The start of a new year is always exciting. Not only does it bring new hopes, new goals, but also a reignited sense of happiness and excitement. It’s no different in the world of motoring.
A new year in the world of motoring always begins in Detroit with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The revealing of concepts, new production cars, design strategies and direction sets the tone for the year. The manufacturers also throw hints of what else is to come within the year.
It is already clear from the offset, that the year is set to be big for motoring. From hatchbacks to sports cars, here are a few models to look out for this year:
Alfa Romeo
The launch of the Giulia executive saloon is a breath of fresh air for the Italian automaker. There’s also word of an even bigger four-door model to rival the BMW 5 Series that will make an appearance. The car has not been named but will share a platform with the Giulia and have rear-wheel drive. The offering includes economical and sporty engine choices. The Giulia Quadrifoglio will be heading the range and will take on the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E 63. A twin turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission is likely to be fitted. It will have a power output of 375 kW and 600 Nm of torque.
Alfa Romeo will also launch its first SUV, namely the Stelvio. It is also based on the executive Giulia platform and is looking to take on some more high-performance German rivals, such as the Porsche Macan Turbo. It will be four-wheel-drive and powered by a V6 engine that puts out 375 kW, with a likeliness of an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. Its aim is to do a record SUV lap time around Nürburgring’s Nordschleife. It will be offered with other engine options that will be carried over from the Giulia: a 147 kW 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.2 diesels with outputs of 110 kW and 132 kW.
BMW
Exciting from BMW is the launch of its new seventh-generation 3 Series which will include an all-electric model. It will also be constructed from carbon fibre, such construction that is currently used on the 7 Series. Word has it that it will be offered with a range of engines that include a three-, four- and six-cylinder option. The electric version is also likely to cover a range of, roughly, around 480 km. Having already seen an image of it, the new 3 Series doesn’t trek far off from its current generation design.
BMW is aiming at getting back at the top with its executive 5 Series. Its rivals Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz have already refreshed and launched their executive saloons so its time was ripe for an update. Some 7 Series technologies have been incorporated into the new 5 Series along with sharper, sleek new looks. It also gets gesture control for the infotainment system and includes remote-parking. An updated M5 and plug-in hybrid model will join the party at a later stage.
In South Africa we expected to receive the 2.0- and 3.0-litre turbo petrol with outputs of 185 kW/350 Nm and 250 kW/450 Nm respectively. The 2.0- and 3.0-litre turbodiesels will produce 140 kW/400 Nm and 195 kW/620 Nm respectively.
Ferrari
Ferrari’s LaFerrari hybrid hypercar drew the crowds in and now its next release is the open-top Aperta. It features a carbon fibre top, a fabric roof and also has body strengthening in its construction to keep it as sharp as its coupe version. Its performance remains the same with a combined output of 590 kW from the V12 engine and the 120 kW electric motor. It’s 0-100 km/h sprint time remains at 3 seconds. Unfortunately, these won’t be available to just anybody and the Aperta is already sold out.
Ford
Ford got an all-new Fiesta coming along with the facelifted Kuga. The Fiesta has a longer wheelbase ensuring more interior space along with a touchscreen infotainment system. There’s also a facelifted Kuga to make its way. Word and spy shots have it that a tweaked RS500 is also in the works and likely to be available in limited numbers.
Honda
Honda Civic
A concept Civic Type R was revealed last year that was based on the tenth-generation Civic. Later this year we can expect to see a more civil-looking version. Its massive rear wing will still feature with three central exhausts and a subtle front bumper. Big intakes, chunky wheels, and flared arches round this model of quite nicely. Its bigger body also allows for more practicality. The same 2.0-litre four-cylinder Type R engine will be fitted but boasts more power from that of 228 kW to 253 kW and 450Nm of torque. It will do a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5 seconds and will rival the Focus RS. Honda has its sight set on breaking the Nürburgring lap record which is currently held by the VW Clubsport S.
A new CR-V is also likely to make an appearance during the course of this year. It’s claimed to have a more upmarket feel and more spacious.
Hyundai
Hyundai i30
A new, more mature, i30 will make its way forward. It features angular headlamps and the new latticework grille. Although wider and longer, it sits on the same wheelbase so there isn’t that much more space but the will have a new interior feel. Touchscreen infotainment will also be available. Engines will include a 1.0 three-cylinder turbo, a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol, and 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesels.
The seriously hot high-performance i30 N, premiered last year at the Paris Motor Show, will be introduced to the line-up of hot hatches this year. A production version is yet to be seen but it will head the new ‘N’ performance brand. It will be powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 194 kW.
Hyundai’s Ioniq PHEV will also be hitting dealership floors this year. The five-door car will initially be available as a hybrid or a pure EV (electric vehicle) with later introductions of a plug-in. Hyundai will be the first automaker to have all three drivetrains offered in one model.
Furthermore, rumour has it that Hyundai will soon be launching a Nissan Juke rival to its model range that will be based on the i20 hatchback platform.
Jaguar
2017 Jaguar XF Sportbrake spy shot
By year-end, Jaguar will add a new body style to the XF range. Currently available in an estate (station wagon) and saloon form, an addition of a Sportbrake model will make its appearance with the existing diesel and petrol engines.
Jeep
2017 Jeep Compass
The all-new Compass will be arriving this year. The Compass is based on a similar platform that was designed for the Renegade while having style inspired by the Grand Cherokee. Once Fiat Chrysler SA gets a hold of the right-hand drive models, its South African launch can be expected.
Kia
Fourth generation Kia Rio
Kia is to launch a crossover SUV. Kia hinted about this a few years ago and will soon be ready to launch. It is to take on the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur. It’s likely we will only see this by year end. There’s also a new Rio with fresh engines, design and technology. The supermini will offer better connectivity, safety, and a tad bit more space. There’s also the third generation Kia Picanto
Mercedes-Benz
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe “Night Edition”
This year, a new AMG E63 S will be launched. There is also a station wagon variant but for now the South African market will only see the top-spec E63 S. It should arrive somewhere between the second and third quarter of 2017. New Coupe and Cabriolet E-Class models will also join the line-up. Mercedes will also launch a new S-Class, new AMG GT Roadster, and an AMG GLC 63.
Porsche
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
A more versatile version of the Panamera, called the Sport Turismo, is set to launch. It’s said to rival the new BMW 5 Series and the Audi RS6 Avant. Apart from the standard model, it will also be offered in a Diesel, plug-in E-Hybrid and rapid GTS, Turbo and Turbo S model.
Peugeot
Peugeot 3008
There’s the new 5008 SUV which takes some design inspiration from the smaller 3008. The 3008 will arrive in SA soon. It also won the 2017 European Car of the Year award.
Toyota
2017 Toyota C-HR
Toyota updated the Corolla, Etios and the 86 for 2017. The C-HR SUV will be launched soon and available on South African shores in the first quarter of 2017. The C-HR has one of the most stylish designs launched by the Japs in a while.
Volkswagen
2017 VW Arteon
Volkswagen is to launch a new model called the Arteon that will rival the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. It shares underpinnings with the latest-generation Passat. Its design is inspired by the Sport Coupe Concept, revealed at GIMS in 2015. It will have a sleeker body and sharper look.
