If you are planning on buying and driving an Electric Vehicle (EV) you might be considering installing a home EV charger. Here are a few key things to know!
Buying an EV is both an exciting and daunting prospect. In order to get the best experience from an electric vehicle, you need to make sure that it’s charged and ready for driving when you need it to be.
EV drivers have access to public AC/DC charging stations offering varying charging outputs but a home charging system is by far the most convenient and cost-effective solution over the long-term if you drive an EV.
Here are a few things to consider if you planning to install an EV charger at home.
The home EV charging station you choose will depend on the EV you drive, your available budget and your personal charging and driving requirements.
Depending on what EV you drive or are planning to buy, a home charging system may or may not be bundled together with the purchase price of the EV. It’s best to ask the brand dealer if a home charger is included. If not, you will have to pay for the purchase and installation of the home EV charger over and above the purchase price of the vehicle. Pricing will vary greatly depending on the type and output of the system.
The home EV charger is best installed by a professional and licenced service provider to ensure safety and compliance.
Every EV has an AC charging limit and a DC charging limit and the charging unit that you choose must be compatible with your EV.
Single-phase AC chargers are the most common type of EV charging with a maximum charge rate of 7.4 kW. While AC charging is cheaper, charging times are longer. Higher output 3-phase AC chargers offer up to 22 kW but many EVs are capable of only 11 kW 3-phase charging.
DC chargers, or “superchargers” typically charge EVs much faster but are more expensive. The rate of charge at any given charging station, whether it be at home or at a public station, will depend on the EV you own i.e. not all EVs will be able to take full advantage of a high-speed charging station.
Most EVs are charged using a Type 2 Plug which is suitable for single and 3-phase AC charging. The Type 2 CCS DC Plug is typically used for fast charging.
With ongoing load shedding in South Africa and a deepening electricity crisis, what impact does load shedding have on EV charging?
Electric cars are slowly becoming more common in South Africa and even though electric charging infrastructure is more widespread, persistent load shedding and an unstable electricity supply is a growing concern for potential Electric Vehicle (EV) buyers.
Will load shedding affect EV charging?
The short answer is that load shedding does have an impact on EV charging but the impact will vary depending on a number of factors including daily travel distances, access to public charging facilities, home charging, charger output and the EV you are driving, for example.
If you are charging your EV at a public charging station, unless that station is linked to an off-grid power source (such as solar energy), it will likely be offline during periods of load shedding. The same will apply to your home charger.
The faster the charger you use, the faster your EV will charge and the less time you will spend charging, thereby reducing the impact that load shedding has on charging your EV.
Top Tip: If you are able to, try making use of a fast charger to reduce charging time and to eliminate the impact of load shedding.
If your daily commute is relatively short, say 70 km per day, then you may only be required to charge your EV once per week (depending on the EVs range).
The easiest and cheapest way to charge your EV is at home using a home charger. Much like using a smartphone, plug your EV in when you get home and let it charge overnight, regardless of load shedding.
If you don’t want to be affected by load shedding at all then it might be worth investing in a solar-powered home charger.
The daily-driven supercar sounds like petrolhead utopia, but in reality it’s very different. It’s a question we tried to answer with the new McLaren GT.
McLaren is a name synonymous with incredible supercars. The 720S right out of the box runs 10s on the quarter-mile, and its rear-wheel drive.
The 570 is a hardcore, no compromises supercar but it seems McLaren realised that its range needed a GT that was more comfortable and practical.
The McLaren GT is now the sort of car that owners can happily tour around the country in, but we wanted to take that one step further and ask, can you daily a McLaren?
Cars.co.za has the largest selection of used cars online anywhere in South Africa.
The all-new 4th-generation Opel Zafira has touched down in South Africa. It’s another addition to a rejuvenated Large MPV segment… is it worth a closer look?
Quick, name all the German brands in the South African new-vehicle market… That’s easy – Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Ah, but wait, you forgot Opel! Alas, the former stepchild of the General Motors flock is no longer the household name it once was. Sure, petrolheads will tell you about the performance-biased OPC-badged Opel products, but those were fringe offerings. We’ve been asked about “Opel’s demise” on many occasions, but, in truth, the brand never left SA… Even after GM’s departure at the end of 2017, a dealer group imported the brand’s products to the Republic.
