With the first half of the year behind us, we take a look ahead at what new cars can be expected to reach South Africa in the remainder of 2023. What new car introductions are you looking forward to most? Take a look at the list below!
In the last 2 years, the automotive sector has been hit hard with a myriad of challenges including parts and chip shortages, supply constraints, production setbacks and ultimately, product delivery delays. Every car manufacturer has suffered — some more than others. With ongoing disruptions and amidst a new car shortage, buyers have flocked to the used car market in search of value, even though demand and prices for new cars remain high.
Nonetheless, if all goes well and to plan, carmakers are introducing exciting new cars for South Africa in 2023.
The list below highlights a distinct lack of new budget car options but compact crossovers/SUVs, family SUVs, luxury SUVs, bakkies, MPVs, supercars and electric cars are all on the menu in the new year.
Please note that this new car list is generated based on feedback from manufacturers as well as from what has been reported publicly by either by Cars.co.za or elsewhere. We have tried our utmost to make this list as accurate and as definitive as possible but please note that we will update this list regularly as we receive relevant information from manufacturers.
It’s also worth mentioning that arrival timings for new cars are tentative and are subject to change due to ongoing changes and delays in the global supply chain.
New Cars for South Africa in 2023
Alfa Romeo
– Range update expected for existing models (Stelvio, Giulia and Tonale)
Buy an Alfa Romeo on Cars.co.za
Aston Martin
Aston Martin Valhalla – TBC
The mid-engined Aston Martin Valhalla is due on local soil and will feature a potent twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG that combines with a pair of electric motors to produce 699 kW and 1 000 Nm of torque. This all culminates in rapid acceleration with zero to 100 kph claimed in 2.5 seconds before reaching its climax at 350 kph. Pricing has yet to be confirmed for the South African market, but don’t expect to see too many Valhallas out on the road.
Buy an Aston Martin on Cars.co.za
Audi
Audi Q8 e-tron SUV / Sportback – Q3
Audi will have a relatively quiet year in 2023 and its updated electric SUV range, which is now known as the Q8 e-tron, is expected to arrive in the third quarter of 2023. The Q8 e-tron will be available in both SUV and Sportback body styles with 3 powertrains and 2 battery sizes to choose from. The range will be headlined by the Audi S Q8 e-tron which boasts 3 electric motors which combine to produce 370 kW and 973 Nm along with a 104 kWh battery and a claimed electric range of up to 513 km (Sportback). Pricing details will be announced closer to the launch of the Q8 e-tron.
Other products:
Audi RS6 / RS7 Performance – Imminent
BAIC
BAIC BJ80 – TBC
Following the local launch of the BAIC B40 Plus as well as the svelte Beijing X55 compact SUV, BAIC South Africa is expected to further expand its local product offering with a new SUV product and all indications point to the larger BJ80 4×4 SUV making landfall to swipe sales from established offerings from Toyota, Ford, Mitsubishi and Haval. For those who want a Mercedes-Benz G-Class but can’t afford one, the BJ80 will be a more affordable alternative! Engine details have yet to be confirmed but a 3.0-litre V6 engine mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission is likely.
Bentley
– No new product confirmed for 2023
BMW
BMW M2 – Arrived
BMW’s new-generation M2 is now available to local buyers and packs a punch with its 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-6 petrol delivering 338 kW and 550 Nm of torque. All that shove is be sent to the rear rubber via either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. The automatic M2 is able to dispatch the zero to 100kph sprint in just 4.1 seconds while the manual M2 is marginally slower with a claimed sprint time of 4.3 seconds.
Other products:
BMW X1 – Arrived
BMW 3 Series LCI – Arrived
BMW Z4 update – Arrived
BMW iX1 – Arrived
BMW 7 Series – Arrived
BMW XM – Arrived
Chery
Omoda C5 – Arrived
Late in 2021, Chinese car brand, Chery, revealed the new Omoda 5 crossover SUV at the Guangzhou Motor Show and Chery South Africa consequently confirmed that the newcomer would arrive on South African soil in 2023. Note that Omoda is Chery’s luxury sub-brand.
The Omoda C5 makes use of a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine with 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque in conjunction with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Chery made its return to the South African market with the launch of the new Tiggo 4 Pro in 2021 followed by the Tiggo 8 Pro and the Tiggo 7 Pro. The brand has since experienced notable success and will be looking to expand its local offering with the soon-to-be-launched Omoda 5.
Other products:
Chery Tiggo 7 / 8 Hybrid – TBC
See what’s coming from Chery in the next 2 years
Citroen
New Citroen C3 – Arrived
The new Citroen C3 was launched in May 2023 and the newcomer is available with a single engine option, a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque and is currently only offered in conjunction with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Read our Citroen C3 launch review for more information!
Buy a Citroen C3 on Cars.co.za
Ferrari
Ferrari Purosangue -TBC
Ferrari’s first-ever SUV (Ferrari refuses to call it an SUV), called the Purosangue, will hopefully grace South African roads in 2023.
The stylish and swooping 5-door Purosangue is powered by a naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine that develops a heady 533 kW and 716 Nm of torque and is paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission which lays down power to all four wheels. Ferrari says that the Purosangue is good for 3.3 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100 kph and tops out at about 310 kph. Local timing is not yet known but we will keep you updated as soon as we get confirmation.
Other products:
Ferrari 296 GTS – TBC
Fiat
New Fiat Doblo – Q2
New Fiat model – Q3/Q4
Ford
Ford Ranger Raptor – Arrived
The new Ford Ranger Raptor is one of the most highly-anticipated new car introductions of 2023, especially for bakkie lovers across South Africa. The new-generation Raptor welcomes a powerful 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine, which drives all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission and offers peak outputs of 292 kW and 583 Nm.
This, combined, with a Ford Performance suspension setup which includes a Watt’s link rear end and FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers, front and rear locking differentials and an electronically controlled on-demand 2-speed transfer case, will ensure formidable offroad performance.
The new Ford Ranger Raptor is now on sale in South Africa!
Other products:
New Ford Mustang – TBC
New Ford Everest Wildtrak and XLT – Arrived
GWM
A more powerful GWM P-Series on the cards
Since its local introduction, the GWM P-Series has become a fairly common sight on South African roads. While the current P-Series range employs a middling 120 kW / 400 Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, there’s ample room for improvement in terms of performance and we have reason to believe that GWM may very well introduce a more powerful bakkie on the local market.
Earlier this year we reported on the GWM Shanhai Cannon which is expected to go on sale in Australia in 2023, which like South Africa, is also a right-hand-drive market. While it hasn’t been confirmed outright, a strong business case can be made for a more competitive engine choice in our market. The Shanhai Cannon can be had with 3 powertrains including a 137 kW 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine, turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with 260 kW and 500 Nm or a 2.0-litre petrol hybrid derivative. We’re hoping the potent V6 petrol engine is on the cards!
Other products:
GWM P-Series LTD – Arrived
GWM Ora Cat – Q3
Tank brand launch – Mid 2023
Haval
Haval Jolion S – Arrived
The Jolion has been a sales success for Haval ever since it made landfall in South Africa in April 2021 and the big news for the Chinese SUV firm in 2023 is the introduction of a sportier Jolion S as well as the Jolion Hybrid, both of which are currently on sale in South Africa. The Jolion S is powered by an uprated version of the standard model’s turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with 130 kW and 270 Nm which is 25 kW and 60 Nm more than the standard Jolion and comes paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. In addition to the powertrain upgrade, the Jolion S gains a more sophisticated rear independent multi-link rear suspension arrangement, replacing the basic torsion-beam set-up used by the standard model.
We look forward to testing the Jolion S soon!
Other products:
Haval Jolion Hybrid – Arrived
Haval H9 Update – TBC
Haval H6 / Jolion Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – Q3
Buy a used Haval on Cars.co.za
Honda
Honda CR-V -TBC
A new, larger and more stylish Honda CR-V is on the way in 2023. Local specification and pricing details have yet to be confirmed but it’s likely that the current 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine will forge on in revised form to offer 140 kW and 243 Nm (+3 Nm over predecessor) while a 2.0-litre dual motor hybrid-electric CR-V with 150 kW and 335 Nm of torque is also a possibility which will serve as a rival to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Other products:
Honda Civic Type R – Arrived
Honda WR-V – TBC
Buy a used Honda on Cars.co.za
Hyundai
Hyundai Palisade Facelift – Arrived
Hyundai will have a relatively quiet year in 2023 but local buyers are treated to an updated Palisade SUV boasting enhanced styling as well as an interior equipment update which includes a host of new technology and comfort features. As far as powertrains are concerned, the current 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 142 kW and 440 Nm will still be the core offering and the Palisade can be had in either 7- or 8-seat configuration.
Other products:
Grand i10 update + Sedan – Q3/Q4
Isuzu
Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 – Second half 2023
Even though Isuzu has confirmed that its offroad-ready bakkie will be offered in South Africa, exact timing and pricing remain unknown at this stage but we expect to see it in local showrooms before year-end.
This beefed-up and jacked-up D-Max rides on standard 35-inch tyres on matte black alloy wheels and boasts flared bodywork to create a rather imposing stance. The enhanced Bilstein performance suspension ensures improved offroad performance and the Arctic Trucks AT35 stands some 50mm higher than the standard D-Max. Since the SA-spec version is likely to be based on the flagship V-Cross 4×4 double-cab derivative, power would come from Isuzu’s 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which in this state of tune is worth 140 kW and 450 Nm. The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 will be assembled at Isuzu’s plant in Struandale, Gqeberha. We will keep you updated as soon as we receive more information.
Buy a used Isuzu on Cars.co.za
JAC
JAC T9 Hunter – Second Half 2023
JAC Motors South Africa says its new T9 Hunter double-cab bakkie line-up has been pencilled in for a local launch in the second half of 2023.
According to the Chinese firm’s local distributor, the T9 Hunter range will comprise four derivatives, including the choice of 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, and slot in above the current T6 and T8 portfolios.
Interestingly, the South African market looks set to receive a turbodiesel model at launch, before a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant touches down towards the end of 2023. Finally, JAC Motors SA says it plans to introduce a fully electric derivative in “early 2024”.
So, what do we know about the oil-burning engine? Well, it’s a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel mill that generates 125 kW and 410 Nm. In South Africa, the powerplant will be available exclusively in conjunction with an 8-speed automatic transmission sourced from ZF. The 4×4 derivatives will feature a low-range transfer case and a rear differential lock.
Jaguar
Jaguar F-TYPE 75 special editions – Arrived
Jaguar has handed its F-Type one final update before the sportscar rides off into the sunset as the British firm has committed to an EV future as of 2025. The 75-badged F-Type (to celebrate 75 years of Jaguar sportscars) range in South Africa will include coupé and convertible versions of the all-paw 75 and R 75 special-edition models, along with the 331 kW rear-driven R-Dynamic variants (again available in either of the two body styles).
The final F-Type range will include only one engine option: the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 (though in two states of tune), paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
In the lower-output version, the 8-cylinder unit makes 331 kW and 580 Nm. In South Africa, the F-Type 75 will be available exclusively in all-wheel-drive guise, complete with an active electronic rear differential. Jaguar claims a 0-100 kph time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 285 kph.
Then there’s the F-Type R 75, which bears a version of the supercharged V8 worth 423 kW and 700 Nm. With this model, the sprint from standstill to 100 kph takes a claimed 3.7 seconds, while maximum speed is electronically limited to a heady 300 kph.
Other products:
Updated Jaguar F-Pace – 2023 TBC
Buy a used Jaguar on Cars.co.za
Jeep
Jeep Commander / Meridian – TBC
Jeep SA has confirmed that 2 new models are due to reach South Africa in 2023. While currently under consideration for introduction in South Africa (as reported by The Citizen), the Commander (also known as the Meridian in India where it’s produced in right-hand-drive guise) might see the light of day in Mzansi in 2023 or 2024. The Meridian will be Jeep’s answer to the popular Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Isuzu MU-X and Haval H9. The Meridian makes use of a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 125 kW and 350 Nm on offer and can be had with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. We will keep you updated as soon as Jeep SA releases official information.
Other products:
Jeep Wrangler update – Q4
Kia
Kia Seltos Update – Second half of 2023.
Kia has given its stylish Seltos a makeover and it can be expected in local showrooms in the second half of 2023. The Seltos sports a new exterior look, incorporating new-look headlights, daytime running lights, and a new grille. At the rear, there’s a light bar stretching its way across the rear of the vehicle. Inside, the traditional gear lever has been replaced by a rotary switch and the dashboard has been restructured to accommodate the two new 10.25-inch digital screens. The current naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine, 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine and 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine are expected to remain on offer when the updated Seltos arrives in Mzansi. Pricing will be revealed closer to the launch.
Other products:
Kia EV6 – TBC
Lamborghini
Lamborghini Urus Performante – Arrived
As if the Lamborghini Urus wasn’t powerful enough, the Italian supercar manufacturer will unleash a more potent (and updated) version of its best-selling Urus SUV soon. Enter the Urus Performante, now boasting 490 kW and 850 Nm from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine! It’s also some 47 kg lighter and will run from zero to 100kph in just 3.3 seconds before powering on to a top speed of 306 kW!
Other products:
Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato – Imminent
Buy a Lamborghini on Cars.co.za
Land Rover
Land Rover Defender 75th Limited Edition – Arrived
To celebrate 75 years of the iconic Defender, Land Rover has introduced the Defender 75th Limited Edition to South Africa in early 2023. Only 10 (short 90 and long wheelbase 110) will be offered in South Africa and all will be in D300 form. That means a turbocharged, 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder mild-hybrid diesel powertrain is found under the bonnet mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Outputs are rated at 221 kW and 650 Nm of torque.
The Defender 75th Limited Edition is finished in Grasmere Green paint and boasts what Land Rover describes as “unique detailing”. This exterior hue has been reserved for the special-edition model and is repeated on the 20-inch alloy wheels, which are wrapped in all-terrain rubber as standard.
The limited-edition model furthermore gains a subtle “75 Years” graphic at the rear, as well as Ceres Silver bumpers and privacy glass. Inside, the facia panel is finished in Grasmere Green Powder Coat, while the seats are trimmed in Resist Ebony.
According to Land Rover, this particular Defender is “highly collectable”. See pricing details here!
Buy a used Land Rover on Cars.co.za
Lexus
Lexus RX – Arrived
The new RX luxury crossover is on sale with 4 derivatives on offer. The RX range starts with the RX350 which now employs a turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol engine with 205 kW and 430 Nm of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The hybrid RX350h replaces the outgoing RX450h and combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with Lexus’ latest fourth-generation hybrid system to develop 184 kW and 316 Nm of torque and will only be offered in all-wheel-drive guise.
At the top of the range is the new RX 500h F Sport and it combines a turbocharged 2.4-litre turbopetrol engine and a high output electric motor over the rear axle to produce 274 kW and 550 Nm of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission directs power to all-four wheels and Lexus claims 5.9 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100kph. See more details here!
Other products:
Lexus LC Hybrid – TBC
Lexus UX 300e – Under consideration, TBC
Lotus
Emira 3.5-litre V6 – TBC
The Emira is a new mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sportscar to come from Lotus to rival the Porsche 718 Cayman and employs a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 from the Evora and it produces 300 kW and 430 Nm of torque. Zero to 100 kph is said to take less than 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 290 kph. The arrival of the V6-powered Emira will be followed by the introduction of a 2.0-litre, AMG-powered Emira in the second quarter of 2023. Pricing will be confirmed closer the model’s arrival on local soil.
Other products:
Lotus Emira 2.0-litre i4 – Imminent
Lotus Eletre – 2024
Mahindra
Mahindra Scorpio N – Arrived
The Scorpio-N is Mahindra’s new ladder-frame midsized SUV offering and it’s currently on sale in South Africa.
The new Mahindra Scorpio-N is powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel mHawk engine with 129 kW and 400 Nm of torque and is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The diesel-powered Scorpio-N is offered in both rear-wheel and 4×4 guise.
