All-New 2023 Volkswagen Amarok Unleashed

The wait is over. This is the all-new Volkswagen Amarok 2023 which will be locally assembled in SA and go on sale in the first quarter of 2023. 

Following a long string of teasers, the global premiere has finally taken place and we can get our first official look at the Ford Ranger-based Volkswagen Amarok.

Yes, that’s right. The brand-new 2nd-generation 2023 Volkswagen Amarok will share a platform with the Ford Ranger and both will be assembled right here in South Africa at Ford’s plant in Silverton, Pretoria. Globally, it appears that both single cabs and double cabs will be made, but it’s too early to tell what body styles and engines the SA market will be getting.

What’s new on the 2023 VW Amarok?

In terms of size, the new Volkswagen Amarok is 96 mm longer than the outgoing model and its wheelbase has been extended by 173 mm. The longer wheelbase translates to more cabin space. The growth in size has resulted in sharper proportions and better 4×4 capability due to improved approach angles. It now boasts a wading depth of 800 mm.

Inside, there’s a fresh and modern cabin with digital displays galore. Depending on trim level, the digital instrument cluster measures either 8 or 12 inches. Higher-spec models gain a 12-inch infotainment screen, while the lower grades use a 10-inch unit. A premium Harman Kardon audio system is also offered. Internationally, there will be Style, Aventura and PanAmericana levels of trim, aimed at different audiences.

Despite bakkies becoming less workhorse and more lifestyle, they still need to retain some functional traits. There’s big space in the loadbay for up to 1.16 tons and there’s enough space for a Euro pallet loaded sideways. There’s also an electrically operated roll cover available.

SA’s best-selling bakkies for the first half of 2022

Accessories will seemingly play a big role in the Amarok’s positioning and Volkswagen has confirmed a vast array of goodies such as larger wheels, tents, styling kits, bike racks and so on.

2023 Volkswagen Amarok Engines

Volkswagen has confirmed there will be 5 turbocharged engines (all from Ford, of course), which will be tailored to individual markets. There will be 4 turbocharged diesel motors and 1 turbocharged petrol. The powertrain range starts with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel with 110 kW / 350 Nm. This engine is also available in a higher-spec 125 kW / 405 Nm output.

The 3rd engine is a 2.0-litre biturbo diesel with 150 kW or 154 kW and 500 Nm, market dependent. The flagship engine is a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 and is available in outputs of 177 kW or 184 kW and 600 Nm, depending on the market. The petrol engine is a 2.3-litre 4-cylinder with 222 kW and 452 Nm.

Customers will be able to choose from manual 5- or 6-speed gearboxes, while automatic options range from 6-speed to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the market, the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok will feature permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive as standard or selectable all-wheel drive with low range.

The new Amarok will also boast advanced technology. There’ll be over 30 driver assistance features offered in the new Amarok (20 of them are new) when it goes on sale in early 2023. 

This is the international reveal, so we’re looking forward finding out South African details (and confirming which engines we’ll be getting) soon. Watch this space!

Buy a Volkswagen Amarok on Cars.co.za

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10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: June 2022

Winners & losers: SA bakkie sales halfway through 2022

It’s been an interesting first half of the year for South Africa’s bakkie market, with the traditional big-name players experiencing a few ups and downs. Let’s look at the numbers…

In the first half of 2022, South Africa’s light-commercial segment — which includes bakkies, mini-buses and vans — shrunk 7.6% year on year to 63 586 units. As we’ve pointed out before, a fair chunk of that shortfall is due to a lack of local production of the Hilux and Hi-Ace at Toyota’s flood-damaged Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal since mid-April.

So, how did things pan out over the first six months of the year in the bakkie segment? Well, we’ve been following the sales race closely since the start of 2022 and now have the opportunity to tally up the figures and see which bakkie places where. Let’s take a closer look…

Despite the aforementioned lengthy production stoppage at Toyota’s local facility, the Hilux is miles ahead of the pack, with nearly 16 000 units registered at the halfway point of 2022. That’s more than double its second-placed rival.

