#CarsAwards Comparison Video: New Toyota Prado vs Ford Everest vs Land Rover Discovery
In this #CarsAwards video, judge David Taylor takes a closer look at the 3 finalists in the Adventure SUV category ahead of the winner announcement in February 2025. Watch the video!
The 2025 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa, is in full swing! 39 finalists have been selected and thoroughly tested by our 20 judges. Represented in 13 categories across a wide spectrum of pricing and segments, the Cars.co.za Awards are by far the most comprehensive car awards in South Africa.
While the winners in each category will be announced at our Gala Awards Evening on the 28th of February 2025, we filmed 13 comparison tests across our categories with 4 motoring journalists.
In this film, David Taylor tackles the Adventure SUV Category, where the finalists include the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8GD VX-R, Ford Everest 3.0TD Wildtrak and the Land Rover Defender 110 D350 X-Dynamic HSE.
While we wait for the winner to be announced, David Taylor conducts an in-depth test of all 3 cars back-to-back at the Gerotek Test Facility, and gives some perspective on which one he would take home. In this video he looks at engines, practicality and basic offroading.
Still SA’s favourite? VW Golf 8 GTI sales for 2024 revealed
Is the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI still South Africa’s most popular C-segment hot hatch? Here’s how many were registered in 2024 – as well as how many Golf 8 R units were sold…
Though not quite as popular locally as the 7th iteration (which reached nearly 15 000 units in total), is the Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI still the best-selling C-segment hot hatch in South Africa?
Well, based on Naamsa figures alone, it’s impossible to be completely certain since Volkswagen Group Africa reports only a combined Golf 8 number – comprising GTI and R sales – to the industry representative body. Still, based on our calculations, that combined tally for 2024 came to 1 065 units (interestingly up 12.2%, year on year), with 124 of those representing sales to government.
So, we asked VW Group Africa to provide last year’s sales split between the front-wheel-drive GTI and the all-paw R – and the company very kindly obliged. Predictably, the GTI finished ahead of its more powerful sibling, though not by as much as you much have expected.
According to the Wolfsburg-based automaker’s local division, 634 units of the Golf 8 GTI (currently priced from R836 700) were registered in 2024. That translates to a monthly average of around 53 units and represents 59.5% of 8th-generation Golf sales last year. Meanwhile, the Golf 8 R (currently starting at R996 700) ended 2024 on 431 units, meaning it was likely Mzansi’s 2nd best-selling C-segment hot hatch behind the GTI.
For the record, the Golf 8.5 GTI – the facelifted version of the hot hatch revealed in January 2024 – has technically not yet been confirmed for South Africa, with Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of VW Group Africa, earlier telling Cars.co.za that the country’s current fuel quality stands in the way of its arrival on local soil.
What about the local sales performances other C-segment hot hatches in 2024? Well, based on figures reported to Naamsa, we know the Hyundai i30 N finished the year on 56 units, while the Toyota GR Corolla came in at 42 units and the Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy at 25 units.
Somewhat frustratingly, sales figures are simply not available for the few other contenders still operating in this space. For instance, since the BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz unfortunately don’t consistently report sales statistics to Naamsa, we don’t know how many M135, Mercedes-AMG A35 hatch and Mercedes-AMG A45 S units were sold.
In addition, Audi reports only a total figure for its A3 Sportback range, so the exact sales performances of the S3 and RS3 hot hatches are unclear. However, since the A3 Sportback total for 2024 came to 596 units (likely dominated by non-performance derivatives), we can safely assume neither of these Audi Sport variants matched their VW cousins in pure volume terms.
Similarly, Honda lists only a single figure for its overall Civic range, which came to 110 units in 2024. That tally includes both the Civic Type R hot hatch (which we’re assuming accounted for only a small percentage of that total) and the Civic RS sedan.
Porsche 911 Targa vs 911 Carrera 3.2 Targa: Classic Comparison
The 911 Targa occupies a small niche within Porsche’s line-up. Should more buyers consider this slightly quirky cabrio/coupe offering? We take a classic Carrera 3.2 Targa and the modern-day 992 Targa 4 for a coastal drive outside of beautiful Cape Town.
IMAGES: Peet Mocke
The 911 Targa is one of the rarer variants in the Zuffenhausen-based firm’s range: enthusiasts either like or dislike it, which can’t be said of the other models! Surely a Carrera S or -GT3 isn’t as polarising? However, it can also be argued that a 911 Targa derivative represents the best between what a standard Carrera coupe and a standard Carrera convertible offers. The best of both worlds, then?
