Latest news with #ToyotaCorollaCross
IOL News
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
South Africa's 20 best-selling SUVs in the first half of 2025: Chinese and Indian models gain ground
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is South Africa's top selling Chinese vehicle, and second overall in the SUV rankings. Image: Supplied More than half of all passenger vehicles sold in South Africa are SUVs or crossovers, and their popularity continues to grow as buyers gradually part with their trusty hatchbacks and sedans. In 2024, SUVs accounted for almost 52% of the passenger vehicle market, up from 45.2% in 2021, the year in which these high-riders overtook hatchbacks as the most popular body type. But what are the most popular SUV models in South Africa? We strung together the Naamsa numbers from the first half of 2025, and some interesting trends became apparent - with Chinese and Indian-built models dominating the scene. South Africa's top selling SUVs in the first half of 2025. Image: Jason Woosey / IOL 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Of the 20 top-selling SUVs in South Africa, six are the products of Chinese brands and nine are imported from India, under the Toyota, Suzuki, Kia, Hyundai, and Mahindra brands. However, the Prospecton-built Toyota Corolla Cross emerged as South Africa's most popular SUV product by a healthy margin, with a monthly average of 1,596 units in the first half of 2025. The Cross received a facelift in early 2025, and its popularity continues to grow, with an impressive volume of 2,132 units recorded in June. It is one of just two locally produced SUVs in the top 20, the other being its Fortuner sibling. The Toyota Corolla Cross is the country's top-selling SUV. Image: Supplied China has two strong contenders, with the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Haval Jolion taking the second and fourth spots for the first half of 2025, with respective average monthly volumes of 1,216 and 1,064 units. Suzuki's Indian-built Fronx was the third best-selling SUV product in the first half, outselling its Toyota Starlet Cross sibling with a monthly average of 1,077 versus 865. The Omoda C5 has gained significant traction since 2024, as has India's Mahindra 3XO, which received a significant upgrade last year. Interestingly, only one European-built SUV made the top 20, with the Volkswagen T-Cross taking 12th place with a monthly volume of 520. Manufacturers losing ground to importers The crux of that matter is that importers are gaining traction in South Africa. Overall new light vehicle sales for the first six months of 2025 (all segments) are 13.6% ahead of the same period in 2024, according to Naamsa. However, while imports increased by 25.6%, with independent importers seeing a 33.4% rise, the local manufacturers saw their sales drop by 14% year to date. Chief executives such as Toyota's Andrew Kirby speak of a slow but steady deindustrialisation of the South African motor industry, and this is particularly evident when it comes to South Africa's top-selling vehicle type, the SUV. That being said, local manufacturers have come to rely on export contracts for vehicles such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Polo, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. IOL Motoring
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Chery Tiggo Cross hybrid serious threat to Toyota Corolla Cross
Chery takes on Toyota's star performer in terms of price, performance and fuel economy. We predicted that the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) was going to be a disruptor, based only on the car's on-paper credentials. The caution was because the normal Tiggo Cross minus hybrid did not receive a favourable review from the Citizen Motoring team. The throttle calibration was woeful, the DCT gearbox jerky and the brakes were non-existent. Besides the car's better price, that put it above VW's T-Cross in the pecking order, there was no way one could recommend this model derivative in good faith. This negative sentiment has been comprehensively undone after spending some time behind the wheel of the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV. It's like the two cars came out of different factories. It's so much smoother and more refined than the normal Cross. And this one now also has the firepower to gun down the big dog, the top-selling Toyota Corolla Cross HEV. ALSO READ: Hybrid Chery Tiggo Cross declares war on Toyota Corolla Cross Big undercut in price Coming in at R469 900 for the top-of-the-range Elite spec, the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is comfortably better priced than the Corolla Cross HEV in XR spec at R545 200. A R75 300 difference in sticker price within this budget-sensitive part of the segment is a massive win in favour of this Chinese offering. A value-for-money offering Chery is backing up by offering their Tiggo Cross HEV with a five-year/150 000km warranty, 10-year/unlimited mileage (for first owner) battery warranty and five-year/60 000km service plan. The Toyota Corolla Cross HEV is offered with a shorter three-year/100 000km warranty and eight-year warranty on the battery. But the Toyota comes with a substantially longer, six-services/90 000 m service plan. And funny first owner small print stuff. The next big talking point is without a doubt the performance of the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV. When you first read that the car comes with 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that develops a mere 71kW of power and 118Nm of torque, you would think it is dead in the water. But you need to read a bit further and then the picture changes dramatically. The addition of a battery powered electric motor, shoots the claimed numbers up to 150kW and 310Nm. The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV means business. Picture: Mark Jones Almost too good to be true, right? Are the Chinese taking a chance in overstating their numbers here? Can a small 1.83kWh battery make this much of a difference? Chery