Bucket Seat: Jetour X70 Plus

The Chinese automotive invasion shows no signs of slowing down and, if anything, manufacturers are becoming increasingly confident with every new product they launch. Jetour is one of the latest brands to arrive on South African shores, introducing itself with two SUVs that immediately made people take notice – the boldly styled Dashing and the practical X70 Plus. The X70 Plus happened to be my first experience behind the wheel of a Jetour and, truthfully, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. New brands often need time to find their feet, but after spending a few days with the seven-seater SUV, I came away pleasantly surprised. It doesn't try to reinvent the segment, nor does it bombard you with gimmicks. Instead, it focuses on delivering exactly what many South African families are looking for space, comfort, plenty of technology and attractive styling at a price that remains accessible. Like many newcomers from China, the value proposition is immediately obvious. But what impressed me most wasn't necessarily the long list of standard features; it was how complete the overall package felt.

DESIGN

The X70 Plus is one of those SUVs that photographs well, but looks even better in person. It has genuine road presence without appearing oversized, and there's a maturity to the design that gives it a more premium feel than its badge might suggest. The large chrome grille dominates the front end, complemented by sharp LED lighting and clean body lines that avoid being overly aggressive. It's modern without trying too hard, and that's something I really appreciated. Unlike some competitors that seem determined to add as many styling elements as possible, the Jetour feels restrained and cohesive. It looks like it was designed with confidence rather than desperation. Walking around the vehicle, its proportions work particularly well. You immediately get the impression that this is a proper family SUV, yet it still carries enough character to stop it looking like just another anonymous seven-seater. The cabin feels welcoming from the moment you climb in. Build quality is solid, the materials feel good to the touch and everything is laid out exactly where you'd expect it to be. I especially liked the centre console, which is one of the better designs I've experienced recently. It's clean, uncluttered and incredibly ergonomic, allowing you to settle into the driving position almost immediately. The only aspect that lets the interior down is the infotainment screen. In an era where manufacturers seem to be fitting increasingly larger displays, the Jetour's screen feels disappointingly small. While the graphics are perfectly acceptable, its size makes interacting with certain functions more difficult than it needs to be. Because it's a touchscreen, making adjustments while driving requires taking your eyes off the road for longer than I'd like. Jetour has attempted to solve this by fitting a rotary jog shuttle controller, which is certainly a welcome addition, but in practice it simply isn't quick enough. Navigating through menus takes longer than it should and, more often than not, I found myself reverting back to the touchscreen anyway.

PERFORMANCE

Powering the X70 Plus is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. It isn't a drivetrain that shouts about performance figures, but that's never really been the point of this vehicle. Where the X70 Plus excels is refinement. The engine delivers its power smoothly and predictably, while the gearbox deserves a special mention. Dual-clutch transmissions have come a long way over the years and this is one of the smoother calibrations I've experienced in this segment. Gear changes happen seamlessly, with none of the hesitation or awkward low-speed behaviour that can sometimes plague this type of transmission. Whether crawling through traffic or cruising on the open road, it always seemed to be in the right gear. Ride quality also deserves praise. The suspension strikes a pleasing balance between comfort and body control, soaking up road imperfections without becoming overly soft. It's a vehicle that encourages relaxed driving rather than spirited corner carving, and that's exactly how a family SUV should behave. Fuel consumption was another pleasant surprise. While I certainly wouldn't describe it as exceptionally frugal, it proved to be noticeably lighter on fuel than several other Chinese SUVs I've driven recently. That's encouraging, although there's still room for improvement. If fuel efficiency is your absolute priority, there are alternatives that perform better, but for a seven-seater of this size, it's perfectly acceptable.

COMFORT

This is where the X70 Plus really begins to make sense. Space has clearly been prioritised and it's something you'll appreciate every time you load the family in for a weekend away. The first and second rows offer generous levels of comfort, while the third row provides useful flexibility for children or those occasional extra passengers. The seats are supportive without being overly firm, visibility is good and the overall driving position feels natural. After spending extended time behind the wheel, fatigue simply wasn't an issue, which says a lot about the vehicle's ergonomics. Jetour has also done an impressive job with standard specification. There's very little that feels missing. Modern connectivity, convenience features and safety technology are all present, making the X70 Plus feel every bit as well equipped as rivals costing considerably more. It's this combination of practicality and features that gives the X70 Plus its strongest selling point. You never feel like you're driving a budget SUV. Instead, it feels like a vehicle that punches well above its price bracket.

