Bulletproof Cars in SA Video- Price and fitment cost, how they’re built and how they save lives
Ciro De Siena chats to Nicol Louw, Business Development Manager at SVI Engineering about bulletproofing and armoured vehicles.
Bulletproofing of vehicles is becoming a big business in SA. In this wide-ranging and fascinating discussion with seasoned vehicle engineer and now Business Development Manager at SVI Engineering, we learn all about this booming industry.
SVI Engineering is at the forefront of bulletproofing cars in South Africa, supplying armoured vehicles to the security and mining industry (mainly Toyota Hilux), as well as out-fitting civilian cars such as Toyota Fortuners and Land Cruisers, Ford Rangers and Everests, luxury Mercedes V-Class people carriers, Ford Ranger Raptors and even Mercedes G-Class/G-Wagons.
SVI Engineering has also made great strides into the OEM space, and in South Africa you can now buy a Ford Ranger or Mercedes V-Class from any dealer and tick the box to have it armoured, and still retain the full manufacturer warranty and service plan, and you can even add the armouring cost to your vehicle finance deal. And on top of all this SVI also proudly builds full spec military vehicles in SA for sale across the world.
SVI Max 9 – We review the 8-ton military grade truck
Proton X90 Video Review: New Family SUV set to worry the Chinese cars?
Jacob Moshokoa gets behind the wheel of the new Proton X90 SUV for a comprehensive review.
The Proton X90 is the latest product available from the Malaysian brand Proton. It has already launched the X50, X70 and Saga but this X90 looks to be its best local offering yet. It offers 7 seats or, in the Flagship model Jacob tests here, 6 seats with 2 Captain’s chairs in the second row.
Jacob reviews the X90 on what it’s like to drive, what features it has and the quality of the cabin. He tests out every row of seats and what sort of boot space the X90 has with the seats up, and down. What sort of engine does the X90 have and what are the running costs of a Proton X90? Jacob delves into those details and delivers a verdict on how he expects the family SUV to perform on the local market.
The facelifted Golf 8 will be shown in 2024 and with it comes the flagship R derivative. Our photographers spotted the updated model testing at the Nurburgring.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.
It’s no secret that the Volkswagen Golf 8 range is being updated for 2024. We’ve already seen the front-wheel drive GTI tearing around the famous Nurburgring race track and now its the chance of the updated Golf 8 R.
The Mk 8.5 is likely to be the last internal combustion-powered Golf as Volkswagen has said the Golf 9 will be an electric car. We hope that Volkswagen has saved the best for last. Visually, the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R’s changes are subtle, but you can spot the slimmer headlights at the front and revised front bumper. Some strategically-placed tape has covered the new-look taillights.
As mentioned before, the biggest change for this update is the all-new infotainment system and larger, repositioned touchscreen. The new system should address the electronic gremlins that presented themselves as well as provide an improved user experience. We believe the steering wheel controls will be replaced by traditional buttons, as opposed to the hit-and-miss touch capacitive units.
We’re not expecting any major changes to the car’s powertrain for this update and as a reminder, the Golf R is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with 235 kw and 400 Nm. The vehicle is sold exclusively in all-wheel-drive configuration and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. We suspect there might be a final special edition 2025 Volkswagen Golf R to sign off the petrol-powered era, but that’ll likely only appear towards the end of the product lifecycle, around 2028.
We predict the 2025 Volkswagen Golf R will arrive in South Africa towards the end of 2024.
Mpho Mahlangu: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
Meet Mpho Mahlangu, one of 20 #CarsAwards judges who recently put 39 finalists through their paces at Gerotek Test Facility in Gauteng! We asked Mpho a few questions to find out what he thinks of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards.
The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards is now in its 7th iteration and with South Africa’s most comprehensive and authoritative motoring awards programme reaching its zenith, we saw no less than 20 judges descending on the Gerotek Testing Facility in Gauteng to put all 39 finalists through their paces.
More than this, all 39 finalists also went on public display at the Mall Of Africa in Midrand this weekend to give the public the opportunity to see the cars in the metal and to engage with the judges.
Earlier this year, a pool of 65 semi-finalist vehicles in 13 categories were chosen by Cars.co.za’s respected, highly knowledgable and experienced editorial team. The team put all the semi-finalists through a rigorous scoring process based on “Filters of Eligibility” and “Pillars of Success” to arrive at 39 finalists represented in 13 categories (3 vehicles per category).
