With many of South Africa’s car magazines actively reporting on the latest vehicles in the country, we’re anticipating even more excitement. There’s much to look forward to in the motoring world, and the momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Next year is expected to be no different, with promises of new cars set to enter South Africa’s market with gusto.
New cars that have been introduced to South Africa
A growing number of new vehicles have entered the South African market over the past two years. In 2023 alone, approximately 47 new cars were launched—19 in the first quarter and an additional 28 by mid-year. A further 21 models were projected to launch by the end of that year, some of which joined the local market in early to mid-2024.
2024 has seen some notable upgrades to existing models. This includes new vehicles that have made strides in a market traditionally dominated by petrol-powered engines. For instance, there’s a growing interest in introducing a diverse mix of electric and hybrid models. Momentum grew as the year progressed.
That being said, check out the 2024 and 2025 models that are making their rounds in South Africa.
The latest cars announced ahead of 2025
Car launches in 2024 have been coming in hot, to say the least. These launches have demonstrated how versatile and adaptable the industry can be with each new model.
Not too long ago, motorists were given a glimpse into the industry’s upcoming car launches at the 2024 Festival of Motoring. From Ford and VW to Jaecco and Suzuki, a number of manufacturers used this moment to showcase their latest models to the media, this included just a few of the names listed below.
There are a few South African favourites such as Volkswagen's T-Cross and Tiguan, and Toyota's Starlet Cross and Prado. With power at play, Chinese brands have also taken the market by storm, namely Foton, GAC, and Jetour. These three automakers have even announced that additional models are set to debut in 2025.
By now, South Africa would have seen three new vehicles enter the market, including three electric vehicles and three plug-in hybrids, all produced by Abarth, Fiat, Chery, and JAC.
Top new car models across the board
Abarth 500e
The 2025 Abarth 500e is a fully electric version of Abarth's iconic performance cars and is designed with both performance and sustainability in mind. In the same way as the petrol-powered Abarth 500, the scorpion-badged Abarth shares the same architecture with its Fiat counterpart, but has been revised to provide a sportier drive.
Performance-wise, it uses the same 42 kWh battery but features a more powerful e-motor with 113 kW and 235 Nm, capable of reaching 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds. The 500e also includes the Abarth Sound Generator, a unique feature that mimics the sound of a petrol-powered vehicle.
Its compact dimensions and fun performance make it the perfect city car for urban drivers. Aside from its environmentally friendly powertrain, the vehicle's new style may appeal to those looking to adopt an EV for the first time.
Official pricing for the Abarth 500e can be found on Abarth South Africa’s main website.
Audi A3
The 2025 Audi A3 brings a host of refinements, focusing on modern aesthetics and enhanced functionality while retaining its proven performance. The minor but noteworthy exterior and interior changes, plus two additional powertrain options, have made a difference.
This year's facelift features a wider grille, a larger badge, new lights, revisions to the shifter and air vents, and premium inlays. A new blade design across the dashboard, chrome finishes, reworked door handles and centre console enhance the ergonomic layout. The centre armrest is now adjustable for added comfort. Additionally, the car offers 30-colour ambient lighting, backlit fabric door panels, and a new Sonos sound system for an enhanced audio experience.
The A3 comes with two engine options, but the standard engines offered include a 1.5-litre turbo petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel. Both powertrains are paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Aside from its sleek aesthetics and exciting drive, Audi enthusiasts can enjoy the newly updated features that give them both style and efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Official pricing for the A3 can be found on Audi South Africa’s main website.
BMW 1 Series
Starting at R713,395, BMW's new entry-level hatchback offers a slightly larger design than its predecessor, featuring a sports car-inspired style.
The facelift introduces an entirely new front fascia with a lower profile, updated LED headlights, and vertically designed daytime running lights (DRLs). It also includes the double kidney grille but with a fresh template. As standard, the model also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside the cabin, you'll find a new sports multifunction steering wheel and upgraded curved displays powered by BMW's Operating System 9, adding real-time traffic, parking assistance, navigation, and a whole lot more. The appeal to both driver and passenger is simply understated. For drivers looking for style, practicality, and fuel efficiency in a hatchback, the BMW 118 is the perfect choice.
Drivers will also find that its 1.5-litre turbo engine delivers enough power for everyday driving, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reaching 226 km/h at top speed. The front-wheel-drive system ensures effortless handling, especially in city traffic, featuring a fuel consumption of 8.2 litres/100 kilometres.
In 2025, BMW will add a 120 model option to the 1 Series, in addition to the 118 and M135 models.
Ford Mustang GT
Ford’s newly updated Mustang GT fastback captured public attention in September during its showcase at the 2024 Festival of Motoring in SA. While on display, its standout features became the topic of conversation.
The highlights include the new and improved upper grille, tarnished dark aluminium wheels, and Tri-Bar LED headlights. Two curved displays feature in the driver's cockpit, including one measuring 12.4 inches. Additionally, owners can personalise the instrument cluster, which is reflected in the cabin's multi-colour ambient lighting.
