These were the 8 biggest stories in South Africa’s automotive scene this week.
South Africans could be paying a lot less for petrol
South Africans could be paying significantly less for fuel if the taxes and levies on it were removed.
There are currently six different taxes and levies on every litre of fuel in the country, which collectively add more than R6 to the R23.34 petrol price as of May 2023, the highest it has been for the year thus far.
These taxes have been under growing scrutiny by motorists in recent times, and the government has proposed solutions ranging from adjusting rates to deregulating the cost of petrol 93 entirely.
Flying vs Driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town at R23 a litre
The rising cost of transport is muddying the waters regarding the cheapest way to travel.
Depending on your car, the trip from Cape Town to Joburg could use around 90 litres of petrol, which costs more than R23 per litre as of May 2023, while the going rate for flights and Ubers to and from the airport can easily add up to their own R2,000-plus sum.
It also raises questions as to how long you’ll be staying and what form of transport you’ll be using at your destination, as the price of additional taxis or Ubers could soon outweigh the cost of bringing your own car with you.
Chinese cars coming to South Africa in 2023
South Africa is receiving a plethora of new cars from China this year, including SUVs, bakkies, and battery-electrics.
BAIC is bringing its luxury B80 SUV, while GWM has announced the imminent arrival of the Tank 300 off-roader and the Ora hatchback – South Africa’s new cheapest electric vehicle (EV).
Likewise, electric carmaker BYD confirmed it will arrive on the tip of Africa in the next few months along with its first model, the Atto 3 crossover.
JAC has also announced the launch window for the upcoming T9, which is shaping up to be the country’s first plug-in hybrid bakkie.
Toyota ads ruled “misleading” in South Africa
Two adverts for new Toyota vehicles were recently labelled as misleading by the Directorate of the Advertising Regulatory Board.
The two adverts in question were for the Corolla Cross GR-Sport Hybrid and the Fortuner.
Consumers took issue with claims made in the ads over the availability of stock, and deceptive marketing regarding whether or not a facelifted model can be described as “all-new” or only as “new”.
Citroen C3 launched in South Africa
The new Citroen C3 has gone on sale in South Africa at a starting price of R229,900.
This makes it R76,000 cheaper than the previous C3, while also adding new features and an updated look giving the hatchback more of a crossover appearance.
It features a 1.2-litre petrol engine, and a few of the highlights include a two-tone exterior and interior, a 10-inch touchscreen, and keyless entry.
Turbo-diesel VW Tiguan launched in South Africa
VW has launched the new TDI version of its popular Tiguan in South Africa. The diesel SUV is available in a single trim level with prices starting at R816,600.
It boasts similar performance to its petrol counterpart but with greater fuel savings, and it also comes generously equipped with things like Matrix LED headlights and a Pro Cockpit digital driver display and touchscreen infotainment system.
Honda XL750 launched in South Africa
Honda has launched the new XL750 Translap motorbike in South Africa at a starting price of R209,999, making the two-wheeler more expensive than several entry-level hatchbacks.
The Transalp is billed as a multi-purpose tourer intended for a wide range of customers with various adventure aspirations.
It runs on a 755cc, twin-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual gear-shifter, and is equipped with premium features like LED headlights and a 5-inch full-colour driver screen.
EVA coming to South Africa
The electric carmaker EV.Africa (EVA) is setting up shop in South Africa next month with a range of affordable new EVs and battery-powered scooters.
The headline model is the City Blitz which is expected to make an appearance in hatchback, bakkie, and MPV forms.
Pricing details on EVA’s selection of vehicles will be revealed closer to the launch date.
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