Volkswagen Indaba 2024 gave the South African motoring media a preview into the products hitting our roads this year and some insights into the VW business locally.
Hosted at its Kariega assembly plant, the Volkswagen Indaba 2024 was a chance to put a finger on the pulse of all things Volkswagen, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility and of course, a chance to see some of the hot new metal set to be introduced to our market.
Before we get stuck into the hot new metal, VWSA will be re-branding to Volkswagen Group Africa, which gives you some idea of the strategy that will be kicking into high gear from 2024. With the European market gradually transitioning to electric vehicles, VGA has had to consider a frightening potential reality; there will be no market for petrol-powered Polo and Polo GTI exports.
Volkswagen Group Africa plant, Kariega, Eastern Cape
As a reminder, over 70% of the vehicles assembled here are destined for foreign markets and the loss of which will be devastating. Hence, the pivot into Africa. The factory contributes significantly to the Eastern Cape economy, with 3 900 direct jobs and around 20 000 jobs in the greater supply chain, and the Kariega facility is now the sole provider for the world’s Polos and Polo GTIs.
SA’s most popular passenger car, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, will continue on. When asked about a facelift or upgrades, the answer was telling. “Why change a winning formula?”
The good news is that there’ll be a 3rd model joining local production. While it’s still extremely early in the product’s gestation (we don’t even have a name yet) and it will only be going into production in 2026/2027, we do know that it will be an A0-class SUV built on the MQB27 platform and powered by an internal combustion engine. There’s also a chance a small bakkie will be assembled on this platform too, so watch this space.
Volkswagen Indaba 2024 Product Highlights
If you’ve reached this point, thanks for reading! Volkswagen Group Africa has a considerable array of vehicles earmarked for local introduction. While all eyes were on the four vehicles that had been flown in for the event, Volkswagen confirmed that there will be a mild update to the Polo GTI and the Polo sedan will gain turbocharged TSI engines.
Volkswagen ID.4
The electric ID.4 is confirmed for our market. Initially it will be a test fleet with members of the motoring media behind the wheel. Final specifications and pricing structure is still to be confirmed.
The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan made an appearance and while we’re not completely sold on the overall design yet, there’s no denying the new lighting array is bold and striking. Expect to see this vehicle launched early in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
The most popular imported Volkswagen gets its first facelift and in this change, there have been upgrades to the cabin trim and the lighting clusters get enhanced. In showrooms towards the end of the 3rd quarter 2024.
The flagship Volkswagen luxury SUV has been updated and features numerous enhancements both inside and out. It will be hitting the SA market in the 2nd quarter of 2024.
New Audi RS6 Avant GT: Just 1 Unit for South Africa!
Meet the Audi RS6 Avant GT, an extreme new special edition of Ingolstadt’s high-performance wagon. So, is it coming to South Africa? Yes, but we’ll receive just a single unit…
The new Audi RS6 Avant GT has been revealed, sporting bold exterior styling, an upgraded cabin, adjustable coilover suspension and a revised rear differential.
The Ingolstadt-based firm’s local division has already confirmed that the GT-badged special edition is indeed destined for South Africa – though just a single example from the 660-unit production run has been set aside for our market. Keep your eyes open from the 2nd quarter of 2024, when this lone unit is due to make local landfall.
Billed as the “pinnacle of the model series”, the new RS6 Avant GT interestingly employs the same engine tune as the RS6 Avant Performance, which means its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine sends an unchanged 463 kW and 850 Nm to all 4 corners via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
However, thanks to some fettling from the clever folks at Audi Sport (including some neat weight savings), the claimed 0-100 kph time falls from 3.4 to 3.3 seconds, with 200 kph achieved in a stated 11.5 seconds. In addition, the GT’s top speed increases from that standard 250 kph (or optionally 280 kph) to a heady 305 kph.
So, what else set the RS6 Avant GT apart? Well, the limited-edition model ships standard with the RS ceramic brake system as well as new high-performance Continental Sport Contact 7 tyres (285/30 R22). Moreover, the sport differential sited on the rear axle has been “specially tuned” to place a greater focus on “agility and rear bias” in the angriest driving mode.
Meanwhile, the adjustable coilover suspension lowers the ride height by 10 mm (though buyers can alternatively order the RS sport suspension plus with dynamic ride control or the RS adaptive air suspension). Thanks to a higher spring rate, triple-adjustable dampers and stiffer stabilisers (30% fore and 80% aft), Audi promises the new coilover set-up reduces body roll.
Wondering about that bold exterior makeover? Well, Audi reckons the apprentice project RS6 GTO concept (which itself had the 1989 Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO racer as its muse) from 2020 served as the inspiration. So, up front, you’ll find grille and air intakes finished in high-gloss black, along with vertical blades in the front apron, a new intake grille and a revised front splitter.
The bonnet and the fenders, meanwhile, have been fashioned from carbon fibre, while air outlets have been positioned behind the 22-inch alloy wheels. In profile, you’ll notice inserts in the side skirts, glossy carbon side-mirror caps and the aforementioned wheels in a model-specific 6-spoke design. Round back, there’s the requisite “RS6 GT” badging in black, along with a “functional” diffuser (with a vertically centred reflector) and a double wing. Interestingly, the roof rails have been entirely removed.
Buyers have the option to choose decals in 2 colours. The first combines Audi Sport’s traditional colours (black, grey and red) with an Arkona White paint finish and high-gloss white wheels. Alternatively, customers can order the decals in black and grey tones, in combination with either Nardo Grey or Mythos Black paint (and wheels in high-gloss black or matte black).
The RS Design Package Plus is standard, with the black interior gaining accents in red and copper. There’s also plenty of “RS6 GT” badging in the cabin (along with the car’s serial number on the centre console), plus new RS bucket seats finished a leather-Dinamica combination. The armrests, dashboard and centre console are upholstered in Dinamica black microfibre.
After visiting the body construction works and painting shop in Neckarsulm, the RS6 Avant GT heads to Böllinger Höfe (where the R8, e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT are produced) for final assembly by 7 “experienced employees” at 3 dedicated stations. The German firm says all GT-specific features are “fitted by hand”.
