Hyundai Tucson (2022) Launch Review

With prominent brands either facelifting their models or introducing all-new offerings, the South African medium SUV segment is in for a shakeup in 2022. The 4th generation of the Hyundai Tucson, which has always been a popular choice in Mzansi, has finally arrived. We drove it at its local reveal in the Western Cape.

What’s new on the Hyundai Tucson

It’s clear Hyundai has adopted an entirely new design philosophy. Gone are the days when a Tucson or a Creta had an inoffensive exterior design that was easy to live with, but didn’t deserve a second glance on the driveway just before you made your way inside the house. But things have changed. This new Tucson has creases and zig-zag lines everywhere and the new cascading grille with integrated LEDs makes a real statement. It’s as distinctive an SUV as you’ll find in the segment and, because it’s based on a shortened Santa Fe platform, it’s actually a much bigger car than the model it replaces.

Length-wise, it’s 150 mm longer and its wheelbase has increased by 85 mm. The model’s width and height remain similar, while the ground clearance has been raised by 9 mm. Although the roofline seems to slope quite dramatically towards the tailgate, the load-bay capacity is up by 51 litres (539 litres), which makes the newcomer more practical in every measurable way than the 3rd-generation Tucson.

The engine range has gone through a mild redevelopment to improve efficiency and deliver more usable power, but for now (March 2021), there is only a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel to choose from in the Tucson line-up. Word is Hyundai will look at expanding the range to include a 1.6-turbopetrol at a later date, provided that it wouldn’t make the derivative/s too expensive.

With the introduction of a new platform, Hyundai has taken the opportunity to improve the body rigidity, while including more sound-damping measures, both of which reduce noise, vibration and harshness.

Is the Hyundai Tucson a good family SUV?

There is more legroom in the new Tucson and the boot is bigger than the outgoing model.

Over and above offering additional luggage space, the new Tucson also boasts better rear legroom (courtesy of its stretched wheelbase), so most aft occupants will be able to stretch out and relax. The rear seats have ISOfix child-seat anchor points and can fold down flat in a 60/40 split; we look forward to testing the Tucson’s utility space (which we expect to be significant) when we’ll do a full evaluation.

The standard connectivity spec is pretty good with a wireless charger fitted to every derivative, complete with an 8-inch infotainment system. Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility is also included on the standard features list, as are heated front seats (the Elite versions also feature a cooling function). Two USB ports are available upfront, with charging ports provided for rear passenngers.

For a full list of specifications, check out this article

The strengthened chassis has also improved the crash structure of the new Tucson, but Hyundai has nonetheless included more safety features in the higher-spec derivatives. Stability control is now available across the range, while the top-spec Elite version includes new features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, main-beam assist and forward-collision avoidance assist. This increase in safety specification is likely a move to keep the model on par with offerings from the Chinese contingent, such as the Haval H6, which offer all the modern safety features at keen price points.

The Tucson may look like it’s from outer space, but inside it’s pure Hyundai, with unimpeachable interior build quality. All the panels feel securely fastened and there’s not a creak to be heard from prodding any of the trim. The materials are mostly soft-touch and durable. It may not quite be as fashionable on the inside as its bold exterior design suggests, but it feels like a top-tier product within its segment.

What are the engines like?

The 2.0-litre turbodiesel would definitely be our choice of engine in the current lineup.

We were only afforded the opportunity to drive the 2.0-litre petrol model in Elite guise. For all the talk of development on the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine, including a lighter (all-aluminium) block, an integrated thermal management module and continuously variable oil pump, the engine now produces exactly the same power (115 kW) and less torque (192 Nm vs 196 Nm) than its predecessor.

If there’s something an SUV needs plenty of, it’s torque (or pulling power), because this helps to get heavier cars moving from a standstill and improves in-gear acceleration. Although the 2.0-litre petrol motor’s claimed 8.9 L/100 km consumption figure looks encouraging, the Tucson sits at the bottom of the pile when it comes to power and torque figures compared with its segment rivals.

This engine is fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission and while the gearbox shifts quickly, we found it constantly hunted for the appropriate ratio to keep the powerplant in the optimal torque zone (at 4 500 rpm). This engine and gearbox combo would best suit in-town (lower-speed) driving, because once you’re out on the freeway or open roads, it can be frustrating to maintain speed or accelerate.

Search for a used Tucson here

The 2.0-litre turbodiesel, on the other hand, has improved power and torque outputs (up 7 kW and 16 Nm) over the previous diesel motor. If your budget can stretch to the flagship turbodiesel derivative, then it’s clearly the better choice for long road trips or holiday excursions. Furthermore, it uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is better at keeping the engine in the optimal torque zone.

What’s the Tucson like to drive?

The interior is well-built and features an acceptable level of spec across the range.

The new Tucson certainly rides firmer than the outgoing model and exhibits far less body roll when cornering. The steering is much better weighted and delivers more feedback, which is commendable, seeing as the outgoing model’s ‘wheel was particularly vague and made the car’s handling seem floatier than it actually was.