In terms of the roof, the 911 Targa represents a halfway point between being a coupe and a convertible. You can still enjoy fresh-air motoring, but at the same, it is less “windy” than in a full convertible.
Porsche’s Targa history has been well documented. We’ve seen examples of the Porsche 911 Targa since the earliest of times with its soft rear window. That transformed into what can be viewed as a large sunroof in the 993-, 996- and 997-series 911s. With the arrival of the 991 and now the current 992, the beautiful U-shaped metal bar returned with a fixed rear window and a fully automatic system.
The classic: G-series 911 Carrera 3.2 Targa
The owner of this Targa has had more than 10 classic, air-cooled Porsche 911s through his garage. He now owns 3, including this Targa, which he also uses several times a week. It is a true “daily driver”.
Specifications:
Model: Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Targa (G-series)
Engine: 3.2-litre, flat-6, petrol
Power: 152 kW at 5 900 rpm
Torque: 264 Nm at 4 800 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Weight: 1 210 kg
0-97 kph: 6.3 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: ± 240 kph
Setting the alarm clock for just after 06:00, we all meet up just over an hour later next to the road outside Gordon’s Bay, around 45 km east of Cape Town. This coastal road is known as one of the most scenic routes in South Africa with a perfect ribbon of tarmac – a great place to enjoy these cars.
Thanks to its whale-tale, this red Targa looks much more purposeful than those units without it. If you prefer the more simple lines of the 911, you will undoubtedly rather select one without the large wing!
We decide to start the photography a little later and first enjoy the crisp morning air, the light traffic and the scenery. Clarence Drive is a single-lane, flowing road that hugs the coastline. However, with a rock face on the one side and a low, man-built rock wall on the other, you must keep your enthusiasm at bay behind the wheel of a car. We opt to keep the removable top on for now, which allows us to have a normal conversation in the cabin although there is certainly some more wind noise than in an equivalent coupe.
Even with more than 172 000 km on the odo, this 915-gearbox still feels good. As long as you don’t rush the gearbox (why would you, anyway?) the gears change with relative ease between the five speeds, while some gears are closer to one another in the horizontal shift action than others.
You can cruise at low engine speeds of 2 000 to 3 000 rpm, and even with light throttle inputs, there is sufficient torque to accelerate in a spirited manner. The 911 Targa feels compact and, as expected, low to the ground, just like a proper sports car should.
I drop a couple of gears and press the accelerator pedal a little harder, the revs climb quickly and, with notable haste, the rev needle swings past 5 000 and 6 000 rpm. It is during these bursts of acceleration and also during braking that I’m reminded that the Carrer 3.2 Targa only tips the scales at about 1 210 kg.
After a while, I start to feel more confident behind the ‘wheel and enjoy every moment that the free-revving engine sends the needle around the clock. When you start to push on, you do realise there is some scuttle shake, but that’s also to be expected. I almost want to say you are more aware of it in a cabriolet because the parts that indicate scuttle shake are further behind you and also stowed away.
The Carrera 3.2 Targa makes up for it, though. Lift the targa top and then fold it up. You can either store it behind the seats or place it in the luggage compartment in the front – where it is more safely stowed and movement is also more limited – depending on what else you have in this compartment, of course.
With the roof down and picking up speed past 100 kph, the wind buffeting is very limited. There is some wind noise of course, but just enough fresh air is blowing through the cabin, while the owner and I can still keep our conversation going. Approach high speeds and it starts to become more difficult.
In a straight line, but especially when the road twists and turns, the steering wheel is communicative and you can sense precisely what the front axle is up to. Fitted with the small (215/60 R15 in front and 195/65 R15 at the rear on this car) wheels and tyre combination, the 911 Targa also rides very pliantly. Turn-in is as good as you would expect, while there is limited body roll, similar to any other 911 of the era.
The owner shares some thoughts about 911s and his Targa: “I’ve had this car for the past 9 years. Ideally, I would have liked to have a coupe, a Targa and a cabriolet, but I sadly sold a very neat G50 Cabriolet a few years ago. I found the Targa to have a little more headroom than a coupe, although this matters little to me. My love for Porsche stems from my first car, which was an oval-window Volkswagen Beetle.”
