These are the 1 147 vehicles government bought in Nov 2024
Which vehicles were most popular with SA’s government in November 2024? Let’s take a look at the passenger vehicles, bakkies, vans and trucks the state bought last month…
In November 2024, approximately 2.4% of the 48 585 new vehicles registered in South Africa were purchased by the government, according to Naamsa. So, which vehicles were most popular with the state last month?
Well, we’ve sorted through the local sales figures and identified the passenger vehicles, bakkies, vans and trucks bought by government in November. Note, of course, that the likes of the BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz don’t report detailed sales statistics, so these brands unfortunately can’t be included in this exercise.
Government purchased 143 units of the Hilux from Toyota SA Motors in November.
In total, 1 147 new vehicles were purchased by SA’s government last month, says Naamsa. Interestingly, 3 of the top 4 vehicles most popular with government buyers in November were bakkies. Yes, the state procured as many as 352 units of the Struandale-built Isuzu D-Max, along with 143 units of the Prospecton-produced Toyota Hilux and 100 units of the Silverton-made Ford Ranger.
The Indian-sourced Toyota Starlet (188 units), though, was the 2nd most popular model with government last month, while the Toyota Corolla Quest – which, like the Hilux, is manufactured at the Japanese firm’s KwaZulu-Natal plant – completed the top 5 with 43 sales.
Toyota’s Indian-made Starlet was the 2nd most popular model with government buyers last month.
The only other models to reach double figures in terms of sales to the state in November were the Nissan Navara (23 units), Volkswagen Polo Sedan (22 units), Isuzu F-Series (21 units), Ford Transit (20 units) and Hino 300 (18 units).
Government bought 23 examples of the Rosslyn-made Nissan Navara last month.
Next came the Volkswagen Amarok (8 units) and Volkswagen Polo hatch (6 units), followed by the Audi Q5 (5 units), Hino 500 (4 units), Toyota Quantum Bus (4 units), Suzuki Ertiga (3 units), Toyota Corolla Cross (3 units), Toyota Quantum Panel Van (3 units), Toyota Urban Cruiser (3 units), Audi Q5 Sportback (2 units), Ford Everest (2 units), Haval Jolion (2 units), Nissan Magnite (2 units) and Toyota Rumion (2 units).
Finally, 1 example of each of the following nameplates was sold to government last month: Audi A3 Sedan, Audi Q3, GWM P-Series, Hino 700, Mahindra Pik Up, Toyota Corolla Sedan, Toyota Land Cruiser 300, Volkswagen Golf 8, Volkswagen Kombi, Volkswagen Taigo, Volkswagen T-Cross and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The state purchased a single example of the Volkswagen Tiguan in November.
Out of the 1 147 sales to government in November 2024, Toyota (including Hino) was the dominant brand with 463 units, though Isuzu (397 units) wasn’t far behind. Then came the Volkswagen Group (133 units, including Audi), Ford (122 units), Nissan (25 units), GWM (3 units), Suzuki (3 units) and Mahindra (1 unit).
#CarsAwards: Kia Seltos vs VW T-Cross vs Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Compact Family category is hotly contested in the 2025 #CarsAwards with the Kia Seltos, Volkswagen T-Cross and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid vying for the category win. In this video, judge Juliet McGuire drives all three finalists back-to-back to find out which car she thinks is a winner! Watch the video!
The 2025 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa, is in full swing! 39 finalists have been selected and thoroughly tested by our 20 judges. Represented in 13 categories across a wide spectrum of pricing and segments, the Cars.co.za Awards are by far the most comprehensive car awards in South Africa.
In this video, legendary motoring journalist Juliet McGuire, one of our judges, takes on the Compact Family Category to decide her winner, ahead of the official announcement in February 2025.
Here we have three very popular crossovers, the Volkswagen T-Cross, the Kia Seltos and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Jules takes us on an in-depth tour of each car before deciding her winner.
