Latest news with #ToyotaCorollaCrossHEV
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
PODCAST: Chery Tiggo Cross HEV game changer in the making
Chinese hybrid goes up against South Africa's best-selling new energy vehicle the Toyota Corolla Cross. Ambitious Chinese carmaker Chery launched an all-out onslaught on South Africa's number one manufacturer Toyota by rolling out the Tiggo Cross HEV. The Chery Tiggo 4 has made huge strides to rank as one of Mzansi's favourite passenger cars. Now the Tiggo Cross HEV, which stands for hybrid electric vehicle, has entered the battlefield against the country's best-selling new energy vehicle, the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV. In typical Chinese fashion, the war starts with the pricing. At R439 900 the entry-level Chery Tiggo Cross HEV in Comfort guise undercuts the most affordable Corolla Cross in Xs guise by a whopping R54 500. Chery Tiggo Cross HEV makes a Pitstop In this week's episode of The Citizen Motoring's Pitstop podcast, we discuss the Tiggo Cross. Road Test Editor Mark Jones has driven the Chery after also spending lots of time in the Corolla Cross earlier this year, pits the two against each other. The Chery Tiggo Cross HEV is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine hooked up to electric motor and 1.83kWh battery pack. The combined power output is 150kW and 310Nm which goes to the front wheels by a dedicated hybrid transmission. This is much more than the Toyota Corolla Cross' combined power output of 90kW/142Nm. During our high-performance test, the Chery Tiggo Cross HEV clocked 8 seconds in going from 0 to 100km/h. The Corolla Cross came in at just over 12 seconds. ALSO READ: 10 things you need to know about the new Chery Tiggo Cross HEV Frugal sipper Chery claims that the Cross HEV will only sip 5.4 litres per 100km and for the first few days we've had it on test are getting close to this number. Mark reckons it will settle in the high fives, maybe 6L/100km at the most. This is fractionally higher than what we achieved in the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV.
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
These are the six least expensive hybrid vehicles in SA - with one plug-in now making the list!
Hybrid vehicle sales are surging in South Africa. Image: Supplied With diesel-powered cars and SUVs becoming less common due to international emissions laws, hybrids are emerging as an enticing alternative for South Africans seeking a fuel saver. Although no hybrid models are priced within the budget category, they are still significantly more affordable than full electric vehicles, and there are now more options available for under R500,000. But before you consider your options, it's important to take note of the different types of hybrids available on the market. So-called 'mild hybrids' such as the Suzuki Grand Vitara AllGrip and Renault Duster 4WD, feature a 48-volt electrical system as well as a small electric motor and battery, but their fuel economy benefits are minimal. For this list, we've stuck to traditional hybrid models that can propel the car with electric power alone, albeit usually only at lower speeds. But this is where a hybrid system makes all the difference, as a petrol engine is at its least efficient during stop-start urban traffic. These are the six least expensive hybrid vehicles available in South Africa: Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 CSH Hybrid The recently launched Tiggo Cross hybrid is available in two versions, with the Comfort variant priced at R439,900 and the Elite retailing for R469,900. Chery Tiggo Cross CSH Image: Supplied Oddly, the base hybrid costs R40,000 more than its petrol-powered equivalent, while the flagship commands a R20,000 premium. Nonetheless, these are now the most affordable hybrid vehicles in South Africa, undercutting the slightly larger Toyota Corolla Cross HEV, which starts at R494,400. The Tiggo Cross CSH combines a 1.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine with a powerful electric motor for combined outputs of 150kW and 310Nm. But best of all is the claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.4 litres per 100km, undercutting the ICE turbo model by 1.8 l/100km. As it is new to the market, the Tiggo CSH has not yet been tested by local media, but overseas reports speak of a smooth and surprisingly punchy driving experience and real-world fuel consumption of around 5.8 l/100km. Practical, powerful, and well-appointed, the Tiggo Cross CSH is well worth a look if you are considering a hybrid model for under R500,000. Toyota Corolla Cross HEV The Toyota Corolla Cross still falls below the magic half-a-million mark, with the XS variant coming in at R494,400 and the more luxurious XR costing R545,200. That's a premium of R42,000 over the regular petrol versions. Toyota Corolla Cross HEV. Image: supplied Its 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine combines with an electric motor for a system output of 90kW. Performance is adequate rather than punchy, but its efficiency is impressive. Toyota claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.3 l/100km, versus 6.8 for the regular model. That might be achievable under ideal conditions, but our real-world testing produced figures of 6.0 l/100km in town and 5.6 l/100km on the highway, which is still extremely impressive for a vehicle of this size. Now more stylish following its recent facelift, the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV is a solid, dependable and practical vehicle, using a well-proven hybrid system and delivering exactly what is says on the box. It comes highly recommended. Haval Jolion Pro 1.5 HEV Ultra The Haval Jolion Pro makes a much better case for itself following its extensive revisions and price adjustment in 2024. Haval Jolion Pro HEV. Image: Supplied The hybrid model is now priced at R519,950, in a single, well-appointed specification level, which they call Ultra Luxury. It's not a great deal more expensive than the Corolla Cross, and is significantly more powerful, with a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine pairing with an electric motor and specially adapted CVT transmission for combined outputs of 140kW and 375Nm. Performance is both punchy and smooth, the e-motor eliminating that laggy sensation that the regular Jolion has been criticised for. Combined consumption is claimed at 5.1 l/100km, while our test vehicle managed 5.9 l/100km, which is impressive in our book. The Jolion boasts a spacious cabin and is equipped to the hilt, but the 255-litre boot is smaller than you'd expect in a vehicle this size, thanks to the hybrid hardware, and, rather worryingly, the vehicle also lacks a spare wheel. Honda Fit 1.5 Hybrid e-HEV What used to be the Jazz is now the Fit, with the fourth-generation model continuing the tradition of impressive cabin space for its size and solid build quality. Honda Fit Hybrid. Image: Supplied Problem is, in hybrid form the Fit is priced out of contention, with its price tag of R544,900 seeming excessive for a B-segment hatchback, as competent as it may be. The powertrain pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for system outputs of 90kW and 253Nm. But the most impressive figure is its claimed combined fuel consumption figure of just 3.7 litres per 100km. Toyota Corolla Hybrid If a traditional hatchback or sedan still floats your boat, Toyota offers a range of options with its stylish Corolla range. Toyota Corolla hatch hybrid. Image: Supplied No longer locally built, they are on the expensive side, with the 1.8 Hybrid hatch priced at R552,700 in XS form and R595,100 in XR guise, while the sedan equivalents cost R560,300 and R581,700 respectively. They have a similar 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain as their Corolla Cross cousin, albeit an upgraded version with outputs of 103kW and 142Nm. When we tested the XR hatch in 2023, we were more than satisfied with the performance on offer, and economy was particularly impressive, at 5.2 l/100km. The hatch has a sporty vibe to it, but keep in mind that it's not as practical as the Cross, which might be a better bet if you're seeking a family car. The price premium also counts against the hatch and sedan. Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T CSH Plug-In Hybrid Plus With an introductory price tag of R599,900, valid for three months, the new Chery Tiggo CSH is officially South Africa's least expensive plug-in hybrid vehicle. This applies to the Plus variant, whose usual sticker price is R619,900, and customers can also opt for the more opulent Ultra version at R679,900. Chery Tiggo 7 CSH. Image: Supplied
