SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkies in April 2024
Which bakkie was the best-seller in South Africa’s double-cab segment in April 2024 and year to date? We have the figures, plus a look at single- and extended-cab sales…
By now, you’ve likely seen our list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies for April 2024. So, it’s time to turn our attention to the double-cab bakkie sales race.
Yes, since Naamsa’s monthly sales figures unfortunately don’t include a breakdown of the 3 available bakkie body styles (single cab, extended cab and double cab), we’ve again turned to the folks over at Lightstone Auto for help identifying SA’s best-selling 1-tonne double-cab bakkies for April 2024.
For the record, with all 3 body styles included, the Toyota Hilux led the charge in April, selling a total of 2 094 units last month. The Ford Ranger, however, was close behind in 2nd on 2 073 units, with the Isuzu D-Max some way off in 3rd on 1 202 units. Year to date, the Hilux (10 943 units) leads overall, ahead of the Ranger (8 128 units) and D-Max (6 373 units).
South Africa’s top-selling double-cab bakkies in April 2024
The Ranger again took the double-cab sales crown in April 2024.
Right, now let’s take a look at sales by body style. According to Lightstone Auto, the Ford Ranger – which took the title of Mzansi’s best-selling double cab in 2023 – was top of the double-cab sales charts in April 2024, with 1 584 dual-cab units registered. That translates to 76.4% of the Silverton-built bakkie’s overall tally for the month.
So, the Toyota Hilux found itself in 2nd position in South Africa’s double-cab sales race, with 858 units sold during the month. The latter figure – which is a hefty 726 registrations off the pace – represented 41.0% of the Prospecton-produced stalwart’s overall tally for April.
The D-Max slots into 3rd place.
Predictably, the final place on the double-cab podium thus went to the Struandale-manufactured Isuzu D-Max, which managed 463 dual-cab units last month. That’s just 38.5% of the Japanese contender’s aggregate for April 2024.
For the record, Lightstone Auto’s figures furthermore showed that all other 1-tonne double-cab bakkie derivatives (over and above the Ranger, Hilux and D-Max) collectively managed 1 392 registrations in April 2024.
Double-, extended- and single-cab sales, year to date 2024
The Hilux leads the extended- and single-cab charts, year to date.
What about the year-to-date sales race in South Africa? Well, Lightstone Auto’s dataset shows the Ranger leads the double-cab space in the opening 4 months of 2024, with 6 232 units registered around Mzansi.
The double-cab Hilux is thus 1 328 units behind, with 4 904 examples sold in South Africa, year to date. The D-Max double cab, meanwhile, is in an even more distant 3rd place on 2 572 units.
In the single-cab space, with the first 4 months of the year behind us, the Hilux (4 110 units) remains in a comfortable pole position. The D-Max single cab (3 114 units) slots in to 2nd place, with the 2-door version of the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (2 051 units) in 3rd. The Ranger single cab, meanwhile, finds itself on just 641 registrations, year to date.
Meanwhile, the Hilux Xtra Cab leads the year-to-date race in the extended-cab space (the segment with the highest year-on-year growth in Q1 2024), with 1 923 units sold. The Ranger Supercab (1 255 units) finds itself in the runner-up position, with the D-Max Extended Cab (687 units) completing the year-to-date table.
Just as you have to keep an eye on your monthly expenditure to keep abreast with the increasing cost of living, it’s wise to periodically review your insurance policy to ensure you make the most of your cover – and perhaps carve out savings, where possible.
PARTNERED ARTICLE
Even if you pride yourself on knowing where every cent of your salary goes, revisiting recurring bills may highlight forgotten payments you could optimise to save money. Many people set up insurance debit orders and forget about them, not realising that their coverage requirements may change. This Budget Insurance guide will help you review your insurance policy to ensure that it delivers what you pay for.
What is an insurance policy review?
An insurance policy review involves scheduling a meeting with a professional advisor who will assess if your needs and circumstances have changed since you first took out the policy. They can then help you identify possible coverage gaps, determine if you need to increase/decrease policy limits and see if there is any way you can save money (such as by increasing your excess or offering you insurance bundling).
Why it’s wise to review your insurance policy
Short-term insurance is a useful tool for managing life’s unexpected setbacks without disrupting your journey towards meeting your financial goals. You would probably prefer not to have to use it – but certainly appreciate what it can do for you when needed and the peace of mind it affords us. That’s why many people “set and forget” short-term insurance after taking it out, only paying attention to it when they need to make a claim, want to look for another insurer or decide to cancel insurance altogether.
