Tabla de contenidos para July 2025 en CAR

Designed to encapsulate Jeep’s distinctive attitude, capability and ruggedness in a compact crossover/SUV package, while combining these characteristics with state-of-the-art technology and new-energy drivetrains, the third-generation Compass ushers in a new era for the Stellantis-owned US automaker. Built at Stellantis’ Melfi, Italy assembly facility, the box-fresh Compass is available in five flavours: mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a trio of all-electric (EV) options. The mild-hybrid and PHEV models’ electrified petrol powertrains produce 108 kW and 143 kW, respectively, while the EV variants’ total power outputs range from 160 kW in front-wheel-drive (FWD) guise to 280 kW in the derivative equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). Based on Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform, the emissions-free Compass has an operating range of up to 650 km, Jeep claims. While the FWD models will offer…

It seems unfathomable that not so long ago, it was considered acceptable practice to have young children either free to roam on the back seat of a motor vehicle or, indeed, held on an adult’s lap in the front passenger seat. While some road users still need a scare or, in a worst-case scenario, a tragedy to appreciate the forces at play when a car moving at just 30 km/h comes to a sudden stop, the modern motoring world has long since sought to provide appropriate protection for young passengers in the event of an accident. Of course, while many of the options available today rely on both user buy-in and proper installation, it’s refreshing to see that progress continues to be made in this important area. THE EARLY DAYS…

Sport 1.5 Exceed CVT + Stylish exterior and interior design Spacious luggage compartment Well-resolved ride - Lethargic in-gear performance Drivetrain noisy under hard acceleration High-sited driving position limits headroom R499 990 Taking in those sizeable DRLs and sharp lines, it’s fair to say the Outlander Sport is arguably one of the most striking compact SUVs currently available in SA. However, it’s this car’s interior that is the highlight of the package. Whereas the styling of some modern Mitsubishi interiors can be considered a touch outdated, this Mitsubishi’s is in-vogue. The solidly constructed cabin is also packed with modern tech. Among other items, the flagship Exceed model tested here features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 8.0-inch digital instrumentation, an eight-speaker Yamaha sound system, wireless smartphone charging…

1.0 TSI Life DSG + Impressive perceived quality Refined powertrain After-sales offering - 1.0 TSI can be thirsty when rushed Standard specification looks sparse when compared with others here Relatively small luggage compartment R471 400 Introduced in 2019, Volkswagen’s most popular imported product was handed a timely update in 2024. Together with mild cosmetic changes and a reconfigured local line-up, VW was also quick to point out a considered upgrade of this vehicle’s interior build quality and choice of materials. Introduced throughout the range was digital instrumentation, with a new 8.0-inch infotainment display housing wireless smartphone connectivity. While the vehicle supplied is the entry-level (base) T-Cross, R471 400 gets you into the mid-spec Life model, formerly known as Comfortline. This includes welcome features such as a wireless charging dock and…

1.2T Elegance AT + Car-like ride and handling Feels well put together Something a bit different - Relatively firm ride Tight in the rear A touch expensive R509 500 Your eyes are not deceiving you. While we had ‘ordered’ our Mokka in 1.2T Elegance trim, the arrival of a flagship GS Line derivative at our offices meant we needed to include this model in our Shootout, while factoring in the adjusted level of standard specification. A black-painted roof made little difference, but the 18-inch alloy wheels fitted to this unit, compared to the more forgiving 17-inch footwear on the Elegance derivative, were considered, especially while travelling on gravel. Despite this, and an unexpected price increase that takes the entry-level model uncomfortably close to R510 000, the consensus was that this…

1.5 Elegance CVT + Spacious cabin Compliant ride Good value for money - CVT drone under acceleration NVH suppression not the best Feels a little lightweight R430 800 It was a last-minute addition to this year’s SUV Shootout line-up, but we are glad Honda’s capable little Elevate was included as it gave a good account of itself during its six-month stint in our long-term fleet. As the second most affordable offering here, the Elevate has managed to carve out a welcome niche in a Honda line-up that has become a bit pricey of late. Even so, in this company, it managed to divide opinion among the CAR test team. We all agreed the interior is impressively spacious and the overall road manners, encompassing a compliant ride and reasonably feelsome steering,…

TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS 1.8 XR CVT KIA SELTOS 1.5CRDI EX AT VOLKSWAGEN T-CROSS 1.0 TSI LIFE DSG With photography done, arms aching from hauling child seats and prams into 13 cars, and a wealth of driving on open roads and gravel tracks behind us, the surprisingly difficult task of choosing the top three finalists was upon us. Instead of agonising over who was going through, it was the process of eliminating the 10 diverse but worthy runners up that proved difficult. There were some unexpected disappointments in the mix, notably the Chery Tiggo Cross and Renault Duster; the former, despite its neat styling and competitive asking price, falling foul of poor powertrain calibration while the Duster’s underwhelming perceived quality and poor refinement stymied its chances. We were also surprised by the…