On bumpier stretches of road, the ride might be a little too firm for the average family car buyer, but the Tucson feels planted if you venture down a dirt road – it seems to settle nicely on washboard gravel.

Hyundai Tucson pricing and after-sales support

Tucson 2.0 petrol Premium	R519 900
Tucson 2.0 petrol Executive	R569 900
Tucson 2.0 petrol Elite	R634 900
Tucson 2.0 diesel Elite	R699 900

All Hyundai Tucson derivatives come equipped with a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km service plan.

Summary

The new Tucson is a more desirable product than before with better standard spec.

The 2.0 Premium is the star here; Hyundai continues to specify its base-spec Tucson with all the essentials that the majority of family-SUV (medium-SUV) buyers are likely to require. It’s nice to see that with this new model’s introduction, additional active safety features have been made available for our market. Unfortunately, the petrol engine is a little underpowered, but it is there or thereabouts compared with similar units in the segment.

The torquey 2.0-litre turbodiesel is certainly the engine most would want, but it’s only available in the top-spec Elite derivative – Premium or Executive turbodiesels would be very welcome. Unfortunately, the cost of the engines available in Europe, which all feature mild-hybrid tech, would price the Tucson out of the market.

On the positive side, the 4th-generation Tucson is more spacious inside and Hyundai continues to set the segment standard when it comes to interior build quality and after-sales support (consider the 7-year mechanical warranty and 6-year service plan). If the market response to the recent crop of Hyundai SUVs (Creta and Santa Fe) are anything to go by, this model is bound to remain popular in Mzansi.

The Cape 1000 Diary – Day One

The highly-anticipated Cape 1000, a 1000-mile “tribute” to some of the world’s most historic races, has kicked off in Cape Town. Here are some of the highlights from the event’s first day.

Photos by: Devin Paisley, Dieter Pey, Duwyne Aspeling, Stefan Kotze, Jono Nienaber

After a festive registration “celebration” at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on Tuesday, which saw nearly 40 dream cars, ranging from a Concours-level restored ’56 Porsche 356 to a modern-day Lamborghini Aventador line up, and participants arriving from across South Africa, The Cape 1000 – which was but a dream a few months ago – finally became a beautiful reality.

I’ve always dreamt of participating in the Mille Miglia, or the Carrera Panamericana, or even the Paris to Peking, so kicking off what will hopefully become a series of petrolhead adventures on home soil is very exciting. The Western Cape definitely has some of the driving roads and scenery in the world, and the organisers of this event, Supercar Lifestyle, have worked them all into the schedule.

The 1 000-mile (approximately 1 600 km) route takes in some of the Western Cape’s best roads, with 60% of the distance being allocated to “Grand Touring” and the remainder being regularity stages, where drivers and their navigators have to work closely together and meticulously follow the stage’s timing and speed instructions to achieve success and, hopefully, accumulate some points.

The best-laid plans…

When Cars.co.za announced its support for the rally, our plan was to run our restored Ford Capri Perana. However, events are hardly ever predictable in the classic-car space, so I can’t say I was completely surprised when that car wasn’t finished on time. It did leave us with a bit of a problem, however…

The Perana (and my colleague, Ciro de Siena, as a driver) was entered into the Pre-1977 Classic category of The Cape 1000, and so his replacement vehicle had to be from that era, too. That ruled out all the other cars in the SentiMETAL Heritage Fleet, and so we had to look beyond our South African Specials and the only fitting vehicle was a 1967 Citroën DS19, part of the greater collection. Now, before you laugh, keep in mind that the DS actually had quite a successful rally career, and won the Monte Carlo Rally twice (in ’59 it was actually the less-complicated ID that won, but still…).

Ciro accepted the challenge and went shopping for berets and USB-powered air-conditioners and fans. You see, it’s a bit hot in the Western Cape at the moment.

Meanwhile, I had my own challenges. The organisers had already secured a beautiful ’57 Austin-Healey 100/6 for the event, but unfortunately (not for me, though), its crew couldn’t make the event, and so I ended up in the navigator’s seat (which is very small) of this iconic British sportscar, with my co-driver being none other than Greg Marucchi, a petrolhead I know well from his involvement in Concours SA.

The start

It truly was a fantastic sight to see such a staggeringly diverse line-up of cars show up at the Silo Hotel for the start. “My” Healey carries the number 102, which meant that we had to start second. Now, I’m not going to give you a full run-down of the specs and history of the Austin-Healey 100/6, but for the purpose of this article, you just need to understand a few things…

Firstly, it has no roof – well it has a roof, but putting it up would be useless (see point nr.2). Secondly, the drivetrain emits a lot of heat through the footwells, so it gets, um, toasty in there very quickly, and if you were to put the roof up, it would essentially turn into a mobile oven. Third, it also has no side windows – again, you can bolt some windows onto it, but that makes the already cramped cabin even smaller, and also keeps more of the heat in the cabin. So, we had to complete the near 400km route in searing heat, with no roof and no windows. Thankfully Ciro bought me a very nice hat in China Town when he went to look for all his mod-cons for the Citroën.