Interestingly, the runner-up isn’t the outgoing Ford Ranger, which is relegated to third place with 6 828 units sold. Instead, second spot goes to the new Isuzu D-Max (7 140 units), which finishes the first half of the year 312 units ahead of its Silverton-built competitor. However, as we’ve mentioned before, it seems this total includes the Gen 6 range, which is effectively a previous-generation D-Max soldiering on alongside the new line-up.

Mahindra Pik Up Karoo Edition

As the only half-tonne bakkie still on the local market, the Nissan NP200 (6 073 units) takes a strong fourth place, with the locally assembled Mahindra Pik Up (pictured above) grabbing a commendable fifth. The Rosslyn-built Nissan Navara (2 970 units) settles into sixth place, 395 units ahead the GWM P-Series (2 575 units), which is interestingly the highest-placed fully imported model.

With 2 356 examples registered countrywide in the opening half of 2002, the GWM Steed takes eighth, not far behind its likewise Chinese-built sibling. The evergreen Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (1 585 units) and outgoing Volkswagen Amarok (1 052 units) close out the top 10 in ninth and tenth place, respectively.

Bakkies at the bottom of the sales charts in 2022 thus far

Mazda BT-50

So, what about the bakkies that failed to make it into the top 10? Well, the Mahindra Bolero (575 units) was the best of the rest, as it has been month in and month out in 2022 thus far. The Mitsubishi Trition finished the first half of 2022 with a total of 270 sales (that’s an average of 45 units a month), while the Peugeot Landtrek settled for a total of 191 units.

And the Mazda BT-50? Well, the D-Max-based bakkie disappointed with a six-month tally of just 102 units, which translates to a paltry monthly average of 17 units. Finally, the Jeep Gladiator contributed 56 registrations, though hit the market only in the final month of the reporting period. For the record, we’ve excluded JAC’s T6 and T8 models since the company has started reporting a combined figure.

SA’s 10 best-selling bakkies in 2022 so far

1. Toyota Hilux — 15 992 units

2. Isuzu D-Max — 7 140 units

3. Ford Ranger — 6 828 units

4. Nissan NP200 — 6 073 units

5. Mahindra Pik Up — 3 856 units

6. Nissan Navara — 2 970 units

7. GWM P-Series — 2 575 units

8. GWM Steed — 2 356 units

9. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 — 1 585 units

10. Volkswagen Amarok — 1 052 units

Kia Sonet 1.0 Turbo (2022) Specs & Price

The Kia Sonet 1.0 Turbo launches in South Africa this week. Here’s what’s on offer, plus how much you can expect to pay for it.

The Kia Sonet is one of our favourite compact crossovers. It offers excellent value for money, commendable after sales and doesn’t feel like its a budget vehicle.

Now Kia South Africa has made good on its promise that it would be introducing more powerful derivatives of the Sonet. At its local launch in May 2021, we had the chance to inspect and drive some Indian-spec Sonet homologation units, which were armed with 1.0-litre turbocharged triple engines and packaged in striking GT-Line trim. First impressions were good!

What’s on offer?

Now, while we’re not getting the full GT-Line treatment, the turbocharged Sonet comes to market with a pair of derivatives. There are two trim levels EX and EX+. The difference between these newcomers and the models we’ve sampled thus far can be found in the engine.

Instead of the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine, there’s a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Outputs of 88 kW and 172 Nm are claimed, and the Korean carmaker says the Sonet 1.0 T-GDI is good for an 11.3 second run to 100 kph.

Size-wise, you’re looking at a length of 4120 mm, a width of 1790 mm, height of 1631 mm and a wheelbase of 2500 mm. A boot space of 392 litres and a ground clearance of 190 mm gives it an element of lifestyle applications.