Is the RS6 Avant GT a swansong of sorts for the C8-generation model? Well, though Audi hasn’t said as much, rumours suggest this nameplate may well go fully electric in the relatively near future…
Suzuki SA’s sales surge: is VW’s 2nd place under threat in 2024?
January 2024 saw Suzuki Auto South Africa finish a mere 287 sales behind Volkswagen Group SA. So, is the German firm’s 2nd position really under threat this year? Let’s examine the figures…
Though South Africa’s new-vehicle industry kicked off 2024 with its 6th consecutive month of year-on-year decline, a certain Japanese automaker continued to buck the trend, putting in its best sales performance yet. Yes, Suzuki Auto South Africa finished January 2024 on a record 5 235 units, a mere 287 registrations behind the 2nd-placed Volkswagen Group (5 522 units).
This impressive haul furthermore represented the 1st time the Hamamatsu-based company’s local division had breached the 5 000-unit mark in a month, besting its previous record of 4 734 registrations achieved back in July 2022. So, while alliance partner Toyota – which has led Mzansi’s new-vehicle market for 44 years on the trot now – remains far out of reach for Suzuki, the VW Group is now seemingly within touching distance.
Will 2024 be the year Suzuki leapfrogs the German company in South Africa? Or was January’s record performance simply an anomaly, perhaps brought about by differing year-end reporting strategies? Let’s take a closer look at the recent sales figures in a bid to find out…
Stepping back: Suzuki Auto SA’s sales figures in 2023
Before we delve into January 2024’s fascinating statistics, let’s take a step back and consider Suzuki Auto SA’s performance across 2023. Last year, the budget-car specialist made 3rd place very much its own, finishing every single month on the final step of the podium and wrapping up the reporting period on 49 438 units (up 4.8% year on year and translating to its highest ever market share of 9.3%).
Volkswagen Group SA, meanwhile, held steady in 2nd place despite its sales dropping 3.4% year on year to 67 456 units. That, in turn, saw the German automaker’s market share slip slightly to 12.7% in 2023. Still, it finished a considerable 18 018 units ahead of Suzuki (down from a 22 623-unit differential in 2022). Of course, we should also keep in mind that VW Group SA’s business extends far further than the local market, with the Kariega-built Polo hatch leading the export charts last year with a whopping 101 468 units.
As an aside, the VW Group’s monthly average in 2023 worked out to 5 621 units, while Suzuki’s came to 4 120 units. So, across last year, as many as 1 501 units separated the 2 automakers each month, on average. Although that’s certainly a smaller gap than we saw in the previous year, Volkswagen’s 2nd position still looked relatively safe.
Just how close was Suzuki to the VW Group in January?
In contrast, January 2024 was anything but comfortable for the Wolfsburg-based company’s local division. In fact, remove any of several variables from the equation and the VW Group would not have kept its nose ahead at all.
For instance, it’s worth keeping in mind that Volkswagen Group SA’s sales figures include both the VW brand and the Audi marque. So, what happens if we exclude Audi registrations (407 units) from January’s figures? Well, on its own, the VW brand managed 5 115 units, which put it 120 sales behind the Suzuki brand.
That said, the VW Group (including Audi) edged Suzuki in the passenger-vehicle segment – that is, excluding light-commercial vehicle (LCV) sales – last month, finishing on 5 130 units compared with the Japanese brand’s 5 019 units. Again, though, pull the Ingolstadt-based firm’s 407 units from that tally and the picture changes.
Did rental and government sales keep VW ahead in January?
It’s also interesting to note that, compared with Suzuki, the VW Group relied far more heavily on sales to the vehicle-rental market last month. In fact, as many as 1 318 units – or 23.9% of the automaker’s total for the month – came via this channel. In contrast, Suzuki’s sales to the rental segment in January came to 748 units, translating to 14.3% of its tally.
A similar though even more pronounced trend emerged when it came to so-called “single registrations” (defined as units the company keeps for its own use, such as staff vehicles, media vehicles and promotional vehicles). Here, the VW Group saw 311 registrations compared with Suzuki’s 6 units. In addition, the German firm sold 152 vehicles to government, while the Japanese brand reported zero sales in this sector.
What about the all-important dealer channel – that is, excluding rental, government and single registrations – which can be considered a strong indicator of private-buyer sentiment in the country? Well, rather fascinatingly, Suzuki (4 481 units) found itself some way ahead in this space, outdoing the VW Group (3 741 units) by as many as 740 sales and setting a new dealer sales record in the process.
Most of Suzuki’s products pulled their weight in January
Drilling down to individual model sales statistics, it’s worth pointing out that the overwhelming majority of Suzuki’s products pulled their weight last month. While the Swift (1 566 units) again led the charge, models such as the Ertiga (657 units), Baleno (625 units), Jimny (445 units), S-Presso (434 units) and Fronx (391 units) all put in exceedingly solid performances.
The Celerio (300 units), Grand Vitara (265 units), Ciaz (128 units), Eeco (121 units) and Dzire (107 units) likewise all managed to crack 3 figures, with only the Super Carry (95 units), XL6 (54 units), Ignis (46 units) and Vitara (a single registration) falling short of that mark.
In contrast, the VW Group relied mostly on the Kariega-built Polo Vivo (2 034 units) and Polo hatchback (1 079 units) siblings, which together accounted for 56.4% of the organisation’s total. Of course, when it comes to Volkswagen’s imported models, there may well still be some supply constraints at play here. Suzuki Auto SA, on the other hand, has seemingly secured a largely free-flowing stream of new vehicles from India (we’ve heard of supply issues only in the case of the Fronx).
How does Suzuki continue to grow in a stifled market?
What’s behind Suzuki Auto SA’s consistent growth? Well, operating in an increasingly price-sensitive local market, the company has shrewdly taken advantage of its mother brand’s large-scale production facilities in fellow right-hand-drive country India, where its Maruti counterpart manufactures massive volumes of budget-friendly compact vehicles.
Today, as many as 14 of the 15 nameplates in Suzuki Auto SA’s broader stable (including the Super Carry and Eeco in the LCV segment) are imported from India. Only the long-in-the-tooth Vitara (which remains the brand’s slowest seller) is sourced from Hungary in Europe, while the low-volume Swift Sport derivative is brought over from the Sagara factory in Japan. In addition, we believe 3-door versions of the Jimny are these days again imported from Japan (with the 5-door variants coming from India).
