The fully electric Deepal S07 slots in at the top of Changan’s freshly introduced range in South Africa. Here’s what this battery-powered crossover costs…
Deepal S07 kicks off at just under R1-million
Rear-mounted electric motor makes 160 kW
Single-charge WLTP range listed as 500 km
Chinese brand Changan Automobiles has officially hit the market in South Africa, offering the Alsvin budget sedan, the CS75 Pro crossover, the Hunter bakkie and the fully electric Deepal S07 at launch. So, what does its battery-powered crossover cost?
Well, the rear-wheel-drive Deepal S07 has what the Changan brand – which is distributed locally by Saudi Arabian company Jameel Motors – describes as an “introductory” price of R995 900.
Measuring 4 750 mm from front to back, the 5-seater Deepal S07 has a wheelbase of 2 900 mm and a listed ground clearance of 165 mm. The boot can handle a claimed 445 litres, while a front compartment offers an additional 125 litres of luggage space.
The single rear-mounted electric motor delivers peak outputs of 160 kW and 320 Nm, which translates to a 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 7.9 seconds. Courtesy of an 80 kWh battery pack, Changan claims a single-charge WLTP range of 500 km.
Standard features for the S07 include 20-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable front seats (trimmed in microfibre leather upholstery), a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 14-speaker sound system, a 360-degree camera system, wireless smartphone charging, a sunroof and an electrically operated tailgate.
Listed safety kit includes 6 airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, tyre-pressure monitoring, parking sensors (fore and aft), adaptive cruise control, an augmented reality head-up display (there is no traditional instrument cluster) and a raft of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) functions.
What does the Changan Deepal S07 cost in SA?
DERIVATIVE
PRICE
Changan Deepal S07
R995 900
The price above includes a 5-year/150 000 km warranty, an 8-year/150 000 km battery warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km maintenance plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the introductory price of the fully electric Changan Deepal S07 in South Africa?
A: The introductory price of this rear-wheel-drive model in South Africa is R995 900.
Q: What are the main performance and range specifications of the Deepal S07?
A: The single rear-mounted electric motor delivers 160 kW and 320 Nm, allowing for a 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 7.9 seconds. The 80 kWh battery pack provides a claimed single-charge WLTP range of 500 km.
Q: What are the key dimensions and luggage capacity of the Deepal S07?
A: The 5-seater model measures 4 750 mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2 900 mm, with 165 mm of ground clearance. The boot has a capacity of 445 litres, complemented by a 125-litre front compartment.
The head of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles in South Africa says the Indian marque is well positioned to compete with the various new Chinese brands on the local market…
Tata to “carve out its own piece” of the SA market
Local boss sees 5-door hatch segment as critical
Plans to leverage JLR-sourced platform as well
The man tasked with running Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles in South Africa says the Indian brand is well positioned to “carve out its own piece” of the local market, despite an influx of new Chinese competitors.
Thato Magasa, CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles in South Africa (and outgoing managing director of the likewise Motus-distributed Mitsubishi brand), made the comments during an interview conducted in Cars.co.za’s podcast booth at Naamsa’s South African Auto Week 2025 in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape at the start of October.
Thato Magasa, CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles in SA, during the Cars.co.za podcast.
“Tata offers something very ‘differentiated’ in terms of new brands. Not only in how it was brought into the country – under Motus and the business model that it follows – but also in the fact that it’s able to speak across a wide range of segments,” Magasa said.
As a reminder, after a 6-year hiatus, the Tata brand returned to South Africa’s passenger-vehicle market at the start of September 2025, kicking off its local operations with the launch of the Tiago hatchback, Punch small crossover, Curvv coupé-style crossover and Harrier turbodiesel SUV. Motus Holdings serves as the brand’s official distributor.
The Punch measures just 3 827 mm long.
“[I’m] especially speaking [about the] 5-door hatch and subcompact SUV [segments], where not a lot of new entrants have been able to come into South Africa and offer something compelling [at] those particular price points,” he added, referring to the segments in which the Tiago and Punch play.
“From that perspective, Tata [will] carve out its own piece [of the market] and be able to compete [thanks to] advanced technology, high safety ratings and affordability,” Magasa said, adding that the brand’s models all boasted “4- to 5-star” Global NCAP crash-test ratings.
The Tiago hatchback is among SA’s cheapest new cars.
Though crossovers continue to find favour among local buyers, Magasa pointed to the budget 5-door hatchback segment – one as yet largely untapped by the Chinese – as a still-critical element of the new-car market in South Africa, saying this sector “has to stay in South Africa and will stay for some time”.
“That’s why we find that 5-door hatches coming from India from some of the other brands that might not have their home base as India – it might be Japan or whatever the case may be – have been able to do quite well in South Africa, because there’s a big need for new vehicles with good safety credentials at affordable prices,” he said, seemingly making reference to the likes of Toyota and Suzuki.
The Harrier offers turbodiesel power.
The local boss furthermore suggested the Indian brand would have an advantage over new Chinese brands thanks to the fact Tata Motors owns Jaguar Land Rover. The Omega Arc platform that underpins certain Tata-badged SUVs is, of course, derived from the Land Rover D8 architecture.
“The other part we’re quite excited about is the SUVs that are built on the Omega [Arc] platform – which is a JLR [Jaguar Land Rover] platform. We’re quite excited to see how those SUVs are going to grow in the South African market,” he said, adding that “people are taking quite well to Harrier”.
The Nexon is scheduled to arrive in SA in early 2026.
“We’re planning, of course, to launch the Sierra next year [2026], which will look sort of like a Land Rover as well. So, we’re quite excited about the range of vehicles that Tata has to offer and the fact it doesn’t box itself into a limited segment.”
As we reported in September 2025, the Tata Nexon looks likely to serve as the brand’s 5th introduction to the local market. According to our information, the Nexon is scheduled to arrive in South Africa in the opening quarter of 2026, with a market launch likely to take place in February of next year. The Sierra will then seemingly follow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How does Tata Motors plan to compete with new Chinese brands in the South African market?
A: Tata plans to compete by offering differentiated models with high safety ratings (4- to 5-star Global NCAP) and affordability, focusing especially on the budget 5-door hatch and subcompact SUV segments where Chinese competitors are less established.
Q: What is Tata’s competitive advantage related to its ownership of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)?
A: Tata Motors benefits from its JLR ownership by utilising the Omega Arc platform – which is derived from the Land Rover D8 architecture – to underpin certain Tata SUVs. This platform is used for models like the Harrier, giving Tata a perceived advantage over other new entrants.
Q: Which new Tata models have launched in South Africa and which are expected soon?
A: The brand returned to the market in September 2025 with the Tiago hatchback, Punch small crossover, Curvv coupé-style crossover and Harrier turbodiesel SUV. The Nexon small crossover is scheduled to arrive in early 2026 (likely February) and the Sierra SUV will follow later in 2026.
Suzuki SA confirms a busy few months with a number of product improvements and an all-new flagship vehicle launch.
Conversations at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo between us and Suzuki SA representatives suggested that while the year is rapidly heading towards the holidays, the Japanese brand is showing no sign of slowing down.
While final timings are yet to be confirmed, Suzuki SA will be launching an all-new model in the next while. Official confirmation has yet to arrive but we strongly suspect it will be the Suzuki Victoris which we saw up close at Japan’s national motor show this week.
The Victoris is an interesting proposition. With the Suzuki Brezza falling away due to that model no longer being offered for export, there’s a gap in the market between the Fronx crossover and Grand Vitara compact SUV. That said, Suzuki representatives were throwing around the word ‘flagship’ which makes us think that perhaps an entry-level front-wheel driven Victoris would be positioned below the Grand Vitara, and the higher-spec all-wheel drive derivative will be at the top of the family tree.
It shares a number of parts including the platform with its Grand Vitara sibling, but a quick glance at Maruti Suzuki’s websites indicates significantly higher levels of specification. The flagship derivative comes with a digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, powered tailgate, Amazon Alexa voice assistant, and Infinity audio to name but a few.
We had a chance to sit in the Indian-built Victoris and its unmistakably Suzuki. Sound ergonomics, a functional interior with some added premiumness. This is not the first time the brand has tried to plush up a standard car, with the XL6 being a smartly-packaged Ertiga MPV.
In terms of engines, again there’s sharing from the Suzuki Grand Vitara with the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol on duty. There’s also the mild-hybrid version of this engine. Outputs are around the 76 kW and 137 Nm mark, with customers having the choice of either a 5-speed manual gearbox or automatic transmission.
While the model shown at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show was powered by a flex-fuel powertrain, its unlikely that such would be offered in our market. As for the name, while its not confirmed that it will be offered with that badge, it is interesting to know that Suzuki SA filed paperwork to protect the ‘Victoris’ nameplate back in January 2024, with the approval coming in March 2025.
There will also be significant upgrades and updates to the entire Suzuki lineup over the next few months, particularly in the safety department. We’ve already seen hints of this happening over at Toyota, where the Suzuki-based Urban Cruiser recently gained additional safety content.
Suzuki’s presence at this year’s show was curiously low key, especially when you consider its compatriots went all out. Subaru had no fewer than three concepts unveiled at the show, while Lexus offered two. Toyota repositioned its Century brand to take on Bentley. The previously-unveiled Suzuki Vision e-Sky made a public appearance and given Japan’s love for cute and compact urban mobility, something like this should prove popular.
Audi A5 Sedan Review: Better than a 3 Series & C-Class?
David Taylor gets behind the wheel of the Audi A5 Sedan to unpack the model’s driving dynamics, revolutionary interior tech, and – crucially – where it sits in the pecking order against the venerable BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
With the premium sedan segment seeing sales volumes dwindle in favour of SUVs, the remaining players must deliver something exceptional to capture buyers’ attention. Audi South Africa recently launched an all-new business-class sedan, now branded the A5, to reset the benchmark against its fellow Teutons. In this video review, David Taylor puts the flagship Black Edition TFSI quattro S tronic through its paces.
Segment Positioning and Local Lineup
The new Audi A5 Sedan replaces the previous A4, A5 Coupe, and A5 Sportback, consolidating them into a single, cohesive offering. The model is underpinned by the new PBC (Premium Platform Combustion) architecture, designed to integrate the latest tech and electrification, while enhancing driving dynamics.
Now that notable segment rivals – such as the Lexus IS and Jaguar XE – have faded, the battle for the business-class sedan crown remains almost exclusively, and effectively (sorry, Alfa Romeo) German.
Audi South Africa has launched a 4-derivative lineup, offering 2 distinct powertrain choices:
Entry-Level FWD: A 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine producing 146 kW and 340 Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Quattro Flagship (tested here): A 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine delivering 200 kW and 400 Nm, featuring the Ingolstadt-based brand’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Audi A5 Sedan: Performance & Dynamics
The 200 kW Black Edition TFSI quattro S tronic delivers a level of straight-line performance befitting a “just below the S5” variant. When David engaged the launch control system – a straightforward process – the Audi achieved a 0–100 kph time of 6.17 seconds (almost matching the 5.9-second claimed time).
