These were the 8 biggest stories in South Africa’s automotive scene this week.
Expected petrol price for June
The latest fuel price projections from the Central Energy Fund suggest that motorists can expect a sizable reduction in June.
This is true for both petrol and diesel, which should provide a welcome relief for cash-strapped citizens as the cost of living continues to rise.
These changes are not finalized, however, as they are dependent on multiple factors like global oil prices and government levies.
Bulletproof Ford Ranger now available in South Africa
South Africans can now purchase a bulletproof version of the next-generation Ford Ranger, with prices starting at R529,979 for the process, excluding VAT.
The service is provided by a local company, SVI Engineering, which is based in Gauteng.
The armour is available in B4 and B6 grades which dictates the calibre of weapon the vehicle will be able to resist.
Cheaper Toyota Hilux confirmed for South Africa
Toyota recently announced that its strategy for the next three years includes a plan to introduce a more affordable version of the fan-favourite Hilux.
Few details have been provided on the new vehicle as of yet, though a company representative did say that it would not be a half-tonne bakkie and that it would offer the “same sort of space” as a Hilux.
The proposed Toyota would likely be serving an under-populated market, as most of the bakkies that have launched recently like the Ford Ranger Raptor, VW Amarok, and GWM P-Series LTD have all been catering to the premium end of the spectrum.
Isuzu D-Max Arctic At35 revealed
Isuzu has revealed the next-generation D-Max Arctic AT35 – the halo model of its best-selling bakkie.
The AT35 is based on the range-topping V-Cross and was designed in collaboration with Icelandic company Arctic Trucks – beefing up its off-road capabilities in several ways.
It is available in limited numbers and can now be ordered, though unfortunately, the automaker has yet to announce the official pricing.
4 new Mitsubishis coming to South Africa
Mitsubishi dropped a boatload of new information this week at Nampo Harvest Day in the Free State – including news about four new vehicles.
This includes the announcement of a halo-model Triton, the local specifications for the next-generation Outlander, and special editions of the Eclipse Cross and Pajero Sport.
The automaker also announced that it plans to launch a total of 10 new models in the country over the next 12 months.
Toyota Vitz launched in South Africa
The Toyota Vitz has gone on sale in South Africa at a starting price of R189,900.
This makes it the cheapest unit in the automaker’s stable, undercutting the old Agya by roughly R15,000.
It can be had in three specifications with a single engine and a choice of an automatic or manual gearshift.
Toyota GR Corolla pricing revealed
Toyota has revealed the pricing of its latest hot hatchback – the new GR Corolla – which will soon go on sale in two specifications with prices starting at R816,500.
It features an upgraded version of the same engine found in the GR Yaris, making it the most powerful three-cylinder powertrain in the world, and a beefed-up body kit with a selectable four-wheel-drive system completes the package.
Renault Oroch launch window revealed
Renault has announced that the Oroch bakkie is expected to arrive in South Africa in 2024.
This is roughly a year after the compact double cab was initially expected to launch in the country.
A prototype was shown at this week’s Nampo Festival, giving locals their first look at how the affordable 4×4 is expected to turn out.
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