The all-new 2025 BMW X3 will be launching in South Africa before the end of the year and thanks to BMWSA’s website/Duoporta, we can confirm some details such as engines and pricing.
The 4th-generation X3 is manufactured right here in South Africa, at BMW Group plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria. Interestingly, the plug-in hybrid derivative is manufactured solely in SA for both local consumption and export, while other X3 models are sourced from the US and China.
Engines and Lineup
The all-new 2025 BMW X3 will be sold in a three-model lineup, with a petrol performance flagship, a sensible diesel and a plug-in hybrid. All models will feature all-wheel drive as well as automatic transmissions.
The 20d is likely to be the volume seller and its easy to predict why. The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine makes 145 kW and 400 Nm, and will be the most frugal of the range, with a claimed consumption figure of 6.2 L/100 km. In terms of acceleration, the 20d is good for a claimed 7.7 seconds to 100 kph.
For the performance-minded customers, the BMW X3 M50 storms in with a 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol engine that makes 293 kW and 520 Nm. It’ll be the quickest X3, with a claimed 0-100 kph of just 4.6 seconds.
A plug-in hybrid model makes its debut and it designated as the X3 30e xDrive. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor. Combined, there’s 140 kW from the engine + 135 kW electric boost giving it a total outputs of 220 kW and 450 Nm.
It is said to consume just 1.1 L/100 km and capable of hitting 100 kph in just 6.2 seconds. It’s also capable of a claimed pure electric range of around 85 km.
Options on offer
The BMW SA website was in the process of loading all the X3 content, but we can see things like the Launch package for R40 000, which has things like ambient lighting, panorama glass roof, rear window blinds, tow bar. The Equipment package Professional for R45 000 throws in Live Cockpit Professional, interior camera, Driving Assist plus and Parking Assist plus.
Individual options like heated steering wheel (R5 000), M seat belts (R6 000), Personal eSIM (R6 000), heated seats (R7 000), M sports suspension (R12 000), M sport brakes in red or blue (R10 000), Harmon Kardon audio (R16 000), adaptive suspension (R22 000), Driving Assist Professional (R30 000) to name but a few are also available.
How much does the all-new 2025 BMW X3 cost in South Africa?
The all-new 2025 BMW X3 is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and 2-year/unlimited km warranty. The below prices include VAT and emissions tax.
X3 20d xDrive
R1 136 417
X3 20d xDrive M Sport
R1 186 417
X3 30e xDrive
R1 260 000
X3 30e xDrive M Sport
R1 310 000
X3 M50 xDrive
R1 545 447
The first customer deliveries of the new BMW X3 will commence before the end of 2024.
Best Used Budget Hatchbacks in South Africa (2024-2015)
If you are looking to buy one of the best used budget hatchbacks in South Africa right now, what should you buy? #CarsAwards judge, Gero Lilleike explores the past Budget Car category winners and examines what’s on offer in the used car market. Take a look!
If you’re looking for the best used budget hatchbacks and only want the best options available in the used car market then you needn’t look further than the past #CarsAwards Budget Car winners!
Nearly a decade ago, Cars.co.za set out to establish South Africa’s most definitive and trusted car awards programme to recognise the best cars available in the new car market across various categories while simultaneously giving South African consumers the knowledge and power to make the best car buying decisions possible.
Since its inception in 2015, the Cars.co.za Awards, or #CarsAwards, has to date delivered 7 iterations of the programme, with the 8th instalment of the prestigious programme already underway to determine the best new cars in the local market for 2024/25.
The #CarsAwards finalists represent the best cars across 13 categories.
With almost a decade of #CarsAwards category winners on offer in the used car market, these cars still carry the recognition of the ultimate accolade and while they were acknowledged as the “best new buys” in their respective segments at the time, they can now be regarded as some of the best used budget hatchbacks you can buy.
As the saying goes, “Once a champion, always a champion” and consumers would be wise to at the very least have the past #CarsAwards winners on their shortlists when shopping for a used car.
With the above in mind, this article highlights the winners in the Budger Car category across all 7 iterations of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards and will provide you with direct links to used car stock on Cars.co.za. We will also mention the runner-up finalists as they are also well worth consideration in your used car buying journey.
