Mini Cooper SE (2022) Review

The Mini Cooper SE is the most affordable new battery-electric vehicle in SA. As the price of petrol continues to climb, interest in the Oxford-based marque’s first all-electric car is bound to increase. However, as a package, it has a few drawbacks… Can the Mini Cooper SE justify its price premium?

We like: The purest Mini driving experience, addictive performance, novelty factor

We don’t like: Range anxiety, stiff ride, pricey, other Mini models offer more value.

Fast Facts

Model tested: Cooper SE Hatch 3-door
Price: R709 400
Engine: Single electric motor
Power/Torque: 135 kW/270 Nm
Transmission: Automatic
Economy: 17.5 kWh/100 km (claimed)
Range: 215 km (claimed)
0-100kph: 7.3 seconds (claimed)
Luggage capacity: 211 litres

Serious about buying?

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

What is it?

At first glance, this hatchback looks like a run-of-the-mill Mini Cooper (albeit one fitted with rather funky looking wheels). However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice flashes of yellow detailing, a plug icon on the tailgate and another one on the “fuel-filler cap”. Yes, this is the Mini Cooper SE – the Oxford-based brand’s first series-produced battery-electric vehicle (BEV).

The BMW Group has taken the electric motor from the sporty BMW i3 S and transplanted it into a Mini Cooper body, along with a lithium-ion high-voltage battery pack (the 32-kWh battery was chosen instead of the i3 S’ 42 kWh unit in order to save weight). In the electric-car segment, kerb weight is a real issue. To give you some context, the BMW iX we recently tested weighed all of 2.5 tonnes!

Hefty cars are usually not very engaging to drive and, when your brand is associated with “go-kart-like handling” (for what that’s worth), there has to be some compromise, but more about that later…

*The unique wheel design is the easiest way to spot the electric Mini.*

As far as rivals are concerned, the Mini Cooper SE almost has the segment to itself. The only other offering is the soon-to-be-discontinued BMW i3 and the Mini competes with the base eDrive derivative. It’s a touch more expensive than the Mini; its price is R754k, whereas the Mini’s is R709k. The Bimmer offers a superior claimed range (217 km vs 260-310 km), but a lower power output. If you’re really eager to have “the Mini experience”, you can get the accomplished Cooper S for way less money. Electric vehicles are taxed heavily in Mzansi, so the taxman is largely to blame for the SE’s lofty purchase price.

See how the electric Mini stacks up against its ICE-sibling and its BMW cousin here.

Mini decided on a smaller battery for the SE in order to save weight, at the cost of range.

How the Mini Cooper SE fares in terms of…

Design & Packaging

We’ve already touched upon the visual differences between the all-electric Mini Cooper and its conventional (ICE) siblings. We really like the subtle touches the Oxford-based marque has added, such as the quirky alloy wheels and the electric-plug logos. We’re just happy that, unlike most of the current crop of standalone electric cars, the SE doesn’t have a quirky (and polarising) exterior design.

It just seems as if nearly every BEV looks strange for the sake of standing out from the crowd. The BMW iX, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are highly lauded, but you can’t say they’re conventionally pretty.

The Cooper SE’s range is somewhat underwhelming, especially if you have to deviate from your usual short commute.

In terms of packaging, the SE has a standard Cooper body and its interior layout is instantly familiar – you feel like you’re part of the car when seated behind the ‘wheel. Rear legroom is nominal and, if you’re a taller-than-average driver (as this author is), you may as well consider the back seats as an extension of the load bay. If you fold the rear seatback down, you get up to 731 litres of utility space.

Speaking of the load bay, the electric Mini’s battery pack does fortunately not impinge on luggage space – to its credit, the Cooper SE offers exactly the same load capacity as its ICE-powered siblings. At 211 litres, it’s just about acceptable, with just enough space for a small suitcase and laptop bag. There’s a secondary storage area below the boot floor, which is used to house 2 types of charging cables.

Packaging wise, the SE retains the same-sized load bay as the ICE version, with the charging cables stored below the boot floor.

Performance & Efficiency

The Mini Cooper SE features a single electric motor, which drives the front wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission. Its outputs of 135 kW and 270 Nm put it on par with the current Cooper S’ 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. Thanks to the EV drivetrain’s instantaneous power delivery, the Cooper SE feels remarkably lively… at least, quicker than its claimed 0-100 kph sprint time of 7.3 sec suggests.

One of the coolest aspects of the electric-car driving experience is how full power is always available when you want it. There’s no gearing down, no waiting for a turbo to spool up or revs to climb. You just… go. Instantly. In some of the more powerful electric cars we’ve driven, such as the Audi e-tron S and Tesla Model X, this responsiveness can induce motion sickness due to its drastic “throttle on/off” nature.