Are you looking for the most affordable automatic double-cab bakkies available in South Africa? Take a look at this list…
The automatic trend is easily understood when you consider that many double-cab bakkies are used for leisure purposes and are often put to use in built-up urban areas where automatic transmissions make driving easier and less stressful.
More than this, towing and venturing into the wild with an automatic transmission is so much easier too, making it a sensible purchase for those with active lifestyles.
Considering the popularity of automatic double-cab bakkies, we have compiled a list of the 5 cheapest automatic double-cab bakkies currently on sale in South Africa.
Prices are accurate as of December 2024.
Here they are…
Cheapest Automatic Double-Cab Bakkies in South Africa
1. Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 CRDe S6 Automatic– From R434 999
In 2021, Mahindra added automatic derivatives to its Pik Up range and the Pik Up S6 4×2 6-speed automatic is the cheapest automatic double-cab bakkie in South Africa. More so, the Pik Up S6 Karoo derivative is priced from R460 999 while the Pik Up S6 4×4 automatic is priced from R469 999.
For those looking for higher feature specifications, Mahindra also offers a range of uniquely equipped special edition Pik Up’s such as the Pik Up Karoo Dusk, Karoo Dew, Karoo Dawn and Karoo Storm, all powered by Mahindra’s tried and tested 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 103 kW and 320 Nm of torque.
With 5 double-cab derivatives to choose from, the Tunland G7 2.0 TL is the cheapest automatic double-cab bakkie in the range with a starting price of R469 900. Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 120 kW and 390 Nm and paired with a 8-speed automatic transmission.
The GWM P Series has proven to be quite popular in South Africa with both single- and double-cab body shapes on offer. The cheapest automatic double cab P Series is listed at R487 550. The P Series range is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that offers 120 kW and 400 Nm and is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
If you are looking for 4×4 traction, you will have to opt for the P Series SX 4×4 automatic priced from R535 450.
The LDV T60 range of double-cab bakkies officially arrived in South Africa in May 2024 with the local line-up comprising 10 derivatives at launch.
The T60 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine generating 120 kW and 375 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. If you want 4×4 capability, the LDV T60 2.0TD 4×4 Elite automatic is priced from R560 000.
The T9 is powered by JAC’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces peak outputs of 125 kW and 410 Nm and is paired with a shift-by-wire 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The four-wheel-drive T9 is priced from R609 900.
Our contributor recently returned from a trip to China with MG, which will return to South Africa next year, where he found the writing very much on the wall – a red wall.
Wait no, not a wall – a wave, a huge crushing red tide full of container ships containing an unrelenting, unapologetic stream of automobiles, each one an attractive improvement on the one that precedes it.
A “ro-ro” (roll-on/roll-off) ship named SAIC Anji Phoenix made its maiden voyage in 2023.
We were recently invited to Zhengzhou, China to look under the bonnet of SAIC Motor’s MG factory. Yes, THAT British brand has made the move from Mr Morris’ Garage to the Chinese mainland and is now receiving its latest lease on life thanks in part to the Chinese government.
You see, SAIC (formerly known as Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), is state-owned. In fact, it’s the largest of 4 state-owned vehicle manufacturers in China and enjoys 2 prolific joint ventures with Volkswagen and General Motors respectively. As a result, the scale at which it operates is mega.
On that note, the MG products (still to be disclosed, but sourced from China) we got to sample during the trip, were unveiled to us at a SAIC VW proving ground. Think world-class, high-end test facility – the sort of place where if you had a garden chair and a zoom lens you could feed the entire auto world’s desire for spy shots for the next year or so and make a decent living off your snaps.
Except, this was a highly secure venue and all our photographic equipment including our smartphones) was commandeered for the afternoon. Sorry, dear scrollers, you’ll have to read my description carefully.
This “officious confiscation” wasn’t an unusual experience, especially in the East… many a trip to Japan and South Korea has gone this exact way. If anything, the proving ground was actually quite a liberating venue; it allowed us to legally venture north of South Africa’s highway speeds, before scything through a long left-hander, and ultimately descending into a festival of chicanes and articulating surfaces.