As far as performance goes the Mustang retains its iconic 5.0-litre V8 engine, delivering 328kW and 540 Nm, the best in its class. Paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, it offers six driving modes including Normal, Sport, Drag and Track, along with customisable profiles. To top it off, the standard Performance Pack further enhances handling, performance, and track capabilities.
Whether you’re a grand tourer, sports car aficionado or track-day fan, the GT is impressively powerful in acceleration and handling—even for those who enjoy its status and performance in everyday driving.
With specs like these and a price tag of R1.3 million and more, Ford means business.
The All-New Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai's fourth-generation Tucson SUV was introduced in South Africa almost two years ago. With design updates and facelifts sweeping through the motoring world, it was only a matter of time before Hyundai joined the trend.
The few tweaks Hyundai has implemented don’t detract from their Parametric Dynamics style but rather enhance this version. These include a redesigned bumper, a skid plate, updates to the rear, and newly designed alloy wheels. Additionally, new exterior colour options and interior trim choices have been introduced.
Inside the cabin, notable updates include advanced driver assistance features, ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging, and redesigned cup holders. The gear selector has also been moved to the steering column, providing a more modern and ergonomic layout.
There are three available engine options for the Tucson, including a 2.5-litre petrol engine, a 1.6-litre hybrid system, and a plug-in hybrid version, which vary by region.
The new Hyundai Tucson capabilities make it the ideal vehicle for South African families, young professionals, and SUV enthusiasts. It offers a reliable and practical solution while maintaining the modern style and appeal people look for in today’s SUVs.
For the 2.0 Premium AT, you'll have to splash out R589,900 and for the Tucson N Line, you'll need to pony up R836,500.
Mitsubishi Triton GL
The sixth-generation Mitsubishi Triton combines rugged exterior design with a comfortable and feature-rich interior, making it ideal for both business and pleasure. The exterior is highlighted by Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield grille, LED headlights, bold wheel arches, and elevated beltline.
The Triton is powered by a MIVEC turbo-diesel engine producing 133 kW and 430 Nm of torque, mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Its fuel efficiency stands at 7.7 litres per 100 km, and it offers a towing capacity of up to 3,100 kg, making it a strong performer on both the road and off-road terrain.
Several advanced safety features are available, such as Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rear Parking Sensors. These, combined with standard safety equipment like airbags, ABS, and traction control, make the Triton incredibly safe. The Mitsubishi Triton offers something for everyone, whether you're a family, business, or off-road enthusiast.
To buy, you can grab a single-cab Triton starting at just R474,995, or opt for the spacious double-cab model from R544,900.
Suzuki Swift
The all-new Suzuki Swift packs a punch in a compact, yet powerful new Z-Series (Z12E) engine through all derivatives. The front-wheel drive is powered by a 5-speed manual transmission or CVT, as the CVT replaces the previous gen model’s automatic gearbox.
The new Suzuki Swift range features a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine delivering 60 kW and 112 Nm, offering a balance of efficiency and practicality while downsizing from the previous 4-cylinder model. The base GL model provides essentials like electric windows, air conditioning, and vital safety features, including six airbags and ABS.
Mid-tier GL+ trims enhance the experience with a 7-inch infotainment screen, a reverse camera, and 15-inch alloy wheels. At the top, the GLX models bring premium features like a 9-inch display, automatic LED headlights, keyless entry, diamond-cut alloy wheels, and CVT paddle shifters.
The new line-up for Suzuki starts at R219,000 and tops out at R284,900.
(Prices correct at time of publication.)
Summary
As automakers innovate and expand their lineups, the future of motoring in South Africa looks promising, with 2025 set to bring even more models and features tailored to local drivers. Whether you're an SUV enthusiast, a speed fanatic, or an eco-conscious urbanite, the evolving market offers a vehicle to match your lifestyle and preferences.
Following is a list of all the models that appeared on the list:
- Audi A3 (facelift)
- Audi A4
- Audi Q6 e-tron
- Audi Q8 (facelift)
- Audi RS6 Avant Performance
- Audi RS7 Sportback Performance
- BMW 1 Series (including M135 hot hatch)
- BMW 2 Series
- BMW 3 Series
- BMW 4 Series
- BMW 5 Series
- BMW M2
- BMW M3 (including Touring model)
- BMW M4 (including M4 CS)
- BMW M5
- BMW X1 (including M35i flagship)
- BMW X2
- BMW X3 (next generation, locally made)
- Ford Mustang (next generation)
- Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Isuzu D-Max (updated)
- Jaguar F-Pace SVR Edition 1988
- Land Rover Defender 130 (extended version)
- Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe and Cabriolet
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan
- Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Mitsubishi Triton
- Nissan Navara (updated)
- Range Rover Velar
- Toyota Fortuner (new generation)
- Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
- Toyota Staria (V6 diesel variant)
- Volkswagen Amarok Panamericana
- Volkswagen Tiguan (new generation)
- Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet
This line-up includes a mix of facelifts, next-generation models, and new entries across various segments like SUVs, sedans, hybrids, and electric vehicles.
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