This week’s news you need to know (July 2021, Week 2)
In this week’s automotive news you need to know: Lotus builds a new sportscar that looks great (but isn’t light), BMW reveals a car with an attractive grille, Rimac takes majority ownership of Bugatti and Ineos shows us that a modern interior can have myriad buttons – and still look cool.
Lotus Emira – Shed-builders go corporate
In the latest chapter of “The great British shed-builders go corporate”, Lotus Cars is adopting a more sustainable business model under Geely’s custodianship and has introduced the Emira – its first new car in 20 years. It’s big news that has car aficionados tripping over their feet. While I get the move to take on the Porsche 718 Cayman, they’ve forgotten what Lotus is all about… weight (or lack thereof).
A kerb weight of 1 400 kg is just too heavy for a Lotus (when a Ferrari 488 weighs 1 475 kg). Lotus founder, Colin Chapman, would omit every non-essential (and sometimes even essential) part and shave off every gram that he could in the pursuit of lightweight performance. Why? To simplify and (then) add lightness. It’s as simple as that; they’ve lost the essence of what Lotus is. Redemption should be made by offering “The Chapman option” with all extras removed. That’ll transform the Emira into what true purists want. Things are just not simple anymore; cupholders were optional on the Lotus Exige!
BMW 2 Series – Purple haze
The furore about BMW’s design direction rages on. The latest reason for a good old fashioned witch hunt (perpetrated by Chris Bangle fanatics), is the new 2 Series Coupe, the predecessor of which came into its own when the M2 (and its variants) eclipsed the once-untouchable M3/M4. It’s an important piece of the BMW story as the brand adjusts its tie amid the electric revolution in the automotive world.
Despite rumours that the upcoming M2 (due in 2022) will come with the option of a manual ‘box (the M240i xDrive has all-wheel-drive and a self-shifting transmission), I dearly hope BMW will produce a more affordable “stick-shift” variant for those who seek “sheer driving pleasure” as many of us came to know it. Surely those who want the thrill of a manual ‘box – but don’t have M2 money (just yet) could be catered for (it may also keep the Bangle-ites at bay, for now)? I get the commercial appeal of auto boxes, but there is a passionate corner of the market that still craves analogue driving experiences.
Rimac/Porsche take the reigns of Bugatti – ‘VW’s get out of jail free card’
The Volkswagen Group has been scratching its corporate head about what to do with the vanity brands in its stable. Suffice to say hypercar brand Bugatti must have been near or at the top of the list of “business cases that don’t fit our EV-underpinned counter-Dieselgate strategy”. Therefore, the off-loading of control of Bugatti to the Group’s Croatia-based technology partner Rimac and sportscar brand Porsche is the best option for both the VW Group and its French brand. The outcome is a bit like both parents coming away with favourable child visitation rights after a post-divorce custody battle…
Bugatti is all about achieving feats of engineering and the W16 engine has been the heart of the brand under VW, but anyone who believes that the W16 will survive for much longer is living in a fool’s paradise. All we can hope for is that Bugatti’s bravado (and sheer gumption) will evolve in the electric age and the brand will continue to excite us by pushing the envelope with full-electric tech. RIP, W16.
Ineos Grenadier – Licence to thrill
For those who don’t know, Ineos is the brainchild of serial entrepreneur Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who saw a gap in the market after the demise of the original Land Rover Defender. Sir Jim is a pukka petrolhead who’s not afraid to whip out his chequebook and the Grenadier is a “parts-bin project” off the top shelf with the B57/58 engine option from BMW, a ZF-sourced transmission and axles made by Carraro.
Until this week, we had no idea how Ineos would drag the olde-worlde Defender’s fascia into the 21st century (kicking and screaming, we assumed). However, the off-roader’s fascia sports an aeronautical-themed control panel fitted with switch guards and big red buttons – it’s something out of a Bond film (does it comes standard with a black polo neck?).
If Agent 007 needed to commandeer a Gulfstream G650 to flee an island infested with Bond villains, he’d flick switches like those! Ineos has read the room by offering something more rugged for adventure-seekers who find the new Defender “a little too refined.”
Haval Jolion Review – Is the new Haval as good as it looks?
