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| So Toyota-san asks what do we think of the Rush styling. Silence stretches out. ...akward! |
THERE are four affordable seven-seaters for the family who know there will be spills in the back. With small engines and precious little to choose from in the cabin, these four are in a photo finish when it comes to value offerings.
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| well, OK, the front at least looks streamlined. |
Toyota Rush — from R299 900
Toyota last week launched what some have taken to calling a mini Fortuner but in Japan the Rush competes with the Daihatsu Terios, with the models sharing underpinnings.
The 1.5-litre four-cylinder DOHC engine, makes 77 kW at 6 000 rpm and 136 Nm of torque at 4 200 rpm. Power goes to the rear wheels (17-inch) where a multilink rear suspension promises a smooth ride.
The Rush comes with a six-speaker touchscreen infotainment system, 12-volt sockets front and rear, and a boot that swallows a decent 609 litres. A reverse camera and parking sensor aid the driver while keyless entry and push-start ignition add to the upmarket feel. A six-services/90 000 kilometre service plan comes standard, backed by a three-year/100 000 km warranty. The service intervals are 15 000 kilometres. Toyota has a introductory price of R299 900 for a five-speed manual Rush 1,5 and R13 400 more for the four-speed automatic. This premium price may be recouped when its time to trade the Rush in.
Suzuki Ertiga — from R202 900
The 2016 Suzuki Ertiga recently had a facelift. The third row can now be folded in a 50/50 configuration, as opposed to the single backrest of the outgoing model.
The radio has Bluetooth as standard but only the top-spec GL model has a parking sensor.
The Ertiga’s 1.4-petrol engine makes 70 kW at 6 000 rpm and 130 Nm at 4 000 rpm.
Power goes to the front through either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed auto.
A four-year or 60 000 km service and a five-year or 200 000 km promotional warranty are included in the prices, starting at R202 900 for the manual and topping out at R245 900 for the GL auto.
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| Like an Indian gradnma, the TUV300 surprises everyone in it with its no-nonsense abilities. |
Mahindra TUV300 — R232 995
The two-stage turbo in the mHawk100 Turbodiesel 1 493 cc engine is the choice for steep hills. It makes 73,5 kW at 3 750 rpm and a sumptuous 240 Nm between 1 600 rpm and 2 800 rpm.
The biggest fuel tank here at 60 litres and a realistic consumption of 20 km/litre also gives the TUV 300 the longest range, while a towing capacity of 750 kg makes it the most practical.
The last row’s seats fold down to face each other in the boot.
The three-year service plan is 10 000 km shorter than the three-year or 100 000 km warranty.
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| The Honda BR-V, styling seven seater for dads with a liking for driving. |
Honda BR-V — from R248 700
The 1.5 i-VTEC engine makes the smoothest power here — 88 kW at 6 600 rpm and 145 Nm at 4 600 rpm. Gears changes are Honda-slick and this 16-valve loves a spirited drive.
The radio has four big speakers and Bluetooth is standard, as are roof rails and 16-inch wheels. A five-year or 200 000 km warranty is standard, but only the Comfort and Elegance models have a two-year/30 000 km service plan, with services at 15 000 km. Prices are R248 700 for the Trend and R284 000 for the Elegance. An auto transmission adds R15 900 to the price.
