Renault Captur (2023) Living with it

Renault SA’s product lineup may be dominated by Indian-made entry-level cars, but the Captur remains a mainstay of the European market – and well-suited to one of Mzansi’s hottest market segments. We tested the 1.3 Turbo Intens during the festive season.

The best thing about conducting an extended test is that it provides an opportunity to form a more in-depth understanding (and, sometimes, appreciation) of a new model. Our usual 10-14 day tests are quite thorough, but because all testers need to drive test cars during the rest of the year, individuals may not necessarily get enough “seat time” to notice all of a vehicle’s quirks and talents. To get reacquainted with the Captur, the author travelled 1 000 km in the flagship derivative during the end-of-year holiday.

See also: Renault Captur (2023) Review

Renault South Africa has overhauled its line-up during the past few years – its product focus has shifted from legacy European-made models to entry-level vehicles sourced from the Indian market. Models such as the Kwid, Kiger and Triber will never be sold in Renault’s home market, while the Clio, Captur, Megane E-Tech, Arkana and Austral, to name but a few examples, are unlikely to be sold on the Subcontinent.

The French brand still offers a couple of European models in South Africa, however: the 5th-gen Clio and its sibling, the 2nd-gen Captur. The latter targets one of the more popular segments: the high-riding small crossover. With the best days of the traditional hatchback well in the past, customers now favour vehicles with more ground clearance and a raised seating position, even if it means they have to sacrifice on-road dynamism. Renault has seemingly nailed the brief – the Captur has sold strongly in Europe.

Our Mercury Silver Renault Captur extended-test unit arrived with almost 14 000 km on the clock; it was a well-run-in vehicle, which allowed us to inspect it for wear and tear. Suffice it to say, if a test vehicle can be in fine condition after 15 000 km of hard testing by car journalists, it bodes well for its durability!

*The market has lost interest in hatchbacks like Megane, Focus, Astra etc in favour of high-riding crossovers/SUVs*

3 Things To Like about the Renault Captur

Powertrain and Economy

The Renault Captur is powered by a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine. The H5Ht powerplant is a proven quantity and has served in various Renault and Nissan products. It even makes an appearance in the W177-series A-Class, so Mercedes-Benz regards the motor as good enough for a premium brand!

The powertrain’s lively performance means the Captur is more satisfying – engaging even – to pilot than it needs to be. Small crossovers are generally quite bland (inert, even) to drive, so the uncomplicated, intuitive experience was refreshing – a welcome bonus. Admittedly, the dual-clutch ‘box can hesitate when pulling away, particularly during the first drive of the day, but once on the move, it shifts smoothly.

What’s more, the lil’ Renault can deliver a surprisingly brisk turn of speed when required. Overtaking urge is relatively abundant, courtesy of a segment-leading 270 Nm of torque that propels the Captur past slower traffic with ease. When we tested it against the clock back in May 2023, it recorded an 8.41-second run from 0 to 100 kph – it bettered its claimed acceleration time (9.6 sec) by some margin.

There are 3 drive modes: Normal, Sport and Eco (with matching dashboard themes), but I didn’t feel necessary to toggle between them; Normal can play the performance and thrift games equally well.

The best part? After we had clocked up 1 000 km in the Captur, its indicated average consumption was 6.5 L/100 km, which compares well with those of its rivals and is marginally better than its claimed figure.

Comfort and Practicality

*Rear USB ports for passengers should be regarded as compulsory equipment these days*

The Captur’s attractive exterior execution (okay, styling is subjective, but at least the Renault’s looks are on trend!) is backed up by a platform that not only delivers admirable on-road refinement with just a smidgeon of dynamic ability – it boasts generous occupant comfort and load-carrying practicality. Rear passengers are well catered for, with enough knee- and headroom for adults, plus the convenience of two USB charging ports. The Captur may look like a small city slicker, but it can cater for families.

The load bay is, in a word, cavernous, it offers 404 litres of capacity and 1 275 litres of utility space with the rear seats folded down. While that first number is a bit less than its rivals – the Ford Puma (456 L) and Volkswagen Taigo (440 L), the more keenly priced Captur comes with a full-size spare wheel.

*The rear seats of the Captur fold in a 60:40 split and the boot offers commendable depth*

Safety and Tech Features

The Renault Captur is available in 2 trim levels: Zen and Intens; the extended-test unit was a top-spec derivative. For an extra R20k over the price of the Zen, the Intens comes fitted with additional features such as LED headlamps, a larger infotainment screen, a wireless charger, a heated steering wheel, drive modes and some nicer cabin trim. Which one should you buy? Seeing as this model is an alternative to a premium hatchback, the top-of-the-range 1.3 Intens seems well worth the extra outlay of R20 000.

*Captur’s infotainment screen is one of the better in the segment*

That enlarged touchscreen is a treat. Few cars in this market segment have infotainment displays that look as colourful and crisply rendered as the Captur’s, which also has a delightfully logical menu layout. The onboard navigation incorporates built-in alerts (a polite chirp) for fixed-speed cameras and there are some cute touches, such as letting you choose your icon for the navigation. You could opt for a simple arrow or pick from one of the many outrageous Renault concept cars… I favoured the RS 2027 Vision.

