Take a look at 5 new small crossovers that are set to shake up the local market when they arrive in 2017 and beyond.
The crossover segment is the fastest growing vehicle segment in South Africa and vehicle manufacturers are introducing new crossover models at a blistering rate. The small crossover market is inhabited by the Ford EcoSport, Renault Captur and Duster, Mazda CX-3, Opel Mokka, Peugeot 2008, Honda BR-V and HR-V, Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade and even the Kia Soul.
Consumers seem spoilt for choice, but there is a host of new and exciting compact family cars destined for South Africa and they could disrupt the crossover club upon their arrival. Let’s take a look at 5 of the most highly-anticipated crossovers that will be introduced in South Africa in the near future.
Opel Mokka X
The Opel Mokka was introduced to South Africa in March 2015, but has been selling up a storm in Europe since 2012. Now, a heavily revised version, called Mokka X, is on its way and it’s expected to arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2017.
The Mokka X features updated styling and a newly designed interior. The current 1.4-litre turbopetrol motor (with peak outputs of 103 kW and 200 Nm) will be carried over to the new version (available with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission), but in front-wheel-drive configuration only.
Further reading:
Opel Mokka X (2017) First Drive
Opel goes all-wheel drive with Mokka X
Opel Mokka 1.4T Cosmo Automatic (2015) Review
Serach for a new or used Opel on Cars.co.za
Toyota C-HR
Toyota used the recent Paris Motor Show to showcase its new C-HR crossover and based on looks alone, it’s bound to sell up a storm when it arrives in South Africa early in 2017. The C-HR, which had its full reveal at the recent Paris Motor Show, will be powered by a two turbopetrol engines including an 85 kW 1.2-litre turbo engine and a range-topping 2.0-litre turbo engine producing 106 kW. A hybrid C-HR is also likely, offering 90 kW. Buyers will have the choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Further reading:
Toyota C-HR: Officially Debuts in Paris
Toyota C-HR Crossover Revealed
Find a new or used Toyota on Cars.co.za
Hyundai Creta
Hyundai products are quite popular in South Africa and the new Creta crossover (also known as iX25 in some markets) should be well received when it arrives on local soil in February 2017.
Featuring the brand’s latest fluidic sculpture design philosophy, the Creta will be powered by either a petrol or a turbodiesel engine. The naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine will offer 90 kW and will be mated to either a manual or automatic transmission. The flagship Creta derivative will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine that will offer 94 kW and will only be offered with an automatic transmission. All Creta derivatives will come in Executive trim only, which means it will be available with a high level of standard features.
Further reading:
New Hyundai Creta Compact SUV Revealed
Find a new or used Hyundai on Cars.co.za
Audi Q2
The new small crossover from Audi is coming to South Africa in the first quarter of 2017 and it will offer the latest infotainment, connectivity and safety systems in the brand’s arsenal. In terms of engines, Audi is yet to confirm local engine specifications but you can expect a three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo engine offering 81 kW. A 1.4 TFSI motor is likely too as well as a turbodiesel option, which will likely be an 85 kW 1.6-litre unit. A 6-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission will be available.
Further reading:
Audi Q2 (2016) First Drive
Audi Q2 Finally Revealed at Geneva 2016
Teased: Audi Q2
Find a new or used Audi on Cars.co.za
Nissan Kicks
Slotting between the Juke and Qashqai, the Nissan Kicks will only be introduced to the local market in 2018.
The engine offering for the South African market is yet to be confirmed, but you can expect the Kicks to be powered by the same engines found in the Juke and Qashqai. That means that a 1.2-litre turbopetrol motor offering 85 kW and 190 Nm of torque is probable, as well as a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 81 kW and 260 Nm of torque. A CVT or 6-speed manual transmission will be offered.
Further reading:
Nissan Kicks [2018] First Drive
Nissan Kicks Coming to SA in 2018 [with Video]