The all-electric Mini comes with a few drive modes, such as Mid (the default setting) and the obligatory Sport. There are two Eco modes: Green and Green+. Green+ gives you the maximum possible range with power diverted from non-essential systems (such as climate control). When the outside temperature indicates 34°C, climate control becomes very essential, so that mode is best saved for emergencies.

While there are sportier drive modes available, we became more concerned with getting as much range as possible.

We utilised Green mode for the majority of our time behind the ‘wheel of the Cooper SE. It dials the throttle response back so you’re not tempted to make Mini’s newcomer dart around as if it’s a child that’s consumed their very first tin of energy drink. What’s more, the climate control is paired back, but there’s still adequate chilled air coming from the vents. Green mode should add 10% to your overall range.

Right, now for the bad news. For all of the fun that you’re going to have while piloting the Cooper SE around town, there’s one major pitfall and that’s the Mini’s range. The worst part is that the official claim is 215 km, but the actual usable range is more in the region of 165-185km – as ever, it depends on your driving style.

That means that you will be restricted to shorter commutes AND that you will need to plan your routes carefully to have any hope of stretching those drives well into triple-digit kilometre trips. There’s a silver lining to the limited range, though. As new fast-charging stations are installed throughout SA’s major cities, it won’t take all that long to recharge the Mini’s modestly-sized battery (if you use fast-charging).

Some naysayers on social media have bemoaned Mzansi’s lack of charging infrastructure, but there are more chargers available than you may think, especially in the metropolitan areas of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban. Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Porsche, to name a few examples, have invested in the installation of fast chargers at their dealerships and these facilities make a huge difference. A local company – GridCars – is partnering with OEMs to build a notable charging network in the Republic. If you check out either Plugshare or Chargestation, you’ll see that Mzansi is well on the way.

The other option is to charge the SE at home overnight, via the home-charging cable that ends on a 3-pin plug. Granted, this method of charging is relatively slow – it will take several hours to charge up the Mini if its battery is almost depleted. For example, charging at home overnight for 7 hours 45 min gave 12 kWh, which increased the battery’s charge level from 41% to 80%. Just 41 minutes were needed at the fast charger to gain 19 kWh, which raised the battery’s charge level from 36% to 96%. In those 41 minutes, we caught up with emails and made a few phone calls. The best part? Fast-charging is free.

Charging from a public charging station will allow the Cooper SE to charge above 80%, as well as charge faster.

Ride & Handling

The Cooper SE may resemble a Mini in looks and the way it scampers down the road, but its ride and handling characteristics are different. The first thing you’ll have to get used to is the effect of regenerative braking, whereby the electric motor acts as a generator to convert kinetic energy, which would usually be lost when the car decelerates, into additional stored energy in the lithium-ion battery. You won’t get that much back in terms of electric energy gained, but if you regularly let the Mini coast or lean on its brake pedal on steep downhills, you’re likely to see the range increase slightly.

It has 2 regenerative braking settings, but ideally, you should utilise the high energy recovery mode, which facilitates the (most efficient) one-pedal driving style, whereby simply lifting your foot off the accelerator pedal will start the harvesting process and slow the car appreciably. It won’t take you long to get used to it; soon, you’ll be anticipating those intersections and hardly use the brake pedal at all.

The SE is actually really fun to drive and arguably delivers the most ‘Mini’ experience in the range.

Another aspect of BEV ownership is the noise… or at least the lack thereof. BEVs operate in near silence, so much so, that some countries have laws that mandate the fitment of sound generators to electric cars so that pedestrians can hear when such vehicles are in their vicinity. When you drive the SE at low speeds with the driver’s window open, you can hear a gentle hum from the electric motor – that’s it.

Inside, there’s not much to hear, other than the cute-sounding engine start and switch-off tones, but the downside of a quiet cabin is that you will become aware of other noises, such tyre and road noise, as well as wind noise (from around the seals and mirrors). Was that my stomach rumbling or a manhole cover I just drove over? Fortunately, our Cooper SE came with a splendid Harman Kardon audio system.

In time-honoured Mini tradition, the Cooper SE delivers an entertaining hands-on driving experience. Granted, the suspension setup may be too firm for some, but the benefit of the battery pack being located low in the vehicle is that the BEV has quite a low centre of gravity, which means it can corner quickly with minimal body roll. You can, however, elicit tyre squeal if you barrel into bends too hastily.

The low centre of gravity (by virtue of the lithium-ion battery pack being mounted in the Cooper SE’s floor) aids agility.

