Check out what else is on our horizon this month as the excitement builds for the imminent arrival of the new Lexus RX, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volvo C40, and Toyota Urban Cruiser.
OUTLANDER OUTLOOKS
Mitsubishi Outlander
When first introduced locally 20 years ago, the Mitsubishi Outlander was distinguished from other contenders in the compact SUV market by its outlandish nose design. An outlier in terms of styling, the original underwent a few design updates, transmuting it to conform to more traditional style expectations.
Even so, all the alliances with different automotive groups that Mitsubishi was part of since then did not do the Outlander styling any favours. It never truly developed its own identity, as each update and facelift until a decade ago differed radically from the preceding model.
With the facelift of the third-generation model in 2015, the Japanese automaker finally established a personalised look for its flagship SUV. By then, the plug-in hybrid model called the Outlander PHEV took the global market by storm.
Displayed at a recent media day in the Western Cape, the fourth-generation Outlander, released overseas in 2021 and now underpinned by the Renault–Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-CD platform, will soon be introduced locally. It is the first Mitsubishi model on this platform and uses the Nissan-developed PR25DD 2.5-litre petrol engine that also powers the new X-Trail.
This four-cylinder engine produces 135 kW and 245 Nm of torque, and the PHEV model using the 4B12 engine carried over from the previous generation plug-in hybrid model is also expected to be introduced here soon. This powertrain delivers 125 kW and 226 Nm, and combined with a larger 20 kWh battery, the total driving range is now a claimed 87 km in electric-only mode.
The new Outlander shares many interior elements with the new X-Trail, including a 9.0” infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, a 12.3” digital instrument cluster, a head-up display and a 360º camera. Possible trim levels for the local range can include ES, LS, Aspire and Exceed variants, with five- and seven-seat options.
RYDING HIGH
Toyota Urban Cruiser
The annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event, presented by Toyota South Africa, again served as platform to provide a sneak preview of the corporate plans of the manufacturer this year, and its 2023 product campaigns.
Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said the company posted its 43rd straight year as the leader in the local market. Toyota (including Lexus and Hino) outperformed many challenges to achieve 132,035 new-vehicle registrations, translating to a market share of 24.9% for 2022.
Theron also introduced an interesting mix of products expected locally in the future, including the Mirai, the flagship hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric vehicle. This Mirai will not be available for sale, but will be used to undertake local research into hydrogen infrastructure.
Other products introduced included the Lexus UX BEV, the Lexus NX PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid), the Lexus RX, the Toyota Crown sedan, the refreshed Toyota Fortuner, and the new Toyota Urban Cruiser, replacing the popular current model.
Now built in the Toyota Kiroslar plant in India (where it is known as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder), the newcomer is no longer based on the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, but shares its underpinnings with the new Suzuki Grand Vitara (also expected here imminently) riding on the brand’s Global C-platform.
The new model has an all-new SUV design, more spacious dimensions, and increased safety and luxury, and is available with two hybrid drivetrains. The mild hybrid variants are equipped with a smaller 48V lithium-ion battery coupled to the improved K15C 1.5-litre Suzuki engine – delivering 75 kW and 137 Nm. Although available in other markets, the full hybrid version (as well as a four-wheel-drive model with manual transmission),
will likely not be made available locally.
RX EXPECTATIONS
Lexus RX
Toyota’s State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event also platformed the imminently expected fifth-generation Lexus RX.
Based on the GA-K platform, the new RX is equipped with a multi-link rear suspension for dynamic performance. While its overall length stays the same, its wheelbase has been extended by 60 mm, and it has a 15 mm wider tread in front (45 mm wider in the rear), reducing the yaw moment of inertia.
Initially launched in 1998, the RX 300 pioneered a new segment – the luxury crossover. In 2005, Lexus launched the RX400h, the first hybrid luxury crossover in the world. As a pioneer of hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV), Lexus has over 25 years, sold approximately 3.5 million vehicles in 95 countries and regions.
As a Lexus core model, the RX has evolved to achieve a significant improvement in fundamental performance using electrification technologies, in line with the electrification vision of ‘Lexus Electrified’ announced in 2019. Lexus aims to achieve a full line-up of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in all categories by 2030 and sell 100% BEVs globally by 2035.
The RX range is now available with various powertrains, including the Direct4 all-wheel-drive force system with electrification technology used on the new RX500h F Sport Performance grade.
This model will not be available in South Africa at launch. Still, the RX 450h+ with a 2.5-litre inline-four engine and plug-in hybrid system, the RX 350h (2.5-litre inline-four engine with hybrid system), and the RX 350 (with a 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four engine) are on the cards. The 2.5-litre PHEV and 2.4-litre turbo models are available with all-wheel-drive, and the 2.5-litre HEV is available with all-wheel or front-wheel-drive.
RECHARGED COUPÉ
Volvo C40 Recharge
In line with Volvo’s strategy to assign certain models to preferred markets in limited numbers, the Swedish luxury automaker has now revealed the new fully electric C40 Recharge on South African soil. Displayed on Volvo Car South Africa’s dedicated stand at The Ocean Race stopover event in Cape Town, the newcomer formed a central part of the brand’s presence during the prestigious event, alongside the XC40 Recharge.
Volvo used to be the title sponsor of the Ocean Race – widely considered the most prestigious event on the global sailing calendar, the greatest round-the-world challenge and one of the toughest tests in all of sport – and has recently recharged its commitment as a partner to the race.
In essence, the C40 Recharge is a coupe version of the XC40 Recharge (think Volkswagen T-Cross and Taigo), but it is the first model in the history of Volvo only available as a pure electric model. The initial allocation for South Africa is 50 units, with the first customer cars scheduled for delivery in June this year.
Locally, the C40 Recharge will be sold exclusively online through the My Volvo website and offered only in flagship Ultimate specification. Orders are now open, with the electric crossover coupe available from R1,285,000, including the Volvo Care package (a five-year maintenance plan and warranty with the battery pack covered for eight years or 160,000 km), a home charging wall box and a public charging cable.
Equipped with an electric motor on each axle, the C40 Recharge benefits from all-wheel-drive traction and impressive peak outputs of 300 kW and 660 Nm, allowing for a rapid zero to 100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.7 seconds. According to Volvo, the 78kW lithium-ion battery pack offers a single-charge range of up to 444 km on the WLTP driving cycle.
The C40 Recharge is the first Volvo model to come with a completely leather-free interior, instead offering high-quality sustainable upholstery and standard features such as electrically adjustable front seats, seat heating (both front and rear), a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, two-zone climate control, the latest Android-powered infotainment system, and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Report by FERDI DE VOS
