The Toyota Fortuner has received a few spec upgrades. Here’s what’s been added plus how much you can expect to pay for the Fortuner range.
The Toyota Fortuner is South Africa’s most popular SUV. The 7-seater SUV is available with 2 diesel engines, as well as 4×2 and 4×4.
Despite new offerings like the Corolla Cross and Urban Cruiser, the Fortuner still reigns supreme. Toyota SA reckons that Fortuner’s stellar sales record stems from constant communication with its customers and understanding their ever-changing needs. Toyota has taken feedback and enhanced its current offering with additional features.
What’s new?
The 2.9 Fortuner gains an upgrade to its air conditioning which becomes a dual-zone climate control, while the flagship VX model gets a panoramic camera. Fans of quality audio will be happy to note the 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system has been added. Interestingly, the on-board satellite navigation has been removed, with Toyota saying that customers were using the smartphone navigation thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
As far as safety and security is concerned, the Toyota Safety Sense system on the VX grade gains blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. There’s also an enhanced smart entry system.
The colour line-up on the 2.4 and 2.8 models remains unchanged with seven options. On the VX model, Pearl White has been replaced by Platinum White Pearl.
Engine & Transmission Options
The proven 2.4 and 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel engines continue with the 2.4 GD-6 producing 110 kW and 400 Nm, while the 2.8 delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm. The 2.4 is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed automatic, while the 2.8 is automatic only.
How much does the upgraded Fortuner cost in South Africa?
All Fortuner models are sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-services/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are set at 10 000 km and customers can purchase a variety of service plans and warranty extensions from their nearest Toyota dealer (220 countrywide).
Sneak images show radical new Mini design – inside and out
Bold new interior design for Mini’s EV.
New images have been captured of the forthcoming Cooper S EV, in China.
A series of exterior images and a single cabin photo show some telling details concerning the new battery-powered Mini.
For the British compact car division of BMW, electrification is vital. Its small cars are under pressure. Although correctly sized for the inner-city markets where they have traditionally been popular, the cost of electrifying a small car is high. And this risks pushing Mini beyond an acceptable pricing threshold.
The current Mini Cooper SE also has quite a limited range, which is fine for inner-city commuting, but possibly a weakness for weekend journeys. Especially in markets with poor recharging infrastructure.
Mini’s new Cooper S EV has a semi-panelled front, with the traditional mesh grille replaced by solid moulding. The traditional round headlights remain in place, but the bonnet is now a flush stamping, discarding the scoop, which features on Mini’s current Cooper SE electric.
The tailgate has been significantly redesigned, too. Gone are the two vertically orientated rectangular lights. These are replaced by triangular-shaped taillights, which mark a departure from legacy Mini design influences on the Cooper range.
Like many other hatchbacks and crossovers, the new Mini Cooper S EV has a solid detail panel, joining the taillights, to accentuate the vehicle’s width – when viewed from the rear.
Beyond the evolved exterior styling and design, there are many changes to Cooper’s cabin architecture. The most noticeable of these is the lack of an instrumentation binnacle.
Mini’s designers have opted for a clean dash from the driver’s point of view. Vehicle and road information is projected by a HUD.
The Cooper S EV will retain that Mini centre stack infotainment screen, which is expected to have enhanced touchscreen functionality. Fiddly ergonomics have been an issue with Minis and their commitment to traditional tab switches and toggles – paying homage to the brand’s original design logic, from the 1960s.
Designers have retained some of the toggles and switches on the new Cooper S EV, but the component shapes appear much larger than before, making it easier to operate them.
Images of the new Cooper S EV were captured by Instagram user: wilcoblok.
Alfa Romeo Tonale For SA in 2022
It’s been nearly 3 years since the concept of the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the smaller sibling to the Stelvio executive SUV, debuted at the Geneva Show and the production version is due to be revealed in March 2022 after numerous delays.
When Alfa Romeo was under the leadership of the late Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) chairman Sergio Marchionne, the group invested a reported $1 billion in the rear-wheel-drive Giorgio platform, which underpins the current Giulia and Stelvio, to spearhead yet another attempt to re-establish the Milanese brand in North America.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale concept caused a sensation when it debuted at the 2019 Geneva Show.
This move, which ultimately failed, spelt the end for the Mito and Guilietta, the latter of which was finally discontinued last year. However, FCA subsequently conceded that in order to safeguard the future of Alfa Romeo in a market dominated by crossovers, it had to produce at least 1, perhaps 2, SUV-inspired front-wheel-drive family cars, for which, of course, the Giorgio platform isn’t suitable.
So, the Italian marque showed its hand by unveiling the arrestingly styled Tonale concept at the Geneva Show in 2019, replete with sharp, futuristic styling. It was ostensibly based on FCA’s small, wide platform, which also underpins the Jeep Renegade and Compass and, when images of a supposed production version surfaced as early as October 2019, we believed its gestation would be brief.
However, the finalisation of the FCA-PSA merger which gave birth to Stellantis and, to an extent, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the arrival of the Tonale. In mid-2020, FCA reportedly sent a letter to its suppliers telling them to stop working on research, development, and tooling for future subcompact models, adding to the fuel to the rumour than PSA’s Common Modular Platform would be adapted to underpin those models instead. Development has also subsequently been hampered by the ongoing global chip shortage as well as calls by CEO Jean-Philippe to improve the model’s hybrid powertrain’s performance.
Although the Tonale won’t be quite as outrageously styled as the concept – the “production unit” shown here has conventional side mirrors and headlamp clusters, although the tail-light units at least have an ornate lighting signature – it will certainly look notably more distinctive than the models it will rival, including the Audi Q3/Q3 Sportback, BMW X1/X2, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40 etc.
While engine options remain unconfirmed, the 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol that does service in the Renegade and Compass (producing 103 kW/230 Nm in the former and 125 kW/250 Nm in the latter), should be retained, although the naturally aspirated 2.4-litre 4-cylinder is probably a non-starter. Reports are also pointing to a 97 kW 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine being offered too. However, the newcomer is expected to make its debut as a plug-in hybrid, powered by a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine with an 11.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with a combined output of up to 179 kW and an all-electric range of around 80 km. Exact outputs and range claims have yet to be officially revealed
While the Alfa Romeo will probably be offered with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, it’s not clear whether the Tonale will be offered with an all-wheel drivetrain. Also, most observers believe a Quadrifoglio variant is unlikely to come to fruition.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale has been earmarked for introduction in South Africa towards the end of 2022.
Is Brennero next?
Meanwhile, it was previously reported that FCA would invest in its plant in Poland to build hybrid and electric models for Fiat, Jeep… and Alfa Romeo!
Starting in the 2nd half of 2022, the plant will produce the turbopetrol-, hybrid and EV versions of successors to the 500X and Renegade and the 3rd model is most likely to be the Alfa Romeo Brennero, which is the brand’s forthcoming compact crossover that will slot in below the Tonale and effectively replace the Giulietta.
With an all-new Sportage expected to arrive on the local market during the first half of 2022, Kia Motors SA recently added a stylish (and punchy) GT-Line derivative to the outgoing range’s line-up. Should you wait for the all-new Sportage, or does the 1.6T GT-Line AWD represent a worthwhile value proposition?
We like: Still one of the best-looking models in its class, strong powertrain, generous spec, refinement.
We don’t like: The cabin execution is not as distinctive as the GT-Line eye-catching exterior treatment.
This generation of the Kia Sportage was introduced in 2016, but it’s still a striking design, isn’t it?
What is it?
The Sportage is the Korean brand’s mid-size SUV, which, since its debut in 1991, has proven very popular – more than 5 million units of the model have been sold worldwide. This 4th-gen model was launched in South Africa in October 2016, which was only 5 years ago, but there’s already an all-new 5th-gen model on the horizon. In fact, Cars.co.za was meant to be driving the newcomer in Europe in the 2nd week of December, but the discovery of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus (more to the point, the international travel bans that were instituted as a result thereof) put paid to those plans.
To bridge the gap between the supply of units of the current 4th-gen Sportage coming to an end and the arrival of the all-new 5th-gen model, Kia Motors SA recently launched a GT-Line AWD derivative of the outgoing model. This author is well-positioned to provide feedback about the product because he attended the local launch event and later took the derivative on an extended road trip to the Overberg.
Kia’s GT-Line trim adds a sportier look, especially in terms of a model’s exterior styling. It’s not over the top – there’s just enough going in terms of visual cues to separate such derivatives from their siblings.
Kia’s newcomer has no shortage of rivals – the SUV/family car segment is chock full of offerings from myriad brands. The Kia Sportage faces opposition from the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and its cousin, the Hyundai Tucson. Other players worth noting are the Peugeot 3008, Citroen C5 Aircross, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and Renault Koleos. Let’s not forget the immense value offered by the Haval H6, which comes to market with a punchy 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine, an automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and all-wheel drive considerably less than all of the above.
Given the Kia Sportage 1.6T GT-Line AWD’s sporty looks and upmarket positioning, we’ve chosen the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan as its direct rivals.
