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• We revisit five of the biggest stories for the past week.
• Among the best-read articles are readers who share their experience of purchasing Toyota's new Corolla Cross.
• The big bakkie shootout has also been one of the strong stories of the week.
• For more motoring stories, visit Wheels24
It's been a busy week in the local automotive industry, with several new models and news dished up to keep everyone informed and up to date.
We list some of the standout stories of the week, 15 - 19 November 2021.
1. These readers on buying a Corolla Cross
The Toyota Corolla Cross is bound to be a success in the South African market. Having launched in the country earlier this month, the crossover is based on the Corolla Sedan and offers new owners the comfort and trust associated with the Corolla name. However, it now has the added benefit of increased ground clearance.
Several readers wrote in and praised the Cross for what it is, with one saying that it is the first vehicle he bought without test driving it.
Following her driving impressions at the launch, Wheels24 editor Janine van der Post wrote: "There's a reason why the Corolla has been around for nearly five decades and 12 generations - it's because people find it reliable and great to drive. This Corolla Cross is no different."
READ: Why I bought a Toyota Corolla Cross: These Wheels24 readers show off their new cars
2. Four major bakkie players go head-to-head
Earlier this year, we assembled four bakkies in the local market for a shootout at Klipbokkop Mountain Reserve. The bakkies were the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, and Mitsubishi Triton. Though the Hilux and Ranger are the market leaders and very little will convince buyers not to buy either one, it was imperative to gauge where and how the Navara and Triton stack up against them.
All four bakkies bring something unique to the market, with each one having a trait that set them apart from the rest. The bakkies were all driven in the same setting, giving us the chance to experience them in the same conditions.
WATCH: Clash of the bakkies - Navara, Triton take on segment-leading Hilux and Ranger
3. Driving the all-new mu-X in the Garden Route
The second generation of Isuzu's mu-X has touched down in South Africa. However, the SUV will only go one sale in the first week of December 2021, just in time for Christmas. The new model is based on the upcoming D-Max bakkie, which will, like the mu-X, also be produced locally at Isuzu's plant in Port Elizabeth.
We attended the SUV's launch in the beautiful Garden Route this week and put it through its paces on various road surfaces. Having driven it on tar, gravel, and an off-road course, the new mu-X is markedly different from the model it replaces.
Our man on the ground for the launch was Pritesh Ruthun, who wrote: "Compared to the old MU-X, which we drove on day one of the launch event, the new model certainly rides more compliantly. There's still body roll, and you have to take it easy around the bends or the stability and traction control kicks in quite intensely, but from old to new, you can instantly feel that the new version is nicer to drive on the road."
READ: DRIVEN | Isuzu's new MU-X is a supreme off-roader but you'll love it as a daily cruiser too
4. Taycan Cross Turismo 4S typically Porsche
Electric mobility is a thing, and a greater reality than many South Africans would like to admit. Porsche South Africa is getting an early slice of the electric pie by launching its all-electric Taycan in the country. Almost two years after the launch in January 2021, the range has been expanded with a Cross Turismo model.
We drove the Taycan Cross Turismo 4S in South Africa and were immensely impressed by the sheer level of performance and dynamism it dished up. However, while impressive, the car does not regenerate kinetic energy and turn it into a greater driving range. For more of our thoughts on the Taycan Cross Turismo 4S, click on the link below.
READ: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 4S: The one missing feature that could make it great
5. Used double cab bakkies that are light on fuel
Local consumers love their bakkies, but the cost factors associated with these types of vehicles can put some people off. And when you want a range-topping model of a specific bakkie, you'll have to fork out quite an amount for them. On top of that, with fuel prices hinging on R20/litre…
Having scoured through AutoTrader, we came across three bakkies with very low fuel returns, albeit the manufacturer's claims. The most frugal of our listed bakkies is the Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi double cab Hi-Rider XL with a fuel economy of 6.5-litres/100km.
AutoTrader CEO George Mienie points out: "As recorded in the 2021 AutoTrader Mid-Year Car Industry Report, bakkies continue to generate high search volumes. In this busy segment of the market, fuel efficiency is a more important consideration than ever."
READ: Popular used double-cab bakkies that are rather light on fuel
