All-new Lexus RX 500h F Sport Video Review – Don’t overlook this brilliant SUV
The brand-new 5th-gen Lexus RX 500h has touched down in SA and we put Ciro De Siena behind the wheel. Is this one of the biggest luxury SUV surprises of 2023?
With the LS400 over 30 years ago, Lexus immediately began a legacy of building exceptionally high-quality vehicles. Sure, there were some hiccups along the way but the RX, now in its 5th generation, sees Lexus do what they do best.
This all-new Leux RX is without doubt one of the best SUVs in its segment, and its a pity that South Africans often overlook it as it just doesn’t sell in big numbers at all. But of course, motorists are spoiled for choice in this segment.
In this video, Ciro De Siena makes a strong case for moving this car up your shopping list if you’re currently considering a new premium SUV.
The Kia Sportage, which now offers advanced driver-assistance systems throughout its range, also has an updated line-up of derivatives. We drove the Korean brand’s (now somewhat repositioned) family SUV in Cape Town.
What’s new on the Kia Sportage?
The updated Kia Sportage features more standard safety equipment across the range.
Instead of waiting 3 years for a facelifted version of the Sportage to arrive, Kia SA has opted to roll out updates to the model as soon as they’ve become available. The rapid pace of tech advancement means that waiting 3 years to introduce an update/facelift could leave a model technologically disadvantaged –or outmatched by newer rivals. I expect updates to be implemented continuously in most cars in future, because many vehicle upgrades comprise software installations rather than physical enhancements.
This update to the Kia Sportage sees ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) become standard throughout the range. Previously, it was only available on GT Line derivatives and above, but now LX and EX versions are equipped with lane-following assist, lane-keeping assist and forward-collision avoidance.
The Sportage diesel secret weapon
Under 6 L/100 km is easily achievable in the frugal diesel derivative.
Globally, there has been a major shift away from turbodiesel engines in passenger cars in favour of fully- or hybrid petrol-electric power units. In Europe, diesel is regarded as a “dirty fuel” for its cities and hybrid and electric cars are subsidised to the point that they are more affordable than their diesel equivalents!
In South Africa, however, there are no incentives to go electric or hybrid. Because our Government taxes imported electrified vehicles heavily, a turbodiesel car is a more affordable option than a hybrid or EV.
Consider the frugal 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel in the Kia Sportage. A fuel consumption figure of just 4.9 L/100 km (claimed) is excellent for a family car; its running costs would be lower than a turbopetrol- and probably on par with a petrol-hybrid derivative. We averaged 6.0 L/100 km on our round trip of 100 km, so the average driver should have no problem achieving figures “in the mid-5s” in the long run.
With 100 kW and 320 Nm of torque on tap, it’s not a punchy engine, but its performance is adequate. Even when a Sportage 1.6 CRDi is loaded to near its capacity, the powerplant’s decent reserve of torque will enable Kia’s family car to accelerate up to legal speeds quite easily. It’s a great drivetrain (the motor is mated with a well-calibrated and slick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission) for those looking to reduce running costs without having to give much away in driveability or performance.
That premium feel from Kia
There is no lack of premium feel in the Sportage, it’s a very upmarket product.
The Kia Sportage is a quality piece of kit; after all, it’s a finalist in the Family Car category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. The Sportage – now in its 5th generation – is the culmination of constant improvements on the part of the Korean marque; its evolution into a luxury car is particularly noticeable.
In terms of build quality and refinement, the Sportage compares favourably with any German brand’s product of the same size and application. Interior ergonomics are excellent and there are nifty touches too, such as the ability to control the audio volume and aircon system via the same knob on the fascia.
The Kia’s levels of ride quality and cabin refinement (especially noise suppression) are some of the best you’ll experience in a new car that costs less than R1 million… My only gripe with the Sportage is that its suspension setup feels a little too firm over bumpy surfaces, such as gravel- or potholed asphalt roads.
How much is a Kia Sportage?
The Sportage is a finalist in the Family Car Category of CarsAwards.