This was a huge improvement over some “test tracks” I’ve experienced in the past, which were little more than bollard-strewn parking lots. Add to that the high-end, robotised manufacturing plant churning out thousands of MGs – each hybridised, electrified or fossil-powered (pick your poison) and you get a clearer understanding of the fierce intent Chinese manufacturers have. Not to mention the sheer scale.
MG recently launched its new HS medium SUV in the Australian market.
We’re living in an era of the relatively short lifespan of the four-wheeled vehicle where, simultaneously, the Chinese government has invested in (and incentivised) its automotive manufacturers to build safe, contemporary vehicles that can proliferate into the world market, and European governments are penalising their very own manufacturers for not being sufficiently environmentally responsible.
The law of averages in China’s favour
Underpinning this is the realisation that there are more collaborative ventures between China and the Western marques than ever before, each one bringing China closer and closer to dominance. What you’re seeing here is the law of averages working considerable favour to China.
The outgoing MG ZS compact family car is offered in ICE and EV guises Down Under...
At some point during the melee that is a typical trip to Shanghai, I had time by myself to sit still and look around. Sipping my coconut milk iced latte (a staple amongst the locals), I was able to survey all 6 lanes of a nearby highway. It was teeming with traffic foreign to my eye.
As a keen car enthusiast, it pains me to admit that out of every 10 cars, I recognised perhaps 2 or 3 models and, even then, it was usually one of Elon Musk’s cars (a Tesla, just in case you possibly didn’t know). The Chinese have truly embraced electrification as a source of mobility. And not just in Shanghai but also in Zhengzhou, which perhaps not too coincidentally, is also home to the iPhone factory.
The new-gen MG ZS is slightly bigger than its predecessor and was launched in hybrid guise in Australia.
But for the most part, the cars occupying all those lanes were locally built. So, sure: Havals and Cherys, Omodas and GWMs, but also an array of badges you wouldn’t recognise. Even familiar Western badges such as Chevy and Buick are the products of joint ventures, but ultimately Chinese in ways that matter.
The Chinese nation is fiercely patriotic when it comes to their whips, and why not? The cars are generally good, and can now challenge the same European and American cars that would at one point have been on a mood board somewhere in the rapidly growing Chinese brands’ respective styling departments.
This is the interior of the new-gen MG3, the Chinese brand’s light hatchback.
And yet, once again, it’s the sheer scale of things that bend your mind here. In a city where the skyscrapers reach for the stratosphere, so does the ambition on display. It’s the numbers that ultimately got me. Millions of cars – in the factories and on the road – destination: everywhere.
As a motoring journalist, my ability to craft an opinion on why you should or shouldn’t buy a Chinese car pales in comparison to what feels like a burst river bank, a deluge of metal that will make its way to showrooms in Mzansi, no matter what. It doesn’t matter what I write.
Will the new Cyberster come to South Africa? It’s certainly a halo model for MG.
But, there’s some good news. I’ve littered this column with it, but let me reiterate: Chinese cars are now, for the most part, good. Some are really good and a few are great. With MG, which will return to South Africa with a clutch of models in 2025, I’m pleased to report it’s shaping up to be more of the latter.
After the new Honda Amaze’s official reveal in India, the Japanese firm’s local division has confirmed the small sedan is “under consideration” for South Africa…
The new Honda Amaze is under consideration for South Africa, according to the Japanese firm’s local division, with the freshly revealed 3rd generation of the diminutive sedan looking likely to touch down at some point next year.
Yes, Honda Motor Southern Africa confirmed to Cars.co.za that the new Amaze is “under consideration” for a local introduction, adding that it would “advise early 2025 on launch timing”. We’re confident this new model will launch locally considering that the outgoing version is the brand’s top seller, year to date.
Officially unwrapped in India, the new Amaze features front-end styling that brings it neatly in line with models such as the likewise Indian-built Elevate. Though it’s billed as an all-new model, plenty seems to carry over from the outgoing version.
For instance, the small sedan again measures 3 995 mm long, while its wheelbase is unchanged at 2 470 mm (though the little saloon is slightly wider and taller than before). Interestingly, however, Honda’s Indian division lists a luggage capacity of 416 litres, which is slightly down on the 420-litre claim for the outgoing model.
In addition, the newcomer appears to employ exactly the same powertrain as before, with the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine again sending 66 kW and 110 Nm to the front wheels via either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Set to again compete with the Suzuki Dzire (which itself recently entered a new generation) and the Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan (which wears the “Aura” badge in India), the new Amaze borrows elements of its interior from the aforementioned Elevate. Indeed, the multifunctional steering wheel, instrument cluster, air-conditioning controls and centre console are all familiar from the crossover.
The Indian-spec Amaze features a dual-tone colour scheme inside, combining beige and black trim. Items such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, 6 airbags and electronic stability control are standard across the range in India. High-spec derivatives furthermore gain various driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and collision mitigation braking.
As a reminder, the outgoing Amaze portfolio in South Africa comprises a trio of derivatives (Trend 5MT, Comfort 5MT and Comfort CVT), with pricing running from R253 600 to R292 400. Year to date at the end of November 2024, the Amaze is Honda Motor SA’s best-selling product, with 873 units registered. That puts it well ahead of the Elevate (474 units), Fit (403 units) and BR-V (382 units).
The 1.8T Titanium is the flagship variant of the Ford Territory – the Blue Oval’s latest rival to models such as the VW Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4 and Haval H6. Does the Ford-JMC collaboration hit the mark? We took it on a road trip to find out.
We like: Refinement, spaciousness, comprehensive list of standard equipment and safety features.
We don’t like: A little on the thirsty side, some minor ergonomic issues, no SYNC4 infotainment system
The Territory nameplate has some history in SA. Can this new one continue the legacy?
The Territory has an interesting history in South Africa. When it made its local arrival in 2005, the (then Australian-made) SUV featured a 4.0-litre inline-6 petrol engine, but it was only on our market for a few years. Its belated successor is a product of a collaboration between Jiangling Motors Corporation Ltd and Ford, which signed a joint venture in 2018. This 2nd-gen Territory was launched in 2022 and South Africa was the first right-hand drive market to receive the Chinese-built medium SUV (in mid-2024).
Our week-long review of the Territory culminated in a quick weekend away up the West Coast to the adorable seaside village of Paternoster, where the author took these photos.
How the Ford Territory fares in terms of…
Performance and Efficiency
The rear styling is sharp and modern, and this blue paint finish is striking.
The 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol produces 138 kW/318 Nm and drives the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. With our test equipment plugged in, the Territory posted an 8.45-sec 0–100 kph time (about par for the segment). That said, acceleration runs at full throttle are not what this car was made for – the strained engine note lets you know it’s better suited for cruising comfortably.
To reiterate, the Territory is produced in China and we’ve found that several crossover models that are imported from that market have irregular throttle mapping (it manifests in somewhat jerky responses to accelerator pedal inputs, for example), as well as heavier-than-expected fuel consumption (higher than manufacturers’ claimed figures); in those regards, the Territory performed better than we expected.
Expect an average fuel consumption figure of around 8.5 L/100 km if you drive in congested traffic.
The test unit indicated an average fuel economy figure of 8.7 L/100 km, which was notably higher than Ford’s claimed figure for this model (7 L/100 km), but not a dismal return. When we utilised the Eco drive mode (while driving on the open road for an extended stint), however, the indicated consumption went down to 7.9 L/100 km. With the 60-litre fuel tank, you should achieve about 800 km between fill-ups.
The circular transmission selector is neat (not unlike those on JLR models) and we appreciate that it takes up little space on the centre console. Simply switch on the car, rotate the dial to D, and off you go.