In short, considering the wide-ranging economic headwinds that continue to batter the already beleaguered South African new-vehicle buyer, Suzuki’s laser-like focus on the budget segments – for the record, its range currently runs from R174 900 to R542 900 (compared with VW’s bookends of R259 400 and R1 723 800, excluding Audi) – means that it’s effectively offering the right cars at the right time … and, crucially, at the right sort of price.
So, will Suzuki pass VW Group SA by the end of 2024?
Right, let’s get down to the question on everyone’s minds: will Suzuki have overtaken the VW Group in Mzansi by the time 2024 is done and dusted? In a market as volatile as ours, making big predictions has become something of a fool’s game. Still, while wiping out last year’s considerable 18 018-unit differential seems like an incredibly steep hill for Suzuki Auto SA to climb, the signs are certainly looking positive for the brand as the gap continues to narrow.
The next couple of months will prove whether or not January 2024’s record performance was a flash in the pan. Does VW have anything up its sleeve? Well, the firm plans to add a mystery 3rd vehicle – some sort of sub-T-Cross crossover – to its Kariega production line, potentially along with a half-tonne bakkie spin-off. But, as it stands, these (still unconfirmed, it should be said) models are a few years away.
Ultimately, if recent history is anything to go by, things may well eventually swing Suzuki’s way. While the German company suffered marginal year-on-year sales declines in 2022 and 2023, its Japanese counterpart grew a whopping 71% and a more subdued 4.8% over the past 2 years, respectively. Should Suzuki continue to buck the market trend as we move deeper into 2024, Mzansi may well have crowned a new runner-up to Toyota by the time December ends. We’ll be watching closely.
The facelifted BMW X6 landed in South African showrooms shortly before the end of 2023, but we’ve finally got behind the ‘wheel of the range’s mighty M60i derivative. Is this the sweet spot in the range… or should you go all in for the M Competition?
We like: Outrageous pace with a soundtrack to match, high-tech cabin, exemplary build quality.
The cosmetic updates to the G06-generation X6 are subtle; this model justifies a bold exterior colour choice.
BMW launched the original X6 (E71) as a highly stylised variant of the X5 premium SUV in 2007 and the model, which did so much to make coupe SUV part of our motoring lexicon (not least because it courted heaps of controversy), is now about halfway through its 3rd generation (G06 LCI). While G06 denotes the model code, LCI is BMW-speak for facelift/update. This iteration incorporates changes to the exterior design, an overhauled cabin with a revised infotainment system, as well as 48V mild-hybrid technology (now standard across the engine range). There’s also a “new” M60i engine, but more on that later.
Driving a large and luxurious coupe SUV is one of several ways in which a high-net-worth individual can emphasise their elevated status. Such models are redesigned and repackaged variants of conventional premium SUVs – while they do sacrifice some practicality, they offer much more kerb appeal. Suffice it to say, a typical coupe-SUV buyer is unlikely to care whether others approve of their vehicle choice or not.
Most luxury car brands have sportier versions of their premium SUV models. BMW goes as far as to call the X6 a sports activity coupe (SAC) – long gone are the days when “coupe” meant a vehicle had only 2 doors. When it comes to direct rivals to the X6, Mercedes-AMG has the punchy GLE 53 coupe with 320 kW and 560 Nm. The 372 kW/770 Nm Audi SQ8 will arrive in local showrooms during the 2nd quarter of 2024, while Porsche offers the Cayenne S coupe, which has crazy peak outputs of 349 kW and 600 Nm.
What’s particularly impressive – if not astonishing – is that those derivatives aren’t even the flagship versions of their models… There’s even more firepower available, if you are willing to stump up for it.
You can tell from the distinctive profile of the X6 that optimal load capacity is not a priority.
For the G06 LCI, exterior design changes are minor, with revised bumpers, light clusters and alloy wheel designs, as well as an expansion of the colour palette. These days, the more popular X5 barely gets a second glance unless it’s clad in a more vibrant colour, but there’s just something striking, no, “in your face” about the X6. Our test unit was finished in Brooklyn Grey, which gave it a menacing military look.
The provocative fastback design makes the X6 appear smaller than it is. In the metal, it’s an imposing vehicle that’s almost 5 metres long. Does the coupe SUV’s practicality suffer much (compared with its X5 sibling) due to its sloping roofline and tailgate? Well, whereas the X5 offers 650 to 1870 litres of luggage space, the X6 is said to accommodate 580 to 1530 litres. So the answer is no, you probably won’t notice the difference in load capacity until you need to pack the bay right up to the roof level.
Rear headroom is, in fact, sufficient for adults. It’s a spacious and comfortable cabin for long trips.
Another credit to the evolution of the X6’s packaging is that the G06 LCI still offers more than sufficient rear occupant space to accommodate 4 adults. One would think that the BMW’s tapering roofline would limit headroom for taller passengers, yet there’s still a feeling of spaciousness at the back. Individual climate controls and vents are provided, as are discreet USB-C ports (in the backs of the front seats).
Performance and Efficiency
Did BMW develop a new ICE powerplant exclusively for the M60i? We thought that was highly unlikely, and a subsequent review of the technical specs confirmed our suspicions: this is an M-fettled motor.
The M60i was transplanted from the asphalt-shredding BMW X6 M Competition flagship, but in this application, the 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 has been detuned by 70 kW, resulting in peak outputs of 390 kW and 750 Nm. Power is directed to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Moments after this photo was taken, the X6 M60i catapulted towards the horizon.
On our test trip, we engaged the X6 M60i’s sportiest drive mode and utilised the launch control function. The result? The Munich-based brand’s 2.3-tonne “full-sized family car” scorched from 0 to 100 kph in 4.25 seconds – fractionally quicker than the claimed 4.3 sec! While it’s unlikely that most X6 owners will regularly perform such rapid launches, the sensation of immense, near-instant thrust was eye-widening.