The rectangular buttons on the Sportage’s fascia prove that the model dates from the middle of the previous decade.
How it performs in terms of…
Performance and economy
Kia has chosen a suitably punchy powertrain to match the GT-Line’s eye-catching, sporty exterior; the newcomer is powered by a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which is paired with a 7-speed automatic DCT. The engine produces hearty peak outputs of 130 kW and 265 Nm – in fact, we found the Sportage felt a bit more eager than its claimed 0-100 kph acceleration figure (9.1 sec) suggests. What’s more, the newcomer’s overtaking capability really came to the fore during our trip to the Overberg (and back); the test unit had no difficulty executing quick 80–120-kph overtaking manoeuvres.
The Korean brand’s DCT has certainly come a long way. Gone are the days of hesitant downshifts and slightly jerky upshifts… the auto ‘box seems well-calibrated to the engine’s characteristics and it shifts promptly and smoothly. While the DCT’s more than adept at selecting the right gears on its own, you can actuate manual gear shifts by using the well-placed paddles behind the steering wheel… if you like.
The test unit indicated an average fuel consumption of 7.8 L/100 km – not bad after travelling 750 km fully loaded with cargo.
One would expect an eager 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine to be a bit thirsty, but thanks to the GT-Line’s switchable drive modes (Normal, Sport and Eco) you can decide whether you want a relaxed, spirited or frugal driving experience. We utilised the Eco mode for most of our 750-km road trip and were delighted to find the GT-Line consumed 7.8 L/100 km, which was very close to the 7.5 L/100 km Kia claims.
Ride and handling
Given the test unit’s GT-Line designation, you’d expect it to deliver a driving experience that incorporates a measure of sportiness. Look, this Sportage is not a performance variant, but it’s still relatively engaging to drive with reasonably sharp responses to driver inputs and commendable road-holding. It’s good to know that driving a family-oriented medium SUV can still be a pleasurable pastime!
The GT-Line trim incorporates 19-inch wheels plus dual exhaust outlets.
We initially thought the Kia’s suspension setup was a bit on the firm side, but it isn’t overly so. Most high-spec derivatives in this segment ride a bit stiffly because, among other things, they are specified with larger-than-average wheels shod with skinnier tyres (the GT-Line, for example, comes standard with 19-inch wheels clad in 245/45 rubber). Okay, so the Sportage’s ride is also less than plush, but it’s not a deal-breaker… You are likely to feel a few bumps in and around town (given the varying quality of SA’s roads), but the dampers cope ably with road imperfections when you’re driving at highway speeds.
The 1.6T GT-Line AWD also deserves a thumbs-up for its overall on-road refinement; the cabin is well insulated from road-, wind- and mechanical noise, especially considering that the vehicle’s design is more than half a decade old. Once we arrived at our destination, we emerged from the Kia’s cabin feeling fresh and relaxed, thanks mostly to the Sportage’s excellent driving position and supportive seats.
This derivative comes with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and, while the GT-Line is not marketed as an out-and-out off-roader, customers may appreciate the benefits of being availed additional grip in adverse weather conditions and when traversing gravel roads. The Kia’s part-time AWD setup sees the Kia use primarily its front wheels for propulsion, with obvious benefits to fuel economy, while the rear wheels come into play when the car detects a loss of grip at the front end. If things get challenging, there is a button to lock the centre diff to bring both axles into play; hill descent control is also available.
The slick-shifting 7-speed DCT impresses; we made extensive use of the cupholders.
Interior execution and features
The 4th-gen Sportage may be in the twilight of its product cycle (its successor is already on sale in some markets), but GT-Line’s interior does not feel obsolete – it’s still a nice space to occupy. We’ve mentioned the comfortable, plush-feeling seats; the interior materials and finishes also feel good – we have no issues with the cabin quality. Kia’s fit-and-finish is easily on par with more premium offerings.
As far as spaciousness is concerned, the Sportage offers sufficient rear legroom (the author, who is of above-average height, could complete the sit-behind-yourself test without feeling squashed in), while the Korean medium SUV’s load bay capacity is rated at 466 litres, which is more than the CX-5’s (442 litres), but less than that of the Tiguan (520 litres). The Toyota RAV4 has the most capacious load bay in the segment (580 litres), but in the case of the latter, you have to put up with a sluggish engine range and an uninvolving driving experience. Surely the Kia’s smaller load bay is a worthwhile trade-off?
Rear passengers are afforded charging facilities for their devices, as well as good legroom.