Overtaking acceleration feels suitably plentiful, but without being particularly thrilling – the Audi doesn’t generate the (albeit digitally enhanced) exhaust crackles or urgent engine note that some of its rivals do.
When made to corner enthusiastically, the Audi A5 Sedan provides excellent traction courtesy of its quattro setup. However, David notes that the suspension setup – even with standard adaptive damping – is surprisingly firm, especially on the test car, which was fitted with optional 20-inch alloy wheels.
The ride quality, while competent on smooth freeways, is uneasy over less-than-perfect road surfaces.
In terms of efficiency, the high-output engine’s real-world fuel economy settled at 9.5 L/100 km after a day of testing, against Audi’s claim of 8.1 L/100 km. This consumption, while fair for the power output, leaves room for a more economical turbodiesel engine option, which is not offered in the local lineup.
The Audi A5’s Revolutionary Interior
The cabin of the A5 Sedan is arguably its biggest talking point and represents a significant departure from older-gen Audi cabins. The highly customisable digital instrument cluster (previously known as Virtual Cockpit) blends into a large, curved central screen that uses an Android-based software system.
Audi’s design team has focused on a minimalist aesthetic (including a simplified transmission switch on the sedan’s centre console) and clean design lines. The infotainment system (specced up in the test unit to include a front-passenger display) is compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Despite the refreshing simplicity of the screen design, some ergonomic changes may take time for owners to master:
Climate Controls: There are no dedicated physical buttons; controls are accessed via a permanent fixed button at the bottom of the touchscreen.
Lighting Controls: Functions typically found by the driver’s knee are now integrated into the door panel, operated by haptic feedback.
David also highlights a visible materials decision that impacts the high-end feel: the use of gloss black plastic trim around the centre console, which is prone to showing fingerprints and scratches.
Audi A5 Sedan: Practicality & Pricey Options
Thanks to the new platform, the new Audi A5 Sedan is 67 mm longer than its predecessor, providing a critical increase in wheelbase that translates directly to improved interior space.
The rear bench, however, received mixed reviews. While legroom is adequate due to the cleverly sculpted front seatbacks, headroom is compromised for taller adults, pushing the car toward a 2+2 seating configuration rather than a comfortable 5-seater.
The A5’s boot capacity, although marginally smaller than its rivals by claimed litreage, benefits significantly from its Sportback-esque liftgate design. The large opening greatly enhances practicality, successfully swallowing a respectable number of cooler boxes during the test.
How much is the new Audi A5 Sedan in South Africa?
The review car, though the standard price starts at R1 281 800 (November 2025), was specced with over R310k in options, which pushed its asking price to R1 592 000. Noteworthy optional features include:
A panoramic glass roof that can instantly change its opacity (R38k).
The Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Audio System (R27k).
The Tech Pro Package (R100k), which includes the digital OLED lights and front passenger display.
Summary
The Audi A5 Sedan makes a clear statement with its class-leading interior and wealth of innovative tech. However, its general ride quality is decidedly firm, and its lofty price tag makes it the most expensive proposition in its segment compared with similarly specified rivals, which erodes its value proposition.
Does the Audi’s superior cabin benchmark outweigh the dynamic thrills and badge appeal offered by its closest rivals? If you, unlike most new-car buyers, haven’t yet set your sights on an SUV, watch David Taylor’s video review to find out where the Audi A5 Sedan lands in the business-class sedan hierarchy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the 0–100 kph acceleration time for the Audi A5 Black Edition TFSI quattro S tronic?
A: The flagship 200 kW model achieved a 0–100 kph time of 6.17 seconds in testing, which is close to the 5.9-second claimed time.
Q: What distinguishes the Audi A5 Sedan’s interior design?
A: The cabin features a significant departure from older Audi cabins, centered on a large, curved central screen with an Android-based software system and a highly customisable digital instrument cluster.
Q: What is noted about the Audi A5 Sedan’s ride quality?
A: The suspension setup is surprisingly firm, even with standard adaptive damping, especially when fitted with optional 20-inch alloy wheels, making the ride uneasy on poor road surfaces.
Volkswagen Cars in South Africa (2025)
Sporting a comprehensive line-up comprising budget hatches, countless crossovers and even R1-million-plus bakkies, few marques deliver so strongly on their “people’s cars” brand promise as Volkswagen. These are some of VW’s most popular models.
Volkswagen – German for “the people’s car” – was founded in 1937 to provide affordable private cars for ordinary citizens. While that was a dark period in Germany’s history, it did give rise to the Ferdinand Porsche-designed Beetle; arguably the defining mobility icon of the 20th century. A few years after World War II, the Wolfsburg-based brand launched Type 2 (Transporter) – the OG people-mover.
Volkswagen Group Africa recently produced its 500 000th Polo unit at its Kariega plant.
Fast-forwarding nearly 100 years through successive cataclysmic world events and quantum technological advances, the Volkswagen of today has largely stayed true to its promise.
While the Beetle‘s spiritual successor, 2011’s Up – never reached the cultural climax or economic impact of the original (it was discontinued after just 12 years), the company’s diversification into genres beyond “budget compact” underscores its mission statement of not just providing mobility the masses, but now also with a greater category selection to choose from in all global markets – including South Africa.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
Taking the Up down from the local line-up in 2020 was probably done with a quiet sigh of relief by Volkswagen Group Africa (technically Volkswagen South Africa, at the time): it was always feared the imported interloper would cannibalise VW’s primary and locally-built budget candidate, the Polo Vivo.