*Personalisation touches are plentiful, allowing you to choose your car for the navigation screen*

One of our favourite features was the “hidden” wireless charger. Instead of charging your smartphone by placing it in a shallow recess ahead of the transmission lever, you perch it on a cradle located underneath the Captur’s main transmission tunnel and, therefore, well out of sight of prying eyes. Plus, the pad is large enough to accommodate even the largest of devices, such as the iPhone Pro Max. If your phone doesn’t support wireless charging, there are 2 fast-charging USB ports located on the centre console.

*Your mobile device nestled out of sight on its wireless charging pad*

Dislikes?

We’ve never hesitated to criticise the fitment of cheap-feeling materials in premium-priced cars; given rampant cost-cutting in automotive production (few brands, if any, brands can avoid it), it’s often quite easy to see – and feel – where the interior trim and build quality of new cars have been compromised.

So, while harsh, hard plastics may be quite acceptable in the interiors of Renault’s entry-level models, it would not be “a good look” if the cabin of the Captur – a vehicle priced close to half a million Rand – was awash with plastics and trim pieces of marginal quality. Not only did the extended-test unit’s interior feel outfitted to an acceptable level of quality in most areas… I was impressed by the solidity of the cabin.

*It’s not road-biased either, with over 200 mm of clearance*

After travelling 15 000 km on South African roads (some of which would have been decidedly potholed, uneven and coarse), the Captur had held up commendably well. Indeed, it did anything but disintegrate, unlike the freshly-baked croissant I had for brunch while writing this piece. That being said, while the interior emitted no rattles and squeaks, the transmission tunnel trim seemed to have worked a bit loose.

*This transmission tunnel didn’t feel too connected to the main central console.*

Another minor dislike was the silver-coloured dashboard insert, which managed to catch and reflect the sunlight perfectly to dazzle the front passenger. While this only happened during certain times of the day and depended on in which direction we were travelling, my beloved wife made her discomfort known.

Summary

*Captur has way more going for it than you’d think and should be on your shortlist if you’re shopping in this segment.*

The Renault Captur made a good case for itself during its extended tenure in our test fleet. It happily took on the urban commute (with ease) and effortlessly kept pace with traffic on the national highway. I wish I could have driven it further, but the car’s system began warning us that the 15 000-km service was due.

Small crossovers (compact family cars) will continue to be popular and, fortunately, South African car buyers are spoilt for choice in terms of brands and pricing. The European crew of the Renault Captur, Volkswagen Taigo and Ford Puma should tick the majority of your boxes, but if your budget can’t quite stretch that far (half a million Rand is, after all, a LOT of money for the average family), there are some excellent demo units of larger SUVs available. Also, don’t look past models such as the Haval Jolion and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – there are good reasons why there are countless of those vehicles on the road!

The Captur is priced from R489 999, with this top-spec derivative listed for R509 999 (January 2024). The vehicle is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan. For added peace of mind, Renault’s 5-year warranty is longer than those of most of its rivals…

New Ford Everest Wildtrak X coming soon?

Fresh spy shots suggest Ford could soon hand its Everest the Wildtrak X treatment, uprating the suspension, adding fresh off-road systems and tweaking the design…

The Ford Everest adventure SUV range could soon expand with the release of a new off-road-capable Wildtrak X derivative, judging by fresh spy shots from Australia.

Yes, the folks over at CarExpert have published intriguing photographs of an Everest prototype – snapped testing on the streets of Melbourne – that appears to share plenty with the Ranger Wildtrak X.

*Note the LEDs integrated into the Ranger Wildtrak X’s grille (also seen in the Everest spy shots).*

Like its X-badged bakkie sibling, the apparent Everest Wildtrak X sports LEDs integrated into its grille design, along with black alloy wheels shod in all-terrain tyres. More importantly, though, is the fact this unit seems to ride higher than the standard Everest Wildtrak, while perhaps also gaining a wider track.

We’d speculate this freshly spotted uprated Everest is running the same specially tuned Bilstein position-sensitive dampers as the Ranger Wildtrak X, with this long-travel set-up affording the ladder-frame SUV extra ground clearance, too.

*We’d expect the Everest Wildtrak X to borrow plenty from the Ranger equivalent.*

In addition, the Everest Wildtrak X surely features the same “Trail Turn Assist” system (ostensibly cutting the vehicle’s turning circle by up to 25%) as the equivalent bakkie, along with additional underbody protection and special exterior badging (hastily covered up on the prototype).

So, what could be under the bonnet? Well, we’re not convinced the Blue Oval brand would hand the Everest the full-fat twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol powertrain from the Ranger Raptor, with the 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel motor (as employed by the Ranger Wildtrak X) thus surely the most likely candidate.

*The cabin of the Everest Wildtrak X will likely mirror that of the Ranger version.*

As a reminder, this 4-cylinder oil-burner delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm to all corners – using an on-demand 4-wheel-drive system in the case of the Ranger Wildtrak X – through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

South Africa’s Everest range – which is imported from Thailand, just like the Aussie-spec line-up – currently comprises 6 derivatives, priced from R899 000 to R1 224 900. The aforementioned 2.0-litre engine powers the XLT and Sport variants, while the Wildtrak and Platinum models employ the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel mill.

Will we soon see an Everest Wildtrak X slot into that line-up? Time will tell, though we wouldn’t bet against it…

Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition Announced

This wild-looking thing is a production model that will be offered by the brand. Meet the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition.

Something this outrageous is usually a one-off creation from a brand that will have no ambition of building a version for customers to actually buy, however the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition will be hitting European showrooms.

