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.jpg "Mitsubishi Outlander finally unveiled locally")
.jpg "Space for one more: The Chery Tiggo Pro 7")
.jpg "Ford Ranger wins SA Car of the Year title")
.jpg "Toyota Fortuner receives styling enhancements")
A milestone performance hybrid with Direct4, the RX 500h sees Lexus shift its focus from optimum efficiency to produce a model with a genuine performance edge, raising the RX’s appeal with customers who want high-end electrified performance.
Lexus has launched the fifth generation RX with a brand-new design, new powertrains, greater performance, refined luxury, unparalleled safety and a revolutionary plug-in hybrid model.
During the design process the team took inspiration from the model’s rich heritage to produce a car that is instantly recognisable while also being more dynamic, elegant and confident.
As part of the process a new design language called New Chapter was formulated which incorporates a new spindle body, achieved by integrating the signature spindle grille concept into the entire front of the vehicle. The slim headlight units and a front track that is 15mm wider emphasises the car’s lower centre of gravity and planted look. Sculpted surfaces on the door panels, flared rear wings and 21-inch wheels add a sense of dynamism.
The rear features a shorter overhang, wider track and sweeping transition from the wings around to the taillights. The rear combination lights are set in a light bar that spans the width of the car and wraps around the corners to heighten the wider look which is further underlined by the new Lexus word logo.
F Sport models are fitted with a bespoke front bumper that expresses a wide and low stance and contributes to aerodynamic performance. These models also gain 21-inch, exclusive, multi-spoke, black gloss aluminium wheels, six-piston brake callipers and the grille features an exclusive mesh pattern.
The new RX is available with three different electrified powertrains. The RX 450h+ adopts plug-in hybrid technology and offers 65km of EV driving range. Once the battery is depleted, the vehicle switches seamlessly to the self-charging hybrid system, maintaining high fuel and emissions efficiency. The system uses a four-cylinder Atkinson cycle 2.5-litre hybrid engine paired to the Lexus e-CVT system and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with an 18.1kWh capacity. An additional rear electric motor enables Lexus E-four fulltime all-wheel drive. Total output measures 227kW.
A milestone performance hybrid with Direct4, the RX 500h sees Lexus shift its focus from optimum efficiency to produce a model with a genuine performance edge, raising the RX’s appeal with customers who want high-end electrified performance. This model uses a completely new parallel hybrid architecture, featuring a turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol engine with six-speed automatic transmission, integrated front motor and power control unit, hybrid battery and compact rear e-axle. A total system output of 273kW and 550Nm allows this model to sprint to 100km/h in 6,2 seconds while using just 6,5 litres per 100km. The intelligent all-wheel drive system uses a separate electric motor and inverter to constantly balance the power and torque between the front and rear axles in any driving situation.
The RX 350h is characterised by a smooth and efficient self-charging hybrid system. The 2.5-litre petrol drivetrain offers 184kW while using just 5,4 litres per 100km thanks to the same selection of hybrid components as used in the RX 450h+.
In addition to these electrified options a RX 350 is available with a new 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine that offers 205kW and 430Nm and is paired to a short-ratio eight-speed Direct Shift-8AT and electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive. This model is capable of accelerating to 100km/h in 7,6 seconds while using an average of 8,7 litres per 100km.
Inside the driver-centred cockpit focuses on giving the driver direct, intuitive control of the vehicle. This was achieved by optimising SUV fundamentals such as the centre of gravity, weight reduction, rigidity and powertrain to create a more natural dialogue between the car and the driver and results in the car shrinking around the driver by providing a nimble, agile driving experience. The improved handling is made possible by the use of the Lexus GA-K platform which offers excellent body rigidity and a low centre of gravity.
The interior expresses luxury through simplicity with a less is more approach which prioritises a cool, contemporary look featuring clean, uncluttered surfaces. The large 14-inch touchscreen and provision of physical buttons for frequently used functions helps minimise driver head movement.
Creature comforts include three-zone air conditioning, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, wireless charger, illuminated entry, heads up display as well as seat heating and ventilation. Cargo volume is 612 litres with the rear seats in place.
The RX benefits from the third-generation Lexus Safety System+, with an improved Pre-Crash System. It is also available with Lexus’ Safe Exit Assist which prevents doors being opened into the path of vehicles or cyclists approaching from the rear. Elements of the integrated safety technology include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and abnormal driver condition response system.
The Adaptive Variable Suspension featured across the range provides independent damping control at each wheel, contributing to a more comfortable ride on uneven surfaces, higher damping force when turning and flat ride stability and is customisable with Normal and Sport modes.
The Outlander features a modern design, the best in all-wheel drive technologies and convenient seating for seven occupants making it a fitting flagship to the Mitsubishi range.
The Mitsubishi Outlander has been locally revealed to the public at this year’s Nampo Harvest Day, the largest agricultural show in the Southern hemisphere.