Which one of these award-winning, best used budget hatchbacks or finalists would you buy in the used car market? Let us know!
The cars on this list are ordered from the most recent #CarsAwards winner to the first winner back in 2016.
Best Used Budget Hatchbacks in South Africa (2024-2015)
Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX (2023/24)
The Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX was recognised as the best budget hatchback in the 2023/24 #CarsAwards and is one of the best used budget hatchbacks on the market.
The Baleno is powered by an economical, naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol with 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Suzuki Baleno has been available in South Africa since 2016 and used car buyers have a wide range of options to choose from. The updated Baleno launched in South Africa in 2022.
The runners-up in the Budget Car category of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards sponsored by Absa include the Renault Clio 1.0 Turbo Zen and the Toyota Starlet 1.5 XR.
This iteration of the Starlet was fitted with a naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre petrol engine that delivers 68 kW and 130 Nm of torque and was offered with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Toyota Starlet and indeed its Suzuki Baleno counterpart, represents excellent value as a used car buy. If you’re not sure which one to buy, take a look at our comprehensive comparison article which will help you decide.
There are currently over 750 used Toyota Starlets for sale on Cars.co.za!
The Swift 1.2 GL scooped the Budget Car category win in the 2018/19 #CarsAwards and followed up with another win in the 2019/20 iteration of the #CarsAwards where the Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX took the category win with its tried-and-tested 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine doing duty under the bonnet with 61 kW and 113 Nm of torque available and paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing for a new Suzuki Swift starts from R213 900 (Swift 1.2 GA) and goes up to R272 900 for the Swift 1.2 GLX.
Cars.co.za currently has well over 1 000 used Suzuki Swifts for sale and you can drive away in a low-mileage, award-winning Swift 1.2 GLX from about R120 000 while a low-mileage Swift 1.2 GL can be had for around R100 000.
There’s much to like about the Ignis and with a frugal 1.2-litre petrol engine under bonnet delivering 61 kW and 113 Nm of torque, this is a peppy urban runabout. The Suzuki Ignis arrived in South Africa in 2017 with an updated Ignis coming to market in 2020.
There are many attractive used Ignis’ for sale in the used car market and budget-conscious buyers would be wise to have the Ignis on their shortlist.
The long-standing Suzuki Celerio 1.2 GL is a budget car stalwart and when it arrived in South Africa in 2015, it became Suzuki’s entry-level budget car offering and became the Budget Car category champion in the 2016/17 #CarsAwards.
The first generation Celerio is fitted with a 4-cylinder, 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that delivers 50 kW and 90 Nm while the second generation Celerio is powered by a 49 kW/89 Nm 1.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine.
With over 200 used Celerios currently for sale on Cars.co.za, buyers are not short of choice and the Celerio is particularly attractive for buyers with a budget under R100 000.
The second-generation Renault Sandero came to market in 2014 fitted with Renault’s 0.9-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. A facelifted Sandero arrived in South Africa in 2017.
The Sandero and the later Sandero Stepway were popular in South Africa and as a result there are numerous examples available in the used car market.
BMW owners and enthusiasts flocked to Mall of Africa last month to celebrate the best local examples of the Munich-based brand’s modern-classic models at the BMW Car Club Gauteng Concours d’Elegance 2024.
IMAGES: Stefan Kotze
Again sponsored by iTOO, the annual BMW Car Club Gauteng Concours d’Elegance attracted not only club members, but also a large crowd of brand aficionados who could not only ogle the beautiful metal on display, but also choose from a wide variety of BMW branded merchandise.
South Africans’ love affair with this brand certainly is passionate!
Also on display and receiving a lot of attention (and pre-orders) was the officially endorsed book on BMW’s Unique South African Story. The stunningly detailed and comprehensive publication was a labour of love for authors Marek Letowt and Johann Venter, and has now gone to print.
Limited quantities remain, so if you would like to add this to your library, order your copy now!
In this, the 43rd staging of the Concours since its inception in 1981, 5 major trophies were handed out, with a further three special awards for Best M car, Best 5 Series and Best 325is.