Audi has a stellar history with offroad shenanigans and obviously the first car to come to mind is the 80s era Audi Quattro. Audi would also like to remind everyone of its current RS Q e-tron Dakar racecar that will be taking part in the brutal rally in the dunes of Saudi Arabia.

What you see here is a tribute to its offroad adventuring spirit and unlike most wild and wacky creations, this one you can actually purchase (albeit in Europe – no sign of Audi SA bringing this one in). Priced around €120 000 (R2 500 000) in Germany , the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition is based on the twin-motor 55 e-tron with 300 kW and 664 Nm. If you have the offroad tyres fitted, expect 0-100 kph to come up in 5.9 seconds (5.8 if you go for the standard rubber).

Impressively, Audi supplies both standard road tyres as well as a set of General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres. You lose about 50km of total range, but we’d argue these wheels look far more purposeful. They also add 31 mm of additional ground clearance. For the offroad fanatics, this has some genuine ability with approach, departure and breakover angles rated at 20, 26 and 19 degrees respectively. There’s also 300 mm of water wading depth, which is less than half that of something dedicated like a Ford Ranger.

You have to give it to the brand, however. The Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition looks awesome and it’s great to see interesting and fun creations from a typically conservative brand. You can take your pick of one of three colours and there’s a special decal package too. The roof rack is functional and can take 40kg of cargo, and Audi has tweaked the cabin to separate it from lesser Q8 e-tron derivatives.

Both the Audi Q8 e-tron and facelifted Q8 SUV will be arriving in South African showrooms in 2024.

Isuzu D-Max set for mild-hybrid engine – report

The Isuzu D-Max is set to receive a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine with mild-hybrid assistance, according to a report out of Thailand. Here’s what we know so far…

The Isuzu D-Max is currently available with either a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine or a likewise oil-burning 3.0-litre motor. But a fresh report out of Thailand suggests the Japanese automaker is gearing up to offer the bakkie with a new powerplant, complete with mild-hybrid assistance.

According to Headlight magazine (in a report first brought to our attention via a Citizen Motoring story), the new engine will displace 2.2 litres and boast 48V technology. Like the Toyota Hilux Hybrid 48V already detailed for Europe (and set to launch in South Africa at some point during 2024), the mildly electrified D-Max will likely employ a belt-driven generator to charge a small battery pack.

*The RG-gen Isuzu D-Max launched in SA only in April 2022.*

The Thailand-based publication’s report includes no information on the positioning of the battery pack nor its capacity. Moreover, it’s not clear exactly how much extra oomph such a system would add to the new 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine’s peak outputs (which are likewise unknown).

Still, judging by the performance of similar systems, Isuzu’s mild-hybrid arrangement should bring some fuel-consumption improvements along with better throttle response, enhanced acceleration and quieter start-up.

Headlight magazine claims the new 2.2-litre mild-hybrid engine could be rolled out as early as 2025, though it’s worth keeping in mind Thailand’s RG-generation D-Max product cycle is well ahead of South Africa’s, with our Struandale-built version having launched only in April 2022 (as opposed to late 2019 in Thailand).

*The X-Rider badge has returned to South Africa.*

Indeed, a facelifted D-Max was revealed for that country in October 2023, with no indication of when such a refreshed model will come online in Mzansi (with our market instead focusing on the new X-Rider for now). Interestingly, in September 2023, Isuzu’s global division also seemingly confirmed it plans to launch an electric bakkie – which may well wear the E-Max badge – in 2025.

As a reminder, the current model’s 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine generates 140 kW and 450 Nm, while the 1.9-litre unit offers 110 kW and 350 Nm. Transmission options on both engines comprise a 6-speed manual gearbox or an automatic with the same number of cogs.

Hyundai previews facelifted Creta

Hyundai’s (not so) compact family car will get a facelift soon – an updated model, replete with sharper “Sensuous Sportiness” design cues and a 1.5-litre turbopetrol flagship derivative equipped with a DCT ‘box, will debut in India later this month.

Upon its introduction in South Africa in 2017, the (then 1st-gen) Hyundai Creta was one of the first “upsized” compact family cars to bridge the gap between small crossovers and family cars (medium SUVs). Since the 2nd-gen model arrived in 2020, followed by a new-look version in 2022, the sub-segment has grown to include the Grand Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Corolla Cross and others.

*The “new look” (as opposed to facelifted) Indonesian-made Hyundai Creta arrived in SA in 2022.*

At the time the new-look model was launched in Mzansi, we were surprised that Hyundai had chosen to update its product less than 2 years after the local introduction, but, as it turned out, Hyundai Automotive SA had begun sourcing Creta units from the brand’s Indonesian- (as opposed to Indian) assembly plant.

Granted, the current SA model sports elements of the NX4-gen Tucson’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language (including the compound and segmented grille that incorporates “hidden” headlamp units), but judging from these fresh teaser images of the upcoming Indian-market facelift model, the South Korean brand is looking to roll out an even more distinctive iteration of the Creta, replete with bolder styling.

The front-end styling of the updated Creta (to reiterate, only confirmed for the Indian market at this stage) incorporates an upright bonnet design, full-width LED DRLs, quad-beam LED headlamps (with rhombus-shaped surrounds) and redesigned bumpers with squared-off dark grey garnishes. The tailgate is bisected by an LED light bar, and the taillamp clusters have a blocky lighting signature.

