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The Citizen
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Omoda C5 X Series doesn't just marks the spot, it hits the spot
New crossover SUV models swap out much-criticised CVT for dual-clutch transmission. Opinions vary over every aspect of Chinese carmaker from manufacturing to after sales backup. Except for one thing. The Chinese learn damn fast and apply what they've learned in no time. The Omoda C5 is just another case on point. The crossover SUV has been the cornerstone of Chery-owned Omoda & Jaecoo's local success since its debut just over two years ago. During this time, O&J twice introduced a lower-priced entry-level model to the C5 range. And more recently, two X Series models have joined the range below the S variants. These offer dual-clutch transmission (DCT) as an alternative to the much-criticised CVT gearbox. At a reduced price nogal. Omoda C5 X Series arrives The Omoda C5 Lux X DCT and Elegance X DCT have replaced the standard Lux CVT and Elegance CVT models. At R425 900, the Lux X DCT is R52 000 cheaper than before and the Elegance X DCT R42 000 less at R465 900. The Citizen Motoring recently sampled the Omoda C5 in Elegance X DCT guise. Lowering pricing usually goes with cutting some fat, but in this case, O&J actually found a way of adding a whole lot. These come under the skin, styling, space, spec and after sales backup. Apart from the gearbox upgrade, the X Series also features hardware enhancements in the form of improved brake pedal response and replacing of the torsion beam rear suspension with a multi-link setup. Improved looks The front end, which futuristic styling helped the Omoda C5 make a grande local entrance in 2023, now features a redesigned matrix grille and headlights and new bumper. The LED daytime running lights motif is also more in line with its bigger C9 sibling. No changes were made to the rear, while we thought new 17-inch black alloy wheels adds to C5 X Series' overall appeal. Inside, the materials on the doors have been upgraded, along with the addition of a more powerful 50-watt wireless charger. These features alongside the carried-over set of goodies which includes dual 10.25-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Hello Chery voice recognition system. The comprehensive set of safety features also stay unchanged. The Omoda C5 Elegance X rides on 17-inch black alloy wheels. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Designers have also somehow managed to eek out more boot space in a structure featuring the same architecture. It has gone up from 378 litre to a very respectable 442 litres. Omoda C5 X sticks to familiar mill The service plan, which is standard alongside a five-year/150 000km warranty and 10-year/one-million km engine warranty for the first owner, has been upgraded. It goes from a two-year/30 000km plan to a five-year/70 000km contract. ALSO READ: Omoda C5 range adjusted again to include new X Series pair Besides all these valuable additions, the real hardcore deal breaker for Omoda C5 X Series – besides its price – is the six-speed DCT gearbox. Like the CVT, it is mated to a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine which sends 115kW of power and 230Nm of torque to the front wheels. The drive mode selector also now include Normal mode alongside the Eco and Sport modes. While a DCT box over a CVT must be regarded as an upgrade all day every day, is it by no means perfect. Our biggest gripe with it the shuddering when coming to a stop. The Omoda C5 Elegance X features two 10.25-inch digital screens. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Slow to react But to be fair to the box, it is not solely to blame for drivetrain annoyances. Loads of low-down turbo lag and typical Chinese throttle calibration issues do not help its cause. A much-delayed response during acceleration from a standstill, followed by too much power, is all to familiar. And that is sadly something that no driving mode software or gearbox mechanism can fix. ALSO READ: Omoda C5's price drops below R350 000 with new Street variant Omoda claims the DCT will sip 6.9 litres per 100km compared to the CVT's 7.4L/100km. But as we've seen so many times with this mill in various models regardless of transmission, our consumption just dipped under 10L/100km after a week of city traffic. All in all, the Omoda C5 Elegance X DCT is a very appealing package at a very competitive price. Even if your heart isn't completely sold because of the drivetrain issues, your head is likely to overrule it taking into account what is on the table.
