WeeklySA_AdminCONCEPTS AND PRODUCTION MODELS: Europe’s biggest carmakers all put forward new EV models but Beijing is also eager to get in on the action
By Own Correspondent
The 2024 Paris Auto Show which winds up on Sunday may have lost its glitter like most motor shows lately, yet it was able to pull off some interesting debuts of concept cars and production models.
With this year’s chapter marking the 90th edition of the event, which was first held in 1898, there was a noticeable absence of many brands, especially luxury and sports car makers, though a huge positive was the return of Volkswagen, Audi, and BMW to an event outside of Germany . Five halls at the Porte de Versailles are hosting 47 manufacturers unveiling 25 world premieres, with up to 500,000 visitors expected by Sunday, October 20.
Several companies have decided to sit out the 2024 Paris Motor Show, including some big names like Cupra, Hyundai, Jeep, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Polestar, Seat, Suzuki, Volvo, and Zeekr. The current economic climate may be putting a spanner in the works, yet this did not deter manufacturers from sampling EVs and the ever pricey SUVs.
Between January 1 and the end of August 2024, new car sales in Europe grew by only 1.4 percent, with significant declines in August for giants like VW (-14.8 percent) and Stellantis (-29.5 percent).
Meanwhile, demand for electric cars dropped by 43.9 percent in August, marking the fourth consecutive monthly decline. Automakers are having to step up their efforts to capture consumer attention, as their production capacity continues to face chronic overcapacity.
Even so, some automakers have recognized that the challenge posed by Chinese automakers is not going away. Instead of fighting them, Stellantis, owner of the French brands Peugeot and Citroen, in addition to Jeep and Chrysler in the United States, has joined forces with Leapmotor, a leading maker of electric vehicles in China.
As a display of solidarity with the French automakers, President Emmanuel Macron made an appearance at the event and lingered at the Renault stand, getting behind the wheel of one of the company’s new hybrid models. Mr. Macron said he wanted to “show support for the sector.”
We headed for interesting times ahead; Some of the highlights include:
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Alfa Romeo’s 2025 Tonale came to Paris with a refresh so subtle you might need a magnifying glass to spot it. The biggest change? A rotary selector replacing the old gear lever. Alfa also claims they’ve improved visibility in the instrument cluster. The design tweaks are minimal, but the Tonale continues to bank on its Italian flair to stand out in a crowded segment. It’s a small step forward, but don’t expect any revolutionary changes here.
Audi Q6 Sportback
Audi displays its electric Q6 Sportback SUV alongside the A5 and Q5 combustion engine models. Among urban electric SUVs, Mini unveils the Aceman, while Kia presents its EV3. In the upper segments, Ford reveals the Capri, and Cadillac showcases the Optiq and Lyriq.
Citroen C5 Aircross Concept
Citroen’s C5 Aircross Concept offers a preview of next year’s production model, the latest evolution of its compact SUV. It’s a sleek, futuristic take on the C5 Aircross, with the brand’s funky styling dialed up to eleven. Expect a focus on comfort and practicality.
The concept hints at electrification, with full EV and hybrid options likely on the table. Inside, there’s a minimalist yet functional design, clearly targeting families who need space without sacrificing style. It’s Citroen’s way of proving practicality doesn’t have to mean boring.
Mini Cooper (JCW)
@MINI cranked up the heat on its EV lineup with full-blown John Cooper Works (JCW) versions of the Cooper Electric and Aceman EV, packing 255 horsepower and an attitude upgrade. The Aceman JCW Electric blasts from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.2 seconds, while the Cooper JCW EV shaves it down to 5.9 seconds.
Both get aggressive body kits, upgraded brakes, and MINI’s go-kart handling. Sure, the 221- to 231-mile range won’t blow anyone’s mind, but these versions are about performance, not distance. Production kicks off in China, with UK manufacturing set to follow in 2026.
