Renault Duster (2025) Review

The Renault Duster used to be a very popular buy in South Africa. The 4-wheel-drive version, in particular, was regarded as a rugged and practical proposition in a sea of crossovers without real rough-road ability. Does the new model hold similar appeal?

We like: Ride quality, ground clearance and gravel-road ability (though not necessarily in deep sand), spacious and quiet cabin, good fuel economy, striking looks

We don’t like: Reduced load-bay capacity compared with non-hybrid variants, 4×4 only available with manual gearbox and in Zen trim (some features missing), runs out of puff at higher speeds

FAST FACTS

Model: 2025 Renault Duster 1.2T hybrid Zen 4WD
Price: R549 999 (June 2025)
Engine: 1.2‑litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol + 48V mild‑hybrid system
Transmission: 6‑speed manual, all‑wheel drive
Power/Torque: 96 kW/230 Nm
0-100 kph: N/A
Claimed consumption: 5.7 L/100 km (claimed)
Luggage capacity: 444 litres (claimed)

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*The 3rd-gen Duster is one of the better- and more purposeful-looking compact SUVs in the new-car market.*

Where does the Renault Duster 4WD fit in?

The previous 2 generations of the Renault Duster were deservedly popular in South Africa because they offered an appealing blend of practicality, ruggedness and affordability. For family-car buyers who were looking for a capable lifestyle vehicle on a limited budget, it was a strong, well-merited proposition.

However, before the recent arrival of the new, 3rd-gen Duster, the model was absent from the new-car market for 2 years, while the French brand pondered its future strategy. Suffice it to say, the Duster now competes in a decidedly cluttered compact-family-car segment, even compared with its predecessor.

*The generous black cladding on the 3rd-gen Duster is made from recycled materials.*

In its new iteration, the Renault Duster 1.2T hybrid Zen 4WD – the flagship of the range – has become an even more specialised offering, possibly carving out a niche as a rugged, affordable mild‑hybrid AWD SUV. It’s only available in Zen trim (a lower specification than the Intens grade) and with a manual ‘box, signalling that Renault may believe that buyers will likely place a priority on traction over luxury.

For this class of buyer, the Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip emerges as a prime alternative: priced at R542 900 (June 2025), it packs a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder mild‑hybrid petrol engine (76 kW/137 Nm), a 6‑speed automatic with AWD, and a combined fuel economy of 5.6 L/100 km. It also offers a more comprehensive standard specification, including a sunroof, “leatherette” trim and a 360-degree camera.

*Thanks to utilising Renault’s CMF‑B platform, the Duster offers improved occupant space.*

Other rivals include the Suzuki Jimny 5‑door, which is more affordable than the Duster and has stronger off‑road credentials, but is weaker in terms of comfort and space, and the larger Mahindra Scorpio‑N, which offers a turbodiesel engine and 2 extra seats for long-distance, leisure-oriented 4WD needs.

Essentially, buyers considering the flagship Duster will have to figure out exactly how important 4-wheel drive (4WD) is for them, as better value potentially lies lower down in the Duster pecking order… but let’s see what this Duster 4WD has to offer.

*217 mm of ground clearance makes the Duster well-suited for travelling on gravel roads.*

How the Renault Duster 4WD fares in terms of…

Ride and Handling

The Renault Duster 1.2T hybrid Zen 4WD rides on striking 17‑inch alloys shod with 215/65 R17 all‑season tyres, and delivers a supple, quiet ride quality both on- and off-road. The tall tyre sidewalls help smooth over bumps and corrugations, and road and wind noise are unusually well-contained for its class.

*The 215/65 R17 all‑season tyres facilitate a supple ride quality and help to keep road noise to a minimum.*

With 217 mm of ground clearance and a terrain selector that avails Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand and Off‑road drive modes, the Renault Duster 4WD stays composed even on the rough stuff – absorbing rugged terrain with the same ease it manages suburban pothole impacts.

So, its rough-road ability is pretty impressive, but only as long as the surface is fairly solid. We found it less impressive on sand, but that’s largely due to the engine’s torque-delivery characteristics and a lack of low-range (instead, the Renault adapts its throttle mapping and traction-/stability control settings).

*At the centre of the drive-mode selector sits a button with which to activate hill-descent control.*

The steering feels light and predictable, which is ideal for city driving, although it lacks communicative feedback. The 6‑speed manual ‘box shifts smoothly, but may feel cumbersome in stop‐start conditions; seeing as there’s relatively little torque available, you’ll have to stir it quite often to maintain momentum.

Performance and Efficiency

As a mild‑hybrid (start‑stop & low‑speed assist only), the Duster’s 96 kW/230 Nm 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine delivers decent punch in everyday driving, but requires revs for brisk overtakes.

*After some spirited driving, the 1.2T hybrid Zen 4WD‘s fuel consumption had crept up to over 8 L/100 km*

Its performance becomes noticeably less impressive when the Duster is loaded with people and/or cargo and at higher speeds – an area in which the previous turbodiesel variant certainly was more convincing.

Renault claims an average fuel consumption of 5.7 L/100 km, but the more realistic, real-world figure is around 7 L/100 km, which is respectable, but less than game‑changing. Compared with the Grand Vitara, which is claimed to yield a marginally better 5.6 L/100 km, the Duster offers a similar level of efficiency.

*…but with frugal driving, we managed to achieve a return nearer to the claimed average of 5.7 L/100 km.*

Using Renault’s claimed consumption for the fuel-range calculation, you should be able to travel over 850 km on a full tank (50 litres) of fuel, but we believe it’s unlikely you could eke out that much mileage.

In summary, yes, the 1.2T hybrid is one of the efficient offerings in the crossover/compact SUV segment, but it has sacrificed some driveability in the process of going petrol-electric, as opposed to turbodiesel.

*Renault knows the Duster’s target market well; therefore, the new model’s build quality is solid rather than flashy/upmarket.*

Features and Practicality

The 1.2T hybrid Zen 4WD‘s interior marks a fairly major upgrade over those of its plucky predecessors, with Renault continuing a no-fuss philosophy that delivers purposeful design and modular convenience.

The cabin is anchored by a large (10.1‑inch) touchscreen infotainment system, which is angled toward the driver and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and -Android Auto, alongside a 7‑inch digital instrument cluster. A minor complaint is that the flat storage area positioned ahead of the gear lever, which would accommodate a wireless charging pad on an Intens-spec Duster, is too small for some smartphones.

*The 12.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.*

Two USB-C charging ports are offered at the front, with another 2 are provided for rear occupants. The innovative YouClip 3‑in‑1 system adds modular attachment points across the cabin, which are ideal for hanging gadgets, accessories or organising gear.

Whereas the Duster 1.3T Intens we reviewed had single-zone climate control, this variant has manual aircon, but essential driving aids such as cruise control, hill-start and downhill assist are standard.

*Rear legroom is usually scarce in a compact family car, but the Duster is roomier than most small crossovers.*

The Renault Duster 1.2T hybrid Zen 4WD also incorporates LED headlamps, daytime running lights, fog lamps, and rain-sensing wipers, which enhance convenience and safety in varied environments.

Cabin visibility is further improved with features such as a reverse-view camera and rear parking sensors, but a 360-degree multiview camera is not offered on this (Zen) derivative.

