Alan Cooper takes a look at the cars that will be turning heads on our roads this year.
Savvy buyers will be chomping at the bit in anticipation of the launch of the new cars for 2015, and there’s much to be excited about. From gutsy and sleek to cute and cost-effective, and a lot of green, the new launches of 2015 offer the driver more features, more power, better looks. In a nutshell, more for your money.
To whet your appetite for a bit of speed, here’s a taste of what’s in store.
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT
Make no mistake, Landy’s new baby isn’t just an arresting looking replacement for the respected – if not universally loved – Freelander. It also has some pretty impressive off-road skills to justify the “Disco” part of its name badge, including the ability to ford 60cm-deep streams and claw its way up 45 degree slopes. Throw in the fact that it’s now a seven-seater and is pacier and more sure footed than its predecessor on tar, and you don’t have to be a mystic to predict brisk sales when the 2.2-litre, four cylinder turbo-diesel model arrives in March at a still-to-be-announced price.
FORD MUSTANG
Steve McQueen, Sean Connery, Will Smith and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have all co-starred with this American motoring icon. Soon it could be your turn. The Ford Mustang is officially coming to Mzansi in early 2015 in the form of the brutally beautiful 2015 right-wheel drive incarnation. Purists will lust after the 5-litre, V8 version, although there’s also a cheaper 3.7-litre V6 and (Jeremy Clarkson, look away now) a 2.3-litre, four-cylinder Eco-boost turbo-petrol option, with all models pushing power to the rear wheels in true muscle car fashion. SA range and prices unconfirmed at the time of going to press.
PEUGEOT 308
Looking for an alternative to the excellent VW Golf? Something with a bit of Gallic flair, perhaps? You’re in luck. The new 308 – voted 2014 European Car of the Year – is due in local Peugeot showrooms in March, starting with the 96kW, three-cylinder engine turbo-petrol engine priced at R339 900. Other models will follow later this year, all with the same six-speed manual transmission. For your money, you can expect an upmarket, leather clad interior, brisk acceleration and snappy handling. Add the generous five-year, 60 000km maintenance plan and you’ll be sorely tempted to say “Oui”.