Latest news with #CorollaCross
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Toyota reveal new RAV4, Corolla Cross, bZ4X Touring, Aygo X and Lexus ES
Toyota recently showcased a number of new vehicles to be launched in 2025 and beyond. Included in the reveal were the newly upgraded RAV4, the bZ4X Touring Sports, the Aygo X, Corolla Cross, as well as the Lexus ES, for which there was a sneak preview at Toyota's Kenshiki event earlier this year. Many of the new models will come with hybrid and electric powertrains. The RAV4 PHEV will be capable of travelling up to 100 kms on pure electric power. The Corolla Cross overlaps the RAV4, with only slightly less space and a more estate-like shape. For the first time, Toyota have introduced the GR Sport Trim, which adds a slightly sportier suspension set-up as well as extra spec. The bZ4X Touring is an all-electric SUV with a WLTP range of over 500 km and we could see it in Ireland for the first half of 2026. Finally, Lexus' new ES goes electric and has more space as it takes over from the LS as their top saloon in the current lineup.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Chinese hybrids heading to SA: Can these 10 new contenders steal some of Toyota's thunder?
The new Chery Tiggo 9 is one of numerous new Chinese hybrid vehicles destined for South Africa. Image: Supplied Very few South Africans are ready to take the plunge with a fully electric vehicle, but the latest statistics show that sales of hybrid vehicles are booming. According to Naamsa, sales of fully electric vehicles sank to just 276 units in the first quarter of 2025, down 16% from the same period in 2024, while sales of traditional hybrid vehicles rose by 14.8%, from 2587 units to 2970. Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales grew by 71%, albeit off a very small base from 141 to 241 sales. But will 2025 be the year that PHEVs rise to prominence? Featuring larger batteries than conventional hybrids, these vehicles claim to offer the best of both worlds, typically offering fully electric coverage of between 50km and 100km, depending on the vehicle. And there are plenty of new entrants on the way to South Africa, as we'll get to shortly. But PHEVs tend to be on the pricey side, with BYD's recently introduced Sealion 6 currently being the least expensive option at R639,900. Toyota's Corolla Cross, a conventional hybrid, dominates the new energy vehicle market by a wide margin, and that is largely due to its combination of affordability and practicality, with prices starting at R494,400. Toyota also sells a Rav4 hybrid, and numerous Lexus models. The Corolla Cross is Mzansi's most affordable hybrid vehicle at present, but that could change in the not-too-distant future, with a number of compact Chinese offerings heading our way. MG3 and ZS Hybrids With its sporty looks and compact dimensions, the MG3 hatchback will be a refreshing addition to the local market, and our sources indicate that it will be offered with hybrid power. New MG3 Image: Supplied The newcomer promises feisty performance, with its combination of a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor offering a total output of 155kW, while combined fuel consumption is a mere 4.3 litres per 100km . Also pencilled in for South Africa is a hybrid version of the popular HS midsize SUV. Combining a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, customers can look forward to outputs of 165kW and 340Nm, as well as combined consumption of 5.5 l/100km. While these two MG hybrids are believed to be 'on the books' for South Africa, exact launch timing as well as pricing and local specifications have yet to be confirmed. Chery Tiggo Cross HEV Joining the petrol-powered Chery Tiggo Cross that was launched in South Africa in late 2024, the hybrid version is set to reach our shores in July. Chery Tiggo Cross Image: Supplied Specifics have yet to be confirmed, but it is believed the new HEV model is powered by a normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that pairs with two electric motors. Claimed fuel consumption amounts to 5.4 l/100km. Although it will command a premium over its ICE sibling, which is priced from R399,900 to R449,900, the Tiggo Cross HEV could still emerge as one of South Africa's most affordable hybrid vehicles. RISE OF THE PLUG-IN HYBRID Jaecoo J7 SHS You won't have to wait long to get your hands on the new Jaecoo J7 SHS plug-in hybrid SUV, which is set to officially launch