*The auto-start stop system can be deactivated if it’s bothersome in congested traffic.*

On the safety front, the Duster comes equipped with 6 airbags, auto lights, tyre-pressure monitoring, and electronic stability control as standard. The 1.2T hybrid Zen 4WD adds a dedicated 4WD monitor on the touchscreen that displays real-time off-road data such as terrain pitch, tilt, and torque distribution.

Practicality is enhanced thanks to the CMF‑B platform, which boosts interior space. The 3rd-gen Duster offers improved leg- and shoulder room, plus a superior load-bay capacity, over the previous model.

*This floor mat advises users not to load objects into the rear footwell because of the hybrid battery’s location.*

According to Renault SA, the front-wheel-drive derivatives’ load bays can accommodate 472 litres, but the 4WD mild-hybrid’s cargo space is slightly reduced due to battery packaging (444 litres), although it’s still ample for weekend gear. The rear seats can be folded to free up a very practical load area.

Materials throughout the cabin are durable and easy to clean, with an emphasis on recycled content reinforcing the model’s rugged, eco‑attuned credentials.

Our test unit was fitted with rubber mats with bold tyre-tread patterns (from the accessories catalogue), and this variant comes standard with modular roof bars that can accommodate loads of up to 70 kg.

*The modular roof bars can accommodate loads of up to 70 kg.*

Overall, the range-topping Duster strikes a good balance between tech-forward convenience and down-to-earth functionality, with a cabin that handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well.

Renault Duster 4WD price and after-sales support

The Duster 1.2T hybrid Zen 4WD retails for R549 999 (June 2025), which includes a 5‑year/150 000 km warranty and 3‑year/45 000 km service plan, with 15 000 km intervals.

New Renault Duster Specs & Prices in South Africa

Find a new/used Renault Duster listed for sale on Cars.co.za

*Although the Renault Duster 4WD remains a solid, no-nonsense offering, it’s not the pick of the range.*

Verdict

The Renault Duster 1.2T hybrid Zen 4WD is a solid, no‑nonsense all-wheel-drive choice. Offering rugged capability, modern tech, and strong fuel efficiency in 1 package, it’s aimed directly at buyers who truly need traction. But for most urban buyers, the Grand Vitara 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip may offer a similar, but more convenient alternative (automatic gearbox, and more comfort features) at a slightly lower price.

If your priorities include bang-for-buck, load-bay capacity, and urban drivability, consider a non‑hybrid Duster instead. But if your daily route includes gravel tracks or rural roads, and you’re comfortable with a manual, the Duster 4WD does make sense… only not as convincingly as its turbodiesel, better-value predecessor.

Watch David Taylor’s video review of the Renault Duster 1.3T Intens:

The latest Renault news and reviews

Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial Unveiled

The Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial is aimed at the business side of things. Here’s all you need to know about this unique conversion.

The Prado has been in huge demand since its debut in 2024 and Toyota is well aware. The Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial is a new model from the Toyota Professional family and has been adapted for business use.

The Land Cruiser Commercial is available in just one derivative: a 5-door long-wheelbase model and Toyota claims up to 2 000 litres of load capacity. Impressively, the vehicle is a conversion unit, with the work undertaken by Toyota’s production facility in the United Kingdom.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado latest specifications and pricing

The process appears fairly straightforward with the rear seats being removed, insertion of interior steel panels as well as a full-heigh metal bulkhead. A hard-wearing edge-to-edge floor tray has been installed in the load bay. The numbers make for practical reading.

It measures 1 090 mm high, 1 685 mm long and a maximum 1 286 mm wide, giving a cargo capacity (VDA measurement) of up to 2 000 litres. The tow rating remains the same at 3.5 tons. In terms of features, Toyota claims this new Land Cruiser Commercial offers more standard equipment and features than the outgoing model and we can see that most of the Prado passenger’s features have shifted across, topped off by the Toyota Safety Sense package.

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, a power back door with opening window hatch, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, electronic parking brake and automatic dual-zone air conditioning. The multimedia system includes a 9-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Under the bonnet is the standard 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine, paired to an 8-speed auto gearbox. The vehicle retains its all-wheel drive with selectable drive modes and there’s 150 kW and 500 Nm on tap. Toyota Europe confirms this powertrain will be enhanced in the near future with 48V hybrid technology.

Will the Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial come to South Africa?

Officially Toyota Europe says the Land Cruiser Commercial will be going on sale in the United Kingdom from the 1st August 2025, but at this stage it is highly unlikely that South Africa will receive this model. Do you think there’s a place for it?

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Read all the latest Toyota news and reviews

Kia Sorento (2025) Launch Review

During the shortest of gaps (just a 48-hour window) in an otherwise torrential week of rain in the Cape, we evaluated the 2025 Kia Sorento – the South Korean marque’s premier SUV – on some prime tar and dirt roads in the Western Cape.

This is the 2025 Kia Sorento – it’s essentially a mid-life update for the 4th-gen model that debuted in 2020 on Kia’s N3 platform. The updates seem subtle (we’ll get to those shortly), but perhaps the most notable change is that, with the Sorento, Kia South Africa has resoundingly broken the R1-million barrier.

See also: Kia Sorento (2025) Price & Specs

What’s new?

Upon closer inspection, the 2025 Kia Sorento‘s restyle is quite extensive, especially at the front- and rear ends, where the Korean executive SUV receives new, vertical LED head and tail lamps.

The sculpted bonnet is taller too, lending its visage some heft, complemented by a 3D grille and chunky front bumper. Its newfound “truckiness” is duplicated at the rear for a more planted and purposeful look.

I particularly enjoy the bold chrome diffuser treatment that incorporates the tail pipes, and similarly, the 20-inch bitone alloy wheels shod in dirt-friendly rubber. The result is a more masculine Sorento – one that’s meant to match its bark with a diesel-powered bite.

Unlike its Hyundai Santa Fe cousin, the Kia foregoes hybridisation for a traditional turbodiesel – a 2.2-litre VGT (variable geometry turbo) inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch auto transmission.

With this configuration, the 2025 Kia Sorento churns a healthy 148 kW and 440 Nm regardless of which variant you’ve chosen, be it the EX+ (R999 995), SX (R1 199 995) or SXL (R1 299 995).

Does that trio of new-car list prices (correct in June 2025) surprise you? Well, let’s talk about that.

What does it offer?

As more Chinese brands’ models flood the R500k to R800k bracket of the new-car market’s crossover and SUV segment, you might wonder: “Where does that leave legacy brands such as Hyundai and Kia?”

Simply put, the Koreans are focusing on their strength: creating great cars with their 20-year advantage (over the Chinese) in our market, and for Kia, that means leaning into the luxury aspect of their vehicles.

The 2025 Kia Sorento doesn’t compete with Chery, GAC, Haval, Jaecoo and Omoda models; it’s meant to take on the German premium brands. In that context, its value proposition makes much more sense.

Think of the likes of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC – the revised Sorento undercuts them by about R100k. If you start adding options to one of those Teutonic offerings (to match the Sorento’s standard spec), you’ll quickly inflate your sticker price by another half a million rand.

Still, it’s a gamble to ask your customer if they’d rather own a R1.2-million Kia or a R1.4-million BMW…

But Kia has bundled features excellently. The base EX+ includes 6 airbags, electronic parking brake, ESC, trailer assist, front/rear PDC, a reverse-view camera, keyless entry & start, a wireless charger and more.

