Phew! As we predicted at the beginning of 2022, the past year was eventful, with a large number of product launches. It’s not that we’re complaining because, in M&G motorsportWe enjoy bringing you world-class motorsport content.
And now we look at some of the cars that will hit our roads, if all goes to plan, with semiconductor chip shortages still plaguing most manufacturers.
alfa romeo
The local Alfa Romeo branch is expected to update its Giulia and Stelvio range a bit, including powerful Quadrifoglio models. Judging by the images, the 2023 models are set to get new faces and headlights, similar to those fitted to the recently launched Tonale, as well as a new version of the touchscreen. However, we do not expect changes to the powertrains.
Audi
Audi SA has set the introduction of its Q8 e-Tron and e-Tron Sportback models for the third quarter. While it remains to be seen which variants of the recently debuted Q8 e-Tron will make their way to Mzansi, overseas markets are getting the top-of-the-range Q8 50 e-Tron, Q8 55 e-Tron and Q8 SQ8 e-Tron.
As for the details, the Q8 50 e-Tron employs an 89kWh battery pack 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, has a larger 104kWh battery that ensures a total of 300kW and 664Nm. The RSQ8 e-Tron generates 370kW and 973Nm, thanks to a 104kWh battery pack.
Aside from electric vehicles, the RS 4 and RS 5 Performance duo are expected to launch sometime in 2023.
bmw
2023 will be another busy year for BMW. All 7 models from the Munich-based automaker will officially go on sale in the new year, starting with the Z4, iX1, M2 and XM in Q2. The X1 and facelifted 3 Series are scheduled to officially go on sale in the third quarter.
You can expect the flagship 7 Series in the first quarter.
Citroen
Citroen SA is expected to introduce a new model in the second quarter. Details about the new model remain under wraps.
Fiat
In the second quarter, Fiat will present the new 7-seater Doblo, and between the third and fourth quarters, we can expect a new model, the identity of which is still unknown.
Ford
Sometime in 2023, Ford South Africa will introduce its new Ranger Raptor, which features enhanced off-road capabilities plus a host of new technology. However, the most significant change is the new powertrain which consists of a twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 with 292kW and 583Nm of torque.
Although Ford SA is keeping mum on the timing, the new Mustang is expected to launch locally in the new year, likely after it has gone on sale in the United States.
sling
The Japanese brand has just confirmed the CR-V, however, the date has not been confirmed. The brand also promises to launch other new products in 2023, including the powerful Civic Type-R.
jaguar landrover
South Africans can look forward to the arrival of the 8-seat Defender 130, which will be available in various trim levels. This will be joined by Defender 75th Edition models in either 90 or 110 forms.
Jaguar will introduce the F-Type 75th Edition and the F-Pace SVR 1988 Edition. All the models mentioned above are expected to arrive in SA in the first quarter.
all terrain
Jeep will have a busy year ahead. In the first and third quarters, the brand will launch new products, followed by the refreshed Wrangler that will arrive on our shores in the fourth quarter.
Lexus South Africa
The local arm of the Japanese brand will introduce the fifth-generation Lexus RX early this year. It comes with a remarkable makeover following the same mature recipe used by the latest Lexus vehicles.
Mahindra
Mahindra will probably introduce its Scorpio-N range in the first quarter. These will be the brand’s new ladder-frame midsize SUVs and will offer a beefier stance than the current Scorpio. Now that production delays have been eased in India, Mahindra will also introduce the new Thar, likely in the second half of the year.
Maserati
Set to go head-to-head with the Porsche Macan, the Grecale will be unveiled in the first quarter and sit just below the Levante. It will be offered in three variants: GT, Modena and Trofeo.
This will be followed by the MC20 Cielo, the spy variant of the MC20 supercar that features a 3.0-litre Nettuno V6 twin-turbo engine with 463kW and 729Nm.
Mazda South Africa
After its debut earlier this year, the Mazda CX-60 will likely join the SUV segment of the local market in the new year. However, the timing of the model’s release remains a mystery. The CX-60 is the brand’s first hybrid SUV and is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and a 141 kW, 261 Nm electric motor. Its 17.8 kWh battery pack gives the SUV a driving range of up to 63 km before the combustion engine takes over.
Mercedes Benz
Mercedes-Benz SA will introduce a plethora of models in the new year. Topping the range is the Mercedes-AMG C43, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine for the first time, set to join the fray in February. A 48-volt mild hybrid system complements the engine with 300 kW and 500 Nm.
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 a specific launch timing to be communicated.
The GLE and GLS facelifts are scheduled for the end of the second and third trimesters. Simultaneously, the brand will present refreshed 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 gasoline engine with 500 kW of power and 1,020 Nm of torque.
Mini
The brand plans to introduce the Mini Hatch Resolute Edition and the Mini Clubman Untold Edition early this year. It will be followed by the Mini Countryman Untamed Edition. These models will add special design features that will set them apart from their counterparts.
opel south africa
The automaker will introduce its facelifted Grandland in the first quarter, followed by the updated Corsa lineup scheduled for launch in the third quarter.
peugeot
In the third quarter, the French automaker will introduce the updated 2008, followed by the 208 in the fourth.
renault
In the coming months, Renault expects to introduce the new Captur, which now follows the same design language as its other products. Starting mid-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. The Arkana will follow.
subaru
It looks like it’s going to be a chill year for the folks at Subaru. The brand will present its new Crosstrek, replacing the popular XV. There is very little information about the Crosstrek, but reports suggest that it will be based on the outgoing model but more advanced.
Subaru will also introduce the Outback XT, which houses a 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer engine pumping out 183kW of power and 350Nm of torque sent to all four corners via a CVT transmission and Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system. According to Subaru SA, the models will be launched in April and May, respectively.
Volkswagen South Africa
Volkswagen SA has a variety of attractive products destined to be launched throughout the year. In the first quarter, the brand will present the Tiguan with a turbocharged diesel engine and an all-new Amarok, while the Golf 8 R will also officially go on sale.
In the second quarter, the locally made Polo Vivo GT will be updated to maintain its relevance in the B-subcompact segment.
Volvo South Africa
Volvo SA will soon introduce the C40 Recharge, which sits below the XC40 Recharge. It is based on the CMA platform as the first Volvo designed as pure electric.
Unlike its XC40 counterpart, the C40 features a coupe-style raked roofline. It is powered by a 78kWh battery pack that powers an electric motor on each axle, rated for 300kW and 660Nm. According to Volvo, it can travel up to 450 km before the battery runs out.
