Alfa Romeo Tonale revealed

Alfa Romeo has finally unveiled the Tonale – the first all-new model from the Milanese marque since the Stelvio in 2016. The petrol-electric hybrid premium compact crossover will compete with the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40 when it arrives in South Africa near the end of 2022.

Although it’s officially the first new Alfa Romeo model to be introduced since the formation of the Stellantis Group early in 2021, the Tonalei is built on shared (Peugeot, Citroen or Opel) underpinnings. Instead, the newcomer, which, like its Stelvio brother, is named after an Italian mountain pass, is based on a modified version of the Fiat 500X/500L, Jeep Compass and Renegade platform.

Alfa Romeo acolytes will be relieved to see that the production version of the long-awaited Tonale, which is pronounced Toe-nah-ley (we think), is not an overly watered-down version of the stunning concept car that debuted at the Geneva Show in 2019. Some would even go so far as to say the newcomer is the most distinctive/least derivative design in the premium compact crossover segment.

With a length of 4.53 metres, a width of 1.84 metres and a height of 1.6 metres, the Tonale has a low-slung silhouette, with a distinct “GT Line” – that spans from the rear of the car to the outer edges of the headlights and traces the base of the side-window glass area, short overhangs, sporty bumpers and characteristic “tele-dial” wheels, which will be available sizes ranging from 17- to 20-inches.

The newcomer is instantly recognisable by virtue of its “3+3” full-LED Adaptive Matrix headlights (they’re a nod to those of the classic Sprint Zagato (SZ) and the 159 and its Brera and Spider variants), which incorporate DRLs, dynamic turn signals and a “Welcome and Goodbye” functions and work in conjunction with the brand’s Adaptive Driving Beam and Glare-Free High Beam Segmented Technology.

At the rear, the combined tail-lamp and light bar LED module echoes the design cues of the headlights and forms a “sine curve” that fully wraps around the Italian newcomer’s tailgate.

The sporty theme continues inside the cabin, where the “telescopic” instrument panel behind the 3-spoke sports steering wheel (fitted with aluminium shift paddles, of course) houses a 12.3-inch TFT screen, which is complemented by an Android-powered 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment array, which includes, inter alia, satellite navigation, the Alexa voice assistant and a 360-degree camera view (with dynamic grid). Over-the-air updates, onboard wifi and numerous Alfa Connect Service remote apps are supported.

Other conveniences offered include the new DNA drive-mode selector, which is mounted on one of the uprights above the centre console, dual-zone climate control, ventilated and heated front sports seats, LED ambient light, 14-speaker audio system by Harman Kardon, wireless charging pad, a “Semi-Automatic Parking” system, a reverse-view camera and an electronically operated tailgate.

The new model also marks a significant departure for Alfa Romeo, which, until now, has relied mostly on petrol engines in the South African market. Although the Tonale will be available with 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.3-litre turbo-diesel engines, such derivatives will only be offered in some left-hand-drive and European markets respectively. Instead, new petrol-electric powertrains dominate the line-up.

From launch, the Tonale will be offered in hybrid and plug-in hybrid guises with a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine in combination with a 48V (15 kW/55 Nm) “P2” electric motor.

The entry-level petrol-electric mild-hybrid derivative produces 97 kW/240 Nm and drives the Tonale’s front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Middle-of-the-range versions feature a variable-geometry turbocharger to produce 119 kW, while the range-topping plug-in hybrid Q4 utilises a 6-speed torque converter transmission and has a combined power output of 205 kW.

In addition to having an all-wheel-drive configuration, the Plug-in Hybrid Q4 is equipped with a 15.5-kWh battery. Alfa Romeo claims the top-of-the-range Tonale has an electric-only range of up to 80 km in the city cycle (and 60 km on the combined cycle), a 0-100 kph acceleration time of 6.2 seconds and that a full battery charge (from depleted) will take 2.5 hours when using a 7.4-kW fast charger.

The newcomer is also said to have 50:50 weight distribution – which is unusual for a front-wheel-drive model – as well as “the most direct steering ratio in the segment” (13.6). It rides on independent MacPherson suspension with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology, while an electronic adaptive suspension is available as an option. An electronic limited-slip differential is standard, while stopping power comes courtesy of a brake-by-wire setup (Integrated Brake System), with ventilated discs and Brembo 4-piston calipers fitted at the front.