By conducting a thorough review, you will not only gain a detailed understanding of your policy (see also: Car Insurance Guide: Everything You Need to Know), but it will enable you to reassess the quality and relevance of your coverage. By identifying any gaps in protection and adjusting your policy accordingly, you can ensure financial security for your investments and potentially save money at the same time.
Get started with a review of your insurance policy
Reviewing your insurance policy may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be. By breaking it down into small steps, you can make the process simpler and more effective. You can ensure that your insurance policy is in line with your current needs and circumstances by following these 6 key steps:
1. Assess your coverage needs
Have there been any recent changes to your lifestyle? For example, you’ve recently purchased a new house, married, or started your own business. These events could significantly impact your insurance coverage requirements, making it crucial that your policy adequately safeguards your evolving lifestyle.
2. Review insurance: the diverse types of cover
Take the time to understand the different types of coverage your policy offers and consider whether each type matches your requirements. For example, if you’ve acquired a new home, it’s important to assess your building– and, if you’ve bought new furniture and appliances for it, home contents coverage.
3. Identify policy exclusions and coverage limits
Be aware of any exclusions and limits on your policy, as these can affect the level of protection. Using the new home example above, understanding the coverage limits will ensure that you have adequate security for any valuable property assets. See also:Is your car insured against unexpected risks?
4. Check for discounts, savings, and benefits
Insurance policies often come with discounts, savings, and benefits you might not be aware of or fully utilise. Speak to your provider about available discounts, bundling options, or loyalty rewards. These opportunities could lead to considerable savings.
5. Seek advice from an insurance professional
Seeking expert advice from a professional advisor will help tailor your policy to your unique, individual preferences. They will thoroughly review everything with you, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
6. Make any essential adjustments
Now that you have conducted the review, use the insights to make any essential adjustments to your policy. This may involve, for example, updating coverage amounts, adding endorsements, or making changes to your beneficiaries. By following these steps, you can make informed decisions about your insurance policy so that it continues to provide you with the optimal level of coverage.
Tips for getting the most out of your insurance policy
As the year progresses, it’s a good idea to optimise and take advantage of your car and/or household insurance policy. Here are some valuable tips to ensure you get the most out of your coverage:
Consider bundling policies: This involves combining multiple insurance policies from a single provider. Examples of typical bundle policies include Home and Vehicle Insurance. By consolidating your coverage this way, it not only streamlines your policies but can also result in cost savings.
Update your personal information: It’s important to keep your information up to date so that it remains aligned with your current circumstances. Making updates, such as advising of recent home renovations or moving to a safer neighbourhood, could lower your risk profile and potentially reduce premiums. By ensuring your information is as accurate as possible, you will maintain in-depth coverage and seize any opportunities to save money based on changes to your lifestyle.
Maintain a healthy credit score: Insurers often use credit information to assess an applicant’s risk profile, with higher scores correlating to lower premiums. To maintain a good credit score, pay all bills on time, reduce any outstanding debts, and regularly monitor your credit report for errors.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice.
Get a quote from Budget Insurance
If you want to learn more about car insurance or review your car insurance requirements with the help of experts, Budget Insurance‘s team is always ready to assist. Contact them on 086 1600 120 or leave your details and they’ll call you back at no expense to you! You can also request an online quote.
JAC’s halo bakkie model – the T9 – demonstrates that the rate at which Chinese manufacturers are catching up with the bakkie market’s legacy brands is accelerating. Should the established players be checking their rear-view mirrors more closely?
“In 3 years’ time, 40% of the local automotive sales will be of Chinese origin”, said JAC Motors SA CEO Karl-Heinz Göbel. Such a comment would have prompted sneers and guffaws a few years ago, but his words (spoken during the press briefing at the JAC T9 launch event) were met with a reserved hush.
60 years of JAC
The rising popularity of Chinese brands is evident in SA’s new passenger-vehicle sales figures; the more conservative (risk-averse) bakkie market has been slower to follow that trend, but with the influx of new models from GWM (with the P500 in the pipeline, LDV (T60) and JAC (also with the J8), that will change.
The JAC Group, which started building trucks in 1964, turns 60 this year and even though it’s a “small” manufacturer (it falls outside the top 10 Chinese automakers), it sells more than 500 000 vehicles a year.
That is more than the total annual vehicle sales in South Africa! The fact that Volkswagen bought a 50% share in the company in 2020 shows the establishment is taking notice and, maybe, hedging its bets.
