BMW iX3 (2022) Launch Review

The iX3 is the all-electric version of BMW’s popular executive SUV, the X3. We took it for a quick drive in Gauteng to see if it is as good as the ICE derivatives in the range.

The South African X3 portfolio is one of the most comprehensive executive-SUV line-ups in the country; it seems there is a derivative for everyone! If you want a frugal premium family car, the excellent xDrive20d and xDrive30d fit the bill. If you’re after some performance, there are some great turbopetrol-powered options, such as the M40i and the hardcore M Competition.

Now, the X3 family has been joined by an all-electric derivative that’s claimed to retain the best qualities of the X3 in combination with an advanced battery-electric powertrain.

What is the BMW iX3?

It’s going to take a keen-eyed spotter to tell the iX3 apart from its X3 siblings.

The BMW X3 is one of the more successful models in the Munich-based carmaker’s line-up. Plus, there’s a strong South African connection, because the model is made right here in South Africa – at BMW’s facility in Rosslyn, near Pretoria. The X3 models that are assembled in Mzansi are for the local as well as export markets, but the iX3 is a little different… It’s the first product in BMW SA’s range to be imported from China.

Visually, you can distinguish the iX3 by its closed-off grille, variant-specific wheels, as well as subtle touches such as BMW logos surrounded by blue bezels and small i logos on the nose and rear of the vehicle. Under the bonnet is a 210 kW/400 Nm electric motor that drives the Chinese-made derivative’s rear wheels. The motor is mated with a 74 kWh battery, which gives the iX3 a claimed range (WLTP) of up to 460 km.

The closed grille, blue-rimmed BMW logo and subtle i logo are unique to iX3.

Performance-wise, BMW claims the iX3 can accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 6.8 sec and go on to a top speed of 180 kph. The vehicle supports 150-kW DC fast-charging, which is said to add 100 km of range in about 10 minutes.

Inside, there are very few details that set the iX3 apart as an all-electric derivative, other than a blue-tinged start button and blue detailing on the transmission lever. Once you’ve switched the vehicle on, specific graphics are displayed to show you the available range (in km) and average energy consumption.

Features of the iX3?

There’s just one derivative on offer – the BMW iX3 M Sport. Given the iX3’s positioning in the upper echelon of the X3 family (at a whisker under R1.3 million), it comes fitted with a comprehensive array of features and on-board technologies.

Subtle touches such as the blue start button and similarly accented transmission lever are the only clues that this is an all-electric X3.

Standard features include adaptive suspension, a panoramic sunroof, 3-zone automatic climate control, Harman Kardon audio system, electrically adjustable seats, sporty leather steering wheel, BMW Live Cockpit Professional (with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity), over-the-air updates, as well as a host of semi-autonomous driving technologies, including active cruise control, steering assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic parking and so forth.

What’s it like to drive?

The iX3 is one of the most refined offerings in the segment.

Our driving route took us through an urban area, which, to be fair, is likely the most common habitat for this electrified X3. Interestingly, this version of the X3 is rear-wheel driven, unlike its siblings, which come with xDrive (all-wheel drive). It is something to keep in mind if you plan to venture off-road now and again (not that you’re likely to).

The behaviour of the BMW’s electric powertrain is quite unlike those of other battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) we’ve piloted recently (the Audi e-tron range comes to mind). Previously, we’ve been entertained (and, sometimes, astounded) by BEVs’ instant on/off power delivery, but in the iX3 it feels more measured/easy to modulate. If you flatten the iX3’s accelerator pedal, the vehicle will speed off hastily, but its general driving experience is more akin to that of an ICE car.

These trick aero wheels look cool!

As for refinement and comfort, the G01-generation X3 belies its age (it was introduced overseas in 2017). The suspension of the G08 (that’s technically the iX3’s designation) ably absorbs ruts and bumps, despite the sizeable (20-inch) alloys.

The car’s happiest when (quietly) cruising along a highway. Like the BMW i4 M50i we also drove on the day, the iX3 comes with synthesised sounds playing through the speakers – it’s a novelty, which you can deactivate if you get tired of it.

Being a BMW, there’s at least a modicum of driving dynamism on offer and, thanks to its low-mounted battery pack and weighty steering setup, the iX3 manages to hide its 2.2-tonne kerb weight and resist body yaw more than most SUVs.

