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LOOKING FOR A JAPANESE USED VEHICLE or S.A BAKKIE?
CALL TO PLACE YOUR YOUR ORDER.
If you are coming to Durban to look for a Japanese Vehicle you can also Book for Transport around Dealerships of Used Japanese Vehicles.
For Bookings Call Tami +27 83784 1046 or Emmanuel +2773 193 6294.
TheHaval Jolion Prohas finally arrived in South Africa and is ready to shake up the popular family crossover scene.
The Pro is arguably the most important new car to come from the GWM Group this year, as it is a sportier addition to what is already one of the best-selling models in the country.
I recently attended the Pro’s South African launch where I got to spend a day in the driver’s seat experiencing everything it has to offer, and was impressed by these five things that are likely to win over both new and existing fans of the brand.
Enhanced exterior
The biggest change to the crossover’s package are the visual enhancements brought about by the Pro badge.
This includes a new vertical grille with chrome highlights, an aerodynamic package with a front and rear splitter, flared wheel arches, gloss black roof rails and mirrors, and redesigned LED headlights with separate daytime running lights.
It looks just as good at the back, too, as the taillights have been merged into a singular light bar with a more intimidating aura, and there’s a gloss black rear wing that helps to complete the silhouette.
Rounding out the appearance is one of three 18-inch alloy wheel designs, depending on the trim level, with the gloss black rims on the “S” derivative being particularly appealing.
Solid performance
The Jolion is available with one of three returning powertrains, including a hybrid-electric (HEV) unit.
Sadly, the HEV was not at the launch, but we have tested the hybrid in the past and were impressed by its substantial fuel savings.
As for the other two drivetrains, you can expect a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol plant producing either 105kW and 210Nm, or 130kW and 270Nm if you grab the higher-tier S specification.
The power of the S can be felt immediately thanks to a sensitive throttle that doesn’t need much pressure to pick up the revs, but even the base-spec car can provide a good time as the 105kW on tap is still above average relative to many of its competitors.
Great gearbox
The Jolion Pro is sold with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which is rather unusual for this segment.
Most entry-level to mid-range crossovers are sold with a CVT as they tend to be cheaper and performance is not much of a concern in this bracket, but Haval has clearly not compromised on this front, providing motorists with a more coveted shifter.
Even better is that the Pro comes with paddle shifters on the steering wheel for snappy changes, which sells the sporty angle of the crossover that much more.
Extra technology
Even before the Pro came onto the scene, the Jolion was seen as one of the more feature-rich vehicles in its price bracket, as is common to see from Chinese brands like Haval and Chery.
Now that the sporty models have arrived, you can expect even more kit like the aforementioned paddle shifters, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated seats.
There are also three different screens, including a larger infotainment system, an updated digital instrument cluster, and a heads-up display on the windscreen.
Affordable price tag
There has been a trend over the last few years of automakers bringing out flashier versions of their most sought-after products, with Toyota rolling out the GR-Sport treatment for the Corolla Cross while Chery has introduced the Max nameplate to its Tiggo 7 and 8 Pro ranges.
Both of these cars clock in at a minimum of R500,000, while the cheapest Jolion Pro can be had for just R391,150, lowering the cost of entry to this more exclusive club by a substantial margin.
The Chery may have more power, but when it’s R110,000 more expensive, it’s hard not to argue that Haval has a very price-competitive model on its hands.
The automotive landscape is changing, with manufacturers engineering electrified vehicles in response to customer needs and changing legislation.
Efficiency is at the forefront of many consumers' minds, but electric vehicles (EVs) remain expensive, particularly in South Africa, where consumers are also concerned about the state of national charging infrastructure.
Hybrid vehicles, particularly plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), are an excellent stepping stone for motorists who aren’t ready to embrace the electric car lifestyle.
What is a PHEV and how does it differ from a conventional hybrid?
While a diesel or petrol-powered engine powers both, a PHEV has a battery that is large enough to allow the car to travel on electric power for greater distances. Like an EV, the battery can be replenished through plug-in charging. This improves fuel economy, reduces C02 emissions and, if used correctly, can be driven on electric power most of the time. Another benefit is the flexibility. Unlike EVs that must be plugged in, PHEVs can rely on their engines if charging isn’t possible.
A mild-hybrid is a type of electrified vehicle that uses a combination of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a smaller electric motor and battery to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. However, unlike a regular hybrid of PHEV, a mild hybrid cannot drive solely on electric power. A traditional hybrid, also known as a self-charging hybrid, can be operated on electric power alone, but cannot be charged in the same way as a plug-in hybrid. Instead, the battery charges through regenerative braking and the combustion engine.
In a recent AutoTrader survey, 88.4% of respondents said fuel efficiency was the most significant advantage of a hybrid vehicle. Furthermore, 60% said the lack of charging infrastructure was the biggest drawback to owning an EV, followed by pricing. As a result, PHEVs are the best compromise, with 66% of survey respondents choosing a PHEV compared to 34% who opted for a self-charging hybrid.
“It is no surprise consumers are leaning towards hybrids and PHEVs. They offer the best of both worlds, with strong power and performance, electric range and the benefit of a traditional petrol or diesel-powered engine,” said AutoTrader CEO George Mienie.
“This eliminates range anxiety and makes the vehicle more practical, specially in a country with a developing charging infrastructure. To top it all, PHEVs and hybrids are cheaper than their battery-electric counterparts,” said Mienie.
The Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge is a fine example of a competent PHEV. It combines a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0l petrol engine with an electric motor. This results in solid performance and superior efficiency. Volvo claims an average fuel consumption figure of 1.6l/100 km. With combined outputs of 340kW and 709Nm of torque, it can reach 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. The all-electric range is a claimed 81 km, courtesy of the 19kWh battery.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Toyota Corolla Cross offers exceptional value for money, particularly on the secondhand market. The Japanese crossover pairs a 1.8l, four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack for combined outputs of 90kW. Claimed fuel economy is excellent at 4.3l/100 km, which means an average fuel range of around 830km. The Corolla Cross is a self-charging hybrid, and can’t be plugged into a charger like the XC60 T8 Recharge.
Plug-in hybrid technology is also used to enhance performance cars. BMW demonstrated this with the since discontinued i8. It pairs the 1.5l three-cylinder engine with a battery (11.6kWh in later models) for combined outputs of 275kW and 570Nm of torque. The i8 can travel 37km on electric power, which isn’t as impressive as newer PHEVs, but the benefit is a sporty vehicle with excellent fuel economy. The i8 has a top speed of 250km/h and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.4 seconds. Considering the claimed fuel use figure of 2.5l/100 km, the BMW i8 offers both performance and efficiency.
Used car buyers often face a difficult choice: should they choose an older car with lower mileage or a newer one with higher mileage? Which option is better?
Car pricing experts at getWorth price thousands of used cars each month, analysing market data extensively. Colin Morgan, getWorth’s head of pricing, provides an example.
“Imagine you are considering two options for the same car, selling for the same price. One is a 2021 Kia Picanto 1.2 Street Auto with low mileage — 20,000km. The other is a 2022 model but it has 50,000km. Which one offers better value?”
Morgan said market data provides a clear answer.
“The used car market acts like a weighing machine. The prices cars sell for indicate what consumers are willing to pay for different ages and mileages. Our algorithms analyse this data and can precisely determine the market values for these two cars. A year of age on this Kia Picanto affects the price by 6% and each kilometre adds 42 cents. This means these two cars should be almost identical in price.”
“However, our in-house preference is slightly different. We tend to favour lower mileage over age. Personally, I would choose the older car with lower mileage.”
Morgan explained the reasons for the getWorth house view. It is mostly use and wear on components that affects a car’s mechanical condition. The age of the parts makes less of a difference.
Lower mileage usually means the car is in better condition cosmetically as well.
“If you assume the same driver habits, the higher mileage car will have had 30,000km more time in the driver’s seat, wear on the carpets, time on the road with little stone chips and scuffs and so on.”
Warranties, services and maintenance plans can also affect the price. For example, a car with an additional year on its manufacturer warranty and service plan might save you money on a service and present a lower mechanical risk.
While age and mileage are crucial in determining the value of a used car, expert advice leans towards lower mileage, which usually means less wear and tear on mechanical components and better overall condition. Ultimately, understanding your personal priorities and the vehicle's history is key to making the best decision.
In the model stakes, the Toyota Hilux continued to lose ground against the Ford Ranger, monthly sales contracting by -15% to 1,271 units vs the Ranger’s 7% increase to 1,612 units. Image:Supplied
The New Car Market Hit The Skids in May.
New car passenger sales fell by -11.7% year-on-year while used car sales were not that far behind, falling by -10.5% year-on-year and -3% month-on-month.
“While the drop in sales is indicative of a market coming under pressure, one must be cognisant of consumer uncertainty about the elections, which affected May car sales,” said AutoTrader CEO George Mienie.
In May, sales in the used car market contracted by -996 units resulting in 27,729 used cars sold. The cumulative value of used cars sold amounted to R11,276,303,350, a decline of -10.5% year-on-year.
But it was not all doom and gloom. AutoTrader data shows in May, the average car price dropped by 0.3% to R406,661, and that was for a one year younger — 2019 — model. Paying less for a younger car will be sure to warm the cockles of car buyers’ hearts.
Top 10 sold used models in May 2024 (Source: AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data: May 1 - May 31 2024). Image:Supplied
Still, little changed in May. The top 10 most sold brands remained unchanged in the used car market. Toyota moved 4,700 units, staying on track as the best seller ahead of Volkswagen and Ford; the Ford Ranger continued to top the best-selling model table; and the VW Polo Vivo 1.4l remained the top-selling variant.
In the model stakes, the Toyota Hilux continued to lose ground against the Ford Ranger, monthly sales contracting by -15% to 1,271 units vs the Ranger’s 7% increase to 1,612 units. Meanwhile, the VW Polo with 1,203 sales is nipping on the Hilux’s heels.
Despite being the oldest in the line-up with an average age of eight years, premium sedan Mercedes-Benz C-Class grew used car sales by 16%. Models with about 101,704km mileage sold for R399,570 on average. Three-year-old Suzuki Swift models, the youngest in the model ranking, sold for an average price of R189,595.
Still with model sales, the Nissan NP200 half-tonne bakkie made a comeback in May selling 389 units with a month-on-month increase of 11% to oust the Ford EcoSport and earn it ninth spot in the ranking.
“With elections now behind us, the coming months will hopefully bring added impetus to vehicle sales and provide a clearer picture of the health of the car market,” said Mienie.
In recent years, the massive shift in the automotive landscape has seen numerous Japanese sports cars disappear from the public eye.
The land of the rising sun is home to some of the most respected sports cars on the market today, including the Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ, Nissan Z, Lexus RC F, and Mazda MX-5. Looking back to the Japanese Golden Age in the 1980s and '90s, it's mind-blowing how the country evolved from a blip on the automotive radar in years past to a global leader. Due to their respectable power, superior reliability, excellent driver involvement, and approachable pricing, dozens of legendary Japanese sports cars dominated the global market.
However, technological advances and consumer preferences have seen the automotive landscape shift massively in the last decade alone. As a result, numerous iconic Japanese sports cars disappeared from the public eye. Relegated to weekend driving, garage collections, car meets, or even track days, it's increasingly rare to see these sports cars.Here's a list of sports carsthat used to be everywhere, but you won't see them today.
10/10Toyota Celica
The Celica broke new ground for sports cars with its go-anywhere, do-anything attitude, establishing itself as a formidable sales success and a revered motorsport icon. Throughout its lifetime, Toyota sold the Celica in coupe and liftback body styles with numerous engine configurations like the beloved 4A-GE and the legendary 3S-GTE.
With stricter emission regulations and a gradual shift away from sports cars weighing down on production, Toyota discontinued the Celica in the U.S. in the summer of 2004 after 35 years of production. Almost two decades later, the Celica population is dwindling significantly, despite the popularity of models like the sixth-generation GT-Four and the striking XYR-designed seventh-generation coupe.
9/10Mitsubishi Eclipse
The iconic Eclipse sports coupe appealed to enthusiasts with its futuristic design, road-hugging stance, and heart-thumping mechanics. A proper driver's car of the time, the three-starred sports coupe made its mark in pop and tuner culture alongside legends like the Skyline and Supra with stellar performances in the Fast and Furious franchise.
Mitsubishi sold the Eclipse for over two decades up to 2012 and across four generations, opting to discontinue the model in favor of developing battery technology and meeting global environmental targets. Despite enjoying a solid fanbase of motorsport enthusiasts and sports car aficionados, the Eclipse also fell victim to changing tastes and has become a rare sight on the roads today.
8/10Nissan 240SX
Nissan conceived the 240SX as a modestly sensible two-door sports car primarily aimed at the lower end of the market. Designed with a desirable front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration, a lightweight yet stiff chassis, independent suspension, and a slick-shifting manual transmission, the 240SX made an immediate impact as a massively fun-to-drive sports car.
The 240SX made more inroads in the U.S. than its predecessors, developing a dominant reputation in the drifting, racing, and tuner communities. Interestingly, Nissan produced over two million 240SX models for the American market before it got axed in 1998. However, the demanding life most of these models experienced ensured only a few remain on the roads today.
7/10Acura Integra GS-R
From top to bottom of the lineup and across four generations, the Acura Integra stamped its authority on the market as one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive sport compacts. This achievement was especially true with the GS-R variant, also revered for its neutral balance, impressive dynamics, and thrilling feedback, allowing it to surpass larger, more potent sports cars of the time.
Part of the GS-R's specialness came from its engines, considering it was the second model after the NSX to cause waves in the U.S. with the rev-happy VTEC. Although Acura eventually resurrected the Integra nameplate following a 15-year hiatus, the iconic predecessors that set the benchmark in the 1990s and 2000s are rarely seen in action.
6/10Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The Lancer Evolution series became more of a rally weapon than a typical sports car thanks to Mitsubishi's ceaseless quest for automotive dominance and its long-term commitment to ruggedness. With legendary rally drivers like Tommi Mäkinen and Richard Burns on the wheel, the Lancer Evolution ascended into the WRC hall of fame and achieved cult status among enthusiasts.
The Lancer Evolution also influenced pop culture through epic performances in blockbuster films like Fast and Furious and Taxi 2, not to mention stellar features in video games such as Gran Turismo, Forza Horizon, and Need For Speed. Later variants like the Evo X still garner attention from automotive enthusiasts today, but most of the earlier models that established the Lancer Evolution legacy are less active in public.
5/10Toyota MR-2
Toyota was not the first company to produce a small, budget-friendly, mass-produced sports car, but it was undoubtedly the first to enjoy significant sales success, thanks to the legendary MR-2. The MR-2's light chassis, fun-to-drive nature, and desirable mid-engine layout made it one of the best sports cars on the track and the streets.
Toyota's understanding of the 'win on Sunday, buy on Monday' philosophy saw the popular MR-2 enjoy considerable success in motorsport, from the Japanese Grand Touring Championships to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Swiss Touring Car Championship. MR-2 production ceased in 2005 after a global slowdown in sports car demand, and its numbers on the road have gradually dwindled over the years.
4/10Nissan 300ZX
The 300ZX introduced Japan's first mass-produced V-6, not to mention innovative technology such as a computerized Voice Warning System and the Body Sonic audio system with a bass amplifier. Produced across two similar yet unique Z31 and Z32 generations, the Nissan 300ZX was a sensation that set the stage for world-class rear-wheel-drive Japanese performance cars.
The more desirable Z32 restored the legendary Z-car sports car status, utilizing the Porsche 944 and Chevy Corvette as benchmarks for the resurgence. Depending on who you ask, the 300ZX is still one of Nissan's most loved Z sports cars. Unfortunately, this classic is a rare gem at auction blocks today, meaning it's getting even harder to see in public.
3/10Mazda RX-7 (FD)
The RX-7 changed the game through its unconventional twin-turbocharged rotary engine, lightweight construction, impeccable handling, and relative affordability compared to other up-market sports cars. Although Mazda built the RX-7 over three generations, the last chapter was arguably the best since it transformed from a Japanese GT to a no-compromise sports car.
In addition, the RX-7's iconic influence on pop culture is hard to underplay, with several notable appearances in the Fast and Furious film franchise and the Need for Speed video game series. The RX-7 FD's stunningly fluid design language makes it as timelessly modern as it did at its debut, but the complicated durability of the rotary motor contributes to the limited numbers that survive today.
2/10Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 was Japan's version of the Porsche Boxster or BMW M Roadster, developed with a more sophisticated front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout than its Mazda MX-5 Miata rival. The S2000 honed Honda's world-beating engineering across the AP1 and AP2 generations, not forgetting the higher-spec S2000 Club Racer.
The humble S2000 also joined an exclusive group comprising primarily of supercars thanks to its class-leading naturally-aspirated VTEC inline-four engine, capable of a stratospheric 9,000rpm redline. The S2000 deservedly transitioned into a bona fide modern classic in recent years, and it's just a shame that its population is quickly thinning out.
1/10Toyota Supra A80
The iconic Supra, undoubtedly Toyota's most famous sports car nameplate, spawned initially from the Celica coupe to challenge the Nissan Z-Cars that ruled the 1980s and 90s. Besides marking the peak for the Supra model, the fourth-generation (A80) model propelled the 2JZ-GTE engine to legendary status and helped define the Golden Age of Japanese cars.
Even more impressive, the Supra A80 left an indelible mark in motorsport, pop culture, and the tuner community. Unfortunately, Toyota put the Supra A80 to pasture in 2002 following declining sales of sports coupes, and the increasing rarity since then has seen its value skyrocket to astronomical figures.
The N3 highway going into Durban is currently closed due to a chemical spillage.
Plastic containers holding chemicals of an “acid nature” on the back of a large truck fell over near the EB Cloete Interchange, also known as Spaghetti Junction, posing a health threat to motorists in the vicinity.
Citizens are therefore advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes until further notice.
Local authorities are on the scene for assistance and further investigations.
More traffic expected
The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) Company has warned motorists planning to make the trek between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) this Father’s Day long weekend using the N3 freeway that they should expect heightened levels of traffic.
Southbound traffic towards Durban is anticipated to gradually increase from midday Friday, 14 June, with busy conditions expected between 14h00 and 18h00, which are expected to continue on Saturday morning until about noon.
Northbound traffic towards Gauteng is likely to increase on Monday, 17 June, but since it is also the winter school holiday until 8 July 2024, traffic volumes are not expected to be extraordinarily high.
In an attempt to ensure the safety, convenience, and mobility of all road users, N3TC’s toll plazas will be operating at maximum capacity on peak traffic days.
Additionally, the N3TC Route Services teams will be fully deployed on the road to provide incident management services and support citizens in distress.
Road users should also expect strict law enforcement and road safety checkpoints over the entire weekend, where vehicle roadworthy checks, public transport compliance, random alcohol and drug screening tests, and pedestrian safety checks may be conducted.
“N3TC advises road users to always be prepared for any eventuality. Pay attention to changing road and weather conditions, and heed warnings,” said the entity.
“Drivers are reminded to always adapt their driving style to the prevailing conditions. Keep extra blankets, warm clothes, emergency medication, sufficient water, food and refreshments, a torch, and mobile phone chargers in your vehicle.”
There are at least 10 cars in South Africa that will no longer be available by the time 2024 comes to an end.
The country has already gotten several new vehicles this year with plenty more still on the way, but there are a handful of models that have already been pulled from showrooms with more scheduled to disappear in the coming months.
Earlier this June, it was confirmed that the Nissan Qashqai is being discontinued after 17 years on our market, likely as a result of low sales.
Similarly, the Mazda BT-50 was scrapped as it failed to take off in South Africa’s fiercely competitive bakkie segment which is currently dominated by Toyota, Ford, and Isuzu.
The BT-50 wasn’t the only double cab struggling to find a customer base, however, as VW has ditched the entry-level 110kW powertrainfor the Amarok, resulting in a substantial increase to the base price of the vehicle.
There is one exception to this trend, though, as Nissan made the decision to retire the locally made NP200 compact bakkie despite its immense popularity with South African buyers – citing the workhorse’s ageing design as a key factor for the shutdown.
Another big loss is the Suzuki Vitara, which the automaker pulled on the grounds that its SUV line-up is well covered by newer models like the Fronx and Grand Vitara.
Other entries that have been cancelled in South Africa so far this year include the Honda WR-V, which was replaced by the new Elevate; and the Kia Rio, which is no longer being made for right-hand-drive markets.
Additionally, the Citroen C3 has quietly been dropped from storefronts owing to a major overhaul of the carmaker’s line-up.
Stellantis, Citroen’s parent company, is repositioning the brand as an entry-level option in South Africa with the goal of all its cars costing under R400,000.
As a result, the manufacturer’s existing catalogue is being replaced with much more affordable units, though Citroen is using the same names for each of these models to keep things simple.
Consequently, the old C3 hatchback has been replaced by a R200,000 crossover with the same badge, and the same strategy is planned for the C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross.
Since the new C3 Aircross is expected to arrive before the end of this year, this means the existing model (priced at R438,500) will inevitably be replaced.
Finally, there’s the Mitsubishi ASX, which is potentially on the chopping block this year to make way for the new Xforce, though this is still to be confirmed.
Japanese-made cars dominate the top five positions on the new Car Maintenance Index 2018, released by market research group New World Wealth.
The report suggests that, based on the affordability of maintaining vehicles over the long-term, the top five "best" car brands to own in SA - in no particular order - are Toyota; Honda; Opel; Nissan and Mazda.
The research found that, if one looks at the number of cars of 25 years and older on SA's roads, Toyota dominates.
Furthermore, a large number of Cressidas, Conquests and Corollas from the 1970s and 1980s are still found on SA roads.
The index report concludes that this suggests these cars are relatively easy to maintain and cheap to repair. It also suggests that they give relatively few problems over the long term.
Around 500 000 new cars are sold in SA each year, generating revenue of around R150bn a year.
How it was done
For the research, over 30 car brands were considered, including all major car brands available in SA.
Criteria used included the availability and affordability of spare parts for the vehicle; the affordability of services after the motor plan had ended; and the reliability of the car after the motor plan had ended. Special focus was placed on the number of major engine and gearbox problems that a vehicle experiences over time.
The research also looked at the ability of dealerships to handle large repair jobs and the affordability of such repairs. Lastly, it looked at the affordability of insurance premiums, relative to the price of the vehicle.
The sources used included interviews with independent second-hand car dealers; interviews with independent auto mechanics; and interviews with "roadworthy vehicle inspection" providers.
Furthermore, vehicles of 25 years and older still on SA's roads and still in good working order were tracked. Lastly, online complaints and compliments were tracked.
Car insurance
The index research included a look at car insurance in SA.
In rating the top car insurers in SA for 2018, criteria included the affordability of premiums; the level of customer service; the speed of pay-out; the ease of the pay-out process; and roadside assistance and towing.
The index suggests the top five car insurers in SA for 2018 - in no particular order - are Discovery; Hollard; Auto & General; Outsurance; and King Price.
Sources included interviews with financial intermediaries (independent brokers and advisors); interviews with tow truck drivers; and the tracking of complaints and compliments online.
The research found that car insurance premiums normally range from R400 to R600 per month for a car worth R200 000. The SA car insurance industry generates revenue of around R20bn per year in SA.
Only around 4 million (35%) of the 12 million registered cars in SA are insured.
Over 20 local car insurers were included in the study, including the main players.