So-called run-out derivatives, which manufacturers and importers tend to release before one generation of a product is replaced by another, are usually packed to the rafters with standard equipment – the GT-Line is no exception. It’s fantastic to be availed of nearly every conceivable gadget and gizmo; there are no optional extras. Smart entry with push-button start, dual-zone climate control and heated front seats are certainly nice-to-haves, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger and bi-LED automatically activated headlights add high-end luxury.
The list of safety equipment is comprehensive too. The Kia Sportage 1.6T GT-Line AWD comes with anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA), front-, side- and curtain airbags, downhill brake- and electronic stability control, hill-start assist, ISOfix child-seat mounting points, as well as a reverse-view camera with front/rear parking sensors.
The infotainment system is shown with Android Auto active. If you get lost during your journey, Waze is your best friend.
Price and after-sales support
The current Kia Sportage range starts from R465 995 and this 1.6T GT-Line AWD derivative retails for R649 995. Every Sportage derivative comes with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty (including roadside assistance) and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.
The 4th-gen Kia Sportage has bowed out with a flourish. With car prices nudging upwards, especially upon the introduction of new ranges, the GT-Line represents a good value.
This, the outgoing Kia Sportage, does not feel obsolete, possibly because the medium SUV segment has matured to such an extent that most improvements that manufacturers make to their models seem incremental in nature. But, in a world where tastes and trends can change dramatically in a short passage of time, the Korean brand’s family car still holds significant appeal, not only in terms of packaging – it still looks great – but as an ownership proposition. Remember, the 4th-generation Sportage touched down in 2016 and, almost 6 years later, it remains a value offering that still sells in good volumes.
The cabin architecture is admittedly starting to look a bit dated, but that is to be expected given that the latest models tend to favour swathes of digital touch surfaces over fascias and centre consoles that are peppered with physical buttons. Is this a good thing? We’d say no, having spent a few times wiping fingerprints off the touchscreens of many vehicles. You can’t beat the tactile feel of pushing buttons.
With the 5th-gen Kia Sportage due in SA in 2022, we think it’s got some rather big shoes to fill. So, should you go ahead and buy the last of the current-shape model now or wait for its successor to arrive in the local market? At its current price point, we think the GT-Line represents impressive value and we have noted that the derivative’s asking price hasn’t increased dramatically since its launch. Back then, the 1.6T GT-Line AWD retailed for R599 999. The next model will introduce new levels of tech and connectivity, but we expect it will be pricier, which is why we recommend you consider the GT-Line.
This week’s news you need to know (December 2021, Week 2)
In this week’s automotive news you need to know: VW teases more of the next Amarok to leverage some of the new Ranger’s hype, Toyota tries to counter the Raptor with an on-the-side aftermarket Hilux, the Mazda2 looks identical to a Yaris – because it is – and the BMW i3 Sedan is a 3 Series that should have been an i3.
New Amarok teased – Treading carefully
The dust hasn’t quite settled after the announcement that the next Ranger and new Amarok would share platforms and components (as part of a wider co-operation agreement between Ford and VW), because many Ford fans feel aggrieved that the German marque will ultimately benefit more from the marriage of convenience than its American partner. Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa’s engine and assembly plants will be quite eager to produce extra volume to churn out TWO bakkie models in Silverton. Plus, South African bakkie buyers should be rejoicing… Ideally, you would get the best of both worlds – the Amarok’s build quality and refinement, in addition to the Ford’s off-road abilities and interior tech. The days of OEMs doing it all themselves are long gone. Best we come to terms with it.
The 3rd-generation Amarok (many people would say it’s the 2nd all-new iteration of the bakkie since 2011, but Volkswagen obviously disagrees) has the perfect opportunity to silence the naysayers and shake the reputation of “just being the fastest bakkie”. The Wolfsburg-based brand needs to reposition its bakkie as a proper off-road vehicle, not just a fast, fancy one. It’s what the Amarok needs more than anything and, judging by VW’s decision to cosy up to Ford, its management knows that. It is an exciting time to be a bakkie enthusiast; from my vantage point, all I see are benefits for the consumer.
Toyota Hilux – It’s Fox versus Old Man Emu
Apart from the odd month or two once in a proverbial blue moon, Toyota has dominated SA bakkie sales with various iterations of its Hilux, oh, for as long as I can remember. However, in terms of bragging rights for ultimate off-road ability, the Ford Ranger Raptor has had its Japanese rival’s number. The Ford’s party trick is its Fox shocks, which highlight just how important it is to keep those patches of rubber on the ground, especially in low-grip terrain. One can’t help but think of the atmosphere in Toyota boardrooms whenever Ranger Raptor is mentioned during competitor reviews. “Awkward” comes to mind.