The circular transmission selector frees up so much space on the centre console. Why can’t all cars have this?
There’s no manual override mode or gearshift paddles, but that’s okay as the drivetrain calibration is good – you experience fewer sudden lurches from pull-aways as you do in other Chinese-made models.
The chief benefit of this powertrain configuration – a turbocharged powerplant with a quick-shifting dual-clutch ‘box – is excellent responsiveness. Irrespective of which drive mode you’ve engaged, the 1.8 Titanium will respond to accelerator inputs almost instantaneously, surge forward positively and, with plenty of torque available from low revs (the peak from 1 750-3 000 rpm) in-gear acceleration is eager.
What’s a Ford without blue stitching on the steering wheel?
Features and Practicality
Ford has kept the 2nd-gen Territory line-up simple: 3 derivatives that use the same powertrain, with the key differences being the level of standard equipment offered. The 1.8 Titanium is the flagship, and in terms of features, it’s easier to list what’s not fitted and that’s heated seats plus satellite navigation.
Titanium trim adds a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (lesser derivatives have analogue dials), leather trim and an 8-speaker audio system (other Territory variants have 6 speakers).
Pity the drive modes are hidden within a menu. Why no shortcut button for instant access?
On the tech front, the car has a wireless charging pad and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (so the absence of satnav is no big loss – there are apps for that – unless you’re in a remote area).
The biggest enhancement that distinguishes the 1.8 Titanium from its lesser siblings (in our book, anyway) is the provision of semi-autonomous (advanced driver-assistance system) safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning (with pedestrian detection) – they’re big pluses.
The infotainment system’s menu is basic and functional, but not as slick as Ford’s SYNC setup.
There aren’t major criticisms. Because we evaluate and assess almost every passenger vehicle on the market, we have plenty of experience with Ford’s SYNC system, particularly the SYNC3 of the Puma and SYNC4 of the Ranger. It’s excellent, but sadly, the Territory relies on JMC’s infotainment system instead.
Yes, it functions well enough and yes, the 12.3-inch screen’s display quality is great, but it cannot match Ford’s proprietary SYNC platform for sheer user-friendliness and intuitive, fuss-free user experience.
A clean and ergonomically sound cabin layout. Good job!
The cabin layout is ergonomically sound, build quality is appropriate for this price point and there’s a good blend of hard and soft-touch plastics. Plus, importantly, the test unit emitted virtually no rattles or squeaks during its tenure in our test fleet, during which time it clocked up quite a few kilometres.
In terms of spaciousness and practicality, the Territory’s cabin is very comfortable, with ample legroom for rear occupants, but that comes at the expense of luggage capacity. The load bay looks sufficiently sized to haul a family’s baggage for a weekend getaway trip, but the numbers tell a different story…
Plenty of space and rear ventilation outlets, but just a single USB-A charging point. Cue the sibling showdowns!
The keyword for passenger space is “wheelbase” – the length between the vehicle’s axles. As a general rule (for 4- or 5-door cars), “the longer the wheelbase, the larger the passenger area”, usually to the benefit of rear occupant space. The Territory trumps its rivals with a 2 726-mm wheelbase, compared with the (Euro-spec, for our market) Kia Sportage (2 680 mm) and the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro (2 670 mm).
It may not sound like much of a difference, but when your knees are pressed against the seat in front of you, every cm counts. No such problem in the Ford; it should be well-suited for ferrying growing teens.
Load-bay capacity is not as generous as in other medium SUVs.
However, that generous aft legroom must have a trade-off and that’s a short load bay. Ford claims a luggage capacity of 448 litres, which grows to 1 422 litres if you fold the 60/40-split 2nd row down.
By comparison, the Kia offers 591 to 1 780 litres, while the Chery brings a sizeable 626 to 1 672 litres to the party. Still, the Ford’s electrically powered tailgate is a boon and can be operated via the key fob.
