2019 in Reviews: Bakkies, SUVs and Crossovers

New-vehicle market conditions in South Africa are very tough, but that didn’t keep manufacturers from introducing numerous new or updated models to our shores this year. We’ve cast an eye over 2019’s reviews and launch reports, and highlight some of the most significant and interesting bakkies, SUVs, and Crossovers of the past year.

Martin Pretorius

28 Dec 2019 · 16:17Automotive News

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Bakkies

2019 didn’t see any genuinely new bakkies arrive on our market, but there were a number of significantly updated models which appeared over the course of the year. The biggest news came from Ford and Mitsubishi, and we’ve had examples from both brands pass through our hands this year. But Mercedes-Benz also tried something interesting, and its level of success depends on what buyers really want from their double cabs.

Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo 4x4 Wildtrak

It may look much like the previous range-topping Ranger Wildtrak 3.2TDCi, but its mechanical bits have received a thorough revitalisation. We found it difficult to fault, but advised buyers that there are better-value alternatives to be found lower down the Ranger hierarchy.

Ford Ranger Raptor

“If you are buying this to genuinely attack the off-road cross-country scene and don’t mind paying the premium for the pleasure, you can’t go wrong with the Raptor.” This was the verdict cast after Lawrence Minnie took a Ranger Raptor for a long-distance run. It’s comfortable on-road and extremely capable off the tarmac, even if the decision to employ a small diesel engine in this all-terrain monster is a bit puzzling.

Mitsubishi Triton

In a concerted effort to gain wider market appeal, the Mitsubishi Triton was treated to a comprehensive restyle, combined with some updates to its running gear. The outcome is an unqualified success, but will that be enough to grab market share from the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger? Our review found no reason why this shouldn’t be the case, but wondered whether buyers will be open to alternatives to their favourites.

Mercedes-Benz X350d

“We don't doubt that there will be takers that are looking to make a statement with their purchases, but for us, it doesn't make enough sense.” Reviewing the Mercedes-Benz X350d left Chad Lückhoff with decidedly mixed emotions, mainly revolving around its purchase price, and the absence of anything concrete to justify its serious price premium.

SUVs and Crossovers

As we’ve come to expect from this growing market segment, the SUV arena was abuzz with activity in 2019. The new arrivals included range re-shuffling to the arrival of all-new models, with particular attention being paid to the lower-to-mid price range.

Audi Q8

In spite of it being based on the Audi Q7, the new Q8 brings a whole new dimension of style and cutting-edge technology to the large premium SUV market. Far more than a Q7 in sports gear, the Q8 serves as the first display of Audi’s latest in-car tech, and is (for now) the top model in the Ingolstadt manufacturer’s local line-up.

Audi Q3

“We are completely bowled over by the Q3's charms, and if you can afford to part with nearly 600k, go ahead and make your day...” Ané Theron fell in love with the all-new Audi Q3 while reviewing it, but found its substantial list price to be a tad hard to swallow. Such is the price of all those premium attributes and top-level trim quality, though!

BMW X5

“Any upcoming competitors had better be incredibly good just to match this particular X5’s excellence, let alone better it. But for the moment, this is probably the best all-rounder in its class.” This was our verdict after spending a week with the new X5, and subjecting it to everything from mild off-roading to a long-distance, cross-country dash.

BMW X4

Even though its hunchbacked appearance might not be to everyone’s taste, Lawrence Minnie found that the X4 M40d’s real beauty lies hidden beneath its challenging styling. Undoubtedly, that cracker of a twin-turbo diesel engine and M-tuned AWD and suspension also played their parts in boosting the (currently) range-topping X4’s appeal.

Citroën C3 Aircross

One of the models spearheading Citroën’s latest revival in South Africa, and a finalist in the 2020 AutoTrader Car of the Year contest, the cheeky C3 Aircross has many positive attributes. Lawrence Minnie’s review found a lot to love about this funky compact crossover, although it was let down a little by its combination of a shuddering engine and recalcitrant automatic gearbox.

Ford Kuga

Following a range reshuffle, the latest Ford Kuga has a lot to offer. However, in 2.0T ST-Line form, Ané Theron’s review found that it’s not the best value Kuga out there, much preferring the (much) cheaper entry-level variants instead. They’re also bound to be a fair bit less thirsty than the rather profligate range-topping 2.0T.