The fact that the GDV Racing project, which ropes in Dakar legend Giniel De Villiers, is sanctioned by Toyota SA (TSAM) comes as no surprise. The package does not transform a Hilux into a Raptor rival; think of it as a flirtation with the performance bakkie concept to enhance the Hilux’s capabilities. The silver bullet is the Old Man Emu BP51 suspension, which is immensely capable and on par with Fox. Consumer interest in this venture will be closely monitored. If it fizzles out, it wouldn’t have cost Toyota much; if it’s a success, TSAM will probably bring this in-house and produce a pukka Raptor fighter.
Mazda2 – Stop staring… it’s rude
Yes, folks, whether you’ve carefully observed, stared intensely, tilted your head at various angles or squinted, you’ve probably arrived at the same conclusion. Yes, this new, makeshift Mazda2 petrol-hybrid derivative is a rebadged European-spec Yaris, which is why it reminds you of its GR Yaris brother, which has created such a stir in Mzansi. Badge engineering is nothing new… Heck, it has enabled Toyota to launch 3 products in SA that it didn’t develop itself (the Suzuki-based Starlet, Urban Cruiser and Rumion); it’s very cost-effective and shortens the timeframe in which products can be brought to market.
But let’s not get too complacent, folks. Manufacturers have to walk a fine line between allowing “just enough” and “too much” resemblance between similar – but differently-branded – products. I am much more in favour of platform and component sharing if the models that have much in common with each other are styled and packaged to be distinctly different products. Even legendary machines such as the mighty Mercedes-AMG CLK DTM shared head and taillights with garden variety C-Classes and Lamborghini has been sharing parts with Audi for years. It’s perfectly okay – as long as it is done tastefully.
i3 lives on as a BMW 3 Series. Pity.
The Chinese EV market is the biggest there is, globally. It is, therefore, no surprise that BMW AG has doubled its efforts to increase market share on the Mainland. In the South African context, the 3 Series plays a unique role in successful people’s lives. It’s an aspirational vehicle – a mark of success. If you do well, you buy a Golf GTI and, if you do even better, well, you want a 3 Series. That’s how it’s been.
Isn’t odd that the technology incorporated in the i3 Sedan – a 3 Series BEV that is unique to China – is precisely what the original i3 would need to take the next step in its product evolution? Why doesn’t BMW plough it back into the i3 instead of binning the model (in 2022)? The i3 has its drawbacks: carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic features extensively in the BEV’s body, which raises the little car’s price tag and, yes, early versions had paltry battery ranges. But the i3 did so much to help establish BMW’s i sub-brand around the globe… it deserves more than to be relegated to a badge on a 3 Series’ boot lid.
Lexus NX to Debut New Infotainment System in 2022
Lexus fans will be happy to know that the luxury Japanese firm will be ushering in a new infotainment system that will make its debut in the new NX crossover due in South Africa in 2022.
The new infotainment system is housed in a large 14-inch touchscreen which is said to be glare-free and offers simple functionality and is pegged to be far more intuitive than the current system.
With Lexus’ Connected Services activated, the driver will have access to Drive Connect Cloud Navigation that incorporates zoom, pan, tilt and intuitive touch control functionality. The navigation also includes Google Point-Of-Interest and you can share your journey with your loved ones if you wish. System updates can also be carried out over-the-air.
The new infotainment system will also feature a new Voice Assistant which responds to natural language and can be used for a variety of tasks such as setting the climate control, audio settings or navigation, it can all be done by saying, “Hey, Hi, Hello, Okay Lexus”.
The system will of course be Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and will be able to connect wirelessly, as standard. Pairing via Bluetooth is said to be quick and up to 5 devices can be paired (only 2 can be paired at the same time). Music lovers will also be able to stream music via Apple Music using WiFi connect.
With the Lexus mobile app, owners will also be able to start their cars remotely, store vehicle settings while also offering user profiles that the vehicle will recognise. With a driver profile stored on the app, the settings can be applied to any Lexus that has this new infotainment system.
We look forward to testing this new infotainment system in the new NX early in 2022 and it’s also expected to be offered in other Lexus models in due course.
Chinese bakkie maker GWM has given its Steed workhorse a few upgrades. Here are details and specifications.
The GWM Steed has been around for quite some time and while the arrival of the GWM P-Series has stolen nearly all the limelight, the Chinese brand wants the Steed to remain relevant to the workhorse portion of the market.
