Toyota Starlet Cross cracks top 5! SA’s best-selling cars & crossovers
In its first full month on sale, the Toyota Starlet Cross placed a lofty 5th on the list of South Africa’s 10 best-selling cars and crossovers. Here are August 2024’s figures…
Despite being a fresh entrant to the market, the new Toyota Starlet Cross managed to break into the top 5 of South Africa’s best-selling cars and crossovers in August 2024, slotting in just ahead of the locally built Volkswagen Polo hatchback.
To refresh your memory, Toyota SA Motors’ most-affordable crossover hit the market just 10 days before the end of July 2024 yet managed to rack up 590 sales in that short time. So, how did it perform in its first full month on the market?
Toyota’s new Starlet Cross rocketed up the rankings in its first full month on sale.
Well, Toyota registered as many as 1 181 units of the new Starlet Cross in August 2024, enough for it to place 5th on the list of Mzansi’s best-selling passenger vehicles for the month. Almost all sales came via the dealer channel, with only 13 units listed as “single” registrations (vehicles the automaker keeps and licenses for its own use).
Interestingly, while the new Cross-badged model rocketed up the sales charts, the Starlet hatchback – which placed a healthy 4th in July – fell clean from the top 10 in August, with its sales tally dropping 31.1% month on month to 842 units.
The Starlet hatch dropped out of the passenger-vehicle top 10 in August.
As a reminder, the Indian-built Starlet Cross – which is based on the Suzuki Fronx (which managed 724 units in August) – is positioned as Toyota SA Motors’ most-affordable crossover, undercutting the Urban Cruiser by R42 600, with the 4-strong local line-up starting at R299 900 and running through to R359 300.
In August 2024, SA’s new-vehicle market declined 4.9% year on year to 43 588 units. That said, the new passenger-vehicle segment grew 3.1% year on year to 30 022 units, with some help from the car-rental industry (which accounted for 16.7% of that figure last month).
Now facelifted, VW’s SA-built Polo Vivo still leads the passenger-car charge.
As was the case in July 2024, the Kariega-built Volkswagen Polo Vivo (1 937 units) – which has just benefitted from a facelift – was at the very top of the pile, boosted by 478 sales to the rental industry and a further 230 to government. Meanwhile, the Prospecton-produced Toyota Corolla Cross (1 630 units) retained a strong 2nd position.
The Hyundai Grand i10 likewise held steady in 3rd, with this Indian-built model’s final figure of 1 328 units excluding light-commercial vehicle sales (the Grand i10 Cargo), which further amounted to 65 units in August 2024. The outgoingSuzuki Swift, meanwhile, climbed 4 spots to 4th, finishing the month on 1 190 units, including a whopping 597 units sold to the rental industry.
Suzuki’s outgoing Swift remains a popular choice in Mzansi.
Then came the new Toyota Starlet Cross (1 181 units), a mere 9 units behind in 5th position, just ahead of the locally made Volkswagen Polo hatch (1 149 units) in 6th. The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (1 072 units) thus slipped a ranking to 7th, while the Nissan Magnite (991 units) likewise fell a spot, to end up in 8th.
Finally, the Haval Jolion (953 units) climbed a spot to finish in 9th position, while the Suzuki Ertiga (892 units) returned to the table to grab 10th, forcing the Toyota Vitz from the list.
SA’s 10 best-selling cars and crossovers in August 2024
South Africa’s 10 best-selling bakkies in August 2024
Just 215 units separated the top 2 on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies in August 2024. Here’s a closer look at the sales figures…
In August 2024, South Africa’s new-vehicle market slipped 4.9% year on year to 43 588 units. The light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment, meanwhile, was hit even harder, with sales in this section of the market falling 21.5% year on year to 10 709 registrations.
So, what happened on the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies in August 2024? Well, the Toyota Hilux – still Mzansi’s best-selling vehicle overall, year to date – managed to keep its nose ahead of its foes, despite a 16.4% month-on-month drop to 2 527 units.