Joining the cars vying for Concours honours was a magnificent display of historically significant BMW production cars, as well as racing machines. Uniquely South African BMWs, such as the E30 333i, E23 745i and very rare 2004 as well as 2000 SA could be viewed.
This year, Cars.co.za’s Hannes Oosthuizen was part of the exterior judging team (he judged cars’ interiors during the 2023 event). See also:Highlights from BMW Concours d’Elegance 2023
“Though there were fewer cars, the quality of the entrants was certainly of an extremely high standard,” Oosthuizen said.
“We used a lot of earbuds to find dirt that a casual, or even a keen observer, would not have been able to spot. I was also particularly impressed with the originality of the top-scoring cars – the two E36 M3s looked pretty much brand new!”
Riaan Writes’ 1995 E36 325i Convertible took the trophy in the Show and Shine category with a total of 94 points. He even had the car’s original hard-top on display.
Andre Alleman’s 1988 E30 325i Shadowline emerged victorious in the D’Elegance category with a score of 122.5 points.
In the hotly-contested D’Etat category, only one point separated the winner from the runner-up. In second was Yaseen Cassim’s stunning E36 M3 (126 points) with the trophy going to Dhiresh Dewnaryan’s beautifully prepped 2012 E92 M3.
In the D’Honneur Preserved category the silverware went to Preenie Pillay for his stunningly original (and mint) E30 325is. It is rare to see an original Evo 2 Gusheshe with its black chin spoiler.
The final big trophy (in the D’Honneur Restored category) went to the ’89 E30 318 Coupe belonging to Bilaal Mia.
Dewnaryan’s E92 M3 also took the Best M Car award, and Pillay’s E30 325is deservedly received the Best 325is trophy. The Best 5 Series award went to the rare red E60 M5 owned by Guy Patron.
The facelifted BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé will again be offered exclusively in M Sport guise in South Africa. Here are the derivatives available and what they cost…
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé was handed a facelift in April 2024. Now, ahead of the launch of this updated G26-generation 4-door model in South Africa, we’ve found local pricing.
In Mzansi, the line-up again kicks off with the 420i Gran Coupé and 420d Gran Coupé, which still come standard in M Sport guise. Interestingly, however, there’s no sign of the updated 6-cylinder M440i xDrive Gran Coupé (nor the revised fully electric i4) yet.
According to BMW SA’s online configurator, the 420i Gran Coupé M Sport is priced from R1 012 067, representing a R63 504 increase over the pre-facelift version. Meanwhile, the refreshed 420d Gran Coupé M Sport now starts at R1 059 044, a R63 671 hike over the outgoing iteration.
However, it’s worth keeping in mind the configurator forces the selection of the otherwise-optional Parking Assist Plus, with this R13 000 included in the figures above. For the record, the website says “it is currently not possible to remove” this option from the configuration “due to product updates”.
As a reminder, the 420i employs a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that sends an unchanged 135 kW and 300 Nm to the rear axle via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 0-100 kph time is listed as 7.9 seconds, with the claimed combined fuel economy coming in at 6.5 L/1 00km.
The 420d, meanwhile, uses a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor delivering 140 kW and 400 Nm to the rear wheels (also through an 8-speed auto). From what we can tell, the updated version of this oil-burning powertrain gains a 48V mild-hybrid system capable of temporarily contributing 8 kW. Expect a 0-100 kph time of around 7.3 seconds and a consumption of approximately 5.0 L/100 km.
Options for the facelifted BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé in South Africa include 20-inch BMW Individual alloy wheels (for R10 000 to replace the standard 19-inch items), the M Sport Package Pro (R30 000), the M Carbon exterior package (R35 000) and the Deluxe Package (adding items like a sunroof, keyless entry, electrically adjustable front seats and a Harman Kardon surround-sound system, for an additional R60 000).
Extras such as adaptive M suspension (R10 000), M Sport brakes (R14 000), M Sport seats (R19 000), adaptive LED headlights (R33 000), BMW Live Cockpit Professional (R27 000) and Driving Assist Professional (R27 000) are also available.
