This year’s buyers are spoilt for choice
2015 looks set to be yet another bumper year as far as product launches are concerned, writes Lerato Matebese
LOOKING into the automotive crystal ball, 2015 will bring yet another raft of new cars that will leave the buyer simply spoilt for choice. With everything from entry level models right up to the most luxurious and premium offerings, there seems to be something to appease most tastes this year.
The industry started off with a multitude of simultaneous launches taking place, setting the scene for a busy year.
Alfa Romeo will update its Giulietta in the first quarter, while the gorgeous 4C Spider will be available sometime in the year.
Audi will kick things off with the launch of the TT later this month, while both the A6 and A7 models will receive some botox treatment around March or April. Both the A1 and Q3 will receive the once over in May, while the all- new Q7 SUV will make its debut in September. July will usher in the sportier TT-S variant of the TT. The fire-breathing RS3 hot hatch will blast into the market in the fourth quarter of the year.
BMW has launched its first front-wheel drive model, the 2 Series Active Tourer, to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz BClass in the premium mini MPV market. Both the i3 and i8 electric models will be made available later this month and the team is def- initely eager to sample both, but perhaps more so the latter.
This week Motor News is in the US driving the dynamic duo of the X5M and X6M which will make their South African debut in April, while the 2 Series convertible will also be made available about the same time. The 1 Series will receive an update in July, which will give it a much tidier look, while at the same time the entire 6 Series range will receive a midlife update too.
Citroen will have a relatively quiet period with only the C4 Cactus its major launch this year. It will be crucial for the company and could decide its future here.
Ford, meanwhile, has a bevy of models to launch, not least the Fusion sedan launched last month. It will also launch its Transit Connect van and MPV this month, while the updated Focus will reach our shores in the second quarter. The high-performance ST version will make its debut in the third quarter. The fourth quarter will be busy indeed for the marque with the new Ranger and Everest due, followed near the end of the year by the highly anticipated Mustang.
Fiat will introduce its 500X crossover in July, while the 500L Trekking will be available on the market as you read this.
Honda’s third generation Jazz already joined the fray last month while the Civic Type-R will be here by the third quarter. Because we know it is the burning question for Honda fans, the second generation NSX supercar is only likely to arrive here in 2016.
Hyundai’s new i20 makes its debut this week, while both the new Sonata and Genesis sedans are now under consideration for SA. The grossly delayed Veloster turbo is also under consideration, but perhaps the manufacturer