In the meantime, PSA (Peugeot and Citroen) bought Opel from GM and, early last year, the Stellantis Group was formed, which combined the French multinational’s brands with those of the Fiat Chrysler Group. Suffice to say Opel’s fortunes have turned around dramatically since then! A raft of new products has helped the brand, which once seemed to be languishing, to roar up European sales charts.
Opel, now distributed by Stellantis South Africa (formed in August 2021), will introduce several new models in Mzansi this year. Without going into specifics, you can expect to see a few Opel SUVs, but the latest iteration of the Astra is unlikely to arrive, which is no surprise, given the decline of the medium hatchback segment. First out of the blocks is this model, the Opel Zafira Life people-mover…
What does the Opel Zafira Life offer?
The Opel Zafira Life is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel that delivers 110 kW/370 Nm and drives the MPV’s front wheels via a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission. There are 2 levels of trim, but whereas the entry-level Edition offers seating for 8, the flagship Elegance is a 7-seater, with the central row adopting VIP single seats and incorporating a cleverly packaged deployable table.
The Elegance’s pair of individual middle seats can be rotated to face towards the rear of the vehicle and the table can be shifted backwards to create the effect of “seats arranged around a table”. Opel suggests that one could host business meetings back there, but we think a more realistic application would be a friendly family picnic. Clever design or a gimmick? We’ll leave that up to you to decide.
If you recognise this face, that’s because the Opel Zafira is a collaboration between Peugeot (Traveller), Citroen (SpaceTourer) and Toyota (ProAce). The Edition derivative is evidently geared towards business operators, while the Elegance features some family-orientated “lifestyle” touches.
Trim Levels
Zafira Life Edition
Multi-zone automatic air conditioner 10 cupholders 11 storage compartments 8-seats covered in cloth material Manual sliding doors Tyre pressure monitoring 17-inch alloy wheels 180-degree reverse camera Front and rear park assist Cruise control with speed limiter 4 airbags Electronic stability control Hill-start assist Blind-spot monitoring Anti-lock brakes 7-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity
Zafira Life Elegance
Dual powered sliding doors Automatic high beam Fixed panoramic glass sunroof Full leather trim Sunblinds for passengers VIP 2-seat 2nd row Driver and passenger heated seats with massage functionality Foldable sliding table 10-speaker audio Adaptive cruise control Onboard navigation Heads-up display Speed sign detection Active lane departure warning
What is the Opel Zafira Life like to drive?
Our test unit’s odometer reading was 98 km(!) so we expected the Opel’s engine/transmission combo to feel a bit “tight”. However, the Zafira Life’s powertrain felt perky and well up to the task of hauling the ‘bus around. In-gear acceleration was fair, but then again, there were only 2 occupants (and no luggage) aboard at the time. The real test will be when the vehicle’s loaded up with a family and their detritus.
The driving position is excellent – it avails a commanding view of the road. The model features a rotary transmission selector instead of a traditional lever, which makes the fascia look neater and quite chic.
Our test-drive route took us mostly on some open roads around Gauteng and the North West. Some of those sections of tarmac the Opel traversed were in very poor condition (the road was riddled with potholes and pockmarks) and the Zafira Life’s suspension seemed to battle to soak up the jolts, which resulted in some creaks and rattles emanating from the cabin.
In its defence, most passenger cars (let alone those based on commercial-vehicle underpinnings) would struggle to absorb those bumps, but the cabin was reasonably quiet and refined nonetheless. The newcomer rides on 17-inch alloys and, once the quality of the road surface improved somewhat, the ride quality turned out to be quite satisfactory. For example, the Opel coped well with speed bumps.
Pricing and after-sales support
The Opel Zafira Life range comprises the Edition derivative (an 8-seater), which retails for R749 900, and the Elegance flagship, which is listed at R869 900 (March 2022). A 3-year/120 000 km warranty and 3 years’ roadside assistance are standard, as is a 5-year/100 000 km service plan. For detailed specifications, see Opel Zafira Life (2022) Specs & Price.
Summary
The 4th-gen Opel Zafira has landed right in the middle of a well-populated segment… The Hyundai Staria is raking in many sales, thanks to its futuristic design, refinement and good value, while the Toyota Quantum remains the most popular model. Premium offerings, such as the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and the VW Kombi/Caravelle are still there, but they’re fringe players on account of their lofty price tags.