While the Ford Ranger (2 312 units) thus again had to settle for 2nd position, the Silverton-built bakkie at least managed to cut the gap to 215 units in August. Interestingly, while the Ranger benefitted from 178 sales to government, its Prospecton-built rival enjoyed 171 sales to the rental industry.
As has become tradition, the Isuzu D-Max (1 634 units, including 293 sales to government) completed the podium last month, with local registrations of the Struandale-made bakkie virtually unchanged from July 2024.
Isuzu’s locally built D-Max retained 3rd place in August.
The KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (780 units), meanwhile, likewise held steady in 4th place, with the Rosslyn-manufactured Nissan Navara (468 units) again rounding out the top 5.
The Volkswagen Amarok (346 units), Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (234 units) and GWM P-Series (205 units, seemingly including the new P500) each gained a ranking month on month to finish in 6th, 7th and 8th, respectively. That was thanks to the sustained fall of the discontinued Nissan NP200 (132 units), which slipped 3 places to 9th. Finally, the GWM Steed (81 units) returned to complete the table.
Best of the rest in August 2024: bakkies outside the top 10
Mahindra’s Bolero wasn’t far from sneaking into the top 10 last month.
Which bakkies didn’t crack the top 10 in August 2024? Well, JAC unfortunately reported only a combined figure of 107 units for its T6, T8 and T9 line-ups, so we technically can’t place any of these nameplates in the top 10. Next came the long-in-the-tooth Mahindra Bolero, which managed 75 units.
Meanwhile, sales of the Chinese-made Peugeot Landtrek – a model that had occupied 10th position in July 2024 – dropped to 62 units in August, while the outgoing Mitsubishi Triton ended up on 56 registrations. The final spot again went to the hefty Jeep Gladiator, which attracted 4 sales last month.
South Africa’s 10 best-selling bakkies in August 2024
Chery jumps Nissan! SA’s best-selling brands in August 2024
South Africa’s new-vehicle market registered a 4.9% year-on-year drop in sales in August 2024. Here’s your market overview, including Mzansi’s most popular brands…
South Africa’s new-vehicle market failed to sustain the smidgen of growth it achieved in July 2024, with sales falling 4.9% year on year to 43 588 units in August 2024. To rub salt into the proverbial wounds, August’s effort furthermore represented a 1.4% decrease compared to the prior month.
Exports, meanwhile, plummeted 34.3% year on year to 28 073 units in August 2024, though industry representative body Naamsa pointed out that the corresponding month in 2023 was the highest of that year (so this latest drop came off a high base). Year to date, that puts new-vehicle exports some 16.8% below the same period in 2023.
Out of the total reported industry sales in August, Naamsa estimated that 81.5% represented registrations via the dealer channel, while a considerable 12.4% were sales to the vehicle-rental industry, 3.3% to government and 2.8% to industry corporate fleets.
Bucking the overall market trend, the new passenger-vehicle segment grew 3.1% year on year to 30 022 units in August 2024, again with help from the car-rental industry (which accounted for 16.7% of that figure last month).
In contrast, the light-commercial vehicle segment ended the month on 10 709 registrations, representing a 21.5% year-on-year decline. However, keep in mind that drop off was amplified by the virtual disappearance of the Nissan NP200 (a since-discontinued half-tonne bakkie that contributed 1 064 units in the same month last year).
Meanwhile, Brandon Cohen, National Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), said the sales decline came “at a critical time for the automotive sector”.
“This decline is disappointing, especially considering the July sales results and improving consumer sentiment in the country,” said Cohen, before pointing out that “there were positive trends in the market”, with passenger-car sales and increasing 3.1% year on year and medium-truck sales rising by 8.1% compared to August 2023.
Despite the discouraging performance in August 2024, WesBank CEO Ghana Msibi said he remained optimistic for a slow recovery in the market. Before the sales figures were released, Msibi said: “The worst is behind us. What lies ahead is the start of the road to recovery: not robust growth in the initial phase, but rather shallow gains in certain pockets”.
Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank, added: “It is safe to assume that prospective buyers may have delayed their purchase decision during August in the hope of an interest-rate cut in September. While inflation data looks positive to allow a reduction in the prime lending rate, the difference won’t make immediate impactful savings to indebted consumers, but it should begin a rate-cutting cycle that would benefit the market.”
New-vehicle sales summary for August 2024
Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 43 588 units decreased by 4.9% (2 266 units) compared to August 2023.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 30 022 units increased by 3.1% (891 units) compared to August 2023.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 10 709 units decreased by 21.5% (2 941 units) compared to August 2023.
Export sales of 28 073 units decreased by 34.3% (14 658 units) compared to August 2023.
10 best-selling automakers in South Africa in August 2024
Suzuki hit 5 000 units in a month for the 3rd time in 2024.
Though August 2024 sales from the Toyota stable – which includes the Lexus and Hino brands – fell 4.3% compared with the preceding month, the Japanese giant remained way out in front. In the end, Toyota’s tally of 10 656 units represented the 5th time this year it had cracked 5 figures in a single month.
The Volkswagen Group (including Audi sales) held onto 2nd place by registering 5 645 units in August, a month-on-month decline of 8.6%. Suzuki was just 514 units behind in 3rd – growing its tally 6.5% month on month to 5 131 units again closing the gap – again completing the podium and breaking the 5 000-unit mark for the 3rd time in 2024.
Ford (2 960 units) remained in 4th position, while Hyundai (2 721 units) and Isuzu (1 961 units) likewise held steady in 5th and 6th, respectively. Meanwhile, Chinese firm Chery (excluding the 468 units sold by the Omoda and Jaecoo brands) finished August 2024 on 1 626 units, which saw it climb a ranking to 7th.
As such, Japanese automaker Nissan (1 621 units) slipped a spot to 8th, though it was a mere 5 sales behind Chery. GWM (1 608 units, including Haval sales) and Renault (1 367 units) again closed out the table in 9th and 10th, respectively.
With its 2nd-best sales effort of 2024 thus far, Kia (1 290 units) was bubbling under in 11th place in August, while Indian automaker Mahindra (1 011 units) likewise hit 4 figures to again finish 12th. That meant the BMW Group (956 units) found itself in 13th, ahead of Stellantis (603 units) and Mercedes-Benz (with a Naamsa-estimated 504 units).
1. Toyota – 10 656 units
2. Volkswagen Group – 5 645 units
3. Suzuki – 5 131 units
4. Ford – 2 960 units
5. Hyundai – 2 721 units
6. Isuzu – 1 961 units
7. Chery – 1 626 units
8. Nissan – 1 621 units
9. GWM – 1 608 units
10. Renault – 1 367 units
Sales outlook in South Africa for rest of 2024
What’s next for South Africa’s new-vehicle market? Well, though Naamsa admits August’s figures suggest July’s growth wasn’t quite the turning point it was hoping for, the industry representative body says it’s “encouraging” that the passenger-vehicle segment has been trending “upward over the past 2 months”.
“Although supported by seasonal sales to the vehicle-rental industry, a 13-month high rand exchange rate, a 3-year low 4.6% consumer-inflation rate, decreasing fuel prices, the potential ‘end to load-shedding’ as well as definite prospects of lower interest rates on the cards before year-end, all enhanced consumer sentiment during the month,” says Naamsa.
“There is recognition that with interest rates at a 15-year high, 2 potential rate cuts before the end of the year, reducing the cost of borrowing, would not materially improve vehicle affordability challenges and household debts over the short term, but it would signal a positive shift to stimulate economic activities.
“Since the downward slope in new-vehicle sales commenced in August 2023, expectations remain that the new-vehicle market will reflect an improved performance for the balance of the year due to the 2023 lower base-month effect comparisons,” Naamsa concludes.
Meanwhile, NADA’s Cohen expresses optimism about the potential for an interest-rate cut to stimulate the market, saying “a reduction in interest rates could significantly benefit the South African retail motor industry and the broader economy”.
