The cars coming to SA in 2023
Phew! As we imagined at the beginning of 2022, it’s been an eventful one, with product launches coming from all four corners of the world. Not that we’re complaining because, at TopGear SA, we enjoy bringing you world-class motoring content.
That said, the year is slowly coming to an end, and it’s been a busy one for manufacturers who are already gearing up for the new year.
We look at some of the cars that will be making their way to our shores if things go according to the plan.
Alfa Romeo South Africa
The local arm of the Alfa Romeo brand is earmarked to mildly update its entire range, which consists of the Giulia and Stelvio models, including the potent Quadrifoglio models. Looking at the pictures, the 2023 models get new faces and headlights similar to those fitted in the new Tonale and a new version of the touchscreen. When they launch sometime in 2023, we expect no changes to the powertrains.
Audi South Africa
Audi SA has earmarked the introduction of its Q8 e-Tron and e-Tron Sportback models in the third quarter of 2023. While it remains to be seen which variants of the recently-debuted Q8 e-Tron will make their way to Mzansi, overseas markets are getting the Q8 50 e-Tron, Q8 55 e-Tron and range-topping Q8 SQ8 e-Tron guises.
Regarding specifics, the Q8 50 e-Tron employs an 89 kWh battery pack that feeds power to two electric motors mounted on each axle. The setup delivers 250 kW and 664 Nm in Boost mode. The Q8 55 e-Tron, on the other hand, gets a bigger 104 kWh battery that ensures a total of 300 kW and 664 Nm. The range-topping SQ8 e-Tron gushes out 370 kW and a whopping 973 Nm, thanks to a 104 kWh battery pack.
EVs aside, expect the RS 4 and RS 5 Performance duo to launch sometime in 2023.
BMW SA
2023 will be a busy year again for BMW. The Munich-based automaker’s 7 models will officially go on sale in the new year, starting with the Z4, iX1, M2 and XM in the year’s second quarter. The X1 and refreshed 3 Series are reserved to officially go on sale in the third quarter.
As for the flagship 7 Series, it will officially go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Citroen South Africa
Citroen SA is expected to introduce a new model in the second quarter of 2023. Details regarding the new model remain under tight wraps.
Fiat South Africa
In the second quarter of 2023, Fiat will introduce the new 7-seater Doblo, and between the third and fourth quarters, we can expect a new Fiat model whose identity remains unknown at this stage.
Ford South Africa
Expected to launch sometime in 2023, Ford South Africa will introduce its new Ranger Raptor, which boasts improved off-road capabilities plus a bevy of new technology. The most significant change, though, is the new powertrain that now consists of a twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 with 292 kW and 583 Nm of torque.
Though Ford SA remains mum about its launch timing, the new Mustang is expected to launch locally in the new year, likely after it has gone on sale in the United States.
Honda South Africa
The Japanese marque has it easy in the new year, with just the CR-V confirmed for 2023; however, the timing has not been confirmed as yet. The brand promises to launch additional new products in 2023, including the potent Civic Type-R.
Jaguar Land Rover SA
For the folks at Jaguar Land Rover, South Africans can look forward to the arrival of the 8-seat big Defender 130, which will be available in various trim levels. This will be joined by the Defender 75th Edition models in either 90 or 110 guises.
Jaguar will introduce the F-Type 75th Edition and the F-Pace SVR 1988 Edition. All the models mentioned above are expected to arrive in SA in the first quarter of 2023.
Jeep South Africa
Jeep will have a busy year ahead. In the first and third quarters, the brand will launch new Jeep products, followed by the facelifted Wrangler earmarked to reach our shores in the fourth quarter.
Lexus South Africa
On the Lexus side, the local arm of the Japanese marque will introduce the 5th generation Lexus RX between the latter part of the first or second quarter of 2023. The new RX comes with a notable makeover following the same maturity recipe worn by Lexus’ latest vehicles.
Mahindra SA
Mahindra will likely introduce its Scorpio-N range in the first quarter of 2023. These will be the brand’s new ladder-frame midsize SUVs and will offer a more rugged stance than the current Scorpio. Now that production delays have eased in India, Mahindra will also introduce the new Thar, likely before the end of 2023.
