FIVE of the most important new cars

The new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Mini Cooper SE will make their way to South Africa in 2024. Image: Toyota Newsroom / BMW Group Press

FIVE of the most important new cars coming to South Africa in 2024

Motoring journalist Sean Parker looks ahead to 2024 by listing five of the most important new cars headed to South Africa.

FIVE of the most important new cars

The new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Mini Cooper SE will make their way to South Africa in 2024. Image: Toyota Newsroom / BMW Group Press

The South African car industry is in tatters. The sector experienced five consecutive months of declining new car sales, as the high interest rate and exorbitant cost of living takes its toll on citizens. However, carmakers will look to bounce back in 2024, and we focus on five of the most important new cars heading to our shores.

There are many new models and derivatives which have been confirmed for entry to the market next year, motoring journalist Sean Parker looks at five of the most important new cars he thinks will make an impact.

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CHECK OUT FIVE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT NEW CARS HEADING MZANSI

FIVE of the most important new cars

1 What is it? Fiat 500 electric.

Why is it important? Fiat South Africa will introduce its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) offering from Stellantis. It has a claimed range of 240 kilometers and uses a 42-KWh battery according to the brand.

When is it coming? Third quarter 2024.

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FIVE of the most important new cars

2 What is it? Ford Mustang Mach-E

Why is it important? Ford will launch its first fully-electric car in South Africa with the Mustang Mach-E joining the original Mustang. The former is an electric SUV with seating for five and aggressive styling.

When is it coming? 2024.

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FIVE of the most important new cars

3 What is it? Mini Cooper SE.

Why is it important? Mini has become an electric car manufacturer and we’ll get a taste of the new Cooper SE. According to Mini, the Cooper SE will maintain its “go-kart handling feel”. Power is claimed 160kW and 330Nm and Cooper SE sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The high-voltage battery with 54.2 kWh energy content placed in the vehicle floor enables a range of 402 kilometres.

When is it coming? First quarter 2024.

4 What is it? Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Why is it important? It’s one of the world’s most iconic vehicles. It rides on a new body-on-frame GA-F platform. Power is from a traditional 2.8-litre diesel engine with an electrified version using 48-Volt mild hybrid technology available in 2025.

When is it coming? First quarter 2024.

4 What is it? Volvo EX30

Why is it important? Volvo is another manufacturer that has adopted an electric strategy and the EX30 signifies the entry point into the brand. Priced from R775 900, the cheapest electric Volvo has 134 kW and uses a 51-kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery. According to The Citizen, Volvo claims a range of 344km. The priciest EX30 will set you back R995 900 for the Ultra Twin Power Performance with a tasty 315 kW.

When is it coming? First quarter 2024.

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