The interior, meanwhile, dispenses with the conventional “plunging fascia flanked by a cowled gauge cluster” in favour of a panel that integrates the infotainment touchscreen and digital instrumentation. Below the central ventilation outlets, Hyundai has further fitted a touch panel for the HVAC controls.

According to Autocar India, the high-spec derivatives of the Creta will be equipped with dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera system, as well as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

*The updated Creta’s front-end styling is clearer in Hyundai India’s promotional material.*

As for powertrains, the facelifted Hyundai Creta line-up includes a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox or Intelligent Variable (automatic) transmission – as in the South African market – but it will notably be headed by a 119 kW (says Autocar India) 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol (Kappa Turbo GDi) engine mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Will this Hyundai Creta facelift come to SA?

Seeing as the Indonesian market’s Creta model is offered in South Africa, does that mean the revisions to the Indian model are irrelevant to our market? The fact that the newcomer appears decidedly more upmarket than the prudently-specified iteration currently on sale in Mzansi is not an encouraging sign…

Bear in mind, however, that 4 years have elapsed since the launch of the 2nd-gen model, which means that a formal mid-product-lifecycle facelift (as opposed to the rollout of a differently styled model, as what happened in our market in 2022) is now imminent.

Although we anticipate that the new Kona boutique crossover will arrive in South Africa sooner rather than later, these updates to the Creta will probably be applied to the Indonesian-built (and therefore SA-delivered) model at some point during 2024.

We’ll update this article as soon as new local market information becomes available.

What to Buy: Suzuki Fronx vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro vs Nissan Magnite

We take a closer look at the specs of the recently launched Suzuki Fronx… How does it stack up against the best-selling models in the booming compact SUV segment – is it worth making a trip to your nearest Suzuki dealer for a test drive? Read on..

Small crossovers are in high demand, but while the segment is broad, the buying frenzy for these high-riding urban commuter cars is mostly taking place at the budget end of the market (R250 000 to R350 000). The recently introduced Suzuki Fronx is well-positioned to claim a share of this lucrative segment.

Chinese brand Chery dominates its rivals with the Chery Tiggo Pro 4 cracking big sales numbers while the budget-friendly Nissan Magnite is proving to be a hugely popular choice for budget compact SUV buyers.

As for the new Suzuki Fronx, it arrived in the middle of August 2023 and it’s fast becoming a sales hit for the Japanese carmaker.

The main aim of this article is to help you, the consumer, make an informed buying decision. To help you do this, we will provide you with the need-to-know information and insight based on available vehicle information and our experience with the cars in question.

This article will cover key aspects including Exterior Styling, Performance & Efficiency, Interior Features & Safety, Dimensions & Practicality, as well as Pricing & Warranty details.

If, at the end of this article, you are still undecided as to what to buy, you are more than welcome to reach out to us for advice via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Our experienced test team will gladly assist you.

How does the Suzuki Fronx stack up against its rivals?

Exterior Styling

Suzuki Fronx

Think of the new Fronx as a high-riding Baleno hatchback replete with additional (and useful) ground clearance, crossover-inspired cladding and obligatory rugged bumpers. Up front, you’ll notice the large grille with stylish chrome wings, flanked by slimly proportioned headlights and prominent fog lights. The Fronx’s styling is pleasant and somewhat reserved – as in not shouty, which some buyers might prefer.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

As for the Chery Tiggo Pro 4, its exterior styling can be described as “quite attention-grabbing”, courtesy of its large and boldly studded grille, which makes a strong style statement.

Unlike the Fronx, the Tiggo 4 Pro has chunkier headlamps; it also features plastic cladding around the wheel arches, while lower sills with red detailing (Elite SE) add a bit of contrast to the package. With its attractive styling execution, it’s easy to understand why so many buyers are opting for the Tiggo 4 Pro.

Watch our video review of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro:

Nissan Magnite

Not to be outdone in the style stakes, the Nissan Magnite brings its own kind of verve to the party, thanks to sharply contoured headlights and a contoured grille reminiscent of the discontinued Datsun Go. Angular body contours give the Magnite a chiselled appearance and it also features rugged plastic wheel-arch cladding, while its dual-tone colour scheme (on higher-grade derivatives) injects additional design flair.

Performance & Efficiency

This article will compare similarly-priced, high-specification derivatives from each model range.

	Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX	Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite	Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus
Powertrain	1.5-litre, naturally aspirated, petrol	1.5-litre, turbocharged, petrol	1.0-litre, turbocharged, petrol
Power Output	77 kW	108 kW	74 kW
Torque Output	138 Nm	210 Nm	160 Nm
Transmission	5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic	6-speed manual / CVT	5-speed (manual) / CVT
Fuel Consumption	5.5 L/100 km (manual) / 5.7 L/100km (automatic)	7.0 L/100 km (manual) / 6.8 L/100 km (CVT)	5.3 L/100 km (manual) / 6.0 L/100 km

Suzuki Fronx

The Fronx is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine and while its outputs of 77 kW and 138 Nm might not look particularly impressive on paper, real-world performance is better than what the numbers suggest. With a relatively light kerb weight of around 1 015 kg, the Fronx’s acceleration and overtaking abilities are adequate, but bear in mind that the Fronx’s performance will drop off by 15 to 20% due to the thinner air at altitude, so buyers in Gauteng will have to factor this into their buying decision.

Ride quality and overall refinement are very good and, in terms of efficiency, the Fronx exhibits excellent fuel efficiency, which is one of the major reasons to put it on your shortlist. It returned around 6.1 L/100 km during testing, but we suspect figures below 6.0L/100 km could be achieved without much effort.

