Here are the 5 cheapest new cars currently available in South Africa…
We all know that buying a new car can be an expensive exercise but this article highlights the 5 cheapest brand new cars currently available in South Africa.
Yes, you may have to compromise somewhat in terms of quality and features in the low-end of the new car market but if these 5 cheapest cars don’t quite meet your needs then it’s worthwhile exploring the used car market right here on Cars.co.za.
Also, if you need car buying advice, feel free to engage with us on Facebook or X and we will gladly assist you.
Let’s take a closer look at 5 of the most affordable brand-new cars money can buy in South Africa.
The updated Suzuki S-Presso is ideal for first-time car buyers looking for a quirky hatchback. The S-Presso is powered by a 49 kW/89 Nm 1.0-litre petrol engine and can be had with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual transmission.
The S-Presso is offered in 3 trim grades including GL, GL+ and S-Edition. Pricing starts from R178 900 and goes up to R219 900 for the range-topping S-Presso S-Edition automatic.
A new Suzuki Celerio arrived in South Africa in 2022 to entice local buyers and it remains a popular choice in the budget car segment.
The Celerio is powered by a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre engine that offers 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission does service in the Celerio, but you can have the Celerio in 5-speed automatic guise too.
The base-spec Celerio 1.0 GA is priced from R188 900 but the higher-spec Celerio 1.0 GL is priced at R210 900 while the automatic derivative is priced at R225 900.
Yes, it’s based on the new Suzuki Celerio as part of the Toyota-Suzuki product alliance and the Vitz is powered by a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre engine with 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission and 5-speed automatic is available. Pricing for the Vitz starts from R189 900 and goes up to R239 900 for the Vitz 1.0 XR automatic.
The Renault Kwid is proving to be quite popular locally and it’s by far the best-selling model for Renault in South Africa.
The Kwid is powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine with 50 kW and 91 Nm of torque. The range starts with the Kwid 1.0 Life priced from R196 999. The higher-spec Kwid Zen is priced from R206 999. A range-topping Kwid Climber is also on offer with pricing starting at R217 999. Renault also offers an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) for the Zen and Climber trim lines in addition to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The Dzire is the booted sedan version of the hugely popular Suzuki Swift hatchback. Both are well-priced and offer good value in the budget car segment. The Dzire and Swift are powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 113 Nm of torque and can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automated manual transmission.
The Dzire GA is priced from R211 900 while the higher specification Dzire GL is priced from R232 900. For those seeking the convenience of an automatic, the Swift GL automatic is priced at R247 900.
Unaudited mid-month fuel price data indicates that significant fuel price cuts could materialise for October 2024! See the fuel price forecast below!
There’s good news on the horizon for South African motorists as mid-month fuel price data is showing signs of significant fuel price cuts on the cards for October 2024!
If this price cut is realised, October will be the fifth consecutive month of cuts, bringing further relief to consumers.
According to the data published on the Central Energy Fund (CEF) website, Petrol 95 ULP is showing potential for a R1.25 p/l decrease while the price of Petrol 93 ULP could be slashed by R1.16 p/l.
Diesel price cuts are also likely, with both 0.05% and 0.005% grades of diesel showing potential for a R1.11 decrease. Illuminating Paraffin might be R1.05 p/l cheaper too come October 2024.
A stronger Rand combined with lower international fuel prices are the main contributing factors with just under 2 weeks of the month remaining, the adjustments will change.
In addition to fuel price cuts, consumers can also expect interest rates to be cut by 25 basis points this month as inflation has reached its lowest point since 2021 at 4.9%.
Fuel Price Forecast for October 2024
Fuel Type
Sept’ 24 Inland
Sept’ 24 Coast
Oct’ 24 Inland*
Oct’ 24 Coast*
Petrol Unleaded 93
R21.79
R21.00
R20.63
R19.84
Petrol Unleaded 95
R22.19
R21.40
R20.94
R20.15
Diesel 0.05%
R19.59
R18.80
R18.48
R17.69
Diesel 0.005%
R19.69
R18.93
R18.58
R17.82
*October 2024 figures are forecast figures and not official
The new Hyundai Exter has launched in South Africa as the South Korean brand’s most affordable crossover, slotting in below the Venue. Here’s a look at what it costs…
The new Hyundai Exter has officially hit the market in South Africa, positioned as the South Korean firm’s smallest and most affordable crossover.