Apart from being equipped with the usual active and passive safety features, the Tonale is available with various advanced driver assistance systems, such as intelligent adaptive cruise- and speed control, lane centring and traffic-jam assist, as well as autonomous emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot detection, rear cross-path detection, plus drowsy driver detection.

We’ll bring you more details about the expected South African line-up of the Tonale as soon as more information becomes available.

Maserati MC20 Supercar Price Announced for SA

The Maserati MC20 will be touching down in SA during the course of 2022 and here’s how much you can expect to pay for this special supercar.

The Maserati MC20 supercar is quite a looker and the performance specifications put it right up there amongst the established segment players. Will Ferrari, Aston Martin, McLaren, Porsche and Lamborghini customers consider making the switch to this good-looking newcomer? That remains to be seen, but the outright pace has our attention.

How does 0-100 kph in under 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 325 kph grab you? This performance comes courtesy of a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 with 463 kW and 730 Nm, and power is sent to the rear axle via an 8-speed dual-clutch ‘box. The secret to the vehicle’s performance is its low weight. At just under 1 500 kg, this Italian supercar weighs about the same as your standard Volkswagen Golf GTI. Inside, the MC20 features a driver-focused cabin.

We know that South Africa petrolheads are interested in the MC20, with 7 confirmed vehicles being built for SA and these units will be touching down during the course of the year. A convertible version of the MC20 has begun testing, and should be revealed in 2022.

Maserati SA will be having a busy year as not only does the flagship MC20 arrive, but also the Levante GT hybrid, which hits showrooms at the end of March 2022. This performance SUV with some green credentials will come in at R1 961 000.

Maserati SA has also confirmed the production version of its Grecale compact SUV will be heading to our shores in 2022 as well. As it stands, the current Maserati line-up comprises the Ghibli compact sports sedan, Levante SUV and Quattroporte sports sedan. All of the above are available in GT, Modena and Trofeo derivatives.

How much does the Maserati MC20 cost in South Africa?

MC20 Coupe MY22 R6 475 000

Toyota Starlet Facelift: What to expect?

It has been two years since the Toyota Starlet was launched in South Africa and after an impressive run of sales, attention turns to its facelifted version. Here’s what you can expect from the Toyota Starlet facelift.

In case you were not aware, the Toyota Starlet is in fact a rebadged Suzuki Baleno. While the latter has been on sale for a period much longer than its Toyota equivalent, the power of the Toyota badge has shown its value as the Starlet effortlessly outsells its sibling.

Our teaser image shows a slightly updated front end, complete with the new-look headlights and bumper arrangement. The biggest changes we think we’ll see will be in the cabin and the rear of the vehicle.

Read More -> Where would Toyota be without Suzuki?

The Toyota Starlet launched in South Africa in September 2020 and was earmarked as the replacement for the ageing Toyota Etios. Available in a 5-model lineup with one engine and two gearbox options across the range, the Toyota Starlet became an instant sales success.

Now attention turns to the facelifted model. We know the Suzuki Baleno is due for a facelift, with the brand’s Indian division Maruti sharing teaser images in February 2022. This follows from a leak late in November 2021, showing the Baleno with a revised front end and new-look rear tail lights. Suzuki South Africa has confirmed this model is under consideration for our market.

Over in India, Maruti Suzuki’s teasers have shown a darkened car, with only the new-look daytime running lights illuminated. The vehicle is said to receive a heads-up display which is a first for the segment and a new-look infotainment system that Toyota and Suzuki have worked on together. We’ll know soon enough, as the Maruti Suzuki Baleno reveal is imminent.

We estimate the Suzuki Baleno’s powertrain options will be carried over and while the Indian market gets a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, the SA models should continue with the 1.4-litre motor which offers up credible performance with its 68 kW and 130 Nm.

When will the Toyota Starlet facelift go on sale in SA?

We estimate this model will be arriving in SA showrooms before the end of 2022.

