BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (2021) Launch Review

As a model, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe may still be difficult to comprehend, but it’s here – in 2nd-generation guise – so we’ll just have to live with its strange designation. We sent Calvin Fisher to Gauteng to drive the newcomer at its local launch, where he duly put the M440i xDrive through its paces.

What is a 4 Series Gran Coupe?

Remember when BMW split the 3- and 4 Series? Odd numbers for sedans, even numbers for coupes – most of us got on board with that, well, eventually. But then they took the coupe and added back its rear doors, and thus the 4 Series Gran Coupe was born. I’m at the ‘wheel of that car, but, the new one (the 2nd iteration of the 5-door sedan coupe). And, I now know why this car is so important to BMW…

The 4-door coupe is back on our roads and there are 3 versions to choose from: the 320i, 320d and M440i xDrive.

You see, right now in Mzansi, Gran Coupe (GC) derivatives make up 50% of all 4 Series sales. That’s half (I see why you write words and not do sums – ed). Sure, the cynic in me wonders whether those buyers wouldn’t have been happy in a 3 Series then, but customers want what customers want and BMW is happy to give it to them. As for me, I enjoy the svelte profile and, as a father of three, appreciate that practicality has been restored to some extent. And then there are the visuals. The 4 Series GC benefits from a lower centre of gravity, is wider, longer and looks arguably meaner than its predecessor.

It comes in three derivatives: a 320i (a 135 kW/300 Nm 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol), 320d (a 140 kW/400 Nm 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel) and then the one I’m sitting in – the flagship version, which is propelled by a 3.0-litre (twin-scroll) turbocharged inline-6 in combination with xDrive all-wheel drive. Yes, it’s the BMW M440i xDrive and I’ll get straight to the point and say that this one churns out more power than the other two combined.

With peak outputs of 285 kW and 500 Nm, and mated with the 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (which is standard across the 4 Series GC range), the M440i xDrive’s motor is said to catapult the top-of-the-range derivative from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.7 seconds. That’s not M car quick, I admit, but it is right on the money for a “40i” designated car… and that’s kind of the point I’m trying to make here.

Similar to how the 4 Series GC’s styling is a perfect compromise between coupe and sedan, the performance is also a delicate dance between all-out ferocity and everyday usability. A car with turbo-boosted agility, but also ISOfix points to accommodate multiple baby seats. And a hatchback that will swallow the detritus of family life, plus a bicycle and surfboard too. But huddle closer and I’ll tell you how it goes.

What’s the 4 Series Gran Coupe like to drive?

The 4 Series GC makes a case for a slightly more practical 3 Series with its hatchback rear opening.

Slip into the leather-trimmed cocoon and you’ll encounter a very well-appointed cockpit, loaded with oodles of standard features. It’s all there. I thumb the start button to fire up the Bimmer’s powerplant, shift the transmission lever into Drive and immediately select Sport mode. It’s a must, especially when you’re about to embark on a 400-km road trip through the Valley of 1000 Hills and beyond. But, to reach those evocative flowing roads, you first have to traverse rather pockmarked rural roads, so I temporarily reverted to the default Comfort mode for the more arduous section of our journey. But soon enough, we were able to point the M440i xDrive’s curvaceous bonnet along some pristine sweeps and bends – that was when I re-selected Sport mode and gave that sweet Bavarian six an opportunity to sing.

And singing sonorously is what an inline-6-engined BMW does best. And you don’t need an M car to appreciate this, thanks to the Bavarian brand’s legacy of producing full-bodied, throaty and, of course, potent straight-six motors. Here, boosted to the heavens, the M440i xDrive’s heart revved cleanly and with enthusiasm, the cogs swapped just so by the Steptronic ‘box.

And yet, the secret to a driver’s car resides in its helm. A communicative steering setup, one that imparts sufficient feel and feedback through the ‘wheel (as to what the front wheels are getting up to), is paramount when carving up apexes, not to mention keeping a driving enthusiast engaged. Even with power being sent to all four wheels, the M440i xDrive feels agile – plus, when the road surface affords less than ideal purchase, the muscular Bimmer is unquestionably aided by that extra mechanical grip afforded by xDrive, which allows you to get on the power earlier (and flatters less experienced pilots).

I know. Yes, I KNOW there’s a helluva lot of tech in here, but this is no Playstation, you’re still very much at the centre pulling the levers and making it dance. And you’re wearing a big grin while doing so.

Summary

The M440i engine seems to offer more than sufficient performance. Do you really need to fork that much more for an M car?

You already know how this works, buy the 420i if you’re just after the model’s aesthetics. Buy the 420d for the same reasons, but if you want to visit the fuel station forecourts less often (that extra whack of torque is welcome too). Spice either up with the M-Sport kit if you favour show over go but, the chasm of performance between these and the M440i xDrive is enough to park an M3 or M4 in. Sideways.