The route started in the Waterfront and wound its way around the Peninsula, taking in the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive, before heading for Gordon’s Bay and the stunning Clarence Drive along the coast. Next to the ocean, where the air was cool, it was sheer driving bliss, with the Healey impressing with its torquey power delivery and handling.

A temporary Cape 1000 Cafe was set up on Clarence Drive to give participants the chance to stretch their legs and for engines to cool down, because temperatures were rising.

As we headed inland and started climbing some hills, the higher ambient temperatures, coupled with the heat from the Healey’s engine, made driver and navigator alike sweat… a lot. Twice it looked like the Healey would overheat, but in both instances, Greg managed to get the temperatures back under control. It was touch and go, though!

Another challenge was that the car’s speedometer isn’t functional and that the odometer is marked in miles… while the route book is marked in kilometres. So I had to use an app on my phone to keep us on track (and in the points). Challenging indeed! Or rather… a baptism of fire!

The lunch stop at the Elgin Railway Market included a short gymkhana challenge, after which the convoy moved back towards the picturesque Theewaterskloof dam. The last rest stop was at the beautiful Benguela Cove Lagoon and Wine Estate.

From there, Greg got the opportunity to drive a rare Mercedes-Benz “Pagoda” SL back to the Arabella Estate, which gave me the opportunity to spend some time behind the wheel of the Healey. Gosh, the British car’s gearbox really isn’t very easy to get the hang of!

Given the sheer beauty of the imagery captured on Day 1 alone, The Cape 1000 is poised to become a highlight of South Africa’s annual automotive events calendar, and interest has already been expressed by international petrolheads. Tired but happy, I’m looking forward to Day 2… and praying for cooler temperatures. As does, I’m sure, the Healey.

Oh, and during evening proceedings it was announced that Ciro and Duwyne Aspeling in the DS managed to achieve fifth place in the Regularity Challenge, with me and Greg in 7th in the Austin-Healey. Not bad for first-timers!

You can follow The Cape 1000 on Instagram here. The Cape 1000 is sponsored by Cars.co.za, SCL Travel, Silvercrest Super Car Insurance and Mix 93.8FM.

Mitsubishi Triton GL (2022) Specs & Pricing

The Japanese brand has introduced a pocket-friendly version of its bakkie for fleet owners and SMEs. Here are the specifications and pricing for the Mitsubishi Triton GL.

In the highly-competitive double-cab bakkie segment there are many brands jostling for sales. With the majority of sales being snapped by the ever-popular Toyota Hilux, the remaining brands have to fight for the remaining customers.

Mitsubishi is trying the value-added angle, and has launched the Mitsubishi Triton GL, which comes in at a much cheaper price than the rest of the Triton range.

“Fans of the Mitsubishi brand have shown overwhelming interest in a more robust commercial vehicle range, and MMSA is happy to oblige by introducing the Triton Double Cab GL,” explains Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at MMSA. “This is but the first step in our intention to offer greater versatility in the commercial vehicle space and will draw more customers into the Mitsubishi fold. This aggressive price point on our Double Cab GL will without doubt also attract lifestyle consumers due to its accessibility, versatility and bold contemporary styling.”

Under the bonnet is a detuned version of the 2.4-litre turbodiesel motor. In GL trim, it has outputs of 100 kW and 324 Nm, and is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. There’s no 4-wheel drive here, with the vehicle being a 4×2 model. When it comes to fuel economy, the Mitsubishi Triton GL is said to consume 8L/100 km.

Despite its entry-level designation, features are adequate with a 75-litre fuel tank, 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/70R16 rubber, fabric seats, anti-lock brakes, halogen headlights, keyless entry, electric windows, and automatic air conditioning. If you want an infotainment system that is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatible, you’ll have to pay a bit more as it’s an optional extra.

Want to buy a new or used Mitsubishi Triton? Browse stock for sale here.

How much is the Mitsubishi Triton GL in South Africa?

The Triton range is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km manufacturer’s warranty as standard, along with a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. Five-year/unlimited km roadside assistance is also included. Service intervals are set at every 10 000 km.

Triton 2.4L DI-DC M/T GL 4×2 R479 995

Triton 2.4L DI-DC M/T 4×2 R594 995

Triton 2.4L DI-DC A/T 4×2 R614 995

Triton 2.4L DI-DC M/T 4×4 R654 995

Triton 2.4L DI-DC A/T 4×4 R674 995

Triton 4.4L DI-DC A/T 4×4 Xtreme R734 995

7 best-selling budget sedans in South Africa: February 2022

Is there still a market for a reasonably priced saloon? We’ve sorted through Naamsa’s detailed sales figures to identify the 7 best-selling budget sedans for February 2022…

The reveal of the new Volkswagen Virtus – a booted model that is destined to arrive in South Africa later in 2022 as the new Polo sedan – had us thinking: what’s the current state of the market for budget saloons on local shores?