And the best thing about having such absolutely corrupting levels of power under your right foot is that the X6 M60i delivers outstanding (or should that be devastating?) in-gear acceleration. You don’t need to change drive modes or manually shift down to spur the Bimmer into charging past traffic at a rapid rate, just flex your foot. Be mindful, however, that it is frighteningly easy to exceed the speed limit.
You can configure several aspects of the M60i, including the drivetrain, steering and suspension, to suit your preference.
There are various drive modes available, each of which adjusts the engine mapping, gearbox shift points, suspension setup and instrument cluster display theme. Sport mode, for example, is characterised by a red theme and synthesised engine noise (plumbed into the cabin via the X6’s speakers). It’s a pleasant accompaniment to the delicious engine rumble; despite ever-stricter noise pollution and emissions regulations, the M60i still emits an evocative noise, including subtle pops and bangs on the overrun.
Also, the addition of 48V mild-hybrid technology has made a positive impact. The stop/start function is vastly improved, with no obtrusive dis- and re-engagements. The starter generator (integrated with the transmission) produces 9 kW and 200 Nm in itself; it serves to negate lag and increase responsiveness.
These futuristic “arrowheads” have replaced circular instrument dials.
If you can afford to buy a luxurious juggernaut that costs more than R2 million, its fuel consumption is unlikely to be of primary concern, but for what it’s worth, the X6 M60i indicated an average consumption figure of 12.9 L/100 km by the end of its tenure in our fleet. Given the performance-focused nature of this derivative, that figure compares well with BMW’s claim of 11.9 L/100 km. The vehicle has an 83-litre fuel tank and, if you drive conservatively, you should be able to travel around 600 km between fill-ups.
Ride and Handling
The X6 M60i has immense performance potential, but to reiterate, it is no featherweight. Does that mean that its ride quality is stiff and handling is cumbersome? Well, we’re happy to report… quite the contrary.
The ride quality is firm, but not a dealbreaker on the 22-inch wheels. M brakes provide prodigious stopping power.
If an X6 driver chooses to drive enthusiastically, they (like us) will be thoroughly impressed with the Bimmer’s sheer grip reserves and well-controlled body roll. It feels unnatural to pitch such a pear-shaped and sizeable SUV into corners, but for a model in this segment, the M60i is handily wieldy and deftly poised. M performance brakes, M Sport differential and adaptive M suspension are standard.
Given the test unit’s sporty pretensions, we expected a compromised ride quality and yes, the damping is firm, but it’s not as bone-crushingly hard as in the X6 M Competition, which can shake your fillings loose.
Big wheels, big exhaust ends, big noise – the M6 M60i has the performance to match its sporty looks.
Our test vehicle rode on the larger optional (22-inch) wheels, shod with 315/30 tyres (20-inch alloys are standard) and the suspension still coped well with the Western Cape’s various qualities of road surfaces. When you’re driving sedately on the open road, the X6 M60i is a docile cruiser with a supple ride quality.
Comfort and Features
At this price point, buyers expect a performance SUV to be luxuriously appointed – to say the least – and BMW has absolutely nailed the brief with the X6’s cabin, both in terms of visual appeal and build quality.
Each drive mode gets its own lighting theme and dashboard layout.
As part of the LCI (update), BMW has fitted the G06 X6 with the brand’s curved display infotainment and digital instrument cluster. It’s the same system as installed on the most recently introduced BMWs and its 8th-gen iDrive interface looks terrific. The user experience is generally good (once you’ve taken a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the menu systems and configurability). Yes, it has a nifty touchscreen setup, but it’s arguably simpler and more satisfying to use the iDrive rotary dial to navigate the system.
The shift-by-wire transmission switch has enabled BMW to adopt a simpler, more compact centre console.
Annoyingly, you can no longer adjust the individual temperatures of the climate control system by using buttons on the fascia – that functionality has been relocated to the touchscreen system. We get it… the button-less look is de rigueur and unclutters the cabin, but when you get into the car after it had been parked outside on a sweltering summer’s day, it would be preferable to simply punch a Max AC button.
Heated and cooled seats are among a host of standard comfort and convenience features.
As for the rest of the manifold comfort and convenience features in the X6 M60i, they’re excellent and entirely befitting of a vehicle with such a lofty price tag. There’s an array of semi-autonomous safety tech, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a heads-up display and a wireless phone charger, to name but a few, plus audiophiles are bound to lap up the Bowers and Wilkins speaker setup.
It’s well worth mentioning the incredibly crisp and clear display from the parking cameras and a multitude of sensors that make precision parking an effortless affair. Finally, the cabin not only looks the part, but every touchpoint feels upmarket and luxurious – it all just feels exceptionally well screwed together.
With the 360-degree camera system and many parking sensors, there’s no reason to have a parking mishap.
A minor gripe with BMW Operating System 8, which underpins the iDrive setup, was that it seemed to take its sweet time to power up entirely. An Over-The-Air (OTA) update was automatically downloaded by the car during its time with us, which appeared to solve the lag, but it presented another irritation.
That’s because, by the 2nd day of testing the X6 M60i, we had become familiarised with the themes and layout of the infotainment and instrumentation system. But then, apart from introducing tech changes, the OTA update altered the colours of, and moved things around in, the digital interface. It felt like we were in a different vehicle! If we were a customer, we’d be miffed that our car had changed that radically and were presented with another learning curve.
The OTA change log. That home button cluster at the bottom was previously on the right, in a vertical orientation!
Facelifted BMW X6 price and After-sales support
The BMW X6 is sold with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport
R1 826 850
BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport
R1 857 609
BMW X6 M60i
R2 176 413
BMW X6 M Competition
R3 308 842
Verdict
The BMW X6’s extravagance won’t appeal to everyone, but there’s a reason why the brash coupe SUV sells in greater numbers than you might imagine. It’s nothing short of a bold (4-wheeled) statement of wealth and success (unless, of course, you want to really ram the message home with an X7 or XM) and the latest round of updates has enhanced what was a well-rounded and competent luxury offering.
In truth, the xDrive30d is probably all the X6 that you would ever need, but there’s something sensational about a roaring V8 that pushes you deeper into your driver’s seat. With this much performance available, what’s the point of buying the X6 M Competition other than the bragging rights of paying almost R1 million extra for a car that has a more uncomfortable ride and is fractionally quicker from 0 to 100 kph?