There’s such an exhilarating drive to be had here, and better still, you can approach the 4 Series Gran Coupe flagship’s limits without fear of exceeding your own. No really, that’s how most of us feel when at the wheel of an M car. They goad you into making mad decisions, drain your bank account of your disposable income (first to buy it/pay it off, insure it and then to keep it properly tyred and fed with fuel) and then there’s living with a car that terrifies you. Who wouldn’t seriously consider having 80% of the performance at 60% of the price? And in this shape, you even have a massive hatchback to, um, boot.

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Pricing:

BMW 420i	R930 000
BMW 420d	R980 000
BMW M440i xDrive	R1 300 000

All prices include a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan from BMW SA (Motorplan).

Lexus UX 250h F Sport (2021) Specs & Price

Lexus has added a new range-topping UX 250h F Sport derivative to its all-hybrid UX luxury compact crossover range. See specification and pricing details below…

Following on from the local arrival of the UX luxury compact crossover in 2019 and the introduction of an entry-level UX 250h EX in 2020, Lexus now welcomes a new range-topping UX 250h F Sport to South Africa.

The newcomer differentiates itself with a unique vertical mesh pattern with L-shaped pieces that make up the familiar spindle grille as well as sporty front and rear bumpers and large fog lamp bezels with L-shaped chrome mouldings. Stylish 18-inch 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels are fitted as standard.

Buyers have the choice of 9 colours but White Nova and Poseidon Blue are exclusively available for this new sporty derivative. As for the interior, customers can choose between Flare Red, White and F Black. Supportive front sports seats are fitted as well as a leather-wrapped F Sport steering wheel, aluminium pedals and an 8-inch TFT colour display. More so, the digitally-rendered instrument cluster features a movable virtual ring that takes inspiration from the LFA supercar.

How much power does the Lexus UX 250h F Sport have?

Performance and efficiency in one neat package.

The UX F Sport is powered by a self-charging hybrid powertrain that comprises an electric motor with a 2.0-litre engine to deliver total outputs of 135 Nm and 180 Nm and mated with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Lexus claims a fuel consumption figure of 4.5 L/100km.

As part of the F Sport package, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is fitted with specific springs, stabiliser bars and a rear performance damper to enhance handling and dynamic performance.

As far as safety is concerned, the UX 250h F Sport is fitted with no less than 8 airbags as well Lexus Safety System which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-crash system, blind-spot monitor, lane keep assist with lane departure alert with steering assist and LED adaptive high-bean system.

How much does the Lexus UX250h F Sport cost in South Africa?

UX 250h EX – R745 100

UX 250h SE – R824 000

UX 250h F Sport – R874 800

The Lexus UX is sold with a 7-year/105 000km warranty and 8-year/195 000 Hybrid battery km warranty as well as a 7-year/105 000km maintenance plan.

Buy a used Lexus UX on Cars.co.za

BMW Concept XM Previews High-Performance Hybrid SUV

This outrageous-looking concept is the BMW Concept XM and it will be coming to life in 2022. Here’s what we know so far.

The last time BMW M made a standalone vehicle, it was the M1 and it was in 1978. It marked the debut of many things, like a mid-engined setup and back then, 201 kW and 329 Nm from a 3.5-litre straight-6 motor made it a bona-fide supercar.

More than 40 years later comes the second standalone BMW M product. Meet the BMW Concept XM, a high-performance hybrid V8 SUV. The claimed engine outputs are jaw-dropping: 551 kW and 1 000 Nm plus, the ability to travel a theoretical range of up to 48 km on pure electric power.

Right now there are no details like the size of the engine or battery pack or even performance details, but given that it is an M product, we reckon that it’ll hit 100 kph in under 4 seconds with ease.

The big question marks here are with regards to the styling. Car design is an entirely subjective affair; one person’s art is another’s trash, and we’ve given BMW some leeway in the past for penning some controversial and polarising designs. Think of that bold grille seen on the current generation of BMW M3 and the overall craziness that is the BMW iX. This, however, looks like something from a futuristic sci-fi movie.

There is a large grille of course, with the two kidney grilles on full display, but its the slim LED-style headlights that are split that have us bewildered. Inside, the cabin is just as wild as the exterior with a driver-orientated setup with some great-looking brown leather trim. On the dashboard, it looks like the latest version of BMW’s iDrive 8 is on offer.

When will the BMW Concept XM go into production?

The BMW Concept XM will be turned into a production version at some point in 2022. We hope that these claimed outputs of this concept will become a reality, making it one of the fastest and cleanest performance SUVs around.

Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior for SA?

Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior looks likely to come to the local market.

In a globally challenging automotive market, you can’t go wrong with bakkies. Ask Ford. It’s where it makes all its money.

Although Mercedes-Benz made a mess of X-Class, legacy bakkie brands have not seen any tapering in demand. Especially for the most expensive double-cab bakkies. And specifically, those with additional exterior design features and enhanced off-road ability.

