Most anticipated new cars for 2016 – SUVs

Which new SUVs are the most anticipated new cars to arrive in SA in 2016?

1 high-end luxury brand and 2 premium brands are entering the SUV sector for the 1st time, and 2 new SUVs are old favourites.

Bentley Bentayga

The well-publicised Bentley Bentayga, as the first SUV from the luxury and GT car maker, and indeed the 1st ever high-end SUV above Range Rover, will also become available in South Africa.

Super luxury, W12 engine performance and off-road capability make this a Bentley and Sports Utility Vehicle like no other.  It lays the path for other top SUVs.

Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar cleverly markets the F-Pace (the company’s first ever venture into SUV territory) as the most spacious and usable sports car from Jaguar.

The Jaguar F-Pace is confirmed for South African Jaguar dealers, and the engine line-up will be a choice of turbo petrol or diesel, or V6 supercharged.  Expect some serious high-tech stuff, like the ingenious Activity Key which lets you wear a waterproof “key” on your wrist.

Maserati Levante

Also a first for Maserati is the creation of an SUV type vehicle.  Having built sports cars in 2-door and 4-door for decades, the Maserati Levante will become the first Italian upper-end SUV.

Its marketing hype:  A warm Mediterranean wind is rising.  Levante.  The Maserati of SUVs.  It was shown at the Frankfurt 2011 show as the Maserati Kubang.

The local outlet of Maserati (which now operates independently, having split from Ferrari) confirmed the Levante will be launched in South Africa.  Specification details have not been revealed yet.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

A new-generation Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is destined for SA.  The new “Dynamic Shield” front design and very long vertical taillights take the new Pajero Sport design into the modern era.

A new engine and upgraded sound insulation, handling stability and new technology (like the “Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation System”) will be part of this cross-country SUV.  It would be able to better take the fight to the new Fortuner (see below).

Toyota Fortuner

Perhaps even Toyota SA was surprised by the popularity of its Fortuner.  An all-new incarnation of the Toyota Fortuner will be marketed in South Africa from March 2016.

What is new?  The new Fortuner becomes a more refined SUV with more luxury features, a new “Solid Fluidity” design language, and upgraded suspension for smoothness and stability, though keeping its all-terrain capability.  Expect 2.4 and 2.8 turbo diesel engines.