Should you buy one? Sporty SUV coupes are polarising and we understand why many have a love/hate relationship with them. If the additional premium and slightly reduced practicality over the BMW X5 aren’t concerns, then we don’t see why you shouldn’t have the X6 on your premium SUV shortlist.
Budget Hatchbacks: Best to Worst Performance Value
Despite the increasing popularity of crossovers, budget hatchbacks still sell in large volumes in South Africa, but which carsofferthebest balance between performance, fuel efficiency and price? Take a look!
Budget hatchbacks are the staple of the South African motoring landscape – in fact, they’re even more popular than compact crossovers at the moment (February 2024). In this article, we focus our attention on Performance Value regarding budget hatchbacks.
A car is made up of thousands of parts and components. The sum of these parts is the final product, which is marketed and sold to you, the consumer, at a price. Of course, not all products are equally good… The powertrain (engine and transmission) is by far the most important or valuable component of a car and an engine’s efficiency contributes to its overall value. Keep this in mind as you read on…
What is Performance Value?
For this article, we define “Performance Value” as the relationship between a car’s Cost Per Kilowatt (CPK) figure and its fuel efficiency i.e. The cost per unit of power relative to the engine’s efficiency.
In other words, the theory follows that a car that offers the highest power output, at the most affordable price, while returning the best fuel efficiency will offer the customer or consumer the best “Performance Value”. Similarly, the car with the least power, highest price and worst efficiency will offer the weakest Performance Value.
The cost of power is calculated by dividing a vehicle’s price by its claimed power output. Note that only the derivatives with the lowest CPK figures in their respective model ranges are shown on this list.
This list focuses on the most fuel-efficient budget hatchbacks currently on sale in South Africa under R300 000 with claimed fuel consumption below 6 L/100km. The cars are ranked in descending order from the lowest to highest CPK value. We considered the derivatives with CPK figures under R5 000/kW. Note that the cars with the lowest CPK values are not necessarily the most fuel-efficient.
With that said, the car-buying process is complex and while the engine is important, it’s not the only factor to consider when buying a car. Many factors inform a car buyer’s final buying decision. These considerations include brand appeal, reliability, reputation, styling, interior design and execution, standard features, practicality, general performance, value-for-money, after-market service etc.
The Findings
The Performance Value data gathered highlighted Suzuki as a top brand with the Baleno, Swift, S-Presso and Celerio offering an appealing balance between power, price, fuel economy and CPK.
Brands such as Kia, Hyundai, Renault, Fiat and Volkswagen have poorer Performance Value with significantly higher Cost Per Kilowatt for the Picanto, Grand i10, Kwid, 500 and Polo Vivo respectively.
Pricing is accurate as of February 2024.
Budget hatchbacks: Best to Worst Performance Value
1. Suzuki Baleno
Model Derivative
Engine
Power / Torque
Fuel Efficiency
Price
Cost Per Kilowatt
Baleno 1.5 GL manual
1.5-litre petrol, naturally aspirated
77 kW / 138 Nm
5.4 L/100 km
R247 900
R3 219 / kW
Baleno 1.5 GL Automatic
1.5-litre petrol, naturally aspirated
77 kW / 138 Nm
5.7 L/100 km
R267 900
R3 479 / kW
Baleno 1.5 GLX manual
1.5-litre petrol, naturally aspirated
77 kW / 138 Nm
5.4 L/100 km
R299 900
R3 895 / kW
For buyers shopping for a new car with a budget under R300k, the Suzuki Baleno is well worth a closer look. It offers commendable outputs of 77 kW and 138 Nm and returns good fuel economy. Its larger footprint also means that it’s more practical and spacious. The Baleno represents excellent value in this segment.
The Baleno-based Toyota Starlet might outsell its Suzuki equivalent, but there’s ultimately not much that sets these 2 products apart. Like the Baleno, the Starlet is attractively priced and is a practical choice in this segment. There’s a reason so many Starlets are out on the roads…
The popular Suzuki Swift offers excellent Performance Value in this segment! Not only is its 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine fuel-efficient, it delivers a decent dollop of power for the asking price.
The Swift is well-known for offering fun-to-drive handling capability and, combined with a strong standard feature set, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best-selling passenger cars in South Africa.
The quirky Suzuki S-Presso is a popular choice for first-time car buyers and, while it offers peak outputs of only 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque, it returns pleasing fuel consumption and is attractively priced below R200k. It also offers good standard specification, but unlike its Swift sibling, the S-Presso’s handling ability could be better, plus its practicality is somewhat compromised by a rather small load bay.
The Suzuki Celerio is also a finalist in the Entry-Level Hatch category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, powered by Absa. It represents good value for money if you are shopping for a new hatchback under R200k. Even though the model’s performance is middling (it only offers 49 kW and 89 Nm), it returns good fuel consumption and it’s more spacious than its S-Presso stablemate.
The Toyota Vitz is essentially a re-badged Celerio. Because it’s powered by the same engine as – and is similarly priced to – the Suzuki, it offers similar Performance Value. The Vitz, however, can be had in X-Cite guise, which adds additional orange styling elements for a more exciting look.
Renault’s Kwid budget car is a bestseller for the French brand in the South African new-vehicle market and while it returns good fuel consumption, buyers are paying top dollar for every kW it produces. The derivative highlighted above is the entry-level Kwid so standard specification is, well, basic.
The Kia Picanto’s 61 kW 1.2-litre petrol engine offers the best Performance Value in the range and it’s rated highly in terms of perceived build quality too.
For its size, it’s pricier than most of its rivals in this segment and, if you’re looking for a hatchback with a larger footprint, the Suzuki Baleno or Toyota Starlet are good alternatives (see above). If the Picanto has won your heart, we’d recommend the Picanto 1.2 Style as a solid choice under R300k.
On paper, the Fiat 500 Cult is the most fuel-efficient budget car on this list and it’s also the smallest! It’s therefore considered to be a pricey niche offering in this segment. The Fiat 500, however, is a great boutique city car that’s easy to drive and park in congested city spaces while also sipping fuel sparingly.
Due its small footprint and low kerb weight, it’s a nippy performer between robots too!