Kia Sonet 1.0 Trim Levels

EX

  • 8-inch HD touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Bluetooth with voice control
  • Height-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter
  • Rear-view camera and rear park distance control (PDC)
  • Combination artificial leather and cloth seat trim
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • ABS with EBD
  • Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
  • Dual front airbags
  • ISOFIX child-seat anchoring points
  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Automatic headlamp activation

EX+ (The above content plus:)

  • Side and curtain airbags (6 in total)
  • Rear combination LED lights with signature graphic
  • 2-inch TFT LCD Supervision cluster
  • Artificial leather seats with contrast red stitching
  • Folding electric side mirrors
  • Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
  • Cruise control
  • Automatic climate control
  • Drive Mode Select

We will be driving the Kia Sonet 1.0 at its local launch and will update the final specifications plus warranty details as soon as we have that information.

How much does the Kia Sonet 1.0 Turbo cost in South Africa?

Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDI EX R359 995

Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDI EX+ R389 995

All Sonet models ship as standard with Kia’s industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a prepaid 4-year / 60,000 km service plan. 

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

Further Reading

Kia Sonet Review

8 Cheapest crossovers under R300k

We drive the first-ever Cape 1000 in a 55-year-old Citroen DS!

The inaugural The Cape 1000 took place earlier this year and Team Cars.co.za competed in a 1967 Citroen DS19. Not only did driver Ciro De Siena and navigator Duwyne Aspeling complete the 1 600 km route in an unknown car, but also endured excessive heat, lightning strikes and even a bee attack!

When The Cape 1000 convoy of nearly 40 spectacular cars, the oldest of which dated from 1956, returned to the Silo Hotel in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, it was to rapturous applause from a large crowd of appreciative petrolheads and intrigued, smartphone-toting passers-by. Throughout the preceding four days, these rare cars travelled vast distances and endured extreme heat and thunderstorms, while their drivers and navigators had to sustain long periods of concentration during timed regularity stages. But they also had the time of their lives…

“It was extremely tough,” says Cars.co.za’s Ciro De Siena, who drove a 1967 Citroën DS.

“On average, we did 400 km a day, without air-conditioning (which we take for granted these days) and the regularity stages really required you to be very alert. Duwyne Aspeling, my navigator, did an excellent job! But all the sweat and fatigue is worth it in the end, as you get to see our beautiful country, swap stories with other petrolheads, and make memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re a petrolhead, then The Cape 1000 simply has to be on your bucket list!”

Toyota Hilux Rogue Previews Raptor Fighter

The Toyota Hilux Rogue is the preview to the hardcore Raptor fighter that’s rumoured to debut in 2023. 

What you see here is a creation by Toyota Australia. It’s quite the enhancement, with the official claim being ‘a significant performance and capability upgrade’ for the Toyota Hilux. 

Under the skin, the Toyota Hilux Rogue gets a track increase of around 140 mm at the front and rear, while the ride heigh has been raised by 20 mm. The claim is enhanced offroad capability and on-road performance. The suspension has also been tweaked with an extension to the front suspension arm and front stabiliser bar. The shock absorber angle has also been tweaked to enhance cornering stability and ride comfort.

The rear drum brakes have been swopped out for ventilated disk units and the front brakes are now bigger in size. Thanks to these changes, roll rigidity is said to be enhanced by 20% and there’s improved steering feel. 

Visually, this model gains wide track over fenders and mudguards to accommodate the increased track and there’s a front body extension too. There’s no engine upgrade, but the release from Toyota Australia makes mention of the intention to launch a brand-new ‘apex offroad variant’ which we suspect is the Toyota answer to the Ford Ranger Raptor. 

The Blue Oval’s offroad monster has been well received, despite packing 4-cylinder diesel power, but that’s set to change with the arrival of the brand-new Ranger Raptor that comes with a fire-breathing turbocharged V6. 

Where does this news leave South African Toyota Hilux fans? Well, the Rogue is set to go on sale in Australia towards the end of 2022, with the performance derivative likely revealed in 2023. Toyota South Africa is hard at work restoring its Prospecton plant which was heavily damaged due to floods earlier this year. We already know that Toyota SA has a performance Hilux in the works, dubbed GR Sport.