The 4 Series Gran Coupé facelift includes new exterior paint colours, redesigned alloy wheels and subtle styling revisions up front (chiefly to the LED headlamps and kidney grille). Round back, the exhaust tailpipe diameters have grown 10 mm to 100 mm, while the cabin gains an upgraded BMW iDrive system, a new steering-wheel design, standard ambient lighting and revised adjustment controls for the air vents.
How much does the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé cost in SA?
BMW 420i Gran Coupé M Sport – R1 012 067
BMW 420d Gran Coupé M Sport – R1 059 044
The prices above include BMW’s 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan (as well as the R13 000 Parking Assist Plus option, selection of which the local configurator currently forces).
Wondering what the latest (390 kW) version of the G80-generation BMW M3 Competition Sedan will cost you in South Africa? Well, we have local pricing…
Revealed as recently as May 2024, the updated version of the G80-generation BMW M3 Competition Sedan generates an increased output of 390 kW. While the new M3 Touring has been hogging the headlines in South Africa, we’ve now come across local pricing for the high-performance saloon.
According to BMW SA’s online configurator, the latest M3 Competition Sedan is priced from R2 208 002 (including VAT and CO2 emissions tax) in Mzansi. For the record, that means the sedan costs R20 840 less than the G81-generation estate, which currently kicks off at R2 228 842.
Interestingly, in either case, the local configurator forces the selection of the otherwise-optional M Alcantara steering wheel, which is priced at R10 000. We’ve included that number in the figures above since the website says “it is currently not possible to remove the desired option” due to “product updates”.
As a reminder, the M3 Competition Sedan employs the same twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-6 petrol engine as its Touring sibling, which sends 390 kW (up from 375 kW) and 650 Nm to all 4 wheels. That peak torque figure is now available across a wider rev range, from 2 750 r/min through to 5 730 r/min.
Endowed with an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard, the super-saloon sees off the 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 3.5 seconds, making it a tenth quicker to the mark than the estate. In South Africa, the M Driver’s Package is included as standard, which sees the top speed pegged at 290 kph (interestingly, some 10 kph higher than that of the Touring).
This update includes a revised LED headlamp design, while the model badge on the bootlid is now accented by a silver-hued surround. The Munich-based automaker has also applied the latest BMW Operating System 8.5 software to the curved display, with the latter comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen.
Available extras in South Africa include various exterior paint colours (culminating in BMW Individual hues for R69 000), new upholstery options (up to R42 000), the M Carbon exterior package (R90 000), M Carbon ceramic brakes (R190 000), M carbon bucket seats (R95 000), Driving Assist Professional (R23 800), acoustic glazing (R9 000), front-seat ventilation (R17 000) and steering-wheel heating (R5 000).
How much does the BMW M3 Competition cost in SA?
BMW M3 Competition Sedan M xDrive – R2 208 002
BMW M3 Competition Touring M xDrive – R2 228 842
The prices above include BMW’s 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan (as well as the M Alcantara steering wheel, a R10 000 option forced by the configurator).
Mercedes-AMG C63 Video Review – Is 4 cylinders enough to replace the V8?
Jacob Moshokoa gives us his impression of the latest AMG sedan. Does it miss the mark, or is it just the inevitable evolution of Mercedes-AMG?
The W204 Mercedes C63 AMG has become something of a living legend, a modern classic. Back in 2008, Mercedes-AMG made the brave move to stick its largest V8 into the smallest sedan, and the result was something quite special.
Fast forward to 2024 and the world is quite a different place. The European government reckons there is a replacement for displacement and its called electricity. And so the very latest C63 is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged plug-in hybrid. But it is a massively potent machine, over 500 kW and over 1000 Nm of torque, which makes this car a bit of a weapon.
We’ve tested the new hybrid C63 and it recorded a 3.29 second run to 100 kph, so yes, it is fast, but there’s something missing in terms of character. Watch Jacob Moshokoa try figure out if four cylinders is enough to replace the iconic and soulful V8.
The 7th generation Ford Mustang will be hitting South African roads from October 2024. Here’s the pricing, plus some early specification details.