The updated Hyundai Grand i10 arrived in South Africa in 2023. It’s a quality product in this segment, but it’s also fairly pricey in terms of Performance Value. It produces slightly more peak power than its Polo Vivo rival, but its pricing sits just below the R300k barrier while its fuel efficiency is average, at best.
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is perennially popular and while the locally-assembled budget car has a good track record for reliability and brand strength, those attributes come at a price – most derivatives cost more than R300k! While the power-to-price ratio of the 55 kW 1.4-litre Polo Vivo is relatively high, the German contender is not as fuel efficient as some of its rivals here, hence its poor Performance Value.
Wondering just how much the revised Toyota Land Cruiser 76 line-up – which gains the option of the 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel engine and an automatic gearbox – will cost you in South Africa? Well, we have the answer!
We’ve already brought you local pricing for Toyota’s revised Land Cruiser 79 bakkie range. Now we turn our attention to the Toyota Land Cruiser 76, which likewise gains the option of the Japanese firm’s familiar 2.8 GD-6 powertrain mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
As a reminder, the outgoing version of the Land Cruiser 76 station wagon was available in South Africa only in 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel form (with 151 kW/430 Nm), while the Land Cruiser 78 wagon (or “Troopy”) was offered exclusively in 4.2-litre straight-6 diesel guise (generating 96 kW/285 Nm). Both used 5-speed manual gearboxes.
The VX-badged 4-cylinder model tops the refreshed Land Cruiser 76 range.
While the revised line-up retains these 2 powertrains (though V8 motor is tipped to retire), there’s also now the option of the 2.8-litre motor and self-shifting transmission. The 4-cylinder oil-burning motor – which is familiar from the Hilux, Fortuner and Land Cruiser Prado line-ups – here generates peak outputs of 150 kW (from 3 000 to 3 400 r/min) and 500 Nm (from 1 600 to 2 800 r/min).
Drive is delivered to all 4 wheels via Toyota’s 6-speed automatic transmission, with the latter being a first for the broader 70 Series range. Top speed for the 4-cylinder models is pegged at 150 kph, while the V8-powered version again runs to 160 kph (and the 78-badged Troopy to 145 kph).
Note the VX badging at the rear.
After some extensive digging, Cars.co.za can finally confirm local pricing for the pair of new 4-cylinder derivatives. According to our information, the Land Cruiser 76 2.8 GD-6 Station Wagon 6AT will serve as the entry point to the expanded 76 Series range, priced at R999 900 and thus undercutting the V8 by R76 900.
But the big news is the addition of a new VX-badged flagship derivative. Officially known as the Land Cruiser 76 2.8 GD-6 Station Wagon VX 6AT, this fresh variant will bear a price of R1 107 200. By our maths, that makes it R30 400 more expensive than the snorkel-equipped 8-cylinder model.
Retro-styled graphics, present and correct.
As is the case in the refreshed Land Cruiser 79 bakkie range, we already know the new 2.8-litre models gain extra safety equipment, including vehicle stability control, active traction control, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, hill-assist control and downhill assist control. The pair of 4-cylinder station wagons, meanwhile, furthermore score cruise control.
So, what sets the new VX-badged station wagon model apart from the base 2.8-litre model? Well, information we uncovered last year suggests the fresh flagship boasts model-specific items such as leather upholstery (as opposed to fabric and complete with “Land Cruiser” embroidery), an uprated sound system, sound deadening for the door panels, a reverse-view camera, a console fridge and a steel front bumper.
The updated version of the Land Cruiser 78 Troopy sticks with the old 4.2-litre inline-6 motor.
The updated Land Cruiser 76’s exterior colour paint options include the same 6 hues as offered on revised 79 Series range: Ivory White, Satin Silver Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, Ruby Metallic, Sand Beige and Dark Blue. The Land Cruiser 78 Troopy, meanwhile, is additionally available in Attitude Black and Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic.
The J70-generation Land Cruiser has been in production for nearly 40 years. It’s currently the oldest “new” vehicle available in South Africa, having been sold here in its current form (more or less) for more than 2 decades.
How much do the revised Land Cruiser 76 and 78 cost in SA?
Land Cruiser 76 2.8 GD-6 Station Wagon 6AT – R999 900
Land Cruiser 76 4.5 V8 Station Wagon 5MT – R1 076 800
Land Cruiser 76 2.8 GD-6 Station Wagon VX 6AT – R1 107 200
Land Cruiser 78 4.2 Wagon (Troopy) 5MT – R900 100
As before, we expect a service plan to be optional for the Land Cruiser 76 and 78, with intervals of 5 000 km in the case of the 4.2-litre motor employed by the Troopy and 10 000 km for the other engines. Toyota’s 3-year/100 000 km warranty will again be standard.
Pricing scoop! Here’s how much you’ll pay for the refreshed Toyota Land Cruiser 79 bakkie range – which gains the familiar 2.8 GD-6 engine and an automatic gearbox – in South Africa…
The revised Toyota Land Cruiser 79 range will soon touch down in South Africa. The big news, of course, is the addition of the familiar 2.8 GD-6 powertrain, which is set to be available in conjunction with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Now, shortly ahead of the official market launch, Cars.co.za has uncovered pricing for the pair of new 4-cylinder derivatives.
As we exclusively reported late last year, the broader J70-generation line-up will swell from 8 variants to 12, thanks to the addition of the aforementioned 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The 70 Series portfolio will again comprise the Land Cruiser 76 station wagon, the Land Cruiser 78 wagon (or “Troopy”) and the Land Cruiser 79 single- and double-cab bakkie derivatives.
The new 2.8-litre version of the Land Cruiser 79 double cab.
We’ll focus on the Land Cruiser 79 for now. The 2.8-litre oil-burning motor – which is familiar from the Hilux, Fortuner and Land Cruiser Prado line-ups – here generates peak outputs of 150 kW (from 3 000 to 3 400 r/min) and 500 Nm (from 1 600 to 2 800 r/min). Drive is delivered to all 4 wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission, with the latter being a first for the 70 Series range. Top speed comes in at 150 kph.
