Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) has announced the imminent arrival of the second generation mu-X.
Following on the heels of the first-generation mu-X, Isuzu Motors South Africa has announced that the newest seven-seater SUV, which is based on the Isuzu D-MAX will be launched in South Africa later this year.
“The upcoming Isuzu mu-X is a game changer for us, as it offers class leading driver assistance technology, new state of the art powertrains, and a luxurious interior designed for maximum comfort for seven occupants,” said Dominic Rimmer, Senior Vice President Technical Operations.
The first-generation mu-X proved itself as a reliable, comfortable, and practical go anywhere family vehicle. Similarly, the up-coming generation mu-X is set to be equipped with a suite of passive and active safety systems, as well as the latest infotainment systems with Android Auto and Apple car play.
“We are steadily on track to launch the next generation Isuzu mu-X in South Africa,” says Dominic Rimmer, Senior Vice President Technical Operations
“We are steadily on track to launch the next generation Isuzu mu-X in South Africa,” adds Rimmer. “Vehicle testing was successfully conducted late 2020 and we continue to test the vehicle under a number of conditions to ensure it is suitably prepared for South African conditions.”
In preparation for the entry of the next generation Isuzu mu-X, the company has also embarked on Dealer technical training for Isuzu technicians who will be responsible for the servicing and maintenance of the vehicles once sales commence.
Another key element of the pre-launch activities for Isuzu is ensuring the ready availability of service and repair parts at commencement of sales. In this regard, Isuzu mu-X customers will benefit from Isuzu’s world class Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) in Gqeberha which stocks more than 30 000-line items of service, maintenance and crash repair parts. Isuzu dealers can expect to receive parts within one or two days of an order depending on the type of order placed.
The mu-X is manufactured at Isuzu’s vehicle assembly facility in Thailand. It will be fully imported into South Africa for sale to the South African as well as Right-Hand Drive markets of Rest of Africa.
We’ll share additional product information and pricing when it becomes available.
When I first drove the WR-V in 2020, I wasn’t convinced it could compete against its rivals, but after having it on test, I am happily eating humble pie
– Vuyi Mpofu, Founder & MD, Driving In HEELS South Africa
I have a confession: When I first drove the Honda WR-V at launch in Franschhoek, I wasn’t particularly enthralled with it. In truth, my focus had been on the latest generation and better-known Ballade which was also unveiled on the day same. That said, when the opportunity arose to get the WR-V, the 4thsoft-roader from the Japanese manufacturer, on a 7-day test period, I didn’t hesitate.
As I approached my Radiant Red Metallic test unit I had to admit it was a more than decent-looking compact SUV.
Watching the light bouncing off the WR-R as it glistened under the tepid autumn sun my mind referenced the business presentation at which Honda South Africa had stated that the WR-V was built on the same platform as the proven Jazz and BR-V.
I had the range-topping 1.2 Elegance derivative, which is well put together but, features a load of hard plastics as expected.
– VUYI MPOFU, FOUNDER & MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SOUTH AFRICA
Featuring typical Honda design features, the WR-V boasts typical Honda styling cues such as LED headlights which flank a chrome-wing grille, C-shaped taillights, and LED DTRL (daytime running lights). Smiling, it dawned on me that the Honda WR-V is a bigger, more aggressive, and robust version of the Honda Jazz dressed in gym gear, doing leg extensions.
I had the range-topping 1.2 Elegance derivative, which is well put together but, features a load of hard plastics as expected. Equipped with a 7” touchscreen infotainment system (with 6 speakers).
As I settled into the comfortable fabric driver’s seat, I remembered that Honda manufacturers cars which, to put it gently, don’t go very fast.
– VUYI MPOFU, FOUNDER & MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SOUTH AFRICA
The infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and supports Bluetooth telephony as well as an app-based navigation feature. Other creature comforts include electric windows, multifunction steering wheel, rear park sensors, auto aircon, keyless entry (with push-button start), cruise control, and reverse-view camera.
My first drive was a visit to friends and family in Mpumalanga. As I settled into the comfortable fabric driver’s seat, I remembered that Honda manufacturers cars which, to put it gently, don’t go very fast, and as such, I prepared my mind for an unhurried drive – but I was in for a surprise!
With 66kW available on tap, my Honda WR-V Elegance blazed a trail towards the place where the sun rises, at an unexpectedly brisk pace. Despite being powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, I occasionally found myself reaching for a non-existent 6thgear whereas the WR-V is only available in 5-speed manual transmission.
I quickly realized that the compact SUV runs out of puff on long ascending portions of a drive
– VUYI MPOFU, FOUNDER & MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SOUTH AFRICA
Currently, the WR-V is not available in CVT automatic transmission which I secretly believe Honda will have to address very soon to compete with rivals in this segment as well as accommodate those who don’t want an over-developed left calf due to driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
As the WR-V and I meandered up the uphill sections on the back routes from Gauteng to Mpumalanga, I quickly realized that the compact SUV runs out of puff on long ascending portions of the drive. I didn’t like having to engage the gears so often as I did, but the more the WR-V moaned on the inclines, the more I intuitively understood that the gear ratios on the manual transmission SUV are spaced closely, meaning I had no option but to gear up and down pretty often to squeeze the most from the engine – especially on uphills and when overtaking.