There’s also an Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-compatible 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that pipes out audio via 6 speakers, as well as a panoramic sunroof, dual zone air-con, and cruise control.

It’s feature-rich, and only grows in spec as you jump from 1 trim grade to the next. The mid-range SX variant boasts a larger array of electronic safety systems and a smart tailgate, and the flagship SXL is further enhanced with a luscious 12-speaker Bose audio system, head-up display and mood lighting.

We spent the test period at the multifunction helm (which is clad in leather, as are the seats, across the 2025 Kia Sorento range) of a 2.2 CRDi SX 8DCT AWD variant and didn’t want for anything…

What is it like to drive?

Clambering aboard the updated Sorento revealed a luxurious living space, comfortable and airy, with more than enough space for middle-row occupants, while a pair of 3rd-row seats is optional.

The driver’s pew was particularly pleasant – it’s an impressive cockpit if also a familiar one, mostly on par with the outgoing model and reminiscent of the Carnival (which is the Sorento’s MPV sibling and one of our favourite cars for long road trips).

On that note, it was time to shift into D and lean on the accelerator pedal. Our route was a scenic one, meandering along Sir Lowry’s Pass and Clarence Drive – 2 stalwart routes that allowed us to bend and contort the Sorento’s chassis, meter out its performance and get a feel for its suspension and braking.

The Sorento unwinds favourably the way a torquey diesel should, with overtaking a breeze to conduct. The soundtrack is muted, and that’s just fine in a turbodiesel 4-pot! Midrange torque is there when you need it, gobbling up the long and twisty ascent that ascends Steenbras Dam.

The suspension is refined, introducing a natural amount of pitch and wallow without inducing much notable roll – the 2025 Kia Sportage, although no high-performance corner carver, is made of sporty SUV stuff; it’s a testament to a firm that’s been producing this class of product for decades.

As we detoured off the N2 on a particularly winding gravel section, the Sorento impressed again with its surefootedness, and there’s the objective fact (fight me, if you like) that it just looks right in this setting.

The Sorento is no 4×4, it’s an all-wheel-drive softroader, but when the road underneath you turns brown, it can hold its own. Here, on a slushy Highland Drive, it gripped when pushed and, thanks to great tactile feedback from the steering wheel, could be placed just so, making avoiding potholes a doddle.

What does the 2025 Kia Sorento cost in SA?

Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi EX+ 8DCT	R999 995
Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi SX 8DCT AWD	R1 199 995
Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi SXL 8DCT AWD	R1 299 995

Prices (June 2025) include a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km maintenance plan.

New Kia Sorento Specs & Prices in South Africa

Find a new/used Kia Sorento listed for sale on Cars.co.za

Verdict

Look, I’m not trying to sell you a R1-million Kia. I expected that the 2025 Kia Sorento would land around R100k shy of where it ultimately did, but upon reflection, I can understand how we got here.

And I don’t think it would be impossible for Kia to position its Sorento variants there, if it wanted to be especially competitive and make the German brands sweat. Not just those 3, but Volkswagen as well.

Toyota and Ford don’t have a product in this segment either, unless you open it up to ladder-framed 4x4s such as the Fortuner and Everest. But that’s not where the Sorento plays; it appeals to luxury-car buyers.

And based on that, I’ll concede that the 2025 Kia Sorento is fairly priced for what it offers, and ultimately, what it must compete against. Just know, it’s going to be a battle royale.

Johann Botha – Cape Town’s best-known car detailer

Johann Botha, who founded Dutchman’s Car Care Clinic in the Western Cape, has been detailing high-end cars for over a decade and a half. We sit down with him in Paarl to hear about his journey from washing minibus taxis… to detailing Bugattis.

As I walk into the premises, I’m immediately impressed by its modern, tastefully decorated interior, which is clean as a whistle, even though I’m standing just a few metres from where cars are washed every day.

For the past 6 months, Johann Botha has been detailing cars in a small storage facility in Paarl’s Zandwyk business park – a space he shares with a passionate car collector.

Currently focused on 1 collection

I can’t help but ogle at the collector’s new, modern and modern classic cars, which are stacked on triple car lifts. It includes a 964-series Porsche 911 Carrera 4, a current-gen BMW M3 CS, as well as a Ferrari 360 Modena F1 and supercars in the shapes of a Ferrari 812 Superfast and a McLaren 675 LT.

Parked in front of the lifts is a 991.2-series Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which is currently being attended to. A neat collection indeed!

Johann walks with me upstairs, makes us a cup of coffee and shares his journey of the past 20 years.

“I grew up in Nietverdiend close to our border with Botswana – and far away from the world of supercars. I went to the UK in 2002, and when I returned in 2006, I was between a couple of jobs,” he says.

“It wasn’t a great time for me, but then 1 day I walked into a CNA in Heerengracht Street in Cape Town. I paged through a magazine that focused on entrepreneurs and business, and there I saw an article about mobile car washes. There and then, I decided that this is what I’m going to do. That was how I started.”

“Back then, I printed flyers and advertised my mobile car wash service at R70 per wash. I owned a Volkswagen Citi Golf at the time, and in its load bay was my vacuum cleaner, a bucket and sponges.

Started his business out of a Citi Golf

“I used to park at a fuel station, give out flyers, approach potential customers and also put the flyers in post boxes. It took about a week before my first client phoned me. You won’t believe it, but my first clients were Gold Fish (an electronic music duo from Cape Town, who are now based in the US).”

“Back then, I used to spend hours on a car, but only charge R70. I started to attract more business via word of mouth, but it was still hard work.

“I also used to wash taxis in the streets of Woodstock, which was a challenge! You have to work in the blazing sun, don’t have all the equipment you need, and must be wary of cars driving past you.

“Then I started charging a bit more for a wax job. After 4 years, I got my first client who owned a Ferrari. This was also after I had approached all the high-end dealerships to offer my services, and they all declined me. And after I finished my first Ferrari, that client was… very disappointed.

“You see, I then realised I don’t really know this trade. I can do a decent clean, but that’s different from detailing. I decided to do more research about detailing and realised it is an art.”

During these early years, Johann Botha and his then-new colleague, Darlington, went through very challenging times; however, things were about to take a turn for the better.

Ferrari came knocking

“My client sat at Ferrari and overheard a conversation about the detailers not being available on a specific day. He said to F errari that he ‘knew a guy’ who they should use. I will never forget; I was busy washing a Mercedes-Benz in the business park in Westlake in the sun when the call came from Ferrari. The ‘Benz was still full of soap, and the client said I just need to hose it down, and go to Ferrari quickly!”

“Darlington and I spent several hours on that Ferrari, and I charged the dealer something like R350. That was when the 1st Ferrari 458 units came into the country, and I was simply blown away by that car.

I remember when I invoiced them, the 1 Viglietti brother phoned me and said I can’t invoice so little for so many hours’ work. He said I should invoice for a larger amount to justify the effort we’d put into that job.”

This introduction to the Ferrari family and Johann’s effort to hang out with potential clients on Saturday mornings at the dealership allowed him to quickly broaden his client base.

One thing led to another, and when Crossley & Webb opened their business in Gardens, Johann was approached to hire a part of the premises so that he could manage the detailing side of the business.

