One thing for certain is that the production of vehicles will never stop. The global chip shortage, brought on by the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, forced most automakers to delay production for a while – though the worst of the storm seems to have been navigated.
Compared to a decade ago, most modern vehicles come with all sorts of creature comforts and a host of safety features to boot. The VW Golf 8 GTI was the most anticipated car launch of 2021 and in 2022, bakkies will take centre stage as both Ford and VW will be launching brand-new models of the Ranger and Amarok, respectively. South Africa is considered bakkie country, after all.
Most new vehicles come with a host of optional extras that can include, but is not limited to, bigger wheels, a smokers pack, panoramic sunroof or heated seats. While it is nice to have, it will push up the purchase price as well.
That new car smell
South Africa once used to be overlooked as a destination for certain models to be sold here – the Nissan GT-R and Toyota Supra are prime examples – but the tide has turned significantly in the last decade – better late than never. Manufacturers like Mahindra and Suzuki, to name a few, have largely benefitted from dealing in the country.
Electric mobility and a zero emission future is at the forefront of automaker’s minds as internal combustion engines, or ICE for short, are gradually being ‘phased out’. The likes of Audi (with their e-Tron range) and Mercedes-Benz (with their EQ range) are pushing the envelope locally regarding EVs as they already have a slew of models in the pipeline for launch.
It’s worth noting that official launch times are subject to change. Gumtree lists the new models set to be launched this year (per automaker):
Audi
e-tron Sportback – Q1
e-tron Sportback S – Q1
e-tron SUV – Q1
e-tron GT – Q1
RS e-tron GT – Q1
Aston Martin
Valhalla – Q3
Alfa Romeo
Tonale – Q4
BMW
2 Series Coupe – Q1
Ford
Ranger – Q4
Ferrari
296 GTB – Q2
Fiat
500X Cabriolet – Q2
Honda
HR-V – Q3
Hyundai
Kona N – Q1
Al
Isuzu
D-Max – Q2
Kia
Carnival – Q1
Sportage – Q2
Sorento – Q1
Lexus
NX – Q1
LX – Q1
Mahindra
XUV700 – Q4
McLaren
Artura – Q4
Mercedes-Benz
EQA – Date to be confirmed
EQB – Date to be confirmed
EQC – Date to be confirmed
EQE – Date to be confirmed
EQS – Date to be confirmed
Nissan
Qashqai – Q1
Porsche
911 GT3 – Q1
Panamera Platinum Edition – Q2
Renault
Clio – Q1
Trafic – Q2
Oroch – 2023
Subaru
WRX – Q2
Suzuki
Celerio – Q2/Q3
Toyota
GR86 – Q3
Volvo
XC60 – Q1
Volkswagen
Amarok – Q4
Caddy – Q1
Golf 8 R – Q2
Taigo – Q2