Named after the town of Vitoria-Gasteiz in Northern Spain, where it’s been produced since 1996, the commercial van-based Mercedes-Benz Vito package has proven to be quite the jack of all trades throughout its nearly thirty-year history. Like its traditional Volkswagen Transporter rival, despite its humble workhorse origins, the Vito has successfully evolved to take on many forms, including, in the case of the flagship third-generation product, the luxurious V300d Exclusive that we drove in our February 2025 issue. Priced at R2.4-million, such has been the local demand for the modern V-Class (selling up to 55 units per month) that Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa was primed to introduce a so-called step-sibling to this premium product, in the form of the new Vito Select package. Interestingly, ours is the only market where,…

Mail Email: car@habarimedia.com Mail: CAR, PO Box 180, Howard Place, 7450 OVER TO YOU… Please include your physical address and telephone number. Diverse ideas and opinions are welcome, but publication of your letter doesn’t necessarily mean we agree. Please stick to a maximum of 300 words. CAR reserves the right to edit and shorten letters owing to space constraints. WINNING LETTER HAPPY WITH MY H6 HEV Over the last 31 years I have had a privilege of driving and owning/leasing many cars/double cabs, MPVs, SUVs and even hot hatches from Germany, Japan, America and Korea with various powertrains and transmissions. I appreciated the differences, benefits and driving characteristics of each one, some more than others. I have forsaken brand loyalty due to indifferent after sales service from various automakers. Reliability,…

Com pact Conundrum Setting the scene Whether it’s because of the perceived additional layer of occupant protection afforded by improved visibility from a taller driving position or the hint of adventure courtesy of raised ground clearance, the popularity of the compact-SUV segment has drawn keen interest from both established brands looking to future-proof their respective portfolios, as well as numerous ‘disruptor’ manufacturers, including those from China. Broad versatility and aesthetics aside, another key factor creating demand in this segment is a budget-driven trend towards buying down, where customers seek better value from a slightly smaller package than what is offered in the mid-size SUV category. Acknowledging the importance of both perceived value and the needs of the average buyer in this segment – including the likelihood of transporting small children – and armed…

1.5 Premium Matte Edition IVT + Spacious interior Good outward visibility Well-balanced steering - Overly firm ride Laggy transmission Limited safety features in this model R484 000 Towards the end of 2024, Hyundai handed the Creta a nip and tuck, introducing a couple of subtle exterior updates such as revised bumpers and improved tech to the second generation. Locally, the refreshed line-up also offers a (R5 000) Matte Edition package. The latter includes gloss black exterior finishes, black alloy wheels and the choice of three matte body hues. Available in Premium and Executive spec, the Matte White model featured here was specified in the former trim. As neat as it’s Tucson-inspired styling is, it’s fair to say the Hyundai’s interior could have benefited more from a refresh. Although logically laid…

C5 Elegance X DCT + Generous standard specification Distinctive styling Keen pricing - Poor interior ergonomics Lifeless steering Tight rear legroom R465 900 Introduced just in time to make it onto this Shootout, Omoda’s updated C5 package gains a new X Series naming structure to celebrate subtly revised exterior styling compared to the model launched in 2023, a revised specifications list and a lower asking price than before. The original C5 package has been retained in the form of Street and Style models to offer a compelling entry point into this Chinese brand’s fast-expanding product portfolio. Styling and ergonomics aside, the new C5 X Series also gains a more advanced multilink rear suspension compared to the torsion beam setup offered elsewhere in the range, as well as a new dual-clutch…

1.5CRDi EX AT + Solid, spacious and well-packaged interior Good road manners Impressively frugal turbodiesel engine - Standard specification relatively modest Occasional in-gear hesitancy Value is linked to present price reduction R501 995 The Seltos’ inclusion in this line-up was a bit of a contentious issue, especially as its price has been brought within budget courtesy of a deal-assistance programme that saves R60 000. Even so, we considered it a worthwhile exercise to show buyers that a diesel option can be had at this price point, and it’s a particularly good one. For reasons difficult to discern, but perhaps owing to the stir caused by the capable performance of the Sportage and fantastic value represented by the recently facelifted Sonet, the Seltos has somehow become a bit lost in Kia’s…

