Derek Watts Column
The floodgates are about to open. Sadly not in the drought-stricken areas of our country but with a tantalising range of new models to tempt those fortunate citizens who haven’t been hit by the dwindling economy. The models we are talking about are not those gracing superyacht Serene which was rented by Bill Gates for $5 million a week, but the latest exotic four-wheel offerings.
According to Forbes, the country’s richest businessmen have continued to grow their fortunes over the turn of the decade and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote from Nigeria, will be spoiled for choice with his $15 billion fortune. So Aliko won’t be too stretched to take a look at the Ferrari F8 Spider – the sub-three second naked Tributo at a shade over R6 million. Or the return of a topless, front-mounted V12 after a gap of 50 years with the 812 GTS.
The most exciting local landing from Mclaren will be the very limited Super Series lightweight to join the sought-after 720S, 675LT and 650S segment. Just don’t expect anything lightweight about the price.
Or maybe add a dash of distinction and class by getting behind the wheel of a RollsRoyce Phantom or off-road Cullinan which spurred on their Middle-east and Africa sales by almost 30% last year. The Black Badge versions are designed for “youthful and adventurous” customers and this is one of their best performing regions. You are right – the rich get richer...
But are they also patient? Because it might be worth hanging on for just a year or two to snag an iconic ego booster.
The 1 000-horsepower Aston Martin Valkyries, limited to a production of 150, have already been sold out. But the midengined, electronically boosted V8 Vanquish is due to be unleashed in 2022. I’m sure orders are open!
Mercedes-benz have had a few challenges converting an actual Formula One powertrain for use in a street legal car, but the 1,6-litre hybrid-assisted Mercedes-amg One should eventually hit showroom floors next year. With a delay of around two years for the twoseater, you may expect every single one to come with an original Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton MBE signature.
But there is probably no name that gets pulses racing like Bugatti. And it was a modified version of the Chiron that became the first hypercar to beat the 300 mph barrier on Volkswagen’s Ehra-lessien track in August last year.
As with Eliud Kipchoge’s incredible INEOS sub-two-hour marathon record in Vienna, there is a hint of controversy. The naysayers claim test driver Andy Wallace – nice job to have when you’re almost 60 –was only timed in one direction. No relation to the boy band.
Fact is that mark of 304.77 mph is enough for Bugatti to set up the lines for 300 production versions of the “record-breaking” prototype. So the indications are that the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport will be on the most-wanted list for next year.
The other fact is that most of us don’t have Aston Martins, Ferraris, Mclarens or Rollers on our shopping lists. What we do have is a selection of more modest, but undeniably outstanding motor vehicles on the list for the coveted 2020 Auto Trader South African Car of the Year (COTY) title.
The 14 finalists were selected after hundreds of thousands of consumer votes, and range from the Hyundai Atos to the Mercedes-benz GLE. And the 27 selected members of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists will scrutinise the line-up in every aspect, from design to technology, ride and handling to safety. And, of course, value for money!
A combination of the jurors’ evaluation and the public vote will determine this year’s winner for a leading manufacturer – along with a boost in sales and prestige.
Citroën has recently re-entered the South African market and a trophy in the cabinet would be a great start for the French manufacturer of the C3 Aircross.
Mazda’s last COTY triumph was in 2008 but they could be optimistic after winning the consumer vote with the Mazda3.
An electric car has never been in the running, so the Jaguar i-pace could make Auto Trader SA Car of the Year history.
My top tip? That’s difficult... I’m on the Guild’s panel of jurors. It’s your choice! Here are the contenders: BMW 3 Series, BMW X5, Citroën C3 Aircross, Ford Ranger Raptor, Hyundai Atos, Jaguar I-PACE, Mazda3, Mercedes-benz GLE, Peugeot 5008, Suzuki Swift Sport, Toyota Corolla Hatch, Toyota GR Supra, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen T-cross.