Tiggo Cross HEV packs a punch The Corolla Cross HEV has a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated mill that Toyota rate at 72kW. With electrical assistance, the numbers only marginally increase to 90kW while the torque stays quoted at 142Nm. Don't ask me why. It's just how they do it. ALSO READ: PODCAST: Chery Tiggo Cross takes fight to Toyota Corolla Cross Now, all I can tell you is that I don't know what is inside of that Chery battery, but the Tiggo Cross HEV destroys the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV in a sprint and everyday driveability. The Tiggo is over four seconds quicker to 100km/h and hits the national limit a full seven seconds earlier. Even more decisive is the 12-second gap when the cars accelerate from 60km/h all the way to 140km/h. They are honestly not in the same league when it comes to aspect of the road test. One anomaly, and there are always some when road testing Chinese cars, the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV would not go over 150km/h. I couldn't find a claimed top speed anywhere, so you are going to have to accept that doing top speed runs is not in your future. And that you will be on the speed limiter in less than 500m of road anyway. Kind of bizarre, but who needs more from a car like this? The Tiggo Cross features two digital screens. Picture: Mark Jones Fuel consumption on par with Toyota Where they are very much in the same league though is when it comes to fuel consumption. We got a figure of 5.4 litres per 100km when we spent a few months in the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV. And I managed the exact same number in the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV. My wife on the other hand came home and bragged that her day spent in Sandton traffic saw this number drop as low as 4.7 litres per 100km. Either way, both these cars offer exceptional fuel economy, with the Chery's bigger 50-litre tank to the 36-litre tank of the Toyota, allowing you to go a lot further between refills with the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV. Is the Tiggo Cross HEV perfect? Of course not. The steering is ridiculously light. The car also had a few rattles right off the bat and it just didn't feel as solid as the Corolla Cross HEV. Will you regret your decision in a few years' time? Who knows. Probably more importantly right now, does your wife care for all this? No. Why? Because at the price point and with the performance on tap, the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is impossible to ignore. Chery Tiggo Cross HEV road test results
IOL News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
REVIEW: Hyundai Tucson 2. 0D N-Line not as sporty as it looks, which is a good thing!
The Hyundai Tucson N-Line flagship is distinguished by a sporty exterior styling package. Image: Supplied The Hyundai Tucson has always been a solid and dependable player in the midsize SUV space. But despite its sportier looks, the latest generation model has failed to match the popularity of its predecessor. That's not altogether surprising, given that in these tough times many buyers have gravitated towards more affordable vehicles, such as the locally-produced Toyota Corolla Cross, and the proliferation of new cut-price offerings from China. Hyundai SA has responded as best they can, releasing a facelifted model earlier this year, which brought a R39,000 price cut to the base version, with the 2.0 Premium petrol model now costing R559,900. And while many rivals have ditched diesel power, Hyundai still offers its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in the other two Tucson models, but these are a little on the expensive side, with the 2.0D Executive selling at R709,900 and the 2.0D AWD N-Line that we tested recently, retailing at R859,900. Claw-like taillights give the rear end a unique look. Image: Supplied 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 Next Stay Close ✕ The recent facelift brought some purposeful enhancements to the Tucson, with the front end gaining a more rectangular grille, incorporating claw-like 'hidden' headlight elements. A new rear bumper design, featuring a wider skid plate, further distinguishes the new model. While the design changes are a step in the right direction, I can't help but feel this fourth-generation Tucson is showing its age quicker than Hyundai might have intended. With many modern SUVs moving towards smoother contours, the numerous creases and slashes that we see on the Tucson's bodywork make the design look somewhat busy. It's as if Edward Scissorhands did the final design detailing! Then again, it is a sporty design and those claw-like taillight clusters at the back certainly give it attitude. Inside is where you'll find the biggest changes to the 2025 model, and Hyundai was clever in giving the Tucson a complete interior redesign to keep up with modern trends. The cockpit design is all new and not overly digitised. Image: Supplied There's a new dual-screen infotainment and digital instrument cluster, perched above a horizontal air outlet bar, lending a clean and modern look. But what we really appreciate is that Hyundai reintroduced the physical rotary controls for the climate system. That's definitely a win for functionality. Now that we're talking all that sensible stuff, it's worth mentioning that the Tucson has acres of interior room, and there's genuine leg-stretching space at the back, even for adults. Rear occupants also get their own ventilation outlets and two USB Type C ports. The boot, boasting a capacity of 539 litres with the seats in place, is as capacious as you could expect at this level. What's it like to drive the Tucson N-Line? The Tucson N-Line flagship is available only with Hyundai's proven 2.0-litre turbodiesel, which delivers a respectable 137kW and 416Nm. Despite the N-Line's sporty looks, thanks to a unique body kit and 19-inch alloys, the driving experience is very much geared towards effortless comfort, and the ride quality is certainly comfortable. The diesel