Because Johann could attract clients to the business and vice versa, both parties would benefit from his presence on-site. “It was there where I started (what I would describe as) real detailing,” he adds.

Following his time at Crossley & Webb, Johann had another short stint as a mobile business, then joined Club 9, before advancing his career by founding Gardens-based The Archive along with 2 partners.

One of the highlights was when a group of Bugatti owners did a tour through the Cape with their Veyrons and Chirons, and The Archive (in conjunction with Johann’s team) was responsible for the logistics and cleaning the cars daily. “It is still one of the most fun things I’ve ever done,” he remarks.

Johann’s brand was called Dutchman’s Car Care Clinic. Two of his former staff members (John and David) still work for The Archive, “and I’m thankful for that because they also built my brand,” he says.

The ‘secrets’ Johann Botha knows about exotic cars

As we wrap up the interview, Johann Botha shares more stories about some of the most expensive cars he has worked on. He reveals details about the cars (such as build-quality issues, surprisingly) that few people will know about. After all, when you do a quality detail, you get to see parts that no one else does.

Recently, a long-standing client made Johann an offer. The result is that they are now based in Paarl, and it allows Johann to carry on with his detailing business.

However, he can now spend far more time with a client’s car/s, while there’s also time to look into business development, such as a product range that he hopes to launch in the very near future.

From washing taxis to detailing LaFerraris and Bugattis, Johann Botha has steadily climbed the ladder of automotive detailing in South Africa. It seems there is much, much more to come from this “Dutchman”.

Follow him on Instagram to view the cars he attends to or to book your car for a full detail.

Find a luxury or classic car listed for sale on Cars.co.za

New Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept is a 1 000+ kW preview

Meet the Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept, a 1 000+ kW preview of an upcoming 4-door fully electric super sedan from the folks over at Affalterbach…

The new Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept has been revealed as a 1 000+ kW preview of an upcoming 4-door fully electric production model that the German brand promises will unlock “a whole new dimension of performance”.

Officially dubbed the Concept AMG GT XX, the new all-wheel-drive show car employs a trio of axial flux electric motors (which Mercedes-Benz says will “enter series production at Mercedes‑AMG in 2026”) and a newly developed high-performance battery pack.

Mercedes-Benz’s Affalterbach-based performance division says the concept – which rides on 21-inch aero wheels equipped with 5 movable aero blades – includes an “abundance of technical solutions earmarked for use” in upcoming production models based on the latest AMG Electric Architecture.

Billed as the “next milestone in the history of AMG” (and seemingly previewing the successor to the GT 4-Door Coupé), the GT XX concept has a peak output of “over 1 000 kW”, while its top speed is listed as “more than 360 kph”. Perhaps even more impressively, Mercedes-AMG says the battery pack can be charged for “about 400 km of range” in “around 5 minutes”.

According to the German company, the new axial flux motors are more compact, lighter and more powerful than conventional radial flux electric motors. They are furthermore able to deliver a “considerably higher sustained power output as well as higher torque”. In the concept, a single motor is positioned at the front (though kicks in only when additional power or traction is required), with the remaining 2 sited at the rear.

What about the battery pack? Well, though the German automaker doesn’t list a capacity, it claims a high-energy density of 300 Wh/kg and a charging power of “more than 850 kW”. The company also describes the battery pack – which is integrated into the chassis – as a “completely new development”, adding that its “tall and slim” cylindrical cells deliver many cooling benefits.

Inside, the Concept AMG GT XX features a steering wheel similar to that used in the Mercedes-AMG One. The cabin features black trim along with silver and orange accents, while the 2 displays – a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen – are angled towards the driver.

“We’re bringing groundbreaking technology that redefines high performance. And the best thing is that this car is a true AMG with every fibre of its being. The heart of an AMG was always the motor, and that will remain so with our in-house electric architecture,” said Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

“With our high-tech axial flux motor, we’re delivering a revolutionary new drive that is unparalleled in terms of power density, weight and packaging. This pairs with a new performance battery developed from scratch that enables previously unimagined level of performance and endurance.”

VW Polo GTI – Top 5 Optional Extras to Consider

Eyeing the VW Polo GTI but want to make it a little more special? Here are 5 of the best optional extras available for the Kariega-built hot hatch in South Africa…

Based on 2024 sales figures, the locally built VW Polo GTI is South Africa’s most popular hot hatch. So, considering there are so many examples on Mzansi’s roads, how can you make yours feel a little more special?

Well, we’ve identified 5 of the best optional extras for the facelifted Mk6 model.

As a reminder, the 147 kW Polo GTI is produced at VW’s Kariega plant – the exclusive manufacturer of this nameplate for global markets, in fact – right here in South Africa. While it ships with a relatively generous list of standard equipment, there are a few choice options we’d consider specifying. So, here they are…

Top 5 Equipment Options for the VW Polo GTI

1. Tilt-and-Slide Panoramic Sunroof

An extremely popular option among Volkswagen new-car buyers in South Africa, the sunroof is 1 of only 2 extras (not counting paint colours) that have a direct impact on the look the Polo GTI from the outside. VW offers a tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof for its B-segment hot hatch, with this electrically operated item covering approximately half the length of the vehicle’s roof.

2. 18-inch Alloy Wheels for VW Polo GTI

As standard, the Polo GTI rides on 17-inch “Milton Keynes” alloy wheels wrapped in 215/45 R17 tyres. However, you also have the option of upgrading to 18-inch “Faro” items shod in 215/40 R18 rubber. Like the standard wheels, these rims are diamond-turned and feature an eye-catching black-and-silver finish, though in a completely different design.

3. Upgrade your VW Polo GTI with the Leather Package

If you ask us, the Polo GTI’s standard black cloth upholstery doesn’t exactly scream “flagship hot hatch”. To remedy such concerns, the German automaker will gladly sell you the “Varenna” leather package. Tick this box and you score sports seats up front, with leather all around. The front pews retain the standard heating function, and furthermore, each gains red contrast stitching and a “GTI” logo to further enhance the sporty look.

4. Infotainment Upgrade: Discover Media

If you order your VW Polo GTI in standard form the infotainment will be taken care of by the basic 8.0-inch “Composition Media” system. Upgrading to the “Discover Media” version (also using an 8.0-inch display), however, will add items such as built-in navigation, wireless App Connect, voice control and wireless smartphone charging. Moreover, this package includes VW’s highly configurable digital instrument cluster. We think it’s worth ticking this option box!

5. Safety Package for the VW Polo GTI

While the VW Polo GTI comes standard with all the basic safety features you’d expect (including a full complement of 6 airbags), the optional safety package adds some extra “big-car” kit. Select this option and your hot hatch will gain adaptive cruise control (complete with “stop and go” function) as well as a lane-keeping system and traffic-jam assist. Forward-collision warning and autonomous emergency braking are also included, along with proactive pedestrian monitoring.

Find a Volkswagen Polo GTI on Cars.co.za!

See specification and pricing details for the new VW Polo GTI

Haval H6 vs Jaecoo J7 vs Ford Territory

We compare the specifications of the Jaecoo J7 and Ford Territory to see how well they stack up against those of the popular Haval H6. Which one of these family SUVs makes the strongest buying proposition? Let’s find out!

If you’re in the market for a new family car, there are many candidates to consider in mid-2025! New products, such as the Jaecoo J7 are giving established models such as the Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester and the Haval H6 a run for their money!