VERDICT

The X70 Plus has done exactly what a launch product should do—it gives buyers confidence in the brand. As my first experience with Jetour, I walked away impressed. The styling is attractive, the cabin is comfortable, the drivetrain feels refined and the overall ownership proposition is difficult to ignore. Yes, the infotainment screen feels outdated in both size and usability, and fuel consumption could still be improved, but neither issue is significant enough to overshadow what is otherwise a genuinely competent family SUV. Compared with the previous-generation X70, the Plus represents a significant leap forward. It looks considerably more sophisticated, the interior feels more premium, technology has improved and, perhaps most importantly, the driving experience feels far more polished. It isn't simply a facelift it feels like Jetour has matured as a manufacturer in a relatively short space of time. From a South African perspective, that's perhaps the biggest takeaway. Buyers have become far more accepting of Chinese brands over the past few years, but they're also becoming more demanding. Value alone is no longer enough. People expect quality, refinement and a product that can comfortably compete with established names. With pricing sitting comfortably below many of its direct seven-seat rivals, the X70 Plus finds itself in a very sweet spot. You'll inevitably cross-shop it against the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, Mahindra XUV700 and even entry-level offerings from more traditional manufacturers, but Jetour has built a convincing argument of its own. The combination of styling, equipment, space and overall refinement makes it feel like excellent value without feeling cheap. If the X70 Plus is anything to go by, Jetour didn't arrive in South Africa simply to add another badge to the growing list of Chinese manufacturers. It arrived with genuine intent, and after spending time with the X70 Plus, I have every reason to believe it's a brand worth keeping an eye on.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L Turbocharged Petrol
Gear Box	6-speed dual clutch
Power	85kW
Torque	270Nm
Fuel Efficiency	7..8L per 100km
Price	R444,000

 

 

Bucket Seat: Renault Triber

Believe it or not, the Renault Triber is one of the most popular cars in Umhlanga Durban, yes, the home of the wealthy and astute, where Supercars prowl the streets, has them competing with this French MPV, (Well its actually Indian since its made in the subcontinent). The Triber is a clever, no-nonsense people-mover that takes clever packaging over outright power which makes it the ideal vehicle for e-hailing services like Uber and Bolt. If you need seven seats sometimes, a tiny running cost, and big flexibility in a small footprint, this is worth a long look. 

DESIGN

Out on the street the Triber doesn’t scream “seven seater” it’s compact, friendly and practical. Renault’s latest refresh sharpens the face: cleaner grille, tighter lamp graphics and slightly more modern bumpers so it looks less toy-car and more grown up than older budget MPVs. The proportions still betray its mission: short nose, tall cabin, upright greenhouse that equals usable interior space more than wow factor. What I like: the design language keeps things honest. The wheels and treatment on higher trims lift the presence enough; clever touches like a wide, low boot opening and practical door apertures make every-day life easier. It’s not premium, but it’s intentional built to be useful. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the bonnet is the familiar 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol around 52–53 kW and 96 Nm paired to a 5-speed manual . That combination is tuned for economy and city drivability rather than outright shove. In town it’s perfectly acceptable: light steering, easy overtakes in single-lane urban traffic, and the engine will happily chug along at low revs to save fuel. On the highway, and especially loaded with six or seven aboard, the Triber feels its size and power limits. Expect shallow acceleration when fully laden and be mindful of overtakes on undulating routes  you’ll need to plan them. While the automatic Triber may seem more appealing to some, one has to take into considering the lag of the AMT box, so if you do a lot of long motorway trips the manual will be more composed and predictable. Fuel figures are strong for the segment. Renault quotes low consumption and local dealers report efficient real-world results. 

COMFORT

This is where the Triber does its biggest job: interior space and flexibility. The third row is removable and second-row seats can slide and fold to create a wide variety of configurations  cargo hauler, five-seater with large boot or full seven-seater. Boot volume can be impressive (up to around 625 litres with clever seat arrangements) which is huge for the footprint. Headroom and knee room are generous for the segment; the cabin layout has lots of small storage nooks  so family life is easy. 

