New cars coming in 2021: A quick preview

1. Aston Martin Vantage Roadster

Mechanically identical to the established Vantage coupé, the drop-top Roadster was first unveiled internationally in February 2020, and will finally reach local shores early in the new year. Apart from the gorgeous roof-down styling, the Vantage Roadster has a rather unique selling point: the quickest-acting automated folding roof ever, which can retract at speeds up to 50 km/h in only 6.7 seconds (6.8 seconds to close). Motive power is sourced from the familiar AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, sending 375 kW and 685 Nm into a rear-mounted 8-speed automatic transaxle.

Related: The top 4 differences between a new and used Aston Martin Vantage.

 

2. Audi A3/S3

Following a successful renewal of their A1 entry-level model, Audi redesigned their bread-and-butter A3 range as well, and we’re expecting it to land here in the second half of 2021. It’s still based on the VW Group’s MQB platform, although this has been revised to become the MQB Evo in its latest iteration – with a focus on weight reduction and incorporating the latest electronic architecture. 

Powertrains will remain largely unchanged, with the local A3 expected to employ turbo petrol power in the 80 kW to 221 kW range, 7-speed dual-clutch gearboxes, and on-demand quattro AWD in the high-performance S3 variants. As with the outgoing model, mainstream body style options will remain limited to a 5-door hatch (Sportback) and 4-door sedan.

Related: Get a preview of what to expect with the next Audi A3 here.

 

3. BMW M3, M4 and 128ti

2021 will be a high-performance year at BMW, with the next-generation M3 and M4 expected to arrive in the first half the year – complete with their new “overbite” grille treatments. Powered by a new-generation “S58” twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine (as found in the new X3M/X4M), the local range should include RWD, 6-speed manual variants with 353 kW “base” variants, along with AWD, 8-speed automatic “Competition” derivatives that receive a power bump to 375 kW.

Of perhaps greater interest is BMW’s riposte to the Golf GTI/Renault Megane RS/Hyundai i30N crowd: the new 128ti hot hatch. Unlike the M135i (which does battle with the Audi S3 and Mercedes-AMG A35), the 128ti will be FWD-only, and feature a detuned version of the M135i’s 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder mill, the same M Sport suspension, and a limited-slip differential. For local consumption, outputs will likely be capped at the same 180 kW and 380 Nm as you’d find in a 330i, squarely targeting the latest Golf GTI (which is scheduled to arrive around the same time).

Related: Watch this video review to get the low-down on the BMW M135i xDrive.

 

4. Hyundai Tucson and new i20

The current-generation Tucson is only 5 years old (and recently received a fairly thorough facelift), but its replacement is already on the horizon. Unveiled in international markets towards the end of 2020, we’re expecting the new-generation Tucson in the second half of 2021. 

It’s a new design, but we likely won’t see much change in the engine room. The existing 2.0 non-turbo 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbodiesel and 1.6 turbopetrol are probably carry forward as is, while we’re again likely to be limited to FWD drivetrains instead of the AWD option (which has been discontinued here, due to slow sales). If you’re not keen on Hyundai’s latest styling language, get one of the outgoing Tucsons while you can, because the new one has strong overtones of an electric razor in its grille treatment...

Expected here around the same time as the new Tucson, the next Hyundai i20 will offer a similar new-generation styling treatment, but grow larger and more-upmarket than its predecessors for its third generation. The base 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox will likely continue at the entry level, but the 1.4-litre petrol is likely to be superseded by Hyundai’s familiar 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol (as seen in the Venue and Kona), finally giving the high-trim i20 a handy shot of added performance.

Related: Is the Hyundai i20 good for families?

 

5. Kia Sonet and new Sorento

Over at Kia, the plan is to keep expanding their SUV/crossover range at both ends of the range. Slotting in beneath the Seltos (and closely related to the Hyundai Venue), the new Kia Sonet will broaden this manufacturer’s reach into the realm of more-affordable compact SUVs. Motive power for our market should comprise a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol with 88 kW and 172 Nm, with a 1.5-litre turbodiesel option (probably in the same 85 kW/250 Nm trim as in the Seltos).