Renault 5
Renault, which sees auto shows as a strategic part of its marketing plan, is making a strong showing in Paris. The event coincides with the commercial launch of the electric Renault 5, a reinterpretation of the iconic 1970s-80s model aimed at attracting customers still skeptical about electric cars, by playing on nostalgia and childhood memories. Joining the Renault 5 is the new Renault 4, unveiled as a world premiere, following the same concept with a more versatile, family-oriented dimension. The company also presents concept cars for the Renault 17 and the upcoming Twingo, expected in 2026, inspired by the first-generation model launched in 1991.
Motoring: Briefs
SUZUKI JIMNY GATHERING 2025
After an overwhelming response, Suzuki has confirmed that Jimny Gathering will return in 2025, promising to be bigger and better than ever. Last year, Suzuki set out to break records by amassing the greatest number of Jimnys at a single event. The three-day-long event would include fun and festivities with like-minded owners all converging on the sleepy Free State town of Clarens, all keen to share stories of ownership and adventure, linked by the common thread of Suzuki Jimny owners. It was an opportunity to share a passion for the diminutive 4×4.
Nearly 800 Suzuki Jimnys gathered for the official gathering, with many electing to make the weekend count. They camped out from Friday at the official Gathering campsite and filled their time with food, drink, and activities at the Suzuki Safari Town Festival in the Clarens town square and surrounding vendors.
FORD’S SPORTS VAN
After two recent local introductions, Ford has experienced great success with its range of commercial vans. The Transit Custom workhorse has proven to be a popular choice for small to medium businesses, while the Tourneo is still a go-to for families and small businesses that require people-moving potential. The next model to join the local lineup is the reimagined Transit Custom Sport, a commercial van with sports appeal that makes deliveries fun.
The Transit Custom Sport is exclusively available in a short wheelbase configuration and is distinguished from the existing commercial-oriented base model through several eye-catching exterior changes. These include a sports body kit, honeycomb sports grille, rear spoiler, and distinctive 17-inch multi-spoke matte Black alloy wheels fitted with 215/60 R17 tyres.
WELCOME MERCEDES-AMG GLC 43 AND 63 S E
The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and 63 S E Performance have been unleashed in South Africa, with the local arm of the German marque releasing pricing for the duo of AMG GLC derivatives.
In the July 2024 issue of CAR magazine, we strapped our test equipment to the new-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 S. Now donning the “E Performance” moniker, the pinnacle C, though having ditched the V8 employed by its forebear in favour of a petrol-electric setup, proved it has retained a sense of presence and occasion. In addition, its test figures were astounding. Now, the C63 S E Performance’s SUV sibling, in addition to the GLC 43, has made landfall on local shores, with Mercedes-Benz SA releasing pricing for the performance-focused GLC derivatives.
Currently available in only SUV body styles (the coupé variants will undoubtedly arrive here soon) the 43 and 63 S E Performance are priced from R1 876 750 and R2 760 000, respectively. Pricing includes a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and a two-year/unlimited km warranty.
BAKKIE OF THE YEAR
After a comprehensive assessment of eight official contenders in the 2024 South African Bakkie of the Year (SABOTY) competition, the results were unveiled at the NAMPO Cape exhibition in Bredasdorp earlier this month. This year’s competition marked a significant milestone, crowning the GWM P500 HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 9AT as the first hybrid vehicle to win this prestigious title, as well as the first victory for a Chinese manufacturer in South Africa’s competitive bakkie market.
All double-cab 4×4 bakkies introduced locally from September 2023 to August this year were eligible for participation in this second annual Bakkie of the Year competition. However, this disqualified manufacturers such as Volkswagen (winner of the inaugural Bakkie of the Year competition with the Amarok PanAmericana3.0 V6 TDI 4Motion 10-speed auto), Mahindra, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Peugeot.
Manufacturers and distributors invited to participate in this year’s competition were Ford (Ranger Tremor, Platinum and Raptor), Foton (Tunland G7), GWM (P500 2.4 and HEV), INEOS (Grenadier Quartermaster), Isuzu (D-Max 1.9 X-Rider), JAC (T9), Jeep (Gladiator facelift), LDV (T60 Pro and Max Luxe), RAM (1500 and 2500) and Toyota (Hilux 48V, Hilux GR-S III and Land Cruis
