• The best Land Rover might also be the one with only three-doors.
• Jeep's new large SUV will be a worthy alternative for luxury off-road adventurer fans.
• Mazda's CX-30 will further enhance the Japanese brand's local standing.
• For more motoring stories, go to Wheels24.
South Africa is due to receive some excellent new SUVs. We analyse the most notable ones.
Land Rover 90 - Because often, less is more
The Defender has been one of Land Rover's most significant challenges. It took way more time to develop than anticipated, which meant launching it during a dual crisis: Brexit and the Pandemic of 2020.
Despite this, it is everything that a modern Defender should be: iconic in shape and tremendous in its ability, with an enormous range of accessories. The only way the new Defender could be even better is by being shorter.
And this happens in 2021 with the local introduction of Defender 90. A more compact wheelbase makes it easier to drive and park in an urban environment, compared to the five-door 110.
For off-roaders, the superior terrain conquering angles will allow even more ambitious journeys of exploration. Defender 90 has a straddle angle that is three-degrees greater than a 110, which should prove very useful when rolling through a series of treacherously rocky obstacles.
Unlike Defender 90s of old, the new version is a lot more liveable inside. Ease of access to the rear seats benefit from a modern slide-and-fold front seat design, while door apertures are better, too.
Toyota doesn't market the three-door Land Cruiser Prado in South Africa, whilst Mitsubishi's short wheelbase Pajeros inventory is now virtually exhausted. The only true rival to Land Rover's Defender 90, is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. However, the British all-terrain vehicle is now unarguably more luxurious and better to drive on-road, without sacrificing anything in terms of off-road ability.
Jeep Grand Cherokee - An American luxury vehicle you don't have to make excuses for
South African buyers are mostly unaware of large American SUVs. The only example familiar to local off-road enthusiasts is Jeep's Grand Cherokee.
In a market dominated by British, German, and Japanese luxury off-road vehicles, the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee will have to battle for customers.
It features a distinctive and simple design, with bold proportions, lacking the garishness that has afflicted some of the latest German SUV styling projects. Beyond its purposeful appearance, the Grand Cherokee promises to deliver enormous off-road ability.
The Grand Cherokee range has always been a choice alternative for those South African adventure vehicle enthusiasts who desire luxury and true technical terrain driving ability. This latest version promises to be incredibly adept at navigating steep and rocky terrain, with optional air suspension raising its ground clearance to more than 270mm, with traction supported by electronically locking differentials.
The only potential weaknesses are the available engine options, both of which are large capacity atmospheric petrol powerplants. With the 3.6-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8 engines, Grand Cherokee will be at a significant disadvantage in the local market, where buyers of large luxury SUVs prefer diesels or hybrids.
That said, these petrol-powered Grand Cherokees will make exceptional dune driving vehicles, especially the 5.7-litre V8 derivative.
Mazda CX-30 - better late than never
Sensing an opportunity, Mazda is scheduled to finally launch what could be the stealthiest automotive brand accelerator of 2021, with its CX-30.
Like all current Mazdas, this new crossover is brilliantly designed, without resorting to a ridiculous front grille design, which many of its rivals have.
Using the proven Mazda3 hatchback platform, CX-30 increases ground clearance to a useable 170mm, which should be entirely adequate for gravel road driving and rolling through potholes without too much bother.
Mazda fields a nearly flawless crossover and SUV product portfolio and the addition of CX-30 will bolster its offering even further. In a market where many compact crossovers and SUVs are too dramatically styled, and risk dating rapidly, the CX-30's considered design sets it apart.
Although its market introduction is a year late, CX-30's South African debut will be worth the wait.