While bakkies and hatchbacks typically dominate the monthly list of the country’s best-selling new vehicles (with a crossover and SUV appearing here and there), a deeper look at the figures suggests there’s still something of a market for budget-beating sedans, even if it’s not nearly as robust as it once was. A significant slice of that demand, of course, comes courtesy of the ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt etc.) industry, along with the rental and government channels.

So, we sorted through the statistics to pick out South Africa’s 7 best-selling budget saloons for February 2022, with three-box model ranges bearing a starting price of less than R300 000 qualifying for inclusion.

The best-selling budget sedan during the second month of 2022 was the outgoing Volkswagen Polo sedan, with the Indian-built model finishing on an impressive 818 units, almost doubling its January tally. Just under half of those (387 units) were registered as sales to the government, with 83 units coming via the rental channel.

The locally produced Toyota Corolla Quest grabbed second place with 575 units (down 166 units month on month), though 277 of those came courtesy of the rental industry. Despite shedding almost 200 units over January’s effort, third spot went to the seemingly evergreen Nissan Almera (286), with around 45% of its registrations likewise attributed to rental companies. Fascinatingly, the Almera was still Nissan’s top seller for the month, finishing ahead of the Magnite (211 units).

The Chinese-built Kia Pegas (170 units) settled in fourth place, with every single unit interestingly sold through the dealer channel. Fifth went to the Honda Amaze (123 units), which proved the Japanese firm’s best-selling product overall in February 2022 thanks largely to a 50-unit boost from rental buyers.

The Suzuki Ciaz fell just short of three figures (95 units) but still managed to take sixth, while the Suzuki Dzire (65 units) occupied the seventh and final place on the list, having fallen from a more impressive tally of 282 units in January. Interestingly, the Maruti-built Dzire couldn’t come close to matching the popularity of the closely related Swift hatchback, which was the country’s seventh best-selling vehicle overall with 1 313 units.

7 best-selling budget sedans in South Africa for February 2022

1. Volkswagen Polo sedan – 818 units

2. Toyota Corolla Quest – 575 units

3. Nissan Almera – 286 units

4. Kia Pegas – 170 units

5. Honda Amaze – 123 units

6. Suzuki Ciaz – 95 units

7. Suzuki Dzire – 65 units

Old Isuzu D-Max to soldier on alongside new bakkie

Isuzu Motors South Africa has confirmed that five “key models” in the outgoing D-Max range will be retained and offered alongside the long-awaited new version of the Japanese bakkie…

So-called prolonged lifecycle models have a history of great success in South Africa. Volkswagen perfected the recipe with the much-loved Citi Golf and more recently the similarly popular Polo Vivo, while Toyota’s Corolla Quest remains a strong seller. And now Isuzu wants in on the “dual-product strategy” action.

Yes, the Japanese firm’s local division has announced plans to retain “a limited number of key models” from the outgoing D-Max range, which will be sold alongside the soon-to-launch seventh-generation version of the bakkie. Both the sixth- and seventh-generation D-Max will thus be assembled at Isuzu’s Gqeberha facility, which benefitted a R1.2-billion investment back in 2019.

The outgoing version of the bakkie has been renamed the D-Max Gen 6, with the line-up set to comprise five “competitively priced” workhorse models for South Africa, along with four for right-hand-drive export markets and three for left-hand-drive markets. All five models for the local market will feature a rear-wheel-drive configuration, while the majority of the export versions interestingly ship with 4×4.

While the new D-Max will be offered with the choice of a revised 3.0-litre turbodiesel mill or a smaller 1.9-litre oil-burner, the D-Max Gen 6 workhorse range will retain two old turbodiesel powertrain options. The basic 2.5-litre unit delivers 58 kW and 176 Nm (with a claimed fuel consumption of 7.9L/100 km), while the high-output version of the same displacement offers 100 kW and 320 Nm (at a claimed 7.6L/100 km in the case of the 5-speed manual and 8.1L/100 km in the case of the 5-speed automatic).

“Our strategy is to support Isuzu’s objectives by retaining Gen 6 models which have performed very well in the workhorse segment of the market. In addition to boosting our fleet business, we intend to increase LCV exports into key left- and right-hand-drive markets within the rest of Africa,” said Dominic Rimmer, Senior Vice President Technical Operations.

“Our customers rely on D-Max Gen 6’s long-standing reputation of reliability, durability and capability, backed by a vehicle with a 50-year history in this market. The D-Max is engineered for the best performance in our unique local conditions and these Gen 6 models remain a valuable proposition for fleet operators who place great importance on running costs and minimum down time,” Rimmer added.

How much does the Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 cost in South Africa?

All D-Max Gen 6 bakkies will come standard with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, with intervals of 15 000 km or 12 months.

Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 250c Single Cab: R328 400

Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 250c Single Cab Fleetside: R354 900

Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 250 HO Single Cab Fleetside Safety: R380 500

Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 250 HO Double Cab Hi-Ride: R479 900

Isuzu D-Max Gen 6 250 HO Double Cab Hi-Ride AT: R500 000

Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge (2022) Price Announced

The updated flagship SUV from the Swedish brand has touched down in SA. Meet the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid.

Volvo South Africa is quietly forging ahead with its electrification plans. With the launch of the XC40 P8 Recharge all-electric vehicle and the XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid spearheading the electric offensive, Volvo has now introduced its flagship offering.

With the price of petrol climbing to astronomical levels, a plug-in hybrid will help save some money. So, for your R1.5 million, what do you get? Volvo SA is offering its XC90 T8 Recharge in two levels of trim: Inscription and R-Design.

The newcomer features a more powerful electric motor that produces 107 kW of power. This works in conjunction with the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which makes 233 kW. Combined, there’s 340 kW and 709 Nm on tap, making this the most powerful Volvo XC90 ever! Power goes to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.

The new electric motor is said to improve the vehicle’s all-wheel-drive capability, as well as enhance performance. The bigger motor comes with a bigger battery, which means a bit more pure electric range. The battery’s energy has increased from 11.6 kWh to 18.8 kWh, meaning the vehicle has an electric range of up to 77 km.

That doesn’t sound like a lot, but Volvo reckons it’s adequate. “The average premium car owner travels less than 50km daily, so most local XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid drivers will be able to do their daily motoring on pure electric power,” says Volvo Car South Africa Managing Director, Greg Maruszewski.

Performance? With those impressive numbers, it should come as no surprise that the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge is brisk, with a 0-100 kph claim of 5.3 seconds. Fuel economy is claimed at 7.2 L/100 km.

Want to buy a new or used Volvo? Browse stock here

How much does the updated XC90 T8 Recharge cost in South Africa?

Pricing for the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid starts at R1 560 600. It is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan and 5-year roadside assistance and an 8-year/160 000 km warranty on the lithium-ion battery.

2023 Volkswagen ID Buzz Finally Revealed

After many years of teasers, the all-electric Volkswagen Bulli has made an appearance. This is the 2023 Volkswagen ID Buzz.

Just look at it! Surely it’s one of the coolest looking vehicles of all time? Volkswagen’s designers even managed to retain most of the funkiness from the 2017 concept too. What you see here is not just the 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, but the blue vehicle is a commercial van derivative.

Officially, Volkswagen is calling these vehicles “near-production concepts” but they look ready to hit the road in our opinion. The new 2023 Volkswagen ID Buzz is built on VW Group’s modular MEB platform, which underpins things like the ID.3 and ID.4.

Volkswagen Europe says the standard wheelbase derivative you see here will be on sale before the end of 2022 and customers will have a standard- and long-wheelbase to choose from. The first model out the blocks will be a 5-seater model with two rows of seats, with a 6-seater option with three rows of 2 seaters that will come out later. The long-wheelbase version arrives in 2023 with 7 seats.

Physically, the 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a touch shorter than the ICE-equivalent T.61 van, but the two have the same wheelbase, so expect the same levels of passenger space.

There’s no range claim yet, but Volkswagen has given some outputs and battery sizes. The launch edition will come with an 82 kWh battery that powers a motor delivering 150 kW and 310 Nm. This motor powers the rear axle. Volkswagen confirmed there will be an assortment of battery and power options that will go on sale in 2023. There was no performance claim either, other than a top speed of 145 kph.

Interestingly, when it comes to charging, Volkswagen is offering something called bi-directional charging. Essentially, you’re able to charge your vehicle, but also feed into the grid. You will need a special wall box however. The 2023 ID. Buzz supports 170 kW fast charging that will get the vehicle from 5% to 80% in 30 minutes.

Tech data aside, its the design both inside and out that will have everyone talking. It’s just brilliant. “We very consciously ensured that we were not making another T1,” says Jozef Kabaň, Head of Volkswagen Design. “The ID. Buzz shows that it is successfully transferring the genes and stylistic elements of that iconic vehicle into the digital era.”

The cabin is made from sustainable materials, with leather making way for synthetics and there’s extensive use of recycled materials. The material used for the floor, roofline, and seat covers is made from recovered ocean plastic and recycled bottles.

We’re expecting the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer to launch more info about the 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz in the coming weeks, but based on these looks, consider us smitten!

A Suzuki Jimny through Lesotho, your perfect African Alpine retreat

Have you ever wanted to go on an Alpine adventure with your vehicle? Well, Cars.co.za contributor Dieter Pey found out that you can do just that in Lesotho when he commandeered a Suzuki Jimny and headed for the beautiful peaks of the Kingdom. Let the adventure begin…

We collected our Suzuki Jimnys in Durban and headed for Himeville just North of Underberg, which would be our last stop in South Africa before crossing into Lesotho. After a quick lunch, we deflated our tyres before embarking on the first part of the trip, which I had looked forward to the most – going up the famous Sani Pass. After a short drive from Himeville, we reached the border post.