The Citizen
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Suzuki Grand Vitara keen to show why its the grandest of them all
The GV badge made its return to the Suzuki stable in 2023 as the brand's flagship SUV. Our Suzuki Grand Vitara is clad in bicolour Splendid Silver with black roof and side mirrors. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Our popular Suzuki Fronx compact crossover SUV departed our long-term fleet in June after a six-month stay, making way for its bigger sibling the Grand Vitara. As the Vitara part naming has been applied in various of the Japanese manufacturer's products, a quick run-down of its history is in order. Local history at least, as it is much less complicated than its global history. South Africans first encountered the nomenclature in Grand Vitara guise when Suzuki opened its local doors in 2008. This badge eventually made way for the Vitara and for a while was offered alongside the smaller Vitara Brezza. But then Maruti Suzuki in India, which manufacturers the car in collaboration with production partner Toyota Kirloskar Motor, stopped exporting the second generation which was renamed to Brezza. ALSO READ: Suzuki Grand Vitara makes grande return to Mzansi Suzuki Grand Vitara returns The export void was filled with the reintroduction of the Suzuki Grand Vitara badge, albeit it is a bigger car than the Vitara Brezza was. The Grand Vitara is 4 340mm long, where the Vitara Brezza conformed to India's tax friendly sub-four metre rule. Since the Grand Vitara's reintroduction just over two years ago, the Vitara has since been dropped from Suzuki's portfolio. This left the GV as the manufacturer's flagship SUV, with the Fronx crossover SUV coming on board as a spiritual replacement for the Vitara Brezza. The Suzuki Grand Vitara GLX rides on 17-inch machine polished alloy wheels. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Over in the Toyota stable, the Grand Vitara's production sibling has kept the Urban Cruiser moniker which was also used for its own version of the Vitara Brezza. The Starlet Cross has joined as Toyota's version of the Fronx. The Citizen Motoring's long-term Suzuki Grand Vitara in GLX automatic trim is at R453 900 the second most expensive model in the line-up after the top-of-the-range mild hybrid all-wheel drive variant which comes at a R99 000 premium. But as both these two is kitted out in GLX trim, our tester is currently the best-specced Suzuki product money can buy barring the mild electrical assistance and all-paw grip. Familiar petrol engine Up front is the familiar KB15B 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that features in so many of Suzuki's local cars and is in our opinion one of the reasons for their remarkable sales success in recent years. It produces 77kW of power and 138Nm which is sent to the front wheels via four-speed automatic transmission. The dated box isn't everyone's cup of tea comparted to the easy-shifting five-speed manual. But it's the job done just fine if you are not in a hurry. ALSO READ: PODCAST: Why Suzuki Fronx stays ahead of Toyota Starlet Cross Suzuki claims that it will sip six litres per 100km which we'll put to the test over the coming months. While our GV does not feature all-wheel drive, its ground clearance of 210mm is the same as the go-anywhere Jimny. Suzuki says the seats, suspension and electric steering have been created for a comfortable ride on rough and uneven surfaces. In GLX trim, the Suzuki Grand Vitara comes standard with 9-inch infotainment system. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The GV features good looks, which according to the manufacturer pays homage to the original Grand Vitara. Exterior highlights include a multi-level grille flanked by three-point LED daytime running lights and a rear three-dimensional LED light bar. GLX specific silver roof rails and 17-inch machine-polished alloys round off the picture. Loads of features Our tester is finished in bicolour which combines Splendid Silver paintwork with black roof and side mirrors. Inside, the GLX features full leatherette trim and 9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus 360-degree surround view camera, wireless charging tray, head-up display, keyless start/stop, ambient lighting and panoramic sunroof. Safety comes in the form of six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBA, hill-hold assist and rear parking sensors. The Suzuki Grand Vitara comes standard with six-year/90 000 km service plan and five-year/200 000 km warranty.