Since 2017, more than 7 000 JAC products have been put on our roads, including a fleet of 21 electric trucks for the Takealot group. Göbel says JAC Motors SA hopes to sell more than 3 000 units this year.
What is new for the JAC T9?
Compared to its T8 sibling (one of which shuttled us from the airport to the launch venue), the JAC T9 constitutes a significant step up in luxury and hardware components, not to mention its exterior styling, which is bold. Did you see that grille? It literally takes centre stage and may not be to everyone’s taste. Slim headlights, wide black wheel arches, side steps, roll bar and fancy new alloys complete the picture.
Inside, the step up from the T8 is even more impressive. The JAC T9’s cabin is fitted with sports seats, a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster. The quality of the headlining, door cards and dash areas is much improved. Oh, and it has a sunroof – not a typical bakkie feature.
The most influential change is an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission (operated by a shift-by-wire lever), which drives the rear wheels (or all wheels, through a BorgWarner transfer case on the 4×4 derivative). The bakkie’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine produces peak outputs of 125 kW and 410 Nm.
What is the JAC T9 like to drive?
I was most impressed by the refinement of the JAC T9’s powertrain and the way that the ZF transmission kept the engine “on the boil” to deliver a more-than-acceptable level of performance during our short evaluation drive. The ride quality is on the firmer side of the bakkie spectrum and loses some composure when the bakkie traverses broken road surfaces. Claimed fuel consumption is a promising 7.8 L/100 km.
The driving position is acceptable for an average-sized person, but taller drivers may find the steering column’s lack of reach adjustment frustrating. The large touchscreen looks modern, but is a tad difficult to read in bright sunlight and, thankfully, you can adjust climate control settings with physical buttons.
We did not get to drive off-road to sample the newcomer’s 4×4 abilities, but they appear to be at least equal with those segment rivals: the JAC T9 is said to have a wading depth of 800 mm, plus approach and departure angles of 23- and 27 degrees. The rear diff is of the mechanical limited-slip variety and will lock automatically when required. Hopefully, we will be able to test these claims at a later stage…
Who will buy it?
Owners of 5-year-old, top-of-the-range bakkies from established brands (such as Toyota and Ford) may be in for a shock when the time comes to replace their vehicles. As a result of new-bakkie price hikes over the past few years, there are now several R1-million-plus offerings. This is where the T9 comes in…
The JAC T9 (priced from R550k to R670k) offers a buyer a brand new bakkie with similar performance and spec to the vehicle they currently own, but for a similar price that what they paid for it 5 years ago.
Have we reached a stage where budgets are more important than brands? JAC will not have it all its own way with the popular GWM P-Series and recently launched LDV T60 aiming to attract the same crowd.
The JAC T9 is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 5-year/100 000 km service plan and 24-hour roadside assistance programme. Service intervals are set at 10 000 km.
Cash-strapped consumers appear ready to place their trust in new models that meet their requirements at a reduced cost, without compromises. In that light, the JAC T9’s value-for-money proposition is highly impressive. It is a solid offering with a national dealer network, plus good parts availability and backup.
It’s an election year, but politics aside, it will be very interesting to see how prospective buyers will vote with their wallets in 2024. Perhaps Mr Göbel’s prediction – that “40% of local automotive new-vehicle sales will be of Chinese origin” in 3 years’ time – is not far-fetched at all. Hold my (Tsingtao) beer.
Ahead of its production debut in the middle of June 2024, some details about the all-new BMW X3 have been released.
The all-new BMW X3 is almost ready to be revealed. Now in its 4th generation, the X3 has proven to be one of BMW’s successful models thanks to the market ditching sedans for higher-riding SUVs. The predecessor is said to be BMW’s most successful X3 ever and the brand’s best-selling product in 2023, with around 350 000 units sold
The all-new BMW X3 is of importance and relevance to South Africa as not only is the vehicle sold here, but its also manufactured at the BMW Group facility Rosslyn, near Pretoria. As part of a R4.2 billion investment over the next five years, BMW SA will be building the X3 range for both local consumption and export.
The camouflage is thorough, but we can see some details
So, what can we expect? What you see here are some camouflaged prototypes on the roads of the BMW Group test facility, located at Miramas, in Southern France. BMW has confirmed the new-gen X3 will feature both ‘highly-efficient combustion engines and an advanced plug-in hybrid.’
BMW says every X3 derivative will have superior handling
There’s been a focus on the new X3’s drive, which BMW claims will ‘demonstrate superior handling.’ There’s new tech in the automated parking and driving aspects too. The X3’s development program appears to have been extensive and thorough with plenty mileage tallied up in varying conditions like snow and ice conditions, hot weather testing, offroading scenarios as well as improving its day-to-day usability in traffic, highways and race tracks.
A preview of the new X3 cabin
The new BMW X3 is constructed with lightweight materials and there’s a focus on enhanced aerodynamics. BMW claims a drag coefficient of 0.27 which it says sets new standards in its segment.
In comparison to the outgoing model, the new X3 features a wider track and reduced lift at the rear. The rigidity of the body has been increased and there are tweaks to the axles for additional stability. There’s an upgrade to the steering setup with more directness added and the anti-roll bars have been enhanced to improve cornering but not at the expense of comfort.
When will the all-new BMW X3 be sold in South Africa?
The global reveal of the new-generation BMW X3 will be taking place in the middle of June 2024 and we reckon local sales will commence before the end of the year.
The JAC T9 double-cab bakkiehasarrived in South Africa, ready to do battle with top-spec versions of the likewise Chinese-built GWM P-Series…
JAC Motors South Africa has confirmed the local arrival of its new T9 flagship double-cab bakkie line-up. Revealed at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show, the T9 was originally scheduled to hit local roads in early 2022.
The T9 range comprises both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, in either Lux or Super Lux trim and slots in above the current T6 and T8 portfolios.
The new T9 is powered by a 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that generates 125 kW and 410 Nm of torque, and is exclusively paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission sourced from ZF (with driving modes such as Sport, Normal, Eco and Snow).
The 4×4 derivatives feature a BorgWarner part-time 4-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case and a rear differential lock. Ground clearance is listed as 210 mm. In terms of efficiency, JAC claims a combined fuel economy figure of 7.8 L/100km for both 4×2 and 4×4 derivatives.
The Chinese bakkie measures 5 330 mm long, 1 965 mm wide and 1 920 mm tall, with 3 110 mm separating its axles (that makes it 80 mm shorter overall than the double-cab GWM P-Series, with a wheelbase that is 120 mm shorter). The T9 offers a maximum braked towing capacity of 3 500 kg and a payload of 1 000 kg.
The T9 range is fitted with a broad array of safety features, including 6 airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, tyre-pressure monitoring, a surround-view parking camera and ISOfix child-seat anchors.
Standard equipment includes a 10.4-inch touchscreen system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality), a 7-inch driver information screen, wireless smartphone charging, heated power-adjustable front seats, leather trim, a 220V power outlet and full climate control, complete with dedicated vents for the rear-sited passengers.
“We are excited to introduce the T9 into our T-Series double-cab range, targeting customers in search of luxurious comfort and the driving experience of a passenger car, perfectly suited to their active lifestyles and dual-purpose needs,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, Chief Executive Officer of JAC Motors South Africa.
The JAC T9 is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 5-year/100 000 km service plan and 24-hour roadside assistance programme. Service intervals are set at 10 000 km.
Full-fat Toyota GR Hilux ruled out (but hot SUVs likely)
The head of Gazoo Racing has ruled out the possibility of a full-fat Toyota GR Hilux to battle the Ford Ranger Raptor, though suggests hot SUVs are on the cards…
Waiting patiently for a full-fat Toyota GR Hilux to take the fight to the Ford Ranger Raptor? Well, the head of the Japanese firm’s Gazoo Racing division has unequivocally ruled out a high-performance version of the popular bakkie, though suggests hot GR-badged SUVs are on the horizon.
Tomoya Takahashi, President of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing Company, told Australian media that a full-bore GR version of the venerable Hilux was not going to happen.
Only the GR Sport badge for the Hilux, it seems.
“A GR special car? No – only GR Sport,” Takahashi said when quizzed about a hotter Hilux, according to WhichCar. The Australian publication asked again if there was room for a Ranger Raptor rival and reported that the executive simply shook his head and said “no”.
As a reminder, the widebody Hilux GR Sport III that has just launched in South Africa employs the previous iteration’s 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which here generates 165 kW and 550 Nm. That’s not nearly in the realm of the Ranger Raptor, which offers 292 kW and 583 Nm from its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol mill.
Rumours of a GR Hilux date back several years.
A full-fat GR Hilux pitched against the Raptor has long been rumoured, with previous reports suggesting such a derivative would form part of the upcoming next-generation version of the bakkie (perhaps borrowing the 3.3-litre V6 turbodiesel motor from the Land Cruiser 300). However, Takahashi’s comments suggest such a model won’t become a reality.