Hyundai Tucson Sport

Not really a new addition to the range, the Hyundai Tucson Sport can now be had in both petrol- and diesel flavours, and benefits from spec enhancements and a revised appearance. While the 1.6T petrol Sport is a hoot to drive, the 2.0D Sport is decidedly more economical – and a very agreeable long-distance cruiser. But they’re both very expensive...

Hyundai Kona

Big on style and fairly economical, the Hyundai Kona 1.0T made a generally positive impression on Stuart Johnston. He didn’t like the compromised space efficiency (thank that slinky body for that) or pricetag too much, though, and found the small turbo engine with its widely-spaced (manual) gear ratios to be further downsides. It’s also bound to meet some fraternal competition from the recently-released Hyundai Venue.

Isuzu mu-X

With a cavernous interior and well-proven mechanical bits, the Isuzu mu-X proved to be a winner for our resident mom-at-large. Ané Theron couldn’t find much to criticise about it, but also noted that it faces opponents which offer more power and sophistication at a similar price point.

Range Rover Evoque

Looking very much like a mildly facelifted first-generation Evoque, the all-new model still carries the torch for stylish and capable premium mid-sized SUVs amongst its stablemates. However, we found the lowest-powered diesel engine to be a tad disappointing on both performance and fuel efficiency, and suggested that the Evoque will make more sense with a more-potent engine and in a different trim level.

Lexus UX

“The Lexus UX 250h hybrid crossover is not only smart and fun-to-drive but it also offers plenty of standard equipment and has a lovely interior.” Those were but a few of the smallest Lexus SUV’s strong suits, which should ensure its success in our market. It did draw criticism from Farzana Chaumoo for its small boot, clunky infotainment interface and compromised rear-seat space, though.

Mahindra XUV300

It impressed us greatly when driving it in India earlier in 2019, and the strong suits we identified during that world premiere event were present in our first local road test as well. The XUV300 received praise for its exceptionally spacious cabin, solid safety specification, and potent turbodiesel engine and slick-shifting 6-speed gearbox combination. However, in top-level trim, its pricing puts it up against some very accomplished opponents. Will its own merits be enough to convince local buyers to enjoy an Indian summer of their own?

Mercedes-AMG G63

This is the car to get if (a) you have exceptionally deep pockets and (b) want to make sure everyone knows it. But the latest G-Class has been treated to a comprehensive redesign, with massive improvements on its (4-decade-old) predecessor in every single respect. Whether its impressive abilities will ever be put to real work is an open question, though...

Opel Crossland X Diesel

The addition of a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine has infused the rather milquetoast Opel Crossland X with a handy torque boost and enhanced fuel efficiency. “The diesel variant offers great fuel economy and only a slight performance penalty over its petrol-powered stablemates,” was Lawrence Minnie’s conclusion after spending a week with one.

Renault Duster

Comfortable, practical, well-equipped, and extremely fuel-efficient – the Renault Duster dCi’s popularity is well-founded indeed. Add a competitive list price and some nice toys in the cabin to the mix, and the Duster TechRoad’s appeal grows even larger, as we found after driving it in a wide variety of conditions.

Renault Koleos

After launching to generally muted enthusiasm earlier in the year, Renault quietly revised the software of their mid-sized SUV’s constantly variable transmission (CVT) to turn it into a much more-appealing contender. Combined with its classy cabin and smooth ride quality, this improvement marked a step change in the right direction for the latest Koleos.

Suzuki Vitara

Following a mild mid-life facelift, the Suzuki Vitara is still a compelling choice in the compact SUV category. Our road test of the high-trim GLX 1.6 automatic did point out that this particular variant doesn’t really represent the best choice in its range, simply because the newly-launched 1.4T GLX is a much more desirable (and vastly livelier) flagship.

Toyota RAV4

We put the latest RAV4 through its paces to determine whether it still is competitive, in the market segment which it helped pioneer all those years ago. Our verdict confirmed that this popular model has more than kept up with its opponents, and benefits from much-improved on-road dynamics and a thoroughly modern cabin.

Volkswagen T-Cross

Our video review of the Volkswagen T-Cross shows why it should be on buyers’ shopping lists. It benefits from the best technology Volkswagen can offer, is good to drive, and even offers a good value proposition (if you can stay away from the options list, that is).

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2019 in Reviews: Bakkies, SUVs and Crossovers

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