Phew! As predicted at the beginning of 2022, last year was an eventful one, with many product launches. Not that we’re complaining because, the M&G Motoringwe love bringing you world class motoring content.
And now we’re seeing some cars coming on the road, if all goes to plan, what with the shortage of semiconductor chips that many manufacturers still have.
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Alfa Romeo District
Alfa Romeo’s local branch is expected to update the Giulia and Stelvio range, including the powerful Quadrifoglio model. Judging from the images, the 2023 model is set to get a new face and headlights, similar to those fitted to the recently launched Tonale, as well as a new touchscreen version. However, we expect no changes to the powertrains.
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Audi
Audi SA has set the introduction of the Q8 e-Tron and e-Tron Sportback models for the third quarter. While it remains to be seen which variant of the newly debuted Q8 e-Tron will make its way to Mzansi, overseas markets are getting the Q8 50 e-Tron, Q8 55 e-Tron and Q8 SQ8 e-Tron.
Regarding the specifics, the Q8 50 e-Tron uses an 89kWh battery that powers the electric motors, one on each axle. The setup delivers 250kW and 664Nm in Boost mode. The Q8 55 e-Tron, on the other hand, gets a larger 104kWh battery that ensures a total of 300kW and 664Nm. The RSQ8 e-Tron pushes out 370kW and 973Nm, thanks to the 104kWh battery.
Additionally, expect the Performance duo RS 4 and RS 5 to launch in 2023.
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BMW
2023 will be a busy year for BMW. The Munich-based automaker’s 7 models will officially go on sale in the new year, starting with the Z4, iX1, M2 and XM in the second quarter. The updated X1 and 3 series will go on sale officially in the third quarter.
You can expect a top 7 series in the first quarter.
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Citroën
Citroen SA is expected to introduce the new model in the second quarter. Details about the new model remain under tight wraps.
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Fiat
In the second quarter, Fiat will introduce the new 7-seater Doblo, and between the third and fourth quarter, we can expect a new model, the identity of which remains unknown at this stage.
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Ford
In 2023, Ford South Africa will introduce the new Ranger Raptor, which has better off-road capabilities and many new technologies. However, the most significant change is the new powertrain which includes a twin-turbo 3.0 liter EcoBoost V6 with 292kW and 583Nm of torque.
Although Ford SA remains tight-lipped about the timing, the new Mustang is expected to be launched locally in the new year, possibly after it goes on sale in the United States.
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Honda |
The Japanese marque just confirmed the CR-V, but the date has yet to be confirmed. The brand also promises to launch other new products in 2023, including the powerful Civic Type-R.
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Jaguar Land Rover Kab
South Africa can look forward to the arrival of the 130-seat Defender 8, which will be available in various trim levels. It will be joined by the Defender 75th Edition model in either 90 or 110 guises.
Jaguar will introduce the F-Type 75th Edition and the F-Pace SVR 1988 Edition. All the models mentioned above will arrive in SA in the first quarter.
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Jeep
Jeep will have a busy year ahead. In the first and third quarters, the brand will launch new products, followed by the facelifted Wrangler to reach the coast in the fourth quarter.
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Lexus South Africa
The local arm of the Japanese brand will introduce the fifth generation Lexus RX early this year. It comes with a prominent makeover following the same mature recipe as Lexus’ latest vehicles.
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Mahindra
Mahindra will probably introduce the Scorpio-N range in the first quarter. It will be the brand’s new entry-level midsize SUV and will offer a more rugged stance than the current Scorpio. Now that production delays have eased in India, Mahindra will also introduce the new Thar, possibly in the last half of the year.
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Maserati
Set to go head-to-head with the Porsche Macan, the Grecale will be introduced in the first quarter and will slot just below the Levante. It will be offered in three variants: GT, Modena and Trofeo.
This will be followed by the MC20 Cielo, a spyder variant of the MC20 super sports car that features a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6 engine with 463kW and 729Nm.
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Mazda South Africa
After debuting earlier this year, the Mazda CX-60 is likely to join the SUV segment of the local market in the new year. However, the model’s launch time remains a mystery. The CX-60 is the brand’s first hybrid SUV and packs a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine and an electric motor good for 141 kW and 261 Nm. The 17.8 kWh battery pack gives the SUV a driving range of up to 63 km before the combustion engine takes over.
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Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz SA will introduce many models in the new year. Headlining the range is the Mercedes-AMG C43, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine for the first time, set to join the fray in February. The 48-volt mild hybrid system increases the power output to 300kW and 500Nm.
This will be followed by the GLC and SL 43 variants in April. Mercedes-Benz also plans to launch the EQE, EQE SUV and EQS SUV next year, with specific launch times to be communicated.
The GLE and GLS facelifts are slated to take place at the end of the second and third quarters. Together, the brand will introduce facelift models of the A, CLA, GLA and GLB vehicles. The new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe will be launched in the fourth quarter as well as the C63 SE Performance with a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 500kW of power and 1 020Nm of torque.
Mini
The brand plans to introduce the Mini Hatch Resolute Edition and the Mini Clubman Untold Edition early this year. Mini Countryman Untamed Edition will follow. The model will add special design features that distinguish it from its counterparts.
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Opel South Africa
The manufacturer will introduce the facelifted Grandland in the first quarter, followed by the facelifted Corsa line-up which will be launched in the third quarter.
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Peugeot
In the third quarter, the French automaker will introduce the updated 2008, followed by the 208 in the fourth quarter.
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Renault
In the next few months, Renault hopes to introduce the new Captur, which now follows the same design language as other products. From the middle of the year, we can expect the Oroch, a bakkie based on the popular Duster crossover.
Renault will launch the new Koleos, Duster and Megane RS300 Ultime during the same period. Arkana will follow.
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Subaru
It looks like it’s going to be a relaxing year ahead for the folks at Subaru. The brand will introduce the new Crosstrek, replacing the popular XV. There is very little information about the Crosstrek but reports indicate that it will be based on the outgoing model but will be more advanced.
Subaru will also launch the Outback XT, which has a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer engine that produces 183kW of power and 350Nm of torque delivered to all corners via a CVT transmission and Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system. According to Subaru SA, the model will be launched in April and May.
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Volkswagen South Africa
Volkswagen SA has a range of interesting products to launch throughout the year. In the first quarter, the brand will introduce the Tiguan with a turbocharged diesel engine and the all-new Amarok, while the Golf 8 R will also go on sale officially.
The second quarter will see the locally built Polo Vivo GT get a refresh to stay relevant in the B-subcompact fold.
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Volvo South Africa
Volvo SA will soon introduce the C40 Recharge, which slots below the XC40 Recharge. It is based on the CMA platform and is the first Volvo to be designed as a pure electric.
Unlike its XC40 counterpart, the C40 has a coupe-style sloping roofline. It is powered by a 78kWh battery that supplies power to electric motors on each axle, good for 300kW and 660Nm. According to Volvo, it can travel up to 450km before the battery runs out.