The new year is nearly upon us, ready to usher in an exciting list of cars that we can’t wait to drive.
Looking back over the course of 2024, the motoring public was treated to several eye-catching models from the next-gen Toyota Prado and Ford Mustang to the BMW X3, Suzuki Swift, and Chery Tiggo Cross.
The good news is that there is still plenty more to come in 2025, and these are a few of the models we’re most excited for.
What’s coming in 2025
Starting with South Africa’s favourite bakkie segment, the headliner for 2025 will be the all-new Kia Tasman, marking the Korean automaker’s first foray into the space.
The Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will also go on sale next year, though it is currently unconfirmed for our market even though its factory is right here in Pretoria.
Another pickup still in the works is the next-gen Nissan Navara, which is expected to break cover in 2025 now that its half-sibling, the Mitsubishi Triton, has gone on sale in numerous countries including our own.
While we wait for the new Navara, it’s possible the company may also introduce the halo-model Warrior for the current generation, which is comparable to something like the Toyota Hilux GR-Sport.
Looking at the SUV bubble, one of the most intriguing entries heading our way is the new Renault Duster, representing one of the last bastions of affordable 4×4 crossovers.
Another major addition in 2025 will be the next-gen Audi Q5, which will complete the holy trinity of German midsize SUVs alongside the up-to-date BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Kia has the new Sorento and Carnival lined up, and Renault will follow up on the Duster with the refreshed Captur, Kiger, and the new Arkana.
Of course, Chinese automakers are not slowing down their South African expansion anytime soon, as Jetour will launch two flagship models for the Dashing and X70 Plus, as well as the new T2.
Chery, meanwhile, will roll out the PHEV Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro, as well as the flagship Tiggo 9 Pro.
Omoda and Jaecoo are then planning to launch at least six different cars including the C7, C9 PHEV, J5, J6, J7 PHEV, and J8.
Hatchbacks are another fan-favourite segment in South Africa, and one of the biggest stories in recent months concerns the VW Golf, which is finally getting a non-performance model in South Africa.
As nice as the hot hatch GTI and R variants are, a more affordable TSI option is sure to be a welcome addition to the nation’s shrinking pool of premium small cars.
Renault will also release the updated Clio, and Audi will do the same with the new A3 and RS3.
While BMW has already played its hand in the hatchback scene with the 1 Series, Mini still has a lot in store for 2025 with the new Aceman, Cooper Convertible, and John Cooper Works performance models.
One other set of models worth pointing out is the new Fiat and Abarth 500e, which were initially set to appear this year but have evidently been delayed.
These will be the first two fully-electric cars from the broader Stellantis stable in South Africa, with one being a (relatively) mass-market option while the other is targeting a sportier demographic.
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