It’s been a great couple of months at Driven’s HQ for test cars. Recently we’ve had MPVs, SUVs and hatches, so if you’re planning on starting the year off with a new car, here are a few of our recent favourites.
Mitsubishi Xpander
“Do you like Mitsubishi?” I asked a colleague recently. “Yes,” he replied, “Firstly, it’s Japanese, and secondly, it’s Japanese!” Well, one can’t argue with that logic, and after recently spending a week driving the new Mitsubishi Xpander, I can add: excellent value for money, attention to detail, and attractive styling to the list of Mitsubishi’s positive attributes.
The Xpander lives up to its name by expanding its product offering to cover more than one market segment. Its three rows of seats – with their multiple configuration options – puts the Xpander squarely in the multipurpose (MPV) category. However, its sporty good looks and elevated ride height also scream SUV. The result? A good looking “people carrier” distinctly designed to meet the lifestyle needs of modern families – whether on the school run or a holiday to the coast.
Sporty alloy wheels, wide flared fenders, and a more aggressive face give off an impression of dynamism, which is delivered upon by the Xpander’s 1.5-litre DOHC 16-valve aluminium block engine. Granted, at 77 kW, it’s not the most powerful of engines and feels sluggish at times, but then an MPV is not meant to be driven like a hot hatch, and what it lacks in power, it more than makes up for with impressive fuel consumption figures (6.9 l/100 km for the manual and 7.0 for the auto) and a very smooth ride.
Where the Xpander really shines, though, is with its thoughtful design touches. This is to be expected considering that Mitsubishi is a strong proponent of “Omotenashi” – when a host pays attention to detail and anticipates the needs of their guests. This is evident in the circular light around the keyhole, so you know exactly where the ignition is even in the dark, and the fact that you are unable to pull the key out of the car’s ignition if not in Park mode on the Auto. It’s also seen in the considered design touches, like the attractive silver inserts on the dash and door panels, as well as the faux stitching along the dashboard (it’s faux because the dash is plastic, but the stitching effect gives it the impression of a more premium material). And, of course, all those seats mean all those options for big families, school transport or corporate transportation needs.
If you’re in the market for practical and pretty MPV, you will be in safe hands with the Xpander, which is also incredibly well priced – R299,995 for the manual and R319,995 for the auto.
Honda Fit
“Who’s car is that?” a visitor recently asked, pointing to my 2005 Honda Jazz. “Mine,” I said. “Aah, so you know all about how awesome they are,” she replied, “My mum’s one is on 300,000 km and is still going strong!” I smiled. “Mine’s over 200,000 km, and I have no complaints either – it’s a Honda after all.”
If you are one of the ones who “know about” the Honda Jazz, then you’ll be nodding your head right about now. It’s the straightforward yet sophisticated styling, the engine that never says die, those magic back seats that fold down and up, so transporting a tree in your back footwell has never been easier (or a couple of bookcases in the boot for that matter). It’s the fuel efficiency, the ride quality and the solid build… you get the picture.
So many of us Jazz aficionados were very keen to get our hands on the new Fit – basically the latest generation Jazz, but the first with the new nomenclature. And once we did, it’s safe to say that the name may have changed, but all the things we love about the Jazz have not. Plus, the new derivative comes with some extra goodies to boot – like a 9” touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring, via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, with the latter available wirelessly. There are now more airbags and active safety technology to give upgraded Jazz owners even more peace of mind.
The seats have got comfier, the field of vision for the driver wider (almost panoramic), and reversing easier, thanks to a reverse camera on all but the entry-level Comfort model. Sadly, the boot has got smaller, but then you can’t have everything, right? You also can’t have a manual Fit – sadly – as all four derivatives are available only with auto boxes and CVTs at that. CVT gearboxes often get a bad rap because they’re a little noisy under hard acceleration and sometimes a bit slow on the uptake. Still, the ones you’ll find in the Fit derivatives are pretty good, plus CVTs are cheaper to make, which translates into savings for the buyer.
Speaking of, the Honda Fit is available from R329,500 for the entry-level model up to R484,000 for the Honda Fit Hybrid (yes, eco-warriors, there’s even a hybrid!).