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Vito Select proves its worth as Mercedes-Benz family adventurer
Tourer a more affordable alternative to V300d that will not break the bank at the pumps. Mercedes-Benz introduced the Vito Select as a practical and more affordable alternative to the V300d, the only derivative offered in the V-Class line-up nowadays. According to Mercedes, the Vito Select caters mainly for family-orientated buyers and prestigious adventurers. The make-up of the media launch drive was therefore rather fitting. A leisurely drive through the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on roads ranging from smooth tar to gravel tracks with some scenic stops and ziplining at Karkloof. The strategy to showcase the Vito Select's capabilities worked a charm. If was just a pity not more people could join the fun, as we were only two per van as per customary during any launch drive. Vito Select put to the test But we could soon right that wrong as The Citizen Motoring was planning a much longer road trip to Durban. The Vito Select was the vehicle of choice for a group of editorial staff members for their annual trek to the Comrades Marathon. We opted for the van in Tourer guise, which offers seating for eight over three rows of seats instead of the Mixto which seats five while offering a massive four-square-meter cargo hold behind the second row. We were only four, but there was method to our madness in opting for a van. On the way down, we folded the third row forward to accommodate a bar fridge standing upright alongside a large camper fridge and lots of luggage. As the two runners in the party was still fresh, they had no problem sitting upright. In coming back though, the bar fridge was gone and the third row moved back into position. The broken runners each had a full row to lie on, with their loyal seconders very comfy up front. Winner winner chicken dinner. Or to be specific, KFC Zinger burgers for lunch at Van Reenen's Pass. The outside seats in the second row feature foldable armrests. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Good looking van The Mercedes-Benz Vito Select's styling is a lot humbler than that of the smart-suited V300d, but still drew plenty of compliments. Our tester's new Alpine Grey paintwork worked very well along with the black accents on the front grille, lower bumper line, door handles, side mirrors and roof rails. The 20-spoke 17-inch alloy rims, which comes at no additional cost, further adds to the van's exterior appeal. ALSO READ: VIDEO: Vito Select becomes more affordable alternative to V-Class These brushed aluminium wheels are not only pretty, but practical too. Wrapped in 225/55/R17 rubberware, the tyres are chunky enough to handle gravel roads with ease along with the generous ground clearance. Something Comrades seconders often need when making their way around busy spectator spots along the route. Inside, the Vito Select Tourer might not be as overly plush at the new V300d, but rock solid nonetheless. The use of black leather along with brushed chrome and piano black accent work very well together, although we would have liked to see a few of hard plastics swapped out for soft-touch materials. Plenty of tech inside Similar to the previous V300d, the Vito Select's instrument cluster consists of two analog dials with a colour 5.5-inch TFT-display between them. A further highlight is the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen featuring the MBUX system, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Vito Select comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment system. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe While there is no sunroof and centre console coolbox, creature comforts are still plentiful in the form of electric heated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charger, electric sliding side doors and tailgate. Occupants in the rear benefit from plenty of drinks holders and USB ports and 12V socket. While there might no be the option of fitting captain's chairs, the second seats can still recline and feature one armrest for the outer two seats. ALSO READ: PODCAST: Vito Select big boost for Mercedes-Benz van range The Vito Select Tourer comes with plenty of advanced driver assistance features including active lane keeping assist, attention assist, blind spot assist, cruise control and 3D camera system. The Parking Package enables to park the van by itself not that four male egos would ever allow to be shown up by AI tech. Vito Select returns excellent fuel economy One of the stars of the show was the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 140kW of power and 440Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels via supersmooth 9G-tronic transmission. Not only does this superb mill handle the typical KZN undulations much better than the two Comrades runners inside did on race day, but it also proved to be very frugal. There is 1.7 cubic metres of space available behind the third row. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The van only sipped 7.8 litres of diesel per 100km over the whole 1 329km, which is excellent. While a double cab bakkie could have achieved the same number while carrying the four occupants and the cargo, it would have been in much less comfort. All in all, the Vito Select Tourer excelled in what it set out to do. We might not have been a blood-related family, but we were a Comrades family nonetheless. And we had an epic adventure. Ticking all the boxes At R1 360 000 the Mercedes-Benz Vito Select Tourer is pricier than vans like its rivals in the form of the Hyundai Staria, Ford Tourneo and VW Kombi. But it offers quality, peace of mind and the kind of package deserving of a premium badge.
