Later this week when the Automechanika Johannesburg Expo begins at the Nasrec Convention Centre, this crossover/hatchback makes its debut. It's called the Mureza Prim8 and it's the first model from a debutante African car manufacturer.
That's Prim8 as in primate - not our favourite name considering the brand also says their” ultimate objective is to design and manufacture vehicles in Africa for African drivers." Initially a joint venture with the SAIPA Group in Iran, Mureza is now essentially a new business backed by funders in the United Arab Emirates.
This first model will be assembled initially from Semi Knockdown Kits (SKD) kits at the Automotive Supplier Park in Rosslyn here in South Africa, and later at the Willowvale assembly plant in Zimbabwe and in the ex-Hyundai plant in Botswana. The model at Nasrec will be a left-hand drive model converted to right hand drive, but they will eventually produce right hand drive models from new kits.
More about the Prim8
I can tell you that it uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine making 87kW and that it is front wheel drive. Also, that you'll have the choice of a five-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox. I can also inform you that Mureza will like to sell the fully equipped top model between R180 000 and R200 000 and that this will include a three-year warranty.
This would come with keyless entry, a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, satnav and a reversing camera. But wait there's more as Mureza adds cruise control, parking sensors, an audio system (I should hope so!), air conditioning, power-adjustable driver's seat, four airbags, electronic stability control, ABS brakes and tyre pressure monitoring to the smorgasbord of gear.
What does the rest of their product plan look like you surely must be asking? First, to add a half-ton pick-up to their portfolio, then a sedan followed by a high-riding mini-SUV off the Prim8's X100 platform. There is even a battery-electric platform for the X200 platform under development in South Africa by Energy Doctors.
Allow me to say, wow. The cynic and sceptic in me is being shushed by the prevalent optimist when I say with sincerity, I hope they make a good go of it.