So, back to the all-important question of pricing. According to our information, Toyota SA Motors will offer 2 versions of the 79-badged bakkie featuring the 2.8 GD-6 powertrain, separated only by body style: there’s the 2.8 GD-6 6AT single cab (which will kick off at R917 100) and the 2.8 GD-6 6AT double cab (which will cost R1 009 000).
This will be the first time the Land Cruiser 79 is offered in auto guise.
The 4.0-litre V6 petrol unit (170 kW/360 Nm), the 4.2-litre straight-6 diesel motor (96 kW/285 Nm) and the 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel mill (151 kW/430 Nm) will soldier on as part of the local line-up – for the time being, at least, with the 8-cylinder motor tipped to retire by August 2025. As a reminder, each of these older motors comes standard with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
So, that makes the new 2.8 GD-6 derivatives a little less expensive than the manual-equipped V8s. For instance, based on the current pricing, the Land Cruiser 79 2.8 GD-6 6AT single cab undercuts the V8 in the same body style by R39 100, while the Land Cruiser 79 2.8 GD-6 6AT double cab is R30 200 less expensive than its 8-cylinder equivalent.
The updated Land Cruiser 79 single cab finished in Sand Beige.
Of course, the new 2.8-litre models do gain additional safety equipment, including vehicle stability control, active traction control, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, hill-assist control and downhill assist control. However, the V8 models boast aluminium (rather than black) side steps and floor carpets (rather than PVC, as used in all other variants, including the flagship 2.8 GD-6 derivatives).
The refreshed Land Cruiser 79’s exterior colour paint options include 6 hues: Ivory White, Satin Silver Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, Ruby Metallic, Sand Beige and Dark Blue.
The J70-generation Land Cruiser has been in production for nearly 40 years. It’s currently the oldest “new” vehicle available in South Africa, having been sold here in its current form (more or less) for more than 2 decades. Despite its advanced age, the Land Cruiser 79 placed 8th on the list of Mzansi’s best-selling bakkies in 2023, with 3 975 units sold (a year-on-year increase of 13%).
How much does the updated Toyota Land Cruiser 79 cost in SA?
Land Cruiser 79 4.0 Single Cab 5MT – R765 500
Land Cruiser 79 4.2 Single Cab 5MT – R829 000
Land Cruiser 79 2.8 GD-6 Single Cab 6AT – R917 100
As before, we expect a service plan to be optional for all Land Cruiser 70 Series derivatives, with intervals of 5 000 km in the case of the 4.2-litre model and 10 000 km for all other engines. Toyota’s 3-year/100 000 km warranty will again be standard.
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: January 2024
The first figures of the year are in! Here’s your monthly look at South Africa’s best- and worst-selling bakkies, this time for January 2024…
In January 2024, South Africa’s new-vehicle market suffered its 6th consecutive month of year-on-year decline, with sales falling 3.8% to 41 636 units. Bucking the trend in the broader market, the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment saw marginal growth, improving 2.3% to 10 871 units.
So, was there any movement on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies? Well, though the Toyota Hilux range – which will gain both a new widebody GR Sport variant as well as 48V mild-hybrid derivatives in March – experienced a month-on-month fall of 7.5% to 2 645 units in January 2024, the Prospecton-built bakkie remained firmly in pole position.
The Ford Ranger found itself more than 700 registrations off the pace in 2nd place, ending 2024’s opening month on 1 914 units. Still, the Silverton-made contender finished comfortably ahead of the 3rd-placed Isuzu D-Max (1 336 units), despite the Struandale-manufactured bakkie growing its sales 31% compared with December 2023‘s effort.
Although the Nissan NP200 again failed to crack 4 figures, its final tally of 969 units was more than enough for it to retain 4th spot. Of course, with production at Rosslyn scheduled to end in March 2024, SA’s last surviving half-tonne bakkie will start to slide down the rankings as local stock runs dry in the coming months. Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (578 units) completed an unchanged top 5.
The GWM P-Series moved up a couple of places to grab 6th position in January.
The bottom half of the table, however, saw some movement. Yes, the Chinese-built GWM P-Series (351 units) climbed 2 places to 6th, finishing ahead of the Rosslyn-made Nissan Navara (296 units), which held steady in 7th. That saw the Volkswagen Amarok – which is built by Ford at its Silverton plant – slip 2 rankings to 8th, with registrations of this 2nd-generation bakkie falling to 222 units in January 2024.
The outgoing version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (127 units) also shed some sales month on month, though remained in 9th. We will likely see this evergreen bakkie climb a few places in the next couple of months, with the updated model (complete with 4-cylinder power and an automatic transmission) set to launch locally soon. Finally, the GWM Steed (104 units) returned to the table, just about managing to breach the 3-figure mark.
Best of the rest in January 2024: bakkies outside the top 10
The Mazda BT-50’s modest 15-unit haul in January nevertheless represented its best month in ages.
So, which bakkies didn’t make it into the top 10 in January 2024? Well, the JAC T-Series – the Chinese automaker unfortunately reports only a combined figure for its T6, T8 and new T9 line-ups – was next on 98 units, finishing ahead of the Mitsubishi Triton (48 units) and Mahindra Bolero (31 units).
Interestingly, the Mazda BT-50 – which has long found itself at the very foot of the table, having managed just 69 sales over the whole of 2023 – had its best month for some time, ending January 2024 on still-modest 15 units. Next came the likewise imported Peugeot Landtrek (12 units), which is expected to go into production in Coega (near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape) by early 2026.
That meant the Jeep Gladiator (a facelifted version is set to launch in Mzansi only towards the end of 2024) brought up the rear in the opening month of the year, with just 3 units sold.
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for January 2024
Following consecutive months of fuel price cuts, unaudited month-end fuel price data points fuel price increases for February 2024. Take a look at the fuel price forecast below!
Motorists in South Africa have enjoyed consecutive fuel price cuts at the end of 2023 and into 2024 but with international oil prices on the rise and the South African Rand remaining relatively weak against the US Dollar, the fuel price forecast for February 2024 is negative.
While we wait for final fuel price adjustments to be published, month-end fuel price data provided by the Central Energy Fund (CEF) gives us a good indication of what to expect.
