Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40: Classic Drive

The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 is one of the most-loved classic 4x4s. We spent some time behind the wheel of a 48-year-old example… on an off-road route, of course!

In the world of collectable classic 4x4s, there is a surprisingly large number to choose from. A homologation special like the Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution comes to mind, or if you prefer luxury there is the 1st-gen Range Rover, amongst others.

In terms of classic 4x4s, for many of us, three would immediately jump to mind, the Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Series (and Defender) models, as well as the Willys MB and its successors. All three models have a strong following and to coincide with the local introduction of the latest Land Cruiser 76, a kind owner handed us the key to his ’76 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 for a day.

Specifications

Model: 1976 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
Engine: 3.9-litre, 6-cylinder, petrol
Power: 96 kW at 3 600 rpm
Torque: 294 Nm at 2 000 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual, RWD/4×4
Weight: ± 1 480 kg
0-100 kph: ± 20 sec (claimed)
Top speed: ± 135

Background to the Land Cruiser FJ40

For the 4×4 fraternity, classic Land Cruisers sit at the top of the proverbial pile. There were numerous models over the decades, including station wagons, 3-doors, soft tops and long-wheelbase versions. This model features the 3.9-litre, 6-cylinder engine.

The origin of the Land Cruiser can be traced back to 1951. Since then, the Japanese off-roader has been regarded among the ultimate 4x4s, in terms of luxury (with the LC300), off-road capability and reliability.

Back in the ’70s, cars were much simpler, whether you were driving a sportscar or this Land Cruiser. If it was the latter, it was especially rudimentary. At first glance, there is no mistaking the Land Cruiser for anything else. With its immediately recognisable front lights and grille, this short-wheelbase version makes you want to load up the necessary equipment and luggage and head for your overland trip.

The owner acquired it around 6 years ago after it was imported from Australia. He had some work done to the electrical system and a few non-OEM parts and equipment had to be removed. He decided against fully restoring it. There are some signs of its age but they’re minor and it’s taken on an appealing patina, showing the work the Cruiser has done over its close to 5 decades’ life.

Behind the ‘wheel of the Land Cruiser FJ40

When you climb into the cabin, its simplicity is welcoming and relaxing. The thin-rimmed steering wheel, (very) long gear lever and analogue dials leave you no doubt about the era from which this car stems.

In front of me is the relatively short, flat and chunky bonnet, allowing you to almost perfectly judge the Cruiser’s front extremities. The air vents on the bonnet are a further rugged touch to the exterior design.

The seats are plain with no support, which is unsurprising, but for some reason that doesn’t bother me.

The ride quality is firm and in line with a classic 4×4 with an off-road-oriented suspension setup, especially one fitted with heavy-duty Dunlop Universal commercial tyres. The ride quality is not severely bumpy/crashy, but you are aware that you are driving a short-wheel base ladder-frame 4×4.

At the same time, the 6-cylinder engine is quite vocal (you need to raise your voice to converse with your passenger), while the gearshifts are relatively long, but pleasingly mechanical in feel and the clutch has an on-off action when you step on the pedal. The engine is not a rev-happy powerplant at all – it is all too happy to potter at the bottom or middle part of the rev range. You also quickly get used to looking in your rear-view mirror for faster-moving traffic. Even on the open road, you tend to settle at 80 or 90 kph.

Creature comforts are limited to vinyl flooring and a transmission tunnel cover… and that’s about it. Every single lever or button feels sturdy to the touch and solid in action. As is to be expected there is also the short lever for the transfer case, if you want to select 4H or low range.

Unlike today’s large 4x4s, you are seated close to your passenger, while there is also space for another few passengers in the rear on the side benches. Owing to large rectangular windows all around you, you have a very clear view of your surroundings.

The Land Cruiser FJ40’s performance might be ponderous by modern standards, but it is relaxing to drive – whether you’re filing through traffic or pottering along the gravel road that heads into the scenic Jonkershoek Valley outside Stellenbosch. Life slows down; you think more clearly. Open the window and enjoy the Cruiser for what it is. As with many classic cars, people stare and greet you with thumbs-ups.

Summary

Interestingly, it was also in 1976 that CAR magazine SA tested its first Land Cruiser. The October issue featured the road test of a long-wheelbase bakkie. The run to 100 kph took a leisurely 20.5 seconds and the top speed was measured at 138 kph. More importantly, the test ended with these words: “It may not be beautiful, but the Land Cruiser is well-engineered and well-built. It is masculine and capable as a specialised, off-road truck. When it comes to sheer ruggedness and guts, the Land Cruiser is a winner.”

Little has changed over the years, except that it is now a classic and quite appealing to many of us, even in terms of its design.

Find a classic Toyota Land Cruiser listed for sale on Cars.co.za

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Will SA see a Toyota Hilux Legend 55 in 2024?

Every 5 years since 2004, Toyota South Africa Motors has released a special-edition Hilux Legend model. So, it’s that time again … but will Mzansi see a Hilux Legend 55 in 2024?

It’s become a tradition, hasn’t it? Every 5 years since the Legend 35 was released way back in 2004, Toyota South Africa Motors has celebrated the Hilux’s heritage (not to mention its crushing sales dominance in the local market) with a limited-run Legend model. So, will 2024 see the reveal of a special new Hilux Legend 55?

Well, while it might seem like a no-brainer, the answer is anything but cut and dried. In fact, back in July 2019 when the Hilux Legend 50 was launched, there were murmurs that it would be the last of its kind. The apparent reason emerged in October of the following year, when Toyota SA Motors detailed its updated Hilux range, complete with a new – now permanent – “Legend” trim level.

*Was 2019’s Legend 50 the last of the special-edition Legend models?*

Today, nearly 4 years later, the 45-strong local Hilux portfolio includes as many as 16 Legend-badged derivatives (on the extended- and double-cab body styles), including 5 variants of the flagship Legend RS. But will that stop the Japanese firm’s local division from rolling out a special-edition Legend 55 – replete with model-specific styling tweaks and the requisite badging – to celebrate 5-and-a-half decades of the Hilux nameplate in South Africa?

Well, we asked Toyota SA Motors whether it had any intention of launching a Hilux Legend 55 this year, perhaps to see off the current generation of the venerable bakkie. The company’s official reply was “we don’t comment on future product plans”, though it added: “we would, however, like to remind our customers that we have a Legend RS that is currently the halo model in the Hilux line-up”. So, that’s not a firm “no”, then…

*The Legend 45 of 2014 was particularly well received by the local market.*

As a reminder, the Hilux hit the market in South Africa way back in 1969, just a year after debuting overseas. The first limited-edition Legend – the appropriately named Legend 35 – was released in 2004, followed by the Legend 40 in 2009 and the Legend 45 in 2014 (the latter model was “extremely well received by the market”, according to Toyota SA Motors). Then, in 2019, the Legend 50 arrived to mark half a century of the Hilux in SA.

As an aside, it’s worth keeping in mind that Leon Theron, Senior-Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Toyota SA Motors, revealed to the media in early 2021 that the Legend 50 range was a “massive success”, to the point that local dealers ran out of stock for a couple of weeks. In short, the Prospecton plant in KwaZulu-Natal simply couldn’t churn them out fast enough…

*The Legend 40 saw the light of day in 2009.*

So, with that in mind and an all-new Hilux not too far around the corner (tipped for a global reveal in 2025, in fact), something along the lines of a Legend 55 would surely serve as a fitting swansong for the 8th-generation Hilux. Since the local market has just welcomed the new Hilux GR Sport III, however, we’d speculate that any such model would follow only in the latter part of the year (perhaps even to introduce the current Hilux’s final update, as revealed overseas earlier in 2024).

Of course, whether any such celebratory special-edition Hilux model will wear the Legend 55 badge – and thus keep this SA-specific quinquennial tradition alive – remains to be seen…

Omoda E5 (2024) International Launch Review

The Omoda E5 is on its way to South Africa and should arrive in our market before the end of 2024. We headed to Omoda’s HQ in Wuhu, located in China’s Anhui province, to drive the electric small crossover.

The Omoda E5 is an electric version of the fashionable C5 small crossover and it’s confirmed for South Africa. Omoda and Jaecoo are the 2 brands in the China-based Chery Group’s O&J subdivision.

Whereas Chery is positioned as the mainstream family SUV brand, Omoda is aimed at the younger, tech-driven buyers and Jaecoo, of which the J7 recently debuted in SA, caters for trendy urbanites who crave vehicles that combine a distinct off-roader look with a modicum of off-road capability.

The first O&J model that arrived in Mzansi was the Omoda C5 (in 2023) – a futuristically-styled small crossover that offers a lot for its price; now we can look forward to the arrival of an all-electric variant.

*The author (1.91 metres tall) stands next to Omoda E5.*

The Omoda E5 battery-electric vehicle can be distinguished from the C5 by a smoother, minimalist front end, which replaces the latter’s striking grille. Also, it features aerodynamically optimised wheel covers instead of alloy rims, which helps to minimise the vehicle’s air resistance, thereby maximising its range.

At first glance, the Omoda E5’s cabin mostly resembles that of the standard C5. However, on closer inspection, you’ll notice the lack of a transmission lever – it has been transformed into a steering-column stalk! The lack of a transmission tunnel facilitates a cleaner and minimalist interior layout, with just a few basic climate control and drive-mode buttons taking space on the elevated central console “bridge”.

While the spec of the SA-bound Omoda E5 has not been finalised – or rather we’ll only be informed of what it entails at a later date – we expect that local units will have an array of standard features, such as a sunroof, a head-up display, a premium audio system (sourced from Sony), auto lights and -wipers, a 360-degree panoramic camera and semi-autonomous safety features (emergency braking etc).

*This dual-tone interior scheme (with copper accents) is polarising; hopefully, the SA-spec model will have a more neutral tone.*

Electric Powertrain

The Omoda E5 has a front-wheel-drive setup and its electric motor produces peak outputs of 150 kW and 340 Nm. This is enough to see the E5 scamper from a standstill to 100 kph in a claimed 7.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 172 kph. Equipped with a 61 kWh-capacity battery, the claimed WLTP range is 430 km. Some markets get a smaller (50 kWh) battery, but it’s not clear what will be offered in Mzansi.

As far as charging is concerned, the E5 can support 80 kWh DC (fast) charging and 9.9 kWh AC charging. Interestingly, the Omoda E5 is one of the very few EVs with a nose-mounted charging port, as opposed to the traditional location on the flank towards the rear (perhaps this – now novel – position will become the norm?). Omoda says the battery can be recharged from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

What’s more, the E5 supports V2L (Vehicle to Load), which means that the car can be used to power certain pieces of equipment and appliances – which effectively renders it a “battery on wheels”. For example, if you’re camping, you could use your car to power a coffee machine! Arguably the biggest benefit of V2L is that you can charge another EV, in a pinch. The Omoda E5 has a 3.3 kWh V2L output.

Omoda E5 charge — *The nose-mounted charging port of the Omoda E5.*

What’s it like to drive?

Like most test drives in this part of the world, we sampled the E5 on a vast, open parking lot, which the Chery Group had kindly booked out for us. To be fair, after witnessing the sheer volumes of traffic and erratic driving behaviour (in this region of China, anyway) we were relieved to drive on a closed circuit.

We have some experience with the C5 (you can watch Ashley Oldfield’s video review of the Omoda C5), so switching to its electric sibling wasn’t a radical departure. However, for first-timers, the E5’s digital interface and user experience are intuitive and fairly straightforward. The raised seating position offers decent all-round views out of the cabin and the interior has a premium build quality and smart finishes.

As expected, there are a few drive modes to choose from. Eco, for example, optimises the power delivery and regeneration in favour of obtaining the maximum range; Sport, in turn, ramps up the eagerness of the powertrain and delivers that instant responsiveness that some have come to love about electric cars.

Omoda E5 wheel — *The wheels are designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind.*

We tested the vehicle’s acceleration only and, while the E5’s on-paper outputs are more conservative than those of the admittedly more upmarket EVs we’ve driven, the E5’s performance is not deficient.

I expect the Omoda E5 will surprise some test drivers with its ability to produce instant urge, but its real strength will come to the fore on the daily commute. Hard accelerations can cause some wheelspin, so be mindful, but in the E5’s defence, our test drive took place in drizzle and cooler ambient conditions.

Pricing?

At the time of writing, Omoda South Africa could not provide pricing info for the E5, because the firm was still preparing the model for its local debut. Given the pricing structure of the C5 line-up, the E5 will easily be the priciest Omoda in our market, but other models are coming. Given the higher taxation and import tariffs the Government levies on electric vehicles, the Omoda E5 will cost, well, more than it should…

We think Omoda SA will do well if manages to position its first local EV under the R800k barrier, thus undercutting its most direct rival, the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range and the upcoming Mini Aceman.

Summary

*The Omoda E5 (right) with the Jaecoo J7 PHEV. Both will be in SA before the end of 2024.*

Our first taste of the Omoda E5 was fleeting, but the Chinese-made all-electric small crossover made a positive first impression. It’s not the fastest or the most thrilling-to-drive electric car we’ve experienced, but that’s not the model’s role. Huge power outputs and rapid acceleration figures are tantalising vanity metrics – but they can play only limited roles in establishing EVs as everyday modes of transport in SA.

This author would much rather sacrifice a few seconds to 100 kph in favour of practicality and increased range. If the EV uptake is to gain notable momentum in our country, improved affordability will be critical (government incentives and leasing schemes will help in that regard). The Omoda E5 is likely to make a new EV more accessible to new-car buyers; we look forward to spending more time with it on local soil.

Want to buy a new or used Omoda? Search for a vehicle for sale

The latest Omoda specs and pricing

Confirmed: Jaecoo PHEVs for SA

Fresh from their reveals at Auto China 2024, the Jaecoo PHEV (plug-in hybrids) are on their way to South Africa. Here’s what you can expect.