In South Africa, only three models have offered something in the theme of a hero double-cab bakkies: Ford’s Ranger Raptor, Toyota’s Hilux GR Sport and Isuzu’s rather rare, Isuzu D-Max AT35. But the demand is unquestionably there.

Nissan is now positioning to capitalise on South African bakkie buyers and their desire for OTT double-cabs. The latest Navara has a very convincing Pro-4X Warrior derivative, and Nissan South Africa has started negotiating with the probable aim of local distribution.

Speaking to GoAuto, Nissan Oceania managing director, Adam Paterson, has confirmed local interest. “Obviously, North America is not going to get it. The South African team has reached out as well.”

The Pro-4X Warrior is a Navara with attitude. Lots of attitude. It features a 40 mm higher ride height and lots more, with 260 mm of ground clearance. There’s a completely reshaped front bumper, too.

At the front there is a red bash plate with 3 mm of radiator and engine sump protection. The Pro-4X Warrior also has a 4-degree greater approach angle and runs upgraded dampers and springs, to reduce body roll without sacrificing wheel articulation.

Huge over-fenders and 275/70 R17 Cooper Discoverer AT3 tyres complete the look, while the cabin is left standard. There is no engine upgrade (Australia uses the twin-turbodiesel 2.3), either, despite the Pro-4X Warrior being 100 kg heavier than a standard Navara 4×4 double-cab.

Melbourne’s Premcar developed the Pro-4X Warrior. There are very slight specification differences between the South African built Navaras and those used by Premcar, as a foundation for its Pro-4X, in Australian configuration. But any technical compliance issues will be simple to solve.

Australian demand for the Pro-4X has been tremendous, something that Nissan South Africa would be keen to replicate locally. With the GT-R legend fading, Navara Pro-4X Warrior would be the hero vehicle that Nissan South Africa desperately needs, going forward.

Renault Koleos (2021) Review

Renault’s Koleos mid-size SUV has received another round of subtle updates to keep it in the running in this ultra-competitive segment of the market. Is the French contender, with its comfortable and spacious cabin, plus a multitude of standard features, still worthy of consideration?

We like: Attractive design, spacious cabin, standard features, comfy ride

We don’t like: Fuel consumption, dated ergonomics, lazy performance

Fast Facts

Model Tested: Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique
Price: R534 900 (November 2021, no options)
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power/Torque: 126 kW/233 Nm
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Fuel efficiency: 8.1 L/100 km (claimed)
0-100 kph: 9.5 sec (claimed)
Top speed: 185 kph (limited)
Load capacity: 464–1 795 litres

Serious about buying?

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

Where does the Renault Koleos fit in?

The facelifted Koleos is still based on the Nissan X-Trail.

This generation of the Koleos, which was launched as the flagship Renault SUV as long ago as 2016, has not exactly raced up the sales charts. In fact, the model has been discontinued in some markets (such as the UK) and, in South Africa, it only arrived three years into its product life cycle (in 2019). It doesn’t help that this family car segment is tightly contested, with the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 being the traditional sales leaders. To make matters more complicated for Renault, the Koleos now also has the strong-selling and well-priced Haval H6 to contend with.

All that said, there has never been much wrong with the Koleos and the latest model updates and line-up rejig seem to make sense on paper. Let’s see if the Koleos now makes a stronger case for itself…

Use the Cars.co.za Compare Tool and see how the Renault Koleos stacks up against its rivals

How the Renault Koleos fares in terms of…

Design & Packaging

The cabin feels spacious both up front, as well as for rear passengers.

The Koleos, which incorporates Renault design director Laurens van den Acker’s characteristic design language, remains an attractive and modern-looking vehicle. It’s based on the underpinnings of its cousin, the Nissan X-Trail, which is available in a seven-seater configuration. The Renault does, admittedly, not offer third-row seating, but as a result of its long wheelbase, the medium SUV’s cabin is generously sized (more on that later) and the entire vehicle looks bigger than most of its competitors.

The most obvious tweaks to the 2021 Koleos (compared with its pre-facelift predecessor) can be seen in the designs of the front and rear light units. Up front, the distinctive C-shaped daytime running lights extend beyond the new LED headlights to create a unique lighting signature. At the rear, the LED tail lights also extend further towards the Renault logo in the centre of the tailgate. This is the Dynamique flagship derivative, therefore it rides on two-tone 18-inch wheels and also gets some satin silver finishes (as opposed to black on the Expression variant) on, for example, the front skid plate.

Inside, the cabin feels instantly spacious. This Renault should fulfil most families’ requirements seeing as it offers a rare combination of a large load bay (464 litres), as well as limo-like rear legroom. The fascia design is pleasing to the eye and, although most of the modern features are present, it is soon evident that this is an inherently aged design that has been updated. Still, there are nice touches, such as adjustable LED ambient lighting and loads of oddments space. Build quality on our test unit seemed very good, with no rattles or squeaks; testers noted the pleasing sturdiness of the major touch points.

