Mitsubishi Triton 2.4DI-D Double Cab 4×4 Auto (2017) Review

If your vehicles don’t carry a Ford or Toyota badge on the nose, entering the bakkie market in South Africa requires equal parts bravery and excellent product. We’ve recently sampled the latest, long-awaited new-generation of Mitsubishi’s Triton 4×4 double cab. Does it have enough pull to steal a few sales from its established rivals?

We like: Extensive list of standard features, ride quality, off-road capability, good rear space

We don’t like: Plain cabin design

Alternatives

The staple: The Toyota Hilux is still SA’s best-selling vehicle. Buyers flock to this long-established bakkie due to its reputation for reliability and excellent resale value. The top-spec Hilux 2.8 GD-6 double cab 4×4 Raider automatic is priced from R573 500 (March 2017).
The Hilux's archrival: The Ford Ranger has led a strong charge against the Hilux, occasionally topping the Hilux in terms of month-to-month sales. Muscular looks, strong engines and advanced infotainment are the draw cards here and the Ranger 3.2 double cab XLT automatic is priced from R588 900 (March 2017).
The poser: Volkswagen’s Amarok has proved itself as a worthy rival in the double-cab bakkie market. With an SUV-like interior and ride, flashy good looks and a huge load bay, it has won over more than a few buyers locally. The Amarok 2.0 BiTDI double cab Highline 4Motion automatic is priced from R587 400 (March 2017). Note that the facelifted Amarok is due in South Africa soon.

See how the Mitsubishi Triton compares with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger

Where does it fit in?

We see the Triton as offering an interesting blend of workhorse and leisure talents.

The top-of-the-range 2.4DI-D Double Cab 4×4 Auto derivative is priced at R559 900, nearly R60 000 less than the range-topping Ford Ranger Wildtrak, and just R13 000 cheaper than the most expensive Hilux, the 2.8GD-6 4×4 Raider. Given the Triton’s small displacement engine, perhaps it is fairer to compare it with the 2.2-litre Ranger and 2.4-litre Hilux, but bear in mind that the Triton’s 2.4-litre turbodiesel motor is significantly more powerful than both of the aforementioned engines.

In our assessment, the Triton offers a midway point between the Ranger and the Isuzu KB; striking an interesting balance between the feel of a premium bakkie and the robust practicality of a workhorse. Bear in mind that the Triton is virtually the same vehicle as the Fiat Fullback (the latter is based on the former, FYI). However, the Fiat makes use of an older generation 2.5-litre Mitsubishi motor. Waiting for the newer, more efficient engine to become available was the main reason that Mitsubishi SA delayed the launch of the new Triton. The Fiat, however, is significantly cheaper than the Triton, at R468 900 for the top-spec 2.5 DI-D Double Cab 4×4 LX model.

How does it fair in terms of…

Kerb appeal?

A sharp, tapering silhouette gives the new Triton commanding presence on the road.

There’s no doubt that the Triton is a handsome bakkie. With sharp design cues and a shoulder line which rises dramatically from the nose to the tail, the new Triton drew a fair amount of attention in traffic. The sporty rollover bar is a very nice touch indeed and certainly adds to the purposeful look of the vehicle.

In a segment where good looks are increasingly important, and in a motoring culture where the bakkie is often a status symbol, the Triton surely has enough kerb appeal to rival the established players in the double-cab bakkie game.

Ride quality and ease of use?

The reality is that most premium bakkies will spend the majority of their lives commuting on tar. Modern bakkies have to offer an acceptably comfortable ride quality and in that sense the Triton delivers. The Triton can feel slightly jittery at highway speeds when the tarmac is less than perfect but this is typical of the suspension setup on most bakkies and is not notably worse than any of its rivals. The Triton, in auto guise, makes for an impressive daily driver. The torque of the motor is easily accessed, the steering feel is light and the ‘box swops cogs with minimal intrusions. You quickly find yourself steering the vehicle along with barely a finger on the steering wheel, elbow resting on the window sill.

Striking alloy wheel design for this range-topping derivative.

Practicality and towing ability?

There is some confusion as to the towing capability of the Triton. According to the spec sheet which accompanied the vehicle supplied by Mitsubishi SA, towing capacity (braked) is rated at 1 500 kg. However, on various Australian car sites, the braked towing capacity is rated at 3 100 kg. This is 400 kg shy of both the Ranger and Hilux, which are rated at 3 500 kg. Mitsubishi South Africa says the anomaly is the result of specification levels available to the South African market currently, and that the situation is likely to change when the range is expanded later this year (probably 4th quarter).