Modern design
Staying true to what the Mitsubishi brand stands for, the Outlander features a modern design, the best in all-wheel drive technologies and convenient seating for seven occupants making it a fitting flagship to the Mitsubishi range.
Upfront Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield creates a substantial presence that is accentuated by LED front fog lamps, LED sequential indicators and daytime running lights, a front and rear skid plate, silver roof rails, a rear spoiler with LED high-mounted brake light and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Under the bonnet
Both derivatives of the new Outlander are fitted with a 2.5-litre DOHC engine that produces 135kW at 6000rpm and 245Nm at 3600rpm. An eight-speed CVT transmission delivers effortless acceleration from any speed, slick gear changes and a smoother ride. Designed to keep the engine at optimum performance at all times, the CVT ensures improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions with Mitsubishi claiming that it will use just 8,1 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.
Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control ensures that the Outlander lives up to the off-road pedigree that Mitsubishi models are synonymous for. This electronically controlled AWD system uses intuitive sensors to maximise control, distributing power to all four wheels, while four driving modes balance economy and performance.
Inside story
The cabin oozes superior luxury and offers a spacious interior. The layout, comprising seven seats offers multiple configurations for any and every loading need. A 12,3-inch Digital Driver display is flanked by an eight-inch Smartphone-link display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on GLS models or a nine-inch unit on Aspire derivatives.
Model range
When it goes on sale later this year the Mitsubishi Outlander will be offered in two derivatives badged GLS and Aspire. GLS models boast an extremely high level of standard specification while Aspire models gain eight-way power adjustable, power lumbar support, a memory function driver’s seat, leather seats, a nine-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Navigation as well as a power sliding panoramic sunroof.
In addition to the overall win, the Ford Ranger also took victory in the popular double cab category. The locally built Ranger impressed the judging panel with its cutting-edge technology and safety features, powerful engines and excellent driving experience.
The recently launched Ford Ranger has become the first bakkie to score overall victory in the South African Car of the Year competition (COTY), presented by the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ). The Ford Everest took second place overall.
This is a historic moment in the history of the South African Car of the Year competition as no other bakkie has ever managed to secure an overall win and beat out all finalists since the competition began in 1986.
In addition to the overall win, the Ford Ranger also took victory in the popular double cab category. The locally built Ranger impressed the judging panel with its cutting-edge technology and safety features, powerful engines and excellent driving experience.
The Ford Everest took the honours in the Adventure SUV category, along with second place overall in the competition. The Everest impressed with the manner in which it combines exceptional off-road capability with practical seven-seater comfort, versatility and the advanced features that make it a compelling all-rounder.
This year’s COTY saw 21 finalists selected from a pool of 55 qualifying vehicles representing various hotly contested categories. The category winners emerged as follows;
Compact Family Category: BAIC Beijing X55
Midsize Category: Kia Sportage
Premium Category: Kia Sorento
Adventure SUV Category: Ford Everest
Double Cab 4x4 Category: Ford Ranger
Luxury Category: Mercedes Benz S-Class
Performance Category: Audi RS 3
New-energy Category: Volvo XC 40 P8 Recharge
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class won the COTY Jurors Excellence Award while the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro won the Motor Enthusiasts Choice, voted for by the public via a social media campaign.
Vehicle evaluations included scoring criteria such as design, technology, engineering, powertrain, handling, ingenuity and safety.
Once the jurors submitted their scores, automated scoring factors that cover sales performance, segment share and value for money were applied. COTY competition partner, Lightstone Auto provided the automated scoring information including data-driven insights, online market intelligence and new vehicle sales data.
Kia has released details of the EV9, its first three-row electric flagship SUV that brings fresh thinking, design and technology to the sector and spearheads the brands rapid transformation to that of a sustainable mobility solutions provider.
Based on the game-changing Electric Global Modular Platform, the EV9 offers athletic performance backed up by a range in excess of 500km. Ultra-fast 800-volt charging capability enables the battery to be charged up to a range of 239km in approximately 15 minutes.
Reshaping the SUV user experience
Based on Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, the EV9 re-envisions the all-electric SUV concept with a balance of natural and modern elements and the combination of elements from the natural and material worlds.
Upfront a Digital Tiger Face showcases its unique identity, which is accentuated by the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille and vertical headlamps which gives the EV9 a visionary and futuristic look. Two clusters of small cube lamps adjacent to each headlamp create a sophisticated animated lighting pattern that will signify Kia’s Digital Tiger Face for future EV models. A GT-Line model is differentiated by a black colour palette and a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille that adds an element of dynamism and sophistication to the impressive design.
Boosting efficiency is a drag co-efficient of 0.2 that has been achieved thanks to a 3D sculpted underbody cover, aerodynamic wheels and innovative air curtains integrated into the front bumper.
