- Petrol price changes for June
- New Toyota coming to South Africa
- New Mercedes-Benz cars coming to South Africa
- Volvo EX30 pricing revealed
- New Ford Ranger Wildtrak X coming to South Africa
- Toyota launches long-term lease option for Toyota Vitz
These were the six biggest stories in South Africa’s automotive scene this week.
Petrol price changes for June
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy published the official fuel price changes for June this week.
Petrol and diesel both saw a noticeable drop, with diesel, in particular, reaching a low point that it hasn’t seen for over a year.
However, South Africans are still paying more for fuel than several other nations, and the high operating costs brought on by excessive load-shedding are making it harder for petrol stations to stay open.
New Toyota coming to South Africa
Toyota has already had a busy 2023 with the launch of models like the new Urban Cruiser, Vitz, and updated Fortuner, but the automaker still has another car scheduled to make its debut before the end of the year.
The model in question is the Crown, which was supposed to launch in the first quarter of 2023 but was delayed by several months.
The Crown is expected to be positioned as one of the brand’s premium entries, featuring a hybrid powertrain with a newly-developed battery.
New Mercedes-Benz cars coming to South Africa
Mercedes-Benz is continuing its extensive rollout of new models in 2023, as there are still 10 units scheduled to launch in South Africa before the end of the year.
The list includes a wide range of entries from battery-electrics like the EQS SUV and high-performance AMG variants, to more entry-level models such as a new A-Class.
Volvo EX30 pricing revealed
Volvo has revealed the local pricing of the new EX30 – the most affordable electric vehicle (EV) in the brand’s catalogue.
The SUV will retail from R775,000, making it R300,000 cheaper than the automaker’s other EV, the XC40.
Alongside its attractive price tag, the EX30 also boasts an impressive set of performance stats and a high-quality interior on par with Volvo’s other works.
New Ford Ranger Wildtrak X coming to South Africa
Ford is pushing ahead with the extended rollout of its next-generation Ranger series, this time with the new Wildtrak X.
The X is positioned as the middle ground between the current range-topping Wildtrak specification and the rally-inspired Raptor, using the framework of the former while adding new features.
The higher-spec Wildtrak has been extensively modified with a focus on off-road prowess and even comes with a few new options that aren’t found anywhere else in the range.
Toyota launches long-term lease option for Toyota Vitz
Toyota has added the new Vitz – its cheapest car – to its Kinto subscription service, letting people use the vehicle long-term without the hassles of owning it.
The company is currently running a promotional offer on the small car for a 12-month/18,000km contract that is around 20% cheaper than the other options listed on its site.
The Vitz is a 1.0-litre hatchback that comes standard with equipment like a multifunction steering wheel, manual aircon, and fabric seats.
Keyword: 6 important things that happened in South Africa’s car industry this week