The scores from all 20 judges represent 50% of the final result while the remaining 50% is determined by the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey that includes feedback from thousands of vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles and the service they receive (less than four years old and serviced through franchised outlets).
The winners in each category as well as the coveted Brand Of The Year Award will be announced in early 2024.
Mpho Mahlangu: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
We asked #CarsAwards judge, Mpho Mahlangu, a few questions to learn more about what he thought about the testing process for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. Here’s what he had to say!
1. Introduce yourself and briefly tell us what you do for a living.
My name is Mpho Mahlangu and I’m a published motoring reviewer and content producer.
2. How many #CarsAwards have you judged and what does it mean to you to be chosen as a judge?
This is my first #CarsAwards that I’m judging and I feel extremely honoured to be part of this prestigious awards programme. This is something that I’ve been working hard towards for over three years and to finally be chosen as a judge is a huge moment for me!
3. What #CarsAwards categories did you judge?
I judged Compact Hatchback, Premium Crossover and Adventure SUV categories.
4. You’ve just returned from extensive testing at Gerotek, how was it? Briefly tell us about your experience!
Testing really was an amazing experience. I’ve been to Gerotek before, however, I’ve never been able to put multiple vehicles through their paces, let alone several vehicles in the same category, back-to-back in that manner. The experience of it all is quite eye-opening in fact.
5. The #CarsAwards is regarded as the most respected motoring awards programme in South Africa. In your opinion, what makes the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards unique?
I found the most unique aspect of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards to be the ability to put all the vehicles through testing which replicate what actual consumers would experience with their potential purchases. From the skidpan, to the suspension track, the various tracks within Gerotek give great insight into how a vehicle fairs on different aspects compared to its rivals.
6. What test obstacles at Gerotek did you find to be the most illuminating in terms of testing the finalists and why?
The skidpan, suspension track and dynamic handling track were the most illuminating for me as they simulated most real-life scenarios that customers and owners of vehicles experience on a day-to-day basis.
7. Out of all the cars you tested, what car stood out the most for you and why?
I’m torn between the BMW X1 and Ford Everest as the cars which stood out for me. I say this because they both offer next-generation levels of technology and refinement in their respective categories, making them both quite the obvious choices in both categories.
8. What cars do you think will win in each category (share your predictions with us) and importantly what car brand do you think will win the Brand Of The Year Award and why?
Brand of the Year – BMW – I chose BMW because they have the most vehicles as finalists.
9. If you attended the Cars.co.za #CarsAwards Roadshow at Mall Of Africa, tell us what you enjoyed most about the experience!
I really enjoyed the #CarsAwards Roadshow because it was quite special to be able to interact with different people who were really interested in purchasing a new vehicle, so we were able to assist them in their choices, along with just pure enthusiasts who enjoyed getting up close and personal with the various vehicles. I don’t think there is any other awards programme that has actually taken finalist cars to the consumers with all judges present. It was quite a unique experience!
10. Give us 3 words that capture the essence of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards.
New Subaru Forester revealed (but SA will have to wait)
The 6th-gen Subaru Forester has been revealed, billed as an “all-new” model but carrying over several components. South African buyers face a bit of a wait, though…
The new Subaru Forester has been unveiled at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. Though the Japanese automaker describes the 6th-generation version of its SUV as “all-new”, it appears to ride on a modestly updated platform, while also retaining the outgoing model’s powertrain.
So, when will we see this latest Forester on Mzansi roads? Well, Subaru Southern Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that it plans to launch the new model “as soon as it becomes available for our market”, though adds the “approximate timing” of such a launch would likely fall only in the 1st quarter of 2025.
The new Forester is slightly longer than the outgoing model.
What can we expect when it does eventually arrive? Although all details revealed thus far pertain to the North American market, we do know the new Forester benefits from an exterior redesign, complete with a revised grille that merges into the LED headlamps. Round back, the updated taillamps are now connected by a trim strip, while the rear screen is steeper than before (ostensibly freeing up a little more cargo space).
The new Forester again rides on the Subaru Global Platform, though the Shibuya-based firm says these underpinnings have been “enhanced with 10% stiffer torsional rigidity”. The company claims an inner-frame construction with “stronger welding” and “additional structural adhesive” contribute to greater body rigidity. The Forester also adopts a version of the WRX’s dual-pinion electronic power steering rack, which Subaru says provides a “more direct and natural steering feel” and “greater responsiveness”.
The familiar 2.5-litre petrol engine is carried over to the new model.
The wheelbase is unchanged at 2 670 mm (as is the height at 1 730 mm), though the newcomer’s overall length has increased slightly from 4 625 mm to 4 655 mm. In US-spec guise, the new Forester retains the 5th-gen model’s naturally aspirated 2.5-litre flat-4 engine, which in South Africa generates peak outputs of 136 kW and 239 Nm (our market also receives a 115 kW/196 Nm 2.0-litre unit). Drive is again delivered to all 4 wheels via Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), though the automaker claims the latter is “smoother and quieter” than before.
Inside, the updated cabin scores a “more supportive front-seat design” along with a revised climate-control system (now able to focus on occupied seats rather than the entire cabin), the latest portrait-oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen system (though likely only for top-spec models) and “textured trim pieces intelligently designed to avoid visible damage from daily use”. There’s also the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist technology, along with a new kick sensor-activated hands-free powered tailgate.
Some derivatives of the new Forester gain Subaru’s latest 11.6-inch touchscreen system.
As a reminder, the outgoing Forester range – which last received an update as recently as early 2022 – currently comprises 3 derivatives in South Africa, priced from R669 000 to R749 000. Year to date (at the end of October 2023), the nameplate is Subaru SA’s best seller, with 273 units registered over the opening 10 months of the year (some way ahead of the 2nd-placed – but since supplanted by the Crosstrek – XV on 120 units).
The Jimny 5-door has finally been introduced in our market and Suzuki Auto SA chose to show off its newcomer’s talents by giving it a starring role in a Botswana adventure. We tagged along to see if the longer and more practical Jimny is the one to have.
The Jimny is one of the Hamamatsu-based brand’s most iconic models. What’s not to like? It’s a refreshingly simple pint-sized off-roader with formidable capability and adorable Kei-car styling; it tugs on the heartstrings – that’s why Suzuki has sold thousands of units across 4 generations of the model.
However, the Jimny’s detractors will be quick to say that its compromised practicality limits the appeal of the product; even in its latest (4th) iteration, the Jimny’s 85-litre load bay and 3-door configuration are big drawbacks considering the versatility offered by equivalently priced compact crossovers or SUVs.
Enter the Jimny 5-door.
What’s New?
The addition of 2 more doors and a bigger load bay addresses the biggest issue with the Jimny.
To create the Jimny 5-door, Suzuki extended the wheelbase of the ladder-frame-based 4th-gen model by 340 mm. That additional length allows for the fitment of 2 more doors and the load-bay capacity to more than double to 211 litres. The resultant kerb weight increase is not huge: a gain of just over 100 kg.
Mechanically, the Jimny 5-door uses the same powertrain as the 3-door. As a reminder, the engine on duty is the K15B naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol mill. Outputs of 75 kW and 130 Nm are claimed, and customers have the choice of either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic.
Suzuki Auto SA offers 3 derivatives of the 5-door variant: an entry-level 1.5 GL and the 1.5 GLX in manual and automatic guises. For a detailed look at the specifications and features, click here.
What is it like to drive?
The Jimny’s reputation for off-road prowess is well known in 4×4 circles.
Our vehicle of choice for the evaluation drive was a Chiffon Ivory 1.5 GLX automatic. It passed its first test all right: I could fit my luggage in the load bay! Remember, if you want even more load space, you can fold the rear seats down. Then I attempted a sit-behind-myself test (to sit in the back behind the driver’s seat that had been set up for me)… Again, success, although headroom for tall people may be an issue.
We’ve always preferred a stick-shift in Suzuki models because the brand’s 5-speed manual tends to be easy to use thanks to a slick shift action, but, to be fair, the 4-speed automatic has never disappointed.
The auto ‘box performs satisfactorily at urban speeds, but once you’re travelling at near the national speed limit, the vehicle does tend to feel ill at ease, not that manual derivatives fare any better in that regard. At this point, you’re probably thinking the Jimny is ponderous and yes, it’s not great at cruising or in cut-and-thrust driving conditions, but remember it’s an off-roader: being sprightly isn’t its core focus.
The Jimny covers the basics in terms of interior features.
To illustrate my point: at 120 kph, the Jimny’s engine is revving at above 3 000 rpm and sounds quite buzzy, so we would advise reducing speed to 100 kph to enjoy a more relaxed and refined open-road cruise. Otherwise, the engine revs freely and performs willingly when you drive in a sedate manner.
The big question is: Can the engine cope with the 5-door additional 100 kg of weight? We’d say yes.
Seeing as punchy in-gear acceleration is NOT the Suzuki Jimny’s forte, you need to adopt a measured approach (and apply some patience) when overtaking slower traffic. Despite some full-throttle overtakes on the open road, however, the 5-door was frugal, with our trip computer displaying a tidy 7.5 L/100 km.
The new Jimny 5-door on the banks of the Limpopo River.
The Jimny’s 15-inch alloys (wrapped in chunky 195/80 tyres) help to soak up the road’s imperfections, which is just as well… The R521 and R572 tar roads near the hamlet of Alldays are in appalling condition and riddled with potholes – many of which are substantial enough to cause serious damage. Many late swerves were required to avoid those treacherous pits and that was when we were reminded that the Jimny exhibits quite a bit of body roll, but that’s to be expected, given its ladder-frame underpinnings.
Can the Jimny 5-door still 4×4?
The Jimny 5-door’s so-so road manners are soon forgotten the moment we slowed down and headed off the tar, however. Despite its additional length, the more practical Jimny seems to have retained its iconic off-road capabilities. Once we hit the trails, the diminutive Suzuki put all its remarkable talents on display.
The Jimny in its natural environment…
For the stats fans, ground clearance is rated at 210 mm and the approach, breakover and departure angles are an impressive 36 degrees, 24 degrees and 47 degrees respectively. The AllGrip Pro is a part-time system with the user able to select from 2High, 4High and 4Low range. The Jimny also features hill descent control and can simulate a differential lock via selective braking courtesy of the ABS software.
Exiting one of the many dried-up river beds.
Our launch route took us through the Botswana border at Platjan over the Limpopo River and we then spent most of the route traversing many of the dried river beds. These are made up of thick sand with quite a few rocks that needed to be climbed, and the Jimny proved highly agile over those obstacles.
Thick river sand and rocks were crushed by the Jimny.
When I drive off-road, I prefer to use as little of the 4×4 hardware as possible, so I can judge under which conditions a vehicle will be at ease and where/when it may struggle. Bigger/heavier off-roaders may have required 4L and low range on some parts of our trail, but the Jimny could keep up with the convoy in 4H.
Our 2-day adventure pushed the Jimny 5-door’s talents (not to mention its pilots’ skillsets) to the limit and, while we suspect few owners will tackle such extreme off-road conditions in their plucky lil’ Suzukis, it’s comforting to know that this cute-looking off-roader is far more 4×4-biased than may appear.
How much does the Suzuki Jimny 5-door cost in South Africa?
Jimny 5-door derivatives come with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
Jimny 5-door 1.5 GL Manual
R429 900
Jimny 5-door 1.5 GLX Manual
R457 900
Jimny 5-door 1.5 GLX Auto
R479 900
Summary
Solomons Wall: a spectacular geological feature in Botswana.
If you were thinking about buying a new Suzuki Jimny only to be dissuaded by its limited practicality, the 5-door largely addresses that shortcoming. Even if it isn’t sprightly, the tiny off-roader is well suited to commuting – its compact dimensions and excellent exterior visibility make it easy to drive and park.
However, the Jimny remains a niche model and still has other shortcomings, such as its performance (or lack thereof) at triple-digit speeds, and not everyone will appreciate its ruggedness and off-road abilities.
Still, if you desire an undeniably cool vehicle that offers “many smiles per mile” and will positively ace a gravel track or potholed road, then the Suzuki Jimny 5-door should be towards the top of your list.
We know that the Jimny can tackle the rough stuff with ease, but what will it be like to drive closer to home? We look forward to driving the 5-door variant extensively in the near future.
Nafisa Akabor: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
Nafisa Akabor is a well-known technology and Electric Vehicle (EV) journalist and she also happens to be a veteran #CarsAwards judge! Her experience in the tech world is invaluable when applied to the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards and we’re keen to hear what she thinks about this latest iteration of the awards programme. Take a look!
The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards is now in its 7th iteration and with South Africa’s most comprehensive and authoritative motoring awards programme reaching its zenith, we saw no less than 20 judges descending on the Gerotek Testing Facility in Gauteng to put all 39 finalists through their paces.
More than this, all 39 finalists also went on public display at the Mall Of Africa in Midrand this weekend to give the public the opportunity to see the cars in the metal and to engage with the judges.
Earlier this year, a pool of 65 semi-finalist vehicles in 13 categories were chosen by Cars.co.za’s respected, highly knowledgable and experienced editorial team. The team put all the semi-finalists through a rigorous scoring process based on “Filters of Eligibility” and “Pillars of Success” to arrive at 39 finalists represented in 13 categories (3 vehicles per category).
The scores from all 20 judges represent 50% of the final result while the remaining 50% is determined by the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey that includes feedback from thousands of vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles and the service they receive (less than four years old and serviced through franchised outlets).
The winners in each category as well as the coveted Brand Of The Year Award will be announced in early 2024.
Nafisa Akabor: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
We asked #CarsAwards judge, Nafisa Akabor, a few questions to learn more about what she thought about the testing process for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. Here’s what she had to say!
1. Introduce yourself and briefly tell us what you do for a living.
I’m Nafisa Akabor, a freelance technology and EV journalist who’s been writing about tech for more than 16 years. I launched my own platform this year called Recharged.co.za (a rebrand of my 15-year-old blog Wired to the Web) with lots more in the pipeline.
2. How many #CarsAwards have you judged and what does it mean to you to be chosen as a judge?
I have been a judge for six instalments now and I love participating. It means the work I do in tech is recognised and my opinion counts, which is an honour.
3. What #CarsAwards categories did you judge?
This year I got the first ever EV category; Premium SUV; and Executive SUV.
4. You’ve just returned from extensive testing at Gerotek, how was it? Briefly tell us about your experience!
Firstly, I’m so excited that electric vehicles finally have their own category! I’m a lot more confident now than when I first started, it all feels familiar in terms of putting these cars through their paces and what needs to be done. It’s not a walk in the park, I love how intensive it is. It allows me to test some aspects I can’t typically do on the roads. I also appreciate how well-organised it is. We just have to show up.
5. The #CarsAwards is regarded as the most respected motoring awards programme in South Africa. In your opinion, what makes the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards unique?
Having to drive all three finalists back-to-back gives you a perspective you would never get otherwise. It’s very different when you drive a car at a launch or for a few days on test. This lets you assess things by going through the same conditions, in the same weather, etc. to be as accurate as possible, with scoring fresh from these conditions.
6. What test obstacles at Gerotek did you find to be the most illuminating in terms of testing the finalists and why?
I think we can all agree the mountain pass is the stretch you can assess so many things properly and tick so many boxes to get that proper feel, after the other shorter tracks. This is what a test drive should entail for any potential customer and why it’s so crucial in this competition.
7. Out of all the cars you tested, what car stood out the most for you and why?
It has to be the GWM Ora because it is currently the ‘cheapest EV in South Africa’ (read: least expensive) and I hope it sells! It is the perfect city EV because nobody needs that much power when you need to be efficient. It’s retro cute, packed with tech, and parts of it look… somewhat familiar!
8. What cars do you think will win in each category (share your predictions with us) and importantly what car brand do you think will win the Brand Of The Year Award and why?
How many hybrids and EVs were sold in South Africa over the opening 3 quarters of 2023? Let’s take a closer look at the sales figures for new-energy vehicles…
Naamsa has released official sales figures for electric vehicles (EVs), traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids for the opening 3 quarters of 2023, with registrations in South Africa’s new-energy vehicle (NEV) space increasing 67%, year on year.
According to the organisation, sales in the NEV segment – that is, including battery-powered models, traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids, but seemingly not mild hybrids – for the first 9 months of the year reached 5 165 units. By our maths, that translates to 1.29% of the total new-vehicle market (401 315 units) over the opening 3 quarters of 2023.
The locally built Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is likely driving the highest volumes in SA’s NEV segment.
Since we’ve already covered the first half of the year, let’s take a closer look at NEV sales in the 3rd quarter. Naamsa says 2 019 units were sold in this space between the start of July and the end of September 2023, representing an increase of 111.9% compared with the 3rd quarter of 2022.