Ride quality is tuned for comfort on city roads it soaks up bumps reasonably well and the raised ride height helps on speed humps and rough suburban surfaces. NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) is not luxury-calibre: the cabin gets noisier at higher speeds and with a full load, but for urban and school-run duties it’s fine. Higher trims add niceties like a bigger touchscreen, better connectivity and rear vents  useful day-to-day. 

Renault has been upgrading safety on the Triber recent local introductions have standardised multiple airbags and added kit compared with earlier budget spec levels. For South African arrivals this year Renault pushed better standard safety across the range (reports note 6 airbags as part of recent updates). Still, the Triber is a budget MPV: it’s practical and sensible, but it won’t match the passive and active safety levels of larger, more expensive family SUVs. If you prioritise crash-avoidance tech, check the spec sheet carefully for the trim you want. 

VERDICT

This is the Triber’s sweet spot. Purchase price sits in the budget family car bracket, running costs are low thanks to the small engine and good economy, and servicing/parts are straightforward (and cheap compared to larger Renaults). Insurance and tyres are also more affordable than most bigger family cars. If your budget is tight but the need for occasional seven-seat flexibility is real, the Triber makes a strong economic case. 

Buy this if: you need occasional seven-seat flexibility in a compact city footprint, want low running costs, and you value modular practicality over motorway performance. It’s a brilliant school-run / inner city family tool with enough boot space to carry luggage or a month’s grocery run when you fold seats.

Don’t buy this if: you regularly carry seven adults on long highway journeys, you crave high-speed refinement, or you want a premium interior and sporty performance. In that case step up to a larger MPV or compact SUV.

Practical tip for SA buyers: Renault has launched the refreshed Triber locally (arriving in late 2025 and already showing on dealer sites), with improved standard safety and slightly reworked pricing/trim lines so check local stock and spec levels, and compare AMT vs manual depending on your mix of city/highway use.

SPECIFICATION

Engine	1.0L NA Petrol
Gear Box	5-speed Manual
Torque	96Nm
Power	53kW
Average Fuel Consumption	5.5L per 100km
Price	R349,149

Bucket Seat: Volkswagen Tayron 1.4 TFSI Life DSG

Volkswagen recently launched the 7-seater SUV variant that is based on the new Tiguan, called the Tayron. Previously this model was known as the Tiguan Allspace but the company took the decision to give this model its own name plate, which perhaps makes it more marketable but at the same time gives a clear difference between the Tiguan and the Tayron. It is available in 3 guises, namely standard, Life and R-Line, the kind folk at Volkswagen SA sent through the Life DSG model for me to spend some time with and while some might say its just a Tiguan with extra seats, in this review I'll tell you why that isn't the case with key design differences between this and its smaller sibling.

DESIGN

The Tayron looks like a grown-up Tiguan  longer, smoother lines, a broad grille that integrates with slim LED headlights and a distinctly horizontal face that gives it a planted, premium stance. This being the Life model, meant that I didn't get any sporty features to enhance the cars aesthetics but rather a more soft and gentle family car vibe to it. While many might say this is just a bigger Tiguan, there are key design differences to make it different to its smaller sibling, like the elevated engine cover which is more flat and not angled downwards to the front like the Tiguan. Also the lights on the Tayron are more squared off and larger than the Tiguan. The Tayron also features an illuminated VW logo's for both the front and the back of the car with the back looking particularly sweet when glowing in red in the dark. While the overall shape prioritises usable interior length rather than dramatic styling flourishes. From a South African perspective it reads as contemporary and conservative  appealing to buyers who want something modern without being flashy. 

PERFORMANCE

The Tayron is currently only available in the 1.4 TFSI engine, it uses VW’s 1.395-litre turbo four which is utilized in many of their other models, it produces roughly 110 kW and 250 Nm which for a sizable car like this might seem a bit low but as in the previous model, it proved to be quite sufficient.  The 7-speed DSG/dual-clutch gearbox is the standard transmission and pairs well with the engine for smooth, efficient progress. Fuel economy as claimed by VWSA sit around 7.6 L/100 km for the 1.4TSI  not hyper-frugal but respectable given the size and the 7-seat packaging. That gives a real world range of about 700+ km on the 55-litre tank in mixed driving  handy for South African road trips between major centres. The Tayron is tuned more for composed, comfortable cruising than sporty, body-leaning corner carving. Front-wheel drive 1.4TSI models are the most common local offering — predictable handling, light steering at low speeds for city manoeuvres and composed suspension that soaks up typical suburban and rural South African road surfaces. If you need heavy towing or spirited four-wheel work, the larger 2.0TSI / diesel AWD variants (not the 1.4) are better suited; the 1.4 is aimed at daily family duties.