Also expected for the first half of 2021 is the fourth-generation Kia Sorento. As with the outgoing model, the local range will likely comprise different trim levels, with a single 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine but a choice between FWD and AWD. In spite of its similar displacement, this is a new engine, with increased outputs (peak power is now up to 151 kW), improved efficiency, and reduced fuel consumption.

Related: Hitting the sweet spot – we review the Kia Seltos 1.5CRDi EX.

 

6. Jaguar Land Rover range expansion, hybrids, and an uprated base diesel engine.

Set to continue the momentum generated by the new Defender 110, the short-wheelbase Defender 90 will arrive early in 2021, with the same engine range and similar accessory packs to those found in the LWB 110. There will also be more-basic trim levels available for the Defender 90, in keeping with its slightly more-utilitarian market placement.

Jaguar Land Rover has been introducing a whole slew of hybrid powertrain options for their other models, ranging from high-performance (P400e) to efficiency-minded (P300e) versions, depending on the application. In addition, the old “D180” entry-level diesel is being phased out, to be replaced by the slightly more-powerful “D200” powertrain. This roll-out began in 2020, and is set to be completed across all models (Jaguar E-Pace and F-Pace, Land Rover Discovery and Discovery Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque, Velar and Sport) during the course of 2021.

Related: Which Range Rover Evoque is better: petrol, diesel, or hybrid?

 

7. Mahindra Thar

The imminent arrival of an all-new Mahindra Thar is a bit of an open secret. We’ve driven a pre-production example on local soil already (the only local publication thus far allowed to do so), but seeing as that particular news item is still under embargo, we can reveal very little about it at the moment (although we will show you a picture of the new car, taken at the preview drive).

Suffice it to say that, should they get the pricing right, the new Thar will cause a serious upset in the affordable off-road-capable SUV segment. The pricing and local model range will only be announced closer to launch, but possible drivetrains include a new 2.0-litre turbopetrol and 2.2-litre turbodiesel, both mated to 6-speed gearboxes in either manual- or automatic guises.

Related: The top 5 Mahindra Thar articles on AutoTrader.

 

8. Maserati Trofeo rollout, and new MC20 Supercar

We already reviewed the Maserati Levante Trofeo, which arrived mid-2020 to herald the imminent arrival of a new range of Maserati “Trofeo” high-performance models, and the first local examples of the Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeos will be delivered early in 2020. Headline figures for these twin-turbo V8-engined stormers are 433 kW and 730 Nm (440 kW for the AWD Levante), giving 0 – 100 km/h sprint times in the low-4 second range to these RWD sedans.

Other Maserati news revolves around this company’s first modern supercar, called the MC20. In tune with the current zeitgeist, the MC20 uses a downsized engine, albeit one that’s boosted to high heavens. Claimed outputs from this 3.0-litre twin-turbo, 90-degree V6 engine are 463 kW and 730 Nm, and it’s meant to be a screamer: the rev limiter is set at 8 000 r/min, and the power only peaks at 7 500 r/min. 

As a result, the carbon-fibre-bodied MC20 is claimed to hit 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, with the top speed governed to 325 km/h. Just as impressively, it’s also supposed to pass the 200 km/h mark in less than 8.8 seconds. Expect the first local deliveries (and hopefully, a test drive or two) sometime in 2021 – pricing and arrival dates will be confirmed closer to launch.

Related: Get all the details about the new Maserati Trofeo range here.

 

9. Mazda BT-50 and CX-30

These arrivals are big, literally and figuratively. Even though local production of the next-generation Isuzu D-Max is only scheduled to commence in 2022, the Mazda derivative being spun off the same platform will hit our market a year earlier, courtesy of an Isuzu plant in Thailand. 

Motive power is drawn from Isuzu’s 3.0-litre 16V turbodiesel, good for 140 kW and 450 Nm – class-competitive, but not class-leading figures. In compensation, the new BT-50 is slightly shorter but wider, and will probably be a fair bit lighter than the massive (and massively overbuilt) Ford T6-based generation. 

