These are cars that we’ve singled out as officially announced and also being quite important in the South African market. And some deeply exciting ones too. Here they are sorted by manufacturer and in alphabetical order.
Nissan
The Yokohama firm is having a tough time right now, no doubt compounded by the antics of one Carlos Ghosn and the Japanese government. A shame really, as the marque produce some of our favourite cars. So we’re happy to ring in the arrival of the Nissan Kicks compact SUV. It shares a platform with the Almera and Micra, so is smaller than the Qashqai, and comes powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine good for 84kW and 152Nm. Which makes its a rival to the VW T-Cross, because that’s the hot new segment, isn’t it? We can’t confirm the arrival of the new Juke, X-Trail or Qashqai yet, but it’d be a bloody shame if they didn’t.
Opel
The new Opel Corsa looks to land in the second half of the year. Good, because it looks bloody great, is bigger overall and comes with a turbo’d 1.2-litre petrol engines with either 74kW or 96kW depending on the model you opt for. Beneath these models resides a naturally aspirated lump with 55kW in an entry-level derivative. All come with a six-speed manual or eight-speed auto. Also due in 2020, the new Zafira Life MPV, facelifted Astra and Vivaro cargo and panel vans.
Peugeot
It’s a shame South Africans don’t buy Peugeots, the French marque makes some of our favourite cars. Like the 2008 for example, the stylish compact SUV which gets a hot new skin with sophisticated drivetrain options and a stylish cockpit. Power is derived from a turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder heart in 3 flavours from 74kW, 96 kW and ultimately the 115kW flagship. There are also two 1.5-litre turbodiesels making (a similar) 74kW and 115kW. Peugeot will also be bringing us a facelifted 3008 in December with the new 208 yet to be confirmed.
Porsche
It’s a bumper year of updates for the German 911 sportscar machines, plus the new GT4 Spyder and Cayman are on its way. That’s not to mention the Porsche Taycan EV hype beast also due to land this year.
Renault
Incoming, the French assault begins here! Launching immediately is the Renault Triber, a compact and affordable SUV. There’s also a more handsome Captur on its way, a Sandero Stepway Plus, Clio, facelifted Megane (and fiery RS Trophy model too). There’s also a Duster a la Techroad Limited Edition on route.
Rolls-Royce
Two cars from the luxury brand are in fact pencilled in for Mzansi this year, the Ghost Zenith and Cullinan Black Badge. Forewarned is forearmed, hey?
Subaru
The Fuji firm has a revised XV and 2.5-litre Forester for this year. But all we want is an STI. Am I right?
Suzuki
The Suzuki S-Presso has just been launched internationally and is primed for our market. A tiny crossover – think Renault Kwid or Mahindra KUV100, but Japanese and potentially quite good. It comes with a naturally aspirated one litre, its three cylinders capable of 50kW and 90Nm. Which is a not a lot, but power-to-weight being a thing, we’re not totally put off.
Toyota
Well, the big one has already dropped hasn’t it? I refer to the all-new Corolla sedan, sporty and sharp in line with Toyota’s new-found mojo. It’s nice to have turbo power at last in the Corolla range, with a 1.2-litre four-pot making 85kW/185Nm. Then there’s a new naturally aspirated 2.0-litre (also inline-four) making 126kW and 205Nm – good. A new Quest model (based on last year’s Corolla) is also due in this first quarter, as is the facelifted C-HR SUV.
Volkswagen
Like its Audi stablemate, 2020 is going to be a mega year for Wolfsburg’s churner of people cars. We’ll finally get to meet the T-Roc SUV and T-Roc Cabriolet offshoot. Think slightly more affordable Range Rover Evoque and you’re right on the money. It’s bigger and posher than the similarly named T-Cross, in case you were wondering so somewhat pricier too obviously. This is also the year we get the VW GTI TCR hot hatch as well as witness the MK8 Golf.
Volvo
Nothing has been confirmed, sadly, but here’s to hoping the new S60 makes it to Mzansi.
That’s it, our wrap up of cars to come in 2020. If you missed the first part of our list click here for Cars of 2020 Incoming: Part One (Alfa Romeo – Mitsubishi)