With inflation falling to 4.6% in August and further improvements anticipated, Cohen believes “a rate cut seems imminent when the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee meets later this month”, adding that “we could take direction from the Federal Reserve in the United States, where the chairman has indicated that a rate cut is likely”.
Cohen further notes while interest-rate changes typically take 3 to 6 months to impact consumer purchasing patterns, the current pent-up demand may lead to a quicker response in the local market.
Finally, Gaoaketse says South Africans have “reason to be confident”. “Relative stability has emerged after the formation of the Government of National Unity and the country’s energy availability factor has significantly improved reducing the possibility of load-shedding. With the possibility of an interest-rate cut during September, there are many more pieces of the recovery puzzle beginning to fall into place.”
Fuel Prices in South Africa Slashed for September 2024
The latest fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shows that fuel prices in South Africa will be slashed for September 2024!
The second half of 2024 is looking more positive for South African motorists as we enter the 4th consecutive month of fuel price cuts.
Decreasing international oil prices and a stronger Rand-US-Dollar exchange rate are the main drivers behind the over-recovery and the expected fuel price cuts are certainly welcomed by overburdened consumers.
The latest fuel price data released by the CEF indicates that all fuel prices in South Africa will be cut come 4 September 2024.
The price of 93-grade and 95-grade petrol could see reductions of 89c/l and 97c/l respectively. As for diesel, the data points to reductions of 105 c/l for 0.005% diesel and 103 c/l for 0.05% diesel. The price of illuminating paraffin could also be cut by up to 103 c/l.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy is expected to publish official fuel price adjustments for September 2024 within the next 36 hours.
Fuel Prices in South Africa: Forecast for September 2024
Fuel Type
Aug’ 24 Inland
Aug’ 24 Coast
Sep’ 24 Inland*
Sep’ 24 Coast*
Petrol Unleaded 93
R22.71
R21.92
R21.82
R21.02
Petrol Unleaded 95
R23.11
R22.32
R22.14
R21.65
Diesel 0.05%
R20.38
R19.59
R19.35
R18.56
Diesel 0.005%
R20.74
R19.98
R19.69
R18.91
*September 2024 figures are forecast figures and not official
The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive has quietly arrived in South Africa, offering peak power of 223 kW. Here’s how much this fresh-faced M Performance derivative will cost you…
When the BMW X1 M35i xDrive was revealed in June 2023, BMW Group South Africa told us it had no plans to introduce this M Performance derivative “as yet”. As we noted at the time, that statement left the door open for a local introduction at a later point. And that later point is now.
Yes, the M35i xDrive derivative has officially joined the local U11-generation BMW X1 portfolio, slotting in above the X1 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) but below the fully electric iX1 xDrive30.
The X1 M35i slots in just below the fully electric iX1.
Priced from R1 188 600, the Regensburg-built X1 M35i xDrive employs the most powerful M Performance 4-cylinder engine yet, a powertrain it shares with both the X2 M35i xDrive (R1 223 936) and the 1 Series M135 xDrive (R982 768).
As a reminder, this latest incarnation of the Munich-based firm’s twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol unit generates 233 kW and 400 Nm, peak outputs that are delivered to all 4 wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. The German automaker claims a 0-100 kph time of 5.4 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 250 kph.
Note the M-style side mirrors.
The new all-wheel-drive M Performance model features the brand’s so-called “M Sport Boost” function, which sees all powertrain and chassis systems switched to their sportiest settings when the driver pulls and holds the left-hand shift paddle. Other highlights include an M-specific exhaust system, which BMW promises will deliver an “emotionally rich soundtrack”, channelling exhaust gases via 2 pairs of twin tailpipes (each with a diameter of 80 mm), much like a full-fat M product.
Standard specification includes adaptive M suspension (with a 15 mm ride-height drop), sport steering and 20-inch M light-alloy wheels. The X1 M35i xDrive – which incidentally boasts twin-stalk side mirrors, just like a full-bore M model – also becomes the first M Performance model to be offered with the option of M Compound brakes (for an additional R16 000).