Crossing the border in Lesotho came with very little hassle and I got a brand new stamp in my passport (something I hadn’t received since before Covid-19 brought the whole world to a standstill). We hit the first gravel road of the trip soon thereafter and climbed upwards to the high altitudes at the Kingdom is renowned for. The clouds rushed in over the mountain peaks and we settled in to watch a quick downpour, but, as we would learn later on this trip, the Lesotho weather changes rapidly, literally within minutes.

What’s it like to live with a Suzuki Jimny everyday?

We engaged the Jimny’s low range and slowly made our way up Sani Pass. Road conditions weren’t perfect – it was a little bit rocky at the top and the switchbacks got pretty tight, but the Jimny handled the route with ease thanks to its impressively tight turning circle. The pass was not as tough as people explained to us, save for a small part, which was a bit narrow, with a few rocky sections, it’s very doable.

The rumours are also true… We passed a Sani Taxi coming down the pass with all the passengers outside of the vehicle jogging alongside it, for what we can only assume was to help with ground clearance on the trickier sections. I will admit, the pass would be a completely different monster in harsh weather conditions, such as snow, black ice, or heavy rain and, considering that the weather can change ever so quickly, it’s best advised to attempt the Sani Pass with care. So, after we restamped our passports (the Sani Pass is situated between 2 border posts) to re-enter Lesotho, we stopped at the famous “Highest Pub in Africa” and we enjoyed a Maluti (Lesotho beer) at 2 874m above sea level. From there, we drove a short while to the town of Mokhotlong, where we would spend the night at Senqu Hotel.

Searching for sunrises

Some unreal scenes are up for grabs during golden hour in Lesotho.

After a good rest from a long previous day, we were up for sunrise. Emma (@therunawayblonde), my travel companion for this trip, left the hotel and we went to explore a nice spot to capture some sunrise images. We found a beautiful little road on the side of the hill, which had a breathtaking valley in the background. We sat in silence, watching the sun reach into the valley – it was a surreal experience.

After our little photoshoot and breakfast, we rejoined the group and the journey continued. Day 2 did not require much driving, but, then again, driving in Lesotho is slow going. There are many animals, all kinds of debris, people and potholes on the roads, so you have little choice but to travel at lower average speeds. We stopped to take a picture at a low-water bridge, where a construction team was busy building another Lesothan dam. That very location would be 80 meters underwater in the future, which was certainly food for thought.

Looking to do this trip in something a little bigger? Check out our luxury 4×4 choices here

As we ventured through the landscape, we passed Afriski, which looked particularly odd with the ski slope being all green and grassy, with no snow in sight. After that, we set off on a jeep track that took us deeper into the scenery and we stopped to pitch a portable braai (as proud South Africans do). We uttered that famous line: “Nou gaan ons braai!” – in the middle of nowhere – and even used the Jimny’s bonnet as a table for the snacks. A thunderstorm started rolling in, so we packed up and got back onto the tar road. We passed a mining area and stopped, once more, at a beautiful lookout point.

It was fascinating to see the Basotho people out in the bush as they tended to their animals. As you drive through the unspoilt landscape, with nothing around you for kilometres you will always find some Basothoes in the bush or on a hill living their lives. Then, in the space of fewer than 10 minutes, the weather changed from 27 °C and hot to a thunderstorm… the temperature dropped to 10 °C and we got pelted by hail. The bad weather made us retreat to our cars and on we went to our night’s accommodation called Oxbow. It’s a beautiful little lodge isolated in a valley in the North corner of the country.

Eat your heart out, Stelvio Pass!

Sani Pass can be easily traversed in ideal conditions and good road surfacing such as this.

Day 3 saw us covering many kilometres – 290 km, to be exact. It may not sound a lot considering it was mostly tar roads, but with slow going through many villages, bad roads, speed bumps (sleeping policemen, as the guide called them), animals in the road and even some roadworks to contend with, you don’t cover ground quickly. Roadworks in Lesotho are bizarre. They are, so to say, stop and go, but not regulated and the “traffic cones” are actually just rocks packed on the sections that you are not allowed to drive on.

We descended a plateau to a “flatter” part of Lesotho and, after going through the town Roma, we started heading down a road, which I can confidently describe as one of the most beautiful roads I have ever driven on! The roads in Lesotho are all either descending or ascending and the angles are pretty extreme. Just after Roma, there was a steep pass and, after one particular hairpin corner, the road turned upwards at such an angle it seemed near impossible to traverse. It felt like I was off-roading, just looking towards the sky, not in the road, but, rest assured, we were driving on a tarred pass.

Buyer’s Guide: Rugged 7-Seater SUVs

We were driving a Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip manual. Compared with the previous model’s 1.3-litre engine, the 1.5-litre petrol motor produces an extra 22 kW and 20 Nm. Every bit helps, but given how steep that section of the pass was, the little Jimny still had to work as hard as it could. The motor was revving up at 5 000 rpm on a few occasions, but there was just not enough power to shift up to 2nd gear comfortable, so the gearbox got a workout. I managed to use a little bit of momentum to pass a few Jimnys in the group, which was fortuitous because we all had our accelerator pedals flat on the floor! We were passed by 2 Toyota Fortuners with the GD6 engines, but they barely made it past. Ha, you could see they were also flat out. We were going up this hill at a maximum of 40 kph, but we made it!

Preparations for a huge dam mean this bridge will be 80 metres underwater in the future.

After completing the steep uphill, which at times seemed to go on forever, we reached the plateau. From here on out the tarmac was marvellous, as you go over the crests, you watch the road sweep up and down through the valley of the beautiful Lesotho landscape. This amazing road – which constitutes about 30 km of breathtaking scenery – carried on all the way to Semonkong. Ciro De Siena told me that they had a Mustang launch in Lesotho on these amazing roads. You still need to be wary of debris, animals and people on the road, but it was fun to test the Jimny’s handling, it’s not as ungainly as it looks.

Look, the Jimny’s not suited to cornering hastily: the suspension is a little bouncy, there’s a fair amount of body roll and the aerodynamics are, well, unflattering. But the Suzuki’s not built for dynamic driving, it would be unfair to expect it to handle like a hatchback. The square shape does make the 4×4 quite roomy… for a very small car. Emma and I had 4 bags with us, the Jimny’s back seats were folded flat to free up more load capacity and our bags took up a good amount of that space. Oddment space for phones, wallets and camera gear, let alone what other bits and pieces you’ve got with you, is limited.

After those let’s say, illuminating, 30 km of “dynamic” driving, we arrived at Semonkong and enjoyed a delicious dinner and night at Semonkong Lodge.

A Jimny or a horse?

Some would say that horseback is the preferred method of transportation in Lesotho.

Day 4 was our last day in Lesotho and we were up early once more. We were heading to the Semonkong Falls, which was about 12 km by car or 5 km by horse, the latter of which was undeniably the more scenic – and rustic – route. Three of us decided to take the traditional form of transportation – we would meet up with the Jimnys at the waterfall. And then it suddenly made sense why so many locals used horses as transport in Lesotho… the landscape is utterly unforgiving, a mixture of mud, rocks and slippery angles (and we are crossing the country in arguably the most favourable conditions).

After a short while, we rejoined the group. The waterfall, the Jimnys and the horses all in one place was a beautiful spectacle. On the return route, the horses had no issue through the landscape, except for some mud holes, but the Jimnys had a bit of bad luck. On the way back to the lodge, we heard on the walkie talkie that one of the guides slid off the road, so the team had to perform a recovery to get him back on the road. I was sad I didn’t take a Jimny to the falls as I missed a bit of off-road driving, but it shows why horses are preferred forms of transport – conditions can be very treacherous for vehicles.

Search for a used Suzuki Jimny here

We covered approximately 800 km during the 4-day trip, most of the driving was done on tar roads, so I could not really test the gravel and off-road capabilities of the Jimny extensive. We do know, based on our previous experience with this Jimny, that it is a very capable off-road vehicle. Suzuki’s plucky 4×4 has enough ground clearance for gravel roads and Jeep tracks and, with the added benefit of a low range transfer case and a short wheelbase, it can clamber over some of the trickiest obstacles. This vehicle will gladly take you out into nature and onto your next adventure on a budget #becauseJimny!

2022 Hyundai Tucson Specs & Price

The new Hyundai Tucson has arrived in South Africa, to take on the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. Below, we cover the price and specifications.

The Tucson’s dramatic exterior styling expresses Hyundai’s evolving Sensuous Sportiness design identity. The new SUV embodies what Hyundai designers call ‘parametric dynamics’ with kinetic jewel surface details that emphasise Tucson’s distinctly different identity in a crowded segment.

As is the case with virtually all the Korean brand’s latest models, the Tucson sports an expansive, cascading grille with a distinctive pattern, with narrow headlamp clusters and indicator elements that merge into a single design element. Hyundai’s new family car is no exception – its LED daytime running lights are cleverly integrated into the jewel-like grille, and only revealed when activated.

It appears the engine line-up has not changed, with a choice of either a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine or a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine. Outputs have not been confirmed, but we suspect 115 kW and 192 Nm for the petrol, while the diesel packs 137 kW and 416 Nm. From what we’ve seen, all models are front-wheel driven and feature automatic transmissions.

As before, the trim levels will follow the Premium, Executive and Elite hierarchy.