If you want to drive the Cooper SE as if it’s an extra inThe Italian Job, it will exhibit remarkable agility. The steering is quick and direct and the all-electric Mini can change direction promptly, yet without a hint of drama. It’s almost 200 kg heavier than the Cooper S, but you won’t feel the extra heft from behind the ‘wheel unless you are negotiating tight bends really quickly. The driving position is excellent too.

Comfort features

So, what do get for R710 000? The test unit featured the Collection 2021 specification, which adds R43 500 to the list price, and adds a multitone ombre-effect roof, 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED lights, piano black exterior detailing, sports seats (made from recycled fibre), Nappa leather steering wheel, 8.8-inch infotainment screen, USB/Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay to name but a few.

The newcomer’s cabin layout is eye-catching, but its layout is unconventional, which is in keeping with Mini’s non-conformist image. The big, circular infotainment screen, which features an LED bezel that lights up in a variety of colours when you make an input/change a setting is polarising – not everyone in the test team appreciates its, um, informality. We do, however, like the minimalist digital instrument cluster that displays only the basics, such as speed, state of charge, engine state and range. Minis used to have very plasticky finishes, but recent iterations feature more upmarket materials and trims.

The interior is as quirky as any other Mini and has a few EV-specific screens that feed you extra data.

How much does the Mini Cooper SE cost in South Africa?

The Mini Cooper SE sells for R709 400, which includes a 2-year/unlimited km manufacturer- and a 8-year/100 000 km hybrid-battery warranty, as well as a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. Mini offers a variety of finance packages, including one that will allow you to return the vehicle at the end of a set period. Leasing is a good way to dip your toe into EV motoring and find out if a BEV suits your lifestyle.

To work out your home charging costs, multiply the cost you pay for electricity by the battery’s capacity. In the case of the electric Mini, 32 kWh battery x R1.82 per unit = R58. So that’s almost R60 to travel at least 160 km, which is cheaper than the petrol-powered Mini, but the latter is cheaper to buy, which means it will take you quite a while to offset the difference in price. As a reminder, fast-charging is free.

Verdict

While we like the Cooper SE, the range is just too short for anything other than a short point-to-point runaround.

The attraction of using a wieldy and nippy small electric car to commute in a bustling city is undeniable. If you have a 2-car household, you could make a case for using the all-electric Mini as your “daily runabout”… While the mode of transport for long trips will remain a larger internal combustion-engined vehicle, the Cooper SE could be the ideal car with which to “quickly dash to the shops or gym”.

Should you buy one? Unfortunately, even though the Mini Cooper SE offers a novel and engaging driving experience, it loses some (perhaps too much) of its appeal due to its limited range. Simply put, it’s a highly fashionable – but rather expensive – source of basic electric mobility. In the same way that a scooter offers you a quick way to get to the shops, the electrified Mini is only suitable for short commutes.

While we are proponents of electric vehicles and would probably change our lifestyles to accommodate BEVs’ shortcomings, many potential Mini Cooper SE buyers may not be willing to drastically change their driving habits. This is a glimpse at Mini’s near future and, given advances in battery tech and the continued rollout of charging infrastructure, “the BEV ownership proposition” will only grow stronger.

VW Amarok R on Ranger Raptor platform?

Six-cylinder Amaroks are popular. But how will Ford feel about a Raptor rival?

Since VW introduced the V6 Amarok, it has been clear which engine configuration is preferred.

Double-cab bakkie buyers have been quite willing to pay a premium for the larger capacity V6 engine. And VW will be keen to sustain that customer demand, with the new Amarok scheduled for its global reveal, in South Africa, later this year.

Although VW has done a tidy trade in V6-powered Amaroks, it hasn’t followed the example of Ford and other rivals’ example by producing a comprehensive high-performance double-cab with enhanced off-road capability.

VW has focussed more on the leisure double-cab buyers, who want V6 power for safer overtaking and comfier high-speed cruising. But could that change with the change to a Ford Ranger platform?

With new Amarok and Ranger essentially being the same bakkie, regarding structure and powertrain, will Ford share all those Raptor parts with VW?

It is a question that Australian product planners at VW commercial vehicles have considered. The German company’s Australian arm has collaborated with Tom Walkinshaw Performance, to create a more street-focused Amarok V6. But what could the next step be? Surely, it must be something closer in concept and theme to Raptor, with similarly outrageous off-road ability?

In comments to Australia’s CarsGuide, VW staff have admitted that, “there is opportunity for everything in the pick-up segment.” And they aren’t wrong. Bakkie buyers are proving more resilient than any other segment, especially relating to limited-edition variants.