Using the tried (tired?) and tested recipe of producing a pared-down iteration of its previous-gen model, the vintage-rebooting Volkswagen Polo Vivo remains one of South Africa’s top-selling passenger cars.
Apart from the rather expensive turbocharged GT flagship, all other Vivos are powered by well-proven, uncomplicated, but also rather dated naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre (55 kW, 63 kW) or 77 kW 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engines that deliver decent fuel economy and rock-solid reliability. VW Group Africa has also contemporised the model with some subtle tech and style updates across several generations.
Lightyears from being the last word in cutting-edge technology, along with local production, bulletproof badge trust and a wide selection of pre-owned stock on the used market have kept the Polo Vivo both desirable and affordable (prices started at R161 900 in 2010; today at R271 900).
That said, the Chinese tsunami of newer, sexier, similar-priced crossovers may threaten that position one day. To celebrate the 15th year of the model, VW Group Africa recently rolled out the “Edition 15” variant.
As Volkswagen keeps flying the flag for the automotive world’s most influential letter pairing, South Africans can’t seem to get enough of the letters G, T, and I on their cars. The GTI grille and tailgate badges emblemise the perfect marriage of style, practicality and usable performance.
Up to the arrival of the still-affordable Golf 7 GTI, 2 out of 5 Golfs sold in SA were GTIs. Unfortunately, prices of latter models have only exponentially increased to lightyears beyond annual salary increases; up to the current (8.5) GTI’s (180 kW/370 Nm) sticker sitting at just R150k shy of the R1-million mark.
Close your eyes; open your wallet really wide, and for another R116k you can stretch to a 235 kW/400 Nm Golf R. Being expected, however, to cough up 7 digits for a model initially envisioned as a replacement for the OG Beetle and not even wearing a BMW, Mercedes-Benz or even Audi badge, beggars belief.
For its part, the Golf GTI’s own unobtainability has ostensibly forced many cash-strapped GTI acolytes to lower their aspirations and aim for the Polo GTI, which has a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine from the same family as the GTI; it sacrifices some space and street cred but does cost under R600k (October 2025).
Or, you can shop around for a used example, although bearing in mind the GTI’s halo factor, residuals remain on the high side; in some instances, they negate the benefit of buying 2nd-hand to begin with!
GTIs are almost always emotional buys, which means getting the sums right – rands per kilowatt vs age, mileage, history and condition – is all the more important.
Volkswagen T-Cross
VW’s compact crossover sounds like a winning recipe: attractive, a modern turbopetrol engine paired with a crisp-shifting dual-clutch autobox (on all but the entry-level variant) – and that irresistible badge.
The bad? Just about every car company in the country sells something similar to this Volkswagen…
Essentially a higher-riding Polo, the T-Cross was facelifted in 2024, when the Wolfsburg-based brand upgraded some of the cabin materials and the infotainment system to boost the model’s premium feel.
Avoid the steel-wheeled, poverty-spec 70 kW manual base model at all costs – and don’t get lost on those configurator lists, either: just a few clicks of a mouse can turn a R420k variant into a R450k one.
If first-rate, high-riding, first-world family transport is your thing – and one that can be even had with a range-topping 2.0-litre 4-pot turbopetrol from a GTI, at face value, you couldn’t go wrong with a Tiguan.
There’s a snag, though, and that’s brutal competition from the equally capable Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, plus a host of new Chinese contenders, whose overtures cannot be ignored.
There’s another issue: as is the case with the T-Cross, so brutal is VW’s money-hungry down-dressing of its crossovers that ticking the R-Line box is a non-negotiable – but a pricey one. Starting at R785 200 (October 2025), the least expensive Tiguan 1.4TSI R-Line costs more than R100k over the same-engined entry-level variant and R10 800 more than the most affordable turbodiesel (the 2.0TDI Life 4Motion).
Watch Jacob Moshokoa’s video review of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan:
Still, as far as engineering, build quality and feel-good tech features go, the Tiguan is hard to fault: again, just watch that options list when the Korean and specifically the Chinese brands are offering their family cars (medium SUVs) with all-in features lists straight from their dealer floors.
To its credit, in 2010, the 1st-gen, VW-built Amarok (produced in Argentina) brought car-like traits to the bakkie genre at a time when double-cabs were still about as pleasant to pilot as Mad Max cars.
And whatever eye-rolling brand purists may think of Wolfsburg’s commercial vehicle tie-up with Ford, the fact is that the resultant R1-million-plus double cabs have evolved even further to enjoy comfortable, high-tech interiors along with civil road manners that make them appeal to housewives daily, husbands over weekends – with a far greater spread of year-round usability while sacrificing none of the premium sumptuousness of a BMW 3-Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Watch our VW Amarok long-term review: What we like and what we don’t like
You’ll pay R669 700 for a mine-inspector-grade Amarok (October 2025), with prices ranging up to R1 252 200 for the full-fat, politician-level V6 that you secretly yearn for. But then there’s the Ford Ranger Raptor for just an annoying R18k more, that you really, really want (and should get) anyway.
Double cab bakkies are the most aspirational vehicle class in South Africa. And we have the research to support that statement. What are the best value Chinese 4×2 double cabs?
For decades, double cab bakkies were niche vehicles. Used by farmers, hunters, geologists, civil engineering crews and wildlife management people. But over the last two decades, double cab bakkies have become much more comfortable and luxurious.