Performance & Efficiency

The engine is carried over from the pre-facelift model and it’s the only one offered in the Koleos range.

The Koleos is offered with only one engine in South Africa… and it’s quite an old powerplant. It uses the same (naturally aspirated) 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that you’ll find in the Nissan X-Trail range and it’s mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that sends power to the front wheels (no all-wheel-drive version is offered at present).

Unsurprisingly, that powertrain doesn’t endow the Koleos with either explosive performance or fantastic fuel economy. The engine delivers 126 kW and 233 Nm of torque, the latter figure available at a heady 4 000 rpm. So, while the Koleos can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in under 10 seconds when you pin the throttle from rest, it runs out of steam at higher cruising speeds; you’ll need to keep that in mind when attempting overtaking manoeuvres on the open road with a fully laden car.

Renault claims average fuel consumption of 8.1 L/100 km, but you’re likely to achieve around 10 L/100 km in mixed driving. That means the cruising range on a full tank should be in the region of 600 km.

What the engine does offer, however, is proven reliability (no turbos or anything complicated to worry about), low noise levels, as well as smooth running, the latter talent further enhanced by the astute calibration of the CVT. So, in summary, this is by no means a vehicle that excels in cut-and-thrust environments, but rather one that encourages a relaxed, smooth driving style.

Ride & Handling

A reasonably sized sidewall makes for pleasing ride quality.

As befits a vehicle with such smooth drivetrain characteristics, the Koleos has been set up for ride comfort and “serene” dynamics. The suspension is softly-sprung, which allowed the Koleos to maintain a supple ride quality on the variety of road surfaces we traversed during the test. That’s not to say that the Renault is ponderous, however. Its steering has a nicely balanced weighting to it and offers pleasing directness. Combine all of this with a cabin that seems well insulated from road- and wind noise, and you have one of those cars that you can drive almost without thinking about it at all. It’s very relaxing.

To reiterate, the Koleos is no longer offered in all-wheel-drive guise and so those of you who want to tackle a course that’s more challenging than a gravel road may have to look at another option. For what it’s worth, however, the Koleos has one of the better ground clearances in this segment (210 mm) and, thanks to its well-sorted suspension, it’s not averse to covering long stretches of gravel-road driving.

Comfort & Safety features

Space and functionality are key selling points of the Koleos.

This top-spec 2.5 Dynamique is comprehensively specified, plus the smart black leather upholstery and an impressive 8.7-inch R-Link 2 portrait-type touchscreen lift the cabin’s ambience appreciably. R-Link 2 may not offer the most intuitive menu structure or layout in the market, but it does support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To be fair, once you’re familiar with the system, you should be able to find and select the menu options a little quicker. The instrument cluster is fully digital and this Dynamique version features an Eco function that gives you real-time feedback on how “green-footed” your driving is.

Other nice-to-have standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control (but you need to adjust its settings by using the touchscreen interface, which is, unfortunately, a bit fiddly), an electrically powered tailgate, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, as well as a reverse-view camera. Rear passengers are well-catered for with their own ventilation outlets and a pair of USB ports. The Koleos achieved a 5-star EuroNCAP crash rating and boasts 6 airbags, ABS/EBD, stability control, blind-spot warning and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Spec-wise, then, the Koleos Dynamique compares quite favourably with its traditional rivals, but the fly in the proverbial ointment is the Haval H6 which offers next-generation safety-, infotainment- and luxury features at a lower price point than the venerable Renault.

How much does the Renault Koleos cost in South Africa?

The Renault Koleos 2.5 Dynamique is priced at R534 900, which is competitive with some of the lower- to mid-level offerings from major rivals, such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-5. The problem, however, is the Haval H6, which in top-spec Super Luxury form is not only R20 000 cheaper, but adds all-wheel drive, more power, and more features to the mix.

Included in the Koleos’s purchase price is a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and 5-year/90 000 km service plan.

Verdict

While Renault’s Koleos is a likeable family car, the segment has moved on with more enticing options available.

If you’re a fan of the French brand and can negotiate a good deal on the model at your local Renault dealer, you’re unlikely to be disappointed with this Koleos. It’s a very likeable, comfortable and easy-going family vehicle. It is, however, dated in some respects and the engine/transmission combination, though smooth, might be too lethargic for some. It’s a middle-of-the-road offering in most respects, which may have been good enough at the price if the competition was restricted to lower-spec offerings from traditional rival brands (such as Toyota, VW and Mazda). But with the arrival of the astonishingly well-priced Haval H6, that’s no longer the case. Sadly, we don’t see the latest (largely cosmetic) updates and line-up positioning as being sufficient to change the fortunes of the Koleos in South Africa…

Toyota Urban Cruiser vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – Which should you buy?