Quad pipes, present and correct.
Inside, the BMW Curved Display (which comprises a 10.25-inch information display and a 10.7-inch control display) features plenty of M-specific content. The new BMW X1 M35i furthermore uses an updated version of the BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and the BMW Operating System 9.
There’s also an anthracite-coloured headliner, M door-sill trim, M pedals and sports seats finished in Sensatec/Alcantara (with blue contrast stitching). Locally, the Equipment Package (R24 500) comprises items such as adaptive LED headlamps, high-beam assist, Comfort Access and a wireless smartphone charging tray. The Equipment Package Professional (R43 500), meanwhile, adds features such as BMW Live Cockpit Professional, a head-up display and Parking Assist Plus.
This coral-red-and-black interior colour scheme is a no-cost extra.
The X1 M35i is furthermore available with a “model-specific” R25 000 M Sport Package Pro, which encompasses M high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, M lights Shadowline, an M Sport braking system (complete with red callipers), M Sport seats and M seat belts.
Individual options include a glass sunroof (R20 500), front-seat heating (R6 000), steering-wheel heating (R3 500), massaging front seats (R10 000), Driving Assist Professional (R26 500) and a luggage-compartment net (R4 000).
How much does the BMW X1 M35i xDrive cost in SA?
BMW X1 sDrive18i xLine – R808 899
BMW X1 sDrive18d xLine – R846 212
BMW X1 sDrive18i M Sport – R848 899
BMW X1 sDrive18d M Sport – R886 212
BMW X1 xDrive30e xLine – R1 050 000
BMW X1 xDrive30e M Sport – R1 090 000
BMW X1 M35i Drive – R1 188 600
BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine – R1 205 000
BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport – R1 245 000
The prices above include BMW’s 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty (plus 8-year/100 000 km warranty coverage for the fully electric and PHEV versions’ battery packs) and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Mercedes-AMG G63 Grand Edition (2024) Price & Specs
The limited-run Mercedes-AMG G63 Grand Edition has been confirmed for South Africa. Here are the price and specs of the variant and how many units have been allocated to Mzansi…
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. There will be just 20 Mercedes-AMG G63 Grand Edition units for South Africa, from a global production run of 1 000.
As a reminder, the G63 is powered by AMG’s 4.0-litre biturbo petrol V8 engine and that makes a commendable 430 kW and 850 Nm. Power goes to all four wheels via an automatic gearbox, and the Three-pointed Star’s Affalterbach division claims the variant will sprint from 0-100 kph in 4.5 sec.
So, what makes this special edition command a R1 million premium over the standard G63? Let’s start with the exterior paint, its the Manufaktur night black magno and there’s extensive gold detailing. The AMG logo and Mercedes star are finished in Kalahari gold magno, as is the Affalterbach logo on the bonnet. There’s also gold detailing on the front and rear bumper inlays and underride protection.
The 22-inch AMG forged wheels feature a cross-spoke design in tech gold, with matte-black central locking nut, but its the interior which should draw all the attention.
The seats are finished in G Manufaktur black nappa with gold stitching and gold AMG logo. There are extensive AMG logos dotted around the cabin, there are napped-wrapped roof grab handles and a Grand Edition badge for the front passenger. The steering wheel is finished in Dinamica microfibre with a G63 plaque.
How much does the G63 Grand Edition cost in South Africa?
As mentioned, there’ll be just 20 units confirmed for our market. Priced from R5 474 512, the Grand Edition is just over a million Rand more than the standard car. A 2-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan are included in the price, as is a custom AMG car cover!
From rentals and rep cars to ride-hailers: these are the app-tap small sedans that you can find among our used car listings. They may not be glamorous – or particularly sophisticated – cars, but they offer great value for those who appreciate their utility.
