Top Ten Vehicles Proudly Made In Africa

Africa is a continent with many languages, cultures, and natural resources. Boasting diverse landscapes, it is home to an abundance of wildlife species. It is also home to a growing automotive industry that spawns a wide range of unique cars....CONTINUE READING

In recent decades, African countries have turned to automotive manufacturing as a driver of economic growth. Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uganda are some of the African countries that have made significant investments in the automotive industry.

This includes everything from sedans and military vehicles to SUVs and pickups. Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Wallys Car Company, and Kantanka Automobile Co. Ltd. are among the best car manufacturing companies in Africa.

Furthermore, South Africa plays host to not only domestic car manufacturers but also to several foreign car companies. Some of the cars made in South Africa are the BMW X3, Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, and Toyota Corolla Cross. According to Statista, South Africa is the country that sells the most new cars in Africa.

The African automobile market has tough and reliable vehicles that suit the continent’s challenging terrain. Every car on this list showcases not only the innovation and resilience of Africa but also the future of its growing automotive industry. So, allow us to take you on a safari of the top 10 vehicles profoundly manufactured in Africa.

10 IVM G80

Boasting bold exterior styling, the IVM G80 offers a blend of technology, luxury, and performance. It is the most expensive vehicle from IVM, the West African auto giant. Under the hood, it houses a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 mill that produces 247 hp worth of motivation.

Performance Specs

The G80 is a high-end SUV that pampers occupants with a luxurious cabin and a refined ride quality. Not only does it perform admirably on pavement, but it also has what it takes to face various off-road situations. Standing tall and proud, it is one of the best cars from an African auto builder.

9 IVM Fox

From Nigeria, IVM offers the Fox as a rival to Japanese hot hatches like the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. The 5-door hatchback boasts a stout build quality that makes it ideal for use in Africa. Under the hood, it features a 1.5-liter I4 engine mated either to a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Performance Specs

Inside, it features a CD player, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and a USB port. The IVM Fox also has several driver-assist/safety features to help it perform optimally at all times. Unlike the similarly-named wild animal, this Fox’s hunting grounds are the tight streets of the urban jungle.

8 Nissan NP200

Like most African-made cars, the Nissan NP200 boasts a sturdy build quality to help it withstand the unfriendly terrains of the continent. It comes in two variants, both sporting a 1.6-liter four-banger. Although the current engine produces 86 hp, a discontinued 16-valve version was good for 103 hp and 105 lb-ft.

Performance Specs

The NP200 can carry a payload of 1,764 pounds in its rubberized cargo box and can tow up to 1,433 pounds. This outstanding utility vehicle has a great warranty coverage that includes 6-year/93,206-mile coverage for corrosion.

7 IVM Carrier

Another fine vehicle from the Nigerian auto manufacturer, the IVM Carrier, offers buyers a choice of two power options. 2WD versions pack the same 2.4-liter I4 engine that powers the IVM G5 while 4WD versions run a 2.7-liter I4. Every Carrier comes with a 5-speed manual transmission system.

Performance Specs

The IVM Carrier has a comfortable, well-equipped 4-door cabin and a 5.5-foot cargo bed. Whether you opt for the 2WD or 4WD version, it is a robust and modern truck that can tackle the unforgiving African terrain with ease. Best of all, it is one of those sturdy trucks with an affordable sticker price.

6 Wallys Iris

After successfully running its first car, the Izis, Wallyscar developed the Wallys Iris as its second car. But both cars have several things in common – an FWD layout, a steel chassis, and a fiberglass body. Under the hood, it has a 1.2-liter I3 mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Performance Specs

The Peugeot engine produces 82 hp to push the small Tunisian SUV around. With its unique rugged looks, this African-made convertible SUV boasts tons of curb appeal. It is an affordable alternative to the Wrangler and an ideal means of mobility in both urban and rural environments.

5 Mobius 2

The Mobius 2 debuted in 2014 as the first production car from Mobius Motors, an East African car company. It boasts a rugged design that reflects the car’s sturdy build quality. Solid approach/departure angles and a high ground clearance allow it to handle rough terrain and hop over obstacles with ease.

Performance Specs

Moreover, it also has all the features that make it a great urban cruiser. Inside, it features a modern infotainment system with GPS navigation, USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Mobius is an attractive and practical choice of mobility for adventure lovers.

4 Nissan Navara

With its rugged styling and aggressive stance, the Nissan Navara stands out proudly as an example of a reliable go-anywhere vehicle. It boasts off-road technologies like the Intelligent Around View Monitor, hill descent control, and hill start assist. A set of all-terrain tires, long-travel suspension, and powerful engines also enhance the Navara’s off-road chops.

Performance Specs

The list of off-road hardware also includes a shift-on-the-fly 4X4 gearbox and an electronic locking rear differential. The Nissan Navara has the right features to help occupants confidently explore the African wilds. Whether as a workhorse, a daily driver, or a weekend car, you can’t go wrong with the Navara.

3 Kantanka Mensah

Although it built its first prototype vehicle in 1994, Kantanka Automobile began mass production 22 years later. In addition to its civilian vehicles line, the West African auto company also builds military vehicles.

As one of the company’s flagship products, the Kantanka Mensah comes with luxury features that appeal to buyers within and outside Ghana.

Performance Specs

It offers an interior with leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Also on offer are features that enhance the safety of the car and its occupants. Motivation comes from a 2.4-liter 4-banger that supplies enough juice for most driving needs.

2 Laraki Epitome

The Laraki Epitome is an African supercar with many outstanding qualities like its striking design and insane power. Besides building powerful sports cars, the Moroccan manufacturer also has a reputation for designing luxury yachts. Beneath a carbon fiber skin, the Epitome boasts an interior with tan leather upholstery.

Performance Specs

Where it matters most, it packs a turbocharged 7.0-liter V8 from the C6 Corvette under the hood. The engine runs either on 91 octane fuel for an output of 1,200 hp or on 110 octane racing fuel for 1,726 hp. To some, it may be an overengineered sports car, but to others, the Epitome is the epitome of elegance.

1 IVM G5

The IVM G5 gets its motivation from a 2.4-liter Mitsubishi I4 that sends 134 hp to the front wheels. While it won’t win any races, it is enough to take you from one point to another without drama. Pairing either with a manual or an automatic transmission, the engine returns an economy rating of around 32.3 mpg.

Performance Specs

Inside, the G5 offers comfortable seats for five passengers. Notable interior features include a power sunroof, a media system with Bluetooth, and a 7-inch display. Also, you can tip the rear seats to expand the cargo area..<<CONTINUE READING>>