Load carrying capacity/payload is quoted as 1 030 kg, but we noticed that, given the design of the load bay, the bed does seem to be quite shallow compared to its rivals'.

Comfort features and infotainment systems?

Leather-wrapped steering wheel and splashes of piano black plastic and satin-silver accenting attempt to lift cabin ambience.

At first glance, the Triton’s interior may appear sparse. The dashboard has a no-frills design and is relatively plain-looking compared to its rivals. However, it is well equipped. Dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, leather upholstery, trip computer, a touchscreen infotainment system featuring a USB port and Bluetooth, topped off with electric side mirrors makes for an impressive list of standard features.

However, it must be noted that the infotainment system appears very dated by modern standards. It is, however, easy to operate and switch between functions, but connecting our smartphones using Bluetooth wasn't exactly a smooth affair. Navigation is not included.

Instrumentation is very basic in appearance compared with flashier Ranger and Hilux displays.

Turbodiesel performance and efficiency?

As mentioned, the wait for the availability of the latest-generation 2.4-litre turbodiesel motor resulted in the delay of the Triton’s introduction to the local market. This is the only engine available in the Triton range. We feel it was largely worth the wait, as the new motor is noticeably quieter and offers 30 Nm more torque than the previous generation's 2.5-litre turbodiesel, which is offered in the Fiat Fullback.

Mitsubishi has made much fuss about the fact that the new engine is leaner and greener than the older powerplant. However, in terms of on-paper fuel economy figures, the Triton’s average consumption figure is quoted at 7.8L/100 km, while the Fullback is quoted at 7.7L/100 km. Co2 emissions are equally similar, at 207g/km and 206g/km respectively. In reality, we found the Triton to run at around 10 L/100 km in real world driving, which is better that what we've experienced with the 3.2-litre Fords by some margin.

5-speed Automatic transmission is fitted, and well matched to the engine's power delivery characteristics.

Despite the smaller displacement of the 2.4-litre engine, it punches above its weight, comparing favourably with the 2.8-litre turbodiesel found in the current Hilux. With a power figure of 133kW and torque quoted at 430Nm, that easily gives the 130kW and 450Nm of the Toyota a proper run for its money. However, the Toyota’s peak torque arrives at a low 1 600 rpm, compared to the Triton at 2 500 rpm. In practice, it does feel like most of the torque arrives sooner, and even though the automatic is only a 5-speed, compared to the Toyota’s 6-speed, it does feel as if the engine’s power is managed effectively in each gear.

We took the Triton on a 300 km freeway journey to the quiet West Coast village of Paternoster. With the cruise control set to 120 kph, the Triton proved itself to be a decent cruiser. Overtaking ability wasn’t hugely impressive, but we also didn’t struggle to pass slower moving traffic.

The 4×4 models in the range now feature Mitsubishi’s venerable Super Select 4×4 system found in the Pajero. Four modes are available, including low range (with locked centre differential) and the system features a separate lockable rear differential. The system is operated by a simple rotating knob mounted near the handbrake. It must be said that the Triton’s ride quality was impressive on gravel. It does feel like the sort of car which would offer occupants a comfortable journey on all but the very worst dirt roads.

The Pajero's Super Select 4-wheel drive system has been carried over to the Triton and works a treat.

Pricing and warranty

At R559 900 (March 2017), the top-spec Triton makes for a bit of a bargain compared to its range-topping rivals. The Triton is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan with service intervals of 10 000km.

Verdict

The new Triton is a well-priced, attractive offering with a good reputation.

The Triton certainly offers a comprehensive level of specification for its asking price. While the infotainment system continues to lag behind rivals in terms of look and feel, this downside is not enough to detract from what is a comfortable, spacious and well-specced interior.

With a comfortable ride, sharp looks, a strong new engine and Mitsubishi’s tried and trusted off-road system, it appeals as both a daily driver and a workhorse, while ticking enough boxes to ensure it also qualifies as a leisure vehicle. Good manners on both gravel and tarmac and generous rear seat space make it very suitable for families tackling long journeys.

While Mitsubishi’s badge appeal may have faded a bit from its former glory during the Colt era, we feel the Triton is possibly the product the company needs to restore some much-needed lustre to the brand. Time will tell as to whether the new Triton holds up well on the second-hand market. But as a newcomer, we feel it offers enough to convince a good few South African motorists to consider it instead of the ever popular Toyota and Ford offerings.