Chery has made a return to South Africa and the new Tiggo 4 Pro has arrived to take on a throng of rivals in the burgeoning compact SUV segment. How does the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro stack up against the popular Toyota Urban Cruiser? Which one should you buy? Read on…

Chery is back in business in South Africa and if the introduction of the new Tiggo 4 Pro is anything to go by, there’s lots to look forward to from the Chinese carmaker.

The Tiggo 4 Pro joins a truly crowded segment where products such as the Renault Kiger, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Nissan Magnite, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport and the Haval Jolion are all vying for market share.

The Toyota Urban Cruiser, despite essentially being a re-badged Suzuki Vitara Brezza, is one of the most popular choices in this segment. It’s worth asking then, does the new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro offer enough in terms of styling, performance, standard features, practicality and value for money to steal sales from Toyota?

The main aim of this article is to help you, the consumer, make an informed buying decision if you are looking to buy the Toyota Urban Cruiser or eyeing out the new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro.

To help you do this, we will provide you with the need-to-know information and insight 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 and you can decide for yourself what car you think looks better.

If at the end of this article you are still undecided as to ‘What To Buy’, you are more than welcome to reach out to us for additional information or advice via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and our experienced test team will gladly assist you.

What To Buy – Toyota Urban Cruiser or Chery Tiggo 4 Pro?

Engine Performance, Efficiency and Ride Quality

	Toyota Urban Cruiser	Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 NA	Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Turbo
Engine	1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol	1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol	1.5-litre turbocharged petrol
Power Output	77 kW	83 kW	108 kW
Torque Output	138 Nm	138 Nm	210 Nm
Transmission	5-spd manual or 4-spd automatic	5-spd manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)	6-spd manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Fuel Consumption (claimed)	6.2 L/100km	Not available	Not available

Toyota Urban Cruiser – Performance, ride and handling?

The Toyota Urban Cruiser, despite its naturally-aspirated engine, delivers eager performance and buyers who opt for either the manual or CVT shouldn’t be disappointed. Buyers, however, should note that sound insulation could be better and engine noise higher in the rev range can be quite harsh in addition to the noticeable wind noise entering the cabin. Real-world fuel consumption of around 6.5 L/100km can be expected.

As far as ride and handling go, the Urban Cruiser offers a forgiving and comfortable ride over various surfaces and it further impresses with nimble and agile handling thanks to its low kerb weight of around 1.1 tonnes. The steering wheel has a positive feel and provides adequate feedback to the driver. More so, with a ground clearance of 198 mm, the Urban Cruiser is quite capable of traversing the odd gravel road when required to.

Read our launch review of the Toyota Urban Cruiser

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – Performance, ride and handling?

To date, we have only sampled the turbocharged Tiggo 4 Pro (we will hopefully test the naturally-aspirated version soon).

The performance of the turbocharged Tiggo 4 Pro, however, is particularly impressive and not only does it offer sufficient punch for overtaking but its CVT transmission is well-matched to this engine and is perhaps the best on offer in this segment. The downside is higher-than-expected fuel consumption. Chery has not provided official claimed fuel consumption but our test drive returned close to 10 L/100km which is above what you would expect from a compact SUV.

More than this, the ride quality of the Tiggo 4 Pro is a major highlight and it rides comfortably on all surfaces, including gravel. Ground clearance is at 180 mm. The cabin is well insulated too – there’s minimal road- or wind noise intrusion to speak of.

Read our launch review of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

Interior features and Safety

For this section, we will compare key specifications of the range-topping derivatives from each respective model range.

You can, however, use our handy Cars.co.za Compare Tool to compare any vehicle derivative you like.

	Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Auto	Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite SE
Infotainment	7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (across the range)	10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (across the range)
Bluetooth, voice control, USB	Bluetooth and USB (front)	Bluetooth, voice control, USB (front and rear)
Instrument cluster	Analogue dials with multi-information display	All-digital
Camera System	Rear camera	Rear camera
Front and Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)	Rear only	Rear only
Sunroof	No	Yes
Upholstery / Electric Seats	Cloth, manual adjustment	Leather, manual adjustment
Safety Features	2 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist.	6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, Electronic Stability Control with traction control, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, hill descent control

Feature Summary

While the Toyota Urban Cruiser has the basics covered in terms of standard features, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro goes above and beyond and this is reflected in its standard feature specification as well as safety specification.

Interior fit and finish is good for both vehicles and from an interior design perspective, the Chery pips the Toyota with a more modernised/digital and upmarket design approach which will appeal to buyers who want a more stylish and digitised interior ambience.

It’s also worth noting that standard feature specifications for the respective entry- and mid-spec derivatives are quite similar, as is pricing (more on this below).

Use the Cars.co.za Comparison Tool to compare specifications side-by-side.