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Lexus GX: Prado's fancy cousin not too larny for a street fight
The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine from the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 gives this SUV serious oomph. As great as the latest Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is, there is no scope for greater performance in the seven-seater SUV. Only sold locally in GD-6 2.8-litre turbodiesel guise, the customary outputs of 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque it shares with the Hilux and Fortuner without 48V assistance is as good as it is going to get. The 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 207kW/430Nm, and 243kW/630Nm with mild hybrid assistance, that is offered in other markets, is off-limits to the Southern tip of Africa. Lexus GX finally in Mzansi But that gap has now been bridged by not Toyota but rather Lexus, the Japanese carmaker's premium division. In existence for over two decades but only introduced locally in April, the Lexus GX is the Prado's private school cousin in the same way the Lexus LX is to the Land Cruiser 300. The Lexus brand is operated separately from Toyota, but hardware is shared across model ranges and the GX is in essence a punchy, premium Prado at a very respectable price. There is no mistaking the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado from the Lexus GX in terms of styling. The GX features aggressive and sharp lines along with the very Lexus-like front grille which is a real head-turner. Built on the TNGA-F platform like the Prado and Land Cruiser 300, the Lexus GX drops the former's 2.8-litre diesel mill for the latter's peach of a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine. It is also hooked up to 10-speed automatic like in the LC300 and produces 650Nm of torque, although power is slightly down from 305kW to 260kW. The game-changer. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Boulevard vs bush The Citizen Motoring tested the Lexus GX 550 SE. It is the more 'boulevard' model alongside the bush-ready GX 550 Overtrail. At R1 829 000, the SE comes at a R343 700 premium over the VX-R Prado. This sticker makes it an enticing offering as buyers would have gladly forked out the difference for the V6 mill in a Prado, nevermind the additional luxury the Lexus badge brings to the table. We did not run the new Prado against the clock as both the lighter 2.8-litre Hilux and Fortuner failed to reach 100km/h from a standstill in under 12 seconds without 48V assistance. But even if we are generous and gives the Prado a sprint time of 12 seconds, it pales in comparison to the Lexus GX's impressive time of 7.68 seconds. This just 0.86 seconds slower than the LC300 fared and exactly why the engine will be such drawing card for the GX. The six-cylinder soundtrack on offer in Sport S+ driving mode under hard acceleration proves that this privately schooled cousin is up for any street fight should the opportunity arise. It might be down on power on the LC300, it has ample low-down pull which along with the generous torque makes it feel faster than it is. ALSO READ: Lexus GX shows its credentials as more than just a 'fancy' Prado Smooth ride Like the LC300, the Lexus GX can prove to be rather thirsty leaving it in Sport+ for too long, which will make you consider trying the other driving on offer; Eco, Normal, Comfort, Sport and Custom. The Lexus GX 550 SE rides on 22-inch alloys. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The ride is every bit as refined as you'd come to expect in a Lexus, with the 10-speed box exceptionally smooth. While the SE does not feature all the hard-core off-road feature as the Overtrail, standard permanent all-wheel drive with low-range transfer case and Adaptive Variable Suspension should put you in good stead on the pavement in Sandton. ALSO READ: Butch or bling? Lexus LX gets bush alongside boulevard SUVs Superior craftsmanship While the Prado features a very plush interior, in Toyota terms anyway, the Lexus GX raises the bar even further by means of the brand's renowned Japanese craftsmanship. Our tester's cabin featured a combination of semi-aniline black leather with contrast stitching, black wood veneer, brushed aluminium touches and soft-touch rubber. The Lexus GX features a different dashboard to that of the Prado which includes a new housing for the 14-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital cluster with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The GX SE further comes standard with 22-inch alloy wheels, heated steering wheel, front seats massagers, head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless phone charger, refrigerated centre console cooler box, electric tailgate, rear roller blind, panoramic sunroof and 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. The cabin features trademark Lexus craftsmanship. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Enticing offering The latest Safety Sense system features all the advanced safety goodies to keep occupants safe along with the standard systems. The introduction of the Lexus GX is a masterstroke and it's easy to see why it instantly became the best-selling local Lexus in ages. It offers just the right amount of oomph to place it in a different league to the Prado, while bringing all the Lexus goodies to the table for less than a Land Cruiser 300. And for the same price, you can only get an entry-level Land Rover Defender 90, which is according to Lexus the GX's biggest rival. Lexus GX 550 road test data
