New model highlights from '24 Festival of Motoring

The Festival of Motoring seems to be returning to the buzz and spectacle it boasted in the pre-pandemic years.

Attending the 2024 show last week, there appeared to be a definite uptick in support from manufacturers, as well as a stronger interest from the public.

Inaugurated in 2016, the Kyalami-based exhibition continues to offer attendees a more interactive experience than past formats like the Johannesburg International Motor Show.

Being centred around the circuit and its surrounding facilities means showgoers have a chance to feel what the vehicles can do, instead of merely nosing around parked display units.

There was a lot to take in, not just from manufacturers, but also from aftermarket exhibitors and players in the classic market.

Our focus at the media day of the event remained on the new model showcases however. And there were quite a few to get excited about.

Blue oval brand Ford started the day off with a V8 wake-up call, taking the wraps off its next generation Mustang. It looks pointier in the metal, with a leaner silhouette than the outgoing car.

Notable improvements were made inside too, with plusher materials and the expected increase in digitisation. But best of all? The 5.0-litre Coyote engine lives on. And it sounds more boisterous than ever. The Mustang will be launched later this year.

While an outright launch date is to be confirmed, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz will be rolled out as part of the broader electric vehicle (EV) trial that the brand is conducting.

We saw the long-wheelbase version in a resplendent green shade at the VW commercial vehicles stand. Charming retro-themed looks, with a futuristic interior execution befitting its EV status, it is one delectable family bus.

More down to earth was the launch of the updated T-Cross at the VW passenger cars area. Take note of the subtle styling enhancements, adoption of the latest VW grade walk (Life, Style and R-Line); updated alloy wheel designs and brighter colour options. The vehicle is on sale now.

Pricing starts at R462,200. Also on the stand was the latest Tiguan, but we did not pay too much attention there, as we will be testing the model in Gqeberha this week.

The Swift has helped Suzuki maintain a steady spot towards the top of the monthly new vehicle sales charts. Imported from India, the Japanese brand’s B-segment hatchback seems to tick the boxes where affordable, mainstream motoring is concerned.

Not wanting to rest on their laurels, the automaker will introduce an enhanced version soon, which made its debut at the Festival of Motoring.

You do not have to squint to spot the changes: it is an obvious visual upgrade. Bolder, more cohesive from a stylistic point of view, it also has a more grown-up interior, with cues taken from the larger Baleno.

That includes a larger infotainment screen and sculpted fascia design. More significantly is the standard fitment of six airbags across the range. Powering the range is a new 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine (60kW/112Nm). Pricing will be announced in October.

We might have more questions than answers around the local plant operations of Chinese brand BAIC, but its X55 crossover has helped in the quest to build brand equity. It was the winner of the Compact Family category in the 2023 South African Car of the Year.

The automaker showed the improved Plus version of the model. Exterior changes are subtle (new wheel designs and a four-pipe arrangement); bolstered by additional colour choices. Voice recognition is now part of the revised infotainment offering in the model. The power source remains unchanged, a 1.5-litre, turbocharged-petrol (130kW/305Nm) linked to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.

Chery and its Tiggo family of crossovers and sport-utility vehicles has expanded with the new Cross.

It will service as a go-between, with the established Tiggo 4 below and the Tiggo 7 above on the product hierarchy.

As with the bulk of the Chery range, power comes from a 1.5-litre unit, turbocharged and delivering 108kW/230Nm. Design-wise, it is textbook modern Chery, with a crisper, more sober and restrained approach versus the related Omoda and Jaecoo lines. Pricing will be announced later this year.

Sticking with the Chinese firms, Build Your Dreams (BYD) had its Dolphin and Seal on display. While the brand launched to market with the ATTO3 at a glittering event in 2023, it has not exactly been forthcoming with test drive opportunities. And aside from seeing the odd branded dealer unit roaming around; we wonder, have actual, paying private customers taken delivery of any BYD models?

The Dolphin is priced from R539,900. The sleek Seal, with its fastback shape and all-wheel drive powertrain option could go on sale in October.

Opel fans may recall the association with Irsmscher, a tuning moniker denoting enhanced performance capabilities. The last time a local Opel wore the handle was with the Astra of 2003. Stellantis SA showcased the recently-updated Corsa, as well as its larger sibling the Mokka, sporting Irsmscher goods.

Larger wheels, suspension tuning and a more vocal exhaust system comprised the enhancements. But the show cars remain teasers for the time being, with no confirmation on public introduction at this stage.