Dimensions and Practicality

	Toyota Urban Cruiser	Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
Length	3 995 mm	4 318 mm
Width	1 790 mm	1 831 mm
Height	1 640 mm	1 662 mm
Wheelbase	2 500 mm	2 610 mm
Rear Seating Configuration	60:40 split	60:40 split
Load Bay Capacity	328 L	Unknown

The new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is bigger than the Toyota Urban Cruiser in every direction and also has a 110 mm longer wheelbase which translates into noticeably more space for rear passengers and arguably has more load space too. Unfortunately, Chery has not divulged how big its load bay is but from what we can tell, it’s bigger than what’s offered in the Urban Cruiser. Both vehicles feature 60:40 split rear seats for added flexibility.

Pricing and Warranty

	Toyota Urban Cruiser	Price	Chery Tiggo 4 Pro	Price
Base	1.5 Xi	259 100	1.5 Urban	R269 900
Mid	1.5 Xs	R277 300	1.5 Comfort CVT	R299 900
	1.5 Xs Auto	R299 200
Top	1.5 Xr	R304 900	1.5T Elite	R319 900
	1.5 Xr Auto	R326 800	1.5T Elite Auto	R349 900
			1.5T Elite SE	R359 900
Warranty	3-year/100 000km		5-year/150 000km vehicle warranty1-million km engine warranty for 1st owner
Service Plan	3-services/45 000km		5-year/60 000km

The pricing structure between these 2 rivals are fairly competitive and Chery has set itself apart from Toyota by offering a more comprehensive warranty and service plan. Note that Chery also offers a 1-million km engine warranty but this only applies for the first owner of the vehicle and the vehicle must have been serviced at a Chery dealership for the duration of its ownership. Smart marketing, Chery…

What to Buy?

So, you have the information you need but what are you going to buy? On paper, the top-spec Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is a winner when compared side-by-side with the equivalent Urban Cruiser.

The turbocharged Chery Tiggo 4 Pro offers significantly more power and torque, is more generously equipped with standard features and is arguably more stylish inside and out. More so, the Tiggo 4 Pro is a bigger vehicle which means you are getting more car your money. These factors combined with the added after sales peace of mind, arguably justify the premium price the Tiggo 4 Pro holds over its equivalent rival and we think the Chinese competitor is a difficult product to ignore. In Toyota’s favour is its 200+ strong dealer network around the country and renowned aftersales performance. The Toyota is also likely to return better resale value when it comes to trading it in (depending on how well it’s been looked after).

Buyers shopping in the R300-R400k price bracket would be wise to further add the Haval Jolion as a potential purchase proposition if you are looking for the ultimate bang-for-buck.

Even so, perhaps the biggest and possibly the most difficult obstacle Chery will have to overcome is perception. The brand doesn’t have a particularly impressive track record in terms of aftersales service and product quality but time will tell how new Chery customers feel about the Tiggo 4 Pro and the service they receive from the 30 new Chery dealerships countrywide.

Buy a used Chery Tiggo on Cars.co.za

Fuel Price Hikes Beyond R20/l in SA

Fuel price adjustments for December 2021 have been announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the increases won’t be welcomed by motorists in South Africa.

Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe, is the bearer of bad news as the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announces yet another massive fuel price hike that will, as of Wednesday 1 December 2021, see local fuel prices exceed the R20 per litre mark for the first time ever.

Motorists, however, won’t be celebrating this record and the increases come at a time when South African household budgets are being stretched to the max as the cost of living rises.

Fuel price increases for December 2021 are as follows:

Both grades of petrol (93 ULP and 95 LRP) will increase by 81 c/l.
Diesel (0.05% sulphur) will increase by 72.5 c/l
Diesel (0.05% sulphur) will increase by 74.5 c/l
Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale) will increase by 42 c/l

Factors that contributed to rising fuel prices include the depreciating Rand-Dollar exchange rate, increases in the price of crude oil and higher prices of refined petroleum products. As of 1 December 2021, the Slate Levy will also see increased contributions of 26.30 c/l (from 15.36 c/l to 41.66 c/l).

The department commented on the increases, “There is a mismatch between demand and supply, i.e., there is more demand for oil products than the market can supply. The release of millions of barrels of strategic oil reserves by the US Government has done little to dampen the oil prices. Recent Global concerns over the new COVID variant are beginning to dampen oil demand, resulting in lower oil prices”.

Furthermore, the department added, “It is important to appreciate that fuel prices are soaring worldwide due to persistently high crude oil prices. Record pump prices have been experienced in many other countries. The Department is aware of the inflationary nature of the high global fuel prices and the impact on the transport costs for commuters.”

Lexus ES (2021) Launch Review

The Lexus ES has established itself as the executive sedan that promotes comfort and luxury above all else, perhaps even more so than its Mercedes-Benz E-Class rival! The Japanese premium brand’s offering recently underwent a mild update and we drove it at its local launch in the Western Cape.

What’s new on the Lexus ES?

There are fewer vertical slats in the ES’ grille and the headlamp clusters are much thinner than before the update.