Ford, Nissan and Toyota have all proved that halo double-cab products find great favour with their customers. VW will no doubt wish to have a similar offering with its new Amarok, but whether Ford will allow a Raptor competitor on the same platform, is to be seen.

Used VW Amaroks for sale

Used Ford Rangers for sale

New vehicle sales in South Africa: January 2022

South Africa’s new vehicle sales figures for January 2022 have been released, with the latest stats illustrating that the industry enjoyed a mostly positive start to the year. Let’s take a look at what you need to know…

According to Naamsa, South Africa’s aggregate domestic new vehicle sales in January 2022 increased a healthy 19.5% year on year to a total of 41 382 units, suggesting the local automotive industry is “continuing on its gradual recovery path to pre-COVID-19 levels”.

However, export sales for January 2022 interestingly fell 9.3% year on year to 19 089 units. Still, Naamsa says it expects this sector to “gain traction during the year on the back of further new model introductions by major vehicle exporters” as well as a generally “favourable global economic outlook”.

WesBank, meanwhile, points out that while year-on-year comparisons are “difficult to interpret” owing to differing pandemic circumstances, it remains positive about the prospects of a continued “slow recovery” of the market during 2022.

“January new vehicle sales kicked off the year at similar levels to the momentum created during the second half of 2021,” said Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communications at WesBank. “While some purchase decisions may have been deferred out of December into the new year, January sales provide a solid start to the year, raising the hopes of manufacturers and dealers for ongoing market improvement.”

New vehicle sales summary for January 2022

Aggregate new vehicle sales of 41 382 units increased by 19.5% (6 743 units) compared to January 2021.
New passenger vehicle sales of 30 037 units increased by 26.6% (6 305 units) compared to January 2021.
New light commercial vehicle sales of 9 629 units increased by 3.8% (349 units) compared to January 2021.
Export sales of 19 089 units decreased by 9.3% (-1 962 units) compared to January 2021.

10 best-selling vehicles in South Africa for January 2022

There were no surprises at the top of the list, with the venerable Toyota Hilux again leading the charge as the country’s best-seller. However, Toyota’s Suzuki-built Starlet climbed to second, nudging the Volkswagen Polo hatchback down to third (VW will be hoping its facelifted Polo that’s due later this month provides renewed sales impetus). Toyota’s likewise Suzuki-produced Urban Cruiser, meanwhile, grabbed fourth (just a single unit behind the Polo!) to knock VW’s Polo Vivo down to fifth. The new Corolla Cross snuck in at sixth, while the Suzuki Swift and Haval Jolion placed ninth and tenth respectively, with both models cracking four figures.

1. Toyota Hilux – 2 803 units

2. Toyota Starlet – 1 472 units

3. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 1 455 units

4. Toyota Urban Cruiser – 1 454 units

5. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 1 373 units

6. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 356 units

7. Isuzu D-Max – 1 141 units

8. Toyota Hi-Ace – 1 118 units

9. Suzuki Swift – 1 069 units

10. Haval Jolion – 1 038 units

10 best-selling car brands in South Africa for January 2022

Toyota retained its crown as the country’s best-selling automotive brand in January 2022, adding nearly 3 000 units to its December 2021 tally. Suzuki Auto SA, meanwhile, climbed to a lofty third place thanks to yet another record sales month (in which the firm shot past the 3 000-unit mark for the second time in its history). Haval also impressed by clambering up the list to snaffle fifth spot just ahead of Renault, while Ford was forced to settle for an unfamiliar eighth place.

1. Toyota – 12 480 units

2. Volkswagen Group – 5 393 units

3. Suzuki – 3 232 units

4. Hyundai – 2 668 units

5. Haval – 2 442 units

6. Renault – 2 247 units

7. Nissan – 2 172 units

8. Ford – 1 639 units

9. Kia – 1 507 units

10. Isuzu – 1 433 units

Top 5 vehicles exported from South Africa in January 2022

Again, the Prospecton-built Toyota Hilux led the exports race in January 2022, with the Kariega-produced Volkswagen Polo hatchback in second and the Silverton-built Ford Ranger in third. We should point out, however, that BMW and Mercedes-Benz did not report figures for January 2022, so it’s not clear how many X3 and C-Class sedan units were shipped from our shores during the month.

1. Toyota Hilux – 5 332 units

2. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 4 174 units

3. Ford Ranger – 2 364 units

4. Nissan Hardbody – 456 units

5. Isuzu D-Max – 272 units

Sales outlook

So, where to from here? Well, Naamsa says it believes consumer and business sentiment will remain “under pressure” over the short to medium term thanks to incremental increases in the repo rate. The organisation furthermore warns that supply chain disruptions, including the sustained global shortage of semi-conductor units, will continue to hamper new vehicle production and sales during 2022.