But before that happens, there's something for the SUV/crossover set: the new Mazda CX-30 will arrive at the end of January, to fit between the CX-3 and CX-5. Likely sharing its 2.0-litre engine with the Mazda3 (upon which it's based), larger CX-5 and smaller CX-3, there's also hope for a 2.5-litre either with- or without a turbocharger. With forced induction, up to 190 kW could be on the cards, finally giving a stylish Mazda the engine it deserves.

Related: The Top 5 Mazda BT-50 articles on AutoTrader.

 

10. Mercedes-Benz S-Class and AMG GT Black Series

The big news from Stuttgart revolves around the swanky new S-Class, which was first revealed midway through 2020 and will get here before 2021 reaches its halfway mark. As has become Mercedes-Benz tradition, the latest iteration of the S-Class formula introduces a host of cutting-edge technology – for this generation, mostly revolving around lighting- and camera technology.

Local model range details and pricing will follow closer to its local arrival, but 6-cylinder variants will switch from the old V6 petrol and diesel mills, to the lovely new inline-6 engines from Mercedes’s latest engine family. V8 power for both regular- and AMG S-Class variants will still be derived from the highly-regarded corporate 4.0-litre engine, while the Maybach (likely to be launched at a later stage) will get its motivation from the monstrous old twin-turbo V12.

The other highlight will be rather more limited in availability, and caters for an entirely different clientele: the mad Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. With race car-derived aerodynamics and a manic flat-plane-crankshaft V8 fed copious amounts of boost, there’s 537 kW and 800 Nm going to the rear wheels. There’s no indication of local pricing, but a small number of this track-bred monster is certain to arrive.

Related: Why the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is completely bonkers.

 

11. Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

Contrived name aside, this one’s bound to be a pretty nifty piece of kit. A small SUV-ish crossover/7-seater MPV mash-up in the mould of a Honda BR-V, the new small Mitsubishi uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine, with either a manual- or automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels. 

In classic people-mover style, the cabin is said to be very versatile, with the two rear seating rows foldable in various permutations to distribute the cabin space between people and luggage. And here’s an interesting teaser: Mitsubishi says that the Xpander is “expected to be the quietest in its class”. We’re not sure who determined this, but it would be quite interesting to put that claim to the test...

Related: New vs old (used) Mitsubishi Triton - here are the top 3 differences.

 

12. Nissan’s renewed SUV onslaught, locally-built Navaras

In addition to the revised and locally-made Navara, which we described here a few weeks ago, Nissan is confirmed to release two new SUVs – each one of them aimed at a very important market segment. First up is the Magnite – a new compact crossover to serve as entry point to Nissan’s SUV range. Going up against formidable opponents like the Ford EcoSport and Hyundai Venue from the first quarter of 2021, it’s powered by a peppy 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine with 77 kW and 160 Nm.

Related: Find out more about the Nissan Magnite here.

Then, towards the end of 2021, the new Terra is set to arrive, bringing the battle to the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Isuzu mu-X, and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. As with its opponents, the Terra is based upon the underpinnings of a bakkie – in this case, the facelifted Navara. Expect similar engines, interior appointments, and driver aids to what you’d find in the new Navara, then. Finally, a worthy successor to the Pathfinder! 

Related: Get all the information about the 2021 Nissan Navara here.

 

13. Opel Corsa

The first PSA-based Corsa will arrive early in 2021, with Peugeot drivetrains and the platform of a 208/Citroën C3. This all-new car will be larger but lighter than its predecessor, and will draw power from the Peugeot PureTech engine range when it arrives. In-cabin technology will also likely switch to the PSA architecture, so expect plenty of available driver aids and a touchscreen as standard.

Related: Interested in the outgoing Opel Corsa? Check out these features when you take one for a test drive!

 

14. Peugeot 208 and 2008

Speaking of Peugeot, this French manufacturer will bring their latest 208 supermini and 2008 compact crossover to South Africa in the first quarter of 2021 as well.