When you’re shopping for a family car, on-road refinement and ride comfort are the key characteristics to look for and the Territory delivers on both counts. The cabin is particularly well insulated from road noise – unless you’re travelling on the roughest tar (we’re looking at you, R27 to Velddrif). Wind- and engine noise are sufficiently suppressed too, unless you’re accelerating briskly beyond 4 000 rpm.
Manufacturers of medium SUVs (most of them) seem convinced family-car models should have some dynamic handling ability; the Territory, which also has a firm(ish) suspension setup, is no exception, but at no point does its ride quality become jarring, thanks to the damping that soaks up most bumps.
The brakes are sharp – initial pedal depression results in grabbing – but you get used to it pretty quickly.
This tyre/wheel combination looks the part!
The top-of-the-range Territory 1.8T Titanium rides on larger (19-inch) wheels than its siblings (which have 18-inch rims) and they’re wrapped in 235/50 tyres. As for open-road cruising, the Territory will get the job done in a comfortable fashion, which is exactly what a vehicle like this is supposed to do.
The steering is tuned for ease of use/comfort, which is to say it doesn’t have the most direct setup, but that’s okay – it adds to the overall (relaxed) driving experience. Also, the body roll control is sound.
While the Ford is not purported to have any off-road ability, the 190 mm of ground clearance is helpful when traversing gravel roads, or in our case, navigating the beach parking lot to take these photos.
Ford has needed a player in the family SUV space and the Ford Territory Titanium ticks most boxes.
Price and After-sales support
The Ford Territory 1.8T Titanium retails for R721 000 (December 2024). The price includes a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, a 4-year unlimited km roadside assistance plan, a 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty, and a 6-year/90 000 km service plan.
At this price point and with lofty levels of standard equipment and passenger space, the Ford Territory Titanium looks like quite a bargain – when you compare it with its aforementioned legacy-brand rivals.
However, like other market mainstays, Ford is also being undercut by fledgling Chinese brands, which have similar offerings to the Territory, but at prices that are almost too good to be true. That being said, some of those brands are still establishing themselves and don’t have notable dealership footprints (yet).
So, should you buy a Ford Territory? If you’re looking for a refined, comfortable and resolved family car with far more positives than negatives, then there is much merit in taking a closer look at the newcomer.
Watch Francisco Nwamba and Jacob Moshokoa compare the Ford Territory and Jaecoo J7:
How well did the new Chery Tiggo Cross sell in its 1st month?
The new Chery Tiggo Cross has just completed its first month on the market in South Africa. Here’s a look at this fresh-faced Chinese crossover’s early sales figures…
The new Chery Tiggo Cross officially launched in South Africa on 1 November 2024. So, how did this fresh-faced Chinese crossover fare in its first month on sale in Mzansi? Let’s take a closer look at the numbers.
According to figures reported to industry representative body Naamsa, Chery sold 205 units of the Tiggo Cross in November 2024, representing 10.2% of the Chinese firm’s total (excluding other Chery Group brands like Jaecoo, Omoda and Jetour) for the month. Interestingly, an additional 77 units were registered in October, ahead of the nameplate’s official market launch, taking its tally to 282 units.
So, in November 2024, the Tiggo Cross placed behind the Tiggo 4 Pro – which recorded a 2024 best of 1 191 units – as well as the Tiggo 7 Pro (468 units, including 50 sales to the rental industry) but ahead of the flagship Tiggo 8 Pro (142 units).
As a reminder, the Tiggo Cross portfolio currently comprises just a pair of derivatives, priced at R399 900 in the case of the Comfort grade and R449 900 for the Elite trim level. Both offer 108 kW and 210 Nm courtesy of a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front axle via a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard.
Positioned between the Tiggo 4 Pro and Tiggo 7 Pro, the new Tiggo Cross serves as a thoroughly updated version of the former in several overseas markets. However, the Chinese firm’s local division has instead opted to retain the strong-selling (effectively pre-facelift) Tiggo 4 Pro as its entry-level offering, positioning the Tiggo Cross as a separate model.
In addition, Chery South Africa says it plans to add a hybrid powertrain to the Tiggo Cross portfolio in the 2nd quarter of 2025. Expect this dual-powered derivative to slot in at the very summit of the Tiggo Cross range, above the existing turbopetrol variants.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse: Is it worth the extra R300k?
Is the Ford Mustang Dark Horse worth the additional R300k outlay over the standard Mustang GT? Jacob Moshokoa took the Mustang Dark Horse for a gallop in the Lesotho highlands to learn more about the package. Watch the video!
Ford has recently launched the brand new Mustang in SA, but even before the dust has settled on the newcomer, the Blue Oval has launched a special edition Dark Horse version. Jacob Moshokoa travelled across the border to Lesotho to drive the new Dark Horse on what he thinks are some of the best roads he has ever driven.
Is the special edition Mustang Dark Horse worth the extra money? And, what do you actually get for your money? Jacob details some of the differences and decides whether he would rather just have the standard Mustang or the Dark Horse.
EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT: SentiMETAL Gathering 8 December – Lourensford Estate
The final SentiMETAL Gathering of 2024 will take place on Sunday, 8 December 2024, at the spectacular Lourensford Estate, in partnership with Museo Della Passione.
“It’s time to close off 2024 in style,” says Cars.co.za Special Projects manager, Hannes Oosthuizen.
“Following the success of previous events, Lourensford Estate will again host the province’s coolest cars for a day of petrolheaded camaraderie.”
The SentiMETAL Gathering is similar to traditional “cars-‘n-coffee” meets but generally attracts a larger and more diverse crowd of vehicles. “What makes SentiMETAL Gatherings so special is the diversity – attendees keep their eyes on the entrance to catch a sight of what type of car might arrive next, because you’re never quite sure until the actual day what the line-up will be,” explains Oosthuizen.
“We can accommodate around 120 cars at this event, and I’d like to emphasise that although this is a classic car meet, we also include recognised modern classics.”
Lourensford Estate is perfectly suited to this type of car meet, with two lovely large lawns as the display area, and loads of food and beverage options at the Market next door. The SentiMETAL merchandise store will also be there on the day, allowing enthusiasts to stock up on cool apparel, model cars, limited-edition prints and more.
The Museo Della Passione, located on the Lourensford Estate grounds, and of which you can read more here, will also be welcoming visitors. Note that entry into the museum, which houses a mouthwatering display of cars, is not free and a ticket can be purchased on the day.
How to enter your car (it’s free!)
If you have a cool car and would like to be part of the display, then it’s necessary to complete a quick online form here. If you are struggling to register, don’t have a Google account or require more information please email [email protected].
Note that unregistered cars will not be able to park in the display area. Visitors are welcome! Entrance and participation are free. Cars will start arriving from around 8am, and participants are requested to be parked by 9am. Owners are free to leave from 12pm onwards, or stay and enjoy the day at Lourensford.
See you there!
New Electric Cars for SA in 2025
The year 2025 is charging up with new electric cars due to arrive in South Africa. Take a look at what’s coming and let us know what EV you are looking forward to most!
While most local buyers prefer Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars, the market for electric cars, hybrids and plug-in hybrid cars is increasing and there are a growing number of car brands offering New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in South Africa.
This list focuses on all the new electric cars due to reach South Africa in 2025. Note that this list is generated based on information received directly from manufacturers as well as from information published in the public domain. Timings are subject to change and serve as a guideline.
The new Audi Q6 e-tron was revealed in March 2024 and is due to arrive in in the second quarter of 2025.
Fitted with a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery that allows for a 625 km driving range, the Q6 e-tron can be had with either 285 kW of power in the standard Q6 or with 380 kW in the SQ6, both offering quattro all-wheel-drive ability.