*The iX3 is rear-wheel drive only, it does not come with xDrive (all-wheel drive).*

Summary

If you’ve been considering “going electric” with your next new-vehicle purchase and by that, we mean “all-electric” (as opposed to hybrid electric), we think the iX3 is well worth a look. For those who find the BMW iX‘s appearance a little too futuristic or flashy, this offering is more conservatively styled (besides, the entry-level iX derivative costs a notable R400k more than the iX3 M Sport).

Although the iX3 offers all the benefits of electric motoring (such as instant full torque delivery), its general driving experience is not too dissimilar to that of petrol- and diesel-powered X3 derivatives. The claimed range of 460 km (from a fully charged battery) is credible and range anxiety should be less of a factor now that there are almost 300 DC chargers in South Africa that are spread throughout nearly all of the country’s main urban areas.

At R1.3 million, the iX3 costs only slightly more than its xDrive30d M Sport sibling and it’s great to see price parity between ICE and electric vehicles in the same class. If you’re not planning to venture on many long trips (at least not ones that have to be planned based on the locations of specific fast-charging points) and want all the features and functionality of an X3, this iX3 may be of interest to you.

We’re keen to spend more time with the all-electric iX3 and we’ll be compiling a comprehensive assessment of the differences in cost of ownership between the newcomer and its ICE siblings

*iX3 is a great addition to the X3 range.*

How much does the BMW iX3 cost in South Africa?

The BMW iX3 M Sport costs R1 290 000 and it’s sold with a 2-year unlimited kilometre vehicle- and 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty. A 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan is also standard.

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

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

Search for a new or used BMW here

BMW i4 M50 (2022) Launch Review

The i4 M50 is heralded as BMW’s first “battery-electric M car”, which makes it a milestone model. We headed to Gauteng to drive the 400-kW newcomer.

This year (2022), BMW’s M division celebrates its 50th anniversary and there are very exciting things happening over in Munich; the Bavarian marque has unveiled the BMW M4 CSL, will soon start producing a station wagon variant of the M3 and a second flagship product, called the XM, is in the works.

What is the BMW i4 M50?

You’re looking at BMW M’s first performance offering that does not employ an internal combustion engine (the iX M60 is the second). It’s all-electric and, given the reputation that BMW M has, it’s critical that the i4 M50 ticks the same boxes that a typical M customer would look for in a conventional M car.

It’s hard to tell that this is an electric car.

Looks? With its bold grille and black-vaned front bumper, muscular 4 Series Gran Coupe styling, large alloys and M badges fore and aft, the i4 M50 looks purposeful, but not too shouty. The jury’s out on the “exhaust-end cutouts” at the back (because there are no tailpipes on the car), but a bit of artistic licence is okay.

Performance? There’s plenty on offer and the numbers tell a fascinating story.

From a dual electric-motor setup, the i4 M50 produces 400 kW and 795 Nm. BMW’s M division is usually a bit vague with its claims and says it’s good for 0-100 kph in “under 3.9 sec” with a top speed of 225 kph. A range of 510 km (based on the WLTP cycle) is claimed and the vehicle can be charged via AC and DC options. It also supports 200-kW charging, which means, when fast-charging, you can get 140 km of range in 10 minutes.

The curved screen is eye-catching.

So it looks the part and has enough pace to justify its “M car” billing, but what about a provocative soundtrack? After all, no ICE means that the i40 M50 emits no inline-6 howl or percussive gearshifts… and petrolheads consider aural stimulation to be a critical part of a performance car’s driving experience.

BMW is well aware of this and enlisted acclaimed film-score composer Hans Zimmer to come up with electronic “soundscapes” to accompany the car’s performance via its speaker system. The various sound effects match the drive modes and change in pitch and tone based on the level of throttle application.

What features does the BMW i4 M50 have?

The i4 sports one of the most advanced cabins on sale right now.

The i4 M50 is a comprehensively equipped vehicle, as it should be at this price point (R1.6 million). The moment you step inside the Bimmer’s cabin, you’ll notice a massive rectangular curved screen stretching across the dashboard (it was also introduced on the recently revealed facelifted 3 Series sedan); not only is it underpinned by the latest BMW OS8 software – its graphics and layout look gorgeous. Impressively, the car supports over-the-air updates so you don’t need to visit the dealership for software upgrades.