The latest data (31 January 2024) points to increases across the board. The data suggests a potential increase of 71c/l for 95 grade petrol and 68c/l for 93 grade unleaded petrol. Increases in diesel prices are also on the cards with the price of diesel 0.05% potentially increasing by around 69c/l while diesel 0.005% could see an increase of around 65c/l.
We’ll update this article as soon as official fuel price data is available.
Fuel Price Forecast for February 2024
Fuel Type
Jan’ 24 Inland
Jan’ 24 Coast
Feb’ 24 Inland*
Feb’ 24 Coast*
Petrol Unleaded 93
R22.17
R21.45
R22.85
R22.13
Petrol Unleaded 95
R22.49
R21.77
R23.20
R22.48
Diesel 0.05%
R20.63
R19.91
R21.32
R21.60
Diesel 0.005%
R20.73
R20.02
R21.38
R20.67
*February figures are forecast figures and not official.
Mercedes-Benz begins 2024 with a product offensive, of which the opening salvo is the coupe-styled variant of the GLC executive SUV. We jumped behind the ‘wheel of the GLC Coupe for a quick loop of the Cape Peninsula to see what the Benz’s all about.
What’s new on the GLC Coupe?
The GLC Coupe’s sloping roof still leaves it with quite a big load-bay capacity.
For this generation of the GLC Coupe (known internally as the C254), Mercedes-Benz’s engineers have made the car slightly bigger (31 mm longer and 5 mm higher) and managed to squeeze out 45 litres more luggage space from the load bay (545 litres). The rear-light design and sensuously sloping roof are the most defining features of the new variant, while the rest of the vehicle mirrors the X254-gen GLC.
Mercedes-Benz SA has chosen to introduce the latest iteration of the GLC Coupe exclusively with a pair of turbodiesel engines, but will noisier, efficiency-optimised powertrains appeal to the target market of a less practical, more design-oriented “boutique” product? ‘Benz believes they will – and has the stats to back it up; turbopetrol engines will be added to the line-up at a later stage, but only with AMG badging.
Which GLC Coupe engine to choose
Air suspension and an off-road mode give it reasonable dirt road credentials.
The turbodiesel engines feature in the 220d (162 kW/440 Nm) and 300d (215 kW/550 Nm) respectively and offer identical power and torque outputs to the equivalent derivatives in the standard GLC range.
They are equipped with a 48V electric starter system that adds up to 17 kW/200 Nm at peak points, but also comes into effect when coasting to a stop and pulling away. The electric system effectively helps out with the thirsty work of getting the GLC Coupe off the line; it saves a little bit of fuel every time.
Both engines are 4-cylinder units and we have lots of experience with them in the GLB, the C-Class and standard GLC. The only real reason to choose the 300d would be if you were going to be loading up the GLC Coupe often or towing a load, both of which beg the question, why not just get the standard GLC?
The 220d, in turn, offers excellent fuel consumption and its performance deficit to the 300d is hardly noticeable in everyday conditions. You could achieve around 5.1 L/100 km in the 220d compared with the 300d’s claimed 5.5 L/100 km. In our experience, on a long journey, you can quite easily dip under 5 L/100 km with the 220d variant. So, if you get your kicks from fuel saving, then it’s certainly the one to choose.
What’s the GLC Coupe like to drive?
Honestly, there isn’t much of a difference to the standard GLC; we’ve published quite a thorough video on that model (embedded below this paragraph). I will say that the transmission’s shift pattern (in the models I drove) felt slightly less sure than in our previous experience. For example, it is almost unheard of to roll backwards in an automatic car, but while the auto ‘box was pondering its next decision at a set of traffic lights, we rolled back on more than one occasion, which is hardly a “luxury vehicle experience”.
In our market, GLC Coupes are equipped with Sports Suspension setups with the option to specify air suspension at extra cost. Sports Suspension facilitates confident changes of direction and flat cornering, but it feels very reactive to small steering inputs and can wobble a bit as it reacts to a turn or swerve.
To be fair, the ride quality was impressively poised in the GLC Coupes we drove (not equipped with air suspension), so I would assume that derivatives specified with adaptive dampers would ride even better. The GLC Coupe rode the bumps and myriad manhole covers of Simon’s Town and Fishhoek comfortably.
Is the GLC Coupe as spacious as the GLC?
The soft touch areas are luxurious to the touch but the plastic feels quite thin.
Somewhat contrary to expectations, the GLC Coupe offers adequate leg- and headroom at the back. When I sat behind my driving position, I had enough legroom and I didn’t find my head rubbing on the roof lining. I do believe, however, that some of the rear occupant space has been reduced to retain a big load bay. If passenger space or practicality is a priority to you, then the GLC is still the model to choose.
One thing I did notice was that the rear of the cabin is hardly bathed in light… the rear screen is letterbox small and doesn’t offer much rearward visibility, but nowadays, with 360-degree cameras and big side mirrors you’re never unsighted. It would make sense to install one of those Jaguar Land Rover-style rear-view cameras that make it much easier to see out of the back thanks to a camera built into the antenna.
What is the GLC Coupe’s interior like?
The digital screens on modern Mercs are the highlights of the interiors.
Simply put, the GLC Coupe’s interior is a copy-paste from the GLC, which itself is derived from the latest generation C-Class. The digital screens’ displays are of excellent quality and the menus easy to navigate.
As for the quality of materials, the leather and soft-touch surfaces feel particularly premium and well put together. It’s the plastic or shiny pieces that let the overall feel down – they feel insubstantial and a bit tinny when prodded. It’s a complaint we’ve had with several models in ‘Benz’s line-up for a while now.
How much does the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe cost in SA?
The prices below include CO2 tax, VAT and a service/maintenance plan.
GLC 220d
R1 398 422
GLC 300d
R1 454 940
Summary
GLC Coupe might not be the best choice in the range but it is very distinctive.
The addition of a coupe-style variant to the GLC range was inevitable, but as before, seems unnecessary. Only if you must have the looks of a GLC Coupe is it the better GLC to have. The standard more practical GLC remains the better car objectively and is also available in turbopetrol guise, if that’s your preference.
As for the GLC Coupe, it looks the part and its two diesel engines are efficient performers, but it may be better to wait it out until the AMG models arrive to get the most outlandish specced GLC Coupe on offer.
