WORLD OF WHEELS The low-down on wheels for the new year
With the Bay abuzz over the new VW Polo, Lerato Matebese checks out new models to look forward to in South Africa this year
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ALFA ROMEO
The Italian marque will make available the high-performance QV (Quadrifoglio Verde) variant of its Stelvio SUV in the second quarter. It will be powered by the Ferrari-derived 2.9l twin-turbo V6 that also powers the Giulia QV. Also on its way is the Giulia Veloce, an uprated version of the standard model, in the second quarter.
AUDI
It will be a relatively busy year for the Ingolstadt brand with a number of niche models making their way to us, not least the A7 Sportback which will have its global launch in South Africa this month and will be available here in the second quarter. Another niche product from the stable will be the Q8 SUV, although timing has yet to be confirmed. The flagship sedan, A8, is scheduled to arrive in the second quarter, while the TT sports coupe will be updated in the third quarter.
BMW
Another busy year awaits the Bavarian brand, kicking things off with the anticipated M5 this month, followed by the X2 crossover early in March.
The i8 Roadster is expected in 2018 with the facelift for the coupe.
Local timing has also not yet been confirmed for the flagship X model, the X7. We are likely to see the special edition M3 CS in the second quarter and the updated i3 electric vehicle will be here in April.
FERRARI
The biggest news from the Prancing Horse is the arrival of the California replacement, the Portofino. Though timelines are yet to be confirmed, it should be here around April.
FIAT
The Italian brand will introduce an updated 500X in the second quarter that will share a number of updates that will also be introduced in its sister model, the Jeep Renegade. The Panda Cross 4x2 will appear in the second quarter.
FORD
The latest generation of the Fiesta and Figo will be introduced in the second quarter. The former will have a number of new technologies to help fight the class-leading VW Polo that has just arrived in SA. The EcoSport crossover will make its way here in the second quarter.
HONDA
Arguably the most anticipated model from the stable, the high-performance new generation Civic Type R, which has received critical acclaim in overseas markets, will arrive here this month.
HYUNDAI
The Korean manufacturer has its i20 facelift scheduled to arrive in the first quarter. Other models under consideration include the new Veloster.
JAGUAR
The biggest news from the British marque is that it will enter the compact premium crossover market with its E-Pace arriving here in March to take on the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Local availability of larger J-Pace will probably only be in 2019.
The electric I-Pace could arrive in SA this year, but with infrastructure planning required, next year seems more likely.
JEEP
A busy year awaits the Italian-American SUV brand in the form of the new Compass finding its way here in the first quarter, while the facelifted Cherokee will be here in the second quarter.
The indomitable Wrangler will be introduced in the third quarter, with diesel variants said to follow in the fourth quarter. The fire-breathing Grand Cherokee Trailhawk will arrive in the second quarter.
KIA
This year sees the arrival of the new Cerato, recently unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show, and the underrated Sorento SUV will receive some cosmetic updates.
The Stinger sports sedan is still under consideration.
The Stonic crossover is also not confirmed but a Kia SA spokesman has told us the company is keen to bring it here and if negotiations are successful then it could arrive in the second quarter.
LAND ROVER
The British brand will bring updated versions of its Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, which will feature the new interior appointments of the Velar. The SVX version of the Discovery is earmarked for local introduction in the third quarter.
The company is also working on the next generation Evoque and a new Freelander and Defender, but SA will likely only see them next year.
LEXUS
The company’s flagship LS sedan will make its way here in the second quarter, as will the seven-seater RX L SUV.
MAHINDRA
The Indian brand will update its KUV 100 crossover sometime this year.
MAZDA
Both the Mazda 2 and 3 are scheduled to be updated this year, although exact timelines are yet to be confirmed.
MERCEDES-BENZ
Yet another busy year awaits the German luxury brand with its updated S-Class having arrived last week, while the S-Class coupe and convertible will receive updates in the second quarter. The new A-Class is scheduled for the third quarter. The C-Class will receive updates in the third quarter, while the G-Class’s arrival will be confirmed later this year. The biggest news will be the arrival of the new X-Class bakkie.
NISSAN
Nissan will finally make its new Micra available in SA in the second quarter. Its electric car, the new Leaf, will also arrive then. Before these though, the updated Qashqai will arrive in the first quarter.
OPEL
Having launched the Crossland X crossover late last year, the German marque will offer the even larger Grandland X in May. There has been no confirmed word on the new Corsa, but it could make its way here later this year or early next year.
PEUGEOT
The French brand will update the 308 in the first quarter and launch the 5008 in the fourth quarter.
PORSCHE
The German marque will bring in the new Cayenne before the end of the second quarter. The fire-breathing 911 GT2 RS is yet to be confirmed. Both the 718 Boxster and Cayman GTS models will be available in the first quarter.
RENAULT
Expect new Clio and Sandero models in the first quarter, while the third quarter will see the arrival of the Megane RS. The significantly updated Duster crossover will also be introduced in the third quarter. The much-anticipated Alaskan bakkie is still under consideration, but it could be here late in the second quarter. The Koleos SUV is under consideration for SA this year as well. Those hoping Renault would bring its Alpine brand in the form of the new A110 will be disappointed as Renault SA has put plans in this regard on hold for now.
SUBARU
The company will introduce the new Legacy and Outback this month, while the Levorg and new Forester are still to be confirmed. An updated version of the STI performance sedan will also be introduced in the first quarter.
SUZUKI
The Japanese brand will introduce the new Swift in the second quarter, while the Ciaz sedan will be updated in the first quarter. The new Jimny is yet to be confirmed.
TOYOTA
Another addition to the Yaris range is waiting in the wings, while a new Auris is earmarked for the fourth quarter. Further updates to the Hilux are also on the cards this year.
VOLKSWAGEN
One of the biggest nameplates in the industry, the new Polo launched last week , while a new Polo Vivo will be introduced this month. The seven-seater Tiguan Allspace arrives in April and the Arteon four-door coupe is scheduled for May.
VOLVO
The Swedish brand will introduce the XC40 compact crossover in the second quarter. The mid-sized SUV, the XC60, is scheduled for the third quarter. – BDLive