later this week. Jaecoo J7 SHS. Image: Supplied According to the new PHEV model will be priced at R689,900, making it marginally more expensive than its BYD rival. But the stats are certainly impressive, with a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine pairing up with a powerful hybrid system to deliver combined outputs of 255kW and 525Nm. Thanks to its 18.3 kWh LFP battery, with DC charging capabilities, the J7 SHS can manage a claimed range of up to 90km between charges. Haval H6 GT PHEV Certainly one of the most electrifying hybrids to reach local shores this year, Haval's H6 GT PHEV is set to launch imminently. Haval H6 GT PHEV. Image: Supplied A true performance SUV, the new plug-in model boasts combined outputs of 321kW and 762Nm, allowing for a 4.9 second 0-100km/h sprint, while the carmaker claims a pure electric range of up to 180km. Omoda C9 PHEV The luxurious Omoda C9 will be joined by a supremely powerful plug-in hybrid variant in 2025, pairing the familiar 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with four electric motors for combined outputs of 440kW and 915Nm. Omoda C9 PHEV. Image: Supplied Scheduled for launch in July, the new C9's is also said to be capable of covering up to 150km on electric power alone, thanks to a 34.5 kWh battery with DC fast charging capability. Locally the C9 PHEV will be available exclusively with the Explore specification level, which means 20-inch wheels, Nappa leather interior, with seat heating for front and rear occupants, and a panoramic sunroof. Chery Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 PHEVs Chery will welcome a stylish new flagship SUV to its fold around September. Meet the new Tiggo 9. Featuring a 1.5T petrol engine and three electric motors, the combined output is an impressive 230kW, while an all-electric range of up to 100km is said to be possible. The Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV Image: Supplied For the cabin, designers aimed to create a 'warm and tech savvy' space. Highlights include a 15.6-inch HD screen and integrated multifunctional console. Specially crafted 3D stitched seats, meanwhile, add an upmarket touch. While the Tiggo 9 represents the zenith of the local Chery line-up, the Chinese brand will also be introducing a pair of more affordable plug-in hybrids, with the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEVs due in July and August, respectively. More details on these models will be released in due course. GAC M8 PHEV GAC Motor, known for its sporty Emzoom and Emkoo crossover models, will be introducing something even more audacious in 2025. GAC M8 Image: Supplied
TimesLIVE
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Car hijacking down 15.1% in first quarter of 2025, says SAPS
Instances of car hijacking decreased 15.1% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest crime statistics released on May 23 by police minister Senzo Mchunu. There were 4,533 counts of carjacking nationally from January-March this year compared to 5,338 in 2024, with incidences down in every province except North West, which recorded a 1.2% rise. Provinces with the biggest decreases included Mpumalanga (-35.4%), Eastern Cape (-32.4%), KwaZulu-Natal (-25.7%) and Western Cape (-23.5%). Gauteng recorded a 2.7% decrease. SAPS statistics reveal that sedans and hatchbacks were the types of cars most frequently hijacked between January and March this year, with 2,016 units. In second place were bakkies/panel vans (1,503), SUVs/station wagons (341), minibuses (292) and motorcycles (291). The SAPS did not specify the most affected brands or model ranges, but Fidelity Services Group previously released a list of the seven most high-risk models for hijacks, namely the Toyota Fortuner (GD6 and D4D), Hilux (GD6 and D4D), Corolla Cross, RAV 4; VW Polo (especially hatchbacks); Nissan NP 200; and Ford Ranger (double and single cabs). 'Most hijackings target victims at, or close to, their residences and/or places of work,' said Fidelity Services Group CEO Wahl Bartmann. In the latest statistics revealed on Friday, truck hijackings went down 21.6% in the first quarter, with decreases in all provinces except Gauteng (+0.4%) and Northern Cape (which recorded two incidents compared to zero the year before). Vehicle thefts decreased 9.1% nationally to 7,731 incidences, down from 8,502 in the first quarter of 2024, said Mchunu. There was a decrease in all provinces except the Free State (+11.1%).