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
In many respects, the Prado reminds me of a charming old house that has been upgraded over the years, so you still have the quirks of the odd space under the stairs or the linoleum on the bathroom floor, but with a brand spanking new kitchen and a state-of-the-art surround-sound cinema. And I mean this as a positive thing (after all, I live in an old house myself).
My comparison will make more sense when I point out that the Prado’s bones (or foundation and bricks if we are going to stick to our house comparison) have remained essentially unchanged for over a decade. The styling, too – other than the odd stylistic tweak here, added mod con there – has also remained pretty much the same. It’s understandable; after all, the Prado is a long-time fan favourite, and while we can apparently expect a brand new version sometime next year, the current golden oldie still has a lot to offer.
You’ll be tickled by the nifty way a touch of a single button whips out or stows the third row of seats in the top-level VX-L trim – a child I showed it too, called it “voodoo magic”! Technophiles will also be thrilled with the addition of a larger 9” touchscreen display, with enhanced voice recognition and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The fact that it’s flanked by some rather more traditional wood panelling detail and above some conspicuously large dials is where the charming mishmash of old and new is perfectly exemplified. Those familiar with this car’s history will know that the buttons have always been on the large side, as Toyota wanted to ensure that drivers could use them, even with gloves on.
And herein lies the main reason anyone should be considering a Land Cruiser Prado – its real, unpretentious off-roading potential. Unlike so many of its SUV rivals, the Prado was conceptualised first and foremost as a dirt track beast and **not** as a stylish addition to the school run with some 4×4 capability added on afterwards. As a result, it feels solid and dependable (if not particularly quick off the mark) and capable of dealing with most of what an adventure trip can throw at it. Which incidentally made me think it somewhat odd that our test car came with cream upholstery and carpets – one muddy camping trip would put paid to those!
The Prado is a beast to drive – while it may not be the longest or the tallest SUV out there, it certainly feels like a behemoth (in part, thanks to its large clamshell bonnet), but the reverse camera does away with parking difficulties, and the added size gives you increased confidence in its (considerable) 4×4 abilities.
In the end, the sum of the Prado’s sometimes disparate parts works in its favour, creating a unique and capable car – the type that instils ardent and undying loyalty in all who own one. Prices start at R997,500 for the entry-level version and top out at R1,175,100 for the big daddy of the bunch.
Suzuki Swift
One of the things that you learn early on as a motoring journalist is that you need to compare like with like. It’s very easy to be disappointed when you hand back the keys to a million rand luxury vehicle, only to be given the keys to an entry-level compact hatch instead. You quickly learn to view each on their own merits, though (even if you miss some of the mod cons of the luxo barge).
I was expecting to miss some creature comforts when I waved goodbye to a luxe sedan and said hello to the cute new Suzuki Swift, but the minute I stepped inside, all thoughts of the other car were forgotten. There is something just so pleasing about the Swift’s interior. In a sea of plastic-y interiors (even on high-end models), the Swift somehow avoids the same perception. At the same time, its proliferation of circles (air vents, instrument panel, switches and toggles) in its dash design is both modern and nostalgic and just makes me smile.
The exterior is worth a smile, too – especially the addition of dual-tone colour options for the roof and body, which give the little hatch a sportier feel, as does the addition of a new chrome line across the re-styled front grille. And the “sporty” aspect is not just skin deep – its light size means that its 1.2-litre engine can “put foot” when needed, with a top speed of 170 km, with the bonus of very frugal fuel consumption figures of 4.9 l/100 km.
It’s also packed with a host of standard features across the range (electric windows, air conditioning and central locking), while the mid-level derivatives get fog lamps, USB and AUX inputs and electrically adjustable mirrors. Hit the big time with a GLX model, and you’ll get climate control, keyless entry, high res colour touchscreen and a reverse camera.
It may be little, but the Swift certainly packs a punch and is worth a second look (or three). The entry-level model starts at R184,900 and tops out at R238,900 for the top of the range 1.2 derivative (you’ll be looking at adding over R100,000 to that if you’re interested in the two 1.4T Sport models).
Report by NICKY FURNISS | Images © MITSUBISHI MOTORS, HONDA SA, TOYOTA SA & SUZUKI AUTO SA