While there’s been some hesitancy in the sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEV) in our market due to unreliable electricity supply and higher-than-fair import duties, Jaecoo reckons that plug-in hybrids are a better vehicle to bridge the gap between internal combustion power and pure electric.

Complete details about the new products are still scarce, but Jaecoo representatives could confirm some specifications for us.

The new Jaecoo J7 features a 5th-generation 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine paired to an electric motor and has outputs of 255 kW and 525 Nm. A pure electric range of up to 88 km, consumption of 4.9 L/100 km as well as an endurance range of 1 200 km are claimed.

The J8 PHEV shares the same 1.5-litre engine, but features a more powerful hybrid system. With motors on both axles, outputs are pegged at 445 kW and 915 Nm, and the SUV is claimed to dash to 100 kph in just 5.4 seconds. Impressively, both Jaecoo PHEVs will feature V2L (Vehicle to Load), which allows the vehicle to become a power source, perfect for those adventuring types.

We got a chance to climb inside the cabins and first impressions hint at an interior that looks and feels plush and premium. Naturally, the vehicle’s both feature impressively large infotainment screens as well as an array of tech.

*Chery SA executive deputy general manager Tony Liu + South African Ambassador Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele at Auto China 2024*

Of course, if someone wants to go the pure-electric route, sibling brand Omoda will be offering the E5 crossover this year. It’s essentially a C5 crossover, but with an electric powertrain. Official specs have yet to be confirmed for our market as the model is still undergoing SA testing and homologation, but the overseas model has a battery size of 61 kWh, giving it a range of 430 km, based on the WLTP cycle. Pricing will be critical and it will be fascinating to see where the vehicle sits in the Chery family hierarchy.

Jaecoo PHEV coming to South Africa?

Right now, as it stands, the all-electric Omoda E5 and Jaecoo J7 plug-in hybrid are confirmed for a South African market introduction this year, with the Jaecoo J8 plug-in hybrid expected at a later stage.

We’ll getting preview drives of these vehicles in China in the last week of April 2024. Stay tuned!

The latest Jaecoo specs and pricing

What’s the new Jaecoo J7 like to drive?

What might VW’s new SA-built small SUV be called?

Volkswagen plans to start building an as-yet-unrevealed new small SUV in SA from 2027. What might it be called? Well, new trademark filings present as many as 7 potential options…

Volkswagen recently announced a fresh R4-billion investment in its South African operations, confirming plans to start building an as-yet-unrevealed new small SUV in Kariega (alongside the Polo hatch and Polo Vivo) from 2027. But what might the upcoming sub-T-Cross model be called?

Well, earlier this year, the German firm filed as many as 7 new trademark applications in South Africa, with each fresh badge starting with the letter “T”. Since VW’s current naming convention sees the title of each crossover and SUV in its range – including the T-Cross, Taigo, T-Roc, Tiguan and Touareg – begin with this letter, the list below might just contain the newcomer’s eventual designation.

Volkswagen SA's Kariega plant — *The new model will be built on the same Kariega production line as the Polo hatch and Polo Vivo.*

As a reminder, Volkswagen Group Africa has confirmed that the brand’s Brazilian division is “leading the design and development” of the new model, though adds the small SUV will be adapted to “local and continental requirements”. It furthermore says the vehicle – which will be based on the MQB-A0 architecture – “has the potential to be sold in other African markets where Volkswagen has a presence”. Keep this in mind as you read on.

Right, let’s take a closer look at the nameplates in question. Cars.co.za can confirm that Volkswagen’s head office in Wolfsburg applied to trademark the following 7 badges (in class 12, covering vehicles) in South Africa on 18 January 2024:

Tera
Teria
Taroko
Tivas
Tyber
Therion
Tamiz

At the time of writing (in April 2024), the status of each application was still listed as “pending”. For the record, Volkswagen also filed to trademark all of these monikers with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, making these applications between July and September 2023.

In addition, we discovered that applications to protect all 7 nameplates were furthermore made in various other African markets (in February 2024), including Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Kenya and Tunisia. VW, of course, has a significant presence in each of these countries.

*VW has a significant presence in African markets such as Ghana.*

What about the Brazilian market, since that’s where the newcomer’s development is taking place? Well, intriguingly, of the 7 names in question, VW has so far filed to trademark only the “Tera” and “Therion” badges in Brazil (along with “Hera”), making these applications in December 2023. The Therion trademark is furthermore pending in some other Latin American countries, such as Costa Rica, Uruguay and Mexico.

While that could potentially narrow down the options of what Volkswagen might call the upcoming addition to its T-SUV family, there’s one particularly fascinating badge in the list of 7 that we should highlight. Yes, the “Taroko” nameplate – a single letter away from the Tarok concept of 2018 – might just be reserved for an upcoming unibody bakkie.