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
All-new, SA-bound Toyota Rav4 revealed: hybrid only, three design themes, smarter cabin
The sixth-generation Toyota Rav4 boasts a more angular design. Image: Supplied Although it has been pushed from prominence in South Africa by the locally produced Corolla Cross, the Rav4 is still Toyota's second best seller globally, after the Corolla range, which means this 2026 redesign is a crucial one. The sixth-generation Toyota Rav4, revealed to the world on Wednesday, receives a more muscular look along with new hybrid drivertrains and high-tech cabin featuring the company's new self-developed Arene software. The exterior, with its chunkier proportions, more pronounced creases and 'hammerhead shark' face, is available with different design themes depending on the model. Regular versions feature a colour-coded borderless grille, much like the facelifted Corolla Cross, while the GR Sport flaunts an enlarged honeycomb grille. An 'Adventure' specification is also set to join the line-up, boasting a more rugged appearance package. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ From left to right: Toyota Rav4 GR Sport, Core model and Adventure prototype. Image: Supplied The new Rav4 will be available either as a regular self-charging hybrid (HEV) or as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), with the latter featuring a new 22.7 kWh battery that allows a claimed electric range of up to 150km, or 100km on the WLTP combined cycle. Smart geo-fencing technology furthermore optimises the electric range, based on each unique journey. The new Rav4 has been confirmed for South Africa. Image: Supplied Thanks to an on-board 50kW DC charger, the vehicle can be charged from 10% to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, which is rare in the PHEV segment. The battery can also feed power back to your home during a power outage, which will certainly be a boon for South Africans. Thanks to an improved front motor, the all-wheel drive PHEV model is now good for a system output of 224kW and, according to claims, can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds. Depending on the market, Toyota will also offer a front-wheel drive PHEV model, with 197kW on tap, while the regular self charging hybrids will be available in 135kW (FWD) and 140kW (AWD) guises. No further specification details have been shared in that regard. The cabin of the sixth-generation Toyota Rav4 has a more simplistic layout, thanks to what Toyota describes as an 'island architecture', which groups controls like the gearshift, display screens and air vents together to minimise eye movements and improve ergonomics while driving. The newly designed cabin promises enhanced ergonomics. Image: Supplied The redesigned cabin also ushers in a new multimedia system, powered by Toyota's new Arene digital ecosystem that promises a seamless digital in-car experience. For instance the 1.23-inch driver information screen provides real-time navigation information and 3D lane assistance to make directions easier to follow. Furthermore, the new 12.9-inch central screen includes a quick settings menu and has customisable shortcuts. When is it coming? The new Toyota Rav4 has been confirmed for 180 countries worldwide, including South Africa. However, launch timing as well as local specifications will be provided at a later date. IOL
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Toyota and Lexus Unveil 24 New Models for 2026
Toyota has big product plans for the coming year, the automaker set to roll out two dozen new, refreshed and special models this year. But the plans could be impacted by the new Trump auto import tariffs. All told, there are 24 new products in the pipeline for the Toyota and Lexus brands, starting with some already unveiled, like the 2026 GR Supra MkV Final Edition and GR86 Yuzu Edition. But there's a veritable tsunami of models to follow, with an emphasis on "electrified" products. During a media briefing that drew more than 150 auto writers to Toyota headquarters in Plano, Texas, company officials rolled off a rapid-fire list of some of the offerings in the works including: The 2026 Toyota Camry Night Shade Edition, with a Midnight Black Metallic exterior design elements, unique 19-inch wheels and gloss black badging;The 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback FX Special Edition. Influenced by a sporty Corolla hatch offered back in 1987, it gets a unique spoiler and larger wheels;The 2026 Corolla Cross, a mid-cycle update for both the gas and hybrid models, getting new paint colors, new wheel options, updated grilles and larger digital displays. The Corolla Cross is part of a growing line-up of electrified products, noted David Christ, the head of the Toyota division. With the imminent demise of the Supra, that will leave just one product in the automaker's entire U.S. line-up, the GR86, without at least a hybrid or all-electric option. As recently as 