Stylish and well-appointed, the 208 was actually intended to arrive in 2020, but world events forced a delayed local introduction. It’s still unclear whether we’ll see the e-208 EV here – its pricing might be prohibitive, but we’d love to try an electric 208 anyway!

Related: Is the first-generation Peugeot 2008 good for families? 

 

15. Renault’s compact car offensive

Having successfully covered the budget-biased sections of the marketplace, Renault will focus renewed energy on the slightly more-premium side of business. First up is the fifth-generation Clio, believed to get here around May, followed by the closely-related second-generation Captur a few months later. 

There may be a surprise arrival from India, too, with the Renault Kiger (yes, really) possibly coming to slot between the Triber and the Duster towards the end of the year. Will there be enough market space for yet another small Renault crossover? Quite possibly: the Kiger (revealed in concept for at the end of 2020) looks like the offspring of a Kwid and a Captur, and as a result, projects quite a different image than the Triber and Duster. 

Related: The Top 3 things you need to know about the upcoming new Renault Clio (and Captur).

 

16. Subaru Outback

Slated for introduction in the first quarter of 2021, the latest-generation Subaru Outback will likely arrive with a retuned (direct injection) version of the latest 2.5-litre Subaru Boxer engine – the one that will also (finally) soon appear in the Forester. If we’re lucky, we could also receive a 2.4-litre turbo Boxer mill, good for 194 kW and 376 Nm in overseas markets – but, no matter which engine, it will be mated with a CVT and Subaru’s hallmark symmetrical AWD system.

Related: We review the latest Subaru Forester 2.0 - More of the same, but with improved (almost) everything.

 

17. Suzuki Vitara Brezza

After considerable growth in 2020, on the back of the budget-beating S-Presso and with the stalwart Swift selling in very respectable numbers, Suzuki is poised to release yet another compact SUV/crossover into their range in February 2021: this time, slotting in between the Ignis and Vitara. It's clearly derived from the Vitara family, but cut down in size to fit into India's "4-metre car" regulations.

Motive power is supplied by Suzuki's 1.5-litre 4-cylinder K-series petrol engine, good for 77 kW and 138 Nm. Check out the engine sizes: Ignis uses a 1.2-litre, Brezza deploys a 1.5-litre, and "full-size" Vitara gets a 1.6-litre (or a brilliant 1.4-litre turbo). That's how closely the market segments are sliced these days...

 

18. Toyota: Hybrids and a hot hatch

2021 is set to be another busy year for Toyota, with two new hybrid models confirmed for South Africa, along with a niche-market hot hatchback. We’ll start out with the introduction of hybrid powertrain options for both the Corolla sedan (with 90 kW and 142 Nm in international markets) and the RAV4 (with 163 kW and 279 Nm) in the first quarter.

Next up will be the manic little GR Yaris – a rally-bred homologation special with 200 kW and 370 Nm, AWD, limited-slip differentials on both axles, and a carbon-fibre roof. This is a limited-build car, so enthusiasts had better get their orders in as soon as possible. It will be pricey, though (we’re guesstimating at least R 700 000 in today’s money), but it might just be the most exciting thing Toyota’s done in decades as well. Money well spent, we’d say!

Related: Why the Toyota GR Yaris (and Corolla) needs to come to South Africa!

 

19. New Golfs: Fast, faster and slow(er)

In contrast to previous generations of Golf, the eighth-generation model is due to debut in high-performance GTI trim in the second quarter of 2021, with the lower-powered 1.4 TSI and AWD Golf R set to arrive towards the end of the year. Headline figures for the GTI are 180 kW and 370 Nm, sent to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 

The familiar 1.4 TSI will produce 110 kW and 250 Nm, but will feature an 8-speed torque-converter automatic instead of VW’s by-now-customary DSG transmission. This should make for a smoother drivetrain, and will likely be better-suited to heavy traffic. Meanwhile, the Golf R will retain its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo motor (EA888 Evo4), with outputs expected to reach up to 235 kW and 420 Nm (pending approval for local fuel quality).

Related: The Top 3 things you need to know about the upcoming Volkswagen Golf 8.

 

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