SOUTH AFRICA’s motoring sector is about to be fired up, come 2025…
Trust us when we tell you, while you were festiving, car manufactures were not snoozing.
They have been on their toes making sure that their next breed of their cars will live up to your expectations.
Whether you are a car enthusiast or just a new driver looking for comfort and high tech… New cars seem to have it all.
These are the cars to look out for in the New Year:
KIA Tasman
The Kia Tasman is expected to reach our shores towards the second half of 2025.
Looking at its pictures, this car is not only bold, but it is hot. It attracts attention and surely, its design is likely to grow on us.
It’s there to take on the trusted bakkies like Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max and the rest.
Will they mark it well on the price-point? We are waiting.
Fortuner GR-S
This sporty version of the Fortuner is set to go on sale in South Africa during the first quarter of 2025.
The Fortuner GR-S will have more power than current versions of the SUV model. It will inherit the sportier tuning given to the Hilux GR-S, whose 2, 8-litre turbodiesel engine produces 165kW and 550Nm, which is 15kW and 50Nm more than the regular 2, 8 precious versions.
Audi Q5
The new third-generation Q5 SUV is due to arrive in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2025 with a bold and sporty design language.
It will initially be offered with a 48V mild-hybrid turbopetrol and -diesel powertrains, with PHEV derivatives to be added later.
Although the South African line-up has yet to be finalised, the new Q5 will feature one or more of the following mild-hybrid (MHEV) powerplants, each of which will be mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
BAIC BJ30
BAIC is expected to introduce its BJ30 compact offroad SUV which will stand alongside the larger BJ40 and the Beijing 55 in the Chinese firm’s local lineup.
The BJ30 is powered by either a 1, 5-litre turbopetrol engine with 138 kW and 305 Nm or a hybrid electric version that produces a combined output of 246 kW and 550 Nm.
Chery Tiggo 9
The Chery Tiggo 9 has been confirmed for arrival in South Africa in the third quarter of 2025.
It comes with two powertrain options including a combustion engine and a PHEV option.
A 2, 0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 187 kW and 390 Nm of torque and paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is expected.
Ford Ranger PHEV
Ford is expected to introduce a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Ford Ranger which will has been produced at the firm’s production facility in Silverton.
The Ford Ranger PHEV will be primarily produced for export but a local market introduction is expected in 2025.
The Ranger PHEV combines Ford’s familiar turbocharged 2, 3-litre petrol engine with a 75 kW electric motor to produce peak outputs of 205 kW and 690 Nm.
Haval H7
The new H7 Big Dog II touches down in the first quarter of 2025.
Powering the new H7 Big Dog II is a turbocharged 2, 0-litre petrol engine that offers 175 kW and 385 Nm. It is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Jaecoo J6
The new J6 is arriving in the country in the first half of 2025. It is an all-electric offroad SUV that can be had with either a single electric motor with 135 kW and 184 Nm or a more powerful dual electric J6 with 205 kW and 279 Nm with electric range pegged between 401 km to 501 km depending on the battery pack.
Jetour T2
Following the recent introduction of the Jetour Dashing and X70 Plus, the Chinese firm will expand its local offering with the addition of the T2 offroader which will go head-to-head with the GWM Tank 300.
The T2 is powered by a 2, 0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that offers 186 kW and 390 Nm and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Omoda C7
The C7 is expected in South Africa in the first half of 2025. This is a family-sized SUV to come from Omoda. We can expect to see Omoda’s 1, 5- or
1, 6-litre turbocharged petrol engine as well as a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain option, the latter offering a range of around 1 200km.
Keep in touch with Cartrends to see what else is coming in 2025 in other segments as well.
