Toyota tweak their Corolla Cross, and Stellantis make a big announcement.

Cape Talk's Sara-Jayne Makwala King talks to motoring journalist Melinda Ferguson about what's been happening in the motoring world.

Stellantis, a conglomerate born from a merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group (Peugeot S.A.), announced that the Peugeot Landtrek is set to begin production at their plant in the Eastern Cape as soon as next year.

They also signed an alliance with the Chinese EV manufacturer, Leapmotor, the result of which will be them electrifying a lot of their vehicles, as well as bringing some of Leapmotor's products to our shores, like the C10 REEV - a range-extended hybrid that can hit 1000 kilometres on a single charge.

"I think it'll get people's perceptions around range anxiety, it will put that stuff to bed."

- Melinda Ferguson, motoring journalist.

As for the Corolla, the engine is still the same: a 1.8 litre, naturally-aspirated, petrol engine, with a hybrid option if that's more your speed.

The biggest aesthetic update is the front end, with a new grille.

“It’s very gorgeous, and it’s really quite in your face, which I like.”

- Melinda Ferguson, motoring journalist

The cockpit has been updated with a 10-inch touch screen which is cleaner, clearer, and more ergonomic. The reverse camera is still in place, but with a clearer picture. There are now USB type-C ports at the back, and a rear-occupant detection system that will alert you in case you forget you have back-seat passengers.

“I just think they’ve gone and put little things.”

- Melinda Ferguson, motoring journalist

As for price, the petrol-engine version starts at R414 000, with the hybrid starting at R548 200. The GR Sport model will set you back R561 700.

For more information, listen to the audio above.