The EV9 will be available in six and seven seat versions. The first row of seats features relaxation seats that ensure a comfortable resting posture. The second row offers four seating options including a three-seater bench seat, basic-type, relaxation type and swivel-type two-seater independent seats, providing customers with a variety of usage methods to choose from.
Level 3 autonomy
Technological breakthroughs include the Highway Driving Pilot system which enables Level 3 autonomous driving in selected markets. Fifteen sensors, including two lidars enable the car to scan for and detect objects in a full 360-degree field of view, enabling it to react to the road and other users in order to prevent potential collisions. The car will be capable of conditional driving automation where conditions permit, enabling the driver to temporarily take a break from controlling the vehicle.
Staying up to date
The Kia Connect store will give owner sthe option of purchasing digital features and services on demand, giving them the flexibility to choose the features they want and continuously upgrade the capabilities of the EV9 with Over the Air updates. Customers can even specify additional performance for the all-wheel drive EV9 with an optional Boost feature that unlocks an extra 100Nm.
The Kia EV9 transcends all aspects of traditional SUV thinking and represents the pinnacle of Kia’s design and engineering capabilities. The EV9 also spearheads Kia’s transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider through the numerous recycled and sustainable materials used in its creation.
Varying levels of performance available
The EV9 will be available with a variety of electric powertrain configurations. A 76.1kWh battery is offered exclusively with the rear-wheel-drive standard model while a 99.8kWh battery is fitted to both the RWD long range and all-wheel drive models.
The rear-wheel drive long range models utilise a 150kW and 300Nm electric motor while the standard rear wheel drive model offers 160kW and 350Nm.
The all-wheel drive model is equipped with two electric motors that together unleash a total power output of 283kW and 600Nm, enabling the EV9 to accelerate to 100km/h in 6,0 seconds.
Market availability
With the EV9 Kia is poised to set new standards for electric vehicles that revolutionise the concept of travelling in style and comfort. The Kia EV9 is yet to be confirmed for local introduction.
The Fortuner’s design direction takes a more striking direction with catamaran inspired elements which are especially noticeable at the extremities of the vehicle where it mimics a catamarans twin hulls.
Toyota has lifted the covers off the 2023 Fortuner featuring dramatic catamaran inspired looks that showcase a bolder, more aggressive design language, the latest iteration of the Fortuner also boasts subtle interior improvements to ensure that this well-loved SUV remains at the top of the best sellers list. The Fortuner continues to command the largest slice of the medium SUV segment selling over 800 units a month to claim over 40% market share.
Updated styling
The Fortuner’s design direction takes a more striking direction with catamaran inspired elements which are especially noticeable at the extremities of the vehicle where it mimics a catamarans twin hulls. The all-new sharply angled front and rear bumper feature exclusive, aero-corner moulding that is complimented by black trapezoidal foglamp housings. L-shaped reflector inserts at the rear, reinforce the aggressive styling.
The Fortuner now features a vastly different, more aerodynamically efficient front fascia. The black mesh upper grille has been slimmed down, while the lower aperture has been inflated in order to compliment the more assertive attitude. A grey skid plate adds to the aesthetic and enhances functionality.
Exclusively designed headlamps comprise split-quad LEDs with a waterfall LED Line Guide Signature, in combination with the LED L-shaped daytime running lamps and apron framing LED indicator lamps which tie up the front end’s more modern look.
At the rear reworked elements include a new bumper, new taillight design, a piano black numberplate garnish as well as the black badge treatment offered across the model line-up.
The side profile now features all-new two-tone black and metal 18-inch multi-layered, machine-cut finished alloys. 2.8-litre customers are also able to specify the new bi-tone colour option which pairs a black roof, spoiler garnish, outer mirror housings and shark fin antenna with the exclusive Platinum Pearl White exterior.
Interior refinements
In 2022 2.8-litre models received dual-zone climate control, a panoramic view monitor and a 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, while onboard satellite navigation was deleted in favour of customers preference for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto usage.
Leather is standard across the Fortuner range, but 2.8-litre models now feature a new dual-tone colour palette, which pairs black and maroon leather. Maroon stitching also adorns various surfaces as a striking counterpoint to the predominantly black trim. A revised instrument cluster features all-new graphics, new black background ornamentation and revised animation for the TFT display. 2.8-litre variants now also feature additional USB ports for rear passengers
In 2022 the Fortuner also received a variety of safety upgrades, and that is now being bolstered by a Lane Keeping System with Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control and a brake synchronised Pre-Crash system that has been added to the Toyota Safety Sense suite.
Engine and transmission offering
The Fortuner is offered with a choice of two engines including the 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder that offers 150kW and 500Nm, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. The more affordable 2.4 GD-6 produces a healthy 110kW and 400Nm and is available in both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission derivatives.
Model range and pricing
All Fortuner models are sold with a three-year/100 000km warranty and a nine-services/90 000km service plan.