The all-new 2025 Ford Mustang will be touching down in South Africa, with a price tag of R1 300 000 and the first customer cars will be delivered before the end of 2024. For reference, the outgoing model currently retails for R1 142 900 in September 2024.
This 7th-gen model, codenamed S650, will be offered with just one single derivative initially, with a more potent Dark Horse following later.
What’s a Mustang without a V8? Exactly and Ford South Africa has chosen to not bring in the 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and has stuck to the iconic V8. The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine makes 328 kW and 540 Nm. Again, power goes to the rear wheels via Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
We couldn’t find any claimed performance figures, but we estimate the 2025 Ford Mustang is good for a 0-100 kph in around 4.5 seconds.
Convenience Features
Ford South Africa has already started loading the Mustang content onto its website and we can see our cars will be well equipped. The SA-spec Mustang will ship standard with the Performance Pack, which Ford says “offers a range of track-focused features designed to enhance the driving experience.”
Inside, there will be leather seats with heating/cooling functionality, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, wireless charging with USB port, selectable driving models, adaptive cruise control, B&O sound system, 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, 19-inch alloy wheels and an active performance exhaust.
How much does the 2025 Ford Mustang cost in South Africa?
The below price includes VAT, 4-year/120 000 km Ford warranty, service plan, four-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance as well as five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty.
Mustang GT Fastback 5.0L V8 10AT: R1 300 000
We’ll update this article when further information becomes available.
It’s official: Renault finally confirms new half-tonne bakkie
Renault has announced a fresh investment in its Córdoba plant in Argentina, finally confirming it will produce a new half-tonne bakkie based on the Niagara concept…
It’s finally official: Renault has announced a fresh investment in its Santa Isabel, Córdoba factory in Argentina, confirming that it will indeed produce a new half-tonne bakkie based on the Niagara concept.
Expected to replace the long-in-the-tooth Duster-based Oroch that didn’t ever make it to South Africa, the upcoming bakkie will likewise employ a unibody rather than ladder-frame configuration, riding on a new Renault Group modular platform. It’s expected to hit the market in Latin America in 2026.
The Niagara concept was revealed in October 2023.
According to translated press material released in the Latin American country, the Boulogne-Billancourt-based firm says its new half-tonne pick-up “will initially be manufactured only in Argentina and will have a strong export profile”.
Renault has yet to announce whether the new bakkie will also be built in right-hand-drive form (remember, countries in that part of the world use left-hand-drive models). However, as Cars.co.zareported in May 2024, the French automaker has already applied to trademark the “Niagara” badge in South Africa, so there’s at least some hope for an eventual local introduction.
The Santa Isabel factory that will produce the new half-tonne bakkie.
This investment announcement also includes confirmation from Renault that the design of the new half-tonne bakkie “will be based on the Niagara concept”. For the record, that show vehicle featured a double-cab body style.
“On the road to 70 years of our beloved Santa Isabel factory, the launch of this half-tonne pick-up truck manufactured exclusively in Argentina marks a new chapter in our rich industrial history in our country,” said Pablo Sibilla, President and CEO of Renault Argentina.
The production model will be based on the Niagara concept.
“With an export profile that will reach between 65% and 70% of production, we reaffirm the capacity and talent of the Argentine industry, consolidating it as a strategic pillar in our global operation,” Sibilla said. Luiz Pedrucci, CEO of Renault Latin America, separately told Motor1.com that “my goal is to export it to other continents”, adding that he “would like to reach an annual volume of 100 000 units”.
As we’ve previously reported, a Nissan-badged version of the Niagara production model – courtesy of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance – is also very much on the cards. This model could, in theory at least, replace the NP200 half-tonner that went out of production at Rosslyn in March 2024.
Following the recent launch of its GS3 Emzoom small crossover, GAC Motor South Africa has expanded its line-up to 2 models with the introduction of the Emkoo family car/medium SUV. Here is what the range’s derivatives offer and what they cost.
To recap, GAC is the abbreviation for Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Company – the 5th-largest automaker in China. Its products are distributed in South Africa by the Portuguese-based Salvador Caetano holding company. It launched its first model, the GAC GS3 Emzoom, in Mzansi last month.
