Not into cars that everybody drives? I, too, like something a bit different, which is also easily spotted in a crowded parking lot. I recently drove these five cars that don't get as much attention as they deserve, that will make great vehicles for people who don't follow the crowd.
Mahindra Scorpio-N
Let's start with the most affordable car on this list - the Mahindra Scorpio-N, with pricing starting at R473 999. We drove the flagship 2.2D Z8L 4XPLOR model (see above) at R604 999.
Launched in February this year, the budget-minded Scorpio-N makes complete sense if you're the adventurous type, and occasionally need two extra seats when additional passengers have to ride along. The four-wheel-driven models are truly capable, as Lawrence Minnie discovered on the 4x4 trails at Klein Tafelberg where the local launch was held. (Read his full launch report of the Scorpio-N here.)
The new Scorpio-N is a far cry from its basic predecessor; we spotted some Jeep Grand Cherokee styling cues, and the interior is surprisingly classy-looking with predominantly brown faux leather seats and trim inserts in the top-spec models. It's high on modern convenience features too - in the flagship model you'll find everything from fatigue detection to satnav. While ride quality in town is a bit on the unsettled side, the Scorpio N's strong point is what it can do in low range, so be sure to get the 4WD model. And it now boasts a 5-star safety rating too.
Fiat 500X
Where Italians are involved in styling, whether it's a fridge, a toaster, or a car, the end result is usually quite sensational. Read Chad's review of the Fiat 500X Sport EST here.
The retro-inspired Fiat 500X is no exception, with its cute yet very unisex design, suitable for drivers of all ages. Pricing is quite steep but let's be honest - the 500CX is a designer crossover, and just like Prada shoes, designer items cost money.
There are 3 variants in the lineup: The 500X Cross at R509 900, the 1.4T Sport at R560 900 and the Sport EST (see image above) at R580 900.
We had the 500X Sport EST on test, with a luxurious soft-top that opens in only 12 seconds for a carefree wind-in-your-hair experience. Sadly, we were in the depths of a dark and wet Western Cape winter when we sampled it, but there's much more than the roof to get excited about: there's the youthful, high-quality, spacious interior which echoes the exterior's retro charm (to get an idea of space - the 500X shares a platform with the Jeep Renegade), and a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine producing a hearty 103kW and 230Nm of torque. The 500X is fun to drive and you'll be proud to be seen in this cheerful Italian crossover.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Japanese way of doing things is evident in the minimalistic, tech-rich Outlander (now in its third generation), with its futuristic face and minimalist interior, where you can sink into the driver's seat and leave all your worries behind, as the cabin is such a refined and user-friendly space. Everything is where it should be, and the overall design is delightfully clean and serene.
Mitsubishi keeps things simple with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine with 135kW and 245Nm, but the brand's Super All-Wheel Control dials things up, with six driving modes for whatever surface you find yourself on. But if you're the type of person who rarely goes off-road, there is so much about the Outlander that you'll love. it's loaded with specifications and technology and the boot is huge if you fold the third row of seats flat - that's correct, the Outlander is also a true seven-seater.
The Outlander is not cheap, but the product itself is such high quality that the price tag is justified. The 2.5 GLS is priced at R729 995 and the flagship Aspire model will cost you R759 995. Read Taye's full review of the Mitsubishi Outlander, here.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
When I was a student in the late nineties, my ultimate car was the Jeep Grand Cherokee, after spending some time in one with well-heeled older friends on a diving holiday. It used to be highly popular, but newish Cherokees are not often seen on our roads.
Now in its 5th generation, the lush-bot-not-brash Grand Cherokee is still a car I'd consider if I had the funds. The price of the mid-range Grand Cherokee 3.6 4x4 Overland model we tested is R1 570 900, but it's big on specifications like the superbly premium McIntosh sound system, a digital rearview mirror, dual-pane sunroof, heated seats and USB ports in the second row as well, and a heated steering wheel for chilly winter-fingers, to name but a few. In Overland trim and higher, even the front passenger gets his very own 10-inch touchscreen which includes access to satnav and entertainment options.
The cabin itself beautifully solid with not a squeak or a rattle to be heard, even on questionable surfaces. We had to transport a child and their friends to a nearby farm outside Stanford and we managed to find a bit of everything on our journey: Gravel, dirt, grass, mud, and even a smidge of sand. Typically Jeep, the Grand Cherokee took it all in its stride and I yearned for a serious 4x4 track experience, but yet again, the weather didn't play along, but rest assured the 2.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine and trusted four-wheel-drive system will make easy meat of anything. Yep, it's on the thirsty side, but when you have this kind of budget, your petrol cost shouldn't make much of a difference. Plus, the Grand Cherokee is rather swift, reaching the 100 km/h mark from zero in only 8.5 seconds.
For more in-depth info on the range, read Sean's launch report of the 2023 Grand Cherokee here.
Pricing for the Grand Cherokee range kicks off at R 1 356 900 for the Limited model. Should you desire a seven-seater, the L 3.6 4x4 Overland will cost you R 1590 900 (good value!) and the L 3.6 4x4 Summit Reserve will cost you R 1 790 900 (the latter is the flagship model). The Overland and Summit Reserve models also have air suspension as standard.
Lexus RX
Lexus fine-tunes refinement with the all-new RX that takes luxury to the next level. Despite one or two features which I find to be a bit over-the-top (like the new electric door handles), the RX has been perfectly executed to be more efficient, more dynamic, more streamlined, and much better looking than before; let's be honest - how fabulous is the new seamless grille (see image above of the RX350h model)?
At the local launch (read the 2023 Lexus RX launch report here) we drove each and every model, and boy, it's hard to choose a favourite, but the F-Sport models (see below) are always a hit.
The new lineup boasts a total of five models and only one engine variant is 100% naturally aspirated. The flagship RX450h plug-in hybrid model is the most practical: You can recharge from your wall box at home, run it on pure electricity, or switch to hybrid mode or battery charging mode as needed, giving you the convenience and peace of mind that fully electric vehicles don't. It's not available in SA just yet - hopefully it will arrive in Mzansi by November this year, and a price hasn't been revealed just yet.
For now, I'll happily settle for the non-hybrid RX350 F Sport or the powerful RX 500h F Sport. The range kicks off at R 1 424 000 for the Lexus RX350.
ENDS