 COMFORT

Interior quality is a clear step up from the old Allspace. Materials feel modern and well-finished VW has applied soft-touch surfaces where they matter, a tidy centre stack and a driver-centric digital cluster on higher trims. Seat comfort front and second row is generous; the wheelbase gives good knee room in row two and the seats can be adjusted to prioritise second-row comfort or boot space. Third row and luggage: the third row is adult-usable for short journeys and fine for children the Tayron’s 7-seat boot is quoted at about 345 litres with all seven up, and folding the third row expands capacity significantly (up to around 850 L in some configurations and much more with the second row folded). That makes the Tayron one of the more adaptable 7-seat SUVs in its class for family-holiday duties and weekend runs. 

Other handy design elements include good visibility from higher seating, numerous storage cubbies, USB ports across rows and available heated front seats make it well suited to local conditions and family life. Higher trims add acoustic glazing, panoramic roof options and premium-feel appointments. The Tayron uses Volkswagen’s current touchscreen systems which is a large central display that includes  wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone charging trays and multiple USB-C ports. The layout is modern and the UI is similar to other new VW models, so it’s familiar to buyers coming from Polo/Tiguan. Driver aids and safety on the Tayron include  lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and a full suite of airbags as standard on local derivatives. Structural safety and active assist features put it on par with rivals important for family buyers prioritising safety on South African highways and urban environments. Depending on the model trim you choose, there is also a host of extras you can select when configuring your car. 

VERDICT

The Volkswagen Tayron 1.4 TFSI 7-seater is a convincing successor to the Tiguan Allspace: spacious, well-built and full of relevant technology for modern South African families. The 1.4 TFSI variant is the pragmatic choice — punchy enough for daily driving and long trips, reasonably economical, and well priced for what it offers. If you want a comfortable, safe and versatile family SUV with a strong dealer network and modern tech, the Tayron is worth a test drive. If you regularly tow heavy trailers, need true off-road capability or want the ultimate performance, it's best you wait for the larger 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines when they become available locally. 

SPECIFICATION

Engine	1.4L Turbo Petrol
Gear Box	DSG Automatic
Torque	250Nm
Power	110kW
Average Fuel Consumption	7.6L per 100km
Price	R853,800.00

 

Bucket Seat: Citroen C3 Aircross - 7 Seater

When it comes to French cars that are made in India, lets just say that I am not the biggest fan of them. So when the Citroën C3 Aircross 7-seater rolled into my driveway for testing, I didn't have much hope for it. While from the outside it looks fantastic, sitting inside the car gave me flash backs of the cheap and nasty materials, lack of insulation and general irks that I found with other cars that come from the sub continent. It’s positioned as a compact SUV designed to accommodate larger families, with a focus on maximizing space in a relatively small footprint and it probably works well in India as the people are generally smaller built than as South Africans. I on the other hand was not going to load it up with 7 people and drive around town but I had some interesting routes planned for the C3 which involved all types of terrain and all sorts of climates and I must say, this car surprised me a lot. In fact, it changed my view on French cars made in India, suffice to say humble pie was had. Here are my thoughts on the C3 Aircross:

DESIGN

The Citroën C3 Aircross features a distinctive design, with a bold front grille, large headlights, and unique Airbump panels that give it a rugged yet quirky appearance. It has an elevated stance and muscular wheel arches, contributing to its SUV-like appearance. The C3 Aircross has roof rails that add to its practicality, offering additional storage options. Having drive the launch model 5-seater, the 7-seater version extends the rear of the vehicle to accommodate the extra seats, and the vehicle looks more extended than the standard C3 Aircross. It maintains the brand's modern yet playful approach to design, with contrasting roof colors and options for custom color packs. The large 17-inch diamond cut 4-spoke alloy wheels give it distinct look and adds to the charm of the overall design. I must say, the C3 Aircross is a looker and at first glance doesn't give you a budget look at all but a rather very Euro-Premium feel.