Just as our information suggested well ahead of the launch, the local Exter range comprises 5 derivatives, 3 of which are furthermore offered in dual-tone form (effectively adding an optional black roof). Starting at R269 900 and running through to R334 900, the Exter slots in below the Venue, which currently has pricing bookends of R309 900 and R499 900 (after a handy price cut).
The new Exter slots in below the Venue.
In Mzansi, the Indian-built Exter is offered in a trio of grades: entry-level Premium, mid-tier Executive and top-spec Elite. All variants employ the automaker’s naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which is familiar from the Grand i10, i20 hatchback and aforementioned Venue.
This “Kappa” motor delivers 61 kW and 114 Nm to the front axle. Premium and Executive derivatives are available with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), while the flagship Elite variant is offered exclusively with the latter cog-swapper. The manual version has a claimed fuel economy of 5.7 L/100 km, while the AMT’s listed figure is 5.9 L/100 km.
Boxy, off-road-inspired styling.
The base Exter 1.2 Premium MT (R269 900) ships standard with features such as manual air conditioning, a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, tyre-pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors, ISOfix child-seat anchors, automatic headlamps, 15-inch steel wheels (with plastic covers), cloth seats and a polyurethane steering wheel. A full complement of 6 airbags is standard, too.
Meanwhile, the Exter 1.2 Premium AMT (R294 900) furthermore scores electronic stability control, hill-assist control and an electric folding function for the side mirrors, in addition to the self-shifting transmission, of course.
A look at the SA-spec cabin.
Next come the Exter 1.2 Executive MT for R289 900 and the Exter 1.2 Executive AMT for R314 900, which gain features such as 15-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, mud guards, cruise control, a reverse-view camera, leather trim for the steering wheel and tilt adjustment for the steering column.
Finally, the top-spec Exter 1.2 Elite AMT is priced at R334 900 and upgrades to items such as automatic air conditioning, bi-function projection headlamps, a powered sunroof and cloth-and-vinyl upholstery. Paint colours in South Africa include Titan Grey, Shadow Grey, Fiery Red, Moonlight Blue, Cosmic Blue, Atlas White and Ranger Khaki, with the final 3 hues also available in conjunction with a black roof (though only on Executive and Elite variants).
The Elite derivative features a sunroof as standard.
Revealed in May 2023, the Exter employs the same platform that underpins the Grand i10 hatchback and sedan twins, and is likewise produced in India at Hyundai’s plant in Sriperumbudur near Chennai. The boxy little crossover measures 3 815 mm long (the same length as the Grand i10 hatch), with a wheelbase of 2 450 mm, a width of 1 710 mm, a height of 1 631 mm (including roof rails) and a ground clearance of 185 mm.
For the record, that makes it around 180 mm shorter from nose to tail than the likes of the Venue, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger (and 166 mm stubbier than the CC21-generation Citroën C3, too), but about 115 mm longer than the diminutive Suzuki Ignis. The Exter’s luggage capacity comes in at a claimed 290 litres.
The Exter measures just 3 815 mm long.
We first reported that the Exter was coming to South Africa back in May 2024, receiving confirmation from Hyundai Automotive SA after we discovered the company’s Seoul head office had applied to register the “Exter” badge in South Africa as early as October 2022. The local registration of this trademark took effect in December 2023.
*This story was originally published on 5 September 2024 as a pricing scoop. Additional information has since been added.
How much does the new Hyundai Exter cost in South Africa?
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
The new Exter ships standard with a 3-year/45 000 km service plan and Hyundai’s 7-year/200 000 km manufacturers’ warranty.
New SA-built Ford Ranger PHEV: peak outputs revealed
Key figures for the new Ford Ranger PHEV – a plug-in bakkie to be produced at the Silverton plant in SA – have been revealed. Meet the torquiest Ranger yet…
Unveiled a year ago, the Ford Ranger PHEV has finally made its show debut at the IAA Transportation event in Germany, with the Blue Oval brand also using the occasion to release key information (including power and torque figures) for this plug-in hybrid bakkie.
As a reminder, the Ranger PHEV will be built at the Silverton assembly plant in South Africa (the only plant worldwide handed this task) following a R5.2-billion investment announced in November 2023. Though Ford SA has yet to officially confirm this electrified derivative for our market, it seems only a matter of time.
According to the Dearborn-based automaker, the new plug-in hybrid electric double-cab bakkie is a “no-compromise new model” that offers “full Ranger towing, payload and off-road performance, with electric-only driving ability”.
The PHEV powertrain combines Ford’s turbocharged 2.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine and 10‑speed automatic transmission with a 75 kW electric motor and an 11.8 kWh (usable capacity) battery pack. Peak system outputs stand at 205 kW and 690 Nm, with this torque figure described as the “highest of any production Ranger ever” (eclipsing even the high-performance Raptor’s 583 Nm).