Chery’s new Jaecoo sub-brand is now in South Africa and the J7 is the first family-car model in its line-up with more products coming to Mzansi soon, the first right-hand-drive market in which the Chinese brand has been introduced.

After discontinuing several models such as the Figo, Fiesta and EcoSport, Ford is now making a passenger-car comeback of sorts, given the launch of its Puma compact crossover and the arrival of the Ford Territory family SUV, the latter racking up impressive sales numbers since its launch in April 2024.

Since both the Jaecoo J7 and Ford Territory are produced in China, we think it’s appropriate to pit them against a hugely successful Chinese-made family car in SA — yes, you guessed it, the Haval H6!

Haval, Great Wall Motor’s luxury SUV division, has been on a tear since the (now prominent) brand arrived on local soil in 2017. Steady sales of its Jolion compact SUV and H6 family SUV have propelled the brand up the sales chart to become one of the country’s best-selling SUV marques. More so, a thoroughly updated H6 has arrived in June 2025 and it’s expected to further solidify the model’s standing in the local market.

Now, with the Jaecoo J7 in the family car mix and the Ford Territory vying for the flag, how do their spec sheets and prices compare with those of the Haval H6? Which car has the strongest buying proposition?

Also, watch our video comparison of the Jaecoo J7 and Ford Territory below!

This article aims to help you, the consumer, make an informed buying decision (or at least finalise your shortlist of contenders). 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 Exterior Styling, Performance & Efficiency, Interior Features & Safety, Dimensions & Practicality, as well as Pricing & Warranty details.

If, at the end of this article, you are still undecided about what to buy, you are more than welcome to reach out to us for advice via X, Facebook or Instagram. Our experienced test team will gladly assist you.

Haval H6 vs Jaecoo J7 vs Ford Territory

Exterior Styling

Jaecoo J7

The Jaecoo J7 comes to market with a suave design. Its upright slatted grille and slim headlights make a strong style statement, while its hidden door handles and sleek haunches enhance the modernised look.

The J7 range comprises 3 derivatives: the front-wheel-drive 1.6T Vortex and 1.6T Glacier (riding on 18-inch alloy wheels), as well as the range-topping 1.6T Inferno AWD, which gains larger (19-inch) rims.

Haval H6

The facelifted Haval H6 has just arrived in South Africa with a refined design execution that aims to elevate the H6 to the top of the segement. Haval has revised the front-end with a more progressive grille design and unique Daytime Running Light (DRL) design as well offering sportier 19-inch alloy rims to complete the new look.

The H6 range comprises both front- and all-wheel-drive derivatives with Luxury, Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury trim lines on offer. In addition, the H6 HEV (Hybrid) is offered in Ultra Luxury guise and, for those looking for a sportier H6 experience, the H6 GT is also available with the new powerful H6 GT PHEV, topping the H6 range.

Ford Territory

The Ford Territory boasts an attractive front-end design characterised by a distinctive grille design and daytime-running-light signature. Chrome finishes add a dash of class to the package and a tapering silhouette provides a sense of athleticism.

There are 3 Territory trim options on offer: the base Ambiente, mid-spec Trend (both with 18-inch alloy wheels) and a range-topping Titanium (with 19-inch alloy wheels) and Territory Dark Edition.

Performance & Efficiency

	Jaecoo J7	Haval H6	Ford Territory
Powertrain	1.6-litre turbopetrol 1.5-litre turbopetrol SHS PHEV	2.0-litre turbopetrol (Standard) 1.5-litre turbopetrol HEV 1.5-litre turbopetrol PHEV (H6 GT)	1.8-litre turbopetrol
Power Output	145 kW (1.6T) 255 kW (SHS PHEV)	170 kW (Standard) 179 kW (H6 HEV) 342 kW (H6 GT PHEV)	138 kW
Torque Output	290 Nm (1.6T) 525 Nm (SHS PHEV)	380 Nm (Standard) 530 Nm (H6 HEV) 762 Nm (H6 PHEV)	318 Nm
Transmission	7-speed dual-clutch automatic (1.6T) CVT (SHS PHEV)	9-speed dual-clutch automatic (Standard, H6 GT) CVT (H6 HEV + GT PHEV)	7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel Consumption (Claimed)	7.0 L/100km (FWD) 7.8 L/100km (AWD) 4.7 L/100km (SHS PHEV)	5.2-8.3 L/100km (Standard) 5.2 L/100km (H6 HEV) 5.4 L/100km (H6 GT PHEV)	7.0 L/100km

Jaecoo J7

We recently drove the Jaecoo J7 at its local launch in Johannesburg and while it doesn’t perform poorly, it does lack some urgency in terms of acceleration. This is a result of its tardy transmission calibration, which while smooth in operation, is sluggish to respond to throttle inputs. Admittedly, even though this might irk a few buyers, it’s unlikely to unsettle those who will be happy with the Jaecoo’s workmanlike performance and high feature value proposition, especially in 1.6T Glacier guise.

The Jaecoo J7 does have a comfortable ride quality (it’s not firmly sprung), which family car buyers will appreciate. According to our correspondent, the J7’s steering feel is light, which makes it a breeze to execute parking manoeuvres, but it does lack a sense of directness with a vague steering response.

We also spent an extended period with the J7 and we recommend that you read our “Living with it” article a thorough analysis of this car.

Read our Jaecoo J7 Launch Review

Haval H6

Compared with the J7’s 1.6-litre turbopetrol powertrain, the H6’s uprated 2.0-litre 4-pot turbopetrol is punchier and quite well-calibrated with the transmission to deliver a pleasing driving experience. There’s sufficient oomph for overtaking (when required) and the H6 pips its countryman with good overall performance.

Also see: Haval H6 (2025) Specs & Price in SA

As far as ride quality is concerned, the H6 doesn’t disappoint. While the Haval’s suspension is relatively firmly sprung, it doesn’t sacrifice overall ride comfort. As it turns out, it contributes to a more engaging drive, in combination with a more direct and communicative steering feel.

The performance of the H6 HEV is even more impressive, boasting the full-fat 179 kW and 530 Nm of torque, which is plenty for a family car. The H6 HEV is also the most frugal in the range (5.2 L/100 km versus standard derivatives’ 7.4 L/100 km), which is important considering the rising cost of fuel.

As for the new H6 GT PHEV, it offers considerable performance punch with its 1.5-litre PHEV powertrain producing 321 kW and 762 kW! Watch the review below for insight on its performance!

Ford Territory

We tested the new Ford Territory at the end of 2024 and came away impressed with its general performance. Not only does the Territory deliver a comfortable ride quality but it also exhibits a pleasingly refined driving experience. It utilises a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but in this case, it’s mated with a 138 kW/318 Nm 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine.

The transmission is smooth and unobtrusive and in-gear acceleration is more than adequate for executing overtaking manoeuvres. Based on our launch drive experience, the Territory also delivers good fuel consumption for a car of its size. Ford claims 7.0 L/100 km, we saw an indicated figure of 8.1 L/100 km at the end of our launch drive (the figure dropped to as low as 7.7 L/100 km during the journey).

When compared to the Jaecoo J7 and 2.0-litre Haval H6 derivatives, the Territory’s performance is not as forthcoming at its rivals and is clearly outgunned in terms of power and torque.