You have to look closely to notice the updates, to be honest. In terms of the exterior execution, the Lexus’ “pinched” spindle grille now sports fewer vertical slats in order to create a visually wider front end. The headlamps are slimmer and sport a new lighting signature (on the SE) that looks less like a “Nike tick”. There are three new exterior hues, which means ES buyers can choose from 10 paint finishes.

As for the interior, Lexus has introduced an updated (touchscreen) infotainment setup and, as a result, has had to slightly rejig the cabin architecture to make the system easier to operate.

The range comprises just two trim grades (EX and SE); it kicks off with a petrol-engined 250 EX derivative, while the petrol-electric hybrid version is available in both grades.

Is the ES luxurious inside?

The black dash with cream leather seats is a typically luxurious Lexus choice.

Almost no manufacturer in the segment embodies luxury quite as well as Lexus does. Most of the ES’ competitors incorporate cabin materials that look, but don’t feel, great and the proliferation of plastic inserts that masquerade as anything from aluminium to wood trim isn’t likely to fool buyers who are looking to spend R1 million on purchasing an executive sedan. Lexus continues to line its interiors with authentic luxury materials. The leather is soft and creamy (it’s an eco-friendly synthetic in the EX model and semi-aniline in the SE), plus it’s carried through to the door panels, dashboard and transmission tunnel and centre console. I’m assured the wood trim option that encases the front of the cabin is real wood although I prefer the solid black look over the wood trim (for me, it feels more contemporary).

The new infotainment screen has been brought forward by 112 mm so that the driver or front passenger can access the touchscreen’s menu system without having to stretch their arms too far. The touchscreen makes the mouse-style pad in the centre console superfluous – it will probably be removed entirely for the next generation to create more storage space.

The touch system makes it much easier to quickly access the onboard function or menu option of your choice and activating Android Auto or Apple Carplay is simple as connecting your phone to the fascia via a cable. Wireless connections to these apps may be desired at this end of the segment, but although Lexus does not offer that functionality, it does avail a wireless charger in the SE’s centre console.

The rear accommodation is plentiful and just as well-appointed (in terms of luxurious touches) as at the front of the sedan. There are 3 individual adjustable headrests at the back and when the centre armrest is folded down, it reveals a control unit that allows aft occupants to adjust the rear temperature settings, heat or cool the seats and even operate the rear screen’s sunblind.

What’s the Lexus ES like to drive?

There’s a choice between the 300h petrol-electric hybrid (shown here) or the 250 petrol.

Continuing with the theme of comfort, the Lexus ES has one of the quietest cabins you’ll ever experience – certainly in its segment. The sedan wafts along in serene comfort even when rolling on the largest (18-inch) wheels. Most of its competitors offer anything up to 21-inch alloy options, but Lexus has stuck to either 17s or 18s for the ES and that helps when it comes to the ride quality; it’s very forgiving.

The hybrid model utilises Lexus’ 4th-generation hybrid technology to provide the best possible combination of fuel efficiency and zero-emissions (where possible) motoring. The ES 300h is said to have an average fuel consumption of just 4.6 L/100 km, but, as with most hybrid drivetrains, that figure rises when you venture out of town and undertake longer journeys on the open road. It’s still very economical and will match (and possibly beat) an equivalent turbodiesel’s efficiency, but, because its peak torque is only 221 Nm, it cannot match turbocharged engines’ ability to deliver mid-range overtaking urge.

The entry-level 250 EX derivative has a 2.5-litre petrol engine with 160 kW and 243 Nm, but the equivalent hybrid EX is not much more expensive and provides a notably more interesting driving experience.

The ES’ driving experience, on the whole, lacks outright excitement. However, while several offerings in this segment seem to prioritise driver engagement (especially in terms of performance and handling characteristics) – ultimately at the cost of on-road refinement – the ES has carved out a nice niche for itself… Its target market is buyers who are looking exclusively for a luxurious, comfortable and quiet car.

Lexus ES pricing in South Africa

The 2021 Lexus ES comes standard with a 7-year/105 000 km warranty and full maintenance plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or, alternatively, once a year.

ES 250 EX	R719 400
ES 300h EX	R774 400
ES 300h SE	R948 400

Read our specs and pricing article for full details on the new ES range.

Summary

Executive sedans seem to be offering better value for money now that the segment is in decline.

The exterior updates to the Lexus ES may be subtle, but keep the big sedan looking modern and discernably different from its German and British competitors. The ES’s character is defined by its high levels of occupant comfort (as evidenced by its supple ride quality and its soft leather interior that can’t be faulted for sound insulation or build quality). Given that most buyers now favour SUVs in the ES’ price class, the Japanese premium brand’s executive sedan is unlikely to sell in significant numbers, but if you have no need for an SUV, this sedan’s pricing is actually quite reasonable by comparison.

New Toyota Prado won’t be slow

Potent diesel and a possible petrol hybrid are presumed for 2023 Prado.