GWM has announced the new and upgraded Steed will be hitting dealerships from the middle of December and this model will be replacing the outgoing Steed 5, Steed 6 and Steed 5e.
The changes and upgrades are substantial with spec updates, some design work and a revised engine. There will be two grades on offer; S and SX, and both a single-cab and double-cab derivative. Customers will have a 6-speed manual gearbox paired to a diesel engine. Speaking of engine, there are increases of 5 kW and 15 Nm (now 110 kW and 320 Nm), and the torque is available 400 rpm lower. Lag is said to have been reduced, with improvements to throttle response.
Impressively, GWM has addressed the safety issue after the AA NCAP results showed poor performance from the Steed. Research and development work in both locally and China has seen improvements with the addition of dual airbags and anti-lock brakes as standard across the range.
In December last year, the AA released NCAP results that didn’t bode well for the Steed even though the very base model was tested. The vehicle in question was the entry level without Airbags or ABS. Taking this extremely seriously, the R&D and product planning teams both domestically and in China, jumped to action and just 12 months later we bring you a vehicle that is not only updated, but moreover even more safe than ever before. With the launch of this new generation Steed, we are delighted to announce that all our Steeds now come with dual airbags
Visually, the updated GWM Steed has a new-look front grille and bumper, the latter being colour-coded. The cabin gains a black trim change.
GWM Steed Levels of Trim
S Grade:
Power Steering Outer tie down Hook rail Remote Central Locking Dual Front Airbags Radio AM/FM with USB Power adjustable mirrors + Electric windows Manual Aircon 16-inch Steel Wheels Electronic 4WD (2H, 4H & 4L modes): 4×4 Model Only
Note: Upgrade vs previous Steed version without Airbags & ABS +EBD
SX Grade (In addition to the above spec on S Grade):
Front & Rear Fog lamps Rear Bumper & Rear park Distance Sensors* Guard Rail (Single Cab only) Partial Leather seats & Steering 16-inch Alloy Wheels + Tyre Pressure Monitor* ABS + EBD Power adjustable mirrors + Electric windows Auto Aircon (Double Cab Only) Chrome plated Front Grille & Door Handles
Note: * – Upgrade vs previous
The model line-up for the 2022 Steed is split as follows, Single Cab will be available in 2.0 S 4×2 6MT; 2.0 S 4×4 6MT; 2.0 SX 4×4 6MT, again only in diesel derivatives. The Double Cab offering is 2.0 SX 4×2 6MT and 2.0 SX 4×4 6MT.
Pricing for the new GWM Steed will be announced in due course, with the brand adding that a service plan is available as standard only on the Double Cab version (3 years/40 000 km), however, an optional purchase service plan is available for Single Cab. The new Steed will continue from its predecessor offering a warranty of 5 years/ 100 000km.
As the official distributor of Tesla Energy products in South Africa (such as the Tesla PowerWall), Rubicon South Africa worked for months to legally import a Model X into South Africa.
And it has been a huge success. The car is the best rolling billboard you could hope for, attracting attention wherever it goes.
The Rubicon team also tours the country with it, proving you can do long-distance road trips in South Africa with an electric car.
For our video guy, Ciro De Siena, this was a career highlight and a dream come true. We were afforded a few hours with the Tesla Model X and produced this video for you. Watch as Ciro takes you through the awesome infotainment system, plays Asteroids with the steering wheel, experiences the ludicrous acceleration, explains the power figures and maximum range, opens the falcon-wing doors, and shows the boot space.
Let us know what you think of the Tesla Model X in the comments below.
Toyota Land Cruiser 70th Anniversary Edition in SA
Toyota is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the formidable Land Cruiser with the introduction of a special Land Cruiser 70th Anniversary Edition which is now available in South Africa. See specification and pricing details below…
Over the course of 70 years, the Toyota Land Cruiser has earned the reputation of being one of the hardiest offroaders on earth. Rewind to 1951, the year the military-use and super-capable Toyota BJ came to life. The BJ was in 1954 called the Land Cruiser and sold to the public and the rest is history.
While we ogle at the marvel that is the new Land Cruiser LC300, Toyota is honouring the heritage of the Land Cruiser with the market introduction of a special 79-series Anniversary Edition that’s now available in either single or double-cab guise.
What’s on offer?
The Land Cruiser’s go-anywhere ability has made it hugely successful over the course of 70 years.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 70th Anniversary Edition includes features that boost not only its utility but also its appearance.
The model is easily recognised with 70-year emblems seen on the bodywork as well on the cotton cloth seat covers. The familiar Toyota roundel has also been replaced with Toyota lettering and badges on the doors are familiar from the iconic Land Cruiser 40-series.