The Haval Jolion has arrived on the South African car market with all the subtlety of The Rock putting on a Springbok shirt and tackling all our own players.
As of June 2021, the Jolion is now the 5th best-selling passenger car in South Africa! And Haval has overtaken Nissan in the month-to-month sales rankings. It’s an incredible success story, especially for a Chinese brand in our market.
Quite simply, this Chinese SUV is turning the market upside down, and destroying the notion of market segments. You can get into a Jolion for R299,000, far less than even a mid-spect Polo. And a top spect Jolion, at just under R400,000, blows absolutely everything in its price range out of the water, in terms of luxury and tech.
We’ve been excited to bring you this review, and we know you’ve been waiting for it. So here we go, please enjoy our Haval Jolion review, and let us know what you think of the car in the comments below.
From being an unexpected replacement for the H2 compact family car to becoming a top-seller within the space of about 3 months, the Haval Jolion has drawn so much public attention that we’ve been inundated with requests to do a full Haval Jolion review. So, here it is, by popular demand! The Jolion appears to offer such exceptional value for money (in a market where car prices have risen significantly), that one has to ask: “Is it all too good to be true?”
This 2021 Haval Jolion review aims to provide you with vital product information so that you can make the best buying decision possible.
We like: Value for money, safety features, design, space, fit and finish
We don’t like: Thirsty when pushed, drivetrain not as refined as some rivals
Fast Facts
Model Tested: Haval Jolion 1.5T Super Luxury
Price: R398 900 (July 2021)
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol
Power/Torque: 105 kW/210 Nm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
Fuel efficiency: 7.5 L/100 km (claimed)
Load capacity: 337 litres
What is the Haval Jolion?
Distinctive design, upmarket features and finishes and a bigger footprint than most rivals make the Jolion look more expensive than it is.
Given today’s globalised automotive- and media industries, a new model is unlikely to sneak onto a market with hardly any foreshadowing (such as “spy shots”, “leaked brochures” and cryptic teasers from manufacturers), but this is exactly what happened with Haval’s smash-hit Jolion compact family car. Local media only became aware of the Jolion’s imminent arrival in the few short weeks leading up to its market introduction. Since then, it has gone on to become one of the fastest-selling vehicles in the country, achieving a Top-5 position overall in June and catapulting Haval up the brand rankings.
In some ways, the newcomer’s immediate success should not come as a surprise. The Haval H2 (updated in early 2020) was still one of the best-selling small crossovers by the time the Jolion arrived on the market (its popularity was due to a neat design, generous standard spec and value-for-money price positioning). The Jolion, at first glance, appears to follow this same recipe, but on closer inspection, it might even have shifted the goalposts – not only in its segment (“compact family car” by price, “family car” by size) – but in the important R300 000 to R400 000 price segment – for any vehicle.
Offering striking design, an almost unbelievable list of standard features, a bigger body than most of its rivals, a decent manufacturer warranty and at prices that, frankly, appear to have been misprinted, it is very hard to ignore the Haval Jolion. But does it live up to the hype, however?
Haval Jolion Review
Design and Packaging
The Jolion is bold, featuring 18-inch wheels and a striking LED arrangement at the front on this Super Luxury derivative.
Based on Haval’s new, modular L.E.M.O.N platform, which also underpins the new, larger H6, the Jolion is a bigger car than the H2, and also larger than most of its rivals, including the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and Volkswagen T-Cross. The lighter (but torsionally, more rigid) L.E.M.O.N. platform is claimed to significantly improve on the H2’s NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) control and, having spent a significant amount of time driving this important newcomer on a variety of road surfaces, we can certainly vouch for its cabin being very well-insulated from road and wind noise.
Besides enabling the aforementioned improvement in NVH control, the new structure benefits the Jolion’s ride and handling balance. The model corners assuredly and rides generally comfortably on most surfaces, but it remains, like most GWM/Haval products, somewhat firmly sprung. Build quality also appears to be excellent, with neither a rattle nor a squeak evident during our intensive test period.