engine starts up with a big plume of smoke, but other than that, overall refinement is more than acceptable, thanks to extensive sound deadening. The engine, paired with an eight-speed autobox, provides brisk performance. Yet, thanks to the vehicle's 1,678kg kerb weight, it's not as economical as you might expect from a diesel, with our vehicle consuming just over 10 litres per 100km over a few days of urban driving. That figure will come down with extensive highway use, however. While the standard all-wheel-drive set-up does provide an extra safety margin in wet and slippery conditions, we do wonder if it's really necessary in this segment. It's likely that most buyers in this segment will gravitate towards the front-wheel-drive Executive model, which is lighter and R150,000 cheaper. The N-Line is really well specced though, and in addition to the aforementioned exterior additions, it comes with a sunroof, partial suede seat upholstery, and a glut of driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert. VERDICT The Hyundai Tucson 2.0D N-Line, which is one of the few diesels left in the segment, is a comfortable and spacious family cruiser with sporty looks and extravagant specification. At R589,900 it is expensive, although there is plenty of value to be found in the Premium and Executive versions of the Tucson. IOL Motoring
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
10 things you need to know about the new Chery Tiggo Cross HEV
Hybrid SUV is set to rattle the cages of the Toyota Corolla Cross and VW T-Cross. We will be road-testing the new Chery Tiggo Cross HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) in the next few days, but all indications are that this car is set to become a game changer. It comes in at a better price than all its competitors, and this includes the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross and VW T-Cross. It offers substantially more power and torque than them too thanks to state-of-the-art hybrid technology. Fuel consumption is also said to be vastly improved, and being a Chery, the Tiggo Cross HEV is jampacked with tech and features that the others just can't compete with. ALSO READ: Hybrid Chery Tiggo Cross declares war on Toyota Corolla Cross Here are 10 fast facts about the Tiggo Cross hybrid you need to know: 1. Hybrid performance The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a dedicated hybrid system to deliver smooth, responsive performance. With a combined output of 150kW and 310Nm, it offers strong acceleration off the line and effortless power delivery that enhances everyday driving. 2. Low fuel consumption The fuel consumption of the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is claimed to be a mere 5.4-litres per 100km in mixed driving conditions. This obviously helps you go further between fill-ups and is easier on your pocket too. The hybrid system is self-charging and does all the work in the background, so you don't have to worry about plugging anything in and flat batteries. 3. Instant response, smoother drive Without any turbo lag to deal with or a loss of power at altitude, the electric motor of the Cross HEV is said to deliver a near-immediate response for confident overtaking and city driving. It's touted to be quiet, refined, and surprisingly quick off the mark. A claim The Citizen Motoring can't wait to test. Watch this space! 4. Chery Tiggo Cross HEV stylish A bold front grille, LED lighting, and sleek styling give the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV a confident presence. Inside, the cabin combines sporty touches with premium finishes, creating an upscale atmosphere that punches above its price like we have already said. 5. Two feature-rich trims The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is available in Comfort and Elite trim levels. Both come with strong standard specification, with the Elite adding high-end extras like a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. ALSO READ: Chery Tiggo Cross has enough going for it to make up for its flaws 6. Impressive tech standard on Chery Tiggo Cross HEV On both Tiggo Cross hybrid models, you'll find a dual-screen setup, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice control, a wireless charging pad, and multiple USB ports. The Elite variant includes an upgraded Sony sound system and ambient lighting. 7. Comfort without compromise The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV's cabin is well thought-out, with quality materials, supportive seats, and clever storage throughout. Rear seat passengers benefit from generous legroom and their own charging ports. Ideal for road trips and everyday use alike. 8. Advanced safety across the board Both hybrid models come with a comprehensive list of safety features, including electronic stability control. The Comfort offers six airbags, while the Elite adds a seventh, along with advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree camera. 9. Chery Tiggo Cross built for real-world practicality Despite its compact footprint, the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is a surprisingly practical SUV. The boot is spacious enough for weekly shopping trips or weekend away luggage, and the rear seats fold down to accommodate larger loads when needed. 10. Backed by a strong after-sales plan Every Cross HEV is backed by a five-year/150 000km warranty, 10-year/one-million km engine warranty, and five-year/60 000km service plan, providing peace of mind and long-term value.
Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Express
Motorcyclist killed in Likas crash
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Jimmy Goh Text Size: The crash scene. - Pic by Jimmy Goh | Daily Express KOTA KINABALU: A man was killed when his motorcycle crashed into a Toyota Corolla Cross in front of SJK(C) St James in Likas on Wednesday. The motorcyclist is believed to have rammed into the rear of the Toyota during the 7.55pm accident. The Toyota driver, in his 40s, escaped unscathed. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