Kia has one of the best warranties in the segment (valid for 5 years, irrespective of mileage), which is complemented by a 6-year/90 000 km service plan. The Sportage range’s prices (November 2023) are:
Kia understands that Chinese brands’ models such as the Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo 7 and -8 offer incredible value for money. Kia’s response is that it sells a more premium and much more refined medium SUV and, if you drive those models and a new Sportage back to back, you do notice the difference.
In a way, Kia South Africa is targeting the luxury end of the market, such as buyers who want to replace their BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC executive SUVs – but not for the R1-million-plus prices they now demand. At R650k, you wouldn’t notice much of a downgrade in quality if you bought a new Sportage.
Juliet McGuire: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
If you’re wondering what it’s like to be a #CarsAwards judge, then our veteran judge, Juliet McGuire, is probably the best person to ask. We directed some questions at her to gain some insight into her experience as a judge but also to get her opinion on the process of car testing for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. Take a look!
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.
Juliet McGuire: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
We asked our long-time #CarsAwards judge, Juliet McGuire, a few questions to learn more about what it’s like to test cars for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. Here’s what Juliet had to say!
1. Introduce yourself and briefly tell us what you do for a living.
I am Juliet McGuire and I am a motoring journalist and award-winning automotive content creator. Some might even say “influencer” but who’s counting?
2. How many #CarsAwards have you judged and what does it mean to you to be chosen as a judge?
This is my sixth year! This is hands down my favourite event to be a part of. I think it’s such an honour because there’s nothing else like it in South Africa. I think it’s an event that many aspire to be involved in and I get to say I am one of the OG’s 😉
3. What #CarsAwards categories did you judge?
Electric Vehicle, Compact Hatchback, Compact Family Car, Family Car, Premium Crossover and Performance Car.
4. You’ve just returned from extensive testing at Gerotek, how was it? Briefly tell us about your experience!
I am shattered. But all jokes aside, it’s one of the most vigorous tests that one can do on a car. I love it and I hate it. Only because it’s seriously exhausting, but it needs to be. I love how I get to drive the cars back-to-back, in all different types of conditions and scenarios.
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?
It’s unique in just about every way. Not only does it involve some of the most experienced and highly regarded motoring journalists and content producers in the country, but it also gives customers a chance to have their say. We, as judges, can only add so much. We do not live with these cars. We do not experience them on a day-to-day basis and so the Cars.co.za Owner Satisfaction Survey just adds that extra layer of validation and accountability. The #CarsAwards is a true reflection of what is the best of the best on offer in South Africa right now.
What test obstacles at Gerotek did you find to be the most illuminating in terms of testing the finalists and why?
I always find the mountain pass (handling track) the best. It gives me a good idea of performance, acceleration, cornering, handling, dynamics and ride quality all in one place. The other obstacles are almost a warm-up to this as the grand finale. It either confirms all your thoughts and feelings or completely debunks them.
7. Out of all the cars you tested, what car stood out the most for you and why?
Probably the GWM Ora. And that is only because I hadn’t driven it yet. It’s such a funky little thing and I foresee it doing quite well in South Africa. I also love anything that will take on a Mini 😉
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!
I adored interacting with customers/fans/shoppers who came to chat to the judges. I think the whole experience was, again, so unique. It offers potential car buyers such an incredible opportunity to really get all the information they need to make the best decision. I also think it gives manufacturers the opportunity to really engage with potential customers. I hope to see more representatives from the manufacturers next year!
10. Give us 3 words that capture the essence of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards.
Toyota offers as many as 4 full-fat GR models in South Africa. So, which is the top seller, year to date? Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating sales statistics…
Toyota South Africa Motors’ line-up of full-fat GR products (so, excluding GR-Sport derivatives in the Corolla Cross, Hilux and Land Cruiser 300 ranges) includes as many as 4 models. So, which is leading the pack in local sales, year to date?
Before we dive into the figures, it’s worth keeping in mind limited numbers of each of these GR products – which, as performance derivatives, tend to be low-volume models anyway – are made available locally. So, one could argue the figures below are more representative of availability than outright popularity.
