Recently, the 2024 Festival of Motoring showcased a number of new car models to South African motorists for the first time. With over 20 models on display, six stood out as the highlights of the show.
Highlights: brand new cars revealed in SA
Known as the largest industry-supported automotive show on the African continent, the Festival of Motoring took place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Gauteng. The event attracted car enthusiasts and industry professionals from across the country, offering an exciting preview of the latest innovations in the automotive world.
Here’s what stood out and what the media covered at the exhibition.
Ford Mustang GT: Ford revealed the latest version of the Mustang, featuring a sleek cockpit inspired by fighter jets and a powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine. This seventh-generation Mustang continues the legacy of the iconic muscle car with a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated Coyote V8 engine, delivering 328kW and 540 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful GT model yet in South Africa. It will feature a 10-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive, as opposed to the manual version available in other markets.
The new Ford Mustang GT comes with a starting price of R1.3 million.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Volkswagen displayed the long-wheelbase edition of the ID. Buzz, a modern take on the classic kombi. It can seat seven people and has a powerful electric motor and battery tailored for long-distance driving. The ID. Buzz is anticipated to arrive in South Africa within the next year or so. VW is expected to provide further details on specific launch dates and availability closer to the time.
All-New Suzuki Swift: Suzuki unveiled the new fourth generation Swift, revealed to the South African market this spring. The new Swift features a refreshed design with sharper lines, a sportier stance, and updated front and rear fascias. It retains the compact and agile profile that has made it popular but with a more contemporary and aggressive look. While specific pricing details for South Africa are yet to be announced, the Swift is expected to remain competitively priced, making it accessible to a broad range of buyers.
Opel Corsa and Opel Mokka (Irmscher Edition): Opel has partnered up with Irmscher, a famous tuning company, to release special editions of the Corsa and Mokka. The Irmscher Edition of the Opel Corsa features restyled design elements that helps it stand out from the standard model. Similar to the Corsa, the Mokka Irmscher Edition benefits from performance enhancements, which could include suspension upgrades and optimised engine tuning to offer a more dynamic driving experience.
Jaecoo J6: Jaecoo announced that their fully electric J6 SUV, similar in size to a Land Rover, is coming to South Africa. It's spacious, stylish, and packed with high-tech features like a large touchscreen and premium sound system. As JAECOO finalises its plans for the South African market, more detailed information about the J6’s specifications, pricing, and availability will be announced. For the latest updates, keep an eye on Jaecoo's official channels and local dealerships.
Chery Tiggo Cross: Chery showed off their Tiggo Cross, a stylish crossover SUV that will be available to buy in November, according to News24. It features a sleek design, a high-tech interior with a large infotainment display, and seven airbags for enhanced safety. Its compact SUV stance is complemented by robust body cladding, which gives it a rugged yet refined look suitable for both urban and off-road environments.
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