Cross 1.8 XR + Recent update keeps styling fresh Accomplished allround road manners Deceptively spacious - CVT’s negative impact on refinement Poor reversing camera Ubiquity may dissuade those looking for individuality R501 500 Four years on the SA market and nearly 64 000 sales on, the Corolla Cross has become a compact-SUV segment staple, and with good reason. While the XR hybrid is probably one of the most purchased and accepted cars of its ilk locally, its R545 200 price precluded it from competing here, but the recent facelift – ushering in features like a hexagonal grille, hands-free electric tailgate, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle, panoramic-view monitor and electric handbrake – meant the R501 500 mid-range 1.8 XR was a perfect fit for this Shootout. Over time, Toyota’s Prospectonbuilt…

KIA SELTOS 1.5CRDI EX AT From being a relatively contentious inclusion in this Shootout, the Kia Seltos 1.5CRDi EX has, by unanimous decision, emerged victorious. Updated in 2024 to introduce updated exterior styling, reworked cabin conveniences with upgraded materials and a revised model line-up, Kia South Africa is rightly proud to have the only vehicle in this segment still fitted with a frugal turbodiesel powerplant. While this EX-spec model’s listed price of R561 995 should have seen it excluded from competing (like the R545 000, hybrid-powered Corolla Cross), based on what Kia South Africa is calling “promotional pricing valid for the foreseeable future”, it was impossible not to add in this compelling Seltos package within our estabished budget. Included in its current price of R501 995 is a four-year/60 000…

SUZUKI DZIRE 1.2 GL+ MT ETA: NOW *Claimed figures Price: R246 900 Powertrain: 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, petrol Transmission: 5-speed manual Power: 60 kW @5 700 r/min Torque: 112 N.m @4 300 r/min Top speed: 175 km/h* Fuel consumption: 4.4 L/100 km* CO2 emissions: 104 g/km* Rivals: Honda Amaze; Hyundai Grand i10 Sedan; Kia Pegas + Frugal powertrain - Cabin does not feel as upmarket as Swift’s Six months after Suzuki Auto South Africa introduced its multiple awardwinning fourth-generation Swift to our market, and with this model underscoring remarkable recent sales success for the Japanese brand, it is time for this popular hatchback’s modern sedan sibling to enter the fray. Interestingly, while the two previous generations of the Dzire introduced styling that broadly mimicked their respective Swift counterparts, with the fourthgeneration car, Suzuki has…

Price: R254 900 0–100 km/h: 12.22 seconds Top speed: 160 km/h Power: 66 kW Torque: 110 N.m CAR Fuel index: 6.60 L/100km CO2 : 131 g/km When the first-generation Honda Amaze hit the market in 2013, it was little more than a Brio with a boot. The original Brio design was never intended to translate into a sedan variant, so the resulting new model looked rather clumsy, but the product overall left the brand with a strong contender in a segment that was primarily contested by budget hatchbacks. In 2018, the product was updated and the execution was a lot more polished – with a more resolved profile and cabin layout. Fast forward to the present day and the third iteration of the Honda Amaze has again evolved, slightly less so…

ETA: first half of 2026 CHOOSE YOUR FLAVOUR Although it retains similar dimensions to the outgoing model, the new RAV4 will be offered with a choice of three exterior styling packages – Core, Adventure and GR-Sport. Each plays host to model-specific grille, body kit and alloy wheel designs, with the Core being the subtler urban-setting choice, while the Adventure option brings with it chunkier bodywork with more of an overlanding appearance. THE SPORT SORT Few toyota ranges are complete without a sporty-looking GR model, and the new RAV4 lineup is no exception. In addition to more aggressive-looking facia designs – including a hexagonal grille insert – and sportier 20-inch alloy wheels finished in black, the RAV4’s GR-Sport specification also incorporates front and rear tracks extended by 20 mm, high-performance dampers,…

1.3T Intens EDC + Composure on dirt roads Spacious, techladen interior Striking exterior design - Cheap-feeling interior finishes Poor on-road refinement Lack of diesel engine R519 999 With its blend of practicality and fairly robust build in a budget-friendly package, the Duster has been a longstanding CAR favourite. However, the third-generation, although admittedly striking, didn’t wow in its Mayissue debut. While capable on loose surfaces, the 4WD system struggled on rough terrain, and this model’s 6-speed manual transmission was not as smooth as we had hoped. Therefore, we reasoned that the more affordable, frontwheel-drive derivative – priced from R489 999 and exclusively available with a slick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox – is likely the model of choice. Feeling just as composed on dirt roads as its 4WD sibling, the Duster served…