With a well-thought-out lineup, there’s a Zafira Life to suit both business and private needs. We’d say that the new model’s pricing is fair given its admirable level of standard specification, but we’re looking forward to testing out the newcomer when it’s fully loaded with occupants – and their luggage – on an extended road trip. That would be the ideal way to evaluate the talents of Opel’s fresh-faced MPV!
Kia has announced plans to expand its all-electric vehicle range to as many as 14 models by 2027, while also confirming two will take the form of battery-powered bakkies.
If you’ve been patiently waiting for a Kia-badged double-cab bakkie, prepare to wait a little bit longer. The good news, however, is that such a thing will eventually exist, with the South Korean firm having finally confirmed plans to launch not one, but two bakkies.
Interestingly, neither will draw its urge from a clattery turbodiesel engine, with power – in both instances – coming exclusively from electric motors and battery packs. Kia made the announcement when detailing its roadmap to 2030, which includes key business targets it plans to hit by the time the end of the decade rolls around.
By 2030, the automaker – which just grabbed the 2022 European Car of the Year award with its EV6 – wants to achieve annual sales of 1.2 million fully electric vehicles (EVs) and reach four million annual vehicle sales in total. Naturally, it plans to accelerate its transition to electric mobility by aggressively expanding its pure-electric product line-up. Starting in 2023, Kia says it will launch at least two new EVs each year, eventually building to the aforementioned full line-up of 14 models by 2027.
That number includes what the international press material describes as “two electric pickup trucks”, words that certainly caught our attention. While official information is scarce at this stage (it’s not even clear whether these vehicles will be unibody or ladder-frame in construction), Kia has dubbed the first a “dedicated” electric bakkie, which we’ve worked out will be built in North America from around 2024 (and thus in left-hand-drive guise for that market). If we had to guess, we’d say this model would take the form of a full-size pickup to tackle the Ford F-150 that is so immensely popular in that part of the world.
But it’s perhaps the second battery-powered bakkie that’s most intriguing for us down here in South Africa. Kia terms this bakkie “a strategic model for emerging markets”, suggesting there’s at least a decent chance it’ll be considered for a local introduction, even if its planned launch could be as many as 5 years away. Still, right-hand-drive production is by no means certain, with many South American markets – where the likes of the Fiat Toro and Volkswagen Saveiro sell in rather tidy numbers – also considered “emerging”. Time will tell.
Regardless, we’d speculate that this second electric bakkie would be smaller in size (though likely still double-cab in configuration), perhaps even slotting into the segment below the big-selling Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max. That’d mean it’d be primed to fill the half-tonne void created by the demise of the Chevrolet Utility, Ford Bantam and friends. But perhaps we’re getting a little bit ahead of ourselves here…
The new Opel Zafira Life minivan has arrived in South Africa to serve your personal or business needs. Take a look at key specifications and pricing details for the new Opel Zafira Life.
The new, fourth-generation Zafira Life joins Opel’s local product offering to cater for customers looking for a practical family vehicle or useful business vehicle.
The Zafira Life is suitable as both a family or business vehicle.
Opel offers 2 distinct models including the Zafira Life Edition (aimed at families, outdoor enthusiasts) and the Zafira Life Elegance (aimed at business customers or families seeking higher levels of comfort).
The Zafira Life Edition offers an 8-seat configuration with cloth seats. The second and third rows feature 3 seats on a rail system. The cabin of the Zafira Life is equipped with cupholders, sufficient storage space as well as a cooled and lit glove box compartment.
Alternatively, the Zafira Life Elegance gains leather upholstery and the first row is fitted with 2 individual seats with armrests as well as a sliding and folding table for added convenience. This derivative is also fitted with a large panoramic, 2-part glass roof that extends from the driver’s cabin to the second row. Other key features for this high-spec derivative include heated front seats, sunshade curtains, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, rear air conditioning, keyless entry, start button and a heads-up display.
Customers can optionally equip the Zafira Life with front and rear parking sensors as well as a 180-degree reverse camera with a zoom funcion for more accurate manouvering ability.
The Zafira Life is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen as well as a range of comfort and convenience features.
A 7-inch infotainment touchscreen offers Apple CarPlay and Android Capability as well as useful connectivity features such as Bluetooth and USB ports. The Zafira Life Edition is equipped with a 6-speaker sound system while the Zafira Life Elegange gains a 10-speaker sound system and a Connected Navigation system.