Manufacturers have invested in equipping these bakkies with more car-like interiors, while retaining their all-terrain ability and load-carrying and towing capacity. R1m double cabs are now a legitimate luxury family car for wealthy South Africans, who are increasingly choosing them over traditional German luxury sedans, crossovers and SUVs.
Why Chinese double cab 4x2s matter
Very few double cabs sold locally are permanent or part-time all-wheel drive. They are mostly rear-wheel drive 4x2s. Because the majority of double cab buyers know they won’t ever go off roading in challenging terrain.
Most double cab drivers just want a rear differential lock for traction security when putting a boat in the water, on a slipway, or to conquer 100m of mild sandy tracks, on their way to that weekend getaway venue.
You want a double cab 4×2 bakkie, with diesel power, but you don’t want an agri- or mining-spec cabin. Chinese automakers do value unlike any other. So which are some of the best-value Chinese double cab 4×2 diesels for South African buyers?
Foton Tunland G7 R399 900
Tunland has more towing capacity, than you’d expect for a Chinese bargain double cab.
You see Foton’s trucks everywhere. If they are popular with demanding logistics fleet managers, surely the bakkies should be decent, too?
Foton’s Tunland G7 is very affordable, but not short on equipment. The interior features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with CarPlay/Android Auto integration and a rearview camera.
Powering the G7 is a 2-litre turbodiesel, rated at 120 kW and 390 Nm. Those aren’t amazing outputs, but the six-speed manual gearbox has well-spaced ratios, to ensure reasonable performance and economy.
G7’s utility aspects are sound, too. The braked tow rating is a very useful 3000kg, and G7 has 210mm of ground clearance, which is average but useful for a 4×2 bakkie. The problem is a lack of traction aids. Unlike most legacy 4×2 double cab bakkies, the G7 4×2 doesn’t have a rear differential lock. So if you need to get up a slightly loose, marginal incline, or want to pull off on a slick slipway, it might get embarrassing.
T8 has a stacked cabin full of infotainment tech. But a poor tow rating.
This isn’t the cheapest double cab model in JAC’s South African range. It actually sits between the ultra-entry-level T6 and the flagship T9.
Like all JACs, the T8 has a bold grille design. And behind it, is a 2-litre turbodiesel, which isn’t wildly powerful, at only 104 kW and 320 Nm.
Like you’d expect from a Chinese double cab, the cabin specification is comprehensive. There’s a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with full CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and a reverse camera.
Dynamic safety spec is good, too. The T8 features ABS, EBD, ESC, and hill-start hold control. Amazingly, given the bargain price, JAC’s T8 has disc brakes at all four wheels, something Toyota still doesn’t offer with the Hilux, which has drum brakes at the rear wheels.
There’s also onboard tyre pressure monitoring, which is a very handy feature in South African conditions, where road debris (especially in rural areas) increases the risk of punctures. And T8’s tyre pressure monitoring system alerts you to an issue, allowing you to stop and address it before a slow pressure loss becomes a dangerous tyre blowout.
Weaknesses? Very low braked tow capacity, at only 2000kg.
P300 SX offers a proven GWM bakkie platform and diesel engine. Its tow rating is average, though.
The brand which has done more to establish the credentials of Chinese bakkies, than any other. GWM is the pioneering Chinese auto company in South Africa, and its P300 SX range offers many of the features local double cab buyers value.
Diesel power comes from a 2-litre engine, good for 120 kW and 400 Nm. This is the engine P300 launched in South Africa back in 2020. It has been proven over the last few years, with the P300 range upgrading to GWM’s 2.4 diesel earlier this year.
Capabilities and capacities are good, if not excellent. P300 SX double cab 4×2 has 227mm of ground clearance, which is above average. But like some of the other bargain Chinese double cab 4x2s, the issue is the lack of a rear axle locker. An issue if you are going to be operating on slipways, with towed watercraft, or occasionally need to navigate some mildly muddy or sandy dual track roads. There’s a traction control system that helps, but it can never substitute for a properly locked rear differential.
P300 SX’s tow rating isn’t great if you often need to tow a heavy trailer, caravan, or boat. This GWM is only rated to tow 2250kg, compared to more expensive legacy double cab diesel bakkies, which are rated for 3000- to 3500-kg braked tow capacities.
The new Alfa Romeo Junior has arrived in South Africa, offered exclusively in fully electric form at launch. Here’s what this battery-powered crossover will cost you…
Junior Elettrica arrives in Mzansi as Alfa’s 1st EV
2 Junior derivatives available locally from launch
Top-spec Veloce generates 207 kW and 345 Nm
The Alfa Romeo Junior is back – in name, anyway. Yes, Stellantis South Africa has officially launched the new Junior, which arrives as a front-wheel-drive fully electric crossover (rather than a rear-wheel-drive 2-door coupé, as was the case when this nameplate debuted way back in the 1960s).
At launch in South Africa, the new Junior – which was originally meant to be badged as the “Milano” before the Italian government intervened – is offered exclusively in fully electric (or “Elettrica”) form. For the record, a mild-hybrid turbopetrol version (known as the “Ibrida”) is available in some other markets.
Exactly how big is the Junior, which is Alfa’s 1st stab at an EV and slots in below the Tonale and Stelvio? Well, the Polish-built newcomer rides on the same e-CMP platform as various other Stellantis crossovers, including the Peugeot e-2008, Opel Mokka and Jeep Avenger. It measures 4 173 mm from nose to tail and has a wheelbase of 2 550 mm. For reference, that makes it more compact than something like the Volvo EX30 (4 233 mm).