1.2T AX7L AT + Eye-catching exterior design Impressive standard specification Refined drivetrain - Tiny luggage compartment Intrusive driver-assistance systems Power steering oddly geared R404 999 The XUV 3XO’s exterior styling, perceived interior build quality and on-road refinement won universal praise from the CAR team when tested in December 2024. It is one of the most polished products to come out of the Mahindra SA stable in some time. So, it was interesting to see how it would fare against segment rivals. The top-spec AX7L is the least expensive compact crossover here by a fair margin, yet it’s also one of the most feature-packed cars, playing host to such big-car items as a camera array displaying blind-spot video feed on the digital instrument cluster and ADAS. We did have our gripes…

Cross 1.5 Elite DCT + On-point exterior styling Strong perceived value Established Chinese brand in SA - Poorly calibrated throttle and steering Firm seating Relatively poor NVH R449 900 Areplacement in other markets for the top-selling Tiggo 4 Pro, the arrival of the Tiggo Cross provided Chery South Africa with the opportunity to expand its local product portfolio. Positioned between the Tiggo 4 and Tiggo 7, the Cross introduces modern, European-inspired exterior styling, including a fluid grille design with intricate use of LED lighting technology. Available in Comfort and Elite, the latter derivative gains 18-inch alloy wheels and red brake callipers. The Tiggo Cross features a soft-touch dashboard, leather upholstery and a now somewhat generic-looking expansive display panel that combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Although…

Plus 1.5T Premium + Well-resolved powertrain Improved infotainment system Plentiful specification - Heavy fuel consumption So-so cabin trim Some odd ergonomics R499 995 At the tail-end of 2024, after two years on the SA market, BAIC’s striking X55 compact SUV received an update that included some styling and spec improvements, as well as introducing a Premium-suffixed model. Underpinned by the firm’s BMFA modular platform, the X55 is marginally larger than the Jolion Pro featured here – a trait that made accommodating the child seat and pram a breeze – and in its Plus specification, it now features more distinctive blade-style alloy wheels and quad-exhaust finishers on the rear valance. In keeping with the X55’s rakish styling is a driving package that rates as one of the best to arrive from…

Pro 1.5T S Ultra Luxury + Impressive perceived quality Refined powertrain Generous standard specification - Thirsty engine Overly complex infotainment interface Some tacky touches R495 950 Context can be a powerful thing when it comes to assessing cars, and the experience of revisiting the Jolion Pro alongside rival offerings was especially enlightening. When we tested the less powerful 1.5T in our October 2024 issue, we remained impressed with its execution and sense of quality but felt the Pro had not really moved the game on significantly; something we thought would hamstring it in this company. However, with some of its Chinese rivals fumbling the ball in terms of powertrain, handling and refinement, the Pro has really shone in this comparative arena. With its solidly constructed cabin and a turbopetrol engine…

Showcased at the 1985 Frankfurt Auto Show, the first BMW M3 was developed in response to Mercedes-Benz’s formidable 190E 2.3-16, as this Stuttgart-based rival looked to prove a point on both the autobahn and in the new Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, or DTM, racing series as motorsport fans across the world would know it. Based on the E30 3 Series, the original M3 introduced bespoke bodywork and suspension geometry designed to tackle trackwork, and a potent S14 2.3-litre, DOHC four-cylinder engine developed by legendary engineer Paul Roche. Despite the E30 being assembled at Plant Rosslyn at the time, such was the focus and development required to build the M3 that it was never signed off for right-hand-drive production and was thus unavailable to BMW South Africa. Understandably, this left both enthusiasts…

Price: R689 900 0–100 km/h: 8.55 seconds Top speed: 180 km/h Power: 255 kW Torque: 525 N.m CAR Fuel Index: 1.20 L/100 km CO2 : 31 g/km Leading the charge in Jaecoo South Africa’s new-energy vehicle (NEV) offensive, the J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System) impressed in our initial drive earlier this year. So, we were keen to strap our equipment to the newcomer for an SA-first road test. Save for the J7 SHS’s striking aero-styled alloy wheels, not much distinguishes the PHEV’s exterior styling from its petrolengined stablemates. And that’s a good thing. We’ve previously commended the J7’s rakish design, and dressed in the press car’s ‘Olive Grey’ body hue it cuts an especially handsome figure. However, those with a keen eye may have noticed a few subtle model-specific touches, including…

Having previously been to Aldo Scribante Race Circuit with CAR on annual Performance Shootouts over the last 18 years, I will admit to feeling a fair degree of confidence going into the third round of this year’s GR Cup. Although I was already familiar with the circuit layout, some helpful pointers from Continental’s Ryan Visagie, who has raced at the Gqeberha circuit, would come in handy for placing the GR Yaris into the tight corners for which the track is renowned. New car, new livery, new driving style This round would be the debut of the 2025 model-year GR Yaris. In addition to an updated facia and revised exterior design, this car ushers in even more power and torque. In the case of our racecars, which feature a less restrictive…