As far as safety is concerned the Zafira Life is fitted with front and side airbags as standard as well as Driver Attention Alert which is upgraded in the Zafira Life Elegance with a road behaviour feature that monitors the driver’s behaviour via a camera and steering wheel inputs to determine if the driver is fatigued and will alert the driver to pull over to take a break. Other useful features on this derivative include lane departure warning, speed sign detection and blind-spot detection.
What engine powers the new Opel Zafira Life?
The Opel Zafira Life is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 110 kW and 370 Nm and comes mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.3L/100km.
How much does the new Opel Zafira Life cost in South Africa?
Opel Zafira Life Edition – R749 900
Opel Zafira Life Elegance – R869 900
The Opel Zafira Life is sold with a 3-year/120 000km warranty and roadside assistance and a 5-year/100 000km service plan.
Over the course of a single generation, the BMW 2 Series Coupe has established itself as a driver’s car for those who enjoy high performance in a pint-sized package. The 2nd-gen model retains its predecessor’s rear-wheel-drive layout, but is a MUCH more accomplished product.
What’s new with the 2 Series Coupe?
Aside from the 2 Series nomenclature, the Coupe has very little in common with the 2 Series Gran Coupe.
Stick with me here, because this isn’t easy to explain, plus BMW made things more complicated than necessary by adding a 4-door 2 Series Gran Coupe to the range in 2021 – that car has nothing in common with the 2 Series two-door. The new 2 Series Coupe is actually based on a 3 Series chassis and, as a result, remains rear-wheel-drive (or all-wheel-drive, in the M240i xDrive’s case). The other 2 Series (the one with 4 doors) is actually a front-wheel-drive car based on the new 1 Series hatchback’s platform – and, therefore, quite unrelated to this Coupe version. It’s a silly naming convention, right? You can see why Korean brands took to naming their cars rather than assigning numbers to them.
Back to the 2 Series Coupe. With a new chassis comes a longer wheelbase, a wider stance but a lower height, which gives the BMW a really low-slung stance. The door handles sit flush with the bodywork and single-stalk wing mirrors closely resemble those fitted to M models The front grille is fitted with functional slats that electronically open when the engine requires extra cooling, but otherwise remain closed – to improve aerodynamics. The rear lights are very distinctive; they borrow some of the 3D design implemented on the revised X3’s clusters. Overall, it would probably be safe to say that this is currently the best-looking (or is that “least polarising”?) BMW on the market.
For the moment, Mzansi has been supplied with 3 versions of the 2 Series Coupe: the 220i, 220d and M240i xDrive. Enthusiasts hope that BMW will get to work on a full M version to succeed its best M car of the lot, the M2, soon.
The M240i xDrive has more power, but is also all-wheel-drive now.
The original 2 Series stood out as something a little different in the BMW range. With its short wheelbase, the higher-powered versions could be a handful to control in extremis, but it sure had character. It felt like you could have fun driving it without having to achieve breakneck speeds before you’ll feel any real sense of excitement (which, unfortunately, is the case with most modern performance models – and that includes BMW M cars).
The new generation, with its 51-mm longer wheelbase and wider tracks (54 mm at the front and 31 mm at the rear for regular models and 63 mm at the front and 35 mm at the rear for the M240i) could have gone some way towards undoing the previous 2 Series Coupe’s instantly accessible (and ah, oh-so-satisfying) on-road demeanour.
However, after a few minutes behind the ‘wheel of the M240i, those fears were quashed. Despite now being an xDrive (all-wheel-drive) variant, the M240i is rear-biased with a sufficiently pointy front end. The steering is perfectly weighted and even the smallest inputs will set the 2er Coupe on the hunt like the darting nose of a sniffer dog. The low centre of gravity and seating position really allow you to bond with the car – you can feel what it’s doing around you with every adjustment you make.
Some of the on-power twitchiness has been trimmed as a result of the aforementioned changes, but the newcomer is still more rewarding to drive than a 3- or 4 Series thanks to that darty front end, not least that confidently planted rear. One thing you’ll want to spec is the adaptive dampers, which are optional, but effectively settles the 2 Series Coupe’s suspension on uneven tarmac, which is ubiquitous. It makes the dimunitive sportscar easier to live with on a daily basis, where the ride qualities of cars that aren’t fitted with the system seem overly firm on anything other than smooth tarmac.