The electric motor is integrated into the transmission bellhousing, while the battery takes “less than 4 hours to charge using a single-phase 16-amp charger”, according to Ford. Interestingly, the company has still not provided a confirmed single-charge electric-only range, saying only that it has a target of “over 45 km”.
Ford adds that buyers can expect a payload of “up to 1 tonne” and a braked towing capacity of 3 500 kg. The Ranger PHEV employs a new “e-4WD” system along with a dual-range transfer box and rear differential lock. The traction battery, meanwhile, is packaged between “specially engineered” frame rails.
The plug-in hybrid Ranger also features something Ford calls “Pro Power Onboard”, which enables owners to power tools and appliances on a worksite or remote campsite by plugging them into power outlets in both the cargo bed and the cabin.
In Europe, the Ranger PHEV will be offered in XLT and Wildtrak form, along with the “PHEV-exclusive” Stormtrak launch edition pictured here. The latter is set apart by model-specific design features, such as 18-inch alloy wheels, a honeycomb grille, fender vents and a decal kit, along with Matrix LED headlamps and a 360-degree camera system.
GWM Tank 500 vs Ford Everest: What Should You Buy?
How well does the recently launched GWM Tank 500 stack up against one of the Adventure SUV segment’s most formidable products – the Ford Everest? And, which one of these SUVs represents a stronger buying proposition? Let’s take a closer look!
Since its local launch in 2022, the 3rd-gen Ford Everest has gained a strong following in our market; it’s the 2nd-best-selling bakkie-based 7-seater behind the formidable Toyota Fortuner (September 2024).
For context, in the first 7 months of 2024, the Everest racked up 1 856 sales while the Fortuner managed to sell an incredible 5 700 units over the same period. However, bear in mind that the Ford has a larger footprint and newer tech than the Toyota. Therefore, it commands a premium over its Japanese rival.
The Ford Everest Platinum sits at the pinnacle of the Everest range.
At the time of writing, the 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 was the only Tank 500 derivative available in South Africa, which means it’s a direct rival to the 3.0TD V6 4WD Platinum flagship in the Ford Everest line-up.
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 and 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 X, Facebook or Instagram. Our experienced test team will gladly assist you.
What To Buy: Tank 500 vs Ford Everest
Exterior Styling
GWM Tank 500
Talk about bling! The Tank 500 makes its presence known with a chunky grille (although, in our market, the model has a slightly different, but no less chrome-lashed, grille design than the international model) and large 2-tier LED headlamps with daytime running lights. The lower bumper houses discreet fog lights as well as a chrome strip. The chrome theme is further emphasised by large 20-inch alloy wheels.
A full-size spare wheel is mounted on the rear tailgate where another thick chrome strip leads to the vertically orientated tail-light clusters, each of which has – you guessed it – chrome surrounds.
The Tank 500’s flashy, chrome-laden “look at me” exterior design is unapologetically expressive and that approach may very well strike a chord with extraverted buyers – but it might be too bold for others…
Ford Everest
By contrast, the Ford Everest Platinum has a more restrained and refined design. The flagship derivative is identified with “Platinum” lettering on its bonnet lip, while the central grille is divided with a double horizontal chrome strip that stretches into the Everest’s distinct C-clamp LED headlights. The grille is further detailed with fine horizontal chrome elements that provide texture to the front-end design.
At the rear, the Ford’s taillights are relatively slim (considering the considerable height and width of the SUV) with a neat “hockey stick” light signature. Large 21-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard.
With its more measured design approach, the Everest Platinum is likely to appeal to a wider audience.
Performance and Efficiency
GWM Tank 500 Ultra Luxury
Ford Everest Platinum
Powertrain
2.0L 4-cylinder turbopetrol hybrid
3.0L V6 turbodiesel
Power Output
255 kW
184 kW
Torque Output
648 Nm
600 Nm
Transmission
9-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
Fuel Consumption (Claimed)
8.5 L/100 km
8.5 L/100 km
GWM Tank 500
The GWM Tank 500 has impressive stated outputs, but its powertrain under-delivers in the real world.
Despite its generous peak outputs of 255 kW and 648 Nm of torque, the Tank 500 delivers less-than-sparkling performance. Our launch experience highlighted that while the Tank 500 can offer sufficiently punchy acceleration on flatter sections of the road, its performance on inclines is less impressive.