Interior Execution and Features

For the purpose of this feature comparison, we will compare the specifications offered in the range-topping derivatives of each model range.

You can study the feature comparison here or you can use our handy New Car Comparison Tool to compare any car models you like!

	Jaecoo J7 Inferno AWD	Haval H6 HEV Ultra Luxury	Ford Territory Titanium
Infotainment system	14.8-inch portrait-style touchscreen	14.6-inch touchscreen	12.3-inch touchscreen
Digital Instrument Cluster	Yes, 10.25-inch digital display with Head-UP Display	Yes, 10.25-inch digital display, with Head-Up display	Yes, 12.3-inch digital display is integrated into a single panoramic display
Android Auto / Apple CarPlay	Yes, both	Yes, both	Yes, both
Bluetooth, Voice Control, USB, Wireless Charging	Yes to all. 2 front USB, 2 rear USB	Yes, 1 front USB 1 rear USB	Yes to all. 3 front USB, 1 rear USB
Rear View Camera	Yes, with panoramic view (360 degrees)	Yes, with panoramic view (540 degrees)	Yes
Steering Adjustment: Rake / Reach	Yes, both	Yes, both	Yes, both
Cruise Control	Yes, adaptive	Yes, adaptive	Yes, adaptive
Air Conditioning	Dual Zone Climate Control	Dual Zone Climate Control	Dual Zone Climate Control
Panoramic Sunroof	Yes, sliding	Yes	Yes, dual-sliding
Upholstery / electric seats	Artificial leather, front electric seats with heating/ventilation	Artificial leather, front electric seats with heating/ventilation	Leather, manual adjustment
Front / Rear Park Distance Control	Both	Both	Both
Safety Features	8 airbags, ABS with EBS, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control , Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Hill Descent Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring	6 airbags, ABS with EBS, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control , Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Hill Descent Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring	6 airbags, ABS with EBS, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control , Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Hill Descent Control, Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring

Jaecoo J7

The Jaecoo J7 features a minimalist interior design execution, replete with one of the largest, if not the largest, central touchscreens in the family-car segment. The J7’s standard specification is generous, even in the base 1.6T Vortex offering, with the mid-spec Glacier arguably being the pick of the range.

Compared with the Haval H6 and Ford Territory, the Jaecoo has the most airbags (8) and its standard safety specification is indeed very good. Some safety features seem overly sensitive, however; they tend to trigger multiple (intrusive) audible warnings, which you can only deactivate via the touchscreen menu.

Haval H6

Haval’s fully loaded standard specification strategy has paid off – it’s one of the reasons why the H6 has proven such a hit in the South African new-vehicle market. Beyond the Haval’s neat and modern cabin execution, buyers are availed of a wide range of comfort and convenience features.

Ford Territory

The Ford Territory’s cabin is a pleasant place to be and we found its perceived build quality to be very good indeed. The highlight feature is the expansive screen that houses the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen, which reminds of the infotainment screens seen in the latest Mercedes-Benz models.

That’s a good thing, because the panoramic screen gives the cabin a decidedly premium ambience, which might partly justify the Territory’s higher-than-average asking price. Other interior highlights include a dual-panel panoramic “Moonroof”, but the Territory does lack a few nice-to-haves such as electric seat adjustment and ventilated seats.

Dimensions and Practicality

	Jaecoo J7	Haval H6	Ford Territory
Length	4 500 mm	4 703 mm	4 630 mm
Width	1 865 mm	1 886 mm	1 935 mm
Height	1 680 mm	1 730 mm	1 706 mm
Wheelbase	2 672 mm	2 738 mm	2 726 mm
Kerb Weight	1 709 kg	1 720 kg	1 630 kg
Ground Clearance	200 mm	170 mm	190 mm
Load Capacity	412 litres	TBC	435 litres

Jaecoo J7

The J7 has a smaller footprint than the H6 and Territory, but has the highest clearance advantage of the 3 models (200 mm), which is useful if you intend to venture off tar. Moreover, if you opt for the range-topping 1.6T Inferno AWD, which is equipped with Jaecoo’s All Road Drive Intelligent System (ARDIS) that has 7 drive modes (including Sand and Mud), you’ll have some added confidence in the dirt.

Note that the Jaecoo’s wheelbase is also shorter, which will, inevitably, translate into less cabin space for passengers and luggage. The J7 is fitted with a full-size spare, which results in a shallow load bay with a claimed capacity of 412 litres, which contrasts starkly with the generous 600 litres offered by the H6.

Haval H6

The numbers suggest the Haval H6 is the most practical offering compared with the J7 and Territory. It has a generously-sized load bay for hauling luggage and the boot-floor height can be easily adjusted.

While its ground clearance (170 mm) is the lowest in this trio of family cars, the AWD-equipped H6 has an off-road driving mode to maximise traction should you decide to drive on an unsealed surface.

Ford Territory

The Territory has a ground clearance of 190 mm and is a front-wheel drive model only. Despite having a traction-enhancing “Mountain Mode”, the Territory will be most comfortable on tar.

However, the Territory’s true strength lies in its clever packaging. Its load bay looks larger than its claimed 448-litres suggests and combined with its added width and generous wheelbase, the Territory has its rivals licked as far as passenger comfort is concerned and offers excellent rear leg- and knee room for rear passengers.

Price and Warranty

Be sure to check out our New Car Specials to get a good deal on your next car!

Buy a used Jaecoo J7 on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Haval H6 on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Ford Territory on Cars.co.za

*Note that pricing is accurate as of June 2025.

	Jaecoo J7	Price	Haval H6	Price	Ford Territory	Price
Entry	J7 1.6T Vortex (FWD)	R499 900	H6 2.0T Luxury (FWD)	R495 500	Territory 1.8 Ambiente	R593 500
Mid	J7 1.6 T Glacier (FWD	R579 900	H6 2.0T Super Luxury (FWD)	R542 500	Territory 1.8T Trend	R650 500
			H6 2.0T Luxury (4WD)	R574 500
Top	J7 1.6T Inferno (AWD)	R679 900	H6 2.0T Ultra Luxury	R614 500	Territory 1.8T Titanium	R725 500
			H6 1.5T HEV Luxury	R641 500	Territory 1.8T Dark Edition	R733 000
			H6 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury	R686 500
	J7 1.5T SHS PHEV	R689 900	H6 GT 1.5T PHEV 4WD Ultra Luxury	R799 000
Warranty	5-year / 150 000 km vehicle warranty and 10-year / 1 000 000 km engine warranty for 1st owner PHEV: 7-year / 200 000km, 10-year/ 1 000 000 km engine for 1st owner, 10 year electrical parts / 200 000 km, 10-year / unlimited km hybrid battery		7-year / 200 000 km warranty PHEV: 8-year / 150 000 hybrid battery + high voltage parts.		4-year / 120 000 km warranty
Service Plan	5-year / 70 000 km		7-year / 75 000 km		6-year / 90 000 km

Not sure what you’re able to afford? Let our Car Affordability Calculator help you!

Use our Finance Calculator to work out monthly premiums!

Final Thoughts

While the new Jaecoo J7 presents a compelling value proposition, especially in 1.6T Glacier guise, we don’t think its pricing and value offering (in top-spec guise) is stronger than that of the Haval H6 or the new Ford Territory. With middling performance and compromised practicality, the J7 has its drawbacks.