The Carrera 3.2 Targa’s narrow body and small footprint elevate the experience behind the wheel even further. The upright front lights indicate where the corners are, while the rear axle is not far behind you. The slope of the bonnet also means there is no obstruction to your view out in front of you.
The fact that the steering column is not adjustable has never really bothered me. The distance between the ‘wheel and the gear lever is spot on, so all you have to do is move your seat. The pedals are offset to the left, but you quickly get used to it. Once you’ve adjusted your legs, the seating position is lovely.
The modern alternative: 992-series 911 Targa 4
Step into the 992-series Porsche 911 Targa and it is evident you’ve made a near 4-decade jump in terms of technology. Whereas the Carrera 3.2 looks compact and focused (mainly because of the wing), the 992 is notably larger, but is smooth in its elegant design, partially also owing to the Carrera Exclusive Design wheels painted in the exterior colour (Aventurine Green Metallic) of the car, an optional extra.
Specifications:
Model: 992.1 Porsche 911 Targa 4
Engine: 3.0-litre, flat-6, turbopetrol
Power: 283 kW at 6 500 rpm
Torque: 450 Nm at 1 950 – 5 000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic (PDK)
Weight: 1 730 kg
0-100 kph: 4.4 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 289 kph
This modern, suave design continues in the cabin. Any owner of a 992-series 911 variant will feel quite at home. What I especially appreciate with the specification of this model, is the relative lack of driver and driving options. No exhaust button and no rotary dial on the steering wheel. There is a sport button and a damper button – that is it. This is, after all, a Targa 4, which means it does offer all-wheel drive.
Another visual highlight in the cabin is the wood panel that runs across from the passenger side, just below the dashboard, to the right-hand side of the cabin. Another 2, minor options, are the Porsche crest on the headrests and the truffle brown seatbelts. Needless to say, it is a classy cabin.
As expected, you sit satisfyingly low in the car, while the range of adjustment on the seat and steering column makes it a cinch to personalise your driving position.
Start the engine and there’s still that typically raw, flat-6 sound and an all-too-obvious woosh from the turbo. If you pay close attention, you hear how the latter’s whistle changes relative to accelerator inputs.
I head out and quickly the PDK ‘box selects the highest gear as we cruise along for some final pictures. As I lean on the long pedal, the level of torque is instantly impressive – it allows the car to linearly pick up speed without fanfare. Peak torque (450 Nm) is, after all, developed from an impressively low 1 950 rpm. This scenario can immediately be changed by simply pulling the left steering-wheel-mounted paddle.
The gearbox reacts immediately, and within a moment, it’s shifted down 3 or 4 gears. Press the throttle and the engine reacts with a combination of power and torque, having you wonder for a moment if this Targa 4 is really any heavier than a standard Carrera. Even though the road is slightly wet, there is no wheelspin (perhaps thanks to the all-wheel-drive system), but even Porsche’s rear-wheel-drive 911 derivatives offer an immense level of grip – the all-wheel-drive system just takes it up a notch.
It’s a unique experience as the rear of the car squats and propels you out of those corners. At times, (most times) it doesn’t feel like a 1 730 kg car and you can trust the grip and performance.
Even though the peak power output (283 kW) is developed at 6 500 rpm, you can let the rev needle run all the way to the 7 500 rpm redline, urging you to make full use of what the 3.0-litre flat-6 has to offer.
The brakes, meanwhile, are strong with good feedback through the pedal, while the additional ratio in the transmission has little effect on the car’s outright capability, only keeping revs low when you relax on the open road… but now the gears come in quick succession. The steering ratio is fast and the steering feel, in terms of feedback, is less compared to the classic, as you would expect, but nonetheless satisfying.
I know the owner of the 992-series 911 Targa has owned several air-cooled and modern- classic 911s, one of them of which is a rather neat SC, since 1997. But this was the first new 911 in his collection.
“When I saw this 992 Targa it ‘spoke to me’. The design is just perfect, even when the roof is down. I don’t like a convertible and in the Targa, you feel a bit more ensconced. It is like having a large sunroof.
“After acquiring the car earlier this year, I recently attended one of the best driving events in South Africa: the Cape 1000. It is a beautiful multi-day, 1 600-km drive along the Western Cape’s best and prettiest mountain passes. It was the perfect car for the event.” See also:We drive the first-ever Cape 1000!