The Jolion’s bigger footprint results in obvious benefits in terms of interior packaging. The sense of space and “openness” in the cabin is further enhanced by the use of lighter materials in the upper areas of the cabin, as well as the fitment of a vast panoramic sunroof (as standard). Rear legroom is exceptional in this segment, but the load bay is, at best, about average in size. You won’t be short of storage spots for smaller items inside the vehicle, however… By implementing a shift-by-wire transmission controller, Haval created a large storage area underneath the Jolion’s “floating” transmission tunnel.
Lots of storage space underneath the transmission tunnel, along with the fitment of two USB ports as well as a 12V outlet.
Design is, of course, a subjective matter, but online chatter about Haval’s newcomer, as well as feedback we received from those who saw the Jolion in the metal, suggest that the Chinese compact family car’s styling has well and truly hit the sweet spot. Available in a number of vibrant colours, including this HB Blue hue, the Jolion Super Luxury rides on bold dual-tone 18-inch wheels, boasts eye-catching LEDs (at the front and rear), has lots of chrome on the grille and, by virtue of being longer and wider, but slightly lower, than most rivals, the Haval has the “stance” of a more upmarket, premium vehicle.
Features and in-car tech
Modern, minimalistic cabin is finished in quality materials and boasts class-leading tech.
Now, this is where the Jolion really gets into its stride… For a vehicle of this type, priced at just below the R400 000 mark, the Jolion 1.5T Super Luxury has a simply unheard-of standard specification for its segment. In fact, some of the safety features are not even available as options on some premium crossovers, at twice the price…
First, however, a note on the fascia design. Haval’s designers sought a very modern, minimalistic look, which is why the cabin is remarkably free of buttons. This gives the fascia a very clean, upmarket appearance, further boosted by the use of quality materials and excellent fit and finish. It does, however, also mean that it may take you some time to get used to controlling major features, such as the climate control system (dual-zone, as standard) through the big, very slick-looking 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. They’ve also done away with a volume knob (except for the buttons on the wheel).
The big 12.3-inch infotainment screen allows for Android Auto/Apple Carplay functionality.
The infotainment system features slick graphics, is customisable (in terms of choice of backgrounds, etc), and offers Android Auto and Apple Carplay functionality (again, as standard). It is worth noting, however, that the deeper one delves into the sub-menus of the system, the poorer the on-screen grammar becomes…
That said, this is easily the most comprehensive and most attractive infotainment/screen combination on any model in this segment. But that’s not all, folks, you also get a digital instrument cluster, as well as a head-up display. Another very attractive standard feature is a full 360-degree camera system, the likes of which are usually found on much more expensive vehicles.
Digital instrumentation is another feature not generally fitted as standard to vehicles in this segment.
The array of standard luxury and infotainment features is impressive, but what sets this 1.5T Super Luxury variant apart from its siblings (and from much of the competition, truth be told) is its eyebrow-raising active safety features package. Adaptive cruise control is standard, which includes Traffic Jam Assist (that means the vehicle will crawl and brake autonomously in low-speed traffic), as are the traffic-sign recognition and pedestrian/cyclist detection with automated emergency braking functions.
Impressively, you also get a lane-departure warning function in conjunction with lane-keep assist and active lane-centre keeping (LCK). All of this is very good, of course, and during our test period, all the active safety systems worked very efficiently in everyday traffic conditions. Having said that, they can be a trifle intrusive, because they prompt the Jolion to emit a plethora of beeps and alerts as the vehicle’s sensors detect “potential trouble”. If you delve into the infotainment system, however, there are menus where you can lessen the severity of the notifications and even deactivate some functions.
Performance and fuel economy
A smart-looking rotary knob controls the Jolion’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Note neat storage slots for cards, smartphones etc.
The Haval Jolion is powered by the same 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that served in the H2. It’s not a particularly punchy unit, with 105 kW on offer between a relatively heady 5 600 and 6 000 rpm, and torque of 210 Nm between 2 000 and 4 400 rpm. In the H2, and in manual versions, in particular, the engine suffered noticeable turbo lag and had to be kept “on the boil” with frequent gear shifting. We’ve not yet driven a Jolion with a manual gearbox, but this new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission appears to have been cleverly matched with the engine’s performance characteristics.
