ISUZU MU-X
Family adventure vehicles don’t come much better than the new
Isuzu mu-X, which was recently launched in
South Africa. The big 7-seater boasts high levels of comfort, specification and performance to match any other similar type of vehicle currently on the market. Those 7 seats include two rear seats that can be taken up by smaller people on the way to a top destination in the countryside or to a social event. With rules for churches and other religious gatherings now relaxed, the mu-X is the vehicle to transport people off into rural places, for example. All thanks to its optional 4x4 system, easy automatic transmission, as well as the 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine making 140kW and 450Nm.
KIA CARNIVAL
Kia’s latest
Carnival – previously called the
Grand Sedona – is a thing of beauty for sure. Fortunately it is not one without brains. Firstly, power comes from a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine producing 148kW and 440Nm. It returns a full tank range of around 800km, more than enough for any long weekend journey. Secondly, the 7 seats allocated to it are quite spacious, following a 2-2-3 format. All are adjustable to suit a number of configurations. Best of all the boot space is quite large because it goes deep and close to the ground. We managed to fit in five 10 litre buckets in there with no issues.
RENAULT DUSTER
Possibly the most frugal car in the country, and definitely the most frugal
SUV around, the
Duster is a champion fuel sipper. That 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine (80kW, 260Nm) is a real gem, providing more than ample push for uphill battles, gravel travel and towing. Of course the
Duster is fitted with lots of modern tech, both for infotainment and safety purposes. Depending on where one is driving during the long weekend, one could conceivably return home with at least some of the diesel filled at the start of the trip.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER
An outstanding off-roader with some of the best credentials in the business, the
Defender really is the ultimate off-road car. Whether the bush, mountains, rivers or sand dunes are the destination, the
Defender is not fazed at all. The Defender range comes with a number of turbo petrol and diesel engines, a top notch
4x4 off-roading system, current interior technologies and a heritage longer than most.
SUBARU FORESTER
An underrated cut, the
Forester offers something a little off-centre as far as styling is concerned.
Subaru has always been this way though; quirky but capable. With its renowned AWD system, a raft of safety technologies and a relatively frugal horizontally opposed 2.5-litre petrol engine (136kW, 239Nm), it is easy to understand why the Forester is the brand’s most popular seller. This updated model boasts a new face and features, among other things, making it an attractive alternative to the usual suspects in this segment.
MAHINDRA XUV300
Mahindra is marketing the
XUV300 as “Africa’s safest car”, based on a recent 5-star rating from Global NCAP for Africa safety tests. What’s better to take the family on a weekend getaway than such a car? Some of the features that helped it win include: 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, front parking sensors, front tyre position, spare wheel air pressure monitor, amongst others. The 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine (86kW, 300Nm) gives the
XUV300 a range of about 750km.
CHERY TIGGO 4 PRO
Chery’s Tiggo 4 Pro entry-level
SUV has taken
South Africa by storm, thanks to its high value for money proposition. With well over 2 000 units already sold since the car was launched here in late 2021,
Tiggo 4 Pro is fast becoming a favourite among buyers in its segment. No surprise there since it is packed with features that even some bigger, more expensive cars from other brands don’t have. One such feature is the intelligent voice control that understands many different accents, including
South African ones.
Tiggo 4 Pro also comes with 6 airbags, a large 26cm touch screen and two engine choices. Whether driving on tarmac or gravel, this car remains composed and comfortable.
