3 Dashing new diesel cars to keep fuel costs low

By Ané Theron

 

Diesel cars may need a bit more upkeep in the long run, but those fantastic fuel economy figures on your trip computer will surely put a smile on your face. We've selected three types of  cars that warrant a test drive immediately...

 

 

1. A powerful, capable 4x4 bakkie: The new Mitsubishi Triton 2.4DI-D double cab 4x4 auto, R569 995

 As soon as I sat my behind down on that comfortable leather driver's seat and took a good look around the stylish cabin, I just knew: This is the bakkie for me! Mitsubishi's trump card is how capable and well-equipped the Triton is at the price: Costing just R569 995 for the flagship model, It's considerably less expensive than its Toyota, Ford and Isuzu counterparts. And apart from that, it's more economical too, using only 8 litres of diesel per 100 km. 

Space on the rear bench is ample, the infotainment system is nicely integrated and super straightforward to use (and even has Apple CarPlay!) and judging from the amount of attention the Triton itself grabbed, its a bit of a trendsetter as well. Truth be told, I am completely smitten with its overall exterior design. It performs like you would want it to, with 133kW and 420Nm, and now that there are six gears instead of five, you're not stressing about the engine's thirst like you would if you were travelling along the highway at 120 km/h in fifth.

As for its 4x4 capabilities, Mitsubishi's Super Select II system is legendary, and can perform all kinds of tricks such as hill-descent control in reverse! At the local launch we gave a whole fleet of brand new Tritons a thorough baptism of fire in the bushveld, and a few months later a spot of sand driving at Atlantis Dunes served as a reminder as to why this bakkie should be the undisputed bundu-basher king!

The Triton is one of the most sophisticated bakkies on the SA market and ignoring it in favour of the better-known brands would be a big mistake.

Read Martin Pretorius's all-encompassing Triton launch report here.

 

2. A large people mover: The Kia Grand Sedona 2.2 CRDi SXL, R805 995

 The Kia Grand Sedona is my favourite family car/crew bus of the moment. It is ultra stylish, super practical and comfy, and looks like it should star in Men in Black.  Seating seven passengers in absolute luxury and catering to all occupants' whims and needs, the voluminous Sedona will ensure that the kids are happy and quiet on the longest possible road trips. From electrical sliding doors on both sides that open from multiple locations, to USB ports all the way in the back, and independent second-row seats as comfortable as La-Z-boy chairs, you will be astounded by this versatile van with its elegant and modern interior. 

A 2.2-litre diesel power plant (147kW & 440Nm) does duty in the Sedona, and with a figure of 8-9 litres per 100 km you will easily do nearly a thousand kilometres on one 80 litre tank. Considering the sheer size and weight of the Sedona, this is pretty impressive. And with all the seats in their upright position, there's still oodles of boot space, plus it's easy to load larger items inside. It's a bit like a private jet on wheels, but with more on-board convenience tech. What's not to like?

The Sedona model we tested was the pricey SXL flagship model at R805 995 but the model just below which also comes very well equipped, the 2.2CRDI EX+, will set you back a more affordable R652 995. The Sedona was the envy of every man, woman and child in the primary school parking lot. Maybe you don't need that BMW X7 after all...

Read: 2019 KIA Grand Sedona: Be sure to check these features out.

 

3. A budget-orientated soft-roader: The new Mahindra XUV300

It wasn't too long ago that I drove the XUV500 which is still a bit rough around the edges, but with the smaller, decidedly more handsome XUV300, Mahindra clearly put their heart and soul into making this new compact crossover as cultured and polished as their budgets allowed. It's not what we'd call crazily inexpensive anymore, although the entry-level 1.2-litre turbo-petrol model does come in at an affordable R249 999.

Our test model, the flagship XUV300 W8 (R324 999) came kitted out in pale beige upholstery which made the already roomy cabin seem even larger, and offset the black centre console and touchscreen (with standard Sat-nav) rather nicely. General ergonomics are surprisingly good, apart from the fact that the temperature controls seem a little far from the driver's reach. There are two USB ports for charging devices and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is standard equipment. Download the BlueSense App and you can even control temperature, audio & various other features wirelessly! 

Another cool feature is Mahindra's EcoSense Technology, which also gives you a score on-screen for how efficiently you're driving. Once your app is connected, you can even share your results on social media.

Safety spec is also ultra comprehensive and inludes 7 airbags (diesel models only), ABS (with cornering brake control) and ESP, hill-start assist, and a tyre pressure monitor. Handling is very controlled, body roll is minimal, and the cabin is not what I'd call noisy. Our test model also had a rearview camera with park assist to help you ace those pesky parallel parking spots.

Since the XUV comes fitted with a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, your expectation of decent fuel economy would be justified. With a right-foot-friendly 86kW and 300Nm, the XUV300 has enough zest to scoot along swiftly when needed, and yet most of the time the consumption figure hovered between the 5.8 - 6.3 litres per 100 km mark. I thoroughly enjoyed my week of comfortable commuting in this spacious, yet compact crossover! 

Read Martin Pretorius's International XUV300 launch report here.

 

*Consumption figures are based on realistic, average fuel usage at the national speed limit.