC’s T6 double-cab bakkie arrived on local soil back in 2018 and was solely offered with a 1.9-litreturbodiesel engine. Now, JAC has listened to market feedback and welcomes a petrol-powered 4×2 double-cab to market at a more affordable price.
“The market feedback is clear. Customers, especially big transport operators, want petrol engine derivatives in their fleets. With the limited offer of one-tonne petrol engine workhorses in the local market, we have decided to add a petrol engine derivative to our local T6 range,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.
Under the bonnet is a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine that develops 108 kW and 190 Nm and comes paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. JAC claims a fuel consumption figure of 10 L / 100km.
Standard features include a Radio/MP3 player, height-adjustable multi-function leather-clad steering wheel, cruise control, electric windows and of course, air conditioning. On the safety front, the JAC T6 is fitted with 2 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Override System (BOS), rear park distance control,
Some practical features for the J6 include a 198 mm ground clearance, 900 kg payload, 2 000 kg braked towing capacity and a sizable load bed measuring 1 520 mm × 1 520 mm × 470 mm which is sprayed with an anti-scratch and corrosion-resistant bed liner.
JAC T6 Price in South Africa (July 2022)
JAC T6 2.0L VVT 4×2 Lux – R324 900
T6 1.9L TDI 4×2 Comfort – R359 900
The JAC T6 is sold with a 5-year/150 000km warranty and a 5-year/60 000km service plan.
Hilux Units Incoming! Toyota SA Resumes Production in KZN
Toyota has officially resumed production at its Durban factory, with most product lines – including that of the Hilux – finally back online (though not yet at full capacity)…
Toyota South Africa Motors has confirmed production at its Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal has resumed after the facility was forced to halt assembly back in mid-April 2022 owing to severe flood damage.
While Hino truck production recommenced as early as 23 May, Toyota’s passenger-car and light-commercial vehicle lines remained suspended until just a few days ago.
The Durban factory sustained major damage when a wall of water and silt came down the river alongside the plant after the sluices at the overflowing Shongweni Dam were opened. Toyota said cleaning the mud and fine silt from the many pieces of electronic and mechanical equipment in the various production areas had proved “extremely time-consuming”.
The Prospecton plant finally started building the Hilux, Fortuner, Corolla Cross and Hi-Ace again in the past few days, though Toyota SA Motors told Cars.co.za production was “nowhere near” full capacity just yet. The Japanese firm’s local division added units would start trickling through to dealerships in “any significant numbers” only from mid- to late-August, with full production levels set to be reached by September.
Meanwhile, the Corolla Quest line remains idle, with Toyota SA Motors saying production of the prolonged lifecycle sedan would likely resume at some point in August.
While production of the Corolla Cross has resumed, the Corolla Quest has yet to join the party.
Many of the factory’s operational parts were reconditioned rather than replaced since new parts were not immediately available. Therefore, the company says it has opted against implementing overtime weekend shifts, saying it would instead reserve weekends for the replacement of these reconditioned parts as new components are delivered.
Despite not building a single passenger car or light-commercial vehicle in June 2022, Toyota managed to keep its nose well ahead of all challengers in the sales stakes that month, with the 7 439 units it registered proving more than enough to keep the Volkswagen Group (5 627 units) in second and Suzuki (4 622 units) in third.
The Hilux, though, had to settle for fourth place on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies in June 2022, with its 969 sales seeing it slot in behind the Ford Ranger (1 601 units), Isuzu D-Max (1 280 units) and Nissan NP200 (1 249 units). Year to date, however, the Hilux is still well ahead, with its 15 992-unit total more than double that of the second-placed Isuzu D-Max (7 140 units).
Mercedes-Benz SA Confirms Electric Vans are Coming
Mercedes-Benz Vans says it aims to “completely transform the South African van industry” by launching fully electric models in this corner of the market…
We recently brought you local pricing for a raft of fully electric Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, including the EQA, EQB, EQC and EQS. But what about the Stuttgart-based firm’s vans division? Well, Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa has now confirmed it has plans to bring in battery-powered vans in the future, though stopped short of revealing exactly which models are under consideration.
Marinus Venter, Head of Product and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Vans SA, hinted that though such launches may be a little way down the line, the wheels are at least turning.
“It is our unwavering goal to deliver the most desirable all-electric vehicles to our customers, worldwide. Although we have some challenges in South Africa, the South African market remains an integral part of this plan,” he said.
“Our goal in the coming years is to completely transform the South African van industry as we know it, by providing exceptional electro-mobility solutions in both the private and commercial sectors,” Venter added.
Globally, Mercedes-Benz Vans reported a “significant increase” in demand for its electric vehicles in the second quarter of 2022, particularly in the commercial sector, driven by the eSprinter and eVito. In fact, the automaker claims sales for its electric vans rose by more than 80% to 3 500 units in the reporting period.
So, besides the aforementioned eSprinter (which is scheduled to be replaced by a new-generation model in 2023) and eVito (which is available in some markets in both panel van and Tourer guise), which electric vehicles are currently in the Mercedes-Benz Vans portfolio globally? Well, there’s also the soon-to-launch eCitan, which features a claimed single-charge range of around 285 km.
The Concept EQT previews an upcoming electric version of the T-Class.
Outside of the commercial sector, Mercedes-Benz Vans has the EQV. Revealed back in 2019, this model is positioned as a fully electric premium MPV and is effectively a battery-powered V-Class with a claimed range of 405 km. An electric version of the T-Class (dubbed the EQT and previewed by the Concept EQT pictured above) is also set to be revealed in the relatively near future.
While Mercedes-Benz Vans SA seemingly hints electric models are part of its medium- rather than short-term plans, the firm also claims to be in rude health locally. In fact, it has forecast “record V-Class sales” for 2022, as well as “strong projected sales” for the Vito and Sprinter ranges. Nadia Trimmel, President of Mercedes-Benz Vans SA, has high hopes for the rest of the year.
“The first half of 2022 is behind us and, looking at what we have accomplished, I am exceptionally proud of how the Mercedes-Benz Vans team has persevered. We have demonstrated outstanding resilience in the wake of many challenges and uncertainties. I look forward to a successful remainder of 2022,” said Trimmel.
