WeeklySA_AdminDIVERSE: SA car buyers were enthralled by several new model introductions and have more to look for in 2026…
By Ali Mphaki
The year 2025 was action-packed with South African car buyers once more introduced to some of the most diverse models we have seen in recent times.
Whether you ifancy a cutting-edge hybrid, family SUV, a budget-friendly runabout, or even an exotic, the various automakers have been outperforming each other, churning out products like confetti for your satisfaction and needs.
Much as the present is important for petroheads, the year 2025 provided a glimpse of the future, with the hosting of the Festival of Motoring held at the Kyalami racetrack.
As to be expected, there were some hits and misses, with some of the newly launched products ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous.
This is where we got to see in flesh some of the mouthwatering soon-to-be-launched models such as the Toyota GRvYaris, GWM’s Tank series (399,P500), Chery’s new CSH Hybrid ( Tiggo 7,8,9), VW’s updated GTi and Transporter.
As if it were not enough, alongside new models from Tata and Chinese brands like GAC and Jaecoo, we saw new performance cars from Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
Moving away from the FOM, kicking off the year among noticeable highlights was the launch of the new GR Yaris, GWM Tank series (300,P500), Chery’s new CSH Hybrid (Tiggo 7,8,9).
The car mad South African public would also be introduced to the new Isuzu X-Rider and new models from Tata and Chinese brands like GAC and Jaecoo. No quarter can be complete without a new or facelifted Toyota product, and we got introduced to the facelifted Toyota Corolla Cross and the Lexus R2.
And just when we thought it was safe to go back into the water, BYD will unleash it’s Shark onto our roads, the much-awaited newcomer coming in as a plug-in-hybrid PHEV pickup truck.
It could be said that the month of June belonged to the fledgling Chinese brands, as we witnessed several launches including the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, GWM Haval H6 facelift and H6 GT PHEV as well as the new Omoda &;Jaecoo PHEVs, making a push towards hybrid and new emerging vehicles in South Africa.
July was a mixed bag, with Audi updating its Q5 and A6, while GWM introduced the P500 HEV, the first full hybrid bakkie in Mzansi, and BWM unleashing the 4th generation X3.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the July month was the launch of the Hilux Legend 55. The unsuspecting motoring public will also be enthralled by the facclifted Hyundai Santa Fe and the Chery Tiggo 7 CSH. The dusty month of August will somehow live up to expectation when we saw Renault launch it’s new Duster.
We also saw the new Omoda C7, Mitsubishi Triton, Mahindra XUV 3X0, and the Vw Tiguan.
As if it were not enough, the beautiful month of October will blossom with Chinese automakers once more taking centre stage, with Changan launching two models in its Hunter bskkie and electric Deepal models.
BYD was also in the fray, releasing its affordable EV in the Dolphin Surf. Jetour also added to their products with their T1 and T2 SUV..
As if to wrap up the ysar in style, our roads will welcome the JMC brand back to South Africa, the enterprising Salvador Caetano ensuring the introduction of the new Vigus model range, coming in single and double cab, encompassing both work and leisure. On the exotic side, eyes popped out when the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2 launched.
The Renault Captur, with its more assertive look, made a late early December. closing the curtain on what was truly and amazing year which saw a record Year-on-yeat growth and the industry’s fifth straight month of breaking the 50 000 unit mark.
Incredibly, as the year winds up to a close, petroheads are already rubbing their hands with glee in anticipation of new forthcoming models such as the ninth- generation Toyota Hilux as offered in electric version, not forgetting the much-awaited BMW iX3 SUV. It’s all to drive for