Looking even further ahead, Naamsa points out the new vehicle market trend over the next three years is “expected to be upward”, in line with National Treasury’s projected domestic economic growth outlook.

WesBank’s Gaoaketse adds that although consumers have “faced their second interest rate increase since November and fuel prices continue their record high performances”, confidence levels should continue to climb during the year as “inhibiting pandemic regulations subside” and economic improvement “perseveres”.

What’s an F&I Manager? A guide to vehicle finance & insurance

What does F&I mean – and how will it affect your car-buying journey? Irrespective of whether you purchase a car through a dealership with funds that you already have, or through a finance agreement, you will be introduced to the F&I Manager during the process, who will guide you through the all-important paperwork.

PARTNERED CONTENT

When you think of purchasing a new (or used) car, you think of the fun of choosing your perfect vehicle and the excitement of driving your “new ride” off the dealership floor. However, it isn’t that simple…

A salesperson will demonstrate a car and explain its features so that you can decide whether it is the right car for you. If you’re keen on buying the vehicle, you will negotiate the purchase price, which will include the cost of the vehicle, plus any optional features or accessories you’ve specified – and the on-the-road costs, minus the trade-in value the dealer has offered for your existing vehicle (if applicable).

Once you’ve reached an agreement with the salesperson and declared your intention to buy the car, the next part of the car-buying journey will begin… And it is one that is often overlooked, not fully understood – and sometimes, even dreaded – the trip to the F&I manager’s office.

motus.cars, supported by Motus Nissan (previously Imperial Nissan), sheds some light on the final part of the buying process, which has to occur before you take delivery of your new car.

An F&I Manager is responsible for obtaining and reviewing the purchasers’ credit application.

What is an F&I Manager?

The “Finance and Insurance Manager” is the person at the dealership who draws up sales contracts, helps you to arrange payment for the car, and offers you additional products for purchase, such as extended service plans or warranties (which are, technically, types of insurance policies), alarm systems and smash and grab and anti-theft products.

It is important to know that the sale of a new or used car is not official until it’s in writing, that is to say, you’ve signed a binding legal contract.

What exactly does an F&I Manager do?

An F&I Manager is responsible for obtaining and reviewing the buyer’s credit application, which they will submit, along with a copy of their ID and proof of income, to respective banks’ vehicle-finance divisions. Once the buyer decides which of the optional products they want, the F&I manager will explain, in detail, how those products work and roll the additional cost/s into the loan application.

The F&I Manager will structure the application based on the underwriting guidelines of financial institutions and to maximise the buyer’s chances of getting their finance application approved.

If a bank responds with a quote for a vehicle loan (the waiting period can be as short as a few minutes), the F&I Manager will explain the details of the proposed finance agreement to the buyer and, should the latter accept the bank’s terms, print all loan paperwork, obtain all required signatures and arrange for any deposit that may be required before authorising the delivery of the purchased vehicle.

Finally, they will also request copies of required documents from the buyer (including proof of residence, for example, for the purpose of licencing the vehicle) prior to the car’s delivery.

Why and how is an F&I Manager involved in the car-buying process?

You may ask: “Why doesn’t the salesperson can’t just complete everything?” Remember how we said the sale is not official until it is in writing and contracts are signed?

Well, the F&I Manager is one of the few people at the dealership who thoroughly understands the intricacies of vehicle-finance agreements, knows all the optional products that are available through the dealership, and – most importantly – is legally trained to know which forms need to be signed.

What points are discussed with an F&I Manager?

The F&I process begins after a salesperson has obtained a verbal commitment from a customer to purchase a vehicle. They will then take the customer through to the F&I office and introduce them to the dealership’s F&I Manager. The F&I Manager will then ask the customer various questions to establish what additional products (such as extended service plans or warranties, alarm systems and smash and grab and anti-theft products) they may want or need.

If you plan to buy a vehicle on credit, banks can offer different interest rates, balloon payments, deposits, etc. An F&I Manager will have the experience to advise you on what options would suit you best.

What value does an F&I Manager offer during the car-buying process?

The F&I Manager is a crucial part of the car-buying journey because they are the key to ensuring you understand your options – and that you get the best deal, including all the additional products you may need. If you plan to finance your vehicle purchase through a bank, an F&I manager is well-versed at structuring a loan application in a way that it is most likely to be approved, with terms that suit you.

If you are in the market for a new or used vehicle, take a look at the wide range of options available to you from motus.cars. You are able to browse over 7 000 pre-owned vehicles for sale, over 30 new car brands, compare vehicles easily, apply for finance and much more.