It’s worth mentioning that the Tank 500 has a kerb weight of around 2 605 kg, so it’s no lightweight. This fact is also a contributing factor to its seemingly high real-world fuel consumption.
You’d think that opting for a hybrid powertrain will guarantee lower fuel consumption but our experience with GWM and Haval hybrids has proven otherwise…
The electric motor and lithium-ion hybrid battery seem to exist to supplement performance more than enhance efficiency; while GWM claims an ambitious 8.5 L/100 km, you’re likely to see figures above 12 L/100 km, depending on your driving style. Higher figures can be expected on off-roading jaunts.
Despite featuring a hybrid powertrain, fuel efficiency is not one of the Tank 500’s strengths.
The 9-speed automatic transmission’s gear changes are relatively seamless and unobtrusive. The ride quality, in turn, is good – the Tank 500 rides comfortably, even if its suspension is fairly firmly sprung.
With the above information in mind, one could say the Tank 500 under-delivers in terms of its general performance and expected efficiency*, but we’ve put an asterisk next to that statement because we will hopefully spend more time with the Tank 500 soon, when we’ll give it a thorough assessment.
Ford Everest
Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 engine is a major highlight of the Everest Platinum.
We may have limited experience behind the ‘wheel of the Tank 500, but we’ve driven the Ford Everest on numerous occasions! Last year, we conducted a month-long test of the range-topping derivative and it’s well worth reading our detailed review of the 3.0 V6 AWD Platinum if you are thinking of buying the Ford.
First and foremost, we found that the Ford Everest’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel offers strong performance with purposeful acceleration off the line, plus it has reserves of in-gear shove available at speeds above 80 kph, which is particularly useful for executing overtaking manoeuvres on the highway. Moreover, the 10-speed auto transmission shifts promptly and predictably, with smooth transitions between gears.
As for fuel efficiency, Ford, like GWM, claims an average consumption of 8.5 L/100 km for the Everest Platinum, but when we reviewed the variant, it returned figures above 10.5 L/100 km. However, such a result is expected for a vehicle of such a size (and engine capacity), so it is unlikely to deter buyers.
The Everest strikes a good balance between performance and economy.
The Everest’s general ride quality is also on the firm side of pliant, but like its GWM rival, the Ford does not compromise on comfort. What’s more, the Everest feels surefooted on its rubber and has a more direct and communicative steering feel than the previous-gen model – and indeed many of its rivals.
While the Ford Everest trumps the more powerful Tank 500 in terms of performance, neither model excels at being fuel efficient. But in our opinion, the Ford offers a better balance between performance and fuel economy than the GWM and that’s a notable advantage in this closely-matched comparison.
Leather Electric front seats with heating function, 8-point massage function and memory function 2nd-row reclining seats and adjustable
Leather Electric driver’s seat Heated seats (front and rear), electric lumbar support and memory (for the driver)
Safety Features
7 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Collision Warning, Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Auto Intelligent Parking, Downhill descent Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring
6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Keeping System with Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, Road Edge Detection, Driver Attention Warning, Pre-Collision Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Distance Alert and Indication, Evasive Steer Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, Downhill Descent Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Feature Summary
The perceived build quality inside the Tank 500 is good with a better-than-expected level of fit and finish. A mix of soft-touch materials and faux wood trim gives the cabin an upmarket look and feel.
A large touchscreen infotainment system – the largest we’ve seen in the segment – dominates the central fascia and is flanked by an all-digital instrument cluster, complemented by a head-up display.
As highlighted in the table above, the Tank 500 is generously equipped with safety and comfort features – which is what buyers expect at the 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4‘s price point. Ventilated and reclinable rear seats are a highlight and the 2nd row can slide fore/aft to increase passenger legroom as required.
While the Ford Everest’s vertically-orientated touchscreen infotainment system is comparatively smaller, its SYNC 4A operating system is superior to the Tank 500’s interface in terms of functionality and usability. Note that integrated navigation is also offered in the 3.0TD V6 4WD Platinum.
Comfort features also abound in the Everest Platinum and the suite of safety features (including several autonomous driver assistance systems) that it offers as standard equipment is particularly impressive.
As for the look and feel of the cabin, the Everest Platinum’s interior execution isn’t as overtly flashy as the Tank 500’s (but some buyers will prefer it that way). Build quality and materials are of a high standard.
While the feature specifications of these models are closely matched (the GWM has the edge insofar as seat functions and conveniences are concerned, while the Ford excels in terms of safety systems) your preference in terms of interior execution may very well come down to a matter of personal taste.
Dimensions, Practicality and Off-road Features
GWM Tank 500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury
Ford Everest 3.0 V6 Platinum
Length
5 078 mm
4 940 mm
Width
1 934 mm
2 015 mm
Height
1 905 mm
1 837 mm
Wheelbase
2 850 mm
2 900 mm
Ground clearance
224 mm
226 mm
Approach angle
30°
30.3°
Departure angle
24°
23.3°
Breakover angle
22.5°
21.9°
Wading depth
800 mm
800 mm
Low Range
Yes
Yes
Differential Locks
Front + rear electronic
Rear electronic
Driving Modes
Standard, Sports, Economy, Slippery and Off-Road including Mud, Sand, Rock, 4L, 4H, automatic and Expert
Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud & Ruts, and Sand
Towing capacity (braked)
2 500 kg
3 500 kg
Load Capacity
98-795-1459 L
259-898-1818 L
Practicality Summary
The Tank 500 and Everest are similarly sized, but the Everest looks bigger due to its wider stance. Note that the Ford has a slightly longer wheelbase which will have a positive impact on its spaciousness.
The GWM Tank 500’s load bay is not as spacious as the Everest.
The Tank 500 has 2 electronic diff locks, but whereas its rival’s off-road ability is well documented, we’ve yet to pilot the GWM on dirt or in mud. They have the same wading depth and similar off-road angles.
A major point of difference is braked-trailer towing capability. Caravaners, boat enthusiasts and horse lovers take note: the Tank 500 has a max capacity of 2 500 kg, but the Everest is rated for 3 500 kg.
Rear passenger space is good in the Everest.
While both vehicles are spacious, the Tank 500 does offer reclinable, rear seats which will prove useful on longer journeys. The Ford Everest, however, does feature a noticeably larger load bay than its GWM rival, which is something that many potential buyers will be scrutinising when shopping for these cars.
Price and Warranty
GWM Tank 500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury
Ford Everest 3.0 V6 Platinum
Price
R1 222 900
R1 240 600
Warranty
7-year/200 000 km 8-year/150 000 km hybrid battery
4-year/120 000 km
Service Plan
5-year/75 000 km
Optional 6-year/90 000 km
What should you buy: GWM Tank 500 or Ford Everest?
With its bold looks and feature-packed interior, the Tank 500 is likely to garner some impressive sales.
As it strives to provide excellent value and aftermarket support to its growing customer base, GWM also aims to shatter the perception that it is “a bakkie brand”. Given the success it has achieved with Haval, the Tank and Ora sub-brands are well poised to increase the Chinese automotive giant’s foothold.
To that end, the Tank 500 – with its flashy exterior styling, an elegantly executed interior and a generous list of standard features – makes a bold statement, which many buyers will be attracted to. The package, however, is let down by its middling on-road performance and seemingly poor fuel consumption.
Nonetheless, the Tank 500 offers “a lot of SUV” for its asking price and GWM’s impressive warranty will certainly give buyers peace of mind. We wouldn’t be surprised to see many more Tank 500s on South African roads and we can’t wait to spend more time with the model to evaluate it fully!
The Ford Everest Platinum is a fantastic all-rounder that deserves to be on your shortlist.
Given its 2023/24 #CarsAwards category-winning pedigree, the Ford Everest represents a strong buying proposition (in 3.0TD V6 4WD Platinum guise) if you desire a fully loaded and capable adventure SUV.
The Ford Everest is an accomplished product and the strong performance of its 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel bodes well for long journeys with a full complement of passengers and their cargo. Also, unlike the Tank 500, which is a standalone derivative, buyers on a tighter budget have other derivatives to choose from in the Everest range. The Everest is also a bit more spacious – that’s another feather in its cap.
It’s not perfect, though. Take note of the Ford’s average warranty and that you have to pay extra for a service plan: the latter may irk some buyers, but the extra cost can be absorbed into your finance deal.
Overall, our assessment of the Tank 500 and Ford Everest leans in favour of the Blue Oval’s offering, but we’d be happy to be proven wrong! The sales numbers will soon speak for themselves…
Ford’s pending application to trademark the Ranger “Bushtrak” badge in South Africa potentially hints at a mysterious new (local?) version of the Silverton-built bakkie…
Ford has a habit of punctuating its Silverton-built Ranger bakkie line-up with special derivatives (think Tremor, Wildtrak X and the like). Now, based on trademark filings unearthed by Cars.co.za, another new derivative may well be on the cards for South Africa: the Ranger Bushtrak.