It has all the niceties you’d expect, such as adaptive dampers, a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system from Harman Kardon, heated front sports seats (leather-trimmed, of course), and a raft of semi-autonomous safety features like active steering, lane keeping assist, auto emergency braking and so on.

The digital instrument cluster offers various display themes and is customisable.

What’s it like to drive?

Detractors will be quick to point out this is no pureblood BMW M vehicle because it doesn’t have a twin-turbocharged petrol engine, plus there’s never been an M model based on the 4 Series Gran Coupe. We suggest you find out for yourself whether the car deserves M badges: Just get in, select the sportiest drive mode and do a full race start.

In case you didn’t already know, the magic of an electric powertrain is that its full torque complement is available immediately. Unlike a conventional engine, which takes a bit of time to “hit its straps”, a battery electric vehicle offers everything it’s got (performance-wise) promptly on demand. And, in a BEV as potent as the i4 M50, full acceleration from a standstill will push your head back firmly into the driver’s seat headrest!

By M-car standards, the i4 M50 is understated, but it’s a lot faster than it looks.

Combined with the deceleration caused by brake regeneration (it’s at its most intense when you shift the transmission lever to B), you could easily experience whiplash and motion sickness at the same time. Okay, we’re exaggerating (a little), but you DO have to adjust your driving style to take into account the i4 M50’s ability to accelerate – and scrub off speed – dramatically; the accelerator’s like an on-off switch.

We were fascinated by the integration of Zimmer’s audio wizardry. In the i4 M50’s sportiest setting, we swear we could hear a sound that was vaguely reminiscent of an induction bark, while brake regeneration has the faintest hint of a downshift; during a standing start, there’s even a launch-control-like sound. If it all gets a bit tiring, you can switch it off. In comfort mode, the effects are a lot more subdued/tolerable.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe shape gives the i4 a practical angle.

The best part of the package is that even if the i4 M50 does not feel like enough of a fully-fledged M car to please performance-car aficionados, it’s an eminently refined, sophisticated business-class sedan that certainly drives like a BMW M-fettled derivative. Despite the battery pack contributing to the 2.3-tonne kerb weight, the apex i4 still manages to retain some feel-good dynamics and nimbleness.

The steering setup is great, with decent levels of feel and weighting. The driver’s seat position is spot on too – it’s low and engaging, but without compromising the view of the road and surroundings.

Then there’s that – dare we say, supple? – ride quality. We’ve driven some rather hefty electric cars and they have all seemed firmly sprung – almost unapologetically so. The BMW i4, however, rides on the proven CLAR platform, which it shares with the current 3- and 4 Series and other large BMW models.

These wheels strike a great blend of performance, grip and a comfortable ride.

This setup is renowned for striking a great balance between sportiness and comfort, and despite the poor state of the roads around Midrand, and rolling on 19-inch rims (on not-too-skinny tyres, thankfully), the i4 M50 rode composedly. You could drive this car on long road trips in its most subdued drive modes and emerge at your destination feeling refreshed; can you say that of its fellow M car – the M3 Competition?

How much does the BMW i4 M50 cost in South Africa?

There’s just one model on offer and it costs R1 600 000. It ships with a 2-year/unlimited km vehicle- and an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty. A 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan is also included.

A great alternative to the BMW M3 and it’s 90% as fast as that model…

Summary

Our first taste of BMW M’s foray into electrification was a positive experience. While our test route was short and limited to urban roads (it’s a pity we could not experience the i4 M50 on the open road), we garnered enough experience to tell you that this is a great point-to-point performance model.

A great first attempt at a performance electric vehicle from BMW.

Does it offer the same driving thrills and visceral experiences as the similarly priced BMW M3 Competition? Not quite, no. Rather consider the i4 M50 a great bridge between the competent-but-brisk BMW M340i xDrive and the BMW M3 Competition. It’s fractionally cheaper than the latter and offers 90% of the performance…

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

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

Search for a new or used BMW here

Hyundai Creta Facelift (2022) Specs & Price

The Hyundai Creta Facelift has touched down in South Africa. Here’s a look at what’s new and what you get for your money.

The Hyundai Creta is the Korean brand’s SUV that’s positioned between the entry-level Hyundai Venue and the bigger Hyundai Tucson. A 7-seater Grand Creta is also available.

What’s Changed?

The big news is that this Hyundai Creta facelift is now sourced from Indonesia, unlike the outgoing model which came from India.

Visually, there’s a big change at the front, with the Hyundai Creta receiving a bold new grille that’s similar to that of the bigger Hyundai Tucson. It’s radically different and we think it makes quite the statement.

What is on offer?

The range has been rejigged, with the turbocharged petrol engine derivative falling away. Customers can choose from one of 6 colours and there are two trim levels: Premium and Executive.

There’s one engine available, with a choice of either a manual gearbox or a CVT. This naturally-aspirated petrol engine produces 84 kW and 144 Nm.

We understand that a Glide derivative will follow, as will more engine options.

Hyundai Creta Premium

Driver and passenger airbags
ISOFix mounts
Halogen headlights
Auto light control
Electric mirror control
Cloth trim
60:40 folding seats
Infotainment with device connect
Bluetooth
Cruise control
Rear view camera with parking sensors
Manual aircon
17-inch allow wheels

Hyundai Creta Executive

The above, plus the following content:

Keyless entry
Wireless phone charger
LED daytime running lights
Roof rack
Cluster with 3.5-inch TFT LCD

*This is a developing story and will update as we get more information.

How much does the Hyundai Creta Facelift cost in South Africa?

Hyundai Creta 1.5 Premium Manual R409 900

Hyundai Creta 1.5 Premium IVT R429 900

Hyundai Creta 1.5 Executive IVT R469 900

The Hyundai Creta facelift is sold with Hyundai’s 7-year / 200 000 km warranty, a 4-year / 60 000 km service plan and 7-year / 150 000 km roadside assistance.

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

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

Search for a new or used Hyundai here

SA hot hatch sales in 2022 so far: VW Golf 8 GTI vs Hyundai i30 N

Just how well did the Hyundai i30 N sell in South Africa in the first half of 2022, compared with the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI? Let’s examine the local C-segment hot hatch sales race…

South Africa’s C-segment hot hatch market isn’t nearly as well populated as it once was. Indeed, with the likes of the Mazda3 MPS, Ford Focus ST, Opel Astra OPC and Renault Mégane RS long since departed, local buyers searching for high-performance hatchbacks around the size of a VW Golf have very few choices.

Still, it’s worth having a look at how well the main players have been selling in this spicy sub-segment. So, we trawled through Naamsa’s sales reports for the first half of 2022 to see what we could find. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to limit this exercise to the Hyundai i30 N and Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI.

Why? Well, since BMW Group SA and Mercedes-Benz don’t consistently report individual model sales figures to Naamsa, it’s not clear how many examples of the former’s front-driven 128ti and all-wheel-drive M135i nor the latter’s AMG-badged A35 and A45 S all-paw hatchbacks were registered locally in the first half of 2022.

Similarly, we don’t know exactly how popular the outgoing Honda Civic Type R has proven from the start of January to the end of June 2022, since the automaker reports a combined figure for the hot hatch and the Civic sedan (though that number comes to just 36 anyway). In addition, Audi S3 Sportback sales are lumped with A3 Sportback figures.

So, that leaves us with the aforementioned 206 kW/392 Nm i30 N (R749 900) and 180 kW/370 Nm Golf GTI (R696 700). While VW SA has bemoaned industry-wide pandemic-related constraints hitting its supply of new vehicles, Hyundai Automotive SA switched to a refreshed version of its hot hatch during the reporting period (a move that traditionally also comes with a dip in sales volume).

Indeed, the updated version of the i30 N arrived in South Africa early in April 2022, ditching the pre-facelift version’s 6-speed manual gearbox in favour of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. That, of course, suggests it’s aimed directly at Wolfsburg’s hot hatch, which likewise ships standard with a dual-clutch cog-swapper (though with 7 forward gears).

2022 H1 sales figures: VW Golf 8 GTI vs Hyundai i30 N

Anyway, what do the sales figures say? Well, Volkswagen SA managed to register 380 units of the Golf GTI in the first half of 2022, with its best monthly effort coming in January (100 units). The i30 N, meanwhile, had to settle for a six-month tally of just 40 units, though not a single example was registered in the first quarter (likely as a result of the switchover to the facelifted model).

What about the segment below? Well, even fewer B-segment hot hatches have survived, with the locally produced Volkswagen Polo GTI virtually having that market all to itself these days (though VW reports a combined figure for all Polo hatches, so – again – a GTI-only figure is not available).

However, we do know 19 units of the Toyota GR Yaris were sold in South Africa over the first six months of the year, with the Japanese firm’s local division recently telling us more stock is on the way (though interestingly the base version has been scrapped, with only the Rally model still on offer).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exterior Styling Execution

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

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

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

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

Interior Execution and Features

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

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

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

Base Trim Level

See the full comparison using the Cars.co.za Compare Tool

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

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

Mid-Level Trim

See full specification details using the Cars.co.za Compare Tool

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

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

Top Level Trim

See the full specification comparison using the Cars.co.za Compare Tool

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

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

Engine, Transmissions & Performance

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

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

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

Practicality

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

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

Price and Warranty

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

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

Which offers better value for money?

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

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

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

Buy a used Suzuki Baleno on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Toyota Starlet on Cars.co.za

Geely Unveils New Electric Bakkie to Launch Radar Brand

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

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

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

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

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

What do we know about the new Radar RD6?

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

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

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

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

An auto powerhouse: Geely’s vast collection of brands

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

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

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

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

New Honda CR-V Revealed with Bold Looks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buy a used Honda CR-V on Cars.co.za

Mercedes-Benz EQS (2022) Specs & Price

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

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

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

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

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

The first battery-powered production model from AMG

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

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

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

Various optional extras for the Mercedes-Benz EQS

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

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

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

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ — R2 615 100

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

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

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

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

PARTNERED ARTICLE

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

What is a credit score?

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

Factors that influence your credit score include:

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

Why is a good credit score important?

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

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

Which factors have a negative impact on your credit score?

MANDANE: Factors that play a role include:

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

What steps can you take to improve your credit score?

MANYAMA:

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

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

Electric Kia Coming to SA Soon?

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

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

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

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

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

Which electric Kia vehicles could come to SA?

Kia e-Soul

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

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

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

Kia EV6

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

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

Kia Niro

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

Search for a new or used Kia here

BMW iX3 (2022) Launch Review

The iX3 is the all-electric version of BMW’s popular executive SUV, the X3. We took it for a quick drive in Gauteng to see if it is as good as the ICE derivatives in the range.

What is the BMW iX3?

Features of the iX3?

What’s it like to drive?

Summary

How much does the BMW iX3 cost in South Africa?

BMW i4 M50 (2022) Launch Review

The i4 M50 is heralded as BMW’s first “battery-electric M car”, which makes it a milestone model. We headed to Gauteng to drive the 400-kW newcomer.

What is the BMW i4 M50?

What features does the BMW i4 M50 have?

What’s it like to drive?

How much does the BMW i4 M50 cost in South Africa?

Summary

Hyundai Creta Facelift (2022) Specs & Price

The Hyundai Creta Facelift has touched down in South Africa. Here’s a look at what’s new and what you get for your money.

What’s Changed?

What is on offer?

Hyundai Creta Premium

Hyundai Creta Executive

How much does the Hyundai Creta Facelift cost in South Africa?

SA hot hatch sales in 2022 so far: VW Golf 8 GTI vs Hyundai i30 N

Just how well did the Hyundai i30 N sell in South Africa in the first half of 2022, compared with the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI? Let’s examine the local C-segment hot hatch sales race…

2022 H1 sales figures: VW Golf 8 GTI vs Hyundai i30 N

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

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

Exterior Styling Execution

Interior Execution and Features

Base Trim Level

Mid-Level Trim

Top Level Trim

Engine, Transmissions & Performance

Practicality

Price and Warranty

Which offers better value for money?

Related Content

Geely Unveils New Electric Bakkie to Launch Radar Brand

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

What do we know about the new Radar RD6?

An auto powerhouse: Geely’s vast collection of brands

New Honda CR-V Revealed with Bold Looks

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

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

Related Content

Mercedes-Benz EQS (2022) Specs & Price

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

The first battery-powered production model from AMG

Various optional extras for the Mercedes-Benz EQS

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

Related content

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

What is a credit score?

Why is a good credit score important?

Which factors have a negative impact on your credit score?

What steps can you take to improve your credit score?

Other episodes in our Street Smart video series:

Related content:

Electric Kia Coming to SA Soon?

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

Which electric Kia vehicles could come to SA?

Final Thoughts