It has been a busy year for the motor industry. And not a particularly rosy one, as we reported in our business summary of 2023 last week. Despite that, the product offensive continued unabated in 2023.

Sowetan Motoring covered a great deal of mileage over the past 12 months, evaluating and reporting back on the full spectrum of releases, from attainable compacts to dream rides worthy of a Christmas wish-list. Join us as we look back at the cars we found most impressive this year – and a few that left us less thrilled.

Affordable compacts

Competent budget cars will never go out of fashion. And in these tough economic times, they are more relevant than ever. Whether you are looking for a starter pack in life, or something more manageable to downsize into, 2023 saw a selection of worthy picks.

Cheapest of them is the Toyota Vitz, from R189,900 for the standard 1.0; which still gets dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control. Looks familiar? Yes, it is twin to the Suzuki Celerio, launched one year prior. Citroën released the new C3 in the first quarter. No stability control sadly, but it does offer respectable road manners, a good infotainment system, plucky styling and chipper performance. Yours from upwards of R229,900.

Odd name aside, there is a lot to like about the Suzuki Fronx. Pricing is keen, starting at R288,900. It drives reasonably well and stylistically, boasts an endearing swagger. Its 1.5 petrol is not going to set roads alight, but is economical and bound to last.

Rounding off the new compact releases this year is the popular Polo Vivo, whose GT grade received a very minor refresh. A fresh colour choice was the extent of it. Still, getting behind the wheel again was a reminder of just how well-sorted the model remains. From its planted feel to the fizzy 1.0-litre turbocharged-petrol, the GT is good fun. Pricing starts at R346,900 – a bit on the steep side.

Compact crossovers

Fiat shone the limelight on its ageing 500X this year, with a notable inclusion being the Sport EST model. The EST stands for Electronic Soft Top. It costs R580,900 and is probably not the best way to spend that sum of money.

Charming though it is, the body-flex (as a result of the cut ceiling) makes for a poor driving experience and the cabin is showing its age badly. How about some Chinese panache? Kicking off at R447,900; the Omoda C5 is a stylish looker. It has an attractive veneer of plushness, though it does fall short in terms of true refinement. Still, at the price and considering what it offers standard, many would find a medium-term fling to be an enticing proposition.

The Haval Jolion quickly became a success for the brand and enhanced perceptions of Chinese vehicles in Mzansi. This year, a hybrid version was added to the mix, starting at R549,950. Blending decent punch and great economy, the electrified Jolion is a nice way to start your journey in the realm of battery-aided automobiles.

Multi-purpose vehicles

One introduction stands out in the arena of affordable multi-purpose vehicles this year. That is the Suzuki XL6, essentially a repurposed Ertiga, with a six-seater configuration that might appeal to a slightly more upmarket audience. The vehicle has a middle row with individual captain chairs.

It costs north of R336,900 while the range-topping GLX automatic goes for R370,900 and is equipped with all expected amenities, including a classy black leatherette upholstery and air-conditioned cup-holders. Nice option for hoteliers wanting to add to their shuttle fleet, or growing families seeking something different to average seven-seater players.

Medium-sized family options

Suzuki brought back its Grand Vitara nameplate this year. This time around, the model has less of an outdoorsy character, rooted more firmly instead toward the requirements of suburban life. Honest, well-built and offering good value for money, it ticks the boxes, starting at R347,900.

Toyota sells the very same product, but under the guise of the Urban Cruiser, with a slightly lower starting price of R337,600. Sneakily, Toyota omitted certain pieces of equipment in their vehicle. It does not have a rear windscreen wiper, for instance.

Moving into more elite circles now, we have the Kia Sportage, offered this year in 1.6 CRDi format. Previously, your engine choice was limited to petrol. The diesel Sportage delivers superb economy and acceptable performance.

It starts at R637,995. Sister company Hyundai also had a diesel demon up its sleeve in 2023: the Tucson 2.0D AWD N-Line. Set apart from the Elite trim by its visual kit and all-wheel drive, the model brings a complete, satisfying feel. It costs R815,900 though, so you may want to weigh-up how strongly you prioritise some of its punted unique selling points.

Upper-medium sport-utility vehicles

The seven-seater Mitsubishi Outlander could be awarded the prize of most underrated car of 2023. It is a pity that more of them are not sold, because it is truly an excellent package. At R759,995; the model blends above-average refinement, a spacious interior, good performance and an appealing exterior.

It seems like nothing can beat the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max on value though. The flagship of the range costs R669,900 and comes standard with just about every convenience and luxury buyers could imagine. Its interior execution, with a three-row layout, packs trimmings and finishes expected from cars costing over R1m.

Less impressive was the Mazda CX-60, from R739,800. The five-seater model is rear-wheel drive, which should enthuse those who appreciate sharpened driving dynamics. But that is about where it ends. Performance from the normally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol is gutless. And the interior does not feel as special as it ought to, being the Mazda flagship. Maybe the high-end Takumi grade, planned for 2024, will address concerns.

Another major let-down was the Proton X90, which arrived this year. With space for seven, it is a roomy contender. But for the price (from R559,900 to R679,900); the Malaysian product, with its outdated feel, competes in circles where it is firmly outclassed.

Full-size sport-utility vehicles

At the beginning of 2023 Hyundai launched the updated Palisade, the closest we get to large sport-utility vehicle offerings that are American market mainstays. A hefty, softly-sprung cruiser for munching miles down the Interstate – or just the N2 – this South Korean barge offers a lot for the money. Consider that R1,144,500 is what you might pay for a smaller, less-equipped German alternative.