As opposed to the GS3 Emzoom – a small crossover with boutique appeal – the larger Emkoo is a more soberly styled medium SUV, but there’s little chance that one could mistake it for anything but a GAC!
By the South African family-car segment’s historically conservative standards, the GAC Emkoo’s exterior design is arguably at the more expressive end of the spectrum (think of the Jetour Dashing, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage), as opposed to more buttoned-up offerings (such as the new Volkswagen Tiguan and Haval H6), with the Chery Tiggo 7- and 8 Pro/Pro Max sitting somewhere in the middle.
Still, the GAC Emkoo is distinguished by its stylised grille design (with 12 bars arranged in a V shape, decorated with titanium-tungsten alloy strips), ornate LED headlamps and hidden electric door handles.
The newcomer’s rear end, in turn, features “lightsabre-inspired” X-pattern LED taillights – GAC Motor says that they include a music-sync function! – plus a Mecha-style rear bumper and tailgate spoiler.
The GAC Emkoo is based on the Chinese marque’s MegaStar platform: 4 680 mm long, 1 901 mm wide and 1 670 mm tall. Its suspension comprises MacPherson struts up front, with a multi-link arrangement at the rear and GAC Motor claims the model, which has a 2 750-mm wheelbase, offers 1 059 mm of legroom for front- and 990 mm for aft occupants.
Power comes courtesy of a 130 kW/270 Nm 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol that is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch (wet-type) automatic transmission and the model is said to consume an average of 6.4 L/100 km (although note that that is an NEDC figure and not based on the more realistic WLTP cycle).
The GAC Emkoo is offered in Executive and Executive Plus guises and, as opposed the GS3 Emzoom, there is a relatively small difference in the respective derivatives’ features lists.
For a start, all variants come equipped with auto headlamps (with high-beam assist) and -wipers, auto-folding and heated side mirrors, panoramic sunroof with sunshade, keyless entry/start, a multifunction steering wheel (4-way adjustable), a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat (with lumbar support), dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control with integrated cruise assist (which works in conjunction with traffic jam assist and -sign recognition), imitation leather trim and contrast stitching.
The interior has a largely conventional layout, but features a few tasteful – some might say “fashion forward” – design touches, such as the circular (and metallic) elements on the door- and floating centre console – they are complemented by the fascia-mounted centre ventilation, well, “cylinder”. And, for the obligatory touch of bling, the GAC Emkoo’s shift-by-wire transmission lever is festooned with a crystal!
Tech-wise, the front of the GAC Emkoo’s cabin features a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a surround-view camera system, a wireless charging pad, as well as Type A and -C USB ports for streaming or recharging.
Rear occupants benefit from a dedicated ventilation outlet, a flat rear-seat passage (GAC Motor says), as well as reclining seatbacks. The model’s claimed load-bay capacity is 420 litres, but that can be increased notably if you fold the standard 60/40-split seatback down.
In terms of safety, all variants have front-, side- and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability- and hill-descent control, autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist and -departure warning, ISOfix anchor points, tyre pressure monitors and rear parking sensors.
Whereas the 1.5T Executive is fitted with 18-inch alloys, the 1.5T Executive Plus rides on 19-inch wheels. It additionally features a power tailgate, both front seats are electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated (with memory function for the driver), ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, blind-spot detection and lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and -collision warning, as well as a self-park function.
Prices (correct in September 2024) include a 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, as well as an impressively long (distance-wise) 5-year/100 000 km service plan.
The Indian-built Hyundai’s Exter has arrived in South Africa. Not only is it the Korean brand’s most affordable crossover model – it comes backed with a comprehensive warranty and service plan. We take the newcomer for a drive in the Western Cape.
The South African market will be getting 5 derivatives, which will be available in either 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual (AMT) guise. There are 3 trim grades: Premium, Executive, and Elite.
The Exter is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol that produces 61 kW and 114 Nm. It’s a pint-sized crossover, so it’s no surprise that the claimed average consumption is only 5.7 L/100 km.