The Toyota Hilux GR Sport breaks the traditional GR hierarchy by offering an engine upgrade and we’re expecting to see that hit showrooms in the next few months, once the factory is back to running at capacity. We suspect there could be delays as the plant will have to clear a backlog of orders. This plant also assembles the Toyota Corolla Cross, a vehicle that has proven popular in SA since its launch. 

With outputs of 165 kW and 550 Nm, this GR Sport will be the most powerful Hilux offered locally. As it stands, the current flagship model puts out 150 kW and 500 Nm.

Some Toyota 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 Toyota here

Further Reading

Don’t expect a wild GR Hilux anytime soon!

Best bakkies for offroad driving

Winners & losers: SA passenger-car sales halfway through 2022

The first half of 2022 is already behind us! Let’s take a look back at year-to-date sales figures and pick out the winners and losers on South Africa’s new passenger-vehicle market…

In the first half of 2022, South Africa’s new passenger-vehicle market enjoyed a 20.9% increase in sales compared with the same period last year. Out of an industry total of 253 442 units, as many as 176 245 new passenger vehicles were registered locally in that time. As always, there were some winners and some losers.

It’s been a remarkable year thus far, with the industry continuing its steady recovery from myriad pandemic-related challenges and the market leader’s production facility in KwaZulu-Natal being hit by devastating floods. Cat amongst the pigeons or business as usual?

Well, we decided to break out the calculator, look a little deeper and collate six months of sales figures in order to identify the winners (and, in some instances, the losers). Of course, we should point out certain brands (such as Chery and Mercedes-Benz) don’t report sales to Naamsa while some others (like Porsche) report only aggregate figures.

First, we’ll list the top-selling passenger-car brands, then the most popular passenger vehicles overall (a list dominated by hatchbacks and crossovers), before taking a detailed look at two interesting sub-segments: sedans and bakkie-based SUVs. Right, let’s jump in…

SA’s 5 best-selling passenger-car brands in 2022 so far

Toyota Corolla Cross

Despite not being able to build a single Corolla Cross, Corolla Quest or Fortuner at its Prospecton production facility since the floods of mid-April, Toyota (37 151 units, excluding Lexus) managed to retain the passenger-vehicle sales lead (note these figures don’t include light-commercial sales; we’ll examine bakkies in a separate article) in the first half of 2022, more than 8 000 units ahead of the Volkswagen brand (28 647 units, excluding Audi).

Suzuki, meanwhile, cemented itself in third place over the first half of the year, incrementally improving its tally every single month to finish the reporting period on an impressive 21 889 units. Hyundai (16 498 units) managed a comfortable fourth place, ahead of Renault (14 068 units) in fifth.

While Kia (10 204 units) didn’t manage to crack the top 5, it was the only other manufacturer to break into five figures, while Ford – having recently discontinued passenger cars such as the Fiesta and Figo – had to settle for a six-month tally of 5 536 units (thanks largely to the efforts of the evergreen EcoSport), meaning the Blue Oval brand was beaten by the seemingly ever-growing Haval (6 791 units).

If we exclude low-volume, high-end brands such as Bentley, Lamborghini and Ferrari, brands that found themselves at the foot of the passenger-vehicle table included Subaru (376 units), Citroën (250 units) and Alfa Romeo (134 units).

1. Toyota – 37 151 units

2. Volkswagen – 28 647 units

3. Suzuki – 21 889 units

4. Hyundai – 16 498 units

5. Renault – 14 068 units

SA’s 5 best-selling passenger vehicles of 2022 so far

Volkswagen Polo Vivo

What about the top sellers in terms of passenger-car model ranges? Well, hatchbacks took the first three places, before crossovers completed the top 5. As has historically been the case, the Kariega-produced Volkswagen Polo Vivo hatchback was one of the big winners, leading the charge with nearly 9 500 units registered in the first six months of the year. The Indian-built Suzuki Swift (8 810 units) grabbed a very strong second, a mere 659 units off the pace.