2023, conventional and plug-in hybrids, fuel-cell vehicles and EVs accounted for barely 30% of Toyota sales in the U.S. That surged to 45% last year and, Christ told Autoblog, "This year we expect it will go to more than 50%." One big reason: a tripling of EV options through the Toyota brand alone. The original Toyota bZ4X will get a significant update for 2026. To start with, "You may notice something is missing," said Christ. Going forward, the all-electric crossover's badge goes with a simpler bZ. Design tweaks will be modest. It's the technology that matters, starting with a larger, 14-inch digital display and new twin wireless smartphone chargers. Under the skin, there will be two battery pack choices, a 288-mile max 57.7 kWh option, and a 74.7 kWh alternative delivering an EPA-estimated 314 miles. Toyota claims you'll be able to go from a 10 to 80% state-of-charge in as little as 30 minutes with a fast-enough public DC quick charger. As for the drivetrain itself, bZ gets a more than 50% increase in power, the all-wheel-drive option making 338 horsepower which, said Toyota, will get you from 0-60 mph in just under 5 seconds. While Toyota previously revealed images of the updated bZ, we were present at the first public showing of the 2026 bZ Woodland. More station wagon-like in design, it offers a more roomy interior, with extra cargo space, higher ground clearance, at 8.3 inches, a 3,500-pound towing capacity and a variety of other useful features for those who might want to take it out to the cabin. That includes standard SofTex seating and a Multi-Terrain Monitor. The Woodland package comes standard with a 375-hp AWD twin-motor drivetrain and the standard bZ's larger, 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack – though range is a lower 260 miles, according to preliminary estimates. The new bZ variant adopts the North American Charging System port, making it possible to now plug into the Tesla Supercharger network. With a fast enough DC public charger it will get from a 10 to 80% state-of-charge, said Toyota, "in around 30 minutes." The third new Toyota-branded EV coming to the US revives the C-HR badge that we last saw more than a half-decade ago. The compact coupe-crossover is the American version of what will be known as the C-HR+ in Europe. Think of it as "a car with attitude," suggested Christ. It will also be a lot more roomy than the original gas C-HR, thanks to moving its drivetrain under the load floor, with 25.4 cf of cargo space behind the rear seats. Like the bZ Woodland, the 2026 C-HR will come with standard all-wheel-drive, two motors delivering a combined 338 hp, enough to hit 60 in about 5 seconds. Its 74.7-kWh battery pack gets an estimated 290 miles of range and, like bZ and bZ Woodland, charging times are estimated at as little as 30 minutes. The Toyota brand didn't entirely hog the spotlight on Monday. Cynthia Tenhouse, the vice president of marketing for the Lexus brand, announced several new models for 2026. These include a performance version of the Lexus IS. Dubbed the 2025 IS500 Ultimate Edition, it will be one of the last naturally aspirated performance luxury cars on the market. The 5.0-liter package pushes out 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. It will feature niceties like 19-inch BBS wheels and Brembo brakes. Only 500 will be available for the US market. Two new models were shown in the flesh – er, sheet metal – on Monday, starting with the updated 2026 Lexus RZ. Like the more mainstream Toyota bZ which shares its eTNGA platform, the 2026 RZ gets a big boost in power, and the larger 74.7 kWh battery pack – which also can charge in as little as 30 minutes while yielding as much as 300 miles range, depending upon trim. There will be three distinct variants: the RZ 350e, 450e and the new 550e F-Sport which punches out a peak 402 hp from its twin motors. The 550e will introduce a new M Mode which will simulate manual shifting using steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and, said Tenhouse, provides "simulated engine sounds" to help a driver know when to shift. The other introduction saw the debut of a "longer but lighter," eighth-generation Lexus ES. One of the first two product lines offered by Lexus at its 1989 debut, the 2026 ES is notable for being offered in both conventional hybrid and all-electric forms, a first for any model from Toyota or Lexus. The 2026 Lexus ES350h will be offered in both all- and front-wheel-drive pairing a 2.5-liter inline-four with the latest version of Toyota hybrid-electric drive system. There will be two all-electric versions, the front-drive 350e delivering an estimated 300 miles per charge. The 500e will sacrifice a bit of range for all-wheel-drive and better performance. Both use the 74.7 kWh battery pack and should charge in around 30 minutes. The next-generation ES will roll into US showrooms, said Tenhouse, "during the first half of 2026." Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