*The VW Tarok concept revealed back in 2018.*

Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, revealed to Cars.co.za back in April 2023 that “there is hope” an SA-built bakkie will be spun off the new small SUV (and thus also built at Kariega), hinting at a “bigger than half-tonne” model with a 750 kg payload.

While earlier reports suggested this sub-Amarok unibody bakkie might wear the “Udara” badge, the Tarako moniker seems to be a far better fit, at least from where we’re standing. For the record, VW has also applied to trademark this name in the various other African markets mentioned above.

*Volkswagen’s Kariega facility will benefit from a R4-billion investment.*

Of course, we should point out that these trademark applications are by no mean guarantees that Volkswagen will use the badges in question (on the new small SUV or indeed at all). In addition, since 2027 is still some way off, the picture could certainly change – and new potential names be thrown into the hat – before the vehicle actually starts rolling off the Kariega production line.

Still, we believe there’s at least a fair chance that one of these monikers will be applied to the upcoming SA-built model. Naturally, only time will tell…

Kia Picanto (2024) Launch Review

Given that Kia no longer sells the Rio light hatchback in SA, the Picanto must straddle the line between compact and premium more than ever before. Fortunately, the 3rd rendition (2nd facelift) of the 3rd-gen model is the most polished Picanto yet.

The Picanto remains one of those iconic Korean urban runabouts, albeit on the tiny end, that helped turn its marque from humble to loved in our market. The Sportage family car, obviously, also comes to mind, whilst in the sister stable, the Getz and Tucson played similar roles in entrenching Hyundai in Mzansi.

2024 Kia Picanto front three-quarter view.

Kia has sold more than 100 000 units of the Picanto during the model’s 21-year lifetime. But, it’s the rather distinctive 2nd-gen model, which debuted in South Africa in 2011, that leaned on the brand’s iconic Tiger Nose the hardest, thanks to the stylings of ex-Audi designer, Peter Schreyer.

He’d ultimately go on to oversee the designs of everything from both Kia and Hyundai to great success, including the 2nd-gen Picanto’s 2014 update, and this successor (the 3rd-gen model) that debuted in 2017. Since then, this chunkier Picanto has received a facelift in 2020 and now, once again, this year.

Historically, Kia has reacted to many market moves, such as the favouring of automatic transmissions, a greater need for multimedia and, of course, consumer demand for a pleasantly tactile cabin in a small-car package, all appreciably available here. Still, I found myself at the helm of a 5-speed manual in what remains a fun city car that today plays perhaps in a different segment of the market than it once did.

Perhaps the Picanto’s now-maturer price point (between R260k and R325k) sees it being priced out of the “student-car zone”, but despite inflation, the Korean city car remains universally desirable across all age and cultural demographics (even if the majority of its buyers are between the ages of 26 and 32).

See also: Kia Picanto (2024) Price & Specs

2024 Kia Picanto rear three-quarter view.

And I totally understand why the Picanto has cross-generational appeal. Perhaps South African new-car buyers have adopted a more European outlook, because on “the Continent”, small cars aren’t regarded inferior, but fit for purpose if you live in a city. And, it’s in that respect that the Picanto truly stands out.

But first, how about a grade walk? Kia has ditched the confusing Street, Start and Smart nomenclatures for a simpler LX, EX and EX Plus naming convention, with levels of specification improving as you ascend the price list (as one would expect). Visually, they all benefit from that wide stance enhanced by having the head and tail lamps pushed out to the very edges of the car, with a light bar at the rear.

Similarly, strong horizontal lines make the cabin feel wide and spacious. What’s more, all derivatives benefit from high-quality materials and leather-like (even in the base model) tactile points.

Even entry-level 1.0 LX derivatives are fitted with dual front airbags, ABS (all cars should though), ISOfix points, keyless entry, all-round electric windows (with auto up/down function for the driver), electrically adjustable and -heated side mirrors, remote central locking, alarm and immobiliser, plus (manual) aircon.

2024 Kia Picanto infotainment touchscreen.

The touchscreen-based infotainment system, as you’d expect, is well-appointed and can be smartly paired with your smartphone, thanks to the provision of Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility.

On the mid-tier 1.2 EX, the Picanto’s 14-inch steelies become 14-inch alloy wheels, side repeater lamps are incorporated into the (now electric folding) side mirrors, a storage box is added between the front seats and the safety spec is expanded to include electronic stability- and hill-start assist control.

What’s more, the audio system gets upgraded to a 4-speaker setup with tweeters, the LX’s analogue instrumentation is replaced by a 4.2-inch Supervision TFT cluster and automatic light control is added.