The Scorpio-N 4×4 is equipped with a 4XPLOR terrain management system with a shift-on-the-fly dial to change from 2WD to 4WD and 4LO. The driver are also 3 oddly-named drive modes including Zip, Zap and Zoom.
Read our Mahindra Scorpio N (2023) Launch Review
Other products:
Mahindra Thar – TBC
Maserati
Maserati Grecale – Imminent
Maserati’s Grecale SUV is set to arrive in Mzansi in 2023 and will rival the Porsche Macan on local soil.
From launch, the all-wheel-drive Maserati Grecale will be offered in 3 flavours including the GT, Modena and range-topping Trofeo.
The entry-level Grecale GT is fitted with a 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with mild-hybrid technology and offers outputs of 224 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The Modena uses the same powerplant but power is ramped up to 246 kW while retaining its 450 Nm torque figure. Both derivatives use an 8-speed automatic transmission and Maserati claims a 5.6 second sprint time for the GT while the Modena is capable of 5.3 seconds to 100 kph.
As for the range-topping Grecale Trofeo, it employs the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine from the Maserati MC20 supercar with outputs of 390 kW and 620 Nm of torque. Zero to 100 kph is pegged at 3.8 seconds using a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and an electronic rear limited-slip differential. Top speed is rated at 285 kph.
Pricing will be confirmed closer to the launch.
Other products:
Maserati MC20 Cielo – TBC
Mazda
Mazda CX-60 – Arrived
Mazda has launched the new CX-60 in South Africa in 2023 and the newcomer is based on an all-new rear- and all-wheel-drive platform and features plug-in hybrid and inline 6-cylinder petrol and diesel powertrains. The CX-60 slots in above the current CX-5 family SUV in the firm’s local range. The 241 kW/500 Nm plug-in hybrid power unit is notable, given the recent introduction of a petrol-electric Toyota RAV4 in Mzansi, but it’s not earmarked for local introduction.
Instead, in South Africa, the CX-60 is powered by the brand’s atmospheric 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine with 141 kW and 261 Nm of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Buy a new Mazda CX-60 on Cars.co.za
Other products:
Updated Mazda 2 – Mid 2023
Updated Mazda 3 – End 2023
Updated Mazda CX-3 – Mid 2023
Updated Mazda CX-5 – End 2023
Updated Mazda BT-50 – End 2023
McLaren
McLaren Artura – Arrived
The Artura is McLaren’s first series production High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) supercar and it’s built on the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) which has resulted in the lightest dry weight of 1 395 kg (kerb weight of 1 498 kg) with a said class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 359 kW per ton.
The Artura is powered by an all-new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that develops 430 kW and 585 Nm of torque. This engine combines with a 70 kW electric motor that produces an additional 225 Nm. The Artura is equipped with a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Artura of accelerating from zero to 100 kph in 3.0 seconds flat and will reach 200 kph in just 8.3 seconds and 300 kph in 21.5 seconds. Top speed limited to 330 kph.
Mercedes-Benz Passenger
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance: Q4
The new Mercedes-AMG C63 foregoes its previous V8 powertrain and in its place is a hybrid powertrain that produces a mighty 500 kW and 1 020 Nm of torque! The system includes a 350 kW / 545 Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged engine which combines with a powerful 150 kW / 320 Nm electric motor driving the rear axle and coupled to a 400V electrical system and 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. This powerful hybrid powertrain is mated with a fast-shifting 9-speed Multi-Clutch Transmission (MCT).
The new range-topping C-Class is heavier (2 111 kg) than the model it replaces but with more torque and virtually no turbo lag, the newcomer is faster than its predecessor. Merc says that the new AMG C63 will run from zero to 100 kph in 3.4 seconds before reaching a limited top speed of 280 kph with the AMG Driver’s Package! A fully-variable all-wheel-drive system includes a Drift Mode and active rear-axle steering is standard. The driver has up to 8 drive modes to choose from including, Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual. Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.9 L/100km.
Pricing will be revealed closer to the launch in late 2023.