In fact, we would go as far as to say that the transmission “masks” most of the engine’s deficiencies, because it actually comes across as being a pleasingly throttle-sensitive powerplant during normal driving – there are also driving modes on offer should you want to attempt to sharpen things up – or prioritise fuel economy. Ultimately, however, there are more refined powerplants on the market… When pushed hard, the Jolion’s engine sounds strained because the transmission tends to immediately reach for the upper end of the rev range, which, of course, is where the peak power resides.
Fuel economy, or the relative lack thereof, remains our main gripe with the overall package. Haval claims an average fuel economy figure of 7.5 L/100 km, but that’s simply not a realistic return; even when we engaged the Economy drive mode and adopted a measured driving style, we couldn’t achieve a comparable (indicated) consumption readout. It’s also a drivetrain that, in terms of fuel efficiency, appears to be very sensitive to driving style (more so than usual) and, for that reason, we suspect you’re more likely to see real-world consumption figures of between 9.0 and 12 L/100 km.
What does the Haval Jolion cost in South Africa?
The Haval Jolion 1.5T Super Luxury is the flagship of the Jolion line-up and is priced at R398 900 (July 2021). There are no optional extras to be added to this product. The price includes an impressive 5-year/100 000 km warranty and 5-year/60 000 km service plan.
Deservedly popular straight-off-the-bat, the Haval Jolion is the first Chinese-made vehicle to genuinely cause market disruption in SA.
Given the extremely high interest in this newcomer to the market, the Haval Jolion was put through extra-intensive scrutiny during its tenure in our test fleet. In the end, we’re not sure what is more impressive – the seemingly multi-generational leaps in overall design and features that Haval has achieved with this model… or the VERY keen price at which the brand offers this level of product.
Only time will tell how sustainable the fledgling Chinese SUV brand’s aggressive pricing will be, but the reality of the matter is that even if the Jolion cost the same as its established rivals it would be worthy of very serious consideration – the offering itself has simply dramatically improved, although we still have concerns about its fuel economy.
So, should you seriously consider the Haval Jolion when shopping for a small crossover/compact family car in the R300 000 to R400 000 price bracket? In short… you’d be silly not to. In fact, some buyers looking for a new vehicle in the R400 000 to R600 000 ballpark may do well to give this newcomer a closer look!
We trust that you found this Haval Jolion review to be useful and insightful!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Haval Jolion a good car to buy?
According to Cars.co.za, the Haval Jolion is considered a good car to buy as it is a popular choice in the compact SUV segment. It offers an appealing blend of style, standard features, practicality, and value-for-money.
Is the Jolion a fuel-efficient car?
While Haval claims a fuel consumption range of 5.1-8.1 L/100km, the article notes that the car has been criticised for higher-than-expected fuel consumption in real-world driving situations.
Is the Haval Jolion all-wheel-drive?
No, the article specifies that the Haval Jolion is offered exclusively as a front-wheel-drive car.
Is Haval preparing to introduce an affordable electric SUV? Recent patent submissions in Australia seem to suggest so…
South Africa’s adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is far behind that of other regions in the world. There are multiple reasons for this fact but one of the main reasons is that EVs are just too expensive for the majority of South Africans.
If you consider the EVs that are currently available in South Africa, your options are limited to the BMW i3, Mini Cooper SE, Jaguar I-Pace and the Porsche Taycan (as well as the Taycan Cross Turismo). The Mini Cooper SE is currently the cheapest EV on sale in South Africa with a price tag of R686 400 while the top-of-the-range Porsche Taycan comes in eye-wateringly close to R4-million. More so, if you look at the electric cars destined to reach South Africa in 2021/22, they are not getting cheaper. No wonder you don’t see many EV’s on the road, no one can afford them!
One of the key hurdles to increasing EV adoption in South Africa is the introduction of affordable EVs that will appeal to a wider audience. Haval might be the brand to do it…
Is a Haval electric SUV on the horizon?
An affordable Haval electric SUV might be on the cards.
A report from Australia is suggesting that a new electric compact SUV model could be on the cards citing new patent filings showing a compact SUV with a blocked out grille which is typical of EVs as there’s no engine that requires cooling.
The speculation is that this supposed electric compact SUV from Haval could share styling with the 2019 WEY-S concept and be based on hybrid WEY Macchiato. WEY is a premium crossover/SUV brand under GWM.