As far as practical additions go, the model gains a heavy-duty front steel bumper with an integrated winch, because you never know when you might need to rescue a Land Rover! A towbar is also fitted. The load bed is also protected with 3mm rubber lining.
Buyers can choose between Ivory White and Sand Beige body colours.
The Land Cruiser 70th Anniversary Edition is powered by a 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel engine with 151 kW and 430 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
How much does the Toyota Land Cruiser 70th Anniversary Edition cost?
Pricing includes a 3-year/100 00km warranty and customers are able to purchase a service plan package of their choice at one of Toyota’s 220 dealerships nationwide.
The Navara recently received an extensive update and is now produced at Nissan’s assembly plant in Rosslyn. Has Nissan done enough to reignite interest in its bakkie offering, which has been optimised for the local market? We’ve had an opportunity to sample the range-topping Navara Pro-4X 4×4 to find some answers…
We like: Bold styling, adequate performance, comfortable ride quality
We don’t like: Cabin execution (plastic and trim choice), not enough value for money
Fast Facts
Model tested: Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi Pro-4X 4×4 Automatic
Price: R749 000 (As of December 2021)
Engine: 2.5-litre turbodiesel
Power/Torque: 140 kW / 450 Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 8.1 L/100km (claimed)
What is it?
The updated Nissan Navara is arguably the best-looking bakkie in South Africa. Wouldn’t you agree?
You could be forgiven for thinking that this is an all-new Navara, but it is, in actual fact, a thoroughly-revised iteration of the 3rd-generation Navara, which was introduced in the local market in 2017 and, importantly, it’s now built right here in South Africa at Nissan’s Rosslyn production facility.
From a styling perspective, we think it looks fantastic – we love the bold, powerful and squared-off look of this latest Navara! In fact, we think it’s one of the best-looking double-cab bakkies on the market right now. That’s a good thing, because the Navara needs to stand out from its more popular rivals such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
For this update, Nissan didn’t just focus on styling though. Perhaps most importantly, the Japanese firm has dropped a new (it’s actually the previous generation’s engine) 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor into the engine bay, revised the bakkie’s suspension- as well as its steering setups – and beefed up the safety specification, to name a few of the major changes. Is it enough for the Navara to remain relevant in this segment, however?
We spent some quality time (finally) with the range-topping Navara Pro-4X 4×4 to find out if it’s worthy of your attention. Let’s dive in…
How it performs in terms of…
Engine performance and economy
The Navara employs a new engine and retains its notable offroad ability.
The pre-facelift Navara’s twin-turbocharged 2.3-litre turbocharged diesel engine has been replaced by a larger-capacity (2.5-litre), but single turbocharged diesel mill, but you may be disappointed to know that it’s not more powerful than its predecessor. The peak outputs are still pegged at 140 kW and 450 Nm. Even so, the Navara is still an ever-willing performer on the road!
Hit the engine start-stop button and the Navara’s engine chugs away with a hearty diesel thrum that’s perhaps not as refined as you’d expect. There’s some initial turbo lag off the line (but that’s not uncommon) before the Navara lunges forward with intent. Acceleration to highway speed is adequate, but not as urgent as a Ranger or Hilux; it’s a trait that was highlighted in our Big Bakkie Drag Race earlier this year. Once up to speed, however, the engine noise diminishes as the bakkie settles into its stride; we found it easy to execute swift overtaking manoeuvres at highway speeds in the Navara.
The 7-speed automatic transmission seems well calibrated to the 2.5-litre mill, but it’s not as smooth-shifting as some of the Nissan’s rivals’ boxes. At times, the transitions between gears felt a bit jerky.
This Navara returned fairly average fuel consumption for a vehicle of its size and engine capacity. Nissan claims 8.1 L/100 km and our test yielded figures of between 9.7 L/100 km and 10.2 L/100 km.
As far as off-roading is concerned, the Navara remains very capable and has proven itself numerous times. Nissan has retained the familiar shift-on-the-fly dial that allows drivers to easily switch between 2H, 4H and 4L as required, as well as an electronic rear diff-lock, which can be engaged at the press of a button if the 2.5DDTi Pro-4X 4×4 Automatic needs to tackle more challenging off-road routes or courses. Ground clearance is claimed to be (a useful) 221 mm and the Navara has an increased payload of 1 003 kg and a maximum braked-trailer towing capacity of 3 500 kg.