Range-topping EX+ derivatives feature 15-inch alloys and LED taillamp clusters. The cabin is upgraded to include faux leather upholstery, push-button start/stop, rear PDC and high-gloss trims on the fascia.

Each grade comes in your choice of a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic transmission, paired with (in LX derivatives) a 1.0-litre inline-3-cylinder petrol engine (it produces 49 kW and 95 Nm) or, in the EX and EX Plus, a 1.2-litre inline-4-cylinder petrol motor (with outputs of 62 kW and 122 Nm).

How much does the facelifted Kia Picanto cost in SA?

Kia Picanto 1.0 LX 5MT	R260 995
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX 4AT	R278 995
Kia Picanto 1.2 EX 5MT	R284 995
Kia Picanto 1.2 EX 4AT	R302 995
Kia Picanto 1.2 EX+ 5MT	R307 995
Kia Picanto 1.2 EX+ 4AT	R325 995

All prices include Kia’s 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan.

Summary

Having driven (a manual) 2024 Picanto I can confirm that it still does precisely what it is meant to do – with aplomb. It’s a cheeky little city car that feels big and comfy on the inside but can fit into the tightest of spaces when you need it to. I’m not sure if people still remember what a Tardis is, but this is like that.

A phone box (dear Gen Z and younger, it doesn’t mean what you probably think it does) with all the mod cons you could desire, so long as you don’t mind the fact that travelling far distances will take some time.

GWM Tank 300 Hybrid Review: We accidentally sank a Tank

With purposeful off-roader styling, a punchy hybrid powertrain, loads of standard features – and a highly competitive price tag, the GWM Tank 300 has a LOT going for it. The SUV also has the hardware for serious off-roading, which we put to the test.

Following the massive success in South Africa of the Haval brand, GWM SA has launched an entrant into the fiercely competitive Adventure SUV segment: the all-new GWM Tank 300.

The Toyota Fortuner has dominated the Adventure SUV segment (the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X are also compelling offerings), but although the Tank 300 is a 5-, not a 7-seat model, it has many strengths.

The asking price of the flagship Tank 300 in South Africa undercuts all of its rivals by some margin and, with handsome looks, a 255 kW/648 Nmpowertrain (a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine combined with an electric motor and battery), GWM have given it every chance of gaining notable market share.

In terms of interior features, the model comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, seamlessly paired with the driver’s TFT info cluster, a heated steering wheel, plush seats with massaging functions, a sunroof, a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (complemented with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto).

At the rear GWM has installed a 220V plug point, a 12V power outlet and 60/40-split seats. All derivatives come with a 7-year warranty and a 5-year service plan, while the HEV has an 8-year battery warranty.

In this video, our guest presenter – and experienced Cars.co.za Consumer Awards judge – Jacob Moshokoa drives the 2.0T HEV Super Luxury 4×4 on-road and off-road but, unfortunately, the shoot ended rather prematurely when we accidentally sank the test unit in decidedly sticky and deep mud.

But the story doesn’t end there… Watch until the end for our comprehensive summary and verdict.

Find a new/used Tank 300 listed for sale on Cars.co.za

New GWM Tank 300 Specs & Prices in South Africa

New Mini Aceman small EV confirmed for SA

Meet the new Mini Aceman, a small electric crossover set to be positioned below the Countryman and already confirmed for South Africa…

The new Mini Aceman has been revealed as a fresh-faced small electric crossover positioned below the new Countryman. The EV-only newcomer has already been confirmed for local roads, with the BMW Group announcing that it “will be available in South Africa by the end of 2024”.

Measuring 4.07 metres long and 1.75 metres wide (while standing 1.50 metres tall), the Aceman will slot in above the upcoming new Cooper hatchback but below the almost 4.5-metre-long Countryman. Still, endowed with short overhangs and a 2-box design, the Aceman will offer seating for 5 as well as what Mini describes as a “versatile luggage compartment” adjustable from 300 to 1 005 litres.

*The luggage compartment is expandable up to a claimed 1 005 litres.*

At launch, the new crossover – which was loosely previewed in mid-2022 in concept form – will be offered in 2 powertrain forms. First, there’s the Aceman E, which employs an electric motor generating 135 kW and 290 Nm. According to Mini, the E-badged model will complete the 0-100 kph sprint in 7.9 seconds and top out at 160 kph. Equipped with a 42.5 kWh battery pack, the Aceman E will offer a WLTP single-charge range of up to 310 km.

Meanwhile, the Aceman SE’s electric motor churns out loftier peak outputs of 160 kW and 330 Nm, which sees the obligatory sprint to 3 figures fall to a claimed 7.1 seconds and the top speed climb to 170 kph. The SE’s battery pack boasts a capacity of 54.2 kWh, improving the WLTP range to a maximum of 406 km.