Traditional hybrids – represented in the local market by vehicles such as dual-powered versions of Toyota’s Corolla hatch and sedan, the strong-selling (and locally built) Corolla Cross and the RAV4, plus various Lexus models as well as the Honda Fit and Haval’s H6 and Jolion hybrids – predictably made up the bulk of this figure, accounting for 1 712 units in Q3 2023. The traditional hybrid’s total over the first 9 months of the year thus stood at 4 273 units.
Next, fully electric vehicles accounted for 218 units in Q3 2023. For the record, EV sales over the opening 3 quarters of the year reached 720 units, exceeding the 502 units sold over the entirety of 2022. Sales in this (premium-brand dominated) section of the market are likely to continue growing in the coming months, with models such as GWM’s Ora 03 – positioned as Mzansi’s most affordable EV – having just launched and others on the way.
Finally, 89 units of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) were registered in South Africa in the 3rd quarter of 2023, with this 3-month period outperforming the first half of the year (83 units) and pushing the year-to-date (until the end of September, that is) tally to 172 units. Examples of such vehicles include the T8 versions of Volvo’s XC60 and XC90, along with BMW’s X5 xDrive50e plus the various P300e and P400e derivatives in Jaguar Land Rover’s line-up.
From a broader perspective, Naamsa again called for a “timely” NEV policy framework to “support investment decisions for NEV manufacturing” and “safeguard export volumes into the European market”, saying such a move was “imperative for the domestic automotive industry’s inevitable transition to eco-friendly vehicles”.
Volvo’s local EV range currently includes this C40 Recharge and a pair of XC40 Recharge derivatives.
“The long-awaited announcement by the minister of finance in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement 2023 on 1 November 2023 recognised the significance of the automotive industry to the country’s economy and that the transition to new-energy vehicles posed an existential threat to South African vehicle production. In this regard, the minister said that National Treasury planned to implement tax and expenditure measures to support the industry’s transition to NEVs,” explained Naamsa.
“However, the details for this policy would only be announced in the 2024 Budget Review with considerations to domestic-market demand stimulus measures, establishment of renewable energy-based charging infrastructure and production support. Part of the broader strategy includes collaborating with other African countries to develop battery production capacity on the continent, by pooling the critical-mineral resource base that Africa was endowed with.”
South Africa has needed an affordable battery-electric vehicle to build some positive momentum in the EV segment. Enter the Ora 03 from parent brand GWM; we drove it at the local launch in Gauteng to see if it’s the breath of fresh air the segment needs.
What is the range of the GWM Ora?
A former Porsche designer is now the lead designer for Ora… spot any similarities?
You may be more familiar with the name the Ora 03 carries in some overseas markets: Funky Cat. But the South African market is rather conservative, so Haval Motors SA has named its all-electric hatchback 03.
There are 2 derivatives of the Ora 03: 300 and 400; the numbers represent their theoretical ranges (in km). The 300 and 400 produce the same power and torque (128 kW and 250 Nm), but the 300 Super Luxury utilises a smaller (48 kWh) battery compared with the 63 kWh battery of the 400 derivatives.
At R686 000, the Ora 03 300 Super Luxury is the most affordable electric car on sale in South Africa (November 2023) and, while its price tag doesn’t exactly scream “affordable”, our Government does impose an extra levy on the importation of electric cars – we (and many others) cannot fathom why.
The Ora 03 is cheap to run
Charging from home is cheaper than charging at public charging stations.
The upfront cost may be more expensive than the equivalent petrol-fed premium hatchback, but the running costs of an Ora 03 are impressively low. It has far fewer oily mechanical parts, so there’s less that can potentially break down and the serviceable parts are few (no oil or filter changes are required).
Then there’s the day-to-day running cost, which is considerably lower than that of an equivalent petrol car. Travelling 300 km in an Ora 03 could cost you as little as R170 at an Eskom rate of R3.50/kWh. If a petrol car consumes 10 L/100 km, it will cost you around R650 to travel 300 km and, if it’s twice as frugal (5 L/100 km), it could cost R325 to travel the same distance (based on today’s price of 95 unleaded).
Those are admittedly very simple calculations, but the running cost benefit is undeniable. Prospective buyers will have to work out whether that benefit will ever overcome the extra capital they would have to spend to buy an EV. There will be a crossover point, but it may be multiple years of EV ownership away.