Whatever you may think of the 21st century – and amazingly (or depressingly, if you’re imminently headed for the old-age home), a full quarter of it would have lapsed by next year – some of the most consequential advances humanity has ever seen, are unfolding before our eyes in the new millennium.
The Honda Ballade is more fun to drive than you might expect.
From smartphones to social media and machine learning, technology is evolving faster than culture can keep up with. And inevitably, each successive wave of new products that either triggers or responds to changes in consumer habits, leads to mainstream products of yesteryear being eclipsed and sidelined.
The prospective demise of the internal combustion engine (ICE) was predicted most prominently in the 1970s in the wake of the 1973 Oil Crisis. But, with the prosperous Eighties then just around the corner; and coupled with an absence of cleaner, cheaper and then-viable alternatives, fossil fuels got a stay of execution that lasted well into the 2010s.
About 40 years ago, a Toyota Corolla sedan was the top-selling passenger car in South Africa.
Less fortunate in its transition towards the future has been the staple silhouette of 20th-century family transport: the 3-box sedan.
It’s called a “3-box” because the engine, cabin and luggage areas are separated in a production-friendly and aesthetically balanced configuration. Yet this once-iconic automotive blueprint is now on life support due to the rampant usurpation of private transport by crossovers and SUVs, which gathered momentum in Mzansi in the 2010s. Sedans were fashionable family fare yesterday, but are fringe offerings today.
Kia used to sell 4-door variants of the Rio and Cerato in Mzansi, now it only offers the Pegas in sedan guise.
However, it’s not just the SUV revolution that’s relegated sedans away from automotive catwalks and into the proverbial slums. For every one of the precious few Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series still being sold, remnants of the genre lurk at the opposite side of the scale as usually-cheap, sometimes-nasty – affordable re-imaginings built in China or India that prioritise functionality over frills; they seem lightyears removed from their forebears, which embodied European or Japanese engineering prowess.
Due to their perceived value and concessionary approach to luxury and safety specifications (driven by their low production costs and, therefore, price points), contemporary small sedans have largely moved out of the suburbs and into the realm of tendered services such as the ride-hailing and rental categories.
The Etios marked the first time Toyota SA looked to its Indian counterpart to offer a budget model in our market.
A deep dive into the segment reveals the sweet spot for these tiny-tyred, 4-door, front-driven, naturally-aspirated (save for the new-ish Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI) and usually manual-shift sedans with large, separate rear load areas (boots) is somewhere between R320 000 and R340 000. Automatic versions are available, but generally – and unattractively – far beyond the upper limit of this price bracket.
While not SA’s cheapest new car (that honour goes to the gawky R179k Suzuki S-Presso hatch), the Proton Saga with its 420-litre-sized boot can be had from R210 000. For that money, you get a 1.3-litre engine pushing 70 kW/120 Nm and elementary luxury and safety provisions, of which a USB port and Bluetooth are the most important to the ride-hailing driver (the aircon, less so) or on-the-road sales rep.
The Amaze, which also hails from India, is Honda’s entry-level sedan proposition.
The ironically-dubbed Honda Amaze (66 kW/110 Nm) matches the Proton for boot space, though falling somewhat short of the now-discontinued Toyota Etios’ frankly astonishing 562-litre luggage capacity.
Elsewhere in the Honda stable, the Ballade with its rev-happy 1.5-litre engine (89 kW at 6 600 rpm) is arguably the most entertaining to drive in the segment. Pre-2024 facelift models provide better value.
The Nissan Almera, which bowed out last year, offered acres of rear legroom.
Notable recent departures from the market include the Ford Figo sedan (445 litres) and the BAIC D20 (450 litres), but the most prominent fleet favourite to say “sayonara” was the Nissan Almera in 2023.
With one of the most capacious rear passenger arrangements this side of an Emirates business class seat and an exterior rear three-quarter view as hideous as the face of a proboscis monkey (not to be too unkind to the homely simian), the Almera has been a popular sight at local tourist hotspots for a decade.