*The Aceman slots neatly between the Cooper hatch and Countryman.*

The Aceman’s high-voltage battery pack can be charged via alternating current at speeds up to 11 kW, while fast charging with direct current maxes out at 75 kW in the Aceman E and at 95 kW in the Aceman SE. According to Mini, fast charging will see the battery’s state of charge move from 10 to 80% in “just under 30 minutes”.

In South Africa, the new Mini Aceman is expected to be offered in a choice of 3 equipment levels: Classic Trim, Favoured Trim and JCW Trim. Inside, there’s a central, circular OLED display and a “toggle bar” that pays tribute to the classic Mini.

*Unlike the Cooper hatch and Countryman ranges, the Aceman line-up is electric only.*

“The Mini Aceman brings a new level of excitement to our all-electric line-up, packed with a truly enjoyable immersive digital experience,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of Mini.

“The Mini Aceman is perfect for navigating crowded city streets, while maintaining the versatility and functionality of a crossover and the go-kart feeling you can expect from a Mini. I am certain that the sleek design, the performance and the versatility as a 5-seater crossover, will make the Mini Aceman a resounding success.”

5 Most Expensive Mercedes-Benz Cars in South Africa

What are the most expensive Mercedes-Benz cars you can buy in South Africa right now? This article highlights the 5 priciest Mercedes-Benz models currently on the market in Mzansi!

Are you looking to buy the most expensive Mercedes-Benz cars in South Africa? You’ve come to the right place!

Mercedes-Benz is a highly sought-after luxury car brand in South Africa and the Stuttgart-based firm offers a wide range of vehicles including sedans, coupes, convertibles, hatchbacks, SUVs, MPVs, ultra-luxurious Maybach models, high-performance AMG models and a growing range of electric cars.

We recently highlighted the cheapest Mercedes-Benz cars for sale in South Africa but in this article, we put the spotlight on the 5 most expensive Mercedes-Benz cars currently available.

If you’re not sure what you’re able to afford, take a look at our Car Affordability Calculator and Car Finance Calculator for finance projections.

Note that pricing is accurate as of April 2024.

5 Most Expensive Mercedes-Benz Cars in South Africa

1. Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S680 from R5 079 542

The pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz luxury is its ultra-luxurious Maybach arm and currently the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S680 is the most expensive Merc-badged model you can buy for R5 079 542.

Powered by a mighty turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 engine that produces a hefty 450 kW and 900 Nm of torque, the S680 will have you cruising in luxurious comfort and you’re unlikely to notice that it’s capable of sprinting from zero to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds.

See specification details for the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S680

Buy a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class on Cars.co.za

2. Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 from R4 536 434

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 with a price of R4 536 434 is the second most expensive Merc-badged car you can buy in South Africa.

Power comes courtesy of a 4.0-litre bi-turbocharged V8 petrol engine that’s good for 426 kW and 730 Nm. Zero to 100 kph is claimed in 4.9 seconds which is an impressive feat for this luxo-barge.

See full specification details for the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600

Buy a used Mercedes-Benz GLS on Cars.co.za

3. Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance 4-door Coupe – from R4 361 253

The Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance is currently the most expensive AMG model you can get your hands on with a starting price of R4 361 253.

This beast is fitted with a high-power electric-hybrid powertrain combining a stonking bi-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine and an electric motor that together produces 620 kW and 1 400 Nm of torque resulting in scintillating performance with a claimed zero to 100 kph sprint time of 2.9 seconds!

See full specification details for the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance 4-door Coupe

Buy a used Mercedes-AMG GT on Cars.co.za

4. Mercedes-AMG G-Class G63 from R4 321 459

This list wouldn’t be complete without a G-Class in it and the AMG G63 is the second most expensive AMG model currently on sale in South Africa with a price starting from R4 321 459.

Merc’s AMG-fettled bit-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine powers the G63 with notable outputs of 430 kW and 850 Nm of torque which will propel the G-Class from zero to 100 kph in a claimed 4.5 seconds which mightily impressive for a vehicle of this size.

An all-electric G-Class G580 has been revealed and if it ever reached South Africa, it’s likely to become the most expensive Mercedes-Benz in South Africa.

See specifications for the Mercedes-AMG G-Class G63

Buy a used Mercedes-Benz G-Class on Cars.co.za

5. Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic+ frorm R4 243 127

The Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic+ is priced from R4 243 127 and rounds off this list of the most expensive Mercedes-Benz cars available in South Africa.

It’s powered by a Merc’s formidable bi-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with 450 kW and 850 Nm of torque available which results in brisk acceleration with Merc claiming 4.2 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100kph which is impressively fast for an SUV with a kerb weight of around 2 700 kg.

