It’s sad to see the demise of the C-segment hatchback. Vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Kia Cerato, Renault Megane and so on were mainstays of the motoring scene just a few years ago, but now they’ve mostly disappeared with just a handful of fringe performance derivatives like the Golf GTI and i30 N left.
Where have those customers gone? The answer is simple, they’ve migrated to high-riding crossovers and SUVs. The market for these two bodystyles has grown dramatically over the past decade, and we’re at the stage now where a few brands just sell SUVs. In this Buyer’s Guide, we look at the current 2023 Crossovers, weigh up the pros and cons of each, and share our pick of the range.Pricing is accurate as of March/April 2023.
For the latest and most up-to-date pricing and specifications, please consult our New Car Guide.
The Volkswagen SUV range is all-encompassing, but the model which we feel is a great crossover is the T-Roc. There are two derivatives on offer, a 1.4 auto and a 2.0 DSG with all-wheel drive. Launched in late 2021, an update arrived 2022, meaning you can either go for the latest version or grab a demo bargain. Or, look at the new Volkswagen Taigo.
Read our full review of the Volkswagen T-Rochere
Price Range: R572 300 – R670 300Pick of the Range:1.4TSI 110 kW DesignReason to Buy:Good engines, 4Motion model surprisingly brisk, hatchback-like handling and stylingCriticisms: Rear legroom, pricey
See specification and pricing details for the Volkswagen T-Roc
Buya Volkswagen T-Roc on Cars.co.za
From the school of stylish and nice-to-drive Mazda SUVs comes… another stylish and nice-to-drive Mazdacalled the CX-30.
TheCX-30 is understood to bridgethe gap between the CX-3 and CX-5, but in reality, it doesn’t as there’s some overlap.Mazda has equipped itscrossover with a generous helping of standard features; in contrast with some of its competitors,there isn’t a myriad of optional-extraboxes that may need to be ticked. The CX-30 is great to drive, albeit a bit on the firmer side, but the steering setup and refinement are top-notch.
Read our Mazda CX-30 review here.
Price Range: R497 700 – R73 100Pick of the Range: 2.0 Carbon EditionReason to Buy: Great to drive, excellent build quality, generous featuresCriticisms: The CX-5 is similarly priced, only one engine offered
See specification and pricing details for the Mazda CX-30
Buy a Mazda CX-30 on Cars.co.za
The newest kid on the block is the strikingly-styled Mokka, a new generation of Opel product.
What you see is one really interesting-looking vehicle. The new Mokka is a huge leap forward for the brand and we like what we see. There’s a 1.2 turbo summoning 96 kW and 230 Nm, paired to an 8-speed automatic.The cabin really looks fashionable and futuristic, plus it appears to be reasonably well assembled.
Read our impressions of the Mokka here
Price Range: R489 900 – R539 900Pick of the Range: 1.2T GS LineReason to Buy: Gorgeous looks, build quality, generous level of standard featuresCriticisms: Cramped rear, not as engaging to drive as it looks, quirky dashboard
See specification and pricing details for the Opel Mokka
Buy a used Opel Mokka on Cars.co.za
The Peugeot 2008 brings some fresh looks and a well thought out cabin to the party.
Sharing the same platform as the new Opel Mokka, comes the Peugeot 2008. It also features the same 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with 96 kW and 230 Nm. The quirky seating position and small steering wheel won’t win everyone over, but the drive performancecompares favourablywithits rivals in this segment.Ourimpressions of the new Peugeot 2008 are mostly positive; we think it makes a strong case for itself, especially for style-conscious buyers who are looking for something with a bit more flair and that interior is especially tasty.
Price range:R454 900 – R544 900Pick of the range: 1.2 AllureReason to buy: Gorgeous looks inside and out, great to drive,Criticisms: French ownership can be hit or miss.
See specification and pricing details for the Peugeot 2008
Buy a Peugeot 2008 on Cars.co.za
Toyota’s C-HR makes an interesting case for itself with funky styling and a decent powertrain.
The C-HR is a niche offering in Toyota’s stable with its head-turning styling and edgy packaging.An updated C-HR came to market in 2020, ushering in much-needed connectivity and safety upgrades. A hybrid model was offered previously, but now the range comprises just 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol derivatives with varying trim levels.