The GR86 leads the charge GR range in local sales, year to date.
Over the opening 10 months of 2023, the GR86 finds itself in pole position, with 55 units registered (exactly half of the GR total of 110 units). Priced at R755 500 in 6-speed manual guise and R794 000 when fitted with an automatic transmission with the same number of cogs, the GR86 represents the entry point to full-fat GR ownership. As a reminder, the GR86’s naturally aspirated (Subaru-sourced) 2.4-litre, flat-4 petrol mill makes 174 kW and 250 Nm.
Next comes the GR Yaris, with 28 units registered around Mzansi, year to date (despite no sales reported in October 2023). For the record, this small hot hatch generates 198 kW and 360 Nm from its turbocharged 1.6-litre, 3-cylinder petrol motor, which feeds all 4 wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox. There’s just a single derivative on offer (the base version was discontinued locally in mid-2022) in the form of the aptly named Rally, which now retails for R840 200.
Toyota SA Motors has registered 28 units of the GR Yaris in 2023 so far.
What about the GR Corolla, for which order books opened back in May 2023 before the local launch a couple of months later (with very few examples set aside for South Africa, we should add)? Well, 17 units have been registered, with the first coming in July 2023. The GR Corolla 1.6T Core is currently priced at R841 000, while the GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit comes in at R902 400.
In either case, the hot hatch employs the same turbocharged 1.6-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine as the GR Yaris, though here it’s been tuned to deliver 221 kW and 370 Nm to all 4 wheels via a 6-speed manual ‘box.
Finally, 10 units of the recently updatedGR Supra have been sold between the start of January and the end of October 2023. No registrations were reported for the past 2 months, with 6 coming in July. Now generating 285 kW and 500 Nm from its (BMW-sourced) turbocharged 3.0-litre, straight-6 petrol engine, the A90-series Supra is offered in both 6-speed manual (R1 488 400) and 8-speed automatic (R1 524 400) guise.
Flat Out in the Epic Toyota Dakar-Winning Hilux: Proudly Made in South Africa!
South Africa’s engineering is simply world-class and for decades now, the Toyota Hiluxes which have conquered the Dakar Rally multiple times have all been built in South Africa!
In the hands of Nasser Al-Attiya and local heroes Giniel De Villiers and Paul Botteril, the Dakar Hiluxes have been a formidable force in what is without a doubt the greatest rally in the world, the Dakar Rally!
In this mini-documentary, we had exclusive access as we joined the team for testing and took a tour of the workshop where the magic happens.
We hope you enjoy this and that it gives you all the proudly Mzansi feels!
Rebaneilwe Semakane – What’s It Like Being a #CarsAwards Judge?
You might have seen our social media channels awash with Cars.co.za Consumer Awards content and you might be wondering what it’s like to be a #CarsAwards judge. We interviewed #CarsAwards judge, Rebaneilwe Semakane, to gain insight into what it’s like to be judge. Take a look!
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.
Rebaneilwe Semakane: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
We asked our #CarsAwards judge, Rebaneilwe Semakane, a few questions to learn more about what it’s like to test cars for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. Here’s what Rebaneilwe had to say!
Introduce yourself and briefly tell us what you do for a living.
I am Rebaneilwe Semakane, a motoring journalist, entrepreneur, broadcaster, jack of all trades, master of none. I have been winging it for the past 4 years, and it seems to have yielded positive results.
How many #CarsAwards have you judged and what does it mean to you to be chosen as a judge?
This is my first time! I came to the testing day once back in 2019 or so – I was absolutely intrigued by how strenuous the process was and always wanted to be part of this. Being a judge means a whole lot me, to be trusted with such a huge responsibility is such an honour. It also means a lot in terms of inclusivity and visibility – especially in terms of being a woman in the industry.
What #CarsAwards categories did you judge?
I did Premium Crossover, Compact Hatchback and Compact Family Car.
You’ve just returned from extensive testing at Gerotek, how was it? Briefly tell us about your experience!