Other products:
Mercedes-AMG C 43: Arrived
New Mercedes-Benz GLC: Arrived
Mercedes-AMG SL 43: Arrived
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance: Q2
Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan, EQE SUV – Arrived
EQS SUV: Second-half 2023
Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS Facelift: TBC
Mercedes-Benz A-Class, CLA, GLA and GLB: Arrived
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 – TBC
Mercedes-Benz Vans
Mercedes Benz Sprinter Inkanyezi (new engine introduction) – Arrived
Mercedes Benz Sprinter (Motorhome Conversion in collaboration with VanPartner) – Imminent
Mercedes-Benz V-Class Special Edition – Arrived
Mercedes-Benz V-Class Armoured Conversion (in collaboration with VanPartner) – Q4
Buy a Mercedes-Benz on Cars.co.za
Mini
Mini Hatch Resolute Edition – Arrived
As Mini transitions into an EV-only brand, there won’t be any new products on the way in 2023. However, Mini will be launching a range of Edition derivatives, each with their own design flavour. The Mini 3-door, 5-door, convertible and the all-electric Cooper SE will be offered as the Resolute Edition. The Mini Clubman Untold Edition and the Countryman Untamed Edition are also be available to buyers.
Other products:
Mini Clubman Untold Edition – Arrived
Mini Countryman Untamed Edition – Arrived
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi ASX – TBC
The ageing ASX will be replaced with an all-new ASX in 2023. The new ASX is based on the Renault Captur compact crossover but will feature its own design direction. Predictably, the new ASX’s powertrain options in Europe will mirror those of the Captur, which means it will be available in plug-in hybrid form (comprising a 1.6-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 10.5 kWh battery), full-hybrid guise (with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.3 kWh battery) and mild-hybrid form (using a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed double-clutch transmission). There will also be an entry-level model employing a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine driving the front axle through a 6-speed manual gearbox. It remains to be seen what derivatives will be offered in South Africa but we will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.
Other products:
Mitsubishi Outlander – Arrived
Buy a Mitsubishi on Cars.co.za
Nissan
Nissan Qashqai e-Power – Q2
Following the introduction of the new third-generation Nissan Qashqai in South Africa, the Japanese firm will follow up with the Qashqai e-Power in the second quarter of 2023. The Qashqai e-Power hybrid combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine that serves as a generator to charge the 1.97 kWh battery while an electric motor is responsible for driving the front wheels. Total outputs for the Nissan Qashqai e-Power are 140 kW and 250 Nm. Pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.
Other products:
Nissan X-Trail – TBC
Nissan X-Trail e-Power – TBC
Opel
Opel Grandland Update – TBC
Opel Corsa Range Update – Q3
Peugeot
Updated Peugeot 208 – Q4
Updated Peugeot 2008 – Q3
Porsche
Porsche 911 Dakar – Second half 2023
A limited number of Porsche 911 Dakars will reach South Africa in the second half of 2023 and if you consider that only 2 500 are to be produced, then the 911 Dakar’s ownership appeal increases dramatically.
The 911 Dakar is based on the 911 Carrera 4 GTS coupé and uses the same twin-turbo 3.0-litre, flat-6 petrol engine, which generates heady peak outputs of 353 kW and 570 Nm. Porsche claims its new PDK-equipped all-terrain sportscar will complete the 0-100 kph sprint in just 3.4 seconds, a mere one-tenth behind the likewise all-paw GTS. To ensure effective gravel-travel ability, the 911 Dakar stands some 50 mm higher than a standard 911 Carrera while a standard lift system can raise the height by an additional 30 mm. Pricing for the incoming 911 Dakar has been pegged in the region of R4 140 000.
Proton
– New product expected, TBC.
Renault
Renault Arkana – Second half of 2023
This is Renault’s coupe-crossover called the Arkana and Renault SA has confirmed its local arrival sometime in the second half of 2023. With its coupe-like styling and modern interior, the Arkana will appeal to buyers looking for both a stylish and practical SUV. Local engine choices have yet to be confirmed but options include a choice of hybridised powertrains including a 104 kW and 119 kW 1.3-litre turbocharged engine with 12V mild-hybrid system as well as a 104 kW E-Tech Hybrid. We will keep you updated as soon as local specification and pricing details become available.