So, on to the topic of pricing. At launch in Mzansi, 2 derivatives are available – the Junior Elettrica starts at R799 900, while the Junior Elettrica Veloce is offered from R999 900. As you might expect, the R200 000 premium of the latter comes with various performance and specification upgrades.
The Junior Elettrica features a single electric motor on the front axle, with peak outputs of 115 kW and 260 Nm. The motor draws its urge from a 54 kWh (gross capacity) battery pack, which allows a claimed WLTP range of 407 km. This derivative can sprint from zero to 100 kph in a claimed 9.0 seconds and tops out at 152 kph.
Meanwhile, the Junior Elettrica Veloce sticks with a single-motor configuration but generates far meatier maximum figures of 207 kW and 345 Nm, which in turn allow a 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 5.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 200 kph. Of course, all that extra oomph comes at the sacrifice of WLTP range (from the same size battery pack), which falls to 334 km.
According to Alfa Romeo SA’s website, the Junior Elettrica comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a 4-speaker sound system, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, various advanced driver assistance system features and a 7 kW onboard charger.
The Veloce upgrades to 20-inch alloys and scores a 25 mm lower suspension plus a limited-slip differential and an 11 kW onboard charger. It furthermore features fabric-and-vinyl upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats (including a massage function for the driver), ambient cabin lighting, keyless go, adaptive cruise control, a 6-speaker sound system and a model-specific design for the “V-shield” grille.
How much is the Alfa Romeo Junior in South Africa?
DERIVATIVE
PRICE
Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica
R799 900
Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce
R999 900
The prices above include a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/150 000 km battery-pack warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km service plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does the new Alfa Romeo Junior cost in South Africa, and what derivatives are available at launch?
A: The Alfa Romeo Junior is launched in South Africa exclusively in fully electric form, with 2 derivatives: the Junior Elettrica starting at R799 900 and the top-spec Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica Veloce offered from R999 900.
Q: What are the key performance specifications for the two electric derivatives?
A: The standard Junior Elettrica produces 115 kW and 260 Nm of torque, with a claimed WLTP range of 407 km and a 0-100 kph time of 9.0 seconds. The more powerful Elettrica Veloce generates 207 kW and 345 Nm, achieving 0-100 kph in 5.9 seconds, but has a shorter WLTP range of 334 km.
Q: What platform and dimensions does the Alfa Romeo Junior have?
A: The Junior rides on the Stellantis e-CMP platform. It measures 4 173 mm from nose to tail and has a wheelbase of 2 550 mm, making it a compact crossover that slots in below the Tonale and Stelvio models.
EVs ‘just not viable’ for SA, says Hyundai’s local boss
The head of Hyundai in South Africa says fully electric vehicles (EVs) are “just not viable” for the local market, suggesting they won’t make a “massive impact” here…
Hyundai’s local CEO says EVs are “just too expensive”
Anderson instead suggests hybrids as the sweet spot
Says motorists in South Africa “don’t like hassle” of EVs
Waiting for Hyundai Automotive South Africa to introduce its first fully electric vehicle (EV)? Well, such a move doesn’t appear to be in the brand’s immediate plans, with Hyundai’s local CEO saying battery-powered vehicles are “just not viable” for Mzansi.
Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, was speaking during an interview conducted in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s South African Auto Week 2025 in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape at the start of October.
“Look, we [Hyundai Automotive SA] have EVs available to us – we could start ordering and bringing in EVs – but it’s just not viable. They’re just too expensive,” said Anderson, who was promoted to the CEO position in July 2025 after almost a quarter of a century with Hyundai.
In certain overseas markets, the South Korean brand sells an all-electric version of the 2nd-generation Kona, along the Ioniq range of EVs (including the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 9). There’s also the Inster, a Korean-built fully electric crossover that won the World Car Awards title for EVs earlier this year.
The Inster is Hyundai’s entry-level EV in certain markets.
“One of our Chinese competitors have just launched one [an EV] between R300 000 and R400 000. It’ll be interesting to see how those sales take off,” Anderson added, making reference to the freshly introduced BYD Dolphin Surf, which starts at R339 900 and is thus SA’s most affordable EV.
“I’m still a believer [that] a full EV is not going to have a massive impact in our market. Hybrid – or plug-in hybrid – is probably the sweet spot,” he added, suggesting such technology would sidestep both range anxiety and any concerns over local charging infrastructure.
The sleekly styled Ioniq 6 in N Line guise.
“We’re a very comfortable nation – we don’t like hassle. And when you a drive EV, you need to work out: ‘when can I charge’ and ‘where can I charge’, especially when you do longer distances. And I think that’s still a big deterrent to customers buying EVs.
“It’s never going to be your first car in the family, anyway – it’ll be your 3rd or 4th car, for short commutes. But it’s also not free to run – you still have to pay [for] electricity. Especially when you charge at the public charging stations, it’s quite expensive,” Anderson said.
In some markets, Hyundai offers an electric version of the 2nd-gen Kona.
Back in June 2024, the brand brought 2 units of an Ioniq product (likely the Ioniq 5) into South Africa, but didn’t ever officially launch the vehicle here. A year later, Hyundai Automotive SA introduced its very first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in the form of the 5th-generation Hyundai Santa Fe. It’s expected to launch the likewise hybrid 2nd-gen Palisade in 2026, too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why does the CEO of Hyundai in South Africa consider fully electric vehicles (EVs) not viable for the local market?
A: Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, states that EVs are “just too expensive” and are not expected to make a “massive impact” in the market. He also noted that South African motorists “don’t like hassle” related to working out when and where to charge, which is a major deterrent for buyers.
