New metal up ahead: Carmakers give the lowdown on this year’s models

What will define the 2022 South African motoring yearbook? In 2021 we saw more progress in the electric mobility story, an expansion of local manufacturing operations and various additions to the hotly contested pick-up market. Gearing-up for the year ahead, we like to grill manufacturers on their forthcoming product plans. Some are obliging, while others prefer to keep mum.

Starting alphabetically, Alfa Romeo was excited to state that its new Tonale (toh-nahl, not toenail) is a definite prospect for the new year. It will give the marque much needed representation in the compact sport-utility vehicle market.

If you are contemplating an upgrade to a new Ferrari next year, look out for the 296 GTB, followed by the 812 Competizione. Those looking to spend a smidgen less on an Italian brand can wait for the updated Fiat 500X, coming in the second quarter.

Ford said it preferred to talk about local introductions closer to launch time, but by now you already know what the big talking point from the blue oval will be in 2022. Correct, the all-new Ranger, which was revealed in production form in November. Most tantalising is a turbocharged diesel V6 derivative, finally giving the model a high-performance slant.

Honda had a quiet year, with one introduction to market — the Fit, which replaces the Jazz. Its short-term plan for the road ahead includes updates for