Look, I was knackered. After the first car went around the course I started to have some doubts, like “Yoh, I have to do this 8 more times?” But I had a stellar time. Some cars were completely new to me, so that was a nice treat and also, testing the cars outside of the usual highway driving we do was interesting and has allowed me to see cars a little differently now.
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 individuality of this programme is highlighted by the emphasis on including the consumer. Many awards just judge internally, and consumers are surprised to see who wins, but having a say makes all the difference. The real judges are the actual customers who buy these cars to be honest. Also, it’s Cars.co.za. Who doesn’t like Cars.co.za?
What test obstacles at Gerotek did you find to be the most illuminating in terms of testing the finalists and why?
I think the mountain pass was the best part for me – I could not stop raving about my experience on it! It is both riveting and intimidating. It tests the car holistically in my opinion. It mimics a mountain pass, all the bends, dips and curves definitely allow you to see which car is best.
Out of all the cars you tested, what car stood out the most for you and why?
The Volvo XC40 was actually the most pleasant for me. I have always attached Volvos to a very older and mature audience, but it handles like a charm and looks the part. Seems to be a perfect all-rounder in that segment. I really think we should be seeing this car as often as we see say, a Suzuki Swift.
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?
Entry-Level Hatchback – Suzuki Swift Budget Hatchback – Toyota Starlet Compact Hatchback – Volkswagen Polo Entry-Level Crossover – Haval Jolion Compact Family Car – Haval Jolion S Family Car – Kia Sportage Premium Crossover – BMW X1 Executive SUV – BMW X3 Premium SUV – Land Rover Defender Adventure SUV – Ford Everest Leisure Double Cab Bakkie – Volkswagen Amarok Aventura Performance Car – Toyota GR Yaris Electric Vehicle – Volvo XC40 Brand of the Year – Suzuki
If you attended the Cars.co.za #CarsAwards Roadshow at Mall Of Africa, tell us what you enjoyed most about the experience!
The Roadshow was a stunning way to get customers involved and to meet the fans of the brand and the judges. It was family-friendly, super fun and interactive, adding to the uniqueness of this awards programme.
Give us 3 words that capture the essence of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards.
Cars.co.za Consumer Awards — Tough Testing, The Consumer Wins!
Having been rigorously tested at Gerotek, all 39 #CarsAwards finalist vehicles starred in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards Roadshow at the Mall of Africa where, for the first time, the public had the opportunity to experience the cars – and judges – in the flesh.
You’d think that for the 6th year of evaluating the finalist vehicles of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards at Gerotek (the programme is now in its 7th iteration), co-ordinating two days of back-to-back testing would pose little challenge for SA’s leading motoring website… and the 20-strong panel of car judges.
The #CarsAwards finalists and judges took over the Mall of Africa earlier this month.
Before the fun part could happen, however, the test programme had to be completed!
Cars.co.za utilises the vast Gerotek Testing Facility in Gauteng for judges to thoroughly test and compare the contenders (in each of the categories they’ve been assigned) in a safe and controlled environment.
#CarsAwards adopts a rigorous test regimen
All 39 finalists are subjected to a rigorous testing regimen.
Each finalist is subjected to a comprehensive set of obstacles that are designed to test various facets of the vehicle’s performance ability. Finalists in any given category are driven back-to-back in the same conditions, affording the judges a unique opportunity to evaluate and pass judgment based on how the cars perform.
Passenger cars, for example, must complete a course that incorporates a skid pan gymkhana, emergency brake test, slalom test, a suspension track (consisting of various road surfaces to evaluate suspension performance), handling track (wet and dry) and an extensive mountain track to test the vehicle’s ride quality, braking and cornering ability. Moreover, the test routine also includes acceleration tests, emergency lane changes and incline starts.
But that’s only the start…
Judges also have the opportunity to evaluate interior build quality and features, occupant comfort and overall practicality. To add authenticity to the luggage-capacity test, judges are provided with boxy containers, prams and cut-outs of surfboards to load into the vehicles.
And those judges who are assigned to evaluate the double-cab bakkies and off-road-oriented Adventure SUVs really have to roll up their sleeves!