VW’s Polo hatchback (7 976 units) thus had to be content with being shoved down into an unfamiliar third place, while the likewise locally built Toyota Corolla Cross (7 216 units) took fourth despite just 362 units being registered in the final two months of the reporting period thanks to the Prospecton factory being well and truly shuttered. Had the floods never happened, the Corolla Cross would surely have given the Vivo a run for its money. 

Toyota’s Suzuki-built Urban Cruiser claimed fifth spot with 7 188 units sold, keeping the likes of the Toyota Starlet (6 900 units), Volkswagen T-Cross (5 185 units) and Haval Jolion (4 843 units) out of the top 5.

1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 9 469 units

2. Suzuki Swift – 8 810 units

3. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 7 976 units

4. Toyota Corolla Cross – 7 216 units

5. Toyota Urban Cruiser – 7 188 units

SA’s 5 best-selling sedans of 2022 so far

Nissan Almera

Although a lack of consistent reporting from BMW and Mercedes-Benz means we don’t know how many 3 Series and C-Class units (never mind the brands’ raft of other saloons) were registered in South Africa in the first half of the year, it’s nevertheless a fascinating exercise to tally up sedan sales, particularly as many automakers have exited this part of the market in recent years owing to an apparent lack of demand.

There’s certainly still demand for the Volkswagen Polo Sedan (2 944 units) – soon be succeeded by a fresh three-box model – which was 2022’s best-selling sedan up to the end of June. However, the race against the ultimately second-placed Toyota Corolla Quest (2 245 units) would have been exceedingly tight had the KZN floods not forced production of the prolonged lifecycle sedan to grind to a halt. The Nissan Almera (1 626 units) grabbed a comfortable third, with the Kia Pegas (939 units) and Suzuki Dzire (759 units) rounding out the top 5.

There was no space for the likes of the Honda Amaze (678 units), Corolla Sedan (597 units), Suzuki Ciaz (366 units), Honda Ballade (277 units), Audi A4 (260 units), Audi A3 Sedan (191 units) and Lexus ES (103 units), while the Alfa Romeo Giulia (57 units), Lexus IS (33 units), Audi A6 (15 units), Jaguar XF (4 units) and Volvo S90 (1 unit) found themselves towards the very bottom of the pile.

1. Volkswagen Polo Sedan – 2 944 units

2. Toyota Corolla Quest – 2 245 units

3. Nissan Almera – 1 626 units

4. Kia Pegas – 939 units

5. Suzuki Dzire – 759 units

SA’s 5 best-selling bakkie-based SUVs of 2022 so far

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

The Toyota Fortuner (3 862 units) positively dominated the seven-seater bakkie-based SUV segment, again despite a lack of local production in part of April and all of May and June. The Ford Everest (1 024 units) was the only other contender to reach four figures, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (560 units) interestingly snuck in ahead of the Isuzu MU-X (485 units). With only a limited number available, the Nissan Terra closed out the top 5 with a tally of 118 units.

1. Toyota Fortuner – 3 862 units

2. Ford Everest – 1 024 units

3. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – 560 units

4. Isuzu MU-X – 485 units

5. Nissan Terra – 118 units

Brabus C-Class Kit Announced

While we wait patiently for the brand-new Mercedes-AMG C63, the German tuner has announced a tasty Brabus C-Class kit to whet our appetites.

German tuner Brabus is known for spicing up the products from Mercedes-Benz and while some of the creations involve hotting up already performance-focused AMG derivatives, its kits for your run-of-the-mill Mercedes-Benz vehicles have proven popular.

The latest model to receive some goodness is the current generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The package is comprehensive, with visual and performance updates.

Visually, this is one very neat looking offering. The styling upgrades are tasteful and not too in your face. There are some great touches which also have function, like the spoiler corners that will reduce lift on the front axle at speed and improve stability. There are LED strips on the front air intakes too, which will really look the part at night.