Land Cruiser 79 70th Edition (2022) Launch Review

Toyota had to delay the local introduction of the Land Cruiser 79 70th Edition last year (due to yet another spike in Covid-19 infections), but this week, our contributor Brent vd Schyff finally got the chance to travel to the Hartbeespoort area to see whether the special edition of South Africa’s favourite “tough-as-nails” bakkie is worth crowing about.

A brief history of Land Cruiser

The Land Cruiser 79 has a long history of… staying the same.

The origin of the Land Cruiser can be traced back to the Toyota BJ of 1951. Three years later, it got renamed Land Cruiser and, as many of you know, the nameplate has gone on to become a “brand name” in and of itself. Throughout the decades, the ‘Cruiser has been offered in various iterations, from the 76 Station Wagon, to the 78 Wagon (affectionately known as the “Troopy”) and the 79, which comes in single- and double-cab guises.

The mere mention of the 79 can make grown men (especially those clad in two-tone khaki, who really couldn’t care that you think they look silly) go weak at the knees. Why? Because the Land Cruiser’s renowned go-anywhere ability and robust reliability endure. Plus, it looks much as it did 50 years ago. “If it ain’t broke…don’t fix it.” That’s why Toyota has not tampered with it and, judging by the waiting lists, it’s a prudent decision.

The 70th Edition is more than just a badge job. Its introduction is tantamount to a bicep flex by the Aichi-based company – it serves to reaffirm the fact that Toyota produces some of the most capable off-road vehicles in the new-vehicle market. The 70th Edition marks the platinum anniversary of the indomitable Land Cruiser and it seems quite apt, considering the precious metal is strong, long-lasting and doesn’t scuff, just like Toyota’s mainstay.

What’s the Land Cruiser 79 70th Edition like to drive?

The 70th Edition gets special exterior badging and the 4.5-litre V8 diesel.

Even after all these years, the ‘Cruiser’s exterior execution still has a, shall we say, monolithic presence about it. Having not changed much apart from minor cosmetic tweaks here and there, the 79 looks unashamedly utilitarian and… out of place in a cityscape environment. It’s all squared-off angles and steel fittings, although this iteration has “70th Edition” badging next to its rectangular side mirrors. Oh, and don’t forget that trademark snorkel!

While the 79’s interior remains reassuringly agricultural, I’m kind of surprised that Toyota slapped in a touchscreen infotainment system (replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, nogal). It almost seems out of place when the rest of the interior feels like it dates from 20 years ago. Again, rather than a criticism, it’s more a nod to a winning formula of “function over form”. Oh, 70th Anniversary emblems feature on the headrests.

The Land Cruiser 79 prides itself on its 235 mm of ground clearance and a 700-mm wading depth. And, trust me, we got the chance to test both of those benchmark measurements during the 70th Edition’s launch route, during which we navigated our way through a series of off-road obstacles, including a hip-level river crossing. The ‘Cruiser proved easily up to the task, after which it launched itself up a steep section of, um, jeep track.

You’ll only find the 70th edition badging on the 4.5 litre V8 diesel version of the 79, which produces 151 kW/430 Nm. Those accustomed to kerb-mounting SUVs’ perky get-up-and-go may be disappointed, but the ‘Cruiser has ample torque for towing heavy loads and getting work done.

The manual 5-speed gearbox shifts positively; one may imagine its innards were hewn from Adamantium. Indeed, when the Cruiser strides forward in low range, it instils confidence that it could drudge through just about any on-land environment…. even when there’s livestock loaded on its load bed.

The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which seems out of place in something this utilitarian.

The separate stubby lever to switch between low and high range is anything but a retro throwback, dear readers. Its position and purpose remain unchanged from what they were long before “selecting an off-road mode at the push of the button” became so integral to the modern 4×4 experience. An easy switch to lock differentials is about as modern as the Land Cruiser has become in that regard… Remember when one would have to get out of the vehicle and lock the front-wheel hubs? Those were the days! The thought of doing that certainly evokes fond childhood memories for me.

Africa is still “no place for sissies”, that’s for sure. Our test route incorporated the kind of gravel roads that make up the bulk of our road network – they were littered with dips, undulations and corrugated sections. Then the heavens opened and released a trademark Highveld downpour, which caused rivulets to form along the way. The ‘Cruiser, however, dealt with everything with ease, even at a fairly brisk pace. It all reminded me of an old African proverb I once heard around a campfire… “If you can’t afford a grader to smooth out the road, buy a Land Cruiser.” It’s the next best thing.

