Toyota Fortuner
Recently updated to introduce a revised grille and headlamp execution, new rear lights and more options in terms of wheels and exterior colours, the Toyota Fortuner remains one of the most popular adventure-focused SUV packages on the market.
Available with a choice of a 2.4-litre or 2.8-litre “GD-6” turbodiesel engine and in either 4x2 or 4x4, the modern Fortuner’s reputation as an impressive understudy to this Japanese brand’s Land Cruiser family (300 and Prado) goes a long way towards it being the first choice for owners looking to set a course across our countries borders and into some of the more spectacular and remote landscapes on our African continent.
Sharing its underpinnings with the Hilux bakkie, despite the current Fortuner package being 8 years old – and under pressure from newer rivals – via carefully curated updates throughout this locally-assembled SUV’s lifespan, it remains a segment leader in terms of monthly sales. Like its rivals, this Toyota can accommodate up to six passengers, two in fold-away seats in the very rear of the cabin.
Of the updates that have been introduced in recent times, a modern infotainment system that now includes smartphone mirroring technology is significant.
Rugged, reliable and with impressive resale values, the appeal of the Fortuner is that it is always ready for an adventure.
The local Fortuner range is currently flag shipped by the 2.8GD-6 4x4 VX.
Mitsubishi Outlander
A Japanese brand currently enjoying a purple patch in terms of a refreshed and altogether broader product line-up than it’s had for several years, Mitsubishi’s legacy in the South Africa market includes hugely popular models like the Colt double-cab and Pajero SUV, in both long- and short-wheelbase forms.
Sharing its platform with the modern Nissan X-Trail, the all-new Outlander introduces a striking new grille design for the brand, as well as the convenience of seven seats as standard. These items can be stowed neatly away within the luggage compartment when not required.
The Outlander is sold exclusively with a 2.5-litre, naturally aspirated (not turbocharged) petrol motor that delivers 135 kW and 245 N.m of torque to all four wheels via a CVT-type gearbox. Including a handy 210 mm of ground clearance, the driver can choose between six pre-set driving modes to suit the prevailing conditions, including gravel.
Set to be joined on this brand’s local showrooms in the coming 12 months by an all-new Triton double-cab and more compact Outlander Sport model, the box-fresh Outlander offers impressive value for money in terms of standard specification and after-sales. The car is sold in either GLS or range-topping Aspire trim.
Kia Carnival
Kia’s entry into the traditional MPV or people-mover segment that includes the likes of the VW Kombi and Hyundai Staria does things a little differently. Offering an altogether more SUV-like driving position compared with a traditional bus-type package, the appeal is that the Carnival is generally easier to manoeuvre around town and on the school run than something like a VW Caravelle. This altogether sleeker profile also means that the Kia is less susceptible to strong crosswinds while on the open road – a benefit when it comes to overall fuel consumption, too.
Equipped with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, the front-wheel drive Carnival offers up to 1 139-litres of luggage capacity behind its third row of seats, or 4 110-litres with these rearmost items folded away. Available with the choice of two dedicated second-row seats, or a more traditional – sliding and easily configurable – bench for added versatility, this package also offers electrically-controlled sliding doors on each side, as well as a tall opening tailgate.
Top-of-the-range SXL specification introduces nice-to-have items like heated and cooled seating, as well as a full bouquet of modern active safety systems.
While the Kia brand remains suitably proud of its continued success in build-quality-related global awards, its local office is able to offer products including the modern Sportage, Sorento and Carnival with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Suzuki XL6
Sourced from India, the new XL6 people mover is yet another strong offering from Suzuki within the ever-significant budget-conscious segment. Sharing its underpinnings with the already available 7-seater Ertiga, the new vehicle features seating for five passengers in a two-plus-two configuration, the rearmost seats able to fold when not required.
Powered by this Japanese brand’s proven 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, the XL6 is offered with the choice of either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox. Suzuki claims fuel consumption in the manual version at 6.0 L/100 km.
Available in either GL or range-topping GLX trim, standard equipment throughout the range includes 15-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, climate control, a reverse camera and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display with smartphone mirroring functionality.
Also welcome throughout the XL6 range are ABS-assisted brakes, stability control and dual airbags.
The Suzuki XL6 range starts at R326 900 and tops at R360 900 for the GLX auto derivative. The car is sold with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and 4 year/60 000 km service plan.
Volkswagen Caravelle 6.1
Eventually set to be joined in our market by the exciting all-electric ID.Buzz, the modern Caravelle remains one the most complete family-focused adventure vehicles available.
Complemented by an enviable legacy that has spanned more than four decades, the current range-topping Caravelle 6.1 is only offered in Highline trim that includes as many nice-to-have conveniences as Volkswagen has within its portfolio. That said, there are also two modern Kombi derivatives – Trendline and Trendline Plus – that offer a similarly versatile and adventure-focused character as the flagship model with less specification.
In its modern application the Caravelle features the brand’s 4Motion permanent all-wheel drivetrain for impressive poise in all driving conditions and is powered by a 146 kW, 2.0-litre BiTDI engine and dual-clutch transmission.
This popular VW is fitted as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels and features a second row of seating that can be swivelled to face the rear-most bench. Other conveniences include a digital instrument cluster, electrically operated sliding doors and tailgate, Nappa leather upholstery with a heating function and auto headlamps and wipers.
The flagship modern Caravelle retails for R1 436 100 and includes a 5-year/60 000 km maintenance plan.