That said, Takahashi did hint that the GR range would be expanded past the likes of the GR86, GR Yaris, GR Corolla and GR Supra, suggesting that the SUV body shape was next in line for a high-performance overhaul.
Might we see a high-performance GR Corolla Cross one day?
“In the future, from my point of view, we need a GR SUV. Some people can only use SUVs because they have a family or need space. To expand our brand, maybe an SUV is needed,” he said, according to CarExpert.
While Toyota already offers GR Sport versions of the Corolla Cross and Land Cruiser 300 (as well as the Yaris Cross and C-HR in other markets), it has yet to develop a GR flagship in SUV guise. Judging by Takahashi’s stance on the matter, however, such a model is surely on the horizon…
With its futuristic styling, cool interior and impressive claimed range, the “baby” in the Mercedes-Benz EQE electric executive sedan line-up promises a lot. Does the EQE350+ AMG Line deliver, however?
We like: Striking looks inside and out, comfortable ride quality
We don’t like: Build quality disappointing at times, not as efficient as claimed
The EQE sedan is based on an all-electric platform and looks distinctively swoopy and “slippery through the air”.
Where does the Mercedes-Benz EQE fit in?
Mercedes-Benz is one of the oldest car companies and has achieved so many “firsts” in the automotive world that it’s impossible to mention them all; being “at the cutting edge” has always been in the brand’s DNA. So, it’s no wonder ‘Benz has approached the EV genre with vigour. In a relatively short space of time, the Three-pointed Star has developed the EQ sub-brand that exists in parallel with its ongoing ICE model line-up. EQ designers and engineers have a bit more freedom to push the boundaries, however.
Simply put, the Mercedes-Benz EQE slots into the electric ‘Benz world next to the new E-Class sedan (due in Mzansi soon). Think of it as the car the E-Class would be if ‘Benz was only allowed to make EVs.
Seeing as the Mercedes-Benz EQE doesn’t have a user-friendly bonnet, you replenish the washer fluid through this slot.
Of course, we have previously reviewed the performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG EQE43 4Matic sedan variant (view the video review), and that dual-motor variant costs about R250k more than the EQE350+ AMG Line. So, if performance is not your main concern, but you want a distinctive executive sedan with a Three-Pointed star on its nose, this variant might be on your radar – and mainly for a pair of reasons…
First of all, the stylish “4-door coupe” CLS model has been discontinued, so in a way, the Mercedes-Benz EQE fills that void above the upcoming new E-Class. Secondly, the EQE350+ AMG Line’s claimed range is said to be between 532 to 621 km, which is not only impressive in and of itself, but even more so when you consider that it exceeds the stated range of the (very similarly priced) BMW i5 eDrive40.
The EQE is notably longer than the new E-Class – that extended wheelbase facilitates a roomy interior.
How the Mercedes-Benz EQE fares in terms of…
Design and Features
With its extra-long wheelbase (measuring 3 120 mm) and sweeping roofline that seems to flow almost seamlessly into the overhangs of the car, the Mercedes-Benz EQE looks decidedly slippery (its shape was hewn in a wind tunnel, after all). The door handles retract when the sedan pulls away and those lovely, multi-spoke 21-inch wheels (standard on the AMG Line grade), fill the wheel arches nicely.
Although the EQE is almost exactly as long as the new E-Class, its longer wheelbase (3 120 mm vs 2 961 mm) and wider footprint give it a “squatter” appearance, even though it is a comparatively taller car. A drawback of its “long belly” is that the EQE’s underbody can scrape on sharply curved speedbumps etc.
That gently sloping roofline culminates in a sleek tailgate design, but the EQE’s load capacity suffers as a result.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE is a car that turns many heads (based on our experience) and the “wow factor” continues inside. When you open the doors (with their frameless windows), you’re greeted by a typically modern Mercedes-Benz interior which, at first glance, boasts a lot of showroom appeal. It may lack the Mercedes-AMG’s EQE43’s “hyperscreen”, but you still get an interior that exudes high tech and style.
An expansive infotainment screen with crisp graphics dominates the centre of the fascia, with another digital display positioned in front of the driver. The base for those screens is a continuously curved panel with a pleasingly textured finish; our test unit’s spec sheet described it as “Anthracite linestructure lime wood trim” (sic). The cabin looks even better at night, courtesy of a host of ambient lighting options.
The front of the EQE’s cabin is awash with upmarket finishes and loads of tech, but its quality needs to be improved.