They must pilot the contenders, all of which have 4-wheel-drive capability and low-range transfer cases, through a deep trough of sand, a technical off-road course, as well as an incline ascent (of 25 degrees) and descent (31 degrees), the latter of which provides an appropriate test of their hill-descent control systems.
To top it off, the off-roaders are subjected to a trailer tow test around Gerotek’s “mountain” course. The trailers carry the maximum unbraked load motorists can legally tow (750 kg).
As you might have gathered, the test procedure and judging process is intensive; the judges (including members of the Cars.co.za editorial team and guests from various backgrounds and fields of expertise) jot down their scores in individualised scoring books that list only the categories to which they’ve been assigned and, as soon as they have finished testing, say, a trio of budget hatchbacks, they could next sample an entirely new class of vehicle, such as premium SUVs – it requires the utmost of concentration.
The finalist vehicles are lined up and ready for testing at Gerotek.
All the finalist vehicles are filmed and photographed throughout the complex while the judges are also interviewed about their experiences of #CarsAwards testing and what they have learned about the vehicles by driving them back-to-back on the same day and course.
#CarsAwards Takes Over Mall of Africa
There was little time for rest after the test programme concluded on Friday 3 November… The 39 finalist vehicles left Gerotek that evening and were relocated to the Mall of Africa, which was decked out in Cars.co.za’s distinctive red liveries for the Roadshow, which would take place on the weekend.
Consumers had the chance to interact with the cars and the judges.
In a first for the #CarsAwards programme, the Roadshow was an activation event designed to allow all visitors of the Mall of Africa on the weekend of November 4 and 5 to experience a part of the #CarsAwards for themselves, as opposed to exclusively online or on social media.
All 39 of the finalist vehicles were displayed in four areas of the Mall of Africa complex. The prominently branded exhibits featured red carpets (of course), multimedia displays and selfie ring lights; motoring enthusiasts and prospective car buyers alike were encouraged to get up close to their favourite finalist vehicles, as well as engage with the judges and ask questions.
Lots of prizes were up for grabs!
Buyers who were interested in purchasing any of the finalists (or any car for that matter) were swiftly directed to the Cars.co.za App and the Cars.co.za website where you can easily book a test drive and connect with relevant dealers.
There were spot-prize giveaways and a competition to win a weekend getaway worth R20 000 and #CarsAwards judges Jacob Moshokoa, Juliet McGuire, Kumbi Mtshakazi, Muzi Sambo, Mpho Mahlangu, MrHowMuch, Brendon Staniforth and Cars.co.za’s Ciro De Siena, Ashley Oldfield, David Taylor and Gero Lilleike were on hand to engage with mallgoers, many of whom may never have seen electric vehicles, such as the BMW iX and GWM Ora 300, in the metal before.
SA’s best cars all in one place!
Cars.co.za added the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards Roadshow component to the 2023/24 #CarsAwards to increase consumer awareness of the 7-year-old programme, which is critical to its success, as well as provide prospective car buyers with exposure to the top vehicles that they should consider purchasing in 13 of the most important categories of the new-vehicle market.
In future, the #CarsAwards may host such activations in other malls across the country. In the immediate future, the winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards (including the recipient of the coveted Brand of the Year title) will be announced in late February 2024.
Juliet McGuire and Jacob Moshokoa were at the Mall of Africa to entertain mallgoers.
Remember, the judging panel only has half of the say in what vehicles will win their categories. The judges’ inputs are weighted (based on category) – that makes up 50% of the finalist vehicles’ scores; the other 50% takes into account customer data from the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey, conducted by Lightstone Consumer.
That data is based on feedback from thousands of South African motorists who own vehicles that are less than 4 years old and serviced through franchised dealers’ service departments.
The Kia Sportage range has been adjusted after its first year of retail operations, with the lineup being rejigged based on customer demand. Here’s pricing and specifications.
The 5th-generation Kia Sportage has been quite the success story, both internationally and locally. With numerous accolades under its belt (including a finalist spot in its category in the coveted #CarsAwards), the Sportage has a lot going for it.
