These were the eight biggest stories in South Africa’s automotive scene this week.
Suzuki Grand Vitara launched in South Africa
Suzuki has launched the new Grand Vitara in South Africa at a starting price of R339,900
The crossover is positioned as the flagship of the Suzuki stable with five models in total, including the brand’s first hybrid offering with a competitive asking price of R529,900.
Five specifications of the Suzuki are available to the public with four making use of a 1.5-litre petrol engine, while the flagship is the only one featuring the semi-electrified foundation.
Toyota Urban Cruiser pricing revealed
Toyota has revealed the pricing of the new Urban Cruiser, which now starts at R329,400.
The Cruiser is another product out of the Toyota-Suzuki alliance and is based on the aforementioned Grand Vitara, sporting an identical engine and similar looks.
However, as the Urban Cruiser is on the more affordable end of Toyota’s catalogue it is lighter on features than the Suzuki, and only three variants are available.
How many Ford Mustangs have been sold in South Africa
Ford’s iconic Mustang is touted as being the best-selling sports car of the past 10 years, and the local subsidiary this week revealed just how many of these muscle cars have been sold in South Africa since the nameplate was introduced back in 2016.
The Mustang has undergone six generations since its initial debut nearly 60 years ago, with the seventh generation expected to make landfall by the middle of the year.
The upcoming wild horse will once again feature a classic V8 engine, which has been cranked up to be the most powerful yet, according to the automaker.
Porsche Cayenne updated
The fan-favourite Porsche Cayenne underwent one of the most extensive updates the German automaker has ever performed on its vehicles.
The SUV now retails from around R1.8 million and can be had in Standard, S, e-Hybrid, and Turbo GT derivatives, with a choice of normal or coupe body styles.
The engines on offer are a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with 90km of electric range, a turbocharged V6, and two bi-turbo V8s.
The most powerful of the Cayennes, the Turbo GT, puts out a monstrous 485kW and 850Nm ensuring a 0-100km/h dash of 3.3 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz GLC launched in South Africa
Mercedes-Benz has launched the new GLC in South Africa at a starting price of R1,211,220.
The line-up includes three engines – the 220d, 300d, and 300 – which are all paired with a nine-speed transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive.
Currently, only the diesel models are for sale with pricing for the petrol variant still to be announced, and all GLCs are available in either an Avantgarde or AMG Line trim level.
Suzuki Eeco launched in South Africa
Suzuki has introduced the Eeco panel van to South Africa at a starting price of R199,900.
The Eeco is a small commercial vehicle designed to navigate tight city streets, measuring 3,675mm in length and 1,475mm in width.
The load bay can support up to 615kg, and the rear wheels receive power from a 1.2-litre petrol plant with 59kW and 104Nm.
Toyota FJ Cruiser delisted in South Africa
The Toyota FJ Cruiser has been delisted in South Africa, meaning the last few units in stock have been sold.
Now relegated to the pre-owned market, th SUV is packaged with a 4.0-litre, naturally-aspirated V6 for a total of 200kW and 380Nm, and provides a part-time 4×4 system for off-roading enthusiasts.
Despite its bulky nature, the 4×4 can also reach 100km/h in an impressive-for-its-size 7.6 seconds and tow a maximum of 2,250kg.
Hyundai N Line coming to South Africa
Hyundai is bringing the flagship model of its Tucson to South Africa – the new N Line.
The SUV is expected to go on sale at the end of May and will slot in above the 2.0D Elite, which starts at R749,900.
While its local specs have yet to be confirmed, it is expected that the N Line will be based on the Elite while adding new features and sporty aesthetics.
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