Without stating the obvious, it is clear that this car will be used regularly for the foreseeable future.
The 8th-gen 911 Targa takes Porsche’s iconic sportscar to the next level in terms of offering compelling performance in conjunction with an al fresco experience. It still drives like a modern 911 (and thus feels charmingly familiar), but offers the latest technology in a package that’s hard to beat, particularly if you consider the performance on offer at this price point. This car instils immense confidence in its driver.
Summary
As with the coupe versions, the 911 Targa is a recipe that Porsche has perfected since the first Targa’s introduction in September 1965.
This latest model ticks so many boxes, but I can understand why many enthusiasts would opt for the G-series Carrera 3.2 Targa. It’s more basic, more involving to drive, much slower but, at times, more fun. It will also need more maintenance to keep on the road, but for some of us, that is part of the experience.
In both cases, you get a driving experience that is very close to that of a coupe, but nearly everything that a convertible offers – it represents a very desirable middle ground. Yes, it’s hard to fault a Targa!
It may be slightly late, but the Toyota Hilux Legend 55 will indeed be offered in South Africa. Here’s what we know about this upcoming (widebody!) bakkie so far…
The year 2024 came and went with no sign of a special-edition Hilux Legend derivative (despite some cheeky speculation on our part). Now, Toyota South Africa Motors has finally confirmed that the Hilux Legend 55 – complete with a widebody configuration – is indeed happening.
Revealed in double-cab form (in an interesting new paint colour) at the Japanese firm’s 2025 State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) address at Kyalami in Johannesburg, the new Legend 55 is set to launch as the 5th limited-edition model in this SA-specific quinquennial tradition.
First glimpse of the Legend 55 at SOMI 2025.
As a reminder, every 5 years since the Legend 35 was released back in 2004, Toyota SA Motors has celebrated both the Hilux’s heritage and crushing sales dominance in the local market with some sort of special Legend model (before the Legend trim became a permanent fixture in 2020).
For whatever reason, the Legend 55 is a year late to the party, with the Legend 50 having hit the market in July 2019 (and the count starting from the Hilux’s local inception in 1969). According to Toyota SA Motors, initial units of the new Hilux Legend 55 are scheduled to be released to local dealerships in July 2025.
Widebody configuration, present and correct.
Interestingly, Toyota has yet to confirm what’s lurking beneath the Legend 55’s bonnet, though we’re guessing it’s a version of the venerable 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine (whether the motor features the standard 150 kW/500 Nm tune or the likewise-widebody GR-Sport’s loftier 165 kW and 550 Nm outputs remains to be seen).
What we do know, however, is that the Legend 55 will feature a widebody configuration (and “wide-tread suspension”), along with a model-specific styling kit, a revised sportsbar, an underbody bashplate, a towbar, a roller shutter and rubberising for the loadbin.
Interesting new paint colour.
The Hilux hit the market in South Africa way back in 1969, just a year after debuting overseas. The first limited-edition Legend – the appropriately named Legend 35 – was released in 2004, followed by the Legend 40 in 2009 and the Legend 45 in 2014 (the latter model was “extremely well received by the market”, according to Toyota SA Motors). Then, in 2019, the Legend 50 arrived to mark half a century of the Hilux in SA.
The Legend 50 turned out to be what Toyota SA Motors in early 2021 described as a “massive success”, to the point that dealers ran out of stock for a couple of weeks. In short, the Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal simply couldn’t churn them out fast enough.
The Legend 40 was released in 2009.
With a new-generation Hilux seemingly not too far around the corner, it seems the Legend 55 will serve as a fitting swansong for the 8th-generation version of the strong-selling bakkie. As a reminder, with 32 656 units sold, the Prospecton-built stalwart remained Mzansi’s best-selling bakkie – and indeed the country’s top-selling vehicle overall – in 2024, a title it has now held for more than 50 straight years.
Look out for more details on the Toyota Hilux Legend 55 closer to launch…
The electric Mini Aceman has quietly arrived in South Africa. Here’s how much you can expect to pay.
Positioned between the new Mini Cooper and Mini Countryman is the Mini Aceman, an all-electric compact SUV. Mini is claiming a 5-seater setup, with a boot capacity of 300 litres, growing to just over 1000 litres if you fold the rear seats down. Officially, the Aceman’s wheelbase is 8 cm longer than the Cooper and 9 cm shorter than the Countryman.
