They call it “Road Sailing,” and they’ve given it a makeover to match. The wheelbase stretched, the rear track widened, and the height lowered – it’s like they put this Civic on a fitness regimen. The result? Heads turning left and right as you cruise by in one of its six snazzy colors, including the intriguingly named “Coffee Cherry Red” and the space-age “Meteoroid Grey.”

The unit you see here that we had on test is Brilliant Sporty Blue.

But it’s not just about looks. The Civic RS feels like it’s itching to hit the track. With three drive modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport – it’s ready to adapt to your mood. And let me tell you, it’s got that responsive edge no matter which mode you choose. You’ll feel like a maestro conducting the symphony of asphalt, whether you’re navigating the urban jungle or ruling the open highways.

Step inside, and you’re in for a treat. Honda’s ditched that fingerprint-magnet piano black for a cleaner finish. The sporty vibes continue with red stitching, honeycomb dash patterns, and switches that make you feel like a pilot. The seats are a marvel – leather with contrast suede inserts, they cradle you like a well-tailored suit. And the tech? A 9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a booming Bose 12-speaker system, and even a sunroof to let in the sunshine.

Now, what’s under the bonnet? A feisty 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with CVT transmission, dishing out 131kW and 240Nm of torque. This car’s no slouch; it’s got a punchy response when you need to overtake on the highway. Fuel consumption? They say it’s 6.2L/100KM, but let’s be real – we didn’t quite manage that.

Here’s where the emotional rollercoaster gets tricky. That CVT transmission, designed for seamless changes and fuel efficiency, leaves you feeling a bit… stuck. It hesitates between 2nd and 3rd gear like it’s contemplating life’s mysteries. Thankfully, there are those flappy paddles for manual gear shifts, but even they suffer from the occasional lag.

In the end, it’s a tale of mixed feelings. The Civic RS is a stunning sedan that’s as enjoyable to drive as it is to look at. It’s comfortable, but there’s room for improvement, especially with the transmission. Yet, for enthusiasts, it’s that perfect middle child, bridging the gap between the standard Civic and the Type R.

So, what’s the price of admission? R699,900, complete with a 5-year/200,000 KM warranty and a 5-year/90,000 KM service plan. And let’s not forget, Hondas are renowned for their reliability. This Civic RS seems poised to carry that torch with style.

Words by Sammy | Images by Deuce Digital

If you’ve been living under a rock and are not familiar with the model name, the Suzuki Grand Vitara was first introduced in 1988 as a compact SUV, but it wasn’t until 1998 that the name “Grand Vitara” was officially used. It quickly gained popularity for its off-road capabilities and versatility, becoming a best-seller in several markets. The second generation, released in 2005, was larger and more refined, featuring advanced safety and technology features. This is now the 2022 version.

First Looks

The exterior design is quite interesting, with some people alluding to the idea that it looks like a little Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has a modern and sleek exterior design that combines elements of both sportiness and elegance. The front of the vehicle features a bold, chrome-finished grille with a large Suzuki emblem in the center, flanked by sharp LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights. The body of the car is characterized by smooth, flowing lines and curves, with pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive shoulder line running the length of the vehicle. The rear of the car features a sporty-looking bumper with integrated exhaust tips, and LED taillights that wrap around the side of the vehicle.

All models of the Grand Vitara come with roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Technical Specifications

The Grand Vitara is now available in two different drivetrain options, both using Suzuki’s K15 engine. The K15B engine, also found in the Baleno is a 1.5l that produces 77Kw and 138Nm. The second option is a K15C engine with mild hybrid electric power, and that churns out 75.8Kw and 136.8Nm.

We drove the latter for most of our launch journey and that variant is dubbed the Hybrid All-Grip, albeit it does not sound much like a hybrid, seems to be quite loud to be coined that. We drove to Knysna, Uniondale and back to George, tackling various terrain along the way. Part of our route included a 100km+ stretch of gravel where we put the Grand Vitara to its paces, and it fared quite well. The six-speed automatic transmission and engine pairing work decently together.

Niceties All Around

The Grand Vitara comes in two trim levels, namely GL and GLX. All trims come with keyless entry, keyless start and stop, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto and electric windows. The GLX model comes with a large panoramic sunroof, wireless charging tray, ambient lighting and a leatherette interior. Safety features are also extensive, with electronic stability control, ABS brakes, Hill hold assist and rear parking sensors being standard in all models.

Overall, the Grand Vitara is a good flagship model for the brand, coming in with a plethora of features and competitive pricing that is sure to capture many consumers locally.

Pricing for the Grand Vitara:
1.5 GL Manual: R339 900
1.5 GL Auto: R359 900
1.5 GLX Manual R397 900
1.5 GLX Auto: R417 900
1.5 GLX Hybrid AllGrip Auto: R529 900

Pricing includes a 6 year/90 000km service plan and a 5 year/200 000km promotional warranty

Words by Reba S

For 2022, the Hyundai Tucson is longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor. It is built on a completely revamped platform called the N3 platform, which is said to be more robust and offers higher levels of refinement and efficiency. There are three trims available (Premium, Executive, and Elite) as well as two engine choices – a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel – for the striking 2022 Hyundai Tuscon.

Up front you’ll notice that the all-new Hyundai Tuscon comes with a brand-new fascia incorporating a dark chrome grille on the Executive and Elite models with either three or four alloy wheel options. (17 to 19 inches depending on the trim level). The most noticeable feature upfront is the stylish daytime-running LED lights integrated into the grille. The rear receives LED combination lamps with a light bar.

Step inside and the interior has been completely redesigned compared to the outgoing model. The Elite model we sampled has electrically adjustable leather seats that are heated and cooled, while an 8-inch portrait touchscreen with wireless screen mirroring takes care of media and other functions.

The ergonomically designed cabin makes accessing the infotainment system easier for the driver, and the 10.2-inch digital driver’s display makes selecting options effortless and clear. In the cabin of the all-new Tuscon, the soft-touch dashboard is simplistic yet modern. As a result of the longer wheelbase, rear passengers also benefit from a larger cabin and more legroom.

The boot has increased slightly from 488 litres to 539 litres with a 60:40 split. As for the driving experience, we had the opportunity to test drive the top-of-the-line 2.0-litre diesel Elite model. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that only drives the front wheels, as opposed to the outgoing model. A healthy 416 Nm of torque is provided by the all-new Smartstream 2.0 New R Diesel, which produces 137 kW.

Hyundai has made a lot of effort to improve the efficiency, handling, and overall refinement of its vehicles. This is due to the new dampers and inclined strut bearings.

A front MacPherson strut and a rear multi-link suspension ensure a superior level of comfort and handling. The throttle response has also become sharper, which is apparent when you floor the pedal. Regardless of the driving mode, it reacts immediately and without frustrating the driver.

With our current fuel price situation, it is worth noting that frugality is at the core of the model, averaging just under 6L/100kms during our 165-kilometre launch route that comprised of both city, highway, and gravel driving.

While the launch of the model was bliss, we will report on everyday usability once we have the model for an extended test.

Overall, we think that Hyundai has taken substantial strides in ensuring that the all-new Tuscon not only looks terrific but drives even better. The level of refinement, efficiency, and level of specification for each trim is noteworthy. The safety and advanced driver systems are also up to par or better than some of the segment rivals.

The 2022 Hyundai Tuscon is priced from R519 900 for the entry-level NU Premium AT and tops out at R699 900 for the range topping R2.0 Elite Turbodiesel AT.

The all-new Hyundai Tucson is sold with a 7-year/200 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a 6-year/90 000 km service plan and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km.

Words & Photography by Kumbi M On Cars