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I feel like lately all I do is complain about car prices. I am sure some of you are feeling the same way that I do. So what an absolute delight it was to attend the launch of a car that is not only excellent, but also, budget friendly and exceptional value for money. Although, I should let you in on a secret, I already knew that this car was going to be one for the books. I have driven the Suzuki Fronx, after all. But, I like that Toyota has now added it to its line up as its most affordable compact SUV. And it gives customers the opportunity to own a Fronx without having to use that silly name. Jokes aside, this is another of the models that comes from the collab between Suzuki and Toyota. You will recall the Starlet and the Baleno, and of course the previous generation Urban Cruiser and the Vitara Brezza. This partnership was a very smart move, especially on Toyota’s part. Just think how well budget-friendly compact passenger cars are doing in this country. We are all feeling the pinch and so, as a motor manufacturer, you want to be playing in this space with as many models as possible. Toyota hasn’t really had to do the hard work here, they’ve almost been gifted these excellent products and they’ve merely had to rebadge them. Flippen genius I say. There aren’t any glaringly obvious differences between the Starlet Cross and the Fronx, barring the badges and the lighting signatures at the front and rear and grille vibes. There are two model options available for the Starlet Cross, namely the XS and XR. If there was one thing I wish Toyota had ditched from Suzuki, it would be the colour palette of the interior. It features one of my least favourite colours on the planet, and that is burgundy. Good grief, it dates the interior so much. But apart from that it is all systems go for me in this Starlet Cross. You can expect a tilt-adjustable steering column, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, auto aircon, three USB chargers, rear parking sensors and a reverse-view camera. In terms of safety you’ve got ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, hill-assist control, ISOfix child-seat anchors, and two airbags. The XR model adds tilt-and-telescopic adjustment for the steering column, chrome-finished inside door handles, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, a colour instrument display, a head-up display, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 360-degree camera, a wireless charging pad, an illuminated glovebox, as well as keyless entry and start. This model also boasts six airbags. As is expected, the Starlet Cross is powered by Suzuki’s naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The manual performs well with this engine. The auto, however, is not my best, but I have become somewhat used to it. And because the car is so light, the 77kW and 138 Nm of torque does go a long way. In fact, it is a great little engine. We know it from the likes of the Jimny – which I hate this engine in, but because it is a heavier car. It is not a drive that is going to blow your hair back. But it is comfortable and easy. Not to mention, efficient. You’re looking at under 6l/100 km on both manual and auto. Overall, I would say it is my favourite drive in this segment, topped only by the Kia Sonet (which is more expensive). Other rivals include the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and Hyundai Venue all of which are not at the top of my recommendation list. You could look at the Chinese car brand offerings such as the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, the Haval Jolion and even an entry-level Omoda C5. But where this car really shines is with its pricing. It kicks off at R299 900 and ends up at R359 300. There is no doubt that the Starlet Cross (like its Starlet sibling and Fronx half-sibling) will be an absolute money pot for Toyota. It is the sort of car that I am more than happy to recommend to anyone in this segment, or anyone who is just wanting an honest and humble car for a price that doesn’t seem ludicrous.

Yip, I am nicking Toyota’s hashtag for its new Land Cruiser Prado, but I feel it really does encapsulate this new vehicle. I was lucky enough to go to Mozambique (one of my favourite countries on earth) to attend the launch and gosh what a vibe it was. Not because of the R&Rs consumed, obviously (IYKYK). Let’s start with a little history… The Land Cruiser has been around for 72 years. It was known as the Toyota BJ (not sure who thought that was a great name). It became the first vehicle to successfully climb to the sixth station on the slopes of Mount Fuji. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that its enduring worldwide reputation has made it one of Toyota’s best-selling models, with more than 11.3 million sales to date, across more than 170 countries and regions. Development of the 2024 Prado has seen a conscious decision to bring the Land Cruiser back to its origins, focusing on its fundamental quality as a practical and affordable vehicle. Consider that the Land Cruiser offers customers the 300 series which is its fancy luxury SUV, the 70 series which is more utilitarian, and then this, the Prado, which is a bit of both and targets a very distinct customer and has done since 1985. Can you believe that it has been 15 years since the previous generation was launched locally. Let’s just say that it was certainly due an update. And boy oh boy has Toyota delivered. I am in love with the look of this Prado. I think it is timeless and I will still love it in years to come. It’s got that no-frills-no-fuss air about it. It’s built to go off-road after all, does it need to be precious about it? I say not! The parts have been designed to take on harsh conditions as well as to be easy to replace if they are damaged. Smart! The trim levels include TX and VX-R, as well as a 1st Edition and 1st Edition Bi-Tone. The standard headlight options are a slim oblong triple-eye arrangement of LEDs or a classic round-eye projector bi-LED alongside vertically arranged turn indicator and daytime running lights. Many colleagues at the launch preferred the round-eye. I would happy with either. Beggars can’t be choosers and all that jazz. The exterior is not the only wow factor on this car. The cabin has seen a dramatic change. Thank goodness because it really needed it. Before I mention the features, something worth noting, is the visibility. From the enormous side mirrors to the rear window to the lower dash and swopped design of the bonnet, it is very easy to see out of this vehicle and everything around you. Even as a rear passenger. This would make for a great game viewing car. When it comes to standard features across the range, you’re looking at Clearance and Parking Sonar, leather seats with lumbar support, dual zone auto air conditioner, seven USB ports, Toyota Safety Sense 3, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, power back door and 18” Alloy wheels. There is an HD touchscreen infotainment system (9 or 12.3-inch depending on trim level) as well as a digital instrument cluster which is also 9 or 12.3-inches. The physical shape of the switches and their operating methods have been unified – simple toggle or push controls – so the driver can operate them easily without having to look away from the wheel or change their posture.  As we know, off-roading can be quite tough on the body, ask me how I know (I had surgery two weeks before this trip, which was not, in hindsight, well planned), but never you mind because there are knee pads and padded door shoulders, plus the door panel has a scooped profile so the driver has space for free elbow movement. It has a new steering wheel design with wide spoke openings to help prevent fingers being injured in the event of steering kickback. It is a well thought out cabin with everything seemingly having a purpose and functionality really being taken into account. The materials are quality-built and everything feels really solid. Functional areas are flat and hard and touch points are soft and thickly covered with a sense of volume. There are seven seats available on the Prado. The seats have been redesigned and are also available with integrated heating and ventilation. The second-row seats are offered in a bench arrangement that divides 60:40, and on the seven-seat model the third row comprises two seats that can be folded flat manually or with power control. So what’s the engine vibe? Gone is the naturally aspirated 4.0l V6 petrol engine. I know, I know, devastation all round. It is a bit disappointing but not exactly a shock in this day and age, is it? The LC Prado is now exclusively powered by a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine. It is mated to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission and produces 150 kW of power and 500 Nm. This engine is known for its performance and efficiency but this has been taken a step further with a re-engineering of this motor. The claimed fuel consumption is 7.9l/100 km, but let me tell you somethign really impressive, we got a reading of just 7.1l/100 km. We were driving between 80 and 100 km/h through the roads of Maputo, but this is still a very impressive number, especially as this is a 4X4. If I had to critique the Prado, and only because I am forced to as a motoring journalist, I would say that it might not feel as refined on the road as something like the Defender. With that said, however, it was more than comfortable and I would be more than happy on a long road trip in this. Even if I hate long road trips. If the Prado was ever a match for the Defender, it is now! This car feels no pain off road. It can go