Motorists have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks, as there are at least eight new cars launching in South Africa this March.
This includes flagships for two of the country’s best-selling vehicles, two hybrids, and a battery-powered hatchback that is shaping up to be the most affordable electric vehicle (EV) on the market.
First up is the BMW X2 crossover coupe, which has two models to choose from – the sDrive18i M Sport and the M35i.
The sDrive features a 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol motor with 115kW and 230Nm, while the sporty M35i ups the stakes with a 2.0-litre turbo producing 233kW and 400Nm.
Another sleek SUV hitting storefronts this month is a new all-wheel-drive version of Chery’s Tiggo 8 Pro Max, which was previously only available with a front-wheel-drive setup.
It uses the same 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol plant with 145kW and 290Nm, and features all of the brand’s best offerings including a suite of 15 advanced driver assistance systems.
Ford enthusiasts have something exciting to wait for as well, as the Blue Oval has two different Ranger bakkies ready to go – the Platinum and Tremor.
The Platinum is the new flagship of the Ranger stable, excluding the high-performance Raptor, and is placed at the top of the line-up ahead of the 3.0-litre V6 Wildtrak.
The Tremor, meanwhile, is a special-edition version of the mid-range Ranger XLT that boasts modified suspension and other enhancements similar to the Wildtrak X.
If you’re a fan of South Africa’s other top bakkie maker, Toyota, you’ll be happy to hear that two more Hilux units are arriving very soon, as well as another Fortuner SUV.
The Fortuner and one of the Hilux models are mild-hybrids (MHEVs) that use the brand’s 2.8-litre, turbo-diesel powertrain with a 48V battery and electric motor generator.
The hybrid system provides an additional 12kW and 65Nm when setting off from a standstill for smoother acceleration, and the company claims the system helps to reduce fuel consumption by 5%.
In stark contrast to these more frugal options, the carmaker is also launching the Hilux GR-Sport III which features much more aggressive styling, handling, and performance compared to the previous GR-branded models sold in South Africa.
Finally, there’s the BYD Dolphin, the second car to come from the Chinese automaker, which is expected to take the title of the country’s most affordable electric car from the GWM Ora when it lands in the next few weeks.
It’s also worth mentioning that the facelifted Haval Jolion and new H7 are expected to launch very soon, though the company has not yet announced an official date.
Lots to be excited about
These are all of the cars that are confirmed to be launching in South Africa in March 2024.
Click on the underlined links for more information.
BMW X2
BYD Dolphin
- Starting price – R550,000
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Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max AWD
- Starting price – To be announced
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Ford Ranger Platinum
- Starting price – R1,119,000
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Ford Ranger Tremor
Toyota Fortuner MHEV
- Starting price – To be announced
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Toyota Hilux GR-Sport III
- Starting price – To be announced
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Toyota Hilux MHEV
- Starting price – To be announced
- Read more
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