Latest news with #VolvoC40Recharge
The South African
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
7 safest family cars to buy USED in South Africa
We take a look at the safest family cars available on the used South African market in 2025. Specifically, June is the month of Vehicle Child Safety, so we're putting emphasis on child occupancy safety. However, for South African parents, child safety remains top of mind no matter what month it is. As such, we're looking at the safest family cars available on the used market, courtesy of their Euro NCAP child occupant rating. And we're dovetailing that with AutoTrader's latest used-car listing data, to give a cross section of the safest family cars from affordable hatchbacks to top-end SUVs. Another winner for child occupant safety is the Opel Corsa, although these are typically a little older on the used market. Image: File Let's start our search for the safest family cars for children by helping those operating off a tight budget. There's a common perception that only the largest and most expensive vehicles provide top-tier safety. However, compact models like the Honda Fit and Opel Corsa actually offer exceptional protection for children. The Opel Corsa, for example, scores an impressive 83%, even though used models are typically three-years old. Meanwhile, the latest Honda Fit performs brilliantly well. It scores 22.4 out of 24 points (87%), involving six- and 10-year-old child dummies. Moreover, with an average used price of R341 667 and mileage of just 9 323 km, the Fit represents the most affordable five-star-rated Euro NCAP vehicle currently available on the used market. With a 92% child occupant safety rating, the Volvo C40 Recharge, as you'd imagine, is as safe as houses. Image: Ray Leathern A relatively new addition to the local market, the Chinese Omoda C5 outperforms its rivals. It boasts a child occupant rating of 87%. In terms of used list pricing, the C5 has an average price of R399 280. Impressive, despite being newer on average (1-year old) and offering lower average mileage. It's a smart choice if you want something bigger than a Fit or Corsa hatchback. The safest family cars in the upper SUV tier are the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Volvo C40 Recharge. Both represent five-star safety and everyday luxury in strikingly different ways. The Land Rover Discovery Sport achieves an impressive child safety score of 89%. With an average used price of R1 038 207, buyers can find low-mileage, nearly new examples for significantly less than a new model. And the Volvo C40 Recharge is the compelling zero-emissions alternative, also with an 89% child occupant safety rating. However, the silent Swede has a higher average used list price of R1 108 467. Ultimately, the safety family cars on the used market in South Africa don't have to come at a premium. Whether you're navigating the daily commute or love weekend escapes with the children, choose a vehicle with top-tier child protection. RANK MODEL CHILD OCCUPANT RATING AVERAGE PRICE AVERAGE MILEAGE & AGE 1. Honda Fit 87% R341 667 9 323 km (1-year old) 2. Opel Corsa 84% R265 011 30 890 km (3-years old) 3. Omoda C5 87% R399 280 5 767 km (1-year old) 4. VW Caddy 84% R419 224 29 573 km (2-years old) 5. Hyundai Tucson 86% R514 707 27 882 km (2-years old) 6. LR Discovery Sport 84% R1 038 207 25 939 km (2-years old) 7. Volvo C40 Recharge 92% R1 108 467 1 111 km (1-year old) Source: AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data: 1 January – 31 May 2025 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
2025 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor Electric Ultimate review
The 2025 Volvo C40 Recharge is a step in the right direction for EV mobility in South Africa. While our EV market remains largely nascent compared to Europe, North America and the Far East, Volvo has managed to position itself as the segment leader locally. The Swedish firm has captured an impressive 50% share of the premium electric SUV market. Granted, that may only be 406 units, but there are plenty of premium marques vying for those few seats. Nevertheless, South Africa's EV mobility landscape continues to be hindered by infrastructural limitations, lack of government incentivisation, sporadic load-shedding and high import duties. As a result, South Africa's journey toward widescale electric mobility has been cautious at best. Which is why manufacturers themselves have seen fit to improve the value proposition of EVs. For example, with every Volvo C40 Recharge sold, the firm offers a free charging wall box installed free of charge at your home. And two years free public charging … The sloping rear roofline won't be to everyone's taste, but it is distinctive at least. Image: Ray Leathern Nevertheless, when you drive the Volvo C40 Recharge, you still get the sense it's a bridge in Volvo's lineup. It is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The firm has already launched the big-volume EX30 and flagship EX90, both of which we've sampled. That said, the C40 does little to dissuade you from some impressive performance metrics. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain produces 300 kW and 660 Nm of torque. Which is totally nutty in a safe-as-houses Volvo. With characteristic smoothness and silence, the EV propels from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack offers a claimed range of 510 km (on the WLTP cycle). However, in real-world conditions, you can expect closer to 400 km per charge. And if you struggle to tame stabs with your right foot, expect to see even less. Of course, the Volvo C40 Recharge setup supports DC fast charging (up to 150 kW). But finding such a powerful charger will be difficult in South Africa. Using a standard 11 kW AC wall-box takes about eight hours, which is convenient for overnight charging. That's a fairly standard Volvo interior for you, if you think the EX30 is a little too avant-garde. Image: Ray Leathern Aesthetically, the Volvo C40 Recharge represents a mixed bag of influences. A sloping roofline sacrifices practicality for visual drama. While 'Thor's Hammer' LED headlights look great alongside the smooth, grille-less front facia. And distinctive 20-inch diamond-cut alloys come smeared with low-profile Pirelli tyres. Inside, the Volvo C40 Recharge focuses on Scandinavian minimalism and recycled textiles. The panoramic glass roof brightens the cabin and offsets any potential claustrophobia from the sloping roof and tall beltline. Rear visibility is certainly compromised by the pinched rear and small rear window. However, this is a common criticism of most coupe-SUVs. Nevertheless, standard cargo capacity is adequate at 413/1 205 litres respectively with the rear seats in place and folded. By the standards of newer models, the Volvo C40 Recharge has a modest 9-inch portrait touchscreen. And, while comprehensive (it's powered by Google Assistant), the interface feels a little old fashioned. Also, the reliance on the touchscreen for even the most basic of functions might frustrate certain users. The C40 Recharge's batteries are all arranged neatly low and in-between the wheels, like a skateboard. Image: Ray Leathern However, once on the move, the Volvo C40 Recharge demonstrates all the best attributes of the Volvo driving experience. It's quiet, comfortable and always controlled. The instant torque delivery provides effortless acceleration. And this is wonderful to experience in a vehicle with virtually zero sporting pretensions. There are no drive modes or variable brake regeneration programmes. Just your right foot delivering instant torque as and when you choose. Of course, safety remains a cornerstone of the Volvo C40 Recharge experience. As a result, the vehicle includes advanced driver aids such as collision avoidance with pedestrian/cyclist detection. As well as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert with automatic braking. No surprises the Volvo C40 Recharge earns a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with particularly impressive scores in adult and child occupant protection. Priced at R1 324 000, the Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor Electric Ultimate positions itself firmly in the premium segment. This may sound like a lot, but don't forget you'll never have to visit a fuel station forecourt ever again. Not to mention the reduced maintenance requirements of an EV with significantly less moving parts. It's no wonder the 2025 Volvo C40 Recharge emerges as a compelling, if somewhat transitional, product in Volvo's local lineup. Its performance, safety features, and novel design make a strong case for itself in South Africa. However, it does feel something like a bridge between Volvo's ICE past and EX-series future. While excellent in many respects, it lacks the holistic integration and efficiency of the purpose-built EXs. Therefore, we can conclude it succeeds as a logical steppingstone in Volvo's EV evolution – and a practical daily EV – even if you can't help but feeling the next instalment is just over the horizon … Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor Electric Ultimate Drivetrain: Twin permanent magnetic synchronous motors Twin permanent magnetic synchronous motors Net energy: 78 kWh lithium ion battery 78 kWh lithium ion battery Power: 300 kW, 660 Nm 300 kW, 660 Nm Performance: 4.7 seconds – 0-100 km/h 4.7 seconds – 0-100 km/h Efficiency: 17.1 kWh/100 km (claimed/combined), 19.5 kWh/100 km (tested) 17.1 kWh/100 km (claimed/combined), 19.5 kWh/100 km (tested) Maximum range: 510 km (claimed WLTP) 510 km (claimed WLTP) Tyres: Pirelli P Zero – 245/40 R20 Pirelli P Zero – 245/40 R20 Price: R1 324 000 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