Watch our video review of the new Mitsubishi Triton

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Mini Countryman (2017) First Drive

The Mini Countryman has just been launched in South Africa and we summoned our local contributor, James Siddall, to give the Cooper and Cooper S models a whirl.

The once-minute Mini – born of course in 1959 as triumph of, er, miniscule minimalism – has grown. And grown some more. The first major growth spurt came naturally around the turn of the millennium with the new MINI (capitalised under BMW's stewardship) which saw it grow into a chic boutique hatch. Now the second-generation Countryman – launched in SA last week – has just clinched the crown as the biggest Mini yet.

And you might well ask is bigger necessarily better? In a nutshell, yes. Especially for those who've outgrown their smaller Minis, but whose brand allegiance keeps them in the Mini stable.

Size matters

The Countryman still stands somewhere between a crossover and a hatchback. All-wheel-drive models to come later…

New Countryman is 20cm longer and 3cm wider than its already chunky predecessor, and offers the likes of five fully fledged seats, significantly upped interior space, and boosted refinement. More than ever it plays in the premium compact segment, and is a viable alternative to its stablemate and close relative, the BMW X1. The Bimmer, however, is also available in all-wheel guise, while the AWD version of the Countryman – the ALL4 – has been dropped, albeit only temporarily. The ALL4 system will once again be available with a hybrid version set to launch next year, while there's also a diesel version in the pipeline around mid-2017.

The Countryman is now even bigger than before. It's nearly the same length as a BMW X1.

But do you know what? Even in 2-wheel-drive guise and even with its larger dimensions, the Countryman is a grippy, punchy, chuckable machine. This we discovered last week on the launch in KZN, which took in vast swathes of freeway, serpentine tar roads, and unsealed surfaces. All of which this mighty Mini guzzled up with the panache and ability of a car that plays in the premium league.

It will also swallow much bigger loads. The luggage compartment is rated at 450 litres and can be extended to a total of 1 309 litres. This means a maximum increase of 220 litres compared to the outgoing car.

Choices, choices…

The Countryman's interior feels to have improved in build quality as well as luxurious touches. Vertical air vents are a nice design cue.

Right now there are just two versions available: the Cooper Countryman and the Cooper Countryman S. The first makes 100kW and 220Nm from its turbo', three-pot, 1.5-litre mill. The second is good for 140kW and 280Nm from its turbo'd, 2-litre, four-cylinder motor.

Standard levels of kit are stellar, and perhaps more importantly the whole package is robustly, wonderfully screwed together with a distinctly Teutonic, upscale feel about it. Power in the standard Cooper version runs through a six-speed manual or 6-speed Steptronic self-shifter, and through an 8-speed Steptronic only in the Cooper S.

And just as whether you opt for a Mini or one of its BMW stablemates will hinge on intangibles such as brand allegiance, so which of the two versions of the Countryman you opt for will naturally hinge on how much power and kit you want and need.

On the drive

Superbly built, far more practical than before, yet retaining that unique Mini appeal and driving fun… new Countryman is a winner.

Only when really, really pushed does that smaller 3-pot motor get the slightest bit thrummy. In almost every conceivable daily application it's ample, while the Cooper S model gives big thrust, just as you'd expect, with zero-to-100km/h coming up in about 7.5 seconds, topping out at 224km/h. The Cooper turns in figures of 9.6 seconds and 200km/h, respectively.

Swift indeed – slick, sophisticated and sure-footed, too. Prices stretch from R422 000 to R509 500 before you start tacking on the options, which include an electric tailgate control as well as the rather cool Picnic Bench – a flexible surface that folds out of the luggage compartment and provides seating for two people.

But it's also as polished and premium and poised as you'd expect from a vehicle in this fiscal league. Get yours in shades including new variants such as Island Blue metallic and Chestnut.

Mini Countryman Price in South Africa (March 2017)

Cooper 6-speed manual	100 kW and 220 Nm	R423 824
Cooper 6-speed auto	100 kW and 220 Nm	R442 052
Cooper S 6-speed manual	141 kW and 280 Nm	R493 306
Cooper S 6-speed auto	141 kW and 280 Nm	R512 806

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New Car Sales Summary for March 2017

Car sales returned to positive year-on-year growth for March 2017. The good news isn't likely to last however as the recent credit downgrade will affect car prices and interest rates in the near future.