Haval has a knack for offering value-for-money SUVs in South Africa and the latest Haval Jolion compact SUV and Haval H6 SUV are good examples of this. In less than 5 years, Haval has climbed the sales charts and is now a major player in our market. What other Chinese brand can claim such vigorous success in South Africa?
While there hasn’t been an official announcement for a new electric Haval SUV, we will keep our eye on this developing story.
The question we pose to you is: If Haval introduced an electric SUV priced under R500k and fully loaded with standard features, would you buy it?
Hyundai has given its Kona compact crossover a makeover and it’s now available at Hyundai dealers nationwide. More so, Hyundai also welcomes the sportier Kona N Line to South Africa! Herewith pricing and specification details for the latest Kona and Kona N Line.
Hyundai’s quirkily-styled Kona came to market in 2018 and while it certainly turned heads with its unique look, it also divided opinion. Nonetheless, Hyundai sold 1 700 new Konas in Mzansi since it came to market. In September 2020, Hyundai unveiled a thoroughly revised Kona boasting a fresh look and updated interior trim and features and it has now arrived on local showroom floors.
Hyundai Kona gets new look and sporty Kona N Line joins the range
The Kona’s interior now benefits from a larger infotainment system and additional standard features.
The facelifted Kona stands 40 mm longer than before and from a styling perspective, the latest Kona gains a longer bonnet, wider grille design and wider LED daytime running lights. A keen eye will also notice vertical aero inlets positioned on the outside edges of the bumper. The rear light clusters have also been revised with horizontal graphics and a large skid plate provides some added visual presence. The Kona rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and buyers can also opt for redesigned 17- and 18- inch alloy wheel options. Note that buyers can also opt for a stylish two-tone paint finish for both the Kona Executive and Kona N Line.
The Kona N Line offers more kerb appeal and sporty styling to the tar.
For buyers looking to make a stronger statement, perhaps the sporty Kona N Line will grab your attention? While the Kona N Line doesn’t feature any mechanical upgrades over the standard Kona, it does gain some sporty elements such as the obligatory N Line badges, more aggressively styled grille, uniquely styled rear bumper and body-coloured wheel arches.
Inside, the Kona N Line gains a push-button start and 10.25-inch Smart Vision digital instrument cluster. The Kona N Line is also exclusively offered with a safety package as standard which adds features such as smart cruise control (adaptive), forward collision assist, lane-keeping assist / lane-following assist, blind-spot collision assist and safe exit assist.
Other key interior features for the enhanced Kona includes a larger 8-inch infotainment system which offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, leather upholstery, rear park assist with rearview camera (with guidelines) and wireless charging. The Kona is now also fitted with climate control air conditioning as standard.
What engines are available for the Kona?
Buyers can choose from 2 petrol engines in South Africa.
Hyundai offers 2 engines for the Kona. First up is a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 110 kW and 179 Nm, mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission while buyers also can also opt for the more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine which offers 146 kW and 265 Nm of torque and is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Note that the previous turbocharged 1.0-litre Kona has now fallen away.
We will be driving the latest Kona this week, so lookout for a full launch report coming your way soon.
Also, note that the fully-fledged Hyundai Kona N will launch in South Africa in Q1 2022.
How much does the Hyundai Kona cost in South Africa?
Kona 2.0 Executive Auto – R449 900
Kona 1.6 TGDI Executive DCT – R499 900
Kona 1.6 TGDI N Line DCT – R579 900
The Hyundai Kona is sold with a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 5-year/75 000 km service plan.
Bugatti going Croatian (and electric). And now, the final atmospheric V12 Lamborghini. It has been a tough week for supercar fans.
Lamborghini has announced that its fabled naturally-aspirated V12 engine, is being phased out. The final product to use this powerplant will be the brand’s Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimate.
Reality has finally caught up with Lamborghini’s ambitions and the company can no longer resist legislations around fleet vehicle emissions. This might not mean an end to V12 engines for Lamborghinis, but in future, they most certainly will be hybridized.
In typical Italian style, Lamborghini is making its very last naturally-aspirated V12 engines the most potent. Powering the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimate will be a 574 kW version of the huge 6.5-litre V12. That makes this final Aventador V12, 29 kW more potent than an Aventador S and 7 kW stronger than the SVJ edition.
The engine doesn’t lack for torque, either, at 720 Nm. Harnessed by all-wheel drive, the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimate has prodigious performance. Lamborghini claims 0-100 kph in only 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 355 kph.
For many prospective owners, the true appeal of this Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimate is not the statistics, but rather the linear power delivery of its engine, undiluted by turbocharging. The result? A usable engine speed ceiling of 8 500 rpm, which conclusively makes the case of why enthusiast drivers will miss naturally-aspirated engines, so much.
The overall design is slightly more to the theme of legacy instead of outrageous hypercar drama, although Lamborghini has not been shy with the presence of carbon fibre. That helps trim the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimate’s weight to only 1 550 kg. Not bad, for a V12-powered supercar.
How many of these final naturally-aspirated V12 Lamborghinis will there be? Total production will peak at only 600 units, with 350 of those being coupes and the balance, being roadsters.
Toyota AE86 (full BEAMS setup) – One man’s mission to rescue his dream car
Modifying cars sometimes goes very smoothly but…a lot of the time, it really doesn’t. However, when you’re trying to rescue your dream car, owners tend to push through the difficult times.
Looking for a used Toyota for sale in South Africa? We have over 9000 to choose from!
For this owner, the difficult times involved a couple of blown engines, a few engine swops, dealing with Covid lockdowns, a gearbox replacement…the car was a real challenge.
Until he decided to pursue a full BEAMS setup, enlisting the help of Jonathan and Des from Rapid Builds in Gauteng, South Africa.
Jonathan and Des have been responsible for a few cars that we’ve featured on our channel, including that mental Ferrari/Maserati-engined M3 and the Supra-engined Z3 M Coupe.
We hope you enjoy this AE86 feature; let us know in the comments below what you’ve been through to get your build on the road
A notable blend of old and new for the Ineos Grenadier.
Land Rover fans should best stop reading now and click on something else.
Still here? Okay. Ineos has revealed images of its Grenadier cabin architecture and it looks fantastic.
The British off-road vehicle brand is nearly done with validation testing for its 21st-century Defender lookalike and we have driven a prototype. It is good. Especially if you are the kind of driver who needs something between the old Defender and the current Discovery.
The Ineos’ fascia is a veritable treasure trove of rocker switches, buttons, dials and knobs. By bucking the trend for touchscreen over integration, Ineos has effectively prioritised manual driver interfacing. A lot of it.
The steering wheel is a two-spoke design, with simple satellite buttons, and a thumb-operated hooter, for the right hand.
Grenadier’s centre hang-down section is bulky and rectangular. It contains the HVAC controls and these are particularly chunky. For those drivers who hate having to fiddle with digitally haptic HVAC controls on a bumpy gravel road, there will be much approval for the Ineos ergonomic logic.
By far the most interesting aspect of Grenadier’s cabin design is the ceiling. There is a generous roof panel with switches, reminiscent of aviation cockpit design. What you’ll find here are switches for the auxiliary battery and electrical system, and differentials locks.
Flanking the roof panel controls, are two skylights, which give the Grenadier cabin a generosity of natural light. It is unclear what coatings have been applied, or if these skylights will be adequate at keeping harsh sunlight dimmed, in Karoo midday driving conditions.
Between the front seats, you’ll spot the BMW transmission shifter, and to its right, there is something you’ll never ordinarily see in any BMW: a low-range transfer case shifter. Ineos has also chosen to use a traditional girdle-operated parking brake.
Digitisation? There’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with all infotainment functions controlled by relayed by a 21.3-inch screen, with a rotary controller that looks like, you guessed it, BMW’s iDrive system.
Wanting its customers to use their vehicles in robust environments, and explore, Ineos has used water and dirt resistant materials for the seats and trim.
The luggage area has a non-slip floor and interestingly, asymmetric wheel arch intrusion mouldings, with the right side offering slightly less cross-loading space than the left.
Although the current-generation Ranger is nearing the end of its life cycle, this FX4 double-cab derivative proves Ford’s stalwart bakkie still offers much appeal.