Tucson Premium

Cruise control
Parking distance warning Forward/Reverse
Rearview monitor
Wireless phone charger
Dual automatic temperature control
Rear console ventilation duct
Heated front seats
Auto down front windows
Radio with RDS
8-inch infotainment system
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
Airbags: Front, thorax, curtain
ABS+EBD+DBC+HAC
EPB with Autohold
17-inch alloy wheels
Halogen lamps
LED daytime running lights

Tucson Executive

18-inch alloy wheels
LED lamps
Indicators in side mirror
Electrically folding and heated side mirrors
Dark chrome coated grille
Chrome bumper moulding
Roof rails
Skid plate
Leather trim
Driver power seat
Illuminated sunvisor
Blindspot detection
Rain sensor
Auto window defogger
Dual auto temperature control

Tucson Elite

19-inch alloy wheels
LED tail lamps
Privacy glass
Panoramic sunroof
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Smart key
Button start
Supervision with 10.25-inch TFT LCD
Smart cruise control
Blindspot collision avoidance assist rear
Lane-keeping assist
Lane following assist
Forward collision avoidance

As reminder, the Hyundai Tucson is a rival to the Haval H6, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4, and Peugeot 3008.

Hyundai Tucson 2022 price in South Africa?

The new Tucson will be sold with a 5-year Vehicle / 7-year Drivetrain warranty, and a 5-year / 90 000 km service.

Tucson 2.0 petrol Premium R519 900

Tucson 2.0 petrol Executive R569 900

Tucson 2.0 petrol Elite R634 900

Tucson 2.0 diesel Elite R699 900

What happens if my EV runs out of charge?

Range anxiety can be a stressful part of Electric Vehicle (EV) ownership and while you should plan and prepare your trips to avoid being stranded, you should also be prepared for the worst-case scenario — running out of charge. Here’s what you need to know!

Range anxiety is one of the main factors that have a negative impact on EV ownership and running out of charge is something that many potential EV buyers fear.

If you drive an EV, running out of charge on your journey is something that you should try to avoid at all costs. The best way to avoid being stranded with no EV charge is to plan your trips and to ensure that your EV is regularly charged up so that you have enough charge to conduct your daily commute. Having a home EV charger installed is highly recommended as it’s not only the cheapest way to charge your EV but it’s by far the most convenient.

Keeping a close eye on your EV range and consumption is vital but trip planning is also important and this includes knowing where suitable public charging stations are located along your route of travel. We recommend that you download either the PlugShare app or the ABRP (A Better Route Planner) app, or both! Apple users may also want to try the ChargePocket app.

These apps will allow you to plan EV driving trips and locate suitable and available EV charging stations near you. You can also see the live EV Charger map for South Africa here.

Planning your trips is by far the best way to avoid running out of charge but what exactly happens when you run out of charge and what should you do if it happens to you?

What to do if your EV runs out of charge?

If your EV is getting low on charge, the vehicle will start alerting you to the fact with a number of warnings. The sequence and timing of these warnings may differ depending on the EV you drive.

The low charge warnings will start at anywhere from about 12% charge and your EV will command and navigate you to the nearest charging station. Your estimated remaining range will also be visible.

At 0% charge, your EV will be in reserve power and you will have less than 10km of range left (if you’re lucky) to find a charging station. After this stage, your EV will start shutting down and will effectively be in “Turtle Mode” where only vital systems will receive power. Soon after this, your EV will no longer be operational.

Make sure that you pull your EV safely off the road without obstructing traffic or other road users. Turn your hazard lights on and call for roadside assistance. Most car insurance and AA membership include roadside assistance.

Just be aware that your EV will have to be recovered using a flatbed truck, and NOT towed behind another vehicle. Make sure that you read your EV’s Owner’s Manual and follow the instructions therein to ensure that your EV is recovered safely.

You can have your EV delivered to the nearest charging station where it can be recharged or to your home if you have a home EV charging station installed.

Buy an EV on Cars.co.za

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The Cape 1000 Diary – Day One

The highly-anticipated Cape 1000, a 1000-mile “tribute” to some of the world’s most historic races, has kicked off in Cape Town. Here are some of the highlights from the event’s first day.

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A Suzuki Jimny through Lesotho, your perfect African Alpine retreat

Have you ever wanted to go on an Alpine adventure with your vehicle? Well, Cars.co.za contributor Dieter Pey found out that you can do just that in Lesotho when he commandeered a Suzuki Jimny and headed for the beautiful peaks of the Kingdom. Let the adventure begin…

Searching for sunrises

Eat your heart out, Stelvio Pass!

A Jimny or a horse?

2022 Hyundai Tucson Specs & Price

The new Hyundai Tucson has arrived in South Africa, to take on the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. Below, we cover the price and specifications.

Tucson Premium

Tucson Executive

Tucson Elite

Hyundai Tucson 2022 price in South Africa?

Further Reading

What happens if my EV runs out of charge?

Range anxiety can be a stressful part of Electric Vehicle (EV) ownership and while you should plan and prepare your trips to avoid being stranded, you should also be prepared for the worst-case scenario — running out of charge. Here’s what you need to know!

What to do if your EV runs out of charge?

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