What’s the Ora 03 like to drive?
The EV feels like a quality hatchback with good ride quality over all but the harshest surfaces.
We spent the day driving the Ora 03 400 GT Ultra Luxury, which is the priciest derivative in the range, but showcases everything that Ora currently offers in terms of design and tech. The 128 kW and 250 Nm facilitate just enough performance to make the Ora 03 fun to drive, without limiting its range unduly.
You can execute overtaking manoeuvres quickly thanks to the immediate access to maximum torque (all that is required is a firm prod of the accelerator) and the Ora cruises fairly easily at freeway speeds too.
However, if you do a lot of freeway driving (at about 100 kph), you will eat away at your range faster than expected. Short bursts on the freeway are fine, but the Ora works best when operating at under 100 kph and/or in built-up areas where you can effectively use regenerative braking to slow down or stop the car.
From a refinement perspective, the Ora 03 feels like a premium hatchback in the vein of a Toyota Corolla Hatch. Its general ride quality is on the firm side over bumpier/uneven roads, but for most buyers, it will feel comfortable and quiet inside. We could discern a little more wind noise than expected at above 100 kph, but that may be more because there is no ICE to drown out most of the external sources of noise.
There are 5 drive modes available, with the Eco+ mode limiting speed to 90 kph. But be mindful when engaging that mode… if you need to overtake traffic, you may run into a firm 90 kph limit and then start fumbling for the mode button, which is inconveniently located in front of your right knee next to 3 other buttons, including the one to turn off the car. Other modes include Normal Sport, Eco and Auto.
Ora 03 interior highlights
Only the GT model gets the dual-tone interior colours, the rest are plain black.
The 03 GT Ultra Luxury has a dual-tone black and red interior, which looks more black and burgundy to my eyes (all other versions have black interiors). Still, the dual-tone trim is smart and well in keeping with the whole “futuristic EV vibe” that buyers may desire. The quality of the materials is very upmarket and the dual digital display looks very crisp and premium. I think less black space around the screens may have elevated the premium feel of the cabin a bit more – borderless screens always look cleaner.
Apple Carplay is standard and Android Auto is coming soon, but the cabin does include a powerful wireless charger and 2 USB-A ports at the front (a bit strange, considering USB-C is now the norm).
Currently, only Apple Carplay is available, but Android Auto is coming soon.
The touchscreen’s menus are relatively easy to work your way through, although a few functions – such as the massage seats – proved more difficult to find than expected (they are under the aircon menu).
How big is the Ora electric car?
Occupant space in the back of the Ora 03 is pretty good – probably at the expense of load-bay capacity, which, at 228 litres, is on the small side. That said, EV buyers are unlikely to use the Ora as a weekend getaway car – it’s for commuting, so a bay that can accommodate a laptop bag or 2 will probably suffice.
Wireless charging is available as standard. The rotating dial allows you to shift into drive, park and reverse.
There are many safety systems in the Ora 03 and most of them are available right from the entry-level 300 Super Luxury derivative. For instance, adaptive cruise control is standard, as are traffic-jam assist, lane-keeping assist, front and rear collision warning, 360-degree camera and rear cross-traffic assist.
As we’ve discovered with other Chinese brands’ new models, the push to wedge all that tech into cars can feel a bit rushed. In other words, the systems need a little bit more refinement for our roads (they can be oversensitive to lane markings, resulting in a ‘bong-fest of alerts’ when all the systems are active).
I turned most of them off (or set their sensitivity to extremely low) to smooth out the driving experience. The engineers are aware of these issues, however, and are keen to improve these systems for local use.
How much does the Ora 03 cost in South Africa?
Ora 03 300 Super Luxury
R686 950
Ora 03 400 Super Luxury
R775 950
Ora 03 400 Ultra Luxury
R805 950
Ora 03 GT Ultra Luxury
R835 950
The Ora 03 has an impressive 7-year/200 000 km warranty (high-voltage parts are covered for 8 years/150 000 km), as well as a 7-year/105 000 km service plan with 7 years of roadside assistance.
Summary
The GT is quite expensive at R800k, but the entry 03 300 is where the most value for money lies.