Interestingly, the Mini Aceman is priced at the Cooper SE’s level, with the two models costing an identical R800 000. Which one would you choose then? This is a question we hope to answer at some point.
The Aceman (middle) in comparison to the Cooper and the Countryman
What’s on offer?
There will be two derivatives in the Mini Aceman lineup. Kicking off the range is the Aceman E, which has power outputs of 135 kW and 290 Nm, and is good for a claimed 0-100 kph in 7.9 seconds. If you’re wanting a bit more performance, the Aceman SE brings 160 kW and 330 Nm to the table, and that’s said to hit 100 kph in a claimed 7.1 seconds.
Top speed is not really an electric car’s specialty, but for what it’s worth top speeds of 170 kph and 180 kph are touted for the E and SE respectively.
Based on the WLTP cycle, the Aceman E has a range of 305 km with a 42.5 kWh battery, while the SE is good for 406 km, due to its larger 54.2 kWh battery pack.
The Aceman will feature the latest of Mini’s cabins, including that sharp-looking circular OLED screen, high-end trim made from recycled materials as well as your traditional Mini driving modes like Go-Kart.
How much does the Mini Aceman cost in South Africa?
Aceman E
R800 000
Aceman SE
R892 000
The new Aceman is sold with a 5-year / 100 000 km maintenance plan. There’s a 2-year/unlimited km for the vehicle and an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty.
BMW iX1 vs Mini Countryman SE vs Volvo EX30 Comparison – #CarsAwards Electric Car Finalists
If you’re wanting to change to the electric car lifestyle, we have three finalists to choose from: the defending champion BMW iX1, the Mini Countryman SE and the Volvo EX30. Here’s a detailed look at all three.
The 2025 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa, are in full swing! 39 finalists have been selected and thoroughly tested by our 20 judges. Represented in 13 categories across a wide spectrum of pricing and segments, the Cars.co.za Awards are by far the most comprehensive car awards in South Africa.
In this video, motoring journalist David Taylor, one of our judges, takes on the Electric Car Category to decide his winner, ahead of the official announcement in February 2025.
If you’re wanting to change to the electric car lifestyle, we have three finalists to choose from: the defending champion BMW iX1, the Mini Countryman SE and the Volvo EX30. In this video, Dave looks at the performance and efficiency, the pricing, interior features and practicality, before sharing his choice for segment honours.
Lexus IS 300h F Sport Mode Black (2025) Price & Specs
Lexus South Africa has quietly launched a “Mode Black” version of the IS sedan, available exclusively in F Sport trim. Here’s how much it will cost you in Mzansi…
The 3rd-generation Lexus IS has been on the market in South Africa since way back in 2013, though the Toyota-backed brand has at least handed it subtle updates over the years. The latest revision? The quiet arrival of a fresh version of the F Sport grade known as the “Mode Black”.
Thanks to a handy heads-up from our good friends over at duoporta.com, we know the Lexus IS 300h F Sport Mode Black (to use its full name) is priced at R1 199 900, making it R89 400 more expensive than the “standard” F Sport derivative it effectively replaces. As a reminder, local buyers also have the option of the IS 300h in SE trim, which is priced at R1 080 400.
So, what makes a Mode Black? Well, as you might have worked out from the name, this fresh derivative adopts a dark finish for various elements, including its 19-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in 235/40 R19 tyres up front and 265/35 R19 rubber at the rear), side-mirror caps and bootlid spoiler.
Inside, the IS 300h F Sport Mode Black is set apart by a heated 3-spoke steering wheel featuring a black wood finish (for its upper portion, anyway), a treatment repeated on other interior trim. Furthermore, this variant’s seats are upholstered in a mix of synthetic leather and “ultra suede”.
Though the IS 300h F Sport Mode Black is fittingly available in Graphite Black exterior paint, local buyers also have the option of selecting White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Iridium, Solar Storm Red, Poseidon Blue and Titanium Carbide Grey.
Other standard features – from a tilt-and-slide sunroof to a Mark Levinson sound system – effectively carry over from the previous version of the F Sport. Of course, that includes the powertrain, which is unchanged.
As before, urge for this sedan comes from Toyota’s familiar hybrid system, here built around a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine driving the rear axle through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
For the petrol motor, Lexus SA quotes peak figures of 133 kW and 221 Nm, though the total system power (including electric assistance) stands at 164 kW. A combined torque figure is not provided. Expect a 0-100 kph time of around 8.7 seconds, with a claimed fuel economy of 5.2 L/100 km.
What does the Lexus IS 300h F Sport Mode Black cost in SA?
Lexus IS 300h F Sport Mode Black – R1 199 900
The price above includes a vehicle warranty and maintenance plan each spanning 7 years or 105 000 km, along with an 8-year/195 000 km battery-specific warranty.
Honda, Nissan & Mitsubishi could create an amazing double cab
Honda needs to save Nissan and itself. Mitsubishi may come along for the ride. What does the planned merger of these car companies mean for future models?
We’re living through the 3rd wave of Asian car company ascendancy with China, but it’s worth remembering that the world’s most successful car company, Toyota, is Japanese. Yes, so are Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi, but whereas the Aichi-based brand is flourishing, the latter trio are struggling.
When Asian car companies need help, they prefer to look inward. Foreign assistance solves temporary issues, but never goes well in the long term. This brings us to the biggest news in the Japanese car industry for decades – a planned merger of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi.
What could that mean for future models from these 3 brands, each with a deep South African history?
These three CEOs don’t have much time to realign their companies.
Why it is happening
Nissan is in trouble. A lot of trouble. Despite a history of amazing sportscars and iconic off-roaders like the Patrol, this is not the first time Nissan has needed help.
An alliance with Renault saved a heavily indebted Nissan in the late 1990s. That created the foundation for Nissan to use its engineering expertise to make the final GT-R and a variety of popular crossovers (including the Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail) while strengthening its global bakkie business with Navara.
Nissan even trended ahead of industry timelines with the Leaf, but its finances are a mess, its products are stale, and the firm seems to lack direction. That’s why Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi executives spent most of the festive season discussing a merger, instead of doing Japanese peak season things.
The global car industry has proved that there’s no such thing as a merger of equals. Nissan is in a position of weakness, while Honda is okay, but needs scale. Mitsubishi? It’s a small and reasonably efficient car company, but its size means that the required investments to futureproof Mitsubishi’s model development have probably become too expensive to go it alone.
The official meetings and imagery of the 3 Japanese companies’ CEOs together (see above), would not be happening, if there wasn’t a real urgency for the merger to happen. As an issue of survival.
Patrol didn’t become legendary by accident. Nissan’s bakkie engineering skills are real.
What it will mean for consumers
All 3 brands within the proposed merger have seen their market share wane in South Africa. But they do retain a sense of legacy and brand loyalty. If the merger could simplify and enhance the respective automotive companies’ products, it would be a worthy outcome for local fans of the brands.
Honda was once the premium Japanese compact car brand in South Africa, for decades (in part due to its assembly and distribution agreement with Mercedes-Benz).
Nissan has a robust bakkie heritage, established by the legendary 1400, Navara and Patrol. Mitsubishis are niche but valued by all-terrain adventurers who value the Triton‘s clever Super-Select transfer case.
Perhaps the more important question is whether the merger will affect Nissan’s Rosslyn plant. Bakkies are a strong global business, so Nissan is unlikely to alter Navara’s production in Rosslyn – for now.
Nissan closed its Spanish Navara facility near Barcelona in December of 2021. That created additional demand for South African–built Navaras, to fulfil global orders. At the moment, there’s little competition for Rosslyn regarding globally zoned Navara production.
The Nissan Leaf was ahead of its time; could the proposed merger lead to a flutter of small EVs from the 3 brands?
Small EVs – possibly
Mergers are never a happy scenario, and there will be rationalisation across the brands and their product portfolios. But there are also opportunities.
The Japanese car industry has an immense history of product innovation. Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi have built some of the most iconic vehicles in history. Their design and engineering talent is well-proven.
Globally, the merger needs to rightsize production and create more EV and PHEV models at affordable price points for all 3 brands. If you are an EV-curious Honda, Nissan or Mitsubishi fan, that might mean well-priced compact Japanese EVs, fusing all the compact car knowledge of the merged companies.
Mitsubishi already has the best transfer case in the business.