For a very long time, the Toyota Prado has been very good at going very slowly, over punishing off-road terrain.

Speed has never been a requirement for Prado. Toyota’s logic was simple: if you needed overtaking acceleration or dune driving ability, there was a 4-litre V6 petrol engine option. And the fuel consumption penalty was part of your choice.

Of late, this attitude has changed within the Toyota Prado product planning team. The latest Prado uses a 150 kW version of Toyota’s 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. It delivers better performance than any previous diesel Prado.

But with the new Prado only months away from official reveal, Toyota followers are musing some very tasty engine options. Especially the promise of a proper super-diesel Prado.

Toyota’s Land Cruiser 300 is powered by an excellent new 3.3-litre V6 turbodiesel. Toyota doesn’t do new engine architectures often, and this 3.3-litre V6 will spread across – to other models. Like Prado.

The latest reports from Japanese media, like Best Car Web, indicate that the 3.3-litre V6 turbodiesel will be the lead engine, for new Prado. What its exact final specification will be, remains unclear.

Boosting 227 kW and 700 Nm, the most potent version of Toyota’s 3.3-litre V6 diesel would transform the Prado ownership experience. Delivering powerful overtaking performance, offset by fair cruising fuel economy.

Toyota will be mindful of the risks in creating a terrifically powerful diesel Prado. Being slightly smaller and lighter than Land Cruiser 300, the 3.3-litre V6 diesel Prado could be faster. This could trigger cannibalization risk, with customers simply opting for the Prado, to gain access to Toyota’s 3.3-litre V6 diesel engine, in a rugged off-road vehicle platform.

Then there is the question of hybridization, a necessary technology to lower the fleet average CO2 of large SUVs, such as Prado.

Toyota has a proven record of hybridization, but hybrid diesels don’t work as well as petrol models do as the low down diesel torque counteracts the benefits of immediate torque from electric motors. Could that mean an even more powerful Prado petrol-hybrid is in the works? Possibly.

Whatever the powertrain outcomes for new Prado, the acceleration numbers are sure to be surprisingly swift.

Nissan to be carbon neutral by 2050

The Japanese brand is forging ahead with its electric vehicle plans.

Nissan has announced that it will be launching 23 new electrified vehicles by 2030, 15 of which will be fully electric. Along with its announcement that the brand will be carbon neutral by 2050, the Japanese brand showed off 4 interesting concepts.

This new strategy has been called the Nissan Ambition 2030 long-term vision and will see an investment of 2 trillian yen to speed up the electrification of its entire portfolio. Nissan claims that no fewer than 20 new pure electric vehicles and e-Power (hybrid) vehicles will be launched in the next five years, with the brand expecting up to 75% of its sales will be for electrified vehicles. At home in Japan, Nissan is aiming for 55% of sales and in China, more than 40% of sales to be electrified.

“The role of companies to address societal needs is increasingly heightened,” Nissan chief executive Makoto Uchida said in a statement. “With Nissan Ambition 2030, we will drive the new age of electrification, advance technologies to reduce carbon footprint and pursue new business opportunities. We want to transform Nissan to become a sustainable company that is truly needed by customers and society.”

With the Nissan Ambition 2030, the brand will be improving its lithium-ion battery tech and will introduce cobalt-free technology, which should bring the cost of batteries down. It hopes to launch an EV with solid-state batteries by 2028 and have a pilot plant in Japan ready by 2024. Nissan also intends on increasing its global battery production capacity to 52 GWh by 2026 and 130 GWh by 2030.

To coincide with the Ambition 2030 announcement, Nissan unveiled four electric concepts. The brand did not mention if any of these will become production models, but its a clear indication of where the brand is headed in terms of design direction. The cars have cute names too: Nissan Chill-Out, Nissan Max-Out, Nissan Surf-Out, and Nissan Hang-Out.

Locally, while we’re not likely to see an electrified version of the Navara double-cab bakkie, we hope to see at least a hybrid version of the new Nissan Qashqai which is due to land in South Africa in 2022.

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Fuel price adjustments for December 2021 have been announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the increases won’t be welcomed by motorists in South Africa.

Fuel price increases for December 2021 are as follows:

Related Content

Lexus ES (2021) Launch Review

The Lexus ES has established itself as the executive sedan that promotes comfort and luxury above all else, perhaps even more so than its Mercedes-Benz E-Class rival! The Japanese premium brand’s offering recently underwent a mild update and we drove it at its local launch in the Western Cape.

What’s new on the Lexus ES?

Is the ES luxurious inside?

What’s the Lexus ES like to drive?

Lexus ES pricing in South Africa

Summary

New Toyota Prado won’t be slow

Potent diesel and a possible petrol hybrid are presumed for 2023 Prado.

Related content

Nissan to be carbon neutral by 2050

The Japanese brand is forging ahead with its electric vehicle plans.

Further Reading