Prices and selections revving up

Hyundai Creta

Ford South Africa chief executive and president Jeff Nemeth said recently that this was because of a number of factors, including the declining value of the rand and the global economy.

And since then, the rand has taken an even more spectacular plunge against major currencies, reinforcing the executive's view.

Nemeth said companies had held price increases for a considerable time but next year would be forced to increase prices to play catch-up.

But for those fortunate to be able to afford a new vehicle, there will be much on offer.

Big news is expected from Volkswagen Group South Africa which is investing in excess of R4.5bn for new models and infrastructure at the Uitenhage factory by 2017.

VWSA is keeping its cards close to its chest, but the smart money is on the new Polo making its appearance and the present Polo taking over as the Polo Vivo.

The new Audi A4 is expected to be launched in February. However, perhaps one of the most important launches in February will be the new Toyota Hilux bakkie which is among the top three best-sellers in the country.

This will be followed by the Toyota Fortuner in April.

But beating everybody to the punch early next month will be the new Hyundai H1 followed by the Mercedes-Benz A Class and the Honda Civic R.

Closing off the month will be Volkswagen's Caddy.

The VW Passat TDi will also make its appearance in the course of next year as well as the Golf GTi Clubsport and new Tiguan.

Further down the road is Suzuki's all-new small car the Baleno later in the year. It will compete against the Polo, Yaris and Ford Fiesta.

General Motors will introduce the new Opel Astra in the first quarter.

The Astra is one of seven European Car of the Year 2016 finalists.

The Opel Adam S will also make its appearance as well as the Opel Mokka and the Chevrolet Trailblazer later in the year.

News from Porsche is that the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will be the new names of the two-door mid-engine sports cars effective with the 2016 model changeover.

The 718 designation is a reference to the ground-breaking sports car from 1957, which enjoyed considerable success in motorsport around the world. The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will be sharing more visual and technical similarities than ever before.

Ford will release the Focus RS and the Mustang model range will continue to be a most sought-after car with the convertible attracting buyers in the summer months.

Among other cars to be launched in the year will be the Mini Clubman, Fiat 500, Honda Civic, Infiniti Q30, Renault Megane, Renault Kadjar, Audi A3, Volvo V40, Volvo S90 and Peugeot 308 GTi.

Also on the way are a multitude of Mercedes models, including the AMG A45, CLA, E-Class, SLC and the AMG C63.

Further new models will be the Honda Brio, Honda Mobilio, Kia Cerato, Kia Optima, and Sportage, Mazda 6 and Mazda 3, as well as the Mazda BT-50.

Range Rover will introduce the Evoque Cabriolet.

The big one for BMW will be the 7 Series early in the year and the BMW M4 GTS, BMW 740e and BMW X5 xDrive40e.

Others will be the Jaguar XF and Alfa 4C Spider.

Hyundai will launch the Creta soon and as well as the Tucson.

Subaru will see two new models, the Forester and the XV.

The timeframes for the new car launches may change according to demand and production schedules.

Source: Herald