Q: What vehicle technology does Hyundai’s local CEO suggest is the “sweet spot” for South African motorists?
A: Anderson suggests that hybrid or plug-in hybrid technology is the “sweet spot” for the market. He says he believes this technology would help sidestep common concerns like range anxiety and issues with the local charging infrastructure.
Q: Does Hyundai Automotive South Africa plan to introduce any fully electric vehicles soon?
A: The introduction of a fully electric vehicle does not appear to be in Hyundai Automotive SA’s immediate plans, according to CEO Stanley Anderson. The company instead recently introduced its first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), the 5th-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, and plans to launch the hybrid 2nd-gen Palisade in 2026.
Affordable Chinese double cab 4×4 alternatives to Hilux
The Chinese double-cab bakkie market continues to grow, with many new models. But how do they offer better value than the ageing Toyota Hilux?
Hilux defines the local new-vehicle market. It has relevance way beyond just bakkies. But Chinese double cab rivals are closing in, with the current Hilux ageing and set to be replaced within a year.
A sales champion, quarter after quarter, year after year. South African economic fortunes might change, but 1 thing remains constant – Hilux defines South Africa’s most important vehicle segment: bakkies.
But when you are the market leader, you aren’t just a standard. You become a target, too. Chinese vehicles have made a massive impact on the South African new-vehicle market since 2010.
A 2014 GWM Steed 5, which already showed notable improvements over its immediate predecessor.
A range of dramatically better designs, often featuring pioneering infotainment technology and affordability, has given rise to top-10 sellers produced on the Mainland – something unimaginable a decade ago, when Chinese vehicles in the South African market were still considered average, at best.
Chinese brands and models might be surging in popularity in the crossover and SUV segments, but bakkies remain a market where legacy brands are entrenched. But that is changing, too. With more Chinese brands bringing new bakkie platforms to market, with generously equipped interiors.
Is the runout Toyota Hilux vulnerable?
Could these emerging Chinese double cabs finally challenge Hilux’s absolute dominance? Toyota’s most regarded vehicle is old. It’s been on the market for a decade, and several technical aspects are ageing. Especially the cabin architecture and infotainment stack, 2 features where Chinese interior designers and technology integration offer a very compelling alternative.
The new generation of Chinese double-cab bakkies might have impressive cabins, but the one issue that remains is the powertrain. South African bakkie buyers want turbodiesel power, across all brands. It’s why virtually all Hilux double cabs ordered are built with turbodiesel engines.
Old interior architecture and that 6-speed automatic transmission show Hilux’s age.
Can the current offering of new-generation Chinese turbodiesel double cabs rival the ageing class standard, that is, the Hilux? There are several Chinese double-cab bakkies, with diesel power and low-range transfer cases, priced in the R600 000-to-R700 000 segment.
That undercuts the entry-level Hilux 2.4 GD-6 4×4 Raider auto, which is priced at R716 300 (October 2025). But what do these Chinese bakkies really offer South African double-cab buyers?
Factory kitted for off-road adventuring and using a proven platform, this GWM is very convincing.
GWM is the most successful Chinese brand in South Africa. Its product planning team knows the local market well and what South African bakkie buyers want – and need.
The GWM P300 2.4T double cab LTD 4×4, listed for R699 900 (October 2025), is configured for harsh South African conditions. To be used by bakkie owners who spend a lot of time outside urban areas. It features all-terrain tyres, a high-intake snorkel, and all the 4×4 drivetrain hardware you need.
Like the Hilux, the P300 2.4T double cab LTD 4×4 is a steel ladder-frame chassis with a live rear axle. To ensure secure traction in demanding off-road terrain, the P300 2.4T double cab LTD 4×4 features a lockable rear differential and a ‘virtual’ front locker that uses traction control. Importantly, it has disc brakes at the rear, too, which is a superior technical specification to Hilux, which still uses drums.
GWM’s upgraded 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine is possibly the best Chinese turbodiesel yet. Producing peak outputs of 135 kW and 480 Nm of torque, it gives the P300 2.4T double cab LTD 4×4 far better performance than the Hilux 2.4 GD-6 4×4 Raider auto, which, to reiterate, costs R716 300.
Since its launch in 2020, the GWM P300 range has used ZF’s brilliant 8-speed automatic transmission. But a drivetrain change this year saw the switch to a GWM-developed 9-speed auto ‘box.
This offers an extra gear, but not quite the smoothness or intuitive shifting patterns of the ZF. Still, it’s a world better than the Hilux’s aged 6-speed auto.
Watch David Taylor’s video review of the 2025 GWM P300:
There are several standard features on the P300 2.4T double cab LTD 4×4 that Hilux Raider owners can only wish for: a 360-degree surround view camera, lane departure assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The P300 2.4T double cab LTD 4×4 has power adjustment for both front seats, too, which you don’t get on a Raider-grade Hilux. And the 12.3-inch infotainment system has much better processing power and graphics than Toyota’s ageing system, with better digital ergonomics.
More power and mellower looks. Exactly what the market wanted, from JAC’s T9 range.
Unlike some of the other JAC T9s, the 2.0CTI double cab 4WD Hunter (R689 900 in October 2025) doesn’t look absolutely crazy, with its normalised grille, nudge bar and less OTT appearance.
The most important features are its engine and drivetrain. It now features a more powerful version of JAC’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, which has been updated as part of an ongoing technical upgrade announced in October. With outputs of 144 kW and 487 Nm, it’s easily more powerful than a Hilux 2.4. Those engine outputs are also channelled to the wheels via ZF’s excellent 8-speed auto transmission.
Watch Jacob Moshokoa’s video review of the JAC T9:
Real-world diesel consumption at just below highway cruising speeds has been tested at 6.2 L/100 km at 115 kph. Useful if you drive slowly, everywhere.
Hunter’s semi-independent rear suspension makes the JAC T9 slightly less robust on challenging off-road trails than the Hilux, however.
A bit big for technical or narrow off-road trails. But Terron 9 brings the diesel power at a reasonable price.
Is the JAC T9 grille not crazy enough for you? Well, you can go with the LDV Terron 9, which has possibly the most ornate bakkie grille you can buy in South Africa. The 3-derivative range kicks off with the 2.5TD double cab Elite 4×4 that retails for R699 900 (October 2025).
The LDV Terron 9 is bigger than Hilux, by quite some margin, being 175 mm longer. That means it is a chore to park and navigate through hectic urban traffic.
What the LDV Terron 9 offers a lot for the price is its 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. You can’t really buy more power and a better transmission combination for the price.
The LDV Terron 9’s 2.5-litre turbodiesel boosts 163 kW and 540 Nm of torque. Those are much better numbers than a Hilux 2.4 and also notably more power than the GWM P300. Best of all, the supersized double cab’s 2.5-litre turbodiesel is paired with ZF’s proven 8-speed automatic transmission.
Even the Elite version is generously equipped. Like most Chinese double cabs, and unlike Hilux, the LDV Terron 9 does feature rear disc brakes. The Elite version also does without the more expensive Terron 9 variants’ turnover tailgate, which has a panel that opens. Which is something that is possibly going to become a wear issue if you travel a lot on poorly surfaced, corrugated, dirt roads.
The new Hyundai Venue has been revealed, boasting bolder exterior styling, extra interior space and a curved panoramic display. And it’s coming to SA in 2026…
Hyundai’s new Venue crossover fully revealed in India
Taller and wider than original, with longer wheelbase
Locked in for SA with local launch planned for Q2 2026
Meet the new Hyundai Venue. Freshly revealed in India, the 2nd-generation version of the small crossover adopts the South Korean firm’s latest design language along with extra interior space. And it’s been confirmed for South Africa, with a local launch likely to take place in the 2nd quarter of 2026.
Yes, Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, recently told Cars.co.za during an interview at Naamsa’s South African Auto Week 2025 in Gqeberha that the new Venue would be coming to Mzansi next year, “hopefully” in the 2nd quarter.
So, how does the new Venue differ from the original? Well, while it again measures 3 995 mm from bow to stern, the 2nd-gen version’s wheelbase has grown by 20 mm to 2 520 mm. In addition, this model stands 48 mm taller (at 1 665 mm, depending on the derivative) and 30 mm wider (at 1 800 mm) than the outgoing version.
Exterior highlights of the Indian-spec newcomer include what Hyundai describes as “twin-horn” LED daytime running lights, quad-beam LED headlamps, a dark-chrome grille, chunkier wheel arches, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and a full-width LED bar at the rear. New exterior paint colours for the sub-continental market include “Hazel Blue” and “Mystic Sapphire”.
Inside, the most significant upgrade comes in the form of a curved panoramic display comprising an infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster, each measuring 12.3 inches in diameter. The new steering wheel, meanwhile, features a quartet of illuminated dots (apparently representing “H” in morse code) rather than the familiar Hyundai logo.
Furthermore, the Seoul-based automaker claims rear legroom in the Venue has been improved thanks both to the longer wheelbase and the “scooped” seatbacks of the redesigned front pews. The rear seats gain a 2-step reclining function and the doors are said to open wider than before, too.
Interestingly, Hyundai appears to have carried over the original Venue’s powertrain line-up. That means the range again kicks off with a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (61 kW/115 Nm) that drives the front axle via a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Meanwhile, a turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol motor powers higher-spec derivatives, offering 88 kW and 172 Nm through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. In India, a 1.5-litre turbodiesel mill is furthermore available.
As a reminder, the outgoing Hyundai Venue range in South Africa comprises 6 derivatives (including a pair of Cargo-badged panel-van variants), currently priced from R309 900 to R499 900. This model launched locally in late 2019 before being lightly facelifted in 2022, with Hyundai Automotive SA then repositioning the Venue in mid-2024 (cutting its starting price by R19 000).
According to our records, Hyundai registered as many as 5 156 units of the Venue in South Africa in 2023, with that figure dropping to 2 753 units in 2024. Year to date at the end of September 2025, the brand has sold 1 900 more examples.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is the new Hyundai Venue expected to launch in South Africa?
A: The new Hyundai Venue is locked in for a South African launch, which is planned for the 2nd quarter of 2026 (Q2 2026). This was confirmed by Stanley Anderson, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
Q: What are the key interior changes in the second-generation Hyundai Venue?
A: The most significant interior upgrade is a curved panoramic display that combines the infotainment screen and the digital instrument cluster, with each measuring 12.3 inches in diameter. Other changes include a new steering wheel (featuring 4 illuminated dots), improved rear legroom and rear seats with a 2-step reclining function.
Q: How has the size of the new Venue changed compared to the original model?
A: While the overall length remains the same at 3 995 mm, the wheelbase has grown by 20 mm to 2 520 mm. Furthermore, the 2nd-generation Venue is 48 mm taller (at 1 665 mm) and 30 mm wider (at 1 800 mm) than the outgoing version.