PERFORMANCE

I was quite surprised that the same 1.2-liter PureTech petrol engine which is in the standard C3  remained frugal to my demands, paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox the engine produces 81kW, which is sufficient for city driving and moderate highway speeds, but it may feel slightly underpowered when the vehicle is fully loaded but like I said, I never had to carry a load so the engine was more than capable for what I had drive. The gearbox is smooth for the most part, though it may hesitate at times, especially during quick overtakes or sharp accelerations. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing most bumps and road imperfections easily, which is one of Citroën's strong suits, the call it the "magic carpet feel" which I must admit, did its part when navigating soft beach sand and cushioned most of the harsh bumps on the gravel surfances. The driving experience is relaxed, and it's a good vehicle for families prioritizing comfort over sharp handling. However, because of its taller design, body roll is noticeable during cornering, and it doesn't feel as sporty or agile as some rivals in its class. The 1.2-liter engine, when mated to the automatic transmission, offers fuel consumption of around 6.0-7.0 liters per 100 km. These figures are typical for a vehicle in this class, but they may increase if the car is heavily loaded with passengers and luggage.

COMFORT

The interior is designed with a focus on comfort and modularity. The second row seats slide and recline, allowing flexible use of space for passengers or cargo. While the third row adds seating for up to seven, it's important to note that the rear-most seats are best suited for children or shorter trips, as legroom can be limited for adults. With all seven seats in use, the boot space is relatively small, around 165 liters. However, when the third row is folded down, the capacity increases significantly to around 520 liters, making it ideal for luggage on family trips. The Citroën C3 Aircross comes equipped with a range of tech features aimed at making the driving experience more convenient and enjoyable, most notable is the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy smartphone integration. The graphics are clear, though the system can sometimes lag in response, also I did find it often disconnected from the wireless connection while driving quite  a few times. The car has a multi-function steering wheel with buttons for car info on the instrument cluster and to control media, but these were also buggy with the volume buttons sometimes ending controlling the skip function and then only making the volume lower not increasing no matter which button you pressed. The car came with standard manual aircon controls and no climate control but it did offer a sperate duct for the rear passengers which I thought was cool. The C3 Aircross has a ground clearance of 200mm which is good in its class and managed a host of terrains with is, included soft beach sand even though its not a 4-wheel drive car!

VERDICT

The Citroën C3 Aircross 7-seater automatic is ideal for families prioritizing comfort, flexibility, and a distinctive design. It offers a soft, easygoing ride, with good fuel efficiency and plenty of tech for the price. However, if you need to frequently transport seven adults or want a more dynamic driving experience, you might want to explore alternatives, as the third row is more suitable for occasional use, and the engine may feel underpowered with a full load. The C3 Aircross 7-seater typically offers good value for money, with its base models priced competitively compared to other SUVs in the segment. Prices can increase with additional features, trims, and technology packs, but even higher-spec models tend to be more affordable than some of its rivals. This makes it a solid option for families looking for a budget-friendly, comfortable SUV with seating flexibility. I spent a solid 9-hours driving it for an entire day and normally one would be quite fatigued from all the driving but the C3 managed to keep me comfortable through the experience, even while navigating some harsh terrain and for that, I must say kudos to it. 

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.2L Turbo Petro
Gear Box	6-Speed Automatic
Torque	205Nm
Power	81kW
Fuel Consumption	6.3L per 100km
Price	R354,900

Bucket Seat: Mahindra Scorpio N

The Mahindra Scorpio has come a long way in its journey in the South African market. While overlooked in its early years, it soon began to take traction as newer models made their way to the country. With word of mouth about its reliability, build quality and capabilities sales took off in a positive note. You won't find many in and around the city but when you move into the farm lands, that is when you will start to spot them. With its latest version sporting the new Mahindra logo, the Scorpio N is a significant upgrade from its predecessors, positioning itself as a robust yet budget-friendly SUV option. I got to spend a few days with this latest version of the Scorpio N and here are my thoughts on this SUV offering from the Indian motor giant. 