We recommend opting for the manual gearbox over Suzuki’s lethargic 4-speed automatic transmission.

Read our Suzuki Fronx (2023) Launch Review for more information.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

The Tiggo Pro 4 is offered with either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged 1.5-litre engine but the latter (with 108 kW and 210 Nm) is the one to have. It offers punchier performance in conjunction with either a manual ‘box or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Some buyers might find the driving experience of the auto a bit humdrum/uninvolving, but it’s better suited to dealing with city traffic than the manual.

The Tiggo 4 Pro’s ride quality is generally good with a forgiving disposition, but damping could be better over poorer sources. Importantly, in terms of fuel efficiency, the more willing turbocharged engine isn’t particularly frugal; we’ve seen returns of around 8.8 L/100 km, which is the Tiggo 4 Pro’s drawback.

Read our review of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

Nissan Magnite

The Magnite strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency and we found its 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine to offer fair-to-good performance within the city environment. However, engine noise does increase under harder acceleration, but that trait is rather typical of models in this segment of the market. Ride quality is good too; it favours comfort but body roll is pronounced under brisk cornering.

Meanwhile, the Nissan’s fuel consumption is reasonable. During our test, the Magnite returned figures in the region of 6.5 L/100 km – by turbocharged small crossover standards, that is quite admirable.

Note that the Magnite is also offered with an entry-level, naturally-aspirated 3-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine offering 53 kW and 96 Nm and paired with both an AMT and manual transmission. Nissan recently added additional derivatives to the Magnite range.

Read our review of the Nissan Magnite

Interior Features & Safety

See a spec comparison between these versions of Suzuki Fronx, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Nissan Magnite.

Alternatively, you can use our handy Compare Tool to compare any car models you like!

	Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GLX	Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite	Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus
Infotainment system	9-inch touchscreen	10.25-inch touchscreen	8-inch touchscreen
Digital Instrument Cluster	4.2-inch information display, analogue dials, head-up display	7-inch digital cluster	Central digital display
Android Auto / Apple CarPlay	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth, Voice Control, USB, Wireless Charging	Yes to all, 1 front USB, 2 rear USB	Yes, 2 front USB, 1 rear USB, no wireless charging	Yes to all, 1 front USB
Rear View Camera	Yes, 360-degree	Yes	Front and Rear, 360-degree
Steering Adjustment: Rake / Reach	Rake and Reach	Rake and Reach	No
Cruise Control	Yes	Yes	Yes
Air Conditioning	Climate control	Climate control	Climate control
Panoramic Sunroof	No	Sunroof	No
Upholstery / electric seats	Cloth, manual adjustment	Leather, electrically adjusted driver’s seat	Partial artificial leather and cloth
Front / Rear Park Distance Control	Rear only	Rear only	Rear only
Safety Features	6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist, Hill-Hold Control	6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control with traction control, Brake Assist, hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring	2 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control with traction control, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring

In typical Suzuki fashion, the Fronx 1.5 GLX comes well-specified with standard equipment and its rudimentary interior design is neither flashy nor offensive. Harder plastic surfaces dominate and perceived interior build quality is reasonably good.

The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, in contrast, adopts a more upmarket, tech-forward interior design approach, with a variety of hard and soft materials, including stitched leather, brushed aluminium inserts, leather trim and larger digital interfaces. The standard specification for the Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite is impressive.

The Nissan Magnite showcases a more youthful and playful interior design, which includes a colourful, partially digital instrument cluster. Angular air vents add some visual flair and so does the combined cloth/leather upholstery. Harder materials dominate the cabin and the material quality could be better.

The Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus, does, however, come very well-specced with standard features.

Dimensions & Practicality

	Suzuki Fronx	Chery Tiggo 4 Pro	Nissan Magnite
Length	3 995 mm	4 318 mm	3 994 mm
Width	1765 mm	1 831 mm	1 758 mm
Height	1 550 mm	1 662 mm	1 572 mm
Wheelbase	2 520 mm	2 610 mm	2 500 mm
Kerb Weight	1 010 kg	1 364 kg	1 014 kg
Ground Clearance	170 mm	180 mm	205 mm
Load Capacity	304 – 605 – 1 009 L	340 – 1 100 L	336 L

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Load — *The Chery Tiggo Pro 4 has a spacious cabin thanks to its longer wheelbase.*

In terms of dimensions, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro has a larger footprint than its rivals; its longer wheelbase, in particular, translates into a more spacious cabin for passengers and luggage. However, the Tiggo 4 Pro is also the heaviest of the 3, which is a contributing factor to its higher fuel consumption (see above).

The Suzuki Fronx and Nissan Magnite, by comparison, are similar in size overall but the latter is claimed to have a more capacious load bay that the former, while also boasting superior ground clearance.

Pricing & Warranty

Pricing is accurate as of January 2024.

