Most Anticipated Rides of 2015

Some of the cars headed for South African shores this year truly stand out. Here at AutoTrader we’re sharpening our teeth for the arrival of a few beautiful, interesting, and even mind-blowing automotive marvels.

Here are our top picks, in no specific order:

MERCEDES-AMG GT
If the AMG GT’s taut, sculpted lines don’t make you salivate, nothing will. This beauty replaces the iconic SLS Gullwing. And Mercedes is rather keen for us to archive the SLS and would like to point out just how different the AMG GT is. It still has the same long wheelbase, but is decidedly smaller than the SLS. The sumptuous fighter-jet inspired interior is a taste of the testosterone that lurks under its pretty hood. The AMG-GT “S” model (with figures of375kW/650Nm) will reach a 100km’s in only 3.8 seconds from standstill and features an all-new 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. And if there’s too little of that guttural, awe-inspiring engine sound for one’s personal preference, an active exhaust flap can increase the GT’s vocality.

MERCEDES-BENZ GLE COUPé
The Jerries at Mercedes-Benz specifically designed the GLE Coupé to compete with the new X6 from arch-rival BMW, which is also headed for South Africa later this year. The GLE Coupé will rival the bad boy X6 with regards to shape, size, engines, handling and overall excess. Something to look forward to is the latest generation COMAND online infotainment system with its high-tech 20cm screen.

FORD MUSTANG
Launched in Los Angeles last year, the contemporary, yet classical 6th generation Ford Mustang will finally be arriving in Mzanzi towards the end of 2015. South African buyers will be able to get their mitts on one of two engine derivates: a “green” four-cylinder, 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine (228 kW and 440 Nm) which is turbocharged. For the petrol-head purists, a Mustang with a more traditional 5.0-litre, naturally aspirated V8 (with 320 kW and 536 Nm) will be available. Don’t expect the EcoBoost engine to roar as satisfyingly as the V8, though .

LEXUS RC F
Every Lexus seems to be more progressively designed than the next. And the Lexus RC F, the flagship of the new Lexus RC Coupé, is no exception. In fact, it looks like a concept car at a motor show. Yet this beast is on its way to SA just as it is, with a boisterous, naturally aspirated 5.0 litre V8 engine with performance figures of 348kW and 530 Nm of torque. It’s designed with the ultimate motoring aficionado in mind, one who will possibly take the RC F to stretch its legs around the race track. It also features engine technology found in hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius, to save fuel when one isn’t screeching around Kyalami. There is also an array of electronic systems which can be adjusted to protect, assist, or to let one behave like a complete hooligan with minimum intervention from the car itself.

BMW i8
If Batman ever decided to buy a commercially available car, he’d buy himself the i8 to keep his adrenaline pumping on a daily basis. The i8 is the ultimate Batmobile, but not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, it can also be driven on full electric mode up to 120 km’s per hour. But if one would decide to “put foot”, there’s a whole 266kW and 570Nm available to exhilarate the spirit with. And with its diagonally opening doors, the i8 will be the envy of every other homo sapiens in the neighbourhood. Whether getting in and out of it will be cumbersome, remains to be seen. Pricing will be around R1.7 million. Better start playing the lottery immediately.

FORD EVEREST
A handsome new face we look forward to seeing on our roads in 2015, is Ford’s dashing new Everest. This family-sized SUV will go head-to-head with the countless Toyota Fortuners and Chevy Trailblazers we see every day. Built on the platform of the Ford Ranger, the Everest looks like it’s dressed for South African success.

VOLVO XC90
We've seen the revolutionary XC90 unveiled, and within hours all First Edition Volvos, priced at R1050 000, were already sold out online. The radical new design language is a taste of things to come for Volvo, and with opulent finishes like the crystal glass gear lever and diamond-cut controls, the XC90 will have parents putting their kids back into government schools to afford one. Expect futuristic safety features like intersection braking and a sound system to rival the acoustics of the Sydney Opera House. On sale (from around R 800 000) in August.

CITROEN CACTUS
The futuristic Citroen Cactus is truly a car of tomorrow.  Much like the succulent it’s named after, it needs very little liquid to keep going. Built on the platform of the Citroen DS3, the frugal Cactus will run on as little as 3.9 litres of fuel per 100km. And if you’re concerned about little dings that magically appear on your car in parking lots, the Cactus has plastic “airbumps” on its body for protection. Prices are expected to be between R225 000 and R290 000.

OPEL ADAM and OPEL MOKKA
The quirky new Opel Adam, a luxurious and nippy little three-door hatchback (which is capable of parking itself), has already been launched here and driven by Autotrader. This “supermini” is priced from R189 900 to R232 900 and boast an extensive list of safety and comfort specifications such as ESP and six airbags. The 1.0 Litre ecoFLEX engine and slick manual 6-speed box is a delight. There’s hardly any turbo-lag and with an output of 85kW, it cuts through the traffic with precision and agility. The new Opel Corsa will launch here in February as well.
Opel’s baby SUV, the Mokka, will soon have active urban dwellers queuing up to attach their mountain bikes to its stylish little roof rails. The Mokka has a sporty design and cheeky stance, which will appeal to the young and restless as well as those slightly longer in the tooth.

VOLKSWAGEN UP!
In the beginning of February we will see the upmarket, yet budget-orientated Volkswagen Up! released here in SA. The Up! is smaller, much cooler and possibly cheaper than the chart-topping Polo Vivo, and is said to be the true successor to the original VW Beetle. The Up is the same length as a Fiat 500, but its cabin offers more space. We’ve sneaked a peek at one in Cape Town, and were very impressed with its polished interior.