Unsurprisingly, the Land Cruiser 70th Edition – and the same can be said of its brethren – isn’t in its element when cruising on a highway, because the ratio in 5th gear is a bit high, which means that the engine may sit at higher rpm than you’d like, to the detriment of fuel economy, which isn’t flattered by the Toyota’s “aerodynamics” anyway. Apart from that, the ‘Cruiser excels in the areas it always has; it offers off-road utility like no other bakkie.

Land Cruiser 79 Cruiser pricing

4.5 Diesel V8 70th Edition S/C	R898 600
4.5 Diesel V8 70th Edition D/C	R952 500

Prices include a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. Service and maintenance plans are optional and services are required once a year/every 10 000 km.

Summary

Toyota has no problem selling Land Cruisers in SA, the 70th model will likely continue demand for the conquerer.

With the 70th Edition, the Land Cruiser nameplate has again stamped down its authority as one of the most capable bakkies on the market, finish and klaar. It serves as a reminder to the competition that this vehicle represents the ultimate version of function-over-form. Its ruggedness is undeniable – if you’re looking for the toughest and most reliable off-road-oriented bakkie (shorn of the frills that come part and parcel of modern motoring), well, this is it.

The opportunity to drive the famed Land Cruiser meant a helluva lot to me. Once you look past the complexities and flashy trimmings of an (admittedly less pricey) modern leisure bakkie, what are you left with? Certainly not a Land Cruiser 79. Its unrivalled utility and reliability shine brighter than its dull interior and squared-off exterior. Toyota has stuck to its guns and preserved that original DNA… That is why the Land Cruiser remains special.

Search for a used Land Cruiser here

Rolls-Royce downsizes badge for better aero

Bonnet jewellery gets smaller for future Rolls-Royce EVs.

One of the world’s most recognisable bonnet ornaments has shrunk.

For 111 years (yes, that’s cricket Nelson), Rolls-Royce vehicles have featured the Spirit of Ecstasy. A female figurine distinguishing these, most British luxury cars from their rivals.

For more than a century, the Spirit of Ecstasy has been a status symbol and mark of distinction. But when it first appeared, the notion of automotive aerodynamics could not benefit from wind tunnel awareness of computer-aided design.

Rolls-Royce has reshaped its bonnet ornament in a world where aerodynamic drag has become an important issue. Mercedes-Benz realised that a three-pointed star created too much drag some time ago. Not to mention the issue of pedestrian crash safety being compromised by an encircled star in the middle of the bonnet.

Although Mercedes-Benz flattened its three-pointed star from a 3D structure to a 2D badge in 2008, Rolls Royce is keen to retain the Spirit of Ecstasy badge. In addition to a remote control feature, which folds the bonnet ornament away, reducing the issue of aerodynamic drag at speed, engineers at Rolls-Royce have redesigned it to have a smaller profile when owners decide to drive their cars with the Spirit of Ecstasy visible.

The new bonnet ornament is smaller, with a crouched stance. Beyond its reduced surface area, the figure’s robes (often confused with wings), have been reprofiled into a smoother, more aerodynamic shape.

When will followers of the Rolls-Royce brand, see the slimmer Spirit of Ecstasy? The company’s internal combustion vehicles won’t be using it, soon. But it will become standard fitment on all future electric-powertrain Rolls-Royces, the first of which should enter the market in 2023.

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series LCI M Performance

BMW is expected to reveal its Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) 3 Series this year and it will be accompanied by a revised 3 Series M Performance, which has now been spied testing for the first time.

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.

The all-new BMW 3 Series arrived in South Africa in 2019 and at the time it was considered to be the go-to offering for shoppers looking for a competent business class. However, the 3 Series now competes with an all-new, locally produced Mercedes-Benz C-Class which means that the 3 Series needs to be sharper than ever if it’s to rule the roost in this shrinking segment.

Last year, we reported that BMW was working on a facelifted 3-Series (internally known as a Life Cycle Impulse update or facelift) and now our spy photographers have spotted a 3 Series M Performance undergoing testing.