Spec-wise, the Exter punches well above its weight. Even though the entry-level Exter costs under R300k at launch, its standard features list covers more than the basics. Here are some highlights of the 1.2 Premium derivative: it features a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatible 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, as well as auto headlights.
During the launch event, we test-drove the Exter 1.2 Executive MT, which is the manual gearbox-equipped mid-range variant. The Executive trim includes (rather pretty) 15-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, mudguards, cruise control, a reverse-view camera and a (tilt-adjustable) leather-trimmed steering wheel.
We were delighted to see that Hyundai fitted a faster-charging USB-C port alongside a standard USB-A port for the front occupants. Yes, there are some cheap-feeling plastics in the cabin, but the common touchpoints feel quite substantial. Again, you’ve got to manage expectations; this is a budget vehicle!
Brands tend to keep budget-car prices low by omitting high-end safety features from such models, but in the case of the Exter, every derivative features 6 airbags. Higher-trim AMT derivatives have stability control, which – in our opinion – is a must-have. Tyre-pressure sensors are standard across the range.
What’s the Hyundai Exter like to drive?
During the launch, we drove on the national highway and then turned onto the coastal road to Hermanus. While the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder’s outputs may seem meagre in the era of turbocharging, the Exter has a low kerb weight (940 kg), which means the small crossover doesn’t require much grunt to get up to speed…
The 5-speed ‘box has a pleasingly light and direct action, while the clutch pedal is effortless to modulate. With this powertrain, the Exter is quite capable of pressing on in the cut and thrust of urban traffic.
The driver’s seat affords an excellent vantage out of the cabin and the multifunction ‘wheel is ultra-light to twirl, but the Exter’s steering responds to inputs promptly and directly. Suffice it to say, manoeuvring into (and out of) tight parking spaces will be far easier when you’re behind the tiller of one of these.
Given that the Exter was developed for the Indian market (where the average speed is lower than in SA – you rarely drive at triple-digit speeds on the Subcontinent), we expected the Hyundai’s performance to drop off when travelling on the highway. And sure enough, when we drove at the national limit (120 kph), we noticed that the test unit’s rev counter reading was approaching a rather heady 4 000 rpm.
Apart from the fact that the 1.2-litre 4-pot is quite vocal (even a bit buzzy) at those engine speeds, the Exter’s short gearing will hamper fuel economy somewhat when you’re touring. It’s a trait of most Indian-built A- and B-segment cars, but bear in mind that the Exter is city runabout first and foremost; besides, if you are in a hurry, you can rev the motor out – it may sound strained, but will deliver a dash of speed.
Speaking of fuel economy, we completed the test route with 2 occupants aboard and, after I drove to the driver-change location in a purposely conservative manner and my co-driver opted for a more spirited approach, we achieved near-identical fuel consumption figures: 6.0- and 6.2 L/100 km – impressive!
One of the biggest selling points of the Exter is its suitability for driving on dirt roads (or its “gravel-travel capability”, if you like). Thanks to its plump tyres and 185 mm of ground clearance, the plucky Korean looks ready to venture down a dirt track. We’ll be sure to test this when the unit makes its way to us.
How much does the Exter cost in South Africa?
The new Exter ships standard with a 3-year/45 000 km service plan and Hyundai’s 7-year/200 000 km manufacturers’ warranty.
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT
R269 900
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium AMT
R294 900
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive MT
R289 900
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Executive AMT
R314 900
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Elite AMT
R334 900
Summary
With rising new-car prices (in conjunction with the escalating cost of living) pushing new-car ownership out of reach of so many consumers, it’s refreshing to find a stylish, well-packaged and safety feature-rich crossover positioned under R300 000. In the race for passenger segment dominance, we can see Hyundai South Africa making serious inroads into territory previously held by Suzuki and Volkswagen.
Should you consider buying an Exter? Yes, certainly. At the price, there’s very little to fault with this stylish entry-level crossover. Every minor drawback we discovered during our test drive of the Exter is outweighed by the Hyundai’s keen price and point ownership proposition (including its long warranty). We look forward to getting to know the model better – and trying out the automated manual version.
