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This past week (March 15 - 22) has been a good one in terms of new vehicles making their arrival, locally or internationally.
The vehicles in our list cover quite a broad spectrum, all ranging from the most affordable new vehicle in South Africa, to Kia revealing the fourth-generation of its flagship SUV, the Sorento.
With regards to the Suzuki S-Presso, the car was supposed to see its South African launch take place this week, but the global coronavirus threat put a hold on plans. Suzuki SA then opted to have a digital launch on its social media challenge.
Still, the S-Presso is aggressively priced from R134 900 for the entry-level model to R160 900 for the top-of-the-range S-Editon AMT. Power is derived from a 1.0-litre petrol engine that delivers 50kW and 90Nm. Suzuki is quite excited with regards to the fuel economy, claiming 4.9-litres for every 100km.
Sportage gets savvy
Kia didn’t make too much noise regarding the upgrade on its Sportage range, instead opting for a quiet announcement via the press release. Regardless, the update should really lure excited buyers to the brand.
Kia South Africa introduced an infotainment upgrade to its entire Sportage range. Those who have purchased a Sportage before the update, "will have the option to retrofitting the system to their vehicles," says Kia SA, at a cost of R6325.
the infotainment upgrade applies to the entry-level Ignite and Ignite Plus models. These models will be fitted with an eight-inch colour touchscreen with an integrated reverse camera. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
Kia also revealed all the details on its new, fourth-generation Sorento.
READ: This upgrade should increase the Kia Sportage's popularity in SA
2020 Kia Sportage. Image: MotorPress
Why the Micra is a good buy
Wheels24 editor, Janine van der Post, shares her experiences of the Nissan Micra. Van der Post acknowledges that the Micra has moved away from what is considered an affordable vehicle – which the first-generation Micra was.
But she notes in her review: "In February 2020, Nissan sold 102 Micra Active (based on first-gen Micra) models and 185 new Micra’s. We're not clued up on the derivative distribution, but yet users opt for the pricier model, and surely that speaks volumes."
Impressed by what the car has to offer, Van der Post lists three reasons why the Micra is a good buy, despite its high-end price: Mobile connectivity, the Bose sound system, and the fully loaded cabin.
REVIEW: The new Nissan Micra might be pricey, but here are three reasons why it's a good buy
2020 Nissan Micra. Image: MotorPress
What a cabin!
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 arrived at the office, decked in the AMG Line kit. This really made an impression on the team, as everyone gave their nod of approval to the subdued, yet mysterious, looks.
Wheels24's Charlen Raymond took a deeper glance at the car and gathered a few impressions on the car's interior. He wrote: "What made our test unit so special is that it was specified with a two-tone interior. Along the doors and on the seats, a black and cream colour combination adorns the cabin. Not only does it create an ambiance of style and luxury, but it also conjures a sense of status and class.
"The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 may be the entry-point to the CLA range, but it benefits from all the bells and whistles the automaker has to offer. While Merc can’t endow this vehicle – and the rest of the range, for that matter – with all the trimmings of its more upmarket family cars, it is an impressive space, nonetheless."
READ: Fancy, fancy! Check out the Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 coupé's cool interior
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 200. Image: Wheels24 / Charlen Raymond
Back by popular demand!
In late 2019, Toyota South Africa launched a special edition version of its Land Cruiser bakkie, called the Namib. Architecturally, the Namib does not differ from the rest of the range, but does benefit from aesthetic updates. The production run was limited to 60 units and every single one was sold by January 2020.
Market interest for the Namib was so good that Toyota opted to roll out a second production run of the special edition bakkie.
The Namib edition retains all of the standard Land Cruiser 79 D-Cab V8 specification, which include a touchscreen audio system with built-in Navigation, Bluetooth, front power socket, power windows, tilt and telescopic steering column, remote central locking and anti-theft system. The safety systems include driver and passenger airbags alongside an anti-lock braking system (ABS).
READ: Toyota Land Cruiser Namib edition gets second production run