That said, the WR-V tends to get up to and maintain high speeds on straight and level roads with relative ease.
By far, the most remarkable aspect of the Honda WR-V is its “Magic Seat”
Reaching the gravel roads leading to my final destination, the WR-V’s 173mm ground clearance, black protective cladding, and dual side skid plates came in handy as I crawled over the uneven terrain.
Riding on 16-inch heels as standard, the compact SUV made easy work of the rocky surface highlighting just how practical the WR-V is in urban and rural settings.
The biggest letdown for me about the Honda WR-V is its thirstiness.
– VUYI MPOFU, FOUNDER & MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SOUTH AFRICA
By far, the most remarkable aspect of the Honda WR-V is its “Magic Seat” – a system that allows the rear seats to be configured in a multitude of ways to accommodate standard and odd-shaped parcels without compromising the seating comfort of at least 1 rear seat passenger.
Speaking of rear-seat passengers, the Honda WR-V proved to have generous rear leg-room as demonstrated by the numerous vertically blessed villagers who suddenly needed rides to the nearest shops, clinic, and police station.
To score a ride in the WR-V, one teenager asked to transport his mountain bicycle to a repair shop and I was by far the most surprised party to discover that we didn’t need to remove either wheel to fit the bicycle into the SUV.
The WR-V’s pricing could set it wheels and roof rails above its rivals.
– VUYI MPOFU, FOUNDER & MD, DRIVING IN HEELS SOUTH AFRICA
The biggest letdown for me about the Honda WR-V is its thirstiness. At first, I chastised myself, thinking I had driven the WR-V as hard as I normally drive test cars but when my test period ended and I had sheepishly done the maths, I calculated that Honda’s claim of 6.4litres/100km was approximately 2-litres less than my 8-litres per 100km. Upon further consideration, I realized I had had to stomp the fuel pedal much harder and more often than usual, to get the power I needed to get the compact SUV going.
From a safety point of view, the WR-V give the same level of peace of mind we expect and are accustomed to from Honda being ABS, EBD, ISOFIX anchorage points, and fog lamps.
I am excited that I got to better apply myself to Honda’s compact SUV offering than I did when it was launched. During the test period, I realized that the WR-V competes against the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Venue, Haval H1, Mahindra XUV300, Suzuki Breeza, and Renault Captur to mention a few of its rivals. However, the WR-V’s pricing could set it wheels and roof rails above its rivals. It also offers the right styling and the right aftersales support to make it a major consideration for those on the market for a capable compact SUV.
PRICING
WR-V 1.2 Comfort MT R289 900
WR-V 1.2 Elegance MT R327 700
The WR-V is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty, 4-year/60 000 km service plan, and 3-year AA Roadside Assistance. Service intervals are at every 15 000kms
First revealed at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2019 and launched internationally in April 2019, the latest SVU offering from Mazda is now available in South Africa.
Mazda Southern Africa has unveiled the second model in its 7th Generation line-up, the Mazda CX-30 compact SUV. The new compact SUV forms part of Mazda’s CX Range and slots between the Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-5.
The model line-up consists of three derivatives, offered in front-wheel drive (FWD) and automatic transmission: Active, Dynamic and Individual and is powered by a 2.0L SKYACTIV-G engine, which puts out 121kW of power and 213Nm of torque.
Every vehicle in the range comes standard with high grade features such as LED Headlamps with Auto levelling; Driver, Passenger, Knee (Driver), Side & Curtain airbags; Head-Up Display (HUD); MZD Connect infotainment system with an 8.8-Inch Display Screen; Apple Carplay™and Android Auto™, to name a few.
Available in a choice of nine exterior colours, Active and Dynamic grades feature 16-inch grey metallic alloy wheels, while the Individual grade features 18-inch silver metallic alloy wheels.
Since its launch in 2019, the Mazda CX-30 has received many accolades, including: winner of the Car of the Year 2020 in Thailand, winner of the 2020 Red Dot Design Award, earned five stars and the highest safety rating in the Euro NCAP, won the 2020 Design Trophy in the SUV category in Germany, and being a finalist for the 2020 World Car of the Year Award.
The Mazda CX-30 comes standard with a 3-year unlimited kilometre service plan, 3-year factory warranty, 3-year roadside assistance and 5-year Corrosion Warranty.
First launched in 2016, the eighth-generation Hilux debuted with an increased focus on technology, convenience and comfort, while still retaining the traditional Hilux hallmarks of toughness and durability.
The new model builds on the robust foundation of the eighth-generation architecture and represents a new frontier with even greater dynamic performance, technology, style and features.