In terms of acceleration, the 285 kW Q6 e-tron claims a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 5.9 seconds while the SQ6 e-tron is faster with a claim of 4.3 seconds.
Audi is also expected to introduce the new A6 e-tron with a claimed range of over 700km thanks to a newly developed 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the same used in the Q6 e-tron!
The Q6 e-tron is also built on the same Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform as the Q6 e-tron and if will rival products such as the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE.
The Q6 e-tron will offer 270 kW and 565 Nm over the rear axle and is claimed to sprint from zero to 100 kph in 5.4 seconds.
The familiar e-tron GT will receive an update in 2025 with a new 97 kWh battery pack as well as the arrival of a new flagship e-tron GT RS Performance which will pack a mighty 680 kW and accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 2.5 seconds! Electric range is claimed at around 600 km and maximum chagrin speeds have been boosted from 270 kW to 320 kW which means that a charge from 10% to 80% will take about 18 minutes.
Leapmotor will enter the South African market with its C10 SUV due to make landfall in September 2024. As a new EV brand within the Stellantis stable, Leapmotor will be able to levarage existing infrastructure and support to fast-track its entry into the South African market.
The C10 is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that develops 160 kW and 320 Nm of torque while a 69.9 kWh battery pack allows for a claimed WLTP range of 420 km. More models are expected to join the local lineup at a later stage.
Pricing for the Leapmotor C10 will be confirmed closer to launch.
Lexus is expected to welcome its first fully electric RZ SUV early in 2025.
Equipped with 2 electric motors, including a 150 kW front motor and a 80 kW rear motor, the RZ offers 250 kW and 435 Nm while claiming an electric cruising range of 450 km. As you’d expect from Lexus, the interior is luxurious and well-appointed.
Local pricing and specifications will be confirmed in due course.
The arrival of theMG Cyberster Roadster will mark the return of the MG brand offering EV performance in a stylish convertible sportscar package replete with scissor doors.
The Cyberster RWD version offers 250 kW and 475 Nm generated from a single, rear-mounted electric motor with an electric range of around 508 km and a claimed zero to 100 kph sprint time of 5 seconds!
The more powerful Cyberster GT AWD has 2 electric motors offering a total output of 375 kW and 725 Nm. Electric range for this derivative drops to around 444 km but it boasts faster acceleration with MG claiming 3.2 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100 kph.
MINI will kick off the year with the arrival of the new Aceman! The Aceman is a compact electric crossover that slots in beneath the new Countryman but above the new Cooper hatchback.
A total of 2 Aceman derivatives are expected from launch. The Aceman E will offer 135 kW and 290 Nm and will be equipped with a 42.5 kWh battery that will allow for a claimed range of 310 km.
A more powerful Aceman SE will offer 160 kW and 330 Nm but will also have a larger 54.2 kWh battery that will push the claimed range up to 406 km.
Earlier in 2024 at the firm’s local SOMI event, Toyota confirmed plans to introduce the bZ4X Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in South Africa.
Toyota is well-known for dominating the hybrid car market in South Africa with its Corolla Cross Hybrid accounting for the majority of the firm’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales locally. Built on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, the bZ4X will join the mix as a fully electric vehicle equipped with a 71.4 kWh battery which is said to provide a range of 450 km and with total power outputs of either 150 kW and 265 Nm (single electric motor) or 160 kW and 336 Nm (dual electric motor) depending on the derivative.
Local pricing and specifications will be revealed closer to the launch.
In 2025, Volvo will welcome its flagship EX90 SUV in South Africa which will solidify the firm’s grip on the local EV market. You can expect at least 2 derivatives when the EX90 arrives including the 300 kW /770 Nm EX90 Twin Motor or the range-topping EX90 Twin Motor Performance with 380 kW and 910 Nm.
Thanks to a 111 kWh (of which 107 kWh is usable) battery, the Volvo’s claimed range is between 570 and 614 km (WLTP).