The 3 Series with M Performance parts aims to lift the visual and sporty appeal of the 3 Series and based on the front and rear camouflage, it’s clear that BMW is taking the opportunity to revise elements such as the headlights and front and rear bumpers. As far as styling is concerned, the changes are expected to be minor but more notable updates in terms of in-car technology is likely.

As for powertrains, the current 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines are expected to remain for now, including the M340i xDrive. The 3 Series range will still be headlined by the BMW M3 which is currently enjoying sales success, not only in South Africa but in other markets too.

We will keep you updated as soon as official details of the BMW 3 Series LCI are released, so stay tuned!

Buy a BMW 3 Series on Cars.co.za

Styling changes to the BMW 3 Series are expected to be minor but significant interior technology and equipment upgrades are likely.

Haval Chitu To Replace H1?

This is the recently unveiled Haval Chitu and while it’s not immediately on the cards for SA, we think it could be the perfect replacement for the ageing Haval H1.

The Haval Chitu is yet another great-looking modern SUV from China. Underpinned on the same platform as the Jolion, this newcomer is interestingly a similar size to the popular model. We think the arrangement will be like Volkswagen T-Cross/Taigo and Renault Captur/Duster – cars that overlap but surely target different markets.

The Haval Chitu name is an interesting one. It translates to Red Rabbit and it’s not the first time we have encountered a unique naming structure. Jolion means first love, and the Big Dog range of SUVs are already on sale globally, under the name Dargo in certain countries.

Physically, the Haval Chitu is 4.45 metres long, 1.84 metres wide and features a wheelbase of 2.7 metres. The Jolion is near identical, but is just 2 cm shorter. Looks-wise, we’d say that the Chitu is the sportier and more youthful of the two.

Inside, there are more shared common elements, like the 10-inch digital dashboard and large 12.3-inch colourful high-res infotainment screen. The Haval Chitu gets a proper gear selector stick, as opposed to the Jolion’s rotary dial.

The level of standard specification looks impressive and while this model has yet to be approved for export out of China, things like a full-colour heads-up display, level 2 autonomous driving (adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist) as well as a 360-degree camera are standard.

The Haval Jolion shares its engine range too, with the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine on duty. It is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Outputs of 105 kW and 210 Nm are on offer. There’s even a hybrid version that dials in 140 kW and 370 Nm, plus the additional benefit of enhanced economy meaning more kilometres between refuels.

As of February 2022, Haval SA no longer sells the H1 as a new car, but there are still plenty of units floating around tagged as 2021 nearly new. The Haval Jolion price starts from R310k and goes to R409k, and we reckon there’s a market for an SUV that sits from R250k to replace the H1. Could the Haval Chitu be the right vehicle for the job? Certainly it could be when you consider its list price is under R300k when converted in Rands

The latest specs and prices for new Haval vehicles

Lexus previews RZ 450e all-electric SUV

Toyota global president Akio Toyoda has said that Lexus will sell only electric vehicles by 2035 and the brand is expected to launch its first standalone battery-electric vehicle – the RZ 450e – soon. This week, the Japanese premium marque released new images of the upcoming model.

In December last year, we reported that Toyoda-san announced no fewer than 16 new battery-electric vehicles – of which four were Lexus models – at the brand’s Megaweb showcase in Tokyo. While the Aichi-based giant has certainly been at the forefront of petrol-electric hybrid technology for decades, many of Toyota’s European, South Korean, Chinese and North American rival manufacturers have been quicker to introduce (adapted and standalone) battery-electric vehicles, especially in the luxury-car space. Lexus has clearly got some catching up to do…

Well, this week Lexus International President Koji Sato said: “In 2022, we will release a series of new models, starting with the BEV-exclusive model RZ in (the Northern Hemisphere) spring.”

That means we’ll get to see the full reveal of the RZ 450e during the second quarter of the year, with international sales to begin too soon thereafter (although it’s not on the cards for Mzansi yet).

These images, which were released in conjunction with Lexus’ 2021 global sales data, offer a better look at the upcoming all-electric crossover’s profile and rear-end styling. It’s apparently of a similar size to the new NX, which will be launched in Mzansi soon, and is based on the same e-TNGA platform as the Toyota bZ4X (which is not part of Toyota South Africa Motors’ product plans – at this stage) and its cousin, the Subaru Solterra. We’d imagine that it will compete with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and, of course, the Audi e-tron, BMW iX3, Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes Benz EQC, etc.