Ride and handling
The Navara’s ride and handling ability is good, but not class-leading…
Although this particular test unit wandered a little on the road (it tended to track slightly to the left), the Navara delivered a very comfortable and forgiving ride quality over various road surfaces. Nissan has tweaked the 5-link coil-sprung rear suspension and retuned the shock absorbers to improve the bakkie’s ride characteristics and the Navara, which was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, performed admirably on tar and gravel. Most bakkies suffer from a “jiggly” ride when unladen; that trait is less apparent on this model, but, again, the suspension felt more settled after cargo had been loaded onto the load tray.
The Navara’s revised steering setup makes its electrically-assisted ‘wheel light to wield in the city, which aided manoeuvrability. Still, one could feel the bakkie’s heft through the tiller, which felt imprecise and dopey (it wasn’t very responsive). As we mentioned before, this particular Navara didn’t feel particularly sharp in the handling department, which could have been because of a number of reasons.
Interior execution and features
Nissan missed an opportunity to enhance the Navara’s cabin. It’s simply average…
The Navara’s interior execution is, in our opinion, the biggest disappointment of the revised package. Nissan has upgraded the cabin, but it’s missed an opportunity to improve the ambience appreciably. Hard, scratchy plastics are the order of the day and while the perceived build quality is good, one can’t help but feel like you are sitting in a workhorse derivative that costs half of what this bakkie does…
It’s not all bad though… the leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel does look and feel stylish. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive to operate and covers the basics in terms of connectivity with Bluetooth, voice recognition and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Navigation is also integrated into the system, for those who need it (most people use map apps these days).
The screen can also display a surround camera view of the Navara (which is made possible by the provision of 4 cameras at strategic positions), which is useful when you are unsighted while performing difficult off-roading manoeuvres or while you’re parking in a tight space (to see how close you are to obstacles that would otherwise be difficult to see).
Some of the key nice-to-have features offered in this range-topping Navara include leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers and keyless access. However, heated seats and adaptive cruise control would have been welcome additions.
As far as the safety specification is concerned, the Navara comes well-equipped with 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control with traction control and hill-descent control. Driver assistance features (incorporated in the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite) includes forward-collision warning, emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert.
Rear passenger space is average, but taller passengers might struggle to get comfortable.
In terms of practicality, there are 2 cupholders in the front of the cabin, bottle holders are availed in the door mouldings and storage for oddments are located ahead of the transmission lever and in the central storage bin. Rear occupant space is only average for vehicles in this segment; taller passengers might find rear legroom a little tight.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the Navara’s load bay doesn’t feature a protective bin coating as standard, but Nissan’s Utili-track with 4 adjustable cleats are fitted – they’re useful for tying down cargo.
Price and after-sales support
The range-topping Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi Pro-4X 4×4 Automatic is priced from R749 000 and is sold with a 6-year/150 000 km warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km service plan.
The Navara looks great, but the package is let down by its middling interior execution.
This latest iteration of the Nissan Navara is undoubtedly better than its predecessor. It has a purposeful kerb presence and offers good overall performance, including for those who like to venture off-road.
The overall product, however, is let down by its piecemeal interior execution. There’s simply not enough of a sense of occasion when you step into this range-topping Navara! Still, many buyers are looking for solidity and value and the lesser derivatives in this range offer a better more of that, because Nissan’s bakkie comes with a comprehensive warranty and service plan, both of which cannot be ignored.
Does this Navara offer enough to warrant your consideration? We think Nissan could have done better, and here’s why…
Firstly, we don’t think the 2.5DDTi Pro-4X 4×4 Automatic represents enough value for money for buyers of high-end leisure double cabs. If you want outright bang-for-buck over all else, then the range-topping GWM P-Series LT 4×4, priced from R559 900, can’t be beaten. You could save almost R200k by opting for the flagship GWM P-Series over its Navara counterpart!
Secondly, even though the Navara is competitively priced against the equivalent Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux derivatives, we don’t think the overall purchase proposition is strong enough to meaningfully compete against those of the top-selling bakkies. We suspect that many buyers won’t mind financing an additional R30-50k to get the benefit of notably more power and torque either.
The double-cab bakkie market is rapidly changing and, next year, numerous all-new products will be coming to market, such as the new Isuzu D-Max, Ford Ranger and new Volkswagen Amarok. With all the movement in the market and despite the Navara now being locally built, we suspect that the Navara’s relevance in the leisure double-cab segment will fade further into obscurity as we head into 2022.
That’s not to say the Navara does not have its place in the broader market; more soberly specified derivatives of the bakkie are still worth a look – but then there’s that new D-Max lurking in the shadows…
