Auto China 2024: The most promising reveals

Auto China 2024: The most promising reveals

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‍Auto China in Beijing has always served as a premier platform for global vehicle manufacturers to showcase their latest products. This allows them to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of China’s most promising brands that are eager to break into the automotive market. 

Just last year, we attended the Shanghai Auto Show, which was a testament to the rapid evolution of the automotive industry, with a significant presence of EVs, smart connected cars, and more traditional vehicles.

The first day of the 2024 Auto China Show showcased some serious products and developments as consumer demand for EVs across the globe increased.

We have carefully curated a selection of the most promising reveals from the event. 

Chery Tiggo 9

Chery plans to broaden its SUV lineup by launching the flagship Tiggo 9 3-row variant, which will position itself slightly above the Tiggo 8 Pro Max.

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Specific details about the Tiggo 9 are currently not available. However, Chery executives disclosed at the Auto Show that it will be available in selected markets before the year concludes. It will directly compete with other 3-row SUVs if it makes it to South Africa, which we expect given the brand's global presence.

In terms of size, take my word for it; it’s no small SUV, a fact that's apparent when putting it next to its Tiggo 8 counterpart. The Tiggo 9 is 4,810mm long, 1,925mm wide, and 1,741mm tall. There’s an option for a 5-seater variant, Chery says.

It also brings a host of stunning design cues as well as plenty of plush materials, a large 15.6-inch infotainment system, 3D stitching on the seats, and impressive cabin space. According to Chery, the Tiggo 9 range will consist of PHEV and ICE powerplants. 

Lamborghini Urus SE 

Earlier this week, Lamborghini unveiled its first-ever plug-in hybrid super-SUV under the Urus SE nameplate.

At the Auto Show, two new Urus SE models in red and white shades took centre stage, and what the SE badge brings is out of this world.

Besides retaining the mighty 4.0-litre V8 engine and adding some sporty aesthetics here and there, it brings some electrification in the form of an e-motor with 141kW and 483Nm, which is fed power by a 25.9kWh battery pack. The setup is good for a total power output of 588kW and 950Nm, enough to send the SUV from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds before maxing out at 312km/h. Compared to the Urus S, the SE is 0.1 seconds quicker to get to 100km/h.

Those who have placed orders for the Lamborghini Urus SE will likely receive them before the end of 2024. 

Mini Cooper Aceman 

The last time we were acquainted with the Mini Aceman in concept format was at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2023, and it’s back again, but this time in its full production attire. 

The brand intends to launch it in Mzansi as its second EV model, following the SE hatchback, by the end of 2024. Getting to the gist of things, it will be available in E and SE variants with 135kW/290Nm and 160kW/330Nm. 

The base E will accelerate silently from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds before hitting the limiter at 160km/h, while the SE will get the same task completed in 7.1 seconds en route to a top speed of 170km/h. With a 42.5kWh battery pack, Mini says the base E model will travel 310km between charges. The SE, with its 54.2kWh pack, will cover 406km before requiring a recharge.

Mini says the Aceman’s battery packs can be recharged via an AC charger with 11kW, 75kW DC for the E, and 95kW for the SE. A fast charger can recharge the packs from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes.

Now, the wait begins. 

Mazda Arata

Called the Arata, this has to be Mazda’s main star at the show. It’s the brainchild of the joint venture between Mazda and Changan Automobile, and as the Japanese shift towards electrification, the Arata is a fully electric concept car.

In terms of appearance, it's easily identifiable by its Kodo design language, which incorporates features such as slimmer and sleeker headlights, an illuminated front grille, and relatively small windows.

Unfortunately, Mazda decided to keep information regarding the Arata under tight wraps, but we know it will surely be built in China. 

Refreshed Kia Sonet

The Kia Sonet maintains its popularity in the subcompact crossover SUV segment, appealing to a wide range of consumers. It has been on sale in SA since 2021, and it is now in need of a major update to keep it fresh within the market.

Initially revealed before the end of 2023, the refreshed Kia Sonet made a grand entrance at the motor show with redesigned front and rear fascias as well as an interior setup that has seen a significant overhaul, thanks to a neatly integrated 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. 

It is likely to launch in South Africa in the coming months.

New Chery Tiggo 8 

The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro may still look new after its local debut in 2022, and it is not in desperate need of a replacement; however, the Chinese automaker revealed the second generation of the popular SUV at Auto China. 

Detailed information about the car remains unknown at this stage, but it’s worth mentioning that it adopts a fresh, clean look, courtesy of slimmer headlights, a large front grille with chrome accents, a set of new alloys, and redesigned rear light clusters that are connected by a striking LED light bar.

The interior, on the other hand, looks similar to the one fitted in the Tiggo 9. The connected hyperscreens have been replaced by a large 15.6-inch infotainment system and a floating instrument cluster. 

Chery launched the updated Tiggo 8 range in South Africa in 2023. We do not anticipate the launch of this new model in the immediate future.

Volkswagen ID.Code

Volkswagen took the wraps off its completed new SUV generation, dubbed ID. Code, which debuts a new design language and a new generation of technology. 

It's the first model to depict the brand's new design language as a concept for now. It has been designed jointly by teams in China and Europe as a model that pays homage to Chinese VW customers and comes packed with sensors for Level 4 autonomous driving. According to VW, it will be able to communicate with owners via exterior and interior displays.

While the concept car was specifically developed with Volkswagen’s Chinese customers in mind, we anticipate that elements of its technology and design language will be incorporated into future VW products worldwide. 

Electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class 

Indeed, it may seem surreal, but Mercedes-Benz finally has an electric variant of the G-Class that is based on the regular ladder-frame concept. In its G580 guise, it comes fitted with a 116kWh battery pack, which feeds power to four individually controlled electric motors and enables an EV range of up to 473km. 

Its power is formidable. The electric motors generate a substantial 432kW and a mountain-moving 1,164Nm of torque. To make it a superb off-road capable electric SUV, it features a selectable low-range off-road gear reduction system, independent front suspension, a rigid axle at the rear, torque vectoring, as well as innovative features such as G-Turn, G-Steering, and an intelligent off-road crawl function.

GWM P-Series 500 Sport 

The GWM local bakkie range is poised to welcome a new addition by the end of the year, the P500 Sport, which is essentially a rebadged version of the Shanhai Cannon. 

The P500 Sport is equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 260kW and 500Nm of torque. Larger 18-inch all-terrain wheels and K-Man nitrogen shock absorbers will further improve its off-road capabilities. Looking at these features, they collectively position the P500 Sport as a robust and adventure-ready vehicle.

In terms of power output, the P500 Sport appears ready to compete with established models such as the Ford Ranger Raptor, which boasts 292kW and 583Nm. When it finally comes to SA, it will indeed be intriguing to observe how the P500 Sport fares against other bakkies in the market.