See specification details for the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic+

Buy a used Mercedes-Benz GLS on Cars.co.za

New Mercedes-Benz G580 debuts as fully electric G-Wagen

Yes, there’s now a fully electric version of the Geländewagen. Meet the new, 4-motor Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology, boasting a whopping 1 164 Nm…

The famous Geländewagen has gone electric. This is the new “Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology” (to use its full name), which debuts just 3 weeks after the facelifted G-Class was revealed.

Interestingly, the Stuttgart-based automaker has opted not to apply the expected EQG moniker – which it rolled out for the concept version that premiered back in 2021 – to the battery-powered version of the G-Wagen.

*The G580 pictured in blue is a limited-run Edition One derivative.*

So, what are the new G580’s headline stats? Well, the all-electric, all-wheel-drive G-Class is powered by 4 individually controlled motors located “near the wheels” (effectively 2 in each dedicated housing at the front and rear axles). According to Mercedes-Benz, these motors are integrated into the modified ladder-frame chassis and develop peak outputs of 432 kW and a whopping 1 164 Nm.

Fans of the brand’s Affalterbach-based performance division will likely have already calculated that the G580 outguns even the Mercedes-AMG G63, which offers 430 kW and 850 Nm from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine. The electric G-Wagen is, however, a little slower to 3 figures, completing the 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 4.7 seconds (compared with the G63’s time of 4.5 seconds).

*An optional design box on the rear door for storing items such as charging cables.*

That’s likely down to the extra heft it’s carrying (the listed kerb weight is 3 085 kg), considering the no-doubt heavy high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack has a lofty (usable) capacity of 116 kWh. According to Mercedes-Benz, this results in a single-charge range of “up to 473 km” (on the WLTP cycle). To protect the 2-tiered battery from water and dirt intrusion, the engineers housed it in what Benz terms a “torsion-resistant casing”. Top speed, meanwhile, is electronically limited to 180 kph.

When topping up the battery with alternating current, the maximum charging capacity is 11 kW. For fast charging with direct current, that capacity increases to 200 kW. In the latter case, Mercedes-Benz claims the charging time from 10 to 80% is “around 32 minutes”.

*The G580 boasts a more impressive fording depth than ICE versions of the G-Wagen.*

The G580 furthermore features so-called “virtual differential locks” (using torque vectoring), along with selectable low-range off-road gear reduction and an intelligent off-road crawl function. The electric Geländewagen also debuts G-Turn (allowing the vehicle to turn “almost on the spot on loose or unpaved surfaces”) and G-Steering (which ostensibly delivers a “significantly smaller turning circle” when driving off-road).

The German firm says the new model remains stable on sideways slopes of “up to 35 degrees”, while also boasting a maximum fording depth of 850 mm (incidentally outperforming its petrol- and diesel-powered counterparts by 150 mm). The listed approach angle is 32 degrees, while the departure and breakover angles come in at 30.7 and 20.3 degrees, respectively.

“Throughout its more than 45-year history, the G-Class has always used the most modern drive technology available. So, it’s entirely fitting that the innovative drive concept with 4 individually controlled electric motors once again raises the legendary performance of our off-road icon to a new level. It even retains that familiar angular silhouette and is true to the character of our beloved Geländewagen,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer.

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40: Classic Drive

The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 is one of the most-loved classic 4x4s. We spent some time behind the wheel of a 48-year-old example… on an off-road route, of course!

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Confirmed: Jaecoo PHEVs for SA

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Volkswagen plans to start building an as-yet-unrevealed new small SUV in SA from 2027. What might it be called? Well, new trademark filings present as many as 7 potential options…

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With purposeful off-roader styling, a punchy hybrid powertrain, loads of standard features – and a highly competitive price tag, the GWM Tank 300 has a LOT going for it. The SUV also has the hardware for serious off-roading, which we put to the test.

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5 Most Expensive Mercedes-Benz Cars in South Africa

What are the most expensive Mercedes-Benz cars you can buy in South Africa right now? This article highlights the 5 priciest Mercedes-Benz models currently on the market in Mzansi!

5 Most Expensive Mercedes-Benz Cars in South Africa

1. Mercedes-Maybach S-Class S680 from R5 079 542

2. Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 from R4 536 434

3. Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance 4-door Coupe – from R4 361 253

4. Mercedes-AMG G-Class G63 from R4 321 459

5. Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic+ frorm R4 243 127

New Mercedes-Benz G580 debuts as fully electric G-Wagen

Yes, there’s now a fully electric version of the Geländewagen. Meet the new, 4-motor Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology, boasting a whopping 1 164 Nm…

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