What’s more, you can make use of free tools that are available to help you decide what the best vehicle finance option is for you. Use these simple affordability and finance calculators to help you determine what you can afford and what finance option will be best for your needs. All you have to do is click!

Visit motus.cars for more info, or join the conversation on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter

Next-gen Range Rover to use X5M Power

Rumours suggest the next-gen Range Rover Sport will switch to the V8 from the BMW M division.

A story out of the UK from Autocar says the next generation of Range Rover Sport will ditch its ageing 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine and switch to the 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol from BMW’s M division.

Land Rover is currently hard at work getting its all-new 5th-gen Range Rover onto showroom floors, but the all-new 2023 Range Rover Sport is not too far away. It’s a huge model for Jaguar Land Rover with a remarkable sales success story, with the Sport comfortably outselling the standard Range Rover.

While the new Range Rover is aimed at the top-end of the market, the Range Rover Sport is a bit more accessible and JLR will be using it as a foundation for its electrification campaign. There’s a new electrified platform called MLA Flex which will underpin the large Range Rover models and it’s said to be stiffer and offer more refinement.

With the engine agreement between BMW and Jaguar Land Rover, its rumoured the next-generation Range Rover Sport will lose its legendary supercharged V8 and gain the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 from BMW. Given the recent news that BMW’s M division is working on the new M5 with a hybrid version of this engine, it makes logical sense to predict the next Range Rover SVR will feature an electrified turbocharged V8 petrol engine.

Outputs of the outgoing Range Rover SVR were never considered weak and 423 kW and 700 Nm gave it solid performance credentials, with a delicious soundtrack to accompany it. The new BMW V8 motor is rumoured to produce around 550 kW and have a pure electric mode. Let’s not forget BMW M is working on a hybrid electricified performance SUV either, which was previewed with the XM Concept.

The rise of the hardcore performance SUV has been well publicised, with most luxury brands offering a fast high-riding product. Think of your Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin DBX, Audi RS Q8, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and the BMW X5 M Competition. All have monstrous petrol V8 engines and all are able to decimate the 0-100 kph sprint in under 5 seconds with ease. The downside of these vehicles is the fuel consumption, which is something future iterations will address thanks to the hybrid technology.

Fuel Price Increase Confirmed for February 2022

As January 2022 draws to a close, indicators are pointing to further fuel price increases for February 2022. Update: Yes, it’s going up.

Update: As of Monday the 31st January, the petrol price will jump by 53 cents a litre for both 93 and 95 grades, while diesel owners will see an increase of 80 cents a litre. The price of illuminating paraffin will go up by R1.01 per litre.

South African motorists suffered brutal fuel price increases during 2021 and as the first month of 2022 comes to an end, the fuel price forecast for February 2022 isn’t looking good.

While we wait for an official announcement from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy regarding fuel price adjustments for February 2022, analysts are expecting increases.

The price of Brent Crude Oil has been rising steadily during January 2022 and has this week breached the $90 mark for the first time in 7 years. The rise has mostly been driven by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine tensions and the resulting potential threat of possible US sanctions.

This is likely to have a considerable impact on local fuel prices. However, the blow will be softened somewhat considering that the Rand has firmed up against the US Dollar during the same period from R15.82 in the beginning of the month to R15.27 as of today.

In December 2021, fuel prices in South Africa breached the R20 per litre mark for the first time ever. This, at a time when the economy is struggling to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. Consumers and household budgets are currently under tremendous pressure and rising fuel prices will undoubtedly make life considerably more difficult for millions of South Africans.

Monte Carlo Rally-inspired Mini – How this owner built her dream classic car

When Nadia Viljoen dreamt of a classic car, she couldn’t shake the idea of creating an authentic Monte Carlo Rally Mini… and to race it, particularly at the Simola Hillclimb. And so she set about learning how to restore a classic car and got to work.

Over 4 years, she stripped the Mini to the bare bones and started from scratch. How Nadia persevered to build a Monte Carlo Rally-inspired Mini to her exact preference is one of the most inspiring classic car stories we’ve come across in South Africa, and we’re delighted to bring this story to you.

Nadia Vijloen's Monte Carlo Rally Mini front three-quarter view

Nadia’s journey began with little mechanical experience, armed only with determination and a workshop manual. She immersed herself in the world of classic car restoration, learning each step from scratch.

Nadia Vijloen's Monte Carlo Rally Mini rear three-quarter view

Surrounded by a supportive community of enthusiasts, she tackled every challenge head-on, from the painstaking task of cleaning parts to mastering complex mechanical repairs.