DESIGN

I tend to call a spade a spade and the previous generations Scorpio's did nothing for me in terms of design, in fact they were pretty awful with curves in all the wrong places, weird shaped lights, bulges in places that didn't need bulges, overall and eyesore to put it mildly but of recent, the designs coming out of India have a more European style to them and they look great!  Its design, both exterior and interior, has been modernized significantly. The Scorpio N sports a more defined and muscular look compared to the older models, with smoother lines and a stylish appearance that doesn’t compromise on its rugged essence​. The dark green colour that my test unit came in, made it look sophisticated and classy. As mentioned, the design has a European style to it but still has maintains that Indian Identity, kinda like Katrina Kaif wearing a wearing a Lengha top with Sissy Boy Jeans. Didn't expect a Bollywood fashion reference in this review, didn't you? Even the interior has undergone a vast improvement, with a more classic modern layout that is form and functional. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the hood, the Scorpio N features a 2.2-liter mHawk four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that delivers 128 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel-drive system that includes a low-range transfer case and a rear mechanical locking differential, making it highly capable off-road​  The SUV offers drive modes like Normal, Snow, Mud & Ruts, and Sand under Mahindra's ‘4XPLOR’ terrain system, enhancing its versatility on different terrains​. In terms of driving experience, the Scorpio N handles well both on and off the road. It provides a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps efficiently thanks to its double wishbone front suspension and Watt’s link rear suspension setup. The powertrain is smooth and adequate for typical driving conditions, although it might not excel in high-speed scenarios​​. Fuel efficiency is reasonable, with real-world consumption likely to be around 8 liters per 100 kilometers​​. I did take the Scoprio N with me on my annual trek to Sun City and it made easy work of traveling the dreaded R556 at night. Dodging potholes and conquering those uneven speed bumps with ease, almost as if to say "please man, I'm made for Indian roads, this is a piece of cake". So, off-road we went with it, to see how it handles the harsh African terrain and again, with the easy to use driving modes selected by the jog shuttle selector, it was simple to change the cars terrain response settings and switching from 2 wheel to 4 wheel driving. 

COMFORT

The interior of the Scorpio N is a marked improvement over previous models, like I said earlier, I love the new layout design, its very functional and it features better quality materials than previous generations which look great and are robust. It even features a modern infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with wireless connectivity, there are USB ports for charging devices and loads of storage compartments. Higher trims, like the one I was in come with additional luxuries like a Sony sound system and wireless charging​​. That Sony sound system surprised me, at first I wasn't sold but after tinkering with the sound settings, you could tell an Indian had a hand in this sound system because the bass, is definitely in your face. There's a lot of positives to the new designed interior however, some users might find the indicator sound particularly annoying, and the stop-start system could use a software update to function more effectively​​ as it does feel rather abrupt and I found myself switching if off every time I got in. The second row seating is very comfortable and spacious while the third row is pretty much expected of a third row seating in an 7-seater SUV. The luggage space is decent, we logged 2 golf bags and two big suit cases which required us to drop 40% of the second row seating. The tailgate makes it easier with the swing door and not the traditional hatch style tilt up opening. It has two cameras, one in the front and one at the back, but with different angle options which gives the driver a better perspective. 

VERDICT

Overall, the Mahindra Scorpio N stands out as a well-rounded SUV that combines rugged capability with modern amenities at a competitive price, making it a strong contender in its segment​. One of the key selling points of the Scorpio N is its pricing, which offers a compelling alternative to more expensive ladder-frame SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner, while still providing seven-seat capacity and substantial off-road capabilities​. Speaking of the Fortuner, a lot of people have asked me whether it is better than the Japanese firm favourite and whether it would give it some competition in the market. I honestly still feel the Fortuner nudges ahead of the Mahindra on quite a few fronts, doesn't justify the steep pricing but in terms of the Scorpio N being a direct competitor, I'm not entirely sold on that one yet.You're still going to get great reliability from Mahindra, these cars are solid and hardly break, even in the toughest conditions so on that front I think there isn't a need to worry and with them having an assembly plant here in Durban, parts shouldn't be that difficult to source as well. It certainly a massive improvement from the brand and it's good to see this company heading in the right direction.  

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L 4 Cylinder, turbo-diesel
Gear Box	6-speed automatic
Torque	400Nm
Power	128kW
Fuel Consumption	8L per 100km
Price	R644,499