The Mitsubishi Xpander recently launched in South Africa, becoming the fourth MPV to be introduced locally in 2021.
Considering the MPV category is one of the smallest vehicle segments in the country, this is an exciting turn of events.
Multi-purpose vehicles go by many names – MPV, minivan, people carrier – and they have been around for decades.
The body style always retained a familiar shape, though – similar in size to most SUVs with seating for up to seven people, a short nose, and a squared-off rear.
As opposed to the rugged nature of SUVs, the MPV is an urban-focused, multi-purpose hauler with a cabin catered to practicality rather than luxury.
High rooflines and clever storage pockets mean there is enough space for passengers and their belongings, and large sliding doors along with sedan-like ground clearance provide easy access.
Several manufacturers have also installed modular seating in their MPVs, giving owners the ability to remove unused seats in favour of carrying a cabin full of cargo.
The vehicle type is often built on a pre-existing vehicle platforms, too, making it nimble to park and drive.
The market
In South Africa, we have around 70 MPV variants currently on offer – with prices going up to R1.8 million, according to TopAuto Car Prices.
Below, we have listed the main MPV model ranges for sale in the country along with their most important specifications.
Click on the underlined links for more information.
Renault Triber
- Starting Price – R185,900
- Power – 52kW/96Nm
- Warranty – 5-year/150,000km warranty and roadside assistance.
- Safety – 4-star Global NCAP
Changan Star
- Starting Price – R189,880
- Power – 72kW/119Nm
- Warranty – 3-year/100,000km warranty.
- Safety – No official rating
Datsun Go+
- Starting Price – R191,600
- Power – 50kW/104Nm
- Warranty – 6-year/150,000km warranty.
- Safety – 1-star Global NCAP
Suzuki Ertiga
- Starting Price – R239,400
- Power – 77kW/138Nm
- Warranty – 3-year/100,000km warranty, 4-year/90,000km service plan, and roadside assistance.
- Safety – 3-star Global NCAP
Toyota Avanza
- Starting Price – R258,000
- Power – 71kW/121Nm
- Warranty – 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 4-services/60,000km service plan.
- Safety – 4-star Global NCAP
Mitsubishi Xpander
- Starting Price – R299,995
- Power – 77kW/141Nm
- Warranty – 3-year/100,000km warranty, 2-year/30,000km service plan, and 5-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance.
- Safety – 4-star Asean NCAP
Opel Combo Life
- Starting Price – R414,900
- Power – 68kW/230Nm
- Warranty – 3-year/120,000km warranty, 3-year/60,000km service plan, and 3-year/120,000km roadside assistance.
- Safety – 4-star Euro NCAP
Hyundai H-1
- Starting Price – R601,500
- Power – 126kW/224Nm
- Warranty – 5-year/150,000km warranty with an additional 2-year/50,000km powertrain warranty, 5-year/90,000km service plan, and 5-year/150,000km roadside assistance.
- Safety – 4-star Australasian NCAP
Mercedes-Benz Vito 111 CDI Tourer
- Starting Price – R630,667
- Power – 84kW/270Nm
- Warranty – 5-year/100,000km ServiceCare Best Basic contract.
- Safety – 5-star Australasian NCAP
Ford Tourneo Custom
- Starting Price – R653,100
- Power – 74kW/310Nm
- Warranty – 4-year/120,000km warranty, 6-year/90,000km service plan, and 3-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance.
- Safety – 5-star Australasian NCAP
VW Kombi
- Starting Price – R728,700
- Power – 81kW/250Nm
- Warranty – 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 5-year/60,000km maintenance plan.
- Safety – Gold rating by Euro NCAP
Kia Grand Sedona
- Starting Price – R728,995
- Power – 147kW/440Nm
- Warranty – 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, 5-year/100,000km service plan, and 5-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance.
- Safety – 5-star Australasian NCAP
Keyword: What an MPV is – and what’s on offer