We like: Ride quality, smooth drivetrain, appealing looks, clever tech
We don’t like: Dated ergonomics (particularly the climate control interface), some lower-grade cabin plastics
Fast Facts
Model Tested: Ford Ranger 2.0SiT Double-Cab 4×4 XLT FX4
Price: R704 500 (July 2021)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel
Power/Torque: 132 kW/420 Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Fuel efficiency: 7.5 L/100 km (claimed)
Towing capacity: 3 500 kg (braked)
What is the Ford Ranger FX4?
3D-effect badging and blacked-out trim distinguish the new Ranger variant from the XLT it is based on.
The current-generation Ranger (T6) entered production as long ago as 2011 and, even though the model has undergone several facelifts/updates during the past decade, it has remained a significant player in the market for its entire lifespan, which underlines the fact that the product (helped by continuous improvements on the part of Ford) was “right” out of the gate… Now that a new model is on the (somewhat distant) horizon, the Blue Oval is using the tradition of launching “special editions” to keep consumers interested in the Ranger, particularly when the segment is bursting with new talent.
But what exactly is a Ranger FX4 and who is it aimed at? Well, essentially it is an XLT-specification Ranger that has benefitted from the fitment of several cosmetic enhancements (inside and out). At the time of its introduction, the bakkie also debuted some class-leading technology, in the shape of FordPass Connect, which allows several of the vehicle’s features to be remotely operated via an app on its owner’s smartphone, but keep in mind that this feature is now standard on all XL, XLS, XLT, FX4, Wildtrak and Raptor derivatives – and not exclusive to the FX4.
Ultimately, the Ranger FX4 is aimed at lifestyle double-cab buyers who want something more distinctive and appealing from a design point of view, as well as a carefully judged mix of luxury and tech features. Let’s see whether the “senior citizen” of the bakkie segment still offers some youthful appeal…
Unique trim, red stitching and a leather dash covering lift the FX4’s cabin appeal markedly.
The Ranger FX4 is available exclusively with Ford’s single-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine that develops 132 kW at 3 500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque from 1 750 to 2 500 rpm. Although down on overall torque compared with some rivals’ motors, the engine is nicely matched with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission and, consequently, the powertrain hardly ever feels short of grunt.
The transmission is generally very responsive to throttle inputs, but if you want to sharpen things up even further, it does offer a Sport mode, as well as the option to shift manually. The smooth-shifting nature of the transmission also adds to an overall sense of on-road refinement. The 4×4 variant of the Ranger FX4 is the subject of this review and, again, the transmission plays a starring role in endowing the Ranger with well-measured throttle responsiveness in tricky off-road conditions. This variant further offers shift-on-the-fly 4×4 control, as well as a rear diff-lock.
The smooth 10-speed auto ‘box is one of the stars of the package, making the most of the turbodiesel motor’s available torque.
Ford claims a combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.5 L/100 km, which beats the competition, but of course, the reality is that you’re unlikely to achieve that exact figure. A far more likely return is an average fuel consumption figure of around 9 L/100 km, which is still impressive for this size and type of vehicle. For those of you who intend to tow trailers with your bakkie, the maximum (braked) towing capacity is 3 500 kg (3.5 tonnes). A tow bar is standard, by the way. Adaptive load control and Trailer Sway control are part of a comprehensive suite of active safety features.
Striking black 18-inch alloy wheels are standard. Ground clearance is good for off-roading, but mind the wide side-steps.
On the go on the road (and off it), the Ranger remains one of the most impressive double-cabs you can buy, particularly from a ride comfort point of view. The standard wheels on this derivative are striking black 18-inch items, wrapped in generously rubbered 265/60 tyres.
Unlike many other double-cabs (even some of the more modern ones), the Ford retains its impressive ride comfort even when unladen; it doesn’t exhibit that typical rear-end “hop” that most leaf-sprung vehicles exhibit when they traverse rough surfaces or encounter large bumps on tarred roads. The Ranger FX4 is a bulky vehicle, of course (just like all modern luxury double-cabs), but the bakkie’s light steering, good visibility out of the cabin and standard front and rear parking sensors, as well as a reverse-view camera, are particularly helpful when negotiating the tight confines of the city.
What’s the impact of the FX4-specific changes?
A black mesh grille clearly distinguishes the Ranger FX4 from the chrome-fronted XLT.