Yes, the Blue Oval brand filed to trademark both the “Bushtrak” and “Ranger Bushtrak” badges in South Africa back in December 2021. The former was officially registered in September 2023, while the latter is currently pending registration (though it should be registered within the next few months).
Ford SA holds several other Ranger-specific trademarks locally, including “Wildtrak X”.
Of course, Ford already holds the rights to the “Wildtrak” and “Wildtrak X” nameplates in Mzansi, along with “Wolftrak” (registered in September 2023, though not yet used locally, despite featuring on the previous-gen Ranger in certain overseas markets). The company also applied to trademark “Stormtrak” and “Thunder” – badges likewise used on the P375-gen model – in South Africa, though these have technically yet to be officially registered.
What makes the “Ranger Bushtrak” filing particularly interestingly, however, is that we can find no record of applications to trademark this badge in any country other than South Africa. That’s not the case with the other nameplates mentioned above, which are all used (or once were used) in various other markets around the world.
Ford SA seemingly already has its off-road bases covered by the Tremor (and Wildtrak X).
So, could this be a new Ranger derivative developed specifically for South Africa? If so, we’d speculate the “Bushtrak” name could point to a variant endowed with enhanced off-road capabilities, though that base is technically already well covered by the Tremor and Wildtrak X, both of which feature full-time 4×4, Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, a wider track, steel underbody protection and all-terrain tyres.
Of course, we should keep in mind that Ford’s “Bushtrak” trademark filing is by no means confirmation that it will indeed use this badge in Mzansi, with several potential scenarios at play here. For instance, the name could perhaps relate to a shelved project based on the previous-gen Ranger or the Dearborn-based firm may simply be protecting a badge for which it has no specific, immediate plans.
So, perhaps the Bushtrak nameplate will never see the light of day – here in South Africa or indeed anywhere in the world. Or perhaps Ford will roll out a special-edition Ranger wearing this badge in the not-too-distant future. We’ll just have to wait and see…
The new Mercedes-AMG C63 S has come to market but can its 4-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain compete against the instantaneous acceleration of the new Volvo EX30 electric car? We lined these 2 cars up on the drag strip to find answers! Watch the video!
Today’s drag race is a battle between EV and petrol power (augmented by battery power).
Can the Mercedes-AMG put down all 500 kW and 1020 Nm of torque without wheel-spinning and losing time on the launch? The Volvo makes do with just 315 kW and 543 Nm but it’s lighter and able to launch like a rocket. Let’s see who wins this battle of EV vs ICE.
Road accidents and unforeseen vehicular mishaps can leave you with a damaged car, but if you have comprehensive insurance cover, dealing with car insurance claims and the repair process should not be an uphill battle. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
This article, brought to you by Budget Insurance, explains how claims and the repair process work so that you can gain the knowledge and understand the support that you need to get back on the road.
What does Comprehensive Car Insurance mean?
Your car is one of your most valuable assets. If you can afford to take out comprehensive insurance, it’s the best protection you can give your vehicle, because apart from covering damage you may cause to a 3rd party’s car or property, the policy provides the most extensive insurance cover against accidents and mishaps. It covers repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it’s damaged or stolen, regardless of fault.
Whereas 3rd-party car insurance (usually the most affordable type of policy) covers damage you may accidentally cause to someone else’s vehicle or property, 3rd-party, fire and theft insurance also covers your car being stolen or damaged by fire, BUT it doesn’t cover your car against accident damage.
Comprehensive car insurance has you covered across virtually every imaginable scenario – from being stolen to being damaged by a falling tree branch, dinged by a shopping trolley, vandalised etc.
It does cost more than 3rd-party, fire and theft insurance, but it can be well worth it. Having this level of coverage can help you avoid expensive out-of-pocket repairs and get your car back on the road quickly.
Understanding insurance claims and the repair process
Unlike having your car serviced or the tyres changed, you hopefully shouldn’t have to submit a car insurance claim regularly. Because it is often unknown territory for many, the process of claiming and having your vehicle repaired can seem very daunting. However, knowing the steps to follow can help you remain calm after an accident and avoid unnecessary delays in getting your car repaired.
Safety first: Your priority is the well-being of yourself and others involved. If anyone is injured in a car accident, call emergency services immediately. Secure the scene as best as possible using hazard lights, warning triangles, etc.
Exchange information: If other parties are involved, get their names, contact details, insurance information and number plate info. This is crucial for your insurance claim.
Document the scene: Take photographs of the damage to your car, the position of any involved vehicles and any relevant aspects of the scene (skid marks, road conditions, etc). The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to build a strong claim and get your car repaired or replaced.
