The SUV bodyshape continues to be the most popular as well as fastest growing segments of the South African new car market. The result is that SUVs now represent a significant chunk of the new cars sold in South Africa. The onslaught of new SUVs is also not slowing down, with new models launched on an almost weekly basis.
These five SUVs were launched in South Africa in the last three months and are all great options across the SUV pricing spectrum.
Mahindra XUV 3XO
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is a brand-new SUV from the Indian brand that features a standout design and imposing stance along with modern touches. The interior is roomy and comfortable, despite the compact exterior dimensions and is finished with plush, soft-touch materials and the latest in infotainment including two 10.25-inch floating screens.
Advanced safety features include six airbags across the range, electronic stability control on all variants and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems with ten standard safety features. The XUV 3XO also features disc brakes all round.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is fitted with a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine that boasts 82kW and 200Nm and which uses just 6,6 litres per 100km. This powerplant can be paired to either a six-speed torque convertor automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.
Pricing starts at R254 999.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The new Volkswagen Tiguan has been launched in South Africa with a confident modern design. Distinctive features include a higher, more powerful looking front end and a glass-covered horizontal bar with an integrated LED strip. At the rear a similar horizontal LED strip between the taillight clusters emphasises the width of the new rear end.
The interior has been completely redesigned and includes an integrated cockpit landscape that is intuitive to operate thanks in part to a new MIB operating system. The new Tiguan is also available with a variety of the latest driver assistance features that make driving safer and more convenient.
Currently the new Tiguan is only available in South Africa with a 1.4-litre TSI engine that develops 110kW and 250Nm and which is paired to a smooth shifting seven-speed transmission, but other more powerful engine options are expected to join the offering in the coming months.
Pricing starts at R651 500.
Citroën C3 Aircross
Citroën recently expanded their local line up with the addition of the C3 Aircross which offers SUV versatility along with a muscular design and turbocharged drivetrain resulting in a package that offers excellent value for money in this segment.
Feature highlights include 17-inch alloys, an assertive front face with high bonnet, wide track width, Citroën lighting signature, double grille, lower skid plate, muscular wheel arches, protective cladding and 200mm of ground clearance which reinforces the SUV credentials.
All Citroën C3 Aircross models are fitted with the brands 1.2-litre turbocharged PureTech three-cylinder engine which delivers 81kW at 5 500rpm and 205Nm from 1 750rpm. All models are available exclusively with a six-speed torque convertor automatic transmission, which facilitates hassle free driving and a 6,3 litre/100km fuel consumption figure.
The Citroën C3 Aircross is available in a seven-seater or a five-seater configuration, which is rather unique in this segment and which results in increased versatility.
Pricing starts at R344 900.
Toyota Starlet Cross
Toyota has expanded their SUV arsenal to ensure that all bases are covered with the recent addition of the Starlet Cross to their line up.
This model features an aerodynamically sculpted silhouette that fuses SUV practicality with a hatchback design.
The interior features a thoughtfully crafted cabin that includes a three-tone dashboard adorned with premium finishes. The infotainment system with centrally mounted display measures nine-inches in XR and seven-inches in XS guise and supports smartphone mirroring.
The Toyota Starlet Cross is fitted with a familiar, yet robust 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 77kW and 138Nm and which can be paired to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is 5,6 or 5,8 litres/100km depending on the transmission configuration.
Safety features include ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control and Hill Assist Control. XR models are equipped with six airbags, including front, side and curtain airbags while XS derivatives are fitted with driver and passenger airbags.
All Toyota Starlet Cross models are sold with a four-services/60 000km service plan and a three-year/100 000km warranty.
Pricing starts at R299 900.
Hyundai Exter
Hyundai has added a compact SUV to their offering in the form of the all-new Exter. This stylish and attractive model features a unique design that integrates beautiful design lines with excellent proportions while incorporating Hyundai’s design DNA.
Bold and muscular wheel arch cladding, roof rails with a 70kg load capacity and ground clearance of 185mm expand the practicality of the Exter.
The interior is spacious and well equipped and includes a 3D pattern finish and dashboard, comfortable seats covered in a variety of finishes depending on the exterior colour and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment screen.
All models are fitted with a 1.2-litre Kappa four-cylinder engine that produces 61kW and 114Nm and which works in conjunction with either a five-speed manual transmission or an automated manual transmission. Hyundai claim a 5,7 or 5,9/litre per 100km fuel consumption figure.
Pricing includes a seven-year/200 000km warranty and a three-year/45 000km service plan and starts at R269 900.