As the year winds down, a number of major manufacturers have announced or released their latest sport utility vehicles for the South African market.
The class remains a popular one for SA motorists, with the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, and Ford Ecosport all frequently appearing near the top of best-sellers lists.
We look at seven of the most anticipated SUVs heading to the South African market, and those which have recently released.
Volkswagen T-Roc
Volkswagen’s crossover will focus heavily on customization and advanced driving technology, including high-tech systems such as Front Assist area monitoring with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and the lane keeping system Lane Assist.
Like the larger Tiguan, the new T-Roc is being offered with efficient turbocharged engines: three petrol engines (TSI) and three diesels (TDI).
- Release date: 2018
- Price: TBA
Jaguar E-pace
Following the successful launch of its F-Pace SUV in South Africa a year ago, Jaguar will unveil its E-Pace in the country in early 2018.
While pricing will be announced closer to launch, the mid-sized premium SUV has been priced in the UK from about £28,500 – just shy of R500,000.
The luxury car maker noted that up to eight devices can stream content using E-Pace’s 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, with four 12-volt charging points and five USB connections, while the Touch Pro infotainment system connects customers to apps on the move.
- Release date: 2018
- Price: TBA
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Officially Alfa Romeo’s first SUV, the Stelvio promises to bring to the segment the same stylish design and features typically seen from an Italian sports car maker.
Features include a 280HP engine,
- Release date: Available now
- Price: R810,000
Toyota Fortuner (2017)
Toyota recently added to its Fortuner range in South Africa – the country’s best-selling SUV – including a model better equipped for off-roading.
As before buyers have the choice of two specification levels and three engine variants. The 2.4 GD-6 turbodiesel and 2.7 VVTi petrol engines are offered in mid-grade trim – whilst the 2.8 GD-6 and 4.0 litre V6 engines are paired with the high-grade specification level.
- Release date: Available now
- Price: R462,900
Opel Crossland X
Seen as a firm commitment to South Africa’s motoring future, Opel released its Crossland X this week despite General Motors announcing its departure from the country in June.
All Crossland X models are powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine, with a choice of non-turbo (60kW/118Nm) or turbocharged (81kW/205Nm) variants.
- Release date: Available now
- Price: R265,000
Honda CR-V (2017)
Seen as one of the more expensive but also one of the most feature-complete SUVs in the South African market, Honda has quickly made a name for itself with its CR-V.
The 2017 CR-V features a striking exterior design, with noteworthy slimline headlights framing the broad-barred grille.It also boasts state-of-the-art internal specifications, including a Driver Attention Monitor, which determines if the driver is becoming inattentive and then warns them.
- Release date: Available now
- Price: R422,900
Haval H6 C
The luxury segment of GWM, Haval has made a name for itself as a cheaper SUV option which doesn’t compromise on features.
The H6 C matches the performance of a powerful turbocharged 2.0-litre direct injection engine with a Getrag six-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). It also boasts a panoramic sun-roof, xenon lights, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and all-round airbags.
- Release date: Available now
- Price: R329,900