New Grade Strategy : In keeping with a progressive target market and evolving market trends, the model line-up and grade strategy has undergone a revision. The utility-focused S and SR models continue as before, complete with their original front façades. The largest change to the grade strategy takes place in the ‘mid-range’ where the long-serving SRX nomenclature falls away, being replaced by Raider.
“The SRX model has continuously evolved in line with market requests and in turn advanced into traditional Raider territory. We saw this as an opportunity to rationalise the line-up and offer customers more across the board. SRX and Raider have now effectively merged, creating an opportunity for a flagship grade above Raider – and this is precisely what the new Legend grade will offer,” says Glenn Crompton, Vice-President of Marketing.
“We’ve also created three distinctive appearance profiles for the respective core grades. S and SR keep their current design traits, Raider continues with its chrome-accented styling and Legend will offer a distinctive new look aimed specifically at the leisure user,” he added.
The most visible change is found at the front of the vehicle
Exterior Styling: The most visible change is found at the front of the vehicle, with new chiseled, slim-line headlamps flanking an all-new front-grille and bumper design. The new styling now aligns with Toyota’s global truck-design language and gives Hilux a modern yet unmistakably tough appearance.
Raider: Raider models feature a large, trapezoidal front grille with broad chrome border and horizontally-separated 3D grille elements. New boomerang-shaped fog lamp bezels and integrated bumper guard round off the design. 2.4 GD-6 models receive an upgrade to four-bulb Halogen headlamps, while 2.8 GD-6 Raider derivatives now boast a Bi-LED configuration with stylised internal-light-guides and LED turn-signal lamps. The side profile remains largely unchanged, with the rear tail lamps also receiving the stylised LED treatment (2.8 models only). A chrome rear-step bumper and chrome door handles create unity with the front design.
Befitting the increased urban and leisure use, Raider and Legend models boast an all-new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality
Legend: The Legend name now signifies a new flagship grade built on the brand equity of the previous celebratory models, to introduce a Hilux like never before. The trapezoidal grille (outlined in black) integrates with the front bumper, bonnet protector and unique integrated skidplate – to create an imposing front façade. Further differentiation is achieved with dark-plated headlamp inserts and a centred chrome inlay, which suspends the Toyota insignia. A graphite rear bumper and Legend-specific tailgate garnish complete the package. The overall result is a rugged, yet advanced look.
Legend ‘RS’: An optional ‘RS’ accessory package (referring to Roller Shutter) will be offered on Legend-grade models which amplifies both utility and aesthetics, offering a motorised roller shutter, graphite-coloured sportsbar, rubberised bedliner, assisted tailgate with central-locking function and dust-defence kit.
All Hilux models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data
Interior Upgrades
Raider: A new instrument cluster design welcomes the driver and features an 8-inch infotainment system which incorporates a floating screen-design while retaining rotary adjustment knobs for ease of use. It is framed by a metallic border – reminiscent of high-end electronics.
Legend: Legend variants receive bespoke interior treatment befitting their flagship status. A unique accent treatment is applied to the instrument cluster, interior trim panels, switchgear and gear lever. Cool, blue door illumination provides a sophisticated ambience and complements the perforated leather upholstery and black roof lining.
Exterior Colours: A total of nine exterior colours are on offer, including the newly-added Oxide Bronze (replacing Avant-Garde Bronze) and a first for Hilux, Pearl White. Attitude Black is exclusively available on 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend models.
More Power & Performance: The enhancements are not limited to aesthetics however, as the output of the 2.8 GD-6 engine has been boosted by 20kW to 150kW, with an additional 50Nm on offer, bringing the figure to 500Nm (in auto transmission guise).
New-Generation Infotainment: Befitting the increased urban and leisure use, Raider and Legend models boast an all-new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. This allows users to mirror applications off their mobile phone – for seamless connectivity. Navigation applications such as Google Maps and Waze are natively included and occupants can also access their music libraries and streaming accounts via apps like Apple Music, JOOX, Spotify and SoundCloud. Wireless telephony is supported via Bluetooth with a USB input for additional media options.
All Hilux models come with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty
Safety & Security: For the first time on Hilux, the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) safety system forms part of the standard inventory on Legend 4×4 models. TSS integrates a Pre-collision system, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control – to offer drivers additional peace of mind. TSS joins the existing array of airbags, ISOFIX, seatbelt pre-tensioners and the full suite of active safety aids (ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, VSC, Trailer Sway Control, Traction Control). As before, 4×4 models also include Downhill Assist Control (DAC).
A comprehensive anti-theft system, speed-dependent auto-door lock function and remote or keyless locking functionality is included.
Toyota Connect: All Hilux models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data. Once linked to their profile, customers can manage their vehicle via the MyToyota App. This intuitive app allows on-demand service bookings, vehicle information and history, tracking data as well as Toyota Connect data recharge services and much more – latterly even including the ability to renew your vehicle license online.
Warranty and Maintenance: All Hilux models come with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. A 9-services/90 000 km service plan is standard on all models. Customers can also purchase extended service plans and warranty packages via their Toyota dealer.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