	Suzuki Fronx	Price	Chery Tiggo 4 Pro	Price	Nissan Magnite	Price
Entry	Fronx 1.5 GL Manual	R288 900	Tiggo 1.5 4 Pro 1.5 LiT Manual	R279 900	Magnite 1.0 Visia Manual	R227 900
					Magnite 1.0 Visia Auto	R243 900
	Fronx 1.5 GL Auto	R308 900	Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT Auto	R314 900	Magnite 1.0 Acenta Manual	R247 800
					Magnite 1.0 Acenta Plus Manual	R263 100
					Magnite 1.0 Acenta Auto	R263 900
					Magnite 1.0 Acenta Plus Auto	R279 900
Mid	–	–	–	–	Magnite 1.0 Turbo Visia Manual	R287 600
	–	–	Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Urban Manual	R308 900	Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Manual	R306 900
			Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Comfort Auto	R345 900	Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Auto	R335 500
Top	Fronx 1.5 GLX Manual	R324 900	Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite Manual	R355 900	Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus Manual	R326 000
	Fronx 1.5 GLX Auto	R344 900	Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite Auto	R386 900	–	–
	–	–	Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5T Elite SE Auto	R408 900	Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus Auto	R353 500
Warranty	5-year / 200 000km		5-year / 150 000 km 10 year / 1 million km engine warranty for first owner		6-year / 150 000 km

Service Plan	4-year / 60 000 km		5-year / 60 000 km		3-year / 30 000km

Not sure what you’re able to afford? Let our Car Affordability Calculator help you!

Use our Finance Calculator to work out monthly premiums!

What to Buy: Is the Suzuki Fronx worth a closer look?

Based on our experience (and the information at our disposal), it’s easy to see why the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is a top-selling entry-level crossover. Not only is it larger (and more spacious) than many of its rivals; it arguably offers more style and luxury along with a comprehensive standard feature set. If you opt for a turbopetrol derivative, you’d have to be willing to live with the higher-than-average fuel consumption, but even so, the Tiggo 4 Pro is definitely worth considering, especially if your budget can stretch to around R350k.

The Suzuki Fronx, however, makes a very strong buying proposition, particularly for buyers with a budget under R350k. In 1.5 GLX guise, the Fronx, in our opinion, is a superior product to the equivalent Magnite, particularly in terms of perceived build quality. While the Fronx’s performance/economy balance is a big drawcard, the turbocharged Magnite hits back with punchier performance but still returns reasonable fuel consumption. The Magnite is also better equipped to attract buyers in the below-R250k sub-segment, where it dominates. The Suzuki Fronx does offer a better warranty and service plan though…

With its strong value proposition and Suzuki’s reputation for providing excellent service and after-sales support, we expect that the Fronx will rapidly climb up the sales charts; it may even ultimately outsell the popular Swift hatchback to become the Japanese firm’s best-seller on local soil in the very near future.

So yes, the Fronx is definitely worth a closer look if you are shopping for a capable, reliable and affordable compact SUV.

If you’re still undecided, visit your nearest Suzuki, Chery and Nissan dealership for a test drive!

How to File an Insurance Claim if Your Car is Stolen

Filing an insurance claim when your car has been stolen requires patience, diligence and a firm understanding of your policy. This article will guide you through the process.

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Responsible vehicle owners know that having car insurance isn’t a luxury – it is an essential part of car ownership in South Africa. Thousands of vehicles are stolen or hijacked in Mzansi every year, with many being cloned or crossing the border to neighbouring countries. Car jamming has also become quite common, with many drivers unaware that their cars have not been locked when they leave them.

Fortunately, having a car insurance policy helps you cope with the financial fallout that comes with the loss of a vehicle. Budget Insurance brings you this guide to filing a stolen-vehicle claim; by following the steps as efficiently as possible, your inconvenience of being without a car will be limited to a minimum.

Don’t wait too long before filing your insurance claim

It can happen to anyone. In the blink of an eye, your beloved car can vanish without a trace. Being a victim of car theft is a harrowing experience and, when you’re stressed, “paperwork” or “admin” may be the last thing on your mind. However, bear in mind that when you file a car insurance claim, it’s critical to submit it as soon as possible. Any claims made later than 30 days after the incident can’t be processed.

Also, your insurer can help you with your stolen-vehicle claim, depending on the type of cover you’ve taken out… Comprehensive Car Insurance and Third-Party, Fire and Theft Car Insurance policies cover you for theft or hijacking. Third-party Only Car Insurance, by contrast, will only cover you for the costs of damages made to another vehicle, object or structure if you are in a car accident that was your fault.

What to do if your car has been stolen

Remain as calm as possible and follow these steps to submit a stolen-car insurance claim successfully.

1. Activate your tracking device

If you have a vehicle tracking device fitted in your car (some insurers make it mandatory for their policy holders’ cars to be so-equipped), one of the first things you should do is contact the service provider to activate it. They have sophisticated technology at their disposal and may be able to recover your vehicle.

2. Report the theft to the police

The sooner you contact the police to report a stolen car, the better. You will need to do this to file a car insurance claim. Go to the nearest police station to report the crime and fill in paperwork to open a case.

You will need:

your driver’s licence
vehicle registration details
the make, model and colour of your vehicle
the vehicle identification number (VIN)

You should also tell the police if your car has any distinguishable features, like dents or modifications.

3. Get a case number

Once you have filled in a police report, take the time to read through it again to make sure that everything is correct. Also, take note of the name and rank of the police officer who is assisting you. Ask the officer to make a certified copy of the report, as you will need to give this to your insurer.

The officer will give you a case number. This is very important information that you must keep safe as it is needed to make the car insurance claim.

4. Notify your insurer

Now is the time to contact your insurer to file the claim. The claim’s consultant will ask for information similar to that given to the police, as well as the case number and the certified copy of the police report.