Also big on undercutting German alternatives is Jeep, with its five-seater Grand Cherokee that was introduced this year. It costs R1,356,900 and is imbued with a lengthy list of standard features, in addition to credible off-road ability. The long-standing 3.6-litre petrol V6 is also a better fit here, than it is in the larger Grand Cherokee L that came in 2022.

Premium sport-utility vehicles

With a basic price of R788,045; the BMW X1 marks a considerable improvement over its predecessor on all fronts. Get the diesel and you can expect to go a long time before refuels, as we learned when we tested it this year, achieving an average consumption under 4l/100km on the open road.

Subtle tweaks were rolled out to the stunning Alfa Romeo Stelvio this year, including a refreshed lighting signature and enhanced interior digitisation. Luckily, nothing was altered on the driving dynamics front: it still stops, steers and sprints with absolute verve. Certainly an exciting way to spend R1,205,500 (2.0T Veloce Q4).

R1,462,600 gets you into the new Lexus RX 350; replete with sharper styling and a completely new interior. Though the Japanese offering was not without criticism, it is priced quite keenly in relation to peers such as the BMW X5.

Bakkie-based sport-utility vehicles

This is a segment that South African consumers need no introduction to. Three-row seating, tough, ladder-frame underpinnings and stout diesel motors: it is a breed that serves virtually all needs.

The year started off with a subtly updated Toyota Fortuner, kicking off at R673,100. Isuzu added a more attainable 1.9TD LS model to the MU-X range, priced from R708,000. It is possibly the best-kept secret of the range. Some features are omitted (but nothing you cannot live without) and while it has a smaller engine, the upshot is better economy.

Ford widened the Everest portfolio with a Wildtrak derivative (R1,115,700) and the more affordable XLT, from R848,300. These are all picks we can very easily recommend.

Double-cab bakkies

It was a busy year for the genre. Volkswagen launched its new Amarok, based on the Ford Ranger. Set apart by stylistic differences inside and out, the German brand tried to put their stamp on the vehicle.

We tested the model in flagship 3.0 TDI V6 Aventura 4Motion guise and found it to be a plush experience. It costs R1,184,200; which is R100 more than the Ford Ranger flagship: Raptor. The new Raptor is sold exclusively with a 3.0-litre petrol unit. Makes a fabulous sound, but that fuel consumption will make you cry.

A more sensible option could be the Wildtrak X launched this year, which has a similar suspension setup to the Raptor, but with the smaller 2.0-litre, twin-turbocharged-diesel engine. You will pay R1,013,000.

Isuzu tried its hand at the specialist bakkie format again, with the new AT35. Though equipped with Bilstein shocks and chunky tyres, we found it to be a rough-riding brute. It costs R1,159,900.

Toyota also wanted to get in on the action with the Hilux 2.4 GD-6 4x4 Raider X, costing R674,800. No spectacular upgrades, just a mild cosmetic job including spiffier alloys and plastic body mouldings. But as with all iterations of Hilux, the Raider X is coveted by fans of the brand.

Performance

Powered by the same potent three-cylinder as found in the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla is yet another treat from Toyota, for driving enthusiasts. Manual-only, with four-wheel drive and adjustable torque-splitting, R841,000 gets you into the basic version. R902,400 puts you into the Circuit derivative, with a Torsen limited-slip differential and carbon fibre roof. Put simply, the GR Corolla is brilliant.

Providing direct rivalry, sans four-wheel drive, is the hard-core Honda Civic Type R. It costs R999,900 and is a true track animal, rewarding the committed driver, with an immersive experience that is tough to replicate. Living with one on a daily basis might get tricky though, which is where the Corolla has the upper-hand.

This year Toyota also offered its Supra with a manual gearbox, priced from R1,488,400. Spend R1,514,145 and you could get into the manual version of the latest BMW M2. While it remains a fantastic, modern embodiment of classic BMW Motorsport brand values, it is considerably heavier than the car it replaces, which blunts some of the fun.

Speaking of blunted fun, have you seen the Mercedes-AMG SL 43? It looks totally delectable. But a car with such a captivating visual character ought to have six cylinders at least, rather than the hybridised 2.0-litre to be found under this hood.

Staying on the subject of disappointments, the BMW XM could well be biggest one of 2023, in terms of performance cars. Controversial styling, a hybrid powertrain that does not support DC fast-charging and scale-smashing overall mass were among our gripes. As the first standalone M-car after many decades, it falls short. Yours for R3,400,000.

A high-performance sport-utility vehicle that left us far more captivated, was the Porsche Cayenne S. Reverting to a V8 power source, the model brings rambunctious acoustics, superb sprinting abilities and poised handling, in a manner typical of the brand. The starting price of R1,933,000 represents a relative bargain.

Electric vehicles

Electricity supply remains a hot topic in our market. And it is usually the first point raised in protest against the suitability of electric vehicles to our conditions. That said, the technology is evolving and the infrastructure is expanding. Our parastatal just needs to catch up.

In 2023, Great Wall Motors (GWM) launched the most affordable new electric car in South Africa. The Ora 03, from R686,950, is a cute, well-equipped boutique hatchback.

If you want Swedish pedigree, Volvo introduced the understated C40 Recharge earlier this year. It is deceptively fast, knocking the breeches off dedicated performance cars in cool, calm fashion. Bit on the pricey side though, at R1,324,000.

The Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 was a fascinating look at how the sporting hallmarks of the brand translate into a zero-emissions realm. Agile handling, novel simulated acoustics and a progressive interior, well-heeled buyers might see the value in its R2,112,950 asking price.