The current-shape Sportage arrived in South Africa back in September 2022 and as we approach the end of 2023, Kia South Africa has tweaked the lineup based on customer demand.
As a reminder, there are two engine options for the Kia Sportage which should cover all the bases. Kicking off the range is a 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder with 100 kW and 320 Nm. This offers fair acceleration (11.4 seconds to 100 kph), but its real strength is economy, with Kia claiming 4.9 L/100 km.
Petrol fans have the option of a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol 4-cylinder with 132 kW and 265 Nm. It’s the more spirited of the two powertrains, capable of hitting 100 kph in a claimed 8.8 seconds while consuming 6.5 L/100 km. All Sportage derivatives are front-wheel driven and feature automatic gearboxes.
The range adjustment sees the diesel engines offered exclusively to the entry-level LX and EX models, while the GT-Line models are all petrol-powered. The adjustment also means that every Sportage now features the comprehensive safety tech that was previously reserved to the top-spec models.
The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology includes Lane Follow Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA). This is on top of the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA). There are six airbags fitted.
How much does the Kia Sportage range cost in South Africa?
The revised Kia Sportage range has been on sale since early November 2023 and as a reminder, the vehicle is sold with an unlimited mileage / 5-year warranty, 6-year/90 000 km service plan and 5 years of roadside assistance.
As part of its centenary celebrations, Ford has announced a host of new products that will be arriving in the Blue Oval’s South African showrooms in 2024.
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has been criticised for seeming to focus purely on its bakkie and bakkie-based SUV products and, with the demise of the Figo, Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, EcoSport and Kuga, consumers could be forgiven for thinking that the brand’s passenger cars were all dying out.
However, rumours of Ford’s passenger car offerings being killed off are greatly exaggerated as the Blue Oval brand this week confirmed a jam-packed 2024, in which several Ford new products will be launched in the local market. We’ve already seen the first units of the Ford Puma reach showrooms over the past two months and initial sales have been positive, with almost 100 finding homes in October 2023.
In the next couple of years, FMCSA will bring in an array of new cars, including a medium SUV, a battery-electric vehicle and the 7th-gen Mustang sportscar, as well as more Ranger bakkie derivatives and a pair of commercial offerings. We list the new arrivals below and share some details plus our initial thoughts.
One of the most anticipated new Ford products for 2024 is the Territory, which will make a belated return to local showrooms in the 2nd quarter. It’s an automatic 5-seater medium SUV/family car that’s powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 140 kW and 320 Nm of torque. Inside, it features a panoramic display that features a 12.3-inch digital dashboard and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Our thoughts: Ford hasn’t had a road-focused family SUV since the Kuga departed (which lives on in other markets). This Territory is assembled in China and is also known as the Ford Equator. If pricing is around the R700k mark, it should make a dent in VW Tiguan, Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 sales.
Ford Mustang Mach-E (2025)
The all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E will be launched in South Africa in 2025. Purists may laugh at the notion of a Mach-E, because it’s everything that a muscle car isn’t: an all-electric 4-door SUV, but you cannot deny that a (claimed) 0-100 kph time of just 3.7 seconds is eye-wateringly fast.
The final specification is yet to be confirmed, but overseas markets get a variety of trim and performance levels. The flagship GT features a dual-motor, all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes.
Our thoughts:Pricing will be critical. As things stand, the South African Government still levies a high rate of tax on the importation of battery-electric cars, so the Mach-E could turn out to be just a toy for wealthy enthusiasts. The car was also revealed back in 2021, so it could be due for an update by 2025.
Ford Mustang (2024)
The 7th-gen Ford Mustang is another model in Ford’s new product line-up for SA. When it arrives in early 2024, the ‘Stang will offer more performance, radical styling and a fighter jet-inspired cockpit. With 362 kW and 567 Nm on tap, the new Mustang is likely to be a sure-fire petrolhead’s happy place.
Following on from the Mustang’s launch will be the arrival of the Mustang Dark Horse in the second quarter of 2024. It has a more aggressive bodykit and power has been cranked up to 372 kW! Ford says the Dark Horse will be the most track-focused Mustang yet.