Read More: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2022) Review

At the rear there are big quad exhaust tips, a boot lid spoiler that also helps with the aerodynamics and numerous wheel options ranging from 18- to 20-inches in size. A lowering suspension kit is offered, dropping the vehicle’s ride height by as much as 30 mm.

Importantly, there’s a performance upgrade too for the Brabus C-Class and what you see here is the C300 4Matic. The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol motor gets an extra 31 kW and 50 Nm. With the Brabus boost, 0-100 kph drops to 5.8 seconds. The diesel C300d is also eligible for an upgrade and once Brabus is done, 228 kW and 600 Nm is offered.

Inside, its a subtle affair for the Brabus C-Class with the tuner applying the lightest of touches with leather and Alcantara detailing, aluminium pedals and Brabus-branded floor mats.

Some Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz here

New Subaru WRX (2022) Specs & Price

The new Subaru WRX has arrived in South Africa! Take a look at specification and pricing details below…

Japanese performance sedan fans, we have some news. The new Subaru WRX has arrived in South Africa!

The new WRX – which was revealed in September 2021, complete with black cladding fore, aft and along its flanks – upsizes from the old 2.0-litre engine to a turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four unit generating 202 kW (up 5 kW) at 5 600 r/min and 350 Nm (the same peak torque as the outgoing model) from 2 000 to 5 200 r/min. As before, symmetrical all-wheel drive is a standard feature.

In South Africa, the new WRX range comprises 2 derivatives (just like the old line-up): an updated 6-speed manual model and a version available with something called the “Subaru Performance Transmission”. The latter is, in fact, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with 8 steps exploitable via paddle shifters.

Interestingly, the CVT version ships standard with a fair bit more equipment than the manual model. Still, kit common to both includes an 11.6-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, keyless entry, push-button start, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated seats (up front), a reversing camera, a sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, as many as 8 airbags and high-beam assist for the automatic headlamps.

However, the self-shifting version of the WRX adds items such as Si Drive (with 3 pre-set modes), 5 driving modes, adaptive dampers, an electric parking brake, a memory function for the driver’s seat, rear automatic emergency braking and the full Eyesight 4.0 driver assistance package (encompassing pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, adaptive cruise control, lead-vehicle start alert, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, lane sway warning and emergency lane keep assist).

The local WRX range includes 8 exterior paint colour options including Ice Silver metallic, Ceramic White, Crystal Black Silica, Magnetite Grey metallic, Ignition Red, Solar Orange Pearl, WR Blue Pearl and Sapphire Blue.

How much does the Subaru WRX cost in South Africa? 

Subaru WRX 2.4DIT Manual – R759 000

Subaru WRX 2.4DIT tS ES CVT – R859 000

The Subaru WRX is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/75 000 km maintenance plan.

Of course, since Subaru’s global division has confirmed it won’t be rolling out a full-fat STI based on the new WRX, fans of the Japanese performance sedan will have to settle for the latest 202 kW version of the saloon instead. 

Buy a used Subaru WRX on Cars.co.za

Lexus ES Enhanced for 2023

Numerous upgrades for the Lexus ES will be rolled out for the 2023 Model Year. 

Despite the car-buying market showing a massive desire for the SUV, there’s just something alluring about a refined and comfortable sedan. Few brands still offer upmarket sedans, one of which is Lexus whose ES is a seriously underrated offering. 

For the 2023 model year, Lexus has enhanced its ES sedan. The controversial laptop-style touchpad has been ditched, with two cup holders and a wireless charging pad replacing it. This change forms part of an entire reconfiguration of the car’s front central console and there are now USB-A and USB-C ports too. Other noteworthy updates include wireless smartphone integration, cloud-based navigation and voice recognition capability. 

Yes, Lexus has joined other premium carmakers by offering a “Hey Lexus” digital assistant that allows verbal instructions to adjust climate controls, operate the audio system and activate telephone functions. There’s also app connectivity. The Lexus Link application on your smartphone will allow the car to be opened or locked, flash the hazard lights and set climate control before driving. 