The process was gruelling – her hands bore the brunt of wire brushes and stubborn grime – but the satisfaction of seeing the Mini come together made every moment worthwhile.

Nadia Vijloen's Monte Carlo Rally Mini steering wheel and instrument cluster

The restoration was thorough: Nadia stripped the car to bare metal, addressed rust and countless drilled holes, and repainted it in the iconic Tartan Red with an Old English White roof.

She upgraded the brakes, fitted a professionally rebuilt 1275 engine, and modernised the cooling and ignition systems. The interior was returned to period-correct simplicity, with custom houndstooth Porsche-style seats and a wooden steering wheel, complemented by a roll cage for safety.

Nadia Vijloen's Monte Carlo Rally Mini sports seats

Taking her Monte Carlo Rally Mini to the Simola Hillclimb was a dream realised. Though nerves ran high at the start, Nadia embraced the challenge, proud to compete in a car she had rebuilt herself.

The experience was exhilarating, and the support from her family and friends was invaluable. For Nadia, driving a classic car is about passion, perseverance, and the joy of bringing history ck to life, 1 bolt at a time.

Search for cars listed by Wat Swaai Jy (VCSA) on Cars.co.za

Search for a classic Mini listed for sale on Cars.co.za

Land Cruiser 200 to 300 upgrade now available

Looks like a 300 but has a V8 turbodiesel.

Demand for Toyota’s Land Cruiser range has always been high. But the situation around Land Cruiser 300, has become slightly ridiculous.

In some global markets, the latest version of Toyota’s legendary off-road touring vehicle nameplate effectively has a two- to four-year waiting list.

A simple truth is that if you want a Land Cruiser 300, and are willing to pay way over its recommend retail pricing, you still can’t have one. The supply-and-demand reality is that far out of balance.

If you own a late model Land Cruiser 200, you have the option to now evolve it into a 300. Sort of.

From China comes the GBT restyling bodykit. Specially designed to fit the front section of a Land Cruiser 200, this bodykit does a mildly convincing job of making your Toyota luxury off-roader, look like something it isn’t.

The product people at GBT have done a reasonably good job of recreating the large Land Cruiser 300 grille, with its large horizontal slats. Despite the newer Land Cruiser having large headlamps than a 200, there is some commonality in the fog light placement and bumper clips.

Fixed in place, the GBT restyling bodykit will certainly make neighbours and other Toyota 4×4 enthusiasts make a double-take.

Around the rear GBT’s developed a substantial upgrade kit, too. You can purchase an entirely reshaped tailgate and bumper, complemented by new taillights, to make your Land Cruiser 200 look even more like a 300.

If you can’t wait a few years for the Land Cruiser 300 you’ve paid a deposit on to be assembled and delivered, the GBT kit is an alternative.

Or perhaps, you prefer your Toyota luxury 4×4 station wagon to be powered by V8 turbodiesel power, instead of a V6? In that case, a GBT bodykit 200 would be more a case of preference, more than waiting-list frustration.

Browse used Land Cruiser stock here

New Mitsubishi ASX Coming in 2023

There’s an all-new Mitsubishi ASX on the way and it will be built by Renault.

The current generation Mitsubishi ASX has been around for well over a decade (since 2011) and the compact SUV is in dire need of replacement if it’s to compete meaningfully in this hugely competitive segment.

The ASX has undergone numerous updates throughout its lifecycle including the recent introduction of an entry-level ASX.

However, Mitsubishi’s intention is to bring an all-new ASX as well as another model to market in 2023 in order to have a fresh presence in the European market. The new ASX will be based on the Renault Captur compact crossover, a popular model in Europe, and it will be built in the same production facility in Valladolid, Spain. Even so, the new ASX will adopt its own design philosophy but will likely share some componentry with its French counterpart, including powertrains.

When the ASX is launched in Europe, it’s expected to feature both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the same offered in the Captur. However, an internal combustion engine option will likely be offered in markets outside of Europe, including South Africa.

The ASX is currently powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 110 kW and 197 Nm on offer. It’s not yet clear if Mitsubishi will offer a turbocharged engine but more details are expected to be revealed in 2022.

A replacement for the ageing ASX can’t come soon enough and we look forward to seeing what the new-generation ASX brings to this busy segment. Stay tuned!

Buy a Mitsubishi ASX on Cars.co.za

Hyundai Staria Multicab (2022) Launch Review

The Staria Multicab has arrived and it’s the second variant of Hyundai’s futuristic MPV to touch down in SA. We attended its local launch in the Western Cape.

Since its introduction in the Republic late in 2021, the Staria has been well-received and proven reasonably popular – to date, Hyundai South Africa has sold more than 300 units.