Of course, the absence of a traditional transmission tunnel means there’s plenty of oddment space available at the front of the Mercedes-Benz EQE’s cabin – the centre console extends into a piano black-trimmed bridge that incorporates drinks holders, a wireless charging pad (also two USB-C ports), as well as a lift-up armrest. Underneath the bridge is a large storage area that is accessible from both sides.
The seats are superbly comfortable and offer a wide range of electric adjustment at the front (replete with memory function). That, allied with an adjustable steering column, makes it possible for even very tall drivers to find a comfortable driving position. While the comfort levels are admirable at the front, aft occupants may feel hemmed in as a result of the low roofline. But that impression is misleading – there is good rear legroom (the car performed admirably in the “1.8-metre-tall driver sits behind himself test”).
The EQE offers rear occupants more than enough legroom, but the back of the cabin does feel a tad hemmed in.
The downside of the roomy cabin (even if rear occupants may feel a little claustrophobic) is a mediocre claimed boot capacity (490 litres), which is significantly less than that of the i5 and incoming E-Class.
Overall, it’s a car that has so many layers of tech and features, that it may take EQE owners a good while to enjoy all of them, but in that journey of discovery, the car’s single, fairly significant, flaw also becomes apparent. Much of the cabin’s visual and tactile appeal seems superficial because too many trim pieces simply don’t feel of a quality befitting a higher-end Mercedes-Benz model. Granted, the perception of the quality of a static piece of trim is subjective, but the fact that it creaks, buzzes or rattles is not.
While its 2.4-tonne kerb weight dulls the EQE’s performance, the ‘Benz can still deliver strong acceleration when required.
Performance and Efficiency
The EQE350+ AMG Line is powered by a permanently excited (yes, really) synchronous motor at the rear, which draws power from a 10-module 90 kWh (usable) lithium-ion battery pack. Its peak torque output figure (565 Nm) comfortably beats that of the i5, but seeing as it tips the scales at around 2 400 kg, the ‘Benz is noticeably heavier than the BMW. As a result, its performance is somewhat less impressive.
But not by much, at least not according to our test equipment. Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100 kph time of 6.4 sec for the EQE350+ AMG Line, but our test unit overachieved by clocking a 6.19-sec sprint time, which was not far off the 6.0-sec time claimed for the i5 eDrive40 M Sport. And, away from the drag strip, the EQE certainly never felt flat-footed, it delivered strong surges of acceleration when required.
You can fine-tune how much brake energy the EQE recuperates to eke out a bit more range.
But this is not a Mercedes-AMG model; we anticipate that the EQE350+’s efficiency and range will be as important to would-be buyers as its performance. In this respect, the news is not quite as good. Though the ‘Benz’s claimed range is impressive (532 to 621 km), we couldn’t achieve that (mind you, ICE cars also struggle to achieve their claimed efficiency). In the real world, expect a range of around 420 km.
Ride and Handling
Despite its large wheels and AMG Line specification, the EQE350+ does NOT have a sporty suspension setup. It delivers a wonderfully supple and quiet ride, much as you would expect of a conventional ‘Benz model. Perhaps the hefty kerb weight plays a role; the sedan seemed to just iron out road imperfections.
The EQE350+ AMG Line is fitted with large alloy wheels with low-profile tyres, but it has a pliant ride quality.
If you test the ‘Benz’s ability to corner quickly (to a level that admittedly few EQE drivers are ever likely to do), you’ll discover that the EQE350+ AMG Line disguises its relative heft surprisingly well, aided by a low centre of gravity and plenty of grip. You can add some weighting to the steering by selecting a sportier drive mode, and the stability control system can be partially deactivated – if you really must.
But this is not a car that engages and rewards its driver during a typical mountain-pass type of driving experience. Swift, supple and quiet, the EQE350+ AMG Line is more of a fast GT than a corner-carver.
Mercedes-Benz EQE price and After-sales support
The Mercedes-Benz EQE350+ AMG Line sells for R1 862 850 (May 2024, before options). That price includes a 2-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty. A 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan is also included.
The EQE350+ may appeal to a niche market, but it’s a more compelling offering than the faster, but pricier EQE43 4Matic.
Verdict
In AMG Line specification, the Mercedes-Benz EQE350+ costs almost as much as its only rival, the as-of-yet untested BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport. We believe that it is a more compelling offering than its pricier Mercedes-AMG EQE43 4Matic stablemate and, in the absence of more powerful new E-Class derivatives (only E200 and E220d variants will be offered at launch), the EQE350+ AMG Line does cater for the few buyers who want a Mercedes-Benz sedan with neck-swivelling looks and oodles of advanced tech.