Our thoughts:There would be a national day of mourning if FMCSA decided to discontinue its iconic muscle car and we’re delighted that the new model’s coming. We hope the newcomer will continue to offer sportscar performance at a reasonable price, but the Dark Horse sounds very special. Bring it on!
Ford Ranger Tremor (2024)
The Tremor was one of two Ranger derivatives announced by Ford. Locally built, the Tremor is a pocket-friendly off-road-focused Ranger that is based on the XLT derivative. It features an upgraded chassis, unique Bilstein suspension and trick off-road tyres.
Our thoughts: We’d all love a Wildtrak or Raptor, but the reality is they’re not affordable vehicles. With the Tremor, Ford could carve out a niche for itself with a capable and rugged double-cab bakkie priced under the Wildtrak’s R829 800.
Ford Ranger Platinum (2024)
On the other side of the coin is the Ford Ranger Platinum, which is claimed to be the most luxurious and comfortable Ranger sold in South Africa. There are matrix LED headlights, soft-close tailgate and larger wheels, while the cabin gets some plush quilted leather seats with heating and cooling functionality. There’s the 184 kW 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine on duty.
Our thoughts: Ford’s made a clever play here and is attempting to cover every angle with its Ranger. If you want ultimate luxury in a double-cab bakkie and think the Raptor is too thirsty and childish, then the Platinum will tick the box. We reckon this will be SA’s most expensive Ranger.
Ford Tourneo Custom and Ford Transit Custom (2024)
On the commercial side of things, Ford’s new product line-up will include the Tourneo and Transit vans. The Tourneo will be arriving in the first quarter of 2024 in Trend guise, with more trim levels arriving by the middle of the year. The vehicle is aimed at both personal and business customers and, um, focused on practicality and space. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre single turbodiesel engine with 131 kW.
The Ford Transit has a stellar history and was Europe’s most popular van and the 2nd best-selling vehicle in the UK in 2022. The base model will arrive in the first quarter, with higher grades touching down by the middle of the year. Ford says the new Transit Custom was inspired by customer feedback and features some smart and practical touches, such as the tilting steering wheel, which doubles as a work surface.
VW Golf 8’s best month of 2023 so far: how many were sold in SA
October 2023 was the best sales month of the year so far for the Volkswagen Golf 8 range, which comprises the GTI and R hot hatches. Here’s how many were registered…
The local Volkswagen Golf 8 range – these days comprising only the GTI and R hot hatches – enjoyed its strongest month of the year so far in October 2023, with 149 units registered around South Africa. That takes the year-to-date total to 746 units.
While this number isn’t nearly as lofty as the nameplate’s efforts in years gone by (almost 15 000 examples of the Golf 7 GTI were registered in Mzansi, after all), October’s result was easily the highest tally of the year so far. The next best was July (125 units), followed by June (116 units), with the nameplate having to settle for double figures in all other months. The lowest point came in March, when just 16 units were registered.
Out of the Golf 8’s October 2023 total, 116 units were sold through the dealer channel, with government purchasing 30 examples and the remaining 3 listed as “single” sales (defined as vehicles registered by manufacturers for their own use). Naamsa doesn’t list a breakdown by variant, so the sales split between the GTI and R is not clear.
Of course, there was another reason for the Golf 8’s relatively slow start in South Africa. Thanks to the semi-conductor shortage, production of MQB-based models stuttered even as factories came back online during the global pandemic, meaning VW Group SA struggled to secure stock of the Golf 8 GTI and effectively had to push back its launch.
As a reminder, the local Golf 8 line-up comprises both the 180 kW front-wheel-drive Golf GTI (which is currently priced from R765 100 in Jacara Edition form and R781 800 in “standard” guise) and the 235 kW all-paw Golf R (listed from R931 100). Each employs a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard.
A facelifted version of the Golf 8 GTI is expected to be revealed early in 2024, with the hot hatch’s mid-cycle update set to take the form of a “major overhaul” comprising extra power, an upgraded chassis and a revised cabin, according to the latest reports out of Europe.