New car sales in South Africa for March 2017 reflected somewhat positive results with year-on-year improvements across the board, but the short to long term outlook is negative due to current political and economic developments. Take a look at the summary below for the details.

Despite tough economic conditions, the local automobile industry has shown a positive gain for March 2017. Although this is good news, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) has warned that the recent political developments will have far-reaching consequences for the South African economy in the short to medium term.

In terms of vehicle sales, the Toyota Hilux once again came out on top as the best-selling vehicle in South Africa, with its rival, the Ford Ranger coming in at a close second. The popular Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Polo recorded impressive numbers yet again and remain the most popular passenger cars currently on sale in South Africa.

New car sales summary for March 2017

Aggregate new car sales of 48 534 up by 2.1% (+1 020 units) compared with March 2016
New passenger vehicle sales of 31 034 up by 2.1% (+644 units) compared to March 2016
Light commercial vehicle sales of 14 882 up by 1.1% (+169 units) compared to March 2016
Export sales of 27 720 up by 7.8% (+2 159 units) compared to March 2016

Top selling car brands in SA for March 2017

Brand	Total Sales	Market Share
1. Toyota	11 055	22.7%
2.Volkswagen	7 360	15.2%
3. Ford	6 433	13.3%
4. Nissan	4 339	8.9%
5. GMSA	3 227	6.6%

Top selling new cars in SA for March 2017

Car	Total Sales
1. Toyota Hilux	3 447
2. Ford Ranger	3 234
3.VW Polo Vivo	2 383
4. VW Polo	1 997
5. Toyota Corolla/Auris/Quest	1 511

New car sales outlook

According to Naamsa and the recent news of a credit rating downgrade by S&P, car sales could be in for a difficult period. Naamsa has suspended its outlook data and has this to say “The performance of the South African automotive industry is closely correlated with the overall performance of the country's economy. In this context, the key performance factors driving the industry include Gross Domestic Product growth, the direction of interest rates and the exchange rate. In light of the political events, NAAMSA will suspend, for the time being, projections for domestic vehicle sales.

Once the situation and conditions have settled down and greater clarity is forthcoming as to the impact of the political events on the direction of the economy – the Association will resume and offer guidance on expected new vehicle sales trends. Both in the short and medium term scenarios, the risk of lower vehicle sales is significantly on the downside.”

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Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV Revealed (Updated)

Finally, after months of spy shots, internet rumours and teasers, Alfa Romeo's eagerly anticipated SUV has been revealed. Let's meet the Alfa Romeo Stelvio.

Named after the famous mountain pass in Italy made famous by BBC car show Top Gear, the Stelvio is the next big product reveal from Alfa Romeo. It marks Alfa Romeo's entry into the premium crossover/SUV segment and it evokes those famous Alfa cliches like "timeless style" and "passionate performance". On paper at least, the Stelvio looks credible. It shares powerplants with the forthcoming Giulia sedan and the range kicks off with a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine. The headline act in the range in the Quadrifoglio model which boasts the same twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 as the sedan and that will be taking the fight straight to the Porsche Macan, upcoming Jaguar F-Pace SVR and Audi SQ5.

Alfa Romeo is claiming the Stelvio Quadrifoglio will get to 100 kph from standstill in 3.9 seconds! Power reaches all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The performance version features a torque-vectoring rear differential as well as a sporty adaptive suspension. Both the standard and performance versions feature aluminium assembly, 50/50 weight distribution, independent suspension and just look it. It's unmistakably an Alfa Romeo!

The cabin is not too dissimilar to that of the Giulia sedan. There's a tidy 7-inch display screen nestled between the rev counter and speedometer, the latter going all the way to 320 kph in the Quadrifoglio derivative. The standard Stelvio get a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the fascia, while the Ti and Quadrifoglio gets the expanded 8.8-inch unit. All Alfa Romeo Stelvios have leather seats, with the Quadrifoglio gaining Alcantara trim and carbon fiber shell seats. It's also well covered in the onboard technology and safety departments, with a 14-speaker audio system from Harman Kardon and safety features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and optional front parking sensors.

Production kicks off at Fiat Chrysler's factory in Italy towards the end of this year and it will reach the first customers in the middle of 2017. It'll hopefully reach the South African market by the end of 2017.