Is that a big enough niche to justify the EQE350+ AMG Line’s existence? Only time (and experience with its new BMW rival) will tell.
A new report claims the 2nd-generation Hyundai Santa Cruz unibody bakkie will be produced in right-hand-drive form too, potentially opening the door to a local launch…
The Hyundai Santa Cruz – a unibody bakkie based on the Tucson SUV – is currently built only in left-hand-drive guise. However, a fresh report out of Australia claims there will be a 2nd-generation version – which could apparently hit the road as early as 2026 – and it will be produced in right-hand-drive form, too.
According to CarsGuide, Hyundai even previewed the next-gen unibody bakkie – which, of course, could end up using a different name in markets outside of North America – at a recent dealer event Down Under. The publication claims the new model could launch in Australia “around 2026”, once the 2nd-gen Santa Cruz has been revealed.
Of course, if the 2nd-gen Santa Cruz were indeed to be developed in both left- and right-hand-drive guise – as well as potentially produced outside of North America, in addition to the current facility in Alabama in the United States – an introduction to South Africa would certainly not be outside the realm of possibility.
As a reminder, the original Santa Cruz double-cab bakkie traces its roots back to a concept first displayed in 2015. After a lengthy gestation period, the production version was finally revealed in 2021, before an updated model (pictured here) broke cover in March 2024.
In North America, the current Santa Cruz is available with a choice of petrol engines. The first is a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder motor that drives all 4 wheels via an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. Hyundai also offers a turbocharged 2.5-litre mill linked to an 8-speed (wet) dual-clutch automatic transmission, with this model likewise featuring all-wheel drive.
While Kia – in which the Hyundai Motor Group holds a controlling stake – is putting the finishing touches on its Tasman ladder-frame bakkie range, the Hyundai brand has yet to confirm that it will indeed offer its own version. So, for now, the Korean firm looks set to focus on its unibody model, while also potentially pushing into the electric bakkie space.
As an aside, a March 2024 report out of South America suggested that Hyundai was developing a new small bakkie based on the Creta, and thus set to be positioned below the Santa Cruz mentioned here. According to Brazilian media, this rumoured model could be released in initial markets “in 2026 or 2027”.
Used Land Rover Discovery 4 (2009-2017) Buyer’s Guide
The Land Rover Discovery 4 is legendary for its off-road capability, on-road comfort, luxurious interior and distinctive styling. But is the quintessential 2010s Premium SUV a good proposition as a used buy? Ciro De Siena lists the model’s pros and cons.
The Discovery 4 – the model that promoted the Solihull-based brand’s large off-roader to the Premium SUV segment of the new-vehicle market in late 2009 – has an unfortunate reputation for poor reliability.
Does that mean that you should steer clear of the Discovery 4 as a used buy? No, many of the model’s strengths remain just as compelling today as when the model was new; if you’re realistic about what it will cost to maintain one of these vehicles and know what to look out for, why not give it a closer look?
In this How To Guide, our video guy Ciro De Siena, who has just bought a Discovery 4, takes us through some of the common problems with the car, and how to spot them on your test drive and inspection.
Ciro also shares replacement parts pricing and the cost to perform the important cambelt service on the Land Rover Discovery 4. Air suspension and handbrake issues, a cracked intake manifold, a solution for the exhaust-gas recirculation problem and mass air flow sensor issues – all are discussed in the video.
He also explains why the rare XS derivative (the version that he bought) might be the pick of the bunch…
The 2nd-gen BMW X2 coupe-style premium small crossover recently arrived in SA. Ciro De Siena gives us a walkaround tour of the Bavarian newcomer, while David Taylor shares his experience of driving both turbopetrol-powered X2 derivatives.
What’s new with the BMW X2?
What you see here is the 2nd-gen BMW X2, which its maker has codenamed the U10. Compared with its predecessor, the newcomer is longer (by 194 mm), wider (by 21 mm) and stands 64 mm taller.
The longer wheelbase (by 22 mm) is arguably the most important generational development, because it facilitates better cabin packaging. BMW says the new X2’s load-bay capacity has increased by 90 litres.
BMW has not shied away from introducing new design cues recently and the U10 X2 is no exception; we’d go so far as to say that it doesn’t even resemble a BMW from certain angles! Although the new X2 shares the UKL2 platform with its stablemate, the X1 premium small crossover, the models are poles apart, visually and physically. For an added extravert touch, you can even specify an illuminated grille!
The cabin, in turn, features a curved (combined infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument cluster) display on the dash, which is powered by the latest Android-based BMW Operating 9 operating system.
