Share

New SUVs for SA: Fortuner, GLS, Kadjar and more

Cape Town - Ford Everest, Toyota RAV4, Citroen Cactus... 2015 saw a host of SUVs launched in South Africa.

Next year will be no different with several hot new models headed for our shores.


We take a look at new SUVs SA-buyers can expect in 2016 and we look back at models launched earlier this year.

Headed for SA

Here's all you need to know about the new SUVs headed for Mzansi next year:

Toyota Fortuner: 

Toyota South Africa has confirmed the new Fortuner SUV will arrive locally “second quarter, 2016".

Powering the Fortuner will be a range of 2.4 and 2.8 diesel and petrol engines (details at the launch). 

Toyota said: “Low-speed torque has been greatly improved. In addition to achieving more power at all engine speeds, the new engines will consume less fuel and  be quieter.”


There's be a new six-speed auto. Like the new Toyota Hilux, manual-shift Fortuners will be equipped with the automaker’s 'intelligent manual transmission'.

READ: New bakkies for SA: Hilux, Navara, Fullback and more!

Infiniti QX30: 

Infiniti's crossover QX30 has been confirmed for South Africa (second quarter 2016). Compared to the Q30, the new premium SUV offers all-wheel drive and an elevated ride height.


According to the automaker: "Created for a new generation of premium buyers, the QX30 boasts a purposeful appearance that makes a bold visual statement – and joins the Q30 as part of Infiniti’s new premium compact model line-up."

Renault Kadja:

Renault took the wraps off its new Kadjar crossover at the 2015 Geneva auto show. The Kadjar is set to go on sale locally in 2016 and will be the first Renault to be built in China.


The Kadja measures 4.45m long, 1.84m wide, 1.60m tall and available in either 4x2 or 4x4. It has 190mm ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 18 and 25 degrees respectively. 

Mercedes-Benz GLS:

With the release of the facelifted X166 second-generation model in 2015, the GL-Class has been renamed the GLS as per the brand’s revised nomenclature – the GLS being the SUV flagship, equivalent to the S-Class. It's set to arrive in SA early in 2016.

Prices:
GLS 350d - R1 205 953
GLS 500 - R1 363 648
Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 - R2 117 137

The new GLS sets standards, the automaker claims, as the ‘S-Class among SUVs’. The GLS features extended Dynamic Select transmission modes, air-suspension system (with adaptive damping), a nine-speed 9G-Tronic auto, driver assistance systems and the automaker's next-gen infotainment system (with internet access).

Bumper year

So what was launched in 2015?

Honda HR-V:

Honda launched its new urban cross-over, the HR-V, in South Africa earlier in 2015. The HR-V is aimed at young families and is offered in two versions; the 1.5 Comfort and a 1.8 Elegance.


The 1.5 litre Comfort version is equipped with halogen headlights, fog lights, roof rails and colour-coded trim. Inside there’s a cloth upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, front cupholders, door pockets, front armrest and illuminated vanity mirrors.

The 1.8 litre Elegance receives a number of upgrades such as new alloys, auto LED headlights with daytime running lights, leather trim, leather steering wheel, auto aircon, heatable front seats and a rear armrest. The 13cm monitor in the Comfort version is replaced by a 18cm touchscreen display with reversing camera. 

Suzuki Vitara:  

Suzuki has launched its fourth-generation Vitara in South Africa, 27 years since the first compact SUV was launched.  The Vitara sports a new design, upgraded interior as well as new technology in the form of an all-wheel-drive system and auto transmission. Prices start from R239 900 (GL) and R299 900 for the flagship GLX auto.


Mercedes GLE:

The latest GLE models are actually just thoroughly revised derivatives of the current M Class, but the GLE Coupe – while based on the same platform – is completely new; developed specifically to challenge BMW’s X6.


Citroen Cactus

Quirky, prize-winning and slightly outrageous - Citroen's C4 Cactus is an SUV like no other and comes with a range of three-cylinder engines. 


There are three models in the line-up of Feel and Shine spec levels – each powered by a lusty turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit available in two variants - 60kW/118Nm or 81kW/205Nm.

Toyota RAV4: 

Toyota's popular soft-roader, the Rav4, receives a host of upgrades and new features – not least a fresh exterior and some telling interior enhancements in 2015.


Ford Everest:

The new Everest is a huge step forward compared to the refreshed version in 2013, at least it in terms of looks, capability, technology and all-round ‘toughness’. The Everest is available in two 4x4 derivatives; XLT and a top-spec Limited.


The Everest is powered by the latest-generation 3.2-litre five-cylinder Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel engine kicking out 147kW and a delightful 470Nm making it perfect for daily driving and serious off-roading or towing at the same time. It’s mated to a six-speed auto with some of the smoothest gear-changing yet in huge vehicle. It comes with a sport and manual mode too.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE