All the crossovers launched in 2022
These high-riding vehicles have overtaken hatches as SA’s most popular segment, and Denis Droppa looks at the latest examples to hit the market
In 2021 SUVs and crossovers overtook hatchbacks for the first time in SA’s new-car sales, and the trend has continued this year as customers are attracted to the raised ride heights and practicality afforded by these vehicles. The compact and midsize crossover segment has flourished with new arrivals in 2022:
BUDGET LEAGUE
Ford EcoSport Active (R393,700). A model with more rugged styling added to the blue oval’s long-running crossover range, powered by a 1.0l petrol turbo engine.
Kia Sonet 1.0T (R370,000 R399,995). Two variants with a punchier new turbo engine and more premium specification were introduced alongside the existing 1.5l normally-aspirated models.
Honda BR-V (R379,900 R459,900). The second-generation of Honda’s affordable seven-seater has more room and styling pizzazz, with ground clearance raised to a pavements traddling 207mm.
Beijing X55 (R394,900 R454,900). Futuristic styling and impressive sophistication puts this Chinese crossover from BAIC on the map. The entry-level model offers a feast of features for its R394,900 price, and power across the three-model range is supplied by a 1.5l petrol turbo engine.
Mahindra XUV 300 (R250,000-R356,000). A midlife update to the India-built compact SUV includes more practical black upholstery and a larger infotainment system. Engine options are a 1.2 petrol turbo and a 1.5 turbo diesel.
Hyundai Venue (R295,000 R450,000). The popular compact crossover adopts a fresh new face, updated luxuries and a new N Line range-topper. Except for the 1.2 normally-aspirated entry model, all versions get a perky 1.0 petrol turbo engine.
COMPACT CROSSOVERS
Nissan Qashqai (R568,000 R670,000). The latest-generation Qashqai is a real looker boasting improved refinement, space and technology, though it’s a tad pricey. All models are powered by 1.3l turbo petrol motors with varied outputs, with 96kW for the entry-level Qashqai Visia and 110kW for the Acenta and Acenta Plus.
Opel Mokka (R490,00 R540,000). The all-new Mokka oozes charm with its head-turning looks and fun-to-drive nature. A three-cylinder 1.2l turbo petrol engine supplies perky power with an entertaining sound.
Hyundai Grand Creta (R468,000-R581,000). Following the launch of the five-seater Creta in 2020, the Grand Creta provides more family practicality with its seven seats. It’s available in 2.0l petrol and 1.5l turbo diesel guises, and the latter runs
on the smell of a fuel rag.
Chery Tiggo7 Pro (R437,000 R472,000). Chinese brand Chery has shed its formerly cheap image and the Tiggo 7 Pro is a modern, hi-tech SUV with a barrage of features for alluringly low prices. A perky 1.5l petrol turbo supplies power across the range.
Honda HR-V (R469,000 R554,000). With new styling that really pops, the third-generation HR-V also offers the practicality of Honda’s fold-flat or flip-up “Magic Seat” system that configures for different loads, including taller objects. Performance is so-so from the 1.5l normally-aspirated petrol engine and CVT gearbox.
VW Taigo (R445,000 R503,000). The flamboyant new SUV-coupe targets a trendier crowd. Positioned between VW’s T-Cross and TRoc models, the new Taigo brings flair to the compact crossover segment. All versions are powered by a 1.0l threecylinder petrol turbo engine.
Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S (R453,200). The popular-selling range gained a sporty new variant with a stylish black package, and stiffer suspension for improved handling.
Citroën C5 Aircross (R634,000-R684,000). The charismatic French SUV is updated with a facelift, more comfortable seats and upgraded infotainment. The peppy 1.6 petrol turbo engine remains.
Proton X50 (R449,900 R579,900). A decade after quitting the country, Proton returns with two new SUVs: the X50 and the X70 (see midsized crossovers). The Malaysian brand is almost unrecognisable from its previous cars and the X50 impresses with its refinement and sophistication, but its pricing also competes directly with established brands such as VW and Honda. All versions are front-wheel drive and powered by a 1.5l petrol turbo.
Hyundai Kona N (R764,000). Following the i30N, the Kona N crossover becomes the second car from the Korean firm’s highperformance division to be offered in SA. It features a racy body kit and its feisty 2.0l petrol turbo engine gives it the ability to scoot from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds.
Volvo XC40 (R677,700 R1,260,000). A raft of updates to the XC40 includes a move to electrified power for the entire line-up, either in hybrid form or fully electric. The range-topping P8 Recharge electric is capable of 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and a range of 400km.
MIDSIZED CROSSOVERS
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro (R496,000 R574,000). Like the smaller Tiggo 7 Pro, the Tiggo 8 represents a real step forward for the Chinese
brand. It offers a lot of refinement and features at very attractive pricing, and an industry-leading 10-year/1-million kilometre warranty for the first owner.
Hyundai Tucson (R540,000 to R720,000). The fourth generation Korean SUV comes out to party with state-of-the-art features and a stunning design, highlighted by “parametric” lights hidden behind a geometric radiator grille that are only visible when switched on. The engine options are a 2.0l petrol or 2.0l turbo diesel.
Mahindra XUV700 (R475,000 R560,000). Available in fiveand seven-seat configurations, the XUV700 welcomes a new phase for the Indian brand in terms of improved quality, fit and finish. The modern interior is equipped with a digital cluster and infotainment systems, and power for all variants comes from a punchy 2.0l turbo petrol engine.
Kia Sportage (R540,000 R735,000). Kia’s all-new SUV arrives with eye-catching styling, more passenger room, a larger boot and the latest tech. All models are powered by a punchy 1.6l turbo petrol engine with a seven-speed Dual Clutch
Transmission.
Toyota Rav4 E-Four (R676,700-R759,800). Toyota’s fuel-sipping Rav4 hybrid line-up is updated with a fourth-generation hybrid system that adds a rear electric motor to the existing one at the front axle. These combine with a 2.5l petrol engine for a total system output of 163kW, with fuel consumption claimed at just 4.8l/100km. It’s available in GX and more luxurious VX grades.
Haval H6 hybrid (R669,950). Aimed at buyers seeking a cleaner SUV with cheaper running costs, the high-specced HEV Ultra Luxury becomes the new flagship of the Chinese brand’s line-up. Powered by a 1.5l petrol turbo engine and an electric motor, the car delivers a fuel consumption of just 5.2l/ 100km, claims Haval. With outputs
POSITIONED BETWEEN VW ’ S T-CROSS AND T-ROC MODELS, THE NEW TAIGO BRINGS FLAIR TO THE SEGMENT
A RAFT TO VOLVO OF’UPDATES S XC40 INCLUDES A MOVE TO ELECTRIFIED POWER FOR THE ENTIRE LINE-UP
of 179kW and 530Nm the HEV also becomes the most powerful H6 model available. Alfa Romeo Tonale (R739,000 R819,000). Slotting in under the Stelvio, the Tonale is a premium midsize crossover that presents the Italian brand’s style and driving enjoyment in a smaller package. Alfa’s first hybrid, the Tonale pairs a 1.5 petrol turbo engine with an electric motor and is able to run on solely electric power at very low speeds.
Proton X70 (R529,900 R639,900). Like its smaller X50 sibling, the X70 is impressively polished and bristling with highend features. A 1.5l petrol turbo engine serves duty across the range, which includes an allwheel drive model.
VW Tiguan R (R999,000). The same 235kW all-wheel drive powertrain as the racy Golf R turns the Tiguan into a crossover with real attitude. It has the ability to scorch the 0100km/h sprint in a hot hatchlike 5.1 seconds, and handles well too thanks to R-Performance Torque Vectoring.
Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge (R1,349,000). This plug-in hybrid is the new flagship of the range. It’s powered by a 2.0l petrol engine with an electric motor for total outputs of 340kW and 709Nm, making it the most powerful XC60 yet. The four-wheel drive Volvo is capable of a claimed all-electric range of up to 81km between charges.