Update for April 2017

In early April 2017, FCA announced the Alfa Romeo Stelvio engine range would be expanded to include a base-spec diesel motor as well as a lower-spec turbocharged petrol engine. The 2.2-litre diesel is the first all-alluminium motor and features 130 kW and 450 Nm. It'll reach 100 kph in 7.6 seconds and will go onto a top speed of 210 kph. Power reaches the rear wheels via an automatic 8-speed gearbox. Alfa claims a fuel consumption figure of just 4.7 L/100 km. Meanwhile, on the petrol front, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo motor with 147 kW and 330 Nm will be available. Power goes to all four wheels via Alfa's Q4 system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It'll do the 100 kph sprint in 7.2 seconds and tops out at 215 kph.

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Hyundai Grand i10 Updated in SA

The Hyundai Grand i10 has received a visual upgrade. Take a look at the details…

Hyundai has enhanced its Grand i10 offering in South Africa with stylistic improvements that include a revised front fascia, redesigned front and rear bumpers and new 14-inch, diamond cut alloy wheels for the range-topping Grand i10 1.25 Fluid derivative. The front fog light housings have been revised too and the colour-coded door handles and side mirrors with integrated turn signals round off the new look.

“The Grand i10, which is in the middle of its lifecycle, has been an attractive small hatchback since it original launch, and a drawcard in Hyundai’s local range. With the restyling of soft body panels and the addition of new alloy wheels for the flagship derivative, this cheeky little hatchback has been given an even better appearance,” says Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.

The Range

The Grand i10 is a popular choice among first-time car buyers and offers 256 litres of luggage space, expanding to 1 202 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Three Grand i10 derivatives are on offer and these include the Grand i10 1.25 Motion with a 5-speed manual transmission, the Grand i10 1.25 Motion with a 4-speed automatic transmission and lastly the Grand i10 1.25 Fluid coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission and a more extensive list of standard features.

All derivatives are powered by a 1.25-litre Kappa engine delivering 64 kW and 120 Nm of torque. Hyundai claims a fuel consumption figure of 5.9 L/100 km for the manual derivatives while the automatic derivative is claimed to consume 6.9 L/100 km.

Standard Features

Standard features for the Grand i10 include manual air conditioning, Radio/CD MP3 player with USB and Auxiliary ports and Bluetooth. The Grand i10 Fluid is further equipped with a remote central locking key with remote keyless entry, electric mirrors and windows and rear park assist.

The Grand i10 is fitted with 2 airbags for the driver and passenger as well as ABS.

Hyundai Grand i10 – Price in South Africa

Grand i10 1.25 Motion manual – R186 900

Grand i10 1.25 Motion automatic – R202 900

Grand i10 1.25 Fluid manual – R203 900

The Hyundai Grand i10 is sold with a 7-yer/200 000 km warranty and 5-year/150 000 km roadside assistance. A service plan is offered as an option.

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Toyota 86 (2017) Specs & Price

We have specifications and pricing for the facelifted Toyota 86 sportscar, which launches in South Africa later this month

The Toyota 86 was developed with a very single-minded purpose. It had to revive excitement amongst lovers of cool and fast Toyotas. With its introduction, Toyota again offered a rear-wheel drive manual sportscar which was fun to drive, both at 60 kph and at 160 kph. With the 86 it has never been about outright performance, but rather an involving driving experience. The Toyota 86 was launched to the South African market in 2012 and was then the subject of a limited edition model, complete with massive JDM-style rear wing and TRD body kit.

2017 Toyota 86 Details

The 2017 incarnation of the Toyota 86 is not dramatically different to the outgoing model. There are a few visual changes but the engine remains the same. There will be three models available, two manuals and one automatic. Kicking off the range is the 2.0 Standard manual, which offers up air-conditioning, analogue speedometer, and fabric trim. Next up is the 2.0 High manual, which adds on cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start, climate control, digital/analog speedometer and leather seats. The last model in the range is the 2.0 High Automatic, which brings a clutchless option to the party and the automatic transmission is a six-speed unit. The base model loses out on 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and rear spoiler.

All three derivatives are powered by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder motor pushing out 147 kW and 205 Nm. The 0-100 kph sprint is dispatched in just 7.6 seconds for the manually-equipped 86s, while the automatic does the same in 8.2 seconds. A top speed of 226 kph is possible, while the automatic makes do with a top end of 210 kph.

In terms of safety technology, all three models feature 7 airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, hill assist and vehicle stability control as standard.

The new Toyota 86 sportscar and the iconic Toyota 2000GT.