Price Range: R459 500 – R576 900Pick of the Range: 1.2 PlusReason to Buy: Comfortable, generous level of tech and features, Toyota ownership.Criticisms:Rearward visibility is poor due to an oversize C-pillar, Rear passenger space is also on the tight side and the load bay is small for a car in this segment. All-new model due in 2023.
See specification and pricing details for the Toyota C-HR
Buy a Toyota C-HR on Cars.co.za
Recently updated, the Hyundai Kona is one of the more interesting offerings in the segment.
The revised crossover comes with more of a generousspecification level and a bigger load bay than before. There are four models to choose from and all come with excellent levels of standard features.The Kona’s driving experience is perfectly fair, for the most part, but for a model that is meant to turn heads and exude sportiness, Hyundai may have missed a trick by not giving it a little more handling enthusiasm. Good thing there’s a hot N version then. A new model is due in SA in October 2023.
Read our full review of the Hyundai Kona here
Price range: R489 900 – R615 900Pick of the Range:2.0 Executive is adequate, but get the 1.6T if you enjoy more performance. N is bonkers fun. Reason to Buy: Unique styling,generous standard spec, driving position, good fuel economy, large load bay, excellent warrantyCriticisms:Unengaging to drive, cramped rear legroom, new model due in October 2023
See specification and pricing details for the Hyundai Kona on Cars.co.za
Buy a Hyundai Kona on Cars.co.za
The Kia Seltos has been a popular model and comes in with generous features, good space and exceptional value for money.
The Seltos has much to offer and, like so many contemporary Kia products, it’s instantly likeable and has oodles of showroom appeal. Customers can pick from adequate naturally-aspirated petrol engines, a turbocharged petrol flagship, or our choice, a potent yet frugal diesel motor. There are three trim levels too.Prospective buyers will be happy to know that the Seltos’ perceived interior build quality is generally quite good plus the Seltos is larger than most of its direct rivalsand itsroominess is immediately apparentwhen you slide into the driver’s seat.
Read our full review of the Kia Seltoshere
Price range: R408 995 – R504 995Pick of the Range:1.5CRDi EX+ is a very complete packageReason to Buy: Great space, value for money, diesel engine is light on fuelCriticisms:Some interior finishes could be better
See specification and pricing details for the Kia Seltos on Cars.co.za
Buy a Kia Seltos on Cars.co.za
The Haval Jolion has captured the SA motoring landscape with a value for money offering.
Offering striking design, an almost unbelievable list of standard features, a bigger body than most of its rivals, a decent manufacturer warranty and at prices that appear to have been misprinted,it is very hard to ignore the Haval Jolion. There are 5 models on offer, all sharing the same 1.5-litre turbo petrol, with the option of a manual or automatic gearbox. There are 5 trim levels and a new efficient hybrid derivative that addresses some of the fuel consumption concerns.The Jolion drivesand rides comfortablyon most surfaces, but it does feel somewhat firm.
Read our full review of the Haval Jolion here
Price range: R342 950 – R579 950Pick of the Range: LuxuryReason to Buy: Cheap, feature-packed, spacious, good build qualityCriticisms: Engine is not the most refined, thirsty
See specification and pricing details for the Jolion on Cars.co.za
Buy a Haval Jolionon Cars.co.za
It has taken some time getting to SA, but finally after a long way, the new Renault Captur is here. Gone are the tiny 0.9-litre 3-cyl engines and in their place comes a potent 1.3-litre turbo 4-cylinder, offering power and torque in abundance. There are two trim levels, but both are reasonably well equipped. Clever packaging and usage of space makes the Captur one of the most practical offerings.
Read our launch review of the Renault Captur here
Price range: R454 999 – R499 999Pick of the Range: IntensReason to Buy: Powerful engine, packed with features and spaceCriticisms: Replacement due in 2024
See specification and pricing details for the Captur on Cars.co.za
Buy a Renault Capturon Cars.co.za
Buyers Guide – Multiseat buses
Buyers Guide – 7-seater offroaders
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