NEW MODELS
JETOUR T2 2.0 T CHANGAN HUNTER T50 REEV
The most on-trend Chinese crossover-SUV on sale in South Africa, with a striking design and generous equipment levels.
T2’ s infotainment system is powered by a Snapdragon 8155 chipset, which means the large infotainment screens are amazingly responsive. Cabin comfort is good, and there’ s a reasonable 580-litre of luggage space.
The Jetour’ s all-wheel drive can handle mild sand tracks, but it doesn’ t have low-range gearing. Its 2-litre turbopetrol engine is rated at 185 kW, offering good performance, with average realworld fuel consumption of 10 / 100 km.
Dramatic design meets Photocredit advanced: drivetrain ferrari. com. Most South African double-cab buyers still prefer diesel, but Changan’ s solution is a 2.0 turbopetrol engine and a 31.18 kWh LFP battery pack. The petrol engine only functions as a generator. Hunter’ s actual powertrain is all-electric, delivering a much smoother driving experience than a turbodiesel bakkie, without the range anxiety of an EV.
With a total system output of 200 kW, and a theoretical range of nearly 1000 km, there’ s an excellent balance of performance and economy. The sacrifices are a low payload( 625 kg) and towing capacity( only 2,200 kg).
TOYOTA RAV4 VW GOLF GTI
Toyota has a huge R & D budget invested in every new version of the Rav4 because it’ s the brand’ s best-selling global model.
Toyota’ s sixth-generation Rav4 offers five derivatives, four of which are hybrids, including a PHEV version. With 227 kW of power and a theoretical driving range of 1000 km, the Rav4 PHEV is a compelling alternative to Chinese new-energy vehicles.
Rav4 has an outstanding vehicle architecture with enough dirt road ability for weekend getaways. But it’ s brilliant as an urban family vehicle, too. Cabin is a very functional blend of physical controls and digitisation.
The final petrol version-only version of the world’ s most iconic hot hatch with a 195 kW evolution of VW’ s legendary EA888 engine. Golf GTI performance models are excellent driver’ s cars with unrivalled five-door versatility.
Overengineered for a truly rewarding driving experience, the GTI can also be configured as an easy-to-drive daily commuter with the preset driver modes.
Always in demand, these Golf GTIs are essentially depreciationproof, especially given the South African allocation of only 300 units.
WORDS IN ACTION 26 MAY 2026