Noteworthy SUVs available in SA this year

SUVs have become so popular in the last few years that they now range from inexpensive subcompact utility vehicles to flagship three-row SUVs featuring outstanding off-road capabilities and even all-electric power. So, what are the most notable options for South African customers this year? In this blog post, we highlight three amazing SUVs entering the SA market in 2021. 

Mazda has announced that they will unveil the new CX-30 for the South African market in February 2021. They had plans to introduce it at the beginning of last year, but Coronavirus postponed the launch.  

This is what we know about the vehicle: It sits between the CX-3 and the CX-5. According to CarMag, the CX-30 will be 120m longer than the CX-3 and 150m shorter than the CX-5. Reportedly, it will borrow the engine and suspension from the new Mazda3.

For the South African market, the 2021 CX-30 will give customers two engine choices: a 1.5-litre and a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engines generating 88 kW / 153 Nm and 121 kW / 213 Nm of torque respectively.

Slotting between the Ignis and Vitara in the Suzuki model line-up, we expect the Suzuki Brezza to hit the roads here in the first Q1 of 2021. Although we did not receive the specification details from Suzuki South Africa, we can tell you what the Indian-built Brezza offers.

Under the SUV's hood is a 1.5-litre petrol engine good for 77kW and 138Nm of torque. The engine mates to either a manual or an automatic transmission. Suzuki is only offering the Brezza in front-wheel drive for India.

Once here, it will compete against the Hyundai Venue, Honda WR-V, Ford Figo Freestyle, and Renault Sandero Stepway.

The salient features of the SUV include LED headlamps, a bold front grille, a dual-tone colour arrangement, a touchscreen infotainment system, rain-sensing wipers, ABS brakes, dual front airbags, and cruise control on specific trim levels.

We will receive the pricing and other details closer to launch. 

The 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 will be available by the middle of this year. The automaker has added a new X-Dynamic model bridging the space between Defender and Defender X and a new 3.0L six-cylinder turbo diesel engine to the line-up. 

The X-Dynamic comes with some distinct interior and exterior facilities such as satin front and rear skid pans with identical grille bar and badging, alloy wheels in Satin Dark Grey/Gloss Black finish, Narvik Black mirror caps, window decals, lower sill, and wheel arch cladding.

The price of the Defender 90 starts from R1,095,600 and goes as high as R1,575,000. (Prices correct at time of publication.)

Learn all about the latest vehicles on SA’s roads

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