Maserati SA
Set to go head-to-head with the Porsche Macan, the Maserati Grecale will be introduced in the first quarter of 2023 and will slot just below the Levante. It will be offered in three different variants; GT, Modena and Trofeo.
This will be followed by the MC20 Cielo, the spyder variant of the MC20 super sportscar that boasts a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6 engine with 463 kW and 729 Nm.
Mazda South Africa
Following its debut earlier this year, the Mazda CX-60 will likely join the local market SUV segment in the new year. However, the launch timing of the model remains a mystery. The CX-60 is the brand’s first hybrid SUV and packs a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre engine and an electric motor that’s good for 141 kW and 261 Nm. Its 17.8 kWh battery pack gives the SUV a driving range of up to 63 km before the combustion engine takes over.
Mercedes-Benz SA
Mercedes-Benz SA will introduce a plethora of models in the new year. Headlining the range is the Mercedes-AMG C43, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine for the first time, and it’s rated to join the fray in February. A 48-Volt mild-hybrid system supplements the powerplant for 300 kW and 500 Nm.
This will be followed by the GLC and SL 43 variants in April. Mercedes-Benz also plans to launch the EQE, EQE SUV and EQS SUV next year, with specific launch timing to be communicated.
The GLE and GLS facelifts are scheduled to take place at the end of the second and third quarters of the year. Simultaneously, the brand will also introduce facelifted models of the A, CLA, GLA and GLB vehicles. The new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe will also launch in the fourth quarter of 2023, and the C63 S E Performance with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 500 kW of power and an earth-shaking 1,020 Nm of torque.
Mini SA
Mini plans to introduce the Mini Hatch Resolute Edition and Mini Clubman Untold Edition in the first quarter of 2023. The Mini Countryman Untamed Edition will follow suit in the year’s second quarter. These models add special design features that set them apart from their counterparts.
Opel South Africa
For Opel South Africa, the manufacturer will introduce its refreshed Grandland in the first quarter of 2023, followed by the updated Corsa lineup slated to launch in the third quarter of the year.
Peugeot South Africa
In the third quarter of 2023, French automaker Peugeot will introduce the updated 2008, followed by the 208 in the fourth quarter.
Renault South Africa
In the first quarter of 2023, the French manufacturer hopes to introduce the new Captur, which now follows the same design language as other products under the Renault banner. From the second to the fourth quarter, we can expect the Oroch, a bakkie based on the popular Duster crossover.
Renault will also launch the new Koleos, Duster and Megane R.S.300 Ultime during the same period. The Arkana will follow these in the second half of the year.
Subaru South Africa
It is a relaxed year ahead for the folks at Subaru unless something changes. The brand will introduce its new Crosstrek, replacing the widely known XV. There’s still very little known information regarding the Crosstrek, but reports suggest that it will be based on the outgoing model and more advanced than before.
Subaru will also introduce the Outback XT, which houses a 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer powerplant that pumps out 183 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque sent to all four corners via a CVT transmission and a Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system. According to Subaru SA, the models will launch in April and May, respectively.
Volkswagen South Africa
Entering 2023, Volkswagen SA has an array of fascinating products earmarked to launch throughout the year. In the first quarter of 2023, the brand will introduce the Tiguan with a turbocharged diesel engine and an all-new Amarok, while the Golf 8 R will also officially go on sale.
The second quarter of the year will also see the locally-built Polo Vivo GT getting a refresh to keep it fresh in the B-subcompact fold.
Volvo South Africa
Within the first quarter of 2023, Volvo SA will introduce the C40 Recharge, which slots below the XC40 Recharge. It’s based on the CMA platform, as the first Volvo car to be designed as pure electric only.
Unlike its XC40 counterpart, the C40 spawns a coupe-style sloping roofline. It’s powered by a 78 kWh battery pack that feeds power to an electric motor on each axle, suitable for 300 kW and 660 Nm. According to Volvo, it can travel up to 451 km before the battery pack runs out of power.