The futuristic-looking MPV has rivals across the spectrum, from the humble Toyota Quantum to the rather expensive Mercedes-Benz V-Class. However, the Hyundai Staria range has now been expanded with the introduction of the Multicab, which will arrive in local showrooms at the end of January 2022; a panel-van version will follow during the 2nd quarter of the year.

Its predecessor, the Hyundai H1 Multicab, didn’t sell nearly as well as its passenger-carrying sibling, but its sales total (989 units) demonstrates that there is a market for a 5-seat MPV with a giant load bay.

What’s New?

The new Hyundai Staria Multicab is longer, wider and higher than the outgoing Hyundai H1. It’s also based on a longer wheelbase, which means it offers even more interior space than its predecessor.

Speaking of space, the load-bay capacity has been increased through gains of 120 mm in length, 20 mm in width and 96 mm in height. As far as luggage capacity is concerned, the claimed figure has jumped from 2 511 to 2 890 litres. Bear in mind the newcomer’s load bay is isolated from the cabin – it cannot be enlarged by dropping the last row of seats and is only accessible via the split rear doors.

Inside, the new Staria Multicab has ditched the functional and basic cabin that is so typical of commercial vehicles for something that’s reasonably well-equipped. A modern touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone screen-mirroring technology is standard, as is the unique isolated digital instrument panel. The layout of the dashboard and fascia is fresh and minimalist – we rather like it.

As far as standard features are concerned, the Staria Multicab effortlessly outguns its predecessor – it comes equipped with notably more comfort and convenience items, as well as safety tech. More airbags (including side curtain ‘bag, over and above those for the driver and front passenger) are fitted, plus the variant comes with an electronic handbrake with an auto-hold feature, stability control, 17-inch alloys, daytime running lights, artificial leather trim, USB ports, a wireless charging pad, blind-spot collision warning, front/rear parking sensors, a reverse-view camera and automatic climate control.

What is the Staria Multicab like to drive?

We completed a short, but insightful, evaluation route with the Staria Multicab. Much like the people-mover variant of the range, the Multicab feels notably more upmarket and refined on the road than the discontinued Hyundai H1. The newcomer just seems more composed by comparison; it instils less of that “rolling body feeling” that you’re likely to experience in large vehicles with high seating positions.

The Staria’s 130 kW/430 Nm 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel delivers sufficient off-the-line performance and in-gear shove, but we’re keen to see how it will fare when there are 5 adults on board in combination with bikes, camping gear, mattresses – or whatever else may fill up the load bay. The 8-speed automatic transmission generally does a satisfactory job of sifting through the gears, but on a couple of steeper inclines, the ‘box seemed a bit too eager to kick down and seemed to struggle to “find the right ratio” at slower speeds. We’ll investigate this further when we get the vehicle on test.

While we may have some reservations about the transmission’s calibration with the turbodiesel motor, the 8-speed ‘box is meant to benefit efficiency – and it does. When cruising in 8th gear on the highway, the Staria Multicab’s engine revs sit very low, which benefits fuel economy. After an unplanned highway excursion, we saw an indicated 7.8 L/100 km – a commendable figure for such a large vehicle.

The on-road refinement is good, too – the cabin was not unduly disturbed by road- and wind noise. Hyundai says its improved assembly processes have helped to make the Staria Multicab quieter inside than its H1 equivalent and we’re inclined to believe that…

Unlike its predecessor, which felt a bit old-school in terms of its seating position and the driving experience it delivered, the Staria Multicab feels a lot more modern/sophisticated to pilot. The steering is nice and light too, which should make the newcomer effortless to wield in congested urban areas.

How much does the Hyundai Staria Multicab cost in South Africa?

The Hyundai Staria Multicab costs R759 900, which includes a 7-year/200 000 km mechanical warranty, a 6-year/90 000 km service plan and 7 years’ or 150 000-km worth of roadside assistance.

Summary

The sales figures of the recently introduced Staria suggest that Hyundai’s newcomer is on an upward trajectory. With the addition of the Multicab, the sheer practicality of the Staria has been increased substantially and the derivative makes a good business case for itself. The people-mover/minibus version may be available in 9- and 11-seater configurations, but those benches do reduce cargo-carrying capacity, so if you want to take the extended family on holiday, you’d probably have to rent (and tow) a trailer just to fit everyone’s luggage in.

The Multicab offers seating for 5 (with adequate space for all occupants), plus an enormous cargo bay, which, at first inspection, could probably accommodate a Bajaj Qute.

To reiterate, if you want a Staria with even more cargo-carrying capacity (if you operate a business, for example), a panel-van derivative is due in local showrooms during the Q2 of 2022.