The Citizen
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
BYD Shark banks on credentials to take down Ford Ranger Raptor
Shark's claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds is more than a second faster than that of the Raptor. This is a debate that has been brewing since the announcement that the BYD Shark bakkie will come to South Africa. The Chinese carmaker Build Your Dream made it very clear right from the get-go that it only had one prey in mind for the BYD Shark and that was the Ford Ranger Raptor. On paper, it would seem like the Shark has the Ranger Raptor beat hands down. Two years ago, when The Citizen Motoring first got to drive the Ford Ranger Raptor, which included high-performance testing at altitude and at sea-level, I was left in no doubt that this Ford will not be beaten. Ever! 300kW bakkies in demand Toyota was the first to laugh off the thought of using their 305kW/650Nm 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine from the Land Cruiser 300 to bring some GR Hilux hurt to the Ford Performance brand. As for the rest of the legacy brands, the likes of the Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton simply slammed the door shut on such a ridiculous idea that anybody would need a 300kW bakkie. How fast do you need to move people from A to B, or some sheep from farm to farm? But what they all underestimated, is how many people would want a 300kW bakkie. Ford SA sell its allocation of Ranger Raptors as fast they arrive. ALSO READ: Sub-R1m BYD Shark becomes South Africa's most powerful bakkie The other thing nobody saw coming at the time, was that the Chinese were secretly eyeing up the Ford Ranger Raptor too and the BYD Shark is now the first of several 300kW bakkies rumoured to be on their way to enter this power war. BYD Shark undercuts Raptor The BYD Shark retails for R959 900, which makes it substantially cheaper than the R1 270 000 Ford Ranger Raptor. And the price of the Shark includes a 7kW wall charger, V2L socket, 2.2kW portable charger and a roll bar and tow bar. The last few will set you back extra if you opt for the Ranger Raptor. Same, same, but different The Shark is covered by a five-year/100 000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/200 000km battery warranty. The Ford Ranger Raptor offers four-year/120 000km vehicle warranty. We could call this one a draw, but what might sway potential buyers is the difference in the service and maintenance plan offerings from BYD and Ford. The Ford Ranger Raptor is the fastest bakkie we have tested. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Service and maintenance The BYD Shark comes standard with a five-year/100 000km full maintenance plan. Ford SA only recently included a six-year/90 000km service plan into the selling price of their vehicles. Which means that if you want a maintenance plan for your Ranger Raptor, you will need to purchase one. BYD Shark ahead on power Can they be the same in drive and feel? No chance, but for some, the power and torque numbers just might be the heart of the battle. And here the BYD Shark offers a better combined power output of 321kW and 650Nm from its 1.5-litre petrol engine, electric motor combination, The Ford Ranger Raptor's 3.0-litre V6 twin turbo petrol engine produces 292kW and 583Nm. ALSO READ: What R960k BYD Shark money can buy in other bakkie stables Raptor's title on the line I don't recall Ford SA ever officially releasing a claimed 0-100km/h time for their Ranger Raptor, but we got a time of 6.90 seconds when we tested the bakkie back in 2023. Despite the Shark weighing in at 280kg heavier than the Ranger Raptor, at 2 710kg to 2 430kg, the superior power and torque numbers, and electrical assistance, still see BYD claiming that their bakkie can get to 0-100 km/h in a time of just 5.7 seconds. Which again on paper suggests that it will easily outrun the Ford in an on-road shoot-out. Throw some dirt in the mix, and the tables could well be comprehensively turned. BYD Shark easier on the juice What is not at all in dispute is that the Ford Ranger Raptor is going to hurt you at the filling station and in your pocket. We know this bakkie loves fuel as much as it does a dirt road. Ford claim a combined fuel consumption figure of 11.5-litres per 100km, but we averaged a crazy 17.6 litres per 100km when we had the Ranger Raptor on test. BYD claim 9.6-litres per 100km for their Shark, and simple logic dictates that the more you make use of the 85km pure electric range from the battery, the less you will use fuel, and the lower you monthly running cost bill will be. Even when you factor in the price of electricity.