We have mixed feelings about its interface: it looks fantastic, but displays an overload of information that requires familiarisation. Also new in this model are shapely sports seats and, like in virtually every new BMW, the cabin looks and feels solid – it features premium materials and emits no rattles or squeaks.
South African line-up of the BMW X2
While the X1 and X2 share a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine, which powers the sDrive18i M Sport, the former is also available in turbodiesel guise, whereas the latter isn’t. Instead, the X2 line-up features a performance-oriented M35i derivative, which utilises a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that puts out 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Anoraks will recognise that it’s an updated version of the B48 motor.
This turbopetrol-only line-up suggests the X2 is a more style-driven “boutique” offering than the rather conventional X1 compact family car; it’s aimed at trendy urbanites, who’ll admire the model’s sportiness.
The range-topping X2 M35i sends power to all 4 wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and is claimed to dash from 0-100 kph in just 5.4 seconds. As a reminder, the sDrive18i is front-wheel-driven and its 1.5-litre turbo motor (mated with a 7-speed torque-converter auto ‘box) makes 115 kW/230 Nm.
This is undoubtedly the most attention-grabbing model in the BMW Group’s small crossover range (for the moment, anyway). Whereas M Sport trim is standard on the U10 X2 derivatives, the X1 offers variants with xLine and M Sport trim grades and is also available with all-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
What’s the all-new BMW X2 like to drive?
Our first experience of the U10 X2 came courtesy of the M35i. With an appropriately sporty drive mode dialled in, this flagship proved an eager point-to-point performer. The engine comes on song rapidly and doesn’t hesitate to make its voice heard. There’s a sharp induction bark on downshifts and when you lift off the accelerator pedal, the quad exhausts emit deep, bassy rumbles. We suspect some of the aural effects are synthesised through the cabin’s speakers, but they’re subtle (don’t sound patently artificial).
Unsurprisingly, the M35i rides firmly – our test unit’s larger wheels seemed to exaggerate the sensation at slower speeds, but at no point did the suspension setup feel unduly harsh. The steering (aided by a thick-rimmed ‘wheel) feels very BMW-like: direct, reasonably weighted and pleasingly responsive, but the weighting and responsiveness vary between drive modes – you certainly can feel the difference between Comfort and Sport. Our only gripe is that the new ‘shift paddles feel a trifle rubbery to operate.
Given the X2’s sporty bent, buyers will expect the newcomer to deliver an engaging driving experience – and it does, to an extent. Critically, the model manages to hide its weight pretty well. With a kerb weight of just over 1 700 kg, the 2nd-gen X2 is no featherweight, but it can carve up corners deftly. And, thanks to all-wheel drive, you can drive enthusiastically safe in the knowledge that the BMW has plenty of grip. Still, given BMW’s legacy of fun-to-drive small cars, the X2 M35i is only moderately satisfying to pilot.
Then there’s the front-wheel-drive X2 sDrive18i, which brings its charming 3-cylinder turbopetrol motor to the party. If you suspect that a 1.5-litre engine might be too weedy to motivate a model as substantial as BMW’s new X2, our experience with this powertrain suggests quite the contrary. Its outputs of 115 kW and 230 Nm compare favourably with those of its rivals; in fact, its performance is more than adequate.
Most 3-cylinder motors emit an offbeat thrum because they are inherently unbalanced (due to having an odd number of pistons). However, most manufacturers compensate for that configuration mechanically and acoustically – BMW is no exception. Unless you’re revving it to the redline, the 1.5 litre is fairly muted and there’s enough power for cut-and-thrust urban driving. The sDrive18i never feels as if it lacks punch.
While the X2 is marketed as a premium small crossover, the newcomer’s overall driving experience is more akin to that of a nippy hatchback than a docile raised-body SUV, which further adds to its appeal.
2024 BMW X2 Price in South Africa (May 2024)
The new X2 ships with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
If you’re in the market for a compact luxury car, but find the BMW X1 a trifle too mainstream and, well, predictable for your taste, the X2 offers the kind of standout presence that will draw admiring, if not downright envious, glances from other road users. While mechanical differences between the X1 and the X2 are minor, their executions are quite different; the bolder X2 feels more energetic and spirited to pilot.
Given the R50k premium that the U10 X2 demands over its conventional and identically-powered X1 sibling (in the case of the sDrive18i M Sport), BMW’s newcomer doesn’t represent great value for money, but it’s a heart-over-head proposition – and its nonconformist appeal should win it more than a few fans.
