TATA MOTORS TRIES AGAIN
Quartet of Models for its Market Re-entry
Images © TATA MOTORS
Indian vehicle manufacturer Tata has consistently viewed South Africa as an important export market for its products. While its TACSA (Tata Automobile Corporation South Africa) truck business is thriving here, its passenger car business has faltered twice since the company first entered the country 35 years ago.
The Tata Pick Up (later known as the Telcoline and Xenon) initially found some traction here, but sales of the small Indica and Indigo (later known as Vista), as well as the Safari SUV, were limited, leading to the discontinuation of imports by 2012. In 2015, Tata Motors attempted a comeback with the Bolt and Bolt Zest, but its return was short-lived, lasting only four years until 2019.
Now, six years later, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles marked their return to South Africa, again through Motus Holdings, with four new models, including three SUVs of varying sizes, as showcased at the Festival of Motoring 2025. The bold line-up includes the Tiago hatchback, the Punch compact SUV, the Curvv coupe-SUV and the flagship Harrier premium SUV.
The Harrier, built on the Omega Arc platform derived from the Land Rover D8 platform, combines luxury and capability with a robust SUV design, 17” or 18” alloy wheels, a 10.25” or 12.3” Harman touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree surround view system and mood lighting inside, a five-star Global NCAP rating and enhanced ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
The five-seat SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre Kryotec, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, offering 125kW at 3,750 rpm and 350Nm at 1,750 rpm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Harrier will be available in three derivatives: the Pure+, the Adventure+, and the top-of-the-range Fearless+. Pricing starts from R549,900 for the 2.0TD Pure+ AT, R649,900 for the 2.0TD Adventure+ AT and R699,900 for the 2.0TD Fearless+ AT.
The Curvv SUV-coupé offers a bold, futuristic design statement while retaining its SUV capabilities, according to Tata. Its design includes flush door handles with welcome lights, 18″ alloy wheels, and a striking silhouette. In top spec, it comes equipped with a 10.25″ Harman touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, a JBL sound system, a powered tailgate, voice-assisted panoramic sunroof and mood lighting.
The Curvv is powered by a 1.2-litre Revotron turbo-petrol engine, delivering 88 kW at 5,500 rpm and 170 Nm from 1,750 rpm, paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed DCT. Three derivatives will be available – the Pure+ MT, Creative, and Accomplished S. Pricing ranges from R349,900 for the Curvv 1.2T Pure+ MT, to R419,900 for the Creative DCA, and R519,900 for the 1.2T Accomplished S DCA.
The design of the Tata Punch compact SUV is inspired by the bigger Tata Harrier and offers a blend of sporty dynamics and rugged utility. The Punch will be available in five derivatives, all with a high level of standard specification. The Adventure model, available exclusively with a manual transmission, includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rear parking sensor and a 7” infotainment screen.
The Adventure + S, with manual or AMT, adds a front armrest, integrated roof rails, an electric sunroof, reverse parking camera, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, push button start and shark fin antenna. The Accomplished+ AMT and Creative+ AMT come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25” infotainment system, auto aircon, cruise control, a wireless charger, and LED lights with a Tri-Arrow Design.
The Punch is powered by a 1.2-litre Revotron three-cylinder engine with DynaPro technology, which produces 65 kW at 6,000 rpm and 115 Nm at 3,350 rpm. A starting price of R244,900 for the 1.2 Adventure MT represents good value for money. Pricing for the other derivatives varies from R269,900 to R339,900, and includes a three-year/45,000 km service plan and a five-year/125,000 km warranty.
The Tata Tiago city hatchback, according to the manufacturer, combines contemporary design, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional safety. Competitively priced within the hatchback segment, the Tiago will be available in three derivatives, with the XM and XT launched first, followed by the XZ.
All derivatives are powered by a 1.2-litre Revotron three-cylinder petrol engine, offering 63 kW at 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm at 3,300 rpm, paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed AMT. Prices for the Tiago start from R184,900 for the entry-level XM MT. The XT MT is available for R209,900, and the XT AMT will retail for R224,900. Pricing includes a two-year/30,000 km service plan and a five-year/125,000 km warranty.
LDV GOES LEVEL 9
LDV Terron 9/D9/Deliver 9
Image © LDV SOUTH AFRICA
LDV South Africa officially launched three new models – the Terron 9 pickup (priced from R699,900), the D90 SUV (from R799,900), and the Deliver 9 commercial van (from R699,900) at the recent Festival of Motoring held at the Kyalami International racetrack.
With an overall length of 5,5 metres, a wheelbase of 3,3 metres, 220 mm ground clearance and 550 mm water-fording depth. The new LDV Terron 9 double-cab pickup (although LDV refers to it as an SUV, for some reason) will take on competitors like the GWM P500 and BYD Shark. Angular American truck-like styling, along with a bold face featuring a massive rectangular grille, makes the Terron 9 stand out on the road.
LDV mentions three derivatives, Elite, Premium, and Flagship, all powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that develops 163 kW and 520 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 4×4 drivetrain. The Terron 9 offers a 3,500 kg braked towing capacity, a 1,100 kg payload (for the Elite, 825 kg for the Premium and Flagship), front and rear locking differentials (front only for the Elite), and trailer park assist (available on the Premium and Flagship only).
Interior features include dual 12.3″ digital displays, an electric driver’s seat adjustment (eight-way in the Premium and Flagship models), and a multifunction steering wheel (available in Premium and Flagship models only). The Terron 9 2.5TD Elite 8AT 4×4 is priced from R699,900, the Premium 8AT 4×4 from R779,900, and the Flagship 8AT 4×4 from R849,900. Prices include a five-year/200,000 warranty and a five-year/100,000 km service plan.
The Fortuner-chasing seven-seat LDV D90 SUV is available in two trims: Elite (R799,000) and Flagship (R899,900). It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers 160 kW and 500 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The LDV Deliver 9 (R699,900) also utilises 2.0-litre turbodiesel power (108 kW/ 375 Nm), and has a cargo volume of 12,330 mm³ and a payload capacity of 1,580 kg. It features 236º rear-opening barn doors for easy access, a wide-angle reverse camera and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration for seamless connectivity.
JMC RETURNS
Now Partnering with the Caetano Group
Images © SALVADOR CAETANO GROUP
Leading Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) is returning to South Africa, now under the auspices of Salvador Caetano Auto South Africa, a subsidiary of the globally recognised Salvador Caetano Group.
Previously distributed by Autohaus Göbel, JMC has been struggling locally since Autohaus Göbel began marketing the JAC brand here. With JMC, Salvador Caetano Auto is to further expand its footprint in the local automotive market. Introducing this renewed partnership, JMC is gearing up to offer the latest generation Vigus single-cab one-ton pickup in November at a highly competitive target price of R300,000.
The Vigus single cab is powered by a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine delivering 103 kW and 310 Nm of torque, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. The Vigus double-cab is set to follow early in 2026. Also set to join the JMC roll-out is the stylish and spacious Grand Avenue pickup and SUV.
Built to carry families and cargo alike, the Grand Avenue has a commanding design that reflects confidence and capability. Complementing these two ranges will be the robust JMC Carrying Plus range, engineered to tackle heavy-duty tasks with efficiency and strength.
The collaboration is set to reintroduce and revitalise the JMC brand in South Africa, ensuring availability of parts, local service support, and a range of commercial vehicles tailored for the needs of local businesses—from agriculture and logistics to construction and small enterprise mobility. For more information, visit the official JMC South Africa website at www.jmcsouthafrica.co.za.