Gather witness information: If there are witnesses to the incident, obtain their contact information, as their statements may help support your car insurance claim.
Get a police report: If the police attended the scene, obtain a copy of their report and the Accident Report (AR) number. If the police did not attend the scene, you must still report the accident to them within 24 hours.
Be thorough and honest: Provide a detailed, accurate account of the incident and the full extent of damages to your car. Your insurer needs this information to process your claim fairly.
Understand the claims adjuster’s role: Your claims adjuster investigates your case and works to determine the extent of your insurer’s responsibility. Be prepared to answer questions and provide any additional information requested.
Visit approved repairers: Many insurers have a network of approved repair shops that offer quality workmanship and seamless communication with your insurer. These streamline the process and may minimise additional costs to you.
Get multiple quotes: Get at least 2 or 3 quotes for the repair work. This helps you compare prices and ensure fair costs. Try to negotiate with the repairer if their quote seems unreasonable.
Don’t skip any of these steps and rush to have your vehicle repaired. Ask your insurer for clarification on any part of the insurance claims and repair process that you don’t understand.
Understanding the role of insurance in repair costs
Your insurer plays a crucial role in managing the costs associated with repairing your vehicle after a covered event. Here’s how this typically works:
Excess: This is an agreed-upon amount you pay towards the repair costs, with your insurer covering the rest. The excess amount depends on your policy and the nature of the claim and is usually included in your policy documents. There are different types of excess, such as a flat amount or a percentage of the total claim.
Deductibles: In some cases, insurers also apply a deductible in addition to your excess. This is another amount, separate from the excess, that you pay towards repairs.
Coverage limits: It’s important to understand that comprehensive car insurance has limits. This means it covers repairs up to a certain amount, usually the market value of your vehicle. If repair costs exceed this, you’ll probably be responsible for the difference.
Approved repairers: Working with approved repair shops helps your insurer avoid inflated costs and minimises the risk of unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for you.
After reading this guide, we hope you feel more clued up about insurance claims and the repair process. Contact Budget Insurance to help you understand your coverage options and provide a comprehensive car insurance quote tailored to your needs. You can contact Budget Insurance on 086 1600 120 or utilise their online car insurance calculator, which gives you an accurate and budget-friendly quote in minutes.
A fresh teaser image released in Brazil seemingly gives us our first official glimpse of the new small SUV that Volkswagen will eventually build in South Africa, too…
Earlier this year, Volkswagen announced a R4-billion investment in its South African operations, confirming plans to start building an as-yet-unrevealed new small SUV at its Kariega plant from 2027. And now, thanks to the German firm’s Brazilian arm, we seemingly have our first official glimpse of this mystery model.
As a reminder, VW’s Brazilian division led “the design and development” of this new small SUV, though the Kariega-built version – which will be produced alongside the Polo hatch and Polo Vivo – will eventually be adapted to “local and continental requirements”, according to VW Group Africa. In addition, a unibody bakkie may well be spun off the new small SUV (and thus also built at Kariega).
We’ve zoomed in and further lightened the teaser image.
While South Africa will have to wait until 2027 for this MQB-A0-based model to come online, Brazil is scheduled to commence sales of the newcomer in 2025. As such, a teaser campaign has just kicked off in the Latin American country, with VW revealing the above image at the “Rock in Rio” music festival (which it sponsors) in Rio de Janeiro.
Though we’ve lightened the shadowy teaser image you see above, it still doesn’t give too much away. That said, we do get a look at the new vehicle’s lighting signature as well as its grille design (the latter split by a horizontal bar), along with an idea of the front-bumper styling. The vehicle in the teaser image furthermore wears roof rails and features contours in its roof panel.
VW says the new model’s name in Brazil will feature “up to 5 letters”.
Interestingly, while Volkswagen has yet to reveal the name of the new small SUV (which is due to slot in below the T-Cross), it has invited the Brazilian public to guess the badge that will be used, saying “we can only give one hint: the name will have up to 5 letters”. Whether the vehicle ends up wearing the same moniker in South Africa, of course, remains to be seen.
Still, earlier in 2024, Cars.co.za reported that the German firm had filed as many as 7 new trademark applications in South Africa, with each fresh badge starting with the letter “T”. Since VW’s current naming convention sees the title of each crossover and SUV in its range – including the T-Cross, Taigo, T-Roc, Tiguan and Touareg – begin with this letter, the newcomer’s eventual designation may just come from this list.
An again-lightened and zoomed-in shot showing more design details.
As a reminder, Volkswagen’s head office in Wolfsburg applied to trademark the following 7 badges (in class 12, covering vehicles) in South Africa on 18 January 2024: Tera, Teria, Taroko, Tivas, Tyber, Therion and Tamiz. For the record, VW also filed to trademark all of these monikers with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, making these applications between July and September 2023.
In addition, we discovered that applications to protect all 7 nameplates were furthermore made in various other African markets (in February 2024), including Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Kenya and Tunisia. VW, of course, has a significant presence in each of these countries. Intriguingly, of the 7 names in question, VW filed to trademark only the “Tera” and “Therion” badges in Brazil (along with “Hera”).
Look out for more teaser images – and eventually a full reveal – from Brazil over the next few weeks and months…
SUVs are all the rage right now but if you’re looking for the most expensive SUVs currently available in South Africa then this list is for you!
The SUV body shape has come of age and it’s by far the most popular body shape on the market in South Africa, but what are the most expensive SUVs on the market?
This article will focus on what we refer to as “Super SUVs” which are the most expensive SUVs you can buy in South Africa right now.
Note that pricing for some models isn’t disclosed by the manufacturers as varying specifications and limited production runs have a major influence on the final price. For this reason, the pricing shown is likely to differ from what you might end up paying for one of these expensive SUVs.
Here are the most expensive SUVs you can purchase in South Africa in 2024.
7 Most Expensive SUVs in South Africa
1. Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II
Pricing for the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is available on a “Price On Application (POA)” basis and while the brand is tight-lipped on the pricing structure, we understand that you’ll need to have around R16 million to start the purchase process, making it the most expensive SUV you can buy in South Africa, by a long shot…
Apart from offering bespoke luxury, the Cullinan Series II is fitted with a twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine offering no less than 441 kW and 900 Nm of torque and is paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. In terms of performance, the Cullinan will accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 5.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250 kph.
Ferarri refuses to call its new Purosangue an SUV but the Italian firm’s “utility vehicle” is in fact, an SUV, albeit low-slung with a purposeful silhouette.
Call it what you want, but the Purosangue is currently priced from R9 759 300, before options, of course…
For that money, you’d expect something special under the bonnet and Ferrari won’t disappoint you with a naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine producing 533 kW and 716 Nm of torque and paired with a 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The sprint from zero to 100 kph will take around 3.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 310 kph.
If you seek ultimate comfort and luxury, the Bentley Bentayga Azure might just be perfect for you! The Bentayga is undoubtedly one of the most opulent SUVs you can buy and the Bentayga Azure EWB (Extended Wheelbase) is currently the most expensive Bentayga on the market with a price starting from R7 175 000.
The Azure comes packed with additional features with a focus on comfort and buyers can, of course, dabble in Bentley’s extensive options list to further personalise your dream Bentayga.
Powering this luxury barge is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that produces 404 kW and 770 Nm of torque and is paired with a silky-smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. The Bentayga is no slouch either with the luxury British firm claiming 4.6 seconds in the zero to 100 kph with a top speed of 290 kph.
The DBX707’s performance numbers are impressive with its 4.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 520 kW and 900 Nm of torque and paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Unsurprisingly, the DBX707 is eye-wateringly fast, with the Gaydon-based firm claiming 3.3 seconds in the sprint to 100kph with a top speed of 311 kph.
This list wouldn’t be complete without an entry from Mercedes and the AMG G63 Grand Edition is the ultimate G-Wagon with pricing starting from R5 510 946!
This is, however, a limited-run model with only 20 units on offer in South Africa (1 000 globally). Rolling on 22-inch cross-spoke AMG forged wheels and wearing a Manufaktur night black magno paint with gold details, this is a unique G63.
Power comes courtesy of a bi-turbocharged 4.0-litre AMG V8 engine that produces 430 kW and 850 Nm of torque. Using a 9-speed automatic transmission, the G63 Grand Edition can hurtle from zero to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 kph.
As you would expect at this price point, the Range Rover is packed with luxury and comfort features and it gets its motivation from a turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 powertrain that delivers 452 kW and 750 Nm of torque and paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Land Rover claims a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 4.6 seconds or 4.4 seconds with Dynamic Launch engaged.
The updated Lamborghini Urus gains the Performante nomenclature and rounds out this list with pricing starting at R4 950 000.
The latest Urus is not only 47 kg lighter but it’s also more powerful with its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine now producing 490 kW and 850 Nm of torque! An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard and Lamborghini claims 3.3 seconds in the sprint to 100kph with a top speed of 306 kph.
