As if anybody still needed reminding, the last few remaining South African consumers who have not yet fallen off the debt cliff are now merely hanging on by their well chewed fingernails.
The nose-diving rand, rising interest rates, relentless increases in food- and energy prices and the demands of weathering merciless power cuts has created a massive affordability abyss for all but the most resilient.
A study released by Wesbank in May highlighted that a budget car costing R280 000 and travelling 2 500 km per month, along with instalments, fuel, insurance and maintenance, will now whack your wallet by nearly R3 800 more per month than it did five years ago. That's a 48 per cent increase.
Price: R347 400 0-100 km/h: 11,3 seconds Top speed: 170 km/h Power: 77kW Torque: 138 N.m CAR fuel index: 8,76 L/100 km CO₂: 146 g/km
By implication, the cash crunch that followed the pandemic has undoubtedly forced car shoppers to either hang on to their previous purchases for longer or downsize dramatically.
As such, compact crossovers have come to dominate the passenger-vehicle market. In 2022, Toyota's Urban Cruiser was crowned the B-segment king, which is hardly surprising if one considers the offering's combination of practicality, (relative) affordability and badge promise.
Launced locally in 2021, the Urban Cruiser is a badge engineered Suzuki Grand Vitara (formerly Vitara Brezza), built in India and powered by the brand's omnipresent naturally aspirated K15B engine that produces 77 kW and 138 N.m, coupled in our XR test unit to a five-speed manual gearbox.
This story is from the CAR July 2023 edition of CAR South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the CAR July 2023 edition of CAR South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
RED-LETTER DAY
After a 50-year absence, there could be no better way to celebrate the centenary of the world's greatest endurance race, than victory by one of the most revered names in racing
Citroën C3 Feel 1,2 manual
There's a lot to like about the new, India-sourced Citroën C3 package, not least its compelling price point
Silk road
Two brands debuting in South Africa also happen to compete in the same segment. Here's our verdict on the new Omoda 5 and BAIC Beijing X55
GWM P Series 2,0 LTD 4X4 Auto
On the back of impressive market inroads for this budget-friendly double-cab, GWM has upped the ante by introducing a more rugged P-Series LTD derivative. Can its competence match its stronger presence?
Boardroom brawl
One of performance motoring's favourite inter-brand battles is back. But step aside, Merc C63 and BMW M3, it's time for the middleweights to spar
ΚΟΜΒΙ COMRADES
Car collectors Anton Lubbe and Werner Viljoen let us in on what makes their friendship so special
If it ain't broke...
Subaru's updates to its popular raised-ride-height XV include a new name. Meet the Crosstrek
Defenders, assemble
The already comprehensive Land Rover Defender range has welcomed a new eight-seater 130 edition
Wicked viking
With 300 kW on tap and a trendy sloped-roof design, the Volvo C40 takes the fight to its German EV rivals - and then some
LIFTED LAMBO
The Bolognese Raging Bull has unleashed arguably the wildest take yet on its mid-engined V10 supercar: the rugged-looking Huracán Sterrato