5. Allow the claim to be processed

Once you have filed a claim, you will be assigned another claim number. A consultant will be assigned to assist you and provide you with all the details and updates on the progress of your claim. If your claim is approved, your insurer will determine the value of your stolen car and provide you with a monetary settlement amount or arrange a replacement vehicle of similar value – it depends on your policy.

Remember, you will be responsible for making an excess payment as specified in your policy. This is the amount you contribute before your car insurance will pay out your claim. Once the “deductible” has been paid, your insurer will compensate you for the remaining amount up to your particular policy limit.

Car Insurance and stolen cars: What you should know

How long does it take to process a car insurance claim?

There is no definitive timeline because each case is different. A team of experts processes every claim, and the length of time each claim takes depends on the type of claim submitted. Stay in touch with your consultant, who will keep you informed about what is happening/where you are in the process timeline.

What happens if my stolen car is recovered?

If your car is recovered after your insurance claim has been processed and you have already been paid out for a replacement car, the recovered car automatically becomes the property of your insurer. If any personal belongings are found in the recovered car, these will be returned to you, however.

If your car is recovered before the claim is processed, you must inform your insurer immediately. You will also need to get a clearance certificate to remove your vehicle from the police’s stolen-vehicle database.

Can I claim for the contents that were in my vehicle when it was stolen?

Even comprehensive car insurance does not necessarily cover the car’s contents when it was stolen. If you want to protect any high-value items in your car, it’s best to take out portable possessions insurance.

This comes standard when you have a home contents Insurance policy with Budget Insurance and provides general cover against theft, loss, and damage up to a certain limit. However, you need to have a vehicle- or home contents insurance policy to qualify for portable possessions insurance. You also have the opportunity to specify your more expensive items, such as your iPad, laptop, camera, and jewellery.

Get a quote now

Gain peace of mind in knowing that there is always someone available to help you in your time of need. If you take out a Budget Insurance policy, you’ll also get the benefit of Road Assist. You never know when disaster may strike, so ensure you have as much protection as possible for your security.

Remember, if you want to learn more about car insurance or review your car insurance requirements with the help of experts, Budget Insurance’s team is always ready to assist. Contact them on 086 1600 120 or leave your details and they’ll call you back at no expense to you! You can also request an online quote.

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Find the type of car insurance that suits you

Alpina B3 Arrives in SA in Limited Numbers

Just before the end of 2023, BMW SA imported just five units of the Alpina B3 AWD as part of its 50 year celebrations.

This is not South Africa’s first taste of Alpina’s magic as its collaboration with BMW SA in the 1980s resulted in the sensational BMW 333i. There were around 200 units built and they’re highly sought after by collectors.

What you see here is a completely different animal and a fascinating take on a subtle-looking performance vehicle. Using a BMW M340i xDrive as a base, Alpina inserted the M3’s 3.0 S58 engine and tweaked it a bit. Unlike most tuners which ramp up the power from the donor engine, Alpina took a different route with its own turbochargers, software and internals.

The result is 364 kW and 730 Nm. Interestingly, the BMW M3 offers up 375 kW and 650 Nm. Impressively, the Alpina B3 is said to dash to 100 kph in just 3.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 305 kph. The vehicle has an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Alpina has given the B3 a high-performance braking setup with drilled discs, sport suspension, unique tune for the steering setup, as well as a model-specific exhaust.

All five cars have already been sold and you can spot them with their signature Alpina Green II metallic paint, 20-inch Alpina wheels and Alpina badging. If you’re lucky to see inside, there’s a unique plaque on the central console as well as BMW SA 50 years anniversary logo on the front seat headrests.

How much does the Alpina B3 cost in South Africa?

The price includes BMW’s Motorplan, VAT and CO2 tax is R2 960 341 and we would not be surprised to see the value of these vehicles increase in time given their rarity and exclusivity.

New Nissan half-tonne bakkie still on the cards

Nissan in Latin America has confirmed it continues to develop a new half-tonne bakkie, adding that the fresh model will be based on a Renault product. NP200 successor, anyone?

Back in early 2023, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance announced plans to create a new half-tonne bakkie, developed by Renault and shared with Nissan. Of course, plenty has happened since then, including Nissan South Africa entering a “formal consultation phase to restructure the business” as it seeks a replacement for the NP200 that will go out of production in March 2024.

But a new Nissan-badged half-tonner remains on the cards – in some parts of the world, anyway. Nissan’s Latin American division recently confirmed it planned to “enrich” its product line-up, telling the Brazilian Motor1.com website it would utilise Renault’s “expertise” in the half-tonne segment.

Renault Niagara Concept — *The Renault Niagara concept was revealed in October 2023.*

Nissan pointed to the Niagara concept as an example of its alliance partner’s prowess in this unibody-bakkie segment, though Renault obviously also produces the Duster-based Oroch. As a reminder, the Oroch – which was long been in the planning for a South African introduction but still hasn’t materialised – was handed another facelift in 2022.

According to the Motor1.com report, the upcoming new-generation Oroch (if it continues to wear that badge, of course) will form the basis for the aforementioned new Nissan half-tonner, with both running on the Alliance’s CMF-B platform. Production is likely to take place in Argentina.

What does that mean for Nissan SA’s plant in Rosslyn? Well, we’ll have to wait and see, but it’s interesting to note the automaker’s local division confirmed it had earlier lined up an “immediate replacement model for NP200”, which was planned to be built on a Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance shared platform in Russia.

*The NP200 debuted in SA back in 2008, with production now scheduled to end in March 2024.*

However, Nissan SA said the “geopolitical situation in Russia meant this model was no longer viable due to significantly reduced” volumes. “In line with our African strategy, securing a 2nd model for production in South Africa is a priority and a study into an alternative vehicle is already progressing,” the statement from Nissan SA read back in October 2023.

As a reminder, the NP200 launched in SA as a replacement for the Nissan 1400 in 2008. The NP200 had the local half-tonne bakkie segment all to itself since the end of 2017, when General Motors quit Mzansi, thus marking the end of the line for the Chevrolet Utility. As such, the Dacia Logan-based single cab quickly became Nissan SA’s chief volume driver.

Find a used Nissan NP200 on Cars.co.za!

Fuel Price Relief for January 2024

Fuel prices in South Africa are expected to decrease in January 2024, bringing some much-needed financial relief to South African motorists and the economy.

2024 is off to a positive start with the prices of petrol and diesel expected to be slashed yet again with adjustments taking effect on Wednesday, 3 January 2024.

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has published the following fuel price adjustments for January 2024.

Petrol ULP93 – decrease by 62 cents per litre
Petrol ULP95 – decrease by 76 cents per litre
Diesel 0.05% – decrease by 118.32 cents per litre
Diesel 0.005% – decrease by 126.32 cents per litre

The Automobile Association (AA) commented, “Although we are expecting fuel to be cheaper in January, we remain concerned about the overall high prices which impact on all consumers. If the expected decreases are realised, petrol prices will still be higher than they were in January 2023, but diesel prices will be marginally cheaper than at the same time. We must see all of this in the context of consumers who are still recovering from steep fuel price hikes in September and October.”

The AA, however, warns that it’s too early to determine if the trend of fuel price cuts will continue as geo-political developments negatively impact international oil prices.

“For this reason, a sustainable solution to mitigating rising fuel costs is still necessary and until that solution is found, citizens will be at the mercy of fuel price hikes. We again call on government to urgently initiate a transparent review of the fuel pricing structure to seek this solution,” says the Association.

Expected Fuel Price in South Africa for January 2024

Fuel Type	Dec ’23 Inland	Dec ’23 Coast	Jan 24 Inland*	Jan’ 24 Coast*
Petrol Unleaded 93	R22.79	R22.07	R22.17	R21.45
Petrol Unleaded 95	R23.25	R22.53	R22.49	R21.77
Diesel 0.05%	R21.81	R21.09	R20.63	R19.91
Diesel 0.005%	R21.99	R21.28	R20.73	R20.02

Renault Captur (2023) Living with it

Renault SA’s product lineup may be dominated by Indian-made entry-level cars, but the Captur remains a mainstay of the European market – and well-suited to one of Mzansi’s hottest market segments. We tested the 1.3 Turbo Intens during the festive season.

3 Things To Like about the Renault Captur

Powertrain and Economy

Comfort and Practicality

Safety and Tech Features

Dislikes?

Summary

Further Reading

New Ford Everest Wildtrak X coming soon?

Fresh spy shots suggest Ford could soon hand its Everest the Wildtrak X treatment, uprating the suspension, adding fresh off-road systems and tweaking the design…

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Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition Announced

This wild-looking thing is a production model that will be offered by the brand. Meet the Audi Q8 e-tron Dakar Edition.

Further Reading

Isuzu D-Max set for mild-hybrid engine – report

The Isuzu D-Max is set to receive a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine with mild-hybrid assistance, according to a report out of Thailand. Here’s what we know so far…

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Hyundai previews facelifted Creta

Hyundai’s (not so) compact family car will get a facelift soon – an updated model, replete with sharper “Sensuous Sportiness” design cues and a 1.5-litre turbopetrol flagship derivative equipped with a DCT ‘box, will debut in India later this month.

Will this Hyundai Creta facelift come to SA?

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What to Buy: Suzuki Fronx vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro vs Nissan Magnite

We take a closer look at the specs of the recently launched Suzuki Fronx… How does it stack up against the best-selling models in the booming compact SUV segment – is it worth making a trip to your nearest Suzuki dealer for a test drive? Read on..

How does the Suzuki Fronx stack up against its rivals?

Exterior Styling

Performance & Efficiency

Nissan Magnite

Interior Features & Safety

Dimensions & Practicality

Pricing & Warranty

What to Buy: Is the Suzuki Fronx worth a closer look?

Related Content

How to File an Insurance Claim if Your Car is Stolen

Filing an insurance claim when your car has been stolen requires patience, diligence and a firm understanding of your policy. This article will guide you through the process.

Don’t wait too long before filing your insurance claim

What to do if your car has been stolen

Car Insurance and stolen cars: What you should know

Get a quote now

Related articles:

Alpina B3 Arrives in SA in Limited Numbers

Just before the end of 2023, BMW SA imported just five units of the Alpina B3 AWD as part of its 50 year celebrations.

How much does the Alpina B3 cost in South Africa?

Further Reading

New Nissan half-tonne bakkie still on the cards

Nissan in Latin America has confirmed it continues to develop a new half-tonne bakkie, adding that the fresh model will be based on a Renault product. NP200 successor, anyone?

Related content

Fuel Price Relief for January 2024

Fuel prices in South Africa are expected to decrease in January 2024, bringing some much-needed financial relief to South African motorists and the economy.

Expected Fuel Price in South Africa for January 2024

Related Content