The Ora 03 is not a cheap battery-electric vehicle, but with steep government-levied costs built into EVs’ price tags, we are unlikely to get a new all-electric model that costs between R350k and R450k anytime soon. But at R700k, the Ora 03 is the least expensive offering, and it appears to be a quality product.
The design is interesting, it’s well-appointed inside and the standard features list is long and compelling. Some of the active safety systems still need further refinement, but the ride and drive quality of the 03 is very good. The range is acceptable to most commuters and, with relatively small batteries, the Ora can be charged at home quickly, which makes it an electric car that could easily fit into modern lifestyles…
Kumbi Mtshakazi: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
Kumbi Mtshakazi is a local automotive content creator and he forms part of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards judging panel. He recently experienced the rigorous car testing procedure at Gerotek Test Facility and with the dust settled, we were keen to hear what Kumbi had to say about his experience of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards thus far. Take a look!
The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards is now in its 7th iteration and with South Africa’s most comprehensive and authoritative motoring awards programme reaching its zenith, we saw no less than 20 judges descending on the Gerotek Testing Facility in Gauteng to put all 39 finalists through their paces.
More than this, all 39 finalists also went on public display at the Mall Of Africa in Midrand this weekend to give the public the opportunity to see the cars in the metal and to engage with the judges.
Earlier this year, a pool of 65 semi-finalist vehicles in 13 categories were chosen by Cars.co.za’s respected, highly knowledgable and experienced editorial team. The team put all the semi-finalists through a rigorous scoring process based on “Filters of Eligibility” and “Pillars of Success” to arrive at 39 finalists represented in 13 categories (3 vehicles per category).
The scores from all 20 judges represent 50% of the final result while the remaining 50% is determined by the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey that includes feedback from thousands of vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles and the service they receive (less than four years old and serviced through franchised outlets).
The winners in each category as well as the coveted Brand Of The Year Award will be announced in early 2024.
Kumbi Mtshakazi: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
We asked #CarsAwards judge, Kumbi Mtshakazi, a few questions to learn more about what he thought about the testing process for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. Here’s what he had to say!
1. Introduce yourself and briefly tell us what you do for a living.
My name is Kumbi Mtshakazi, a freelance automotive content creator and writer and I contribute to quite a few publications.
2. How many #CarsAwards have you judged and what does it mean to you to be chosen as a judge?
This was the first one, and what a special one it was.
3. What #CarsAwards categories did you judge?
I evaluated the Budget Hatchback, Entry-Level Crossover as well as the Leisure Double Cab categories which are extremely important in our market as we see most of these cars all over our roads.
4. You’ve just returned from extensive testing at Gerotek, how was it? Briefly tell us about your experience!
The experience was mind-blowing and insightful. While we receive these cars on test, we rarely put them through such conditions that Gerotek provided. Things like the skidpan, dynamic handling as well as the brake tests are not things we usually do when we have the cars on test, unless you’re forced to perform an emergency braking test because a taxi driver decided to jump in front of you 🙂
5. The #CarsAwards is regarded as the most respected motoring awards programme in South Africa. In your opinion, what makes the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards unique?
The fact that the actual buyers, the consumers, get involved in the voting process makes it quite unique. It shows just how important the consumers are, since they are the reason we are in the industry.
6. What test obstacles at Gerotek did you find to be the most illuminating in terms of testing the finalists and why?
Personally, it has to be the dynamic handling track as well as the skid pan. With the recent unseasonal rains, it showed me just how some of these vehicles handle in the wet and boy did some of these vehicles shock me!
7. Out of all the cars you tested, what car stood out the most for you and why?
The Suzuki Baleno stood out for me, a true testament to what a budget car should be. It’s affordable, handles well and drives excellently and offers low fuel consumption. It shows you just how much Suzuki has grown and why they’re doing so well in our country. It’s a well-rounded product!
8. What cars do you think will win in each category (share your predictions with us) and importantly what car brand do you think will win the Brand Of The Year Award and why?
9. If you attended the Cars.co.za #CarsAwards Roadshow at Mall Of Africa, tell us what you enjoyed most about the experience!
The mall activation was exhilarating. With people seeing all the cars in the same segment, they could actually compare the various cars and that gave them a lot of insights. Being the MC and hyping the crowd on Sunday so they could come and win prizes was also interesting.
10. Give us 3 words that capture the essence of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards.
