Two of South Africa’s top-performing locally made vehicles launched to media in the past week.
VW Polo
The first is South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicle, the Volkswagen Polo. This perennial favourite has been on sale since January as VW dealers ran out of stock of the previous model, but the media only received their first taste mid-February.
VW has launched four specification levels with two power output levels of the Polo 1.0 litre model. The base spec 1.0 TSI delivers 70 kW through a manual gearbox, while a higher-spec Life model is offered in a 70 kW and an 85 kW DSG models. Lastly, an 85 kW DSG R-Line model is available.
VW also showcased their GTI-model, which retains the 147 kW 2-litre petrol engine. This model is only available with the group’s DSG dual-clutch gearbox.
Pricing is as follows (February 2022):
The new Volkswagen Polo comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, 3 year/ 45 000km EasyDrive Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km. Customers have the option to extend EasyDrive Maintenance and EasyDrive Service Plans up to 10 years/ 300 000km.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The new C-Class is built in East London. It is the result of a R13 billion investment in the facility and it will again be exported to countries across the world.
The new C borrows many of its design cues from the new S-Class flagship and it replaces its predecessor’s centre console with a large and sleek touch screen.
The new C-Class is considerably larger than its predecessor, with a length of 4751 mm and a width of 1820 mm. The wheelbase has increased by 25 mm to 2865 mm, with both the front and rear passengers benefiting from the increased exterior dimensions.
As with other new Mercedes-Benz models, the new C has an advanced new version of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) that offers voice controls, a high level of customisation and of course mobile phone integration.
Two models are on offer from at the time of launch (February 2022), they are:
All C-Class models come standard with the 9G-TRONIC transmission.
Merc is launching the new C200 Launch Edition 6 on Agility Finance from R9 999 per month, subject to terms and conditions.
The Kia Carens nameplate makes its return to South Africa, this time as a seven‑seater designed with families in mind. It combines Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) styling with Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) practicality, offering space, comfort and efficiency, Kia says.
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
The Kia Carens nameplate makes its return to South Africa, this time as a seven‑seater designed with families in mind. It combines Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) styling with Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) practicality, offering space, comfort and efficiency, Kia says.
The Omoda C4 has been unveiled at the Beijing International Auto Show, marking the latest addition to the brand’s crossover lineup.
JAC Motors South Africa has introduced the T8 2.0L CTi Comfort 4x2 double cab and at R349 900 (VAT included), making it the lowest-priced double cab currently available in the country.