There’s a new flagship trim option, dubbed F Sport Design that features black 19-inch alloy wheels, 10 exterior colours, 4 interior colours and a subtle F Sport Design badge on each fender. 

It appears the engine and transmission options have not been changed. Locally in SA, the Lexus ES is offered with two engines, both with a capacity of 2.5-litres. The naturally-aspirated 2.5 petrol has outputs of 152 kW and 243 Nm, while the hybrid 2.5 has 160 kW and 221 Nm, the latter being superior when it comes to fuel economy. It’s claimed to consume just 4.6 L/100 km and the hybrid powertrains offers a relaxing drive. Check out our review of this vehicle here.

Some Lexus 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 Lexus here

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: June 2022

Since Toyota’s factory in KZN wasn’t able to build a single bakkie in June 2022, the Hilux tumbled out of the top three. Let’s take a look at the month’s best-selling bakkies…

Although South Africa’s new-vehicle market put in what Naamsa describes as an “inspiring” performance in June 2022, sales in the light-commercial vehicle segment fell a significant 20.8% year on year to 8 877 units. Much of that drop can be attributed to the fact not a single Hilux (not to mention Hi-Ace) unit rolled off the assembly line in Prospecton during the month as Toyota continued its recovery from April’s devastating floods.

Indeed, after falling to an unfamiliar second place on the list of SA’s best-selling bakkies in May 2022, the Japanese stalwart found itself outside of the top three in June. Let’s take a closer look at June 2022’s sales figures and the placings.

With the Hilux again hamstrung, the Ford Ranger took first position for the second month in a row, improving slightly on May’s tally to end on 1 601 units. It’ll be interesting to see just how consistent the Blue Oval brand’s bakkie is able to remain as the Silverton factory switches to building the new-generation Ranger (and subsequently kicks of production of the new Volkswagen Amarok) in the coming months. 

Ford Ranger Stormtrak

The new Isuzu D-Max moved up one spot to second, though its final figure of 1 280 units seemingly also includes the prolonged lifecycle D-Max Gen 6 range. The likewise locally produced Nissan NP200 (1 249 units) also gained a place to finish in third, just a nose behind the D-Max.

Evidently relying on stock already in circulation, 969 units of Toyota’s Hilux were registered countrywide in June 2022, which was enough to see it finish the month in fourth, well ahead of the fifth-placed Mahindra Pik Up (615 units). Though the Rosslyn-built Nissan Navara (554 units) crossed the 500-unit mark and closed the gap to the aforementioned Pik Up, it wasn’t able to improve on its sixth position.

The GWM P-Series (382 units), meanwhile, climbed one spot to grab seventh. With the GWM Steed (277 units) dropping two places to ninth, the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (297 units) moved up one to eighth. As is so often the case, the outgoing Volkswagen Amarok (184 units) closed out the top 10.

Best of the rest in June 2022

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon with the doors removed

What about the segment’s smaller players? Well, the Mahindra Bolero (66) was yet again the best of the rest in June 2022, while the Mitsubishi Triton wasn’t far behind on 60 units. The long-awaited Jeep Gladiator managed 55 registrations in its launch month, while JAC reported a combined figure of 54 units for its T-badged (T6 and T8) bakkies. The Peugeot Landtrek ended the month on 29 units, while sales of the D-Max-based Mazda BT-50 fell to 17 units.

Export winners in June 2022

Ford again led the export charge, with a whopping 8 563 units of its Ranger shipped from local shores in June, streets ahead of the Isuzu D-Max (480 units) and Toyota Hilux (65 units).

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for June 2022

1. Ford Ranger – 1 601 units

2. Isuzu D-Max – 1 280 units

3. Nissan NP200 – 1 249 units

4. Toyota Hilux – 969 units

5. Mahindra Pik Up – 615 units

6. Nissan Navara – 554 units

7. GWM P-Series – 382 units

8. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 297 units

9. GWM Steed – 277 units

10. Volkswagen Amarok – 184 units