Toyota 86 (2017) Price in South Africa

Here's how much the new Toyota 86 will cost when it launches. All 86s come with a 4 year / 60 000km service plan and a 3 year / 100 000 km warranty.

2.0 Standard manual R449 600
2.0 High manual R494 900
2.0 High automatic R519 400

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Crossover Group Test: Suzuki Vitara, Hyundai Creta & Renault Captur [with Video]

Are you in the market for a compact crossover? This crossover group test will give you some insight into the strengths and weaknesses of 3 of the segment's most influential offerings. We test the Suzuki Vitara, Hyundai Creta and Renault Captur, take a look…

The compact family car market is flourishing and we’ve rounded up 3 of the local market’s most impressive offerings to see what they offer at their respective price points. Priced from the mid R200k mark to just under R400k, these contenders offer their own blend of talents and strengths.

The Renault Captur 66 kW Dynamique

The Renault Captur is the stylish choice in the compact crossover segment with a feature-laden cabin and attractive pricing.

The Captur is a popular choice in this segment thanks to its chic styling and feature-packed cabin. The 66 kW Dynamique featured here is priced at an attractive R264 900 and represents good value in the crossover segment when you consider the wide range of features offered as standard. Its 0.9-litre turbopetrol engine delivers 66 kW and 135 Nm of torque to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed at 4.9 L/100km.

Interior design

The Renault Captur's cabin is simple yet stylish and comes well-equipped with features.

The Renault’s interior is unquestionably stylish. Some of the controls are oddly placed and the gloss black surfaces tend to mark easily, but the Captur’s driving position is good and the driver’s seat is adjustable for height. The steering can be adjusted for rake and reach too. Rear legroom isn’t as generous as in the others while the rear seating position is not the most comfortable either.

Features

The Captur's infotainment system is colourful and simple to use. The navigation system could be better though.

For the price, the Captur offers a good level of feature specification. Automatic headlights and automatic windscreen wipers are standard and a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and Bluetooth functionality (plus USB and Auxiliary ports) is standard. The graphics are clean and colourful, but the navigation system isn’t the most sophisticated around.

Other standard equipment includes climate control, electric windows and side mirrors, steering-wheel-mounted controls, and cruise control. The Captur is the only car here with a start/stop button.

Practicality

The Captur's load bay is flexible with a good space offering including a false floor and a rear bench that can slide forward to increase boot space.

For its size, the RenauIt offers a 377-litre loading capacity and the 60:40 split rear bench can be folded down to access the full 1 235 litres. The rear bench can slide forward though, opening up additional space in the load bay and there is a false floor for storing items out of sight.

The Captur has 3 cup holders and there are bottle holders in the front and rear door mouldings. Rope magazine holders are found on the backs of the front seats. Additional storage space can be found ahead of the gear lever and in the glove box.

Performance

The Captur's performance is adequate and its low fuel consumption is its draw card. It's the kind of car you want for city driving.

Despite its small capacity engine, the Captur still manages to deliver decent performance on the road. The engine is noisy under hard acceleration and the power delivery is average, but the 5-speed manual transmission is light in operation even if the throws are quite long. It takes some practice to achieve a smooth pullaway and if you get your gear changes slightly wrong, the Captur will become quite jerky. Fuel consumption is good, however: expect figures in the region of 7.0 L/100 km.

Ride & handling

As expected of a cheeky small crossover, the Captur feels light at the wheel and it offers good levels of ride comfort. It copes well in corners with very little body roll and its suspension is generally good, but its ride is a bit harsher on poorer surfaces, but it’s by no means uncomfortable. The Captur rides well overall, however. Buyers should find it adequately pleasing to drive on a daily basis.

Safety

In terms of safety, the Captur falls short in the airbag count (just 4 in total), however, ABS with EBD, brake assist, stability control, traction control and ISOFIX seat mounts are all standard. There’s no rearview camera, but the Captur is fitted with rear park distance control.

After-sales support

The Captur is sold with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan.

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Suzuki Vitara 1.6 GL+

The Suzuki Vitara is a charming and solid all-rounder that offers space and versatility coupled with a reasonable price tag.

The 2016/17 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards champion in the compact family car segment offers an attractive mix of style, spaciousness and everyday usability, backed by Suzuki’s enviable reputation for reliability and aftersales service. Priced at R303 900, the Vitara 1.6 GL+ steps up to the plate armed with a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine offering 86 kW and 151 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.8 L/100 km.