The Haval H6, in the company of the J7, is a more well-rounded offering, while the added performance and efficiency of the H6 HEV is hard to ignore, given that the J7 Inferno AWD and H6 HEV are so closely priced and buyers will be happy know that the thoroughly updated H6 is now available in South Africa.

As for the Ford Territory, we think it’s a strong product that buyers should have on their family car shortlist. Yes, it’s a slightly pricier proposition but from a performance and build quality perspective, we think the additional outlay coincides with its value proposition.

Cars.co.za Launches Price Track Alert

Cars.co.za, South Africa’s leading online car portal, has launched a new Price Track Alert feature that allows users to receive notifications when a car’s price is reduced, increasing the chance of getting a good deal!

As a consumer champion, Cars.co.za is always striving to find useful solutions to make browsing for new and used cars easier and more practical for you, the consumer.

Our latest feature update is Price Track Alert!

Users who are logged in to their Cars.co.za profiles will be able to request a Price Track Alert on the vehicle listings page and receive an email notification when the price of a particular car is reduced.

What are the benefits of Price Track Alert?

The new Price Track Alert feature will save you time and money!

You will receive notifications when pricing on a particular vehicle changes so you don’t have to keep checking back, saving you time!

If the price of the car matches your budget, you can reach out to the dealer directly and proceed to buy the car! Receiving price alerts will increase your chance of buying a car at a better price, saving you money!

Price Track Alerts can be requested for multiple models of interest to you which means you can personalise your Price Track Alert only for the cars that you want to buy, resulting in a more focused buying strategy.

Other useful features to look out for

In addition to the new Price Track feature, Cars.co.za recently added Listing Badges to both new and used car listings to help consumers identify cars that might deserve a closer look.

Deal Badges include Great Deal, Good Deal and Fair Deal. The Fast Seller badge highlights listings in high demand and Price Drop badges highlight listings with a reduced price.

Kia Sorento (2025) Price & Specs

The facelifted Kia Sorento has finally hit the market in South Africa, with the local range now comprising a trio of 7-seater derivatives. Here’s what each one costs…

The facelifted Kia Sorento has officially hit the market in South Africa, with the South Korean firm’s local division trimming the range slightly to a trio of 7-seater derivatives.

As a reminder, the MQ4-series Sorento – the 4th iteration of this nameplate – touched down in Mzansi in January 2022, before the refreshed version was revealed overseas in November 2023. Now, that facelifted model has officially arrived.

While the pre-facelift line-up featured 4 derivatives, the updated portfolio comprises 3 variants, with the all-wheel-drive version of the EX grade falling away. As before, the range kicks off with the front-wheel-drive Sorento 2.2 CRDi EX+, which is now priced at R999 995. For the record, that represents a R51 000 increase over the pre-facelift line-up’s entry point.

Next comes the Sorento 2.2 CRDi SX AWD, priced from R1 199 995 (up a considerable R146 000 compared with the outgoing derivative), followed by the flagship Sorento 2.2 CRDi SXL AWD at R1 299 995 (priced some R166 000 higher than before).

From what we can tell, the 3-row Sorento’s powertrain carries over unchanged. Therefore, all 3 derivatives again employ a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which here delivers 148 kW and 440 Nm via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

So, what has changed? Well, in addition to the adoption of Kia’s latest exterior design language as well as the fitment of new 20-inch alloy wheels (up from the 18- and 19-inch items previously used), the refreshed Sorento’s cabin scores features like a redesigned gear lever and “sustainable” interior trim.

Inside, you’ll also find a 12.3-inch touchscreen (with navigation) and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. There’s also again a wireless smartphone charger, while the cabin upgrades to 6 USB-C ports (2 per row). Kia says it has furthermore “upgraded” the various advanced driver assistance systems on offer.

Here’s a quick rundown on the standard kit. The EX+ grade features smart entry (with push-button start), 8 airbags, parking sensors (fore and aft), a reverse-view camera, LED headlamps, LED front foglamps, synthetic leather upholstery, cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, dual-zone climate control and a 6-speaker sound system.

Stepping up to the SX trim level scores you powered front seats (including electric lumbar support for the driver, plus heating and ventilation for both pews), rear sun-shade blinds, “smart” cruise control, a height-adjustable powered tailgate, LED taillamps, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel, rear-seat check alert, driver-attention alert, rear-cross traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance assist, lane-following assist, lane-keep assist and blind-spot collision avoidance.

Finally, the range-topping SXL specification additionally boasts rear parking-collision avoidance assist, side parking sensors, a blind-spot monitor, an around-view monitor, interior mood lighting, an uprated instrument cluster, a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a head-up display.

What does the facelifted Kia Sorento cost in SA?

Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi EX+ 8DCT – R999 995

Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi SX 8DCT AWD – R1 199 995

Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi SXL 8DCT AWD – R1 299 995

The prices above include Kia’s 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km maintenance plan.

Find a Kia Sorento on Cars.co.za!

Grenadier too pricey? Consider these alternatives

Ineos Automotive owes its existence to a dream of adapting a legendary off-roader for the contemporary motoring world, but given the lofty asking prices (and lengthy option lists) of the British brand’s models, how much are YOU willing to pay for nostalgia?

Haven’t some of the world’s best (and also, often, worst) ideas been conceived in bars out of scribbled back-of-a-napkin propositions? Depending on who you ask – or believe, the jet engine, Linux operating system and Velcro were all conceived over a few tipples, as was the Ineos Grenadier off-roader.

When it comes to off-roaders, either by coincidence or try-hard marketing spin, the story goes that the Ineos Grenadier was indeed birthed in an eponymous London pub by chemicals giant Ineos’ owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe (pictured above), as far back as 2016.

According to legend, he’d reportedly previously approached Land Rover for the rights to continue building the OG Defender, but was turned down, not that that snag dissuaded Sir Jim whatsoever…

As one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet (and presumably bolstered by a fair degree of Dutch courage), Sir Jim and his associates set about planning to build a Defender-that-was-not-a-Defender; a retromodern clone that benefited from high-tech componentry, but retained the spirit of the original.

Just how hard could it be?

The common availability of off-the-shelf parts and global sourcing means that nearly anyone can build a car today: you only need to be a coachbuilder and have access to an assembly line. As for the rest, the Grenadier is assembled using BMW engines, Brembo brakes, Eibach suspension and ZF gearboxes.

And sure enough, the generous ground clearance and suspension travel, ladder-frame chassis, solid axles, low-range transfer case and exposed screwheads all pointed to a rugged, utilitarian go-anywhere boulder-buster in the spirit of the Toyota Land Cruiser 76, Jeep Wrangler and yes, the old Defender.

The vision of a supremely capable and modern, made-over Defender has all the hallmarks of a slam-dunk winner aimed at rose-tinted nostalgists and retro-cool hipsters.

Yet somewhere in the process, something went wrong. Sir Jim’s noble, almost Robin Hood-like vision of bridging past and present for the pathfinding purist, with an industrial, relatively affordable modern-day overlander, stumbled at the final hurdle – affordability.

Ignoring the commercial variants of the Ineos Grenadier for the moment, the 3.0T (turbopetrol) and 3.0TD (turbodiesel) variants of the 5-seat Grenadier Station Wagon cost R1 717 100 before options, with the Fieldmaster version adding another R145 000. Read our review of the 3.0TD Trialmaster Edition.