Other products:
New Captur – Arrived
Renault Oroch – TBC
Renault Koleos MY23
Renault Duster MY23
Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce Spectre – Q4
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is the brand’s first production electric vehicle, and the first units will be reaching customers by the end of 2023. The Spectre makes use of 2 electric motors with a combined output of 430 kW and 900 Nm of torque and an estimated electric driving range of 420 km. More technical details, specification and local pricing will be revealed closer to launch.
Other products:
Rolls-Royce Phantom 8 Series II – Arrived
Buy a Rolls-Royce on Cars.co.za
Subaru
Subaru Crosstrek – Arrived
The Subaru XV name has been dropped and is now known as the Crosstrek globally. The third-generation Subaru Crosstrek was announced in Japan earlier this year and is now available in South Africa.
Physically, the Subaru Crosstrek is 4 480 mm long, 1 800 mm wide and 1 580 mm high. This new model features a 5 mm longer wheelbase, is 15 mm longer and 30 mm taller. Subaru claims a ground clearance of 200 mm.
The Japanese brand’s familiar naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder Boxer petrol engine is found under the bonnet. With symmetrical all-wheel drive as standard, power again goes to all 4 corners via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters and 8 pre-set steps.
In the Crosstrek, this horizontally opposed motor makes an unchanged 115 kW and 196 Nm, though now sips at a claimed 7.2 litres per 100 km, making it ever-so-slightly more efficient than before.
Other products:
Subaru Outback XT (2.4 Turbo engine added to range) – Arrived
Suzuki
Suzuki Grand Vitara – Arrived
Suzuki Auto South Africa has welcomed the new Grand Vitara to South Africa. The Grand Vitara is sourced from Maruti Suzuki in India, where it is offered in mild-hybrid and full-hybrid forms.
The Grand Vitara is available locally in two engine configurations, though seemingly not the full hybrid. The powertrains include Suzuki’s familiar K15B naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder unit with 77 kW and 138 Nm and the new (likewise atmospheric) K15C 1.5-litre dual-jet motor with mild-hybrid technology with 76 kW and 136 Nm. K15B-equipped variants will be available with the choice of a manual or automatic transmission, while the K15C-endowed derivatives will feature “AllGrip” all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.
Toyota
Toyota Crown Crossover Type – Imminent
The Toyota Crown nameplate is going global and the Crown Crossover can be expected on local soil shortly, albeit in limited numbers.
The Crown Crossover is equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre petrol engine as part of a hybrid system that incorporates a “newly developed bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery”.
According to Toyota, the system’s total power output stands at 176 kW, while the combined fuel consumption comes in at a mere 4.4 litres per 100 km. Drive is directed to all 4 wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). From what we can tell, this powertrain set-up is closely related to the version employed by the new Lexus RX 350h, which itself has just arrived in SA. For now, at least, the Crown’s more powerful turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol-electric engine won’t be offered locally.
Other products:
Toyota Vitz – Arrived
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid GR Sport – Arrived
Toyota Corolla Update – TBC
Toyota Supra Manual – Arrived
Toyota GR Corolla – Arrived
Toyota RAV4 PHEV – TBC
Volkswagen
Volkswagen Golf 8 R – Arrived
The wait for the new Volkswagen Golf 8 R has been painfully long but the potent hatchback is finally available in local showrooms. We have, however, driven the Golf 8 R on local soil and you’d be wise to either read our written review or watch our video review so that you can be informed before making a purchase.
See specs and pricing details here!
Other products:
Volkswagen Amarok – Arrived
Volkswagen Polo Vivo GT Update – Arrived
Volkswagen T-Cross Trendline – TBC
Facelifted Volkswagen Touareg – Q4
Volkswagen Polo Sedan TSI – TBC
Buy a Volkswagen on Cars.co.za
Volvo
Volvo C40 Recharge – Arrived
Volvo’s EV footprint is growing in South Africa and the Swedish firm recently introduced its electric C40 Recharge crossover to the local market.
The Volvo C40 Recharge is powered by 2 electric motors, one over each axle, and supplemented with a 78 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that offers up to 451 km on a single charge (WLTP). The C40 Recharge offers outputs of 300 kW and 660 Nm and is capable of accelerating from zero to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds.
