South Africans love a weekend getaway and while you can certainly get away from it all in almost any car, certain models are better suited for long road trips and adventures off the beaten track. These are our five favourites for leaving the big city in your rear-view mirror, including 4x4s, SUVS and hatchbacks at both ends of the pricing spectrum.
Ineos Grenadier
The Ineos Grenadier is a modern take on the classic Land Rover Defender idea, conceived and built by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Ineos Grenadier utilises a similar silhouette but underneath it has been completely redesigned and reengineered using only the best components. This includes six-cylinder petrol or diesel BMW engines, an eight-speed ZF gearbox and Magna axles and diffs. The interior is thoroughly modern and ergonomically sound with the latest in tech and creature comforts such as Recaro seats.
The result of taking the best components and getting the world’s best engineers to make them work together is the best 4x4 you can buy off the showroom floor today. Think multiple diff locks and 4x4 statistics that are unrivalled which means that the Ineos stands back for no 4x4 obstacle, while being a great family vehicle at the same time.
The Ineos Grenadier is now available in station wagon or bakkie form thanks to the recent launch of the Quartermaster derivative in South Africa. This adds body shape options for those looking for an excellent overlanding vehicle that combines tried and tested technology with a touch of old-world charm.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen’s Golf GTI is one of the original hot hatches, but also one of the best all-rounders on the market today. The Golf GTI combines sporty performance with everyday practicality that is inherent to the hatchback design.
The 2.0 turbocharged engine mated to a slick shifting DSG gearbox allows the Golf GTI to munch miles effortlessly which also makes it a great grand tourer that is capable of tackling short road trips or country crossing adventures with ease.
The rather roomy interior is perfect for couples or small families while the large hatchback boot is able to swallow all those weekend essentials. Folding down the rear seats creates a cavernous space that will accommodate anything from bicycles to washing machines.
Kia Seltos
Compact SUVs are all the rage these days and South Africans have many options to choose from in this fast-growing segment. However, Kia’s Seltos is one of the best options for a variety of reasons.
Kia have recently updated the Seltos with a refreshed exterior design, a significantly upgraded interior and a pair of enhanced powertrains. This model range update also saw the Seltos being repositioned in the competitive crossover segment of the market with an even greater value proposition.
One of the most noticeable changes to the new Kia Seltos is its exterior design, which represents an evolution of the original design while incorporating elements of Kia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ design language. With generous dimensions, the Seltos not only looks much bigger than its closest competitors thanks to a long bonnet, the strong character line on the front bumper and the sharp lines pressed into the bodywork, but it is easily one of the largest and most practical compact SUVs available in SA today.
Similarly the interior of the Seltos is unrivalled in this segment in terms of its outright space as well as build quality.
The Seltos is available with three engines including a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine and a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated option. However, it is the 1.5 CRDi that really hits the sweet spot. This diesel engine offers 86kW and 250Nm making it a good performer, but its frugal fuel consumption will blow everything out the water with figures of 5.0 litres per 100km achievable in the real world. This makes the Seltos a great weekend getaway car, because you could very possibly drive all weekend without having to stop for a refuel, freeing up extra resources for additional family adventures or a nice lunch.
Suzuki Jimny
A full on 4x4, with low range and diff locks is an expensive piece of hardware these days, but the Suzuki Jimny certainly bucks that trend. Now available in three and five-door guise the Jimny is the most affordable real 4x4 available on the South African market today with a starting price of under R400 000.
The Jimny is made for off-road adventures, with a proper 4x4 system and ground clearance making it an excellent weekend getaway vehicle or overlander.
The 1.5 litre engine does a great job of powering the Jimny and can be paired to either a manual or an automatic transmission. An added bonus is that it is also affordable to run thanks to the frugal nature of that naturally aspirated 1.5 litre engine.
The compact dimensions mean that the three-door derivative is only really suited for couples but the added doors and length of the recently launched five-door ensures that this model has the space to accept a family of four, a fact that has significantly expanded the appeal of the Suzuki Jimny.
Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner has been a top seller in South Africa for many years and for good reason. The Fortuner remains one of the best bakkie based large SUVs available in the market today. The combination of off-road ability, space for seven passengers as well as Toyota’s reputation for durability and reliability make it a winner. Fold away that third row of seats and you have a vehicle that can carry five occupants and a great deal of luggage over any terrain, from gravel to serious off-roading if you opt for a 4x4 model.
The ongoing popularity of the Fortuner also means that is a leader in terms of resale value, across all segments, making it one of the better automotive investments that motorists can make.