New Ineos Grenadier Specs & Prices in South Africa
Search for a new/used Ineos Grenadier listed on Cars.co.za

The most obvious Grenadier alternative…

According to Cars.co.za’s New Car Specs, the most affordable Land Rover Defender 110 (5-door) is the D250 X-Dynamic SE, which costs R1 801 100. “But that’s even more expensive than the entry-level Grenadier, silly,” I hear you say. Indeed, it is, but in contrast with the relatively new (and rather niche) Ineos, there is a glut of keener-priced demo and slightly used Defenders on the used market.

New Land-Rover Defender Specs & Prices in South Africa
Search for a new/used Land Rover Defender 110 listed on Cars.co.za

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the 2021 Land Rover Defender:

Besides, the big gripe with the Grenadier’s new-vehicle price is that it excludes a multitude of features.

Ineos Automotive seems to have taken a leaf from the German premium marques by only offering the Grenadier with a moderate spec level; buyers have to add the options as expensively bundled extras: if you want front and rear locking diffs and/or chunkier all-terrain tyres, that’ll cost an extra R48 250.

Watch Jacob Moshokoa’s recent launch review of the Jeep Wrangler:

New Jeep Wrangler Specs & Prices in South Africa
Search for a new/used Jeep Wrangler listed on Cars.co.za

More basic conveniences, such as electrically operated side mirrors, a rear-view camera or front PDC and some more charging points? Another R33 500, which pushes the price up to just below R1.8 million.

The weak ZAR-GBP exchange rate is certainly an impediment, but the fact is R1.8 million for what was meant to be a glorified off-road kit car (and of which its spiritual predecessor was intentionally designed as industrial so as to facilitate DIY roadside repairs) – is a lot of dead presidents in anyone’s language.

Watch Ciro De Siena’s review of the Toyota Land Cruiser 76:

New Toyota Land Cruiser 76 Specs & Prices in South Africa
Search for a new or used Toyota Land Cruiser 76 listed on Cars.co.za

So, much of that plucky maverick spirit that sparked the creation of the Grenadier no longer exists either in philosophy or execution: you pay for the privilege and can forget about fixing it with nothing but your Leatherman and your wife’s bikini bottom if you’ve whacked one off of its half-shafts in the Richtersveld.

That’s an exceedingly tough case to make when a Toyota Land Cruiser 76 2.8GD-6 station wagon LX auto, which marries similar levels of simplicity with capability as the Ineos, costs R1 045 300…

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Mahindra Scorpio-N:

And a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.0T Rubicon costs R1 299 900; for adventurers with a considerably smaller budget, the Mahindra Scorpio-N is a 7-seater (if you want to take gran along on safari) – 4Xplor variants’ prices begin at R587 999. Also, don’t forget the Suzuki Jimny 5-door, starting from R434 900.

Prices & Specifications of the Mahindra Scorpio-N
Find a new/used Suzuki Scorpio-N listed for sale on Cars.co.za
Find an older, even more affordable used Suzuki Scorpio on Cars.co.za

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Suzuki Jimny 5-Door:

Prices & Specifications of the Suzuki Jimny
Find a new/used Suzuki Jimny listed for sale on Cars.co.za

To some, there are no alternatives to a Grenadier

Considering its undeniably cool backstory and, importantly, inarguable off-road credentials, it’s hard to bet against the Ineos Grenadier, provided, as ever, that you can afford one. But you have to consider the model within the broader context of nostalgia becoming a profitable commodity in the car world.

Legacy was also the one asset that Land Rover wanted to protect most (upon hearing the suggestion of a retromodern remake of the Defender by an interloper) and the very, however unmeasurable, reason why you’re paying more for memories than actual metal if you’re gunning for an Ineos Grenadier.

Renault Duster (2025) Review

The Renault Duster used to be a very popular buy in South Africa. The 4-wheel-drive version, in particular, was regarded as a rugged and practical proposition in a sea of crossovers without real rough-road ability. Does the new model hold similar appeal?

FAST FACTS

Serious about buying/selling?

Where does the Renault Duster 4WD fit in?

How the Renault Duster 4WD fares in terms of…

Renault Duster 4WD price and after-sales support

Verdict

Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial Unveiled

The Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial is aimed at the business side of things. Here’s all you need to know about this unique conversion.

Will the Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial come to South Africa?

Kia Sorento (2025) Launch Review

During the shortest of gaps (just a 48-hour window) in an otherwise torrential week of rain in the Cape, we evaluated the 2025 Kia Sorento – the South Korean marque’s premier SUV – on some prime tar and dirt roads in the Western Cape.

What’s new?

What does it offer?

What is it like to drive?

What does the 2025 Kia Sorento cost in SA?

Verdict

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Johann Botha – Cape Town’s best-known car detailer

Johann Botha, who founded Dutchman’s Car Care Clinic in the Western Cape, has been detailing high-end cars for over a decade and a half. We sit down with him in Paarl to hear about his journey from washing minibus taxis… to detailing Bugattis.

Currently focused on 1 collection

Started his business out of a Citi Golf

Ferrari came knocking

The ‘secrets’ Johann Botha knows about exotic cars

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New Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept is a 1 000+ kW preview

Meet the Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept, a 1 000+ kW preview of an upcoming 4-door fully electric super sedan from the folks over at Affalterbach…

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VW Polo GTI – Top 5 Optional Extras to Consider

Eyeing the VW Polo GTI but want to make it a little more special? Here are 5 of the best optional extras available for the Kariega-built hot hatch in South Africa…

Top 5 Equipment Options for the VW Polo GTI

1. Tilt-and-Slide Panoramic Sunroof

2. 18-inch Alloy Wheels for VW Polo GTI

3. Upgrade your VW Polo GTI with the Leather Package

4. Infotainment Upgrade: Discover Media

5. Safety Package for the VW Polo GTI

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Haval H6 vs Jaecoo J7 vs Ford Territory

We compare the specifications of the Jaecoo J7 and Ford Territory to see how well they stack up against those of the popular Haval H6. Which one of these family SUVs makes the strongest buying proposition? Let’s find out!

Haval H6 vs Jaecoo J7 vs Ford Territory

Exterior Styling

Performance & Efficiency

Interior Execution and Features

Dimensions and Practicality

Price and Warranty

Final Thoughts

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Cars.co.za Launches Price Track Alert

Cars.co.za, South Africa’s leading online car portal, has launched a new Price Track Alert feature that allows users to receive notifications when a car’s price is reduced, increasing the chance of getting a good deal!

What are the benefits of Price Track Alert?

Other useful features to look out for

Kia Sorento (2025) Price & Specs

The facelifted Kia Sorento has finally hit the market in South Africa, with the local range now comprising a trio of 7-seater derivatives. Here’s what each one costs…

What does the facelifted Kia Sorento cost in SA?

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Grenadier too pricey? Consider these alternatives

Ineos Automotive owes its existence to a dream of adapting a legendary off-roader for the contemporary motoring world, but given the lofty asking prices (and lengthy option lists) of the British brand’s models, how much are YOU willing to pay for nostalgia?

Just how hard could it be?

The most obvious Grenadier alternative…

To some, there are no alternatives to a Grenadier

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