Much better bakkies – probably
Mergers can create awful or excellent outcomes with products, depending on how companies allow their best designers and engineers to work. Imagine the potential of a global bakkie platform developed by the best from Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi…
Imagine a next-gen Japanese bakkie riding on an overengineered Nissan platform. Its passenger car business has waned, but Nissan’s double cabs and Patrols remain deeply respected for their off-road ability and durability. A Nissan-engineered platform could be the foundation for a tremendous new global double-cab bakkie, using all the lessons Nissan’s engineers learned with the Navara and Patrol pick-up.
Have you ever sat in a Japanese specification Honda and not found the ergonomics excellently intuitive and build quality stellar? Exactly. Honda could create an outstanding exterior design and brilliant cabin architecture for a tri-brand Nissan/Honda/Mitsubishi bakkie, bringing something very different to the crowded double-cab segment by leveraging its passenger car expertise.
Nissan’s expertise in severe-duty off-road vehicle platforms is proven.
Engines & gearboxes
What would Mitsubishi contribute? For one, all its profound knowledge gained by decades of Lancer Evos, with their extraordinarily trick all-wheel drive systems.
I reckon that the Minato-based brand could create an advanced version of Super Select, the best double cab transfer case for serious off-roaders and people who drive a lot of high-speed dirt roads.
Often misunderstood and underappreciated in the market, the ability to shift to a locked centre-diff setting at high speeds makes Super Select brilliant if you’re on an unfamiliar dirt road, and the surface starts degrading. Dial in 4H-LC and you have the best interplay of traction and steering authority.
Mitsubishi’s Super Select is also amazingly capable in big-dune driving, when you need dune ascending speeds way beyond low-range gearing, and the traction of a locked centre diff, which isn’t always functional with a conventional transfer case in high range. That’s when the Super Select 4H-LC function is a hero dune-driver setting!
Powertrain? Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi have independently produced some of the most celebrated engines ever built. Can the sum of engineering skills that made VTEC, those unbreakable Patrol engines and Mitsubishi’s ultra-durable diesel motors work together to create a new-gen double-cab powertrain?
If the cooperation works to its full potential, the powertrains that these 3 Japanese automotive companies could develop might set new standards in the double-cab bakkie market.
Combined engine experts at Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi – what could they come up with?
There will be losses, however
The merger of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi will be a complicated affair. There will be losses and anxiety. But there are also opportunities: the idea of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi’s smartest engineers building a global bakkie platform could be a brilliantly unexpected outcome.
Japan’s government must protect jobs and the country’s image as an automotive-tech leader. Expect a lot of financial and technical support, for the probable Honda/Nissan/Mitsubishi merger to happen.
Combining the best of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi could create world-beating products in exactly the segments that matter to South Africans – compact cars and bakkies.
But that can only happen with sacrifice. For the potential of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi’s design and engineering resources to be realised, the future model portfolio for all three brands will have to narrow. That will mean sunsetting several model ranges, for the greater good.
Car hijacking in South Africa is a common crime in major cities and is one of the many risks that local motorists have to contend with. This article sheds light on the most hijacked cars in South Africa and what you can do to avoid becoming a hijacking statistic.
Sadly, South Africa has a reputation for high crime levels and car crime, including hijacking, is particularly prevalent in major economic hubs such as Gauteng, Western Cape and Kwazulu-Natal.
According to the most recent Police Recorded Crime Statistics for the Second Quarter of 2024-2025 financial year (July 2024-September 2024), a total of 5 447 car hijacking incidents were recorded, representing a year-on-year decline of 9.4% (562 incidents) over the same period in 2023. While any decline in any crime category is most welcome, the statistic still amounts to an alarming 60 hijacked cars per day in South Africa!
Have you ever wondered what happens to hijacked cars and what car brands and models are most at risk of being stolen?
Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group, provides further insight into the latest hijacking trends in South Africa, “The number of hijackings decreased by 27.3% between November and December 2024. This decline aligns with similar trends in other types of organised crime, as syndicate members often take holidays during the festive season.”
“However, despite the reduction in incidents during December 2023 and 2024, a significant number of hijackings were still recorded. This highlights the persistent level of risk that remains during the festive period. Based on existing trends, the number of hijackings is anticipated to rise from late January, with a notable increase expected in February and March 2025. The trend is likely to stabilise and reach a plateau between April and May 2025. Additionally, spikes in hijacking incidents are projected for August and November 2025”, Bartmann concludes.
What are the most hijacked cars in South Africa?
Car hijacking is driven by demand, but generally speaking, criminals target popular car brands and models that can be sold quickly, stripped for parts or smuggled into neighbouring countries. It’s no surprise then that the most popular car models sold are also often the most hijacked cars in South Africa.
However, it must be noted that any car can become a target at any given point in time and criminal trends change as the market demand changes.
The car brands and models highlighted below are known targets for hijackers and are commonly regarded to be at higher risk of theft.
Toyota enjoys market dominance and its cars are regarded as valuable targets for car thieves.
The Ford Ranger is South Africa’s best-selling double-cab bakkie, but it’s also considered to be a high-risk hijacking target.
Similarly, the Ford Ranger is South Africa’s best-selling double-cab bakkie and it’s unsurprisingly a high-value target for hijackers and car thieves. Interestingly, many hijacked 4×4 vehicles are destined for neighbouring countries such as Eswatini and Mozambique where demand for these types of vehicles is high. In 2024, security company, Fidelity Services Group, confirmed that 30% of stolen and/or hijacked cars are smuggled into neighbouring countries.
The Volkswagen Polo is in strong demand and it’s often sought after by criminals.
Volkswagen is another popular car brand targeted by car thieves and the firm’s locally-produced Polo hatchback ranks high on the hit list. Not only has the Polo enjoyed strong monthly sales in South Africa but demand for the model in the used car market is also strong, making it a viable hijacking target.
Even discontinued cars such as the Nissan NP200 and Nissan Almera are popular hijacking targets.
Business delivery vehicles, such as panel vans or light delivery trucks, carrying valuable cargo are also considered to be lucrative targets for criminals.
What can you do to prevent hijacking and car crime?
Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
With the above in mind, consider fitting your vehicle with a tracking device. Vehicle telematics systems like Fidelity SecureDrive are effective tools to help in the recovery of your vehicle.
Should you be hijacked, report the incident to your tracking company and the police as soon as possible. The sooner you report the incident, the greater the likelihood that your vehicle will be recovered.
It’s worth being reminded that any car can become a highjacking target at any given point in time, for a variety of reasons. All motorists are therefore urged to exercise higher levels of awareness when travelling.
Be aware of other cars around you and take note of any cars that might be following you or that look suspicious. If you must, drive to the nearest Police station.
Fidelity Services Group has listed a few useful tips to keep you safe:
Keep expensive watches covered and avoid wearing flashy jewellery when out and about
Always be aware and vigilant of your surroundings
When leaving a restaurant or shopping centre be on the lookout for anyone that could possibly be following you
If you believe you are being followed drive to the closest police station or security provider guard house if there is any doubt.
Try to keep as calm as possible and stay focused on getting to a safe place
Do not try and communicate with that vehicle in any way
Slow down – it is harder to follow somebody that is driving slowly but just keep moving
Turn your radio down so you are fully aware of your surroundings.
Put your headlights on bright and put your hazards on, day or night as you want to attract as much attention as possible and scare away the would be hijackers.
Do not go home – don’t show them where you live
Head for a busy place if possible like 24-hour garages, hospital, police station etc where it is more difficult to follow you in and where there may be surveillance cameras.
At the end of the day staying alert is probably the most important tip. Too often we are distracted which makes us vulnerable to criminal activity.
If you find yourself in a hijacking situation, do not resist and don’t attempt to fight back. Your life is worth more than any car!
New Powerful Diesel Defender in SA
A new diesel Defender D350 has arrived in South Africa. Take a look at what’s on offer!
The familiar Defender D300 has been replaced with a new, more powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged, 6-cylinder diesel engine that produces 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque and is designated as the Defender D350.
The new diesel Defender D350 offers increases of 36 kW and 50 Nm over the outgoing engine and is said to feature lightweight construction, better fuel economy and improved performance.
The new engine is offered alongside the existing diesel D250 with 183 kW and 570 Nm while the powerful petrol-powered Defender P400 offers 294 kW and 550 Nm of torque.
Nonetheless, the most powerful Defender yet, the Defender Octa, will be launching in South Africa in January 2025 and it will be powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged mild-hybrid V8 petrol engine that produces a whopping 467 kW and 750 Nm!
Local buyers have the choice of 3 body styles including the compact Defender 90, the larger Defender 110 and the longer Defender 130.
Pricing for the new diesel Defender D350 is as follows:
