If you could wave a wand and bring any 3 new cars to South Africa, what cars would be on your wishlist? Here are 3 new cars we wish would be offered in South Africa right now!
We have seen numerous new and exciting cars introduced in South Africa so far in 2022 and there’s more to come! But, our market isn’t always suitable or profitable enough for many new products and as a result, brands don’t bother shipping them to our shores.
While that might be the case, it doesn’t stop us from dreaming. There are so many cars that aren’t likely to be offered in South Africa but if you could magically make 3 cars appear on South African roads, what would you want to see in Mzansi the most and why?
Take a look at the 3 new cars we want to see in South Africa right now…
3 New Cars We Want In SA Right Now
1. GWM Ora Cat
With fuel prices in South Africa rapidly increasing, the need for affordable electric vehicle (EV) alternatives is growing by the day. Current EV products are simply too expensive for widespread adoption and a significant untapped market exists for affordable EVs. The solution, however, is unlikely to come from traditional luxury brands such as BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz but rather from Chinese brands such as GWM’s Ora electric car, Haval’s Wey brand and Chery.
Also see: Is it time for South Africa to Switch to EVs?
The GWM Ora Cat is currently under consideration for introduction in South Africa and if it arrives on local soil, it’s likely to mark the start of an influx of more affordable electric vehicles and brands such as Chery are likely to join the entry-level EV party too. The ORA Cat, depending on the derivative, can deliver up to 126 kW and 250 Nm from a front-drive motor and importantly offer a range of up to 501 km.
Pricing will be critical but if the GWM Ora Cat can come to market at under R500k in South Africa, we suspect that many local buyers will seriously consider switching to electric mobility considering the current fuel price crisis which has no respite in sight.
Would you consider the Ora Cat if it was offered for under R500k?
2. New Peugeot 408 Plug-In Hybrid
Peugeot has taken the wraps off of its svelte 408 fastback for the European market and in terms of styling, Peugeot has knocked the ball right out of the park, like only Peugeot can. The 408 looks fantastic, don’t you think?
The 408 will go on sale in Europe in 2023 with a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine with 96 kW and 230 Nm, the same that powers the Peugeot 2008 in South Africa. Peugeot will also offer a pair of plug-in hybrid derivatives, combining a 81 kW electric motor and either a 110 kW or 132 kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine. Total power outputs for the base 408 comes to 133 kW and 360 Nm while the more powerful 408 offers 165 kW and the same torque figure of 360 Nm. An 8-speed automatic transmission directs power to the front wheels for all 408 derivatives. A battery-electric 408 is also expected.
With the absence of affordable electric cars in South Africa, hybrid cars serve as an excellent alternative for buyers looking to slash fuel costs and take advantage of better efficiency. Hybrid popularity is on the increase worldwide and in South Africa with brands such as Toyota leading the hybrid charge with products such as the RAV4 Hybrid, Corolla Cross Hybrid and Corolla Hybrid. Other brands such as Haval will soon join the hybrid fray with the introduction of the H6 Hybrid.
The 408’s interior has a futuristic and edgy interior design and the firm’s latest i-Cockpit with its small but engaging multifunction steering wheel is also fitted along with two 10-inch screens that make up the instrument cluster and infotainment system.
We are holding thumbs that the new 408, including a the plug-in hybrid 408, will see the light of day in South Africa.
3. BMW M3 Touring
Yes, we love a fast and mean-looking station wagon and the new BMW M3 Touring has us wishing that antistationwagonism in South Africa wasn’t a thing. The BMW M3 Touring has finally broken cover and right now it’s the car we would love to have on sale in South Africa! The Audi RS4 Avant needs some competition, right, BMW?… Sadly, the M3 Touring is currently “not confirmed” for South Africa.
The M3 Touring packs a mega punch with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-6 petrol engine generating 375 kW and 650 Nm of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission directs all that grunt to all-four wheels and the M3 Touring claims the zero to 100 kph dash in just 3.6 seconds and will reach 200 kph from standstill in just 12.9 seconds.
It can also seat 3 people comfortably in the rear and when the seats are folded down you have space for just about anything, including multiple surfboards (because that’s important). BMW claims maximum load space at 1 510-litres. This is all the car you will ever need!
And then there’s the styling! Well, ain’t it just a pretty thing? Bring it, BMW!