The axing of the Almera (and the Sentra in 2017, which incidentally did not sell a single unit until it was discontinued in May of that year), has left open the door for other less-considered candidates such as the Kia Pegas, Fiat Tipo and recently introduced Hyundai Grand i10 sedan to fill its void.
Engine-wise the Hyundai’s 1.2-litre (61 kW/113 Nm) provides almost identical outputs to Suzuki’s pint-sized, self-jesting Dzire, although the latter’s flagship undercuts its Grand i10 counterpart by R62k.
Suzuki’s larger, unpronounceable Ciaz with a 510-litre boot capacity offers a more powerful 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that delivers 77 kW/138 Nm, but only starts from R279k and ranges up to R339k.
Watch Ciro De Siena’s extended review of a 2017 Suzuki Ciaz:
Without a doubt, such a conducive engine capacity/price/boot space ratio explains why the Suzuki Ciaz is a common ride-hailing hit.
Disappointed at the absence of your favourite Japanese or German brand? Not to worry, for Volkswagen sells the Indian-built Virtus as the Polo Sedan here, with a choice of a 1.0-litre, triple-cylinder from R421 000 (85 kW/178 Nm) paired with a cost-saving non-DSG automatic; or a marginally less Virtuous and unboosted 1.6-litre 81 kW/152 Nm petrol engine, solely available in manual guise (from R360 500).
The 10-year-old Toyota Quest, another redoubtable ride-hailer, initially launched with a 90 kW/154 Nm 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, mated with either a 6-speed manual- or 4-speed automatic ‘box.
The 2nd iteration of the Corolla Quest, based on the 11th-gen model, debuted in 2020. It, um, sports a larger (1.8-litre) engine with peak outputs of 103 kW/173 Nm and plays in the R336k-R415k league.
In 2014 a new, entry-level VW Tiguan with 90 kW from a 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine cost just over R318 000. Today, for the same money we have to accept the developing world’s interpretations, and decade-old rehashes, of once-glamourous 3-box sedans with compromised comfort and safety specs.
As inflation- and exchange-rate-wrestling salaries battle to keep up with the cost of living, we’re getting poorer year by year and our money buys “a lot less new car” than it used to. As unfashionable as small sedans are, they still get you to your destination and, if you put them to work, they can pay their way.
Handsome is as handsome does
And that is precisely why app-tap small sedans excel so much as shared transport in what’s effectively their 2nd life, which – when I last checked – had become a 21st-century phenomenon in and of itself.
Suzuki Jimny Buyer’s Guide: Is the Jimny Still a Good Used Buy?
The Suzuki Jimny has been a major success for Suzuki and it remains in high demand in the used car market. This Buyer’s Guide, presented by Juliet McGuire, highlights everything you need to know if you are looking to buy a used Suzuki Jimny. Watch the video for insight!
The Suzuki Jimny has a cult-like following. People either love Jimnys or don’t understand why you would ever want something so impractical. We live in a country where people love to venture off-road and do things off the beaten track and the Suzuki Jimny can do that on a budget.
In this Jimny buyer’s guide, we take you through what’s good about the Jimny and the cons of buying one. Then, Juliet advises on how to test drive a used Jimny and what specific problems to look for.
The facelifted Volkswagen T-Cross has arrived in South Africa and while the base derivatives are missing for now, variant-for-variant pricing has decreased slightly…
The facelifted Volkswagen T-Cross has officially hit the market in South Africa. The big news? Variant-for-variant pricing has decreased slightly compared with the outgoing range, though we should point out the base derivatives have yet to arrive and that powertrains are seemingly carried over unchanged.
As a reminder, the pre-facelift T-Cross portfolio – which has long served as Volkswagen’s best-selling imported model in SA – comprised 4 derivatives. The rejigged line-up, however, will eventually feature 6 derivatives, though only 3 are available at launch. From what we understand, the new base models are expected to join the local range at some point in 2025.
As such, pricing for the T-Cross 1.0 TSI 70 kW MT, T-Cross 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG and T-Cross Life 1.0 TSI 70 kW has yet to be released. As you may have noticed, VW has dropped the old trim-level naming convention (as it recently did with the updated Polo Vivo), ditching the “Comfortline” and “Highline” grades in favour of Wolfsburg’s latest nomenclature.
So, the base derivative is now known simply as the T-Cross, while the mid-tier variant is named “T-Cross Life” and the Highline replacement is called “T-Cross Style”. The top-spec grade, however, retains its “T-Cross R-Line” designation. While a Trendline version of the pre-facelift T-Cross didn’t ever make it to Mzansi, the new base derivatives pencilled in for 2025 are expected to fill that longstanding gap.
What about the variants that are available right now? Well, the T-Cross Life 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG is priced at R462 200, representing a saving of R3 600 compared with the outgoing Comfortline equivalent. The T-Cross Style 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG, meanwhile, comes in at R501 300, some R6 200 less expensive than the old Highline.
Finally, the T-Cross R-Line 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG starts at R533 100, which the German firm’s local division suggests is R300 cheaper than the pre-facelift version (however, the last price we have for the outgoing 85 kW R-Line was R530 000, which would make the refreshed variant R3 100 more expensive).
Interestingly, the old range’s flagship 1.5 TSI 110 kW R-Line model (which had been priced at R553 400) appears to have been scrapped, meaning all T-Cross derivatives now draw their urge from VW’s turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol motor (offering either 70 kW/175 Nm or 85 kW/200 Nm). Transmission options include a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Again built in Spain, the updated T-Cross gains a fresh front-end design, complete with new LED headlights and daytime running lights, along with LED taillight clusters round back. Furthermore, 3 new paints colours have been added to the range: Grape Yellow, Clear Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic.
Inside, the facelifted T-Cross gains a new free-standing, 8-inch touchscreen, while all derivatives now feature a digital instrument cluster as standard. Moreover, the dashboard panel and interior door trim gain what VW describes as “significantly higher-quality surface materials”.
According to the Wolfsburg-based automaker, the T-Cross Life derivative features 16-inch “Nottingham” alloy wheels, electric folding side mirrors, parking sensors (fore and aft), cruise control, inductive smartphone charging and black roof rails.
The Style grade adds items such as IQ Matrix LED headlights (with dynamic light assist), 17-inch “Manila” alloys, an illuminated grille strip, silver-anodised roof rails, sports seats, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster (up from the Life’s 8-inch version) and 2-zone climate control.
Finally, the T-Cross R-Line sports VW’s popular R-Line interior and exterior styling package, complemented by 17-inch “Valencia” alloys, “ArtVelour” seats, stainless-steel pedals and a drive-mode selector. Round back, the R-Line version is set apart by dynamic indicators. Meanwhile, the optional “Travel Assist” package (R13 100) unlocks safety-assistance technology such as predictive adaptive cruise control, cornering assist, lane assist and emergency assist.
Other options include an uprated “Discover Media” infotainment system (R15 000), the “beatsAudio” sound system (R10 700), 18-inch “Misano” rims (R3 500), heated front seats (R6 000) and the “Comfort Package Plus” (which adds a reverse-view camera, keyless access and park assist for an additional R16 500).
How much does the facelifted Volkswagen T-Cross cost in SA
T-Cross 1.0 TSI 70 kW MT
TBA
T-Cross 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG
TBA
T-Cross Life 1.0 TSI 70 kW MT
TBA
T-Cross Life 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG
R462 200
T-Cross Style 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG
R501 300
T-Cross R-Line 1.0 TSI 85 kW DSG
R533 100
From what we understand, the prices above include VW’s 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan.
New Mini Countryman Review (2024) Biggest Mini Yet
Are you eyeing out the new Mini Countryman? David Taylor reviews the new model in our latest video review! Give it a watch!
The brand-new third-generation Mini Countryman has arrived in South Africa. David Taylor has driven both the Countryman C and the Countryman S and in this video he takes us on a walkaround tour, covers the pricing, lineup, interior, boot space and shares his favourite fun features for the new model.