ICYMI: Watch our Audi e-tron S Sportback Video Review

Compared with its Toyota and Subaru cousins, however, the RZ has notably sportier styling and is said to incorporate bespoke modifications aimed at elevating “(its) driving experience to the next level”.

In prolife, it certainly appears sleeker than its NX sibling (courtesy of narrow side-glass areas and blacked-out C-pillars), while the kicked-up rear end features a slim light bar and LEXUS lettering (as employed on last year’s LF-Z concept) – reports say that they are likely to become common cues of all of the brand’s standalone BEV models.

The vice-president of Lexus’ European division, Pascal Ruch, told British motoring title Autocar that it was a priority for Lexus to deliver “exhilarating driving performance” and hinted that the brand would offer variants of future BEVs that “support the sporty position of the brand”.

The RZ 450e is expected to offer “lighter and more compact motors”, increased body rigidity, steer-by-wire technology and Direct4 fully-variable four-wheel-drive technology; Ruch added that the newcomer would provide owners with “an engaging and rewarding driving experience”.

ICYMI: All-electric Mini Cooper SE (2022) Review

The Direct4 system allows the RZ 450e to apportion its power delivery across both axles, which means it can dynamically switch between front, rear and all-wheel drive as situations require. Lexus will employ this set-up on all future bespoke BEVs, which presupposes a standard twin-motor set-up.

This interior image of the bZ4X provides clues to what the Lexus RZ’s cabin architecture is likely to look like.

For context, the most potent version of the Toyota bZ4x features a pair of 80-kW electric motors (one at each end of the vehicle) powered by a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. The all-wheel-drive bZ4X produces 160 kW/336 Nm, is said to have a range of about 415 km (on the WLTP cycle) and is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 7.7 sec.

Toyota further says the battery will hold 90% of its charge for the first 10 years of its lifespan and, if you utilise rapid charging, a 150-kW fast charger can recharge the pack from depleted to 80% in 30 minutes.

We anticipate Lexus will use this package as only the starting point for the RZ 450e’s powertrain, but will we’ll bring you more technical details when they become available.

Where would Toyota be without Suzuki? A look at sales figures in SA

How high would Suzuki Auto SA’s monthly sales figures be if local sales of models that its mother company produces for Toyota were added to its tally? What would Toyota South Africa Motors’ sales stats look like then? We delve into January 2022’s sales statistics to find out…

Alliances are hardly new to the automotive scene. In fact, they’ve enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence in recent years, as manufacturers have again opted to team up in an attempt to mitigate rising research and development costs. One of the most obvious current examples in the South African market is the partnership between Toyota and Suzuki.

We say obvious since the first locally available products of this Japanese alliance – the Indian-built Starlet, Urban Cruiser and Rumion – return to the sort of badge engineering not seen here for decades. Other than an insignia here, a specification tweak there and in some cases a grille or bumper redesign, the final products are identical. Despite this, the rebadged versions have made a habit of easily outselling the originals on which they are based.

Although this fact provides fascinating insight into the power of the Toyota brand in South Africa, it also has us wondering just how big Suzuki Auto SA would be in volume terms if we were to include the models it builds for its alliance partner in its sales figures. And, just as interestingly, where such an experiment would leave the Aichi-based giant.

January 2022’s sales stats as an example

For the purposes of this exercise, we’ll use January 2022’s freshly released industry figures, which show the Toyota versions again outperformed their Suzuki donors on the sales charts. As the best-selling passenger vehicle of the month, the Starlet (1 472 units) positively thumped the Baleno (110 units). The Urban Cruiser (1 454 units) likewise outpaced the Vitara Brezza (558 units), while even the Rumion (368 units) edged the Ertiga (325 units).

A spot of quick maths illustrates that Suzuki-built models (3 294 units) accounted for a whopping 41.73% of Toyota’s passenger-vehicle sales (7 893 units, excluding Lexus) for the month. Tellingly, that 3 294 figure eclipses Suzuki’s total sales (3 232 units, including light commercial vehicles) for January 2022, despite it being another record month for the Hamamatsu-based company.