The 2 Series Coupe engine choices
The 220i and 220d are the side acts to the M240i xDrive’s main event.
The M240i is the flagship – for now, we all know an M2 is coming – and it’s been given more power than before (even more than the original M2) with 285 kW and 500 Nm of torque. Zero to 100 kph comes up in just 4.3 sec, but it’s the instantaneous response of the engine that really gives it life. The 40i engine has always been a favourite of mine – the 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol motor revs cleanly and delivers a seductive tune as it strives for the upper reaches of its rev range. It responds instantaneously to dabs of the accelerator pedal and the 8-speed automatic transmission’s rapid kickdown speed makes it immensely fun to execute rapid overtaking manoeuvres.
The supporting acts to the M240i are the 220i, which uses a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol to deliver 135 kW and 300 Nm and the 220d, a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 140 kW and 400 Nm. You really need the power of the M240i to truly unlock the handling prowess of the 2 Series Coupe, but if the exterior design of the new model strikes you and you’re not all that fussed by performance, the 220d is the better bet. Its transmission is better suited to the turbodiesel mill’s torque delivery characteristics than the 220i, which can shift too many times to muster urgent acceleration. The 220d will also give you better fuel consumption, considering its claims of just 4.7–5.1 L/100 km.
What’s it like inside?
The interior is transplanted from the 3 Series without anything uniquely 2 Series Coupe about it.
Have you ever compared the interiors of the 3 Series and its 4 Series coupe variant? By and large, they’re the same. Again, there’s nothing uniquely “2 Series Coupe” about this new model’s interior, but it does have all the tech you would want from a modern, upmarket BMW.
The infotainment screen has a crisp display, responds to inputs promptly and you get wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. There’s also a subscription service, through which you can add options to your car after you’ve purchased them (providing your car has the hardware functionality) and then unsubscribe from options when you don’t want them anymore. This was first introduced with the new X3 and BMW will be introducing it on more models that come to the market. The over-the-air updates could even bring entirely new options further down the line.
As for the fit-and-finish of the 2 Series Coupe’s interior, it’s nicely put together and trimmed in reasonably premium materials. Well, I’d like to see less plastic masquerading as brushed aluminium in a R1-million car, but BMW’s rivals resort to the same tactic, so it’s a complaint of the entire premium segment, not just the 2er Coupe specifically.
The M240i, as a range-topping performance model, could do with a bit more pizzazz inside – there’s nothing that really distinguishes it a performance variant, although BMW could be saving the bells and whistles for the M2.
BMW 2 Series Coupe – pricing in SA
BMW 220i Coupe
R771 900
BMW 220d Coupe
R819 278
BMW M240i xDrive
R1 062 420
All BMWs are sold with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan (Motorplan).
Summary
Still a genuinely fun car to drive, but the M240i is the one to have to get the most out of the chassis underneath.
The 2 Series Coupe demonstrates that BMW can still produce a fun-to-drive driver’s car without needing to alienate the faithful with a polarising exterior design. It feels more planted and confident than its predecessor, which some may enjoy, but it dulls some of the older model’s inherent edginess. The inline-6 motor remains an absolute beaut with surprisingly instantaneous power delivery (for a turbo) and immense grunt in any gear. It’s a driver’s car you can hustle through a mountain pass, take a breath on the other side, and then turn around to do it all over again.
While the interior has all the connectivity and features you’d want in a contemporary model, there’s nothing distinct about it; the M240i’s cabin, in particular, could have a bit more flair to it – after all, it’s the range’s M-fettled variant.
The 2 Series Coupe has competition from Audi in the form of the TTRS, but the Ingolstadt-based brand’s 2.5-litre 5-cylinder firebrand’s getting long in the tooth, while the Mercedes-AMG’s CLA AMG45+ is rather expensive (even relatively) and much more frenetic than the poised BMW. The real threat comes from Porsche, whose flat-6-engined 718 Cayman 4.0 GTS offers the purest driving experience in the segment, but it costs at least R300k more than the M240i xDrive!
BMW iX Review Q&A Video
We were inundated with so many comments and questions about the revolutionary BMW iX, so we put Ciro De Siena in the hot seat and he answers them.
In January we published a video review of the new BMW iX xDrive50 which it seems you, our dear audience, particularly enjoyed, as it is well on its way to 500,000 views.
It has also received hundreds of comments, which we really appreciate! As the electric vehicle debate is so important in South Africa, we felt a follow-up video was necessary where we engaged with some of those comments.
Our video guy, Ciro De Siena, chose about 20 comments for this video and does his utmost to answer your questions and concerns about electric vehicles in South Africa.
We’re enthusiastic about debating this topic with you and we hope you’ll comment on this video too. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Volkswagen Polo vs Renault Clio: Which should you buy?
The Volkswagen Polo – one of the most popular compact hatchbacks in our market – recently received an update, but in the meantime, an all-new Renault Clio has arrived to entice local buyers to purchase the French newcomer instead. Does the stylish Clio pip the Polo and, more importantly, which one should you buy?
The Polo is the second most popular model in the Wolfsburg-based firm’s global portfolio (after the Tiguan family car) and Volkswagen South Africa’s (VWSA) 6th-generation compact hatchback recently underwent an update. With the revised model, the German brand seeks to consolidate – and expand on – the model’s sales success, not only in Mzansi, but in other markets, all around the world.
However, success for the more sophisticated (and, therefore, pricier) Polo isn’t necessarily guaranteed – the arrival of the stylish new Renault Clio 5 will certainly give local buyers something else to consider. The new Clio was revealed in 2019, but its arrival in the local market was delayed because of various factors. However, the Clio is here now and it’s raring to take the fight to its German rival.
The main aim of this article is to help you, the consumer, make an informed buying decision if you are considering both of these models. To help you, we will provide need-to-know information about the models, as well as our insights (based on available vehicle information) and our experience with the cars in question.
This article will cover key aspects including Engine Performance, Efficiency & Handling, Interior Features & Safety, Dimensions & Practicality and Pricing and Warranty details.
Please note that because design and styling are subjective, we will not pass judgment on the Polo and Clio’s exterior styling – you can decide for yourself which of the 2 cars looks best.
If, by the time you reach the end of this article, you are still undecided as to “What To Buy”, you are very welcome to reach out to us for additional information or advice via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
How the VW Polo and Renault Clio compare in terms of…
Engine Performance, Efficiency and Ride Quality
Volkswagen Polo
Renault Clio
Engines
1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol in 2 states of tune 2.0-litre turbopetrol (Polo GTI)
1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol (1.3-litre turbopetrol expected later in 2022)
Power Output
70 kW / 85 kW / 147 kW
74 kW
Torque Output
175 Nm / 200 Nm / 320 Nm
160 Nm
Transmission
5-speed manual / 7-speed DSG / 6-speed DSG
5-speed manual
Fuel Consumption (claimed)
5.3 L/100km / 5.4 L/100km / 6.4 L/100km
5.7 L/100km
Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo is widely regarded as the benchmark in its segment in terms of its performance and ride and handling characteristics. Volkswagen’s 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine (in both states of tune) offers an appealing combination of performance and efficiency with Volkswagen claiming consumption figures of 5.3- and 5.4 L/100km. The 85 kW Polo Life is the sweet spot in the range, while the range-topping GTI will appeal to buyers who seek “the fastest Polo of the lot”. With that said, however, the 75 kW Polo’s performance is far from lacking; this engine is an excellent entry point into the Polo range.
As far as the Volkswagen’s ride/handling balance is concerned, the Polo 6 has frequently proved itself particularly adept at providing surefooted and sharp handling without sacrificing much in the way of ride comfort (especially when fitted with 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels) – it’s arguably the best-in-class in that regard. Ride comfort in the range-topping Polo GTI, however, isn’t as forgiving, as the flagship version is more firmly sprung to match its sporty, performance intent. Fuel consumption for the Polo GTI is also higher with Volkswagen claiming a combined-cycle figure of 6.4 L/100 km.
At the moment, the Clio 5 is only offered with a 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. This thrummy engine’s outputs (74 kW / 160 Nm) are comparable with those of the entry-level Polo motor and buyers will, unfortunately, have to wait for a more powerful (1.3-litre turbopetrol) engine and continuously variable (automatic) transmission to arrive later this year.
Nonetheless, the new Clio delivers relatively punchy performance and its manual ‘box has a positive shift feel, which contributes to an engaging driving experience. Fuel economy is claimed at 5.7 L/100km.
Renault has also tweaked the Clio’s chassis to deliver sharper handling ability. Not only is the new model wieldier than before, but it also manages to offer a good balance between ride comfort and sportiness.
You can, however, use our handy Cars.co.za Compare Tool to compare any vehicle derivative you like.
Volkswagen Polo 1.0TSI 85kW Life
Renault Clio 1.0 turbo Intens
Infotainment
6.5-inch Composition Colour
9.0-inch Easy Link touchscreen
Digital instrument cluster
8-inch Digital Cockpit
7-inch TFT digital display
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, voice control, USB
Yes, USB-C ports, no voice control
Yes
Rear View Camera
No (optional)
No (optional)
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Air conditioning
Manual
Climate Control
Front and rear park distance control
Front and rear
Rear only (front optional)
Panoramic sunroof
Optional
No
Upholstery / Electric seats
Cloth, manual
Cloth, manual
Safety Features
6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control with traction control, tyre pressure monitoring
6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control with traction control, Lane Departure Warning
Feature Summary
As the table above illustrates, the equivalent Polo and Clio derivatives are fairly evenly matched in terms of standard specification. Even so, the Clio does offer slightly better feature value, because its touchscreen infotainment system has a larger display and incorporates more features than what’s available from the Polo’s setup. Automatic aircon (climate control) is also standard in the Renault.
The Polo’s infotainment system can be upgraded at extra cost and a host of other nice-to-haves can also be ticked on Volkswagen’s optional feature list. As for the Clio, Renault does offer an option pack that adds features such as front park-distance control, reverse-view camera, a larger 9.3-inch infotainment system, wireless charging and larger (17-inch) alloys, for an additional R15k, which is worth considering.
As far as fit and finish is concerned, the Clio’s perceived interior build quality has been elevated significantly with the use of higher-quality materials to offer a more upmarket look and feel. The new Clio’s cabin, therefore, marks a major improvement over that of its predecessor.
By comparison, the updated Polo’s perceived interior fit-and-finish is very good indeed and the overall cabin design/layout exudes a modern, tech-forward design approach. Harder (somewhat scratchy) plastic trim is, however, evident throughout the Volkswagen’s cabin. Still, despite that evidence of cost-cutting, it remains a solidly constructed interior.
Overall, the new Clio’s interior is very much competitive and arguably superior to what’s offered in the Polo (it must be the first time that could be said in the long history of the Polo-Clio rivalry). While both interiors are aesthetically-appealing, you will have to decide which design approach you most prefer.
Take note that the mid-spec Polo 1.0TSI 70kW Life is similarly priced (R350 000) to the top-spec Renault Clio (R349 900).
Practicality
Volkswagen Polo
Renault Clio
Length
4 074 mm
4 050 mm
Width
1 964 mm
1 988 mm
Height
1 451 mm
1 440 mm
Wheelbase
2 552 mm
2 583 mm
Rear Seating Configuration
60:40 split
60:40 split
Load Bay Capacity
351 Litres
391 Litres
While the Volkswagen Polo and Renault Clio are similarly-sized, the latter benefits from a slightly longer wheelbase, which translates into a more spacious cabin overall – rear passengers are likely to feel more comfortably ensconced in the back of the Renault. The Clio’s load capacity is also superior to that of the Polo; both have split rear seats, which adds flexibility for when you need to load bulkier items.
Pricing and Warranty
*Prices are accurate as of February 2023
Volkswagen Polo
Price
Renault Clio
Price
Base
Polo 1.0TSI 70kW
R334 400
Clio 1.0 Turbo Life
R309 900
Mid
Polo 1.0TSI 70kW Life
R375 400
Clio 1.0 Turbo Zen
R324 900
Top
Polo 1.0TSI 85 kW Life
R397 500
Clio 1.0 Turbo Intens
R364 999
Polo 1.0TSI 85 kW Life R-Line
R445 500
Polo GTI
R522 500
Warranty
3-year / 120 000 km
5-year / 150 000 km
Service Plan
3-year / 45 000 km
2-year / 30 000 km
As evidenced in the table above, the new Renault Clio range is priced very competitively against that of the Volkswagen Polo (especially in terms of the mid-range derivatives). The French contender also comes with a more comprehensive warranty, which sweetens its purchasing proposition. The Polo, however, does offer a more comprehensive service plan.
If resale and after-sales servicing feature highly on your priorities then note that the Polo will hold better value and fetch a better price in the used car market down the line. As the Polo is also assembled locally, you’d expect that parts supply would be readily available. Renault has worked tirelessly over the past decade to improve its after-sales service and lead time on parts supply. It’s certainly better than it was and the brand continues to make positive ground in this regard.
What to Buy?
The Volkswagen Polo was once the default “first new car” that people bought, but, like most compact hatchbacks, it has become progressively more expensive as its packaging, onboard technology and safety features have advanced (mostly to satisfy markets to which the Polo is exported). Even so, the Polo is arguably still the segment leader when it comes to performance and perceived quality and will, therefore, continue to appeal to those who can afford to buy one. Furthermore, with a choice of 3 powertrains (with manual and auto transmissions available), the Polo caters well for local buyers’ needs.
As for the Renault Clio 5, it’s a much-improved product compared to its predecessor and the combination of the newcomer’s keen pricing, generous specification and long warranty will be particularly attractive to buyers on a tight budget. However, the chink in the French contender’s armour is the fact that there’s no automatic transmission available in the range (as of March 2022 but one is expected later this year) and that fact alone will force many potential customers (many of which commute) to look elsewhere, at least until such time that Renault introduces a self-shifting derivative. A more powerful engine will also enhance the Clio’s popularity.
That said, if a car with an automatic transmission is not a priority for you, the new Clio should be on your shortlist, especially if your budget for a new compact hatchback stretches no further than R350k.
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: February 2022
We’ve rummaged through Naamsa’s detailed monthly sales figures once again, picking out South Africa’s best-selling bakkies for February 2022. Here are all the details!
The performance of South Africa’s broader new-vehicle market in February 2022 was a resoundingly positive one. The same applies to the light-commercial space, which enjoyed year-on-year sales growth of 9.4% to end on 12 290 units. While this segment also includes body styles such as commercial vans, here we’ll again focus on individual models that form part of the traditional bakkie market. We’re in bakkie country, after all.
So, were there any major changes to the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies in February 2022? Let’s take a closer look at the figures to find out.
There were absolutely no surprises at the very summit of the chart, with the Toyota Hilux’s final tally of 3 503 units making it the country’s top-selling bakkie for the month by quite some margin and helping the Japanese brand secure its largest ever monthly market share (making it the firm’s second highest sales month ever). Interestingly, 237 of those Hilux units were listed as government sales, with a further 258 units registered in the rental space. Yet another crushingly dominant performance from the Prospecton-produced bakkie, then.
Second place was again reserved for the soon-to-be-replaced Isuzu D-Max (1 401 units, of which 298 represented government sales), while the Rosslyn-built Nissan NP200 more than doubled its January 2022 effort to move back into four figures (1 020 units, to be precise) and snatch the final spot on the podium. If only this little half-tonner had some competition…
Likely still grappling with production constraints at its Silverton facility, Ford’s outgoing Ranger remained in fourth place, even though its 879-unit tally bettered its January figure. The Blue Oval brand must be itching to get its new Ranger rolling off the line and onto local roads, with excitement building further thanks to the recent reveal of the new 292 kW Raptor.
After snaffling a best-ever third spot in January 2022, the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up dropped two places to a still impressive fifth in February, ending the month on a healthy 766 registrations (incidentally 148 units more than January).
As always, it’s worth looking at the performance of the smaller players, too. Outside of the top 10, the Mahindra Bolero (114) was again the best of the rest in the second month of 2022. Sales of the Peugeot’s Chinese-built Landtrek fell slightly to 30 units, while the Mitsubishi Triton’s total grew a couple of units to 27. Mazda, meanwhile, managed to sell a mere 16 examples of its Isuzu-built BT-50, four fewer than in the previous month.
Export winners in February 2022
The Toyota Hilux led the export race as well, with 4 871 examples having been shipped from local shores in February. That said, the Ford Ranger’s export figure of 4 712 units wasn’t far behind, though still quite some way ahead of the Isuzu D-Max (521), Nissan Navara (317) and Nissan Hardbody (85). For the record, the industry’s overall export sales for February 2022 grew an encouraging 12.3% year on year to 32 867 units.
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for February 2022