Design is, of course, a very subjective matter, but in our test team’s collective opinion, the FX4 is probably the best-looking Ranger variant yet! The changes are subtle, but certainly effective, particularly so on our striking Race Red-finished test unit. With its black mesh grille, blacked-out details, FX4 decals and “extended leg” sports bar, the Ranger FX4 doesn’t only manage to still, somehow, look modern, but also distinctive, even in a car park filled with many other Rangers. A nice, practical touch is the standard fitment of a drop-in load-bed liner with a power socket.
Inside, the biggest change is the stitched leather upper section of the fascia, which certainly helps to elevate the cabin’s appeal, because some of the lower plastic surfaces are not quite as convincing. The (unique to FX4) partial leather seat upholstery is attractive, and the Ranger’s trademark mix of digital and analogue instrumentation still looks fresh. The bakkie does show its age in the cluster of secondary physical (button) controls in the hang-down section, however… The buttons that operate the dual-zone climate control system are positioned quite low and are quite small, but this is a very minor gripe.
Overall, the cabin remains a comfortable and luxuriously equipped space to occupy, also for rear passengers, which are afforded plenty of legroom. Ford’s smart Sync3 infotainment system is standard and, of course, offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other standard features include cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatically activated headlamps and keyless entry/start.
FordPass Connect, which is now standard on most new Rangers, offers several very useful features.
The big news, from a tech point of view, however, is FordPass Connect. If you download the FordPass app to your smartphone, you’ll not only be able to access a plethora of useful information (including the full owner’s manual) about your particular vehicle (such as warranty and maintenance details) but also access a number of vehicle functions remotely, such as starting the engine, locking and unlocking the doors and priming the interior climate control. The latter function is arguably the most useful from a practical point of view, particularly at the height of summer.
How much does the Ford Ranger FX4 cost in South Africa?
The Ford Ranger 2.0SiT Double-Cab 4×4 XLT FX4 retails for R704 500 (July 2021). A 4-year/120 000 km warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km service plan are included in the price.
The FX4 is one of the most appealing models in the vast Ranger line-up. This Ford bakkie remains a strong competitor in the segment.
The South African bakkie-buying community is, of course, very familiar with the Ranger’s talents and this FX4 derivative uses that solid platform to offer a distinctive (upper) mid-spec offering. Whether the extra style is worth the extra R30k-odd over a standard XLT will be up to individual buyers to decide, but, in our view, the FX4 package neatly finishes off an already impressive offering.
You can look but you can’t touch. Volkswagen has revealed its new sub-5-second family estate, the Golf R Variant, and it’s not coming to SA.
Yes, it packs the same 235 kW / 420 Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre engine as the forthcoming Golf R hot hatch but adds notable practicality with a longer body. In fact, the Golf R Variant is some 349 mm longer than its hatchback sibling and is some 79 kg heavier.
The sprint from zero to 100 kph is claimed at 4.9 seconds which is only 0.2 seconds slower than the new Golf R hatchback. Top speed is rated at 250 kph but it can be increased to 270 kph with the Performance Package which also adds 19-inch wheels as well as additional driving modes including a Drift mode and Nurburgring mode. Volkswagen has also adjusted the suspension accordingly to compensate for the additional weight of the vehicle.
From a practical perspective, the Golf R Variant offers a generous load bay with space claimed at 611 litres with the rear seats in the upright position. With the seats folded down, interior load space increases to a useful 1 642 litres.
Other notable interior details include sport seats with blue details, a flat-bottom steering wheel with blue stitching, carbon-fibre-look trim, blue ambient lighting and blue colouring seen in both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen.
Will the Volkswagen Golf R Variant be sold in South Africa?
The Golf R Variant adopts a distinct blue interior theme.
No, unfortunately not. Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed that the new Golf R, which is due to arrive in South Africa in Q1 2022, will not be accompanied by its Golf R Variant sibling. The Golf R wagon will primarily be sold in Europe, where demand for station wagons remains robust.
At Cars.co.za, we love station wagons, particularly the powerful ones and we long for the day that station wagons will once more become a common sight on our roads.
Do you want to see the Volkswagen Golf R Variant in South Africa?