So, if we were to add the Toyota-badged versions to Suzuki’s passenger-vehicle tally (3 131 units), we’d end up at a heady 6 425 units, which would put the company comfortably ahead of the Volkswagen Group (5 118 units, including Audi) in the passenger-vehicle sales race. Furthermore, were the Suzuki-built models to be removed from Toyota’s passenger-vehicle total, Suzuki would top the country’s passenger-vehicle sales charts. That’s quite something, isn’t it?

It’s not quite that simple, though

Of course, it’s worth pointing out that while the Urban Cruiser competes in a new segment for Toyota and thus potentially represents a fresh stream of sales for the brand, the Starlet and Rumion arrived as replacements for previously popular models in the form of the Etios and Avanza (the latter, though, was actually built by Daihatsu). So, were these two models still in play today, Suzuki may well not have triumphed over Toyota in our theoretical exercise.

In addition, even if it were to lose its Suzuki-built wares, Toyota would remain at the summit of the overall sales table (that is, including commercial vehicles) thanks to the crushing dominance of the Hilux, which is ably supported in that space by the likes of the Hi-Ace.

Still, the results of our little study demonstrate just how well South African buyers have received these badge-engineered models, which have perhaps even surpassed Toyota’s expectations in terms of their local popularity. While the automaker’s mammoth dealership footprint and likely better resale value certainly play a role here (despite Suzuki offering the more attractive warranty and longer service plan), there’s something to be said for the sheer power of the Toyota badge.

The other side of the coin

Where does this leave Suzuki? Well, the firm’s local division has long espoused the rational that the fact South Africa’s biggest brand by volume is prepared to put its name (and thus stake its immensely valuable reputation) on these three products is a powerful confirmation of their quality. And that’s an entirely pertinent point.

It’s also worth keeping in mind Maruti Suzuki is a veritable giant where these vehicles are produced in India (yes, dwarfing Toyota), with eight of that nation’s 10 best-selling passenger cars in 2021 wearing the Suzuki logo. In addition, Suzuki has gained a couple of Toyota-built products, such as the Across (a faintly revised RAV4 Hybrid) and the Swace (a tweaked Corolla wagon), in certain other markets. This is a global alliance, after all.

Notwithstanding the one-sidedness of this partnership on local shores, Suzuki continues its remarkable growth story in South Africa, having delivered a record 27 583 vehicles and grabbed four monthly market-share highs in 2021, before kicking off 2022 with yet another sales record. But the intriguing results of this little exercise perhaps also point to just how much more potential for growth exists.

Search for a used Toyota here

Search for a used Suzuki here

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Enhanced by Arctic Trucks

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is already one capable 7-seater bakkie-based SUV, but the Arctic Trucks treatment takes it to another level entirely.

Bakkie-based SUVs are a popular segment in South Africa. With the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Isuzu MUX, and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport all featuring 7-seats and impressive offroad capability, it’s no wonder they sell in commendable numbers.

The 4×4 capability of these products is already excellent, with only the challenging of offroad situations being able to blunt progress. Arctic Trucks has a stellar reputation for making offroad-focused upgrades on both bakkies and SUV, and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is the latest product to receive the treatment.

Officially it is called the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport AT35 and the first thing you’ll notice is the tyres. These specific tyres are dedicated all-terrain units. To accommodate the massive 315/70 R17 wheels, there are fender extensions There has been a big uprade in the suspension department too, and this sees the vehicle sit higher, with the claim being 270 mm of ground clearance.

Being higher off the ground means you can clear obstacles and the offroad claimed numbers show a marked improvement in comparison to the standard vehicle. There’s a 34.5-degree approach angle (standard car 30 degrees), and a 28.8-degree departure angle (standard car 24.2 degrees).

Arctic Trucks did not touch the engine. For the South African market, the Pajero Sport is offered in a 3-model lineup which all share the 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder motor. This produces 133 kW and 430 Nm, paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Prices start from R655 000. The Pajero Sport received a meaningful facelift in 2020 which saw the introduction of a range-topping 4×4 Exceed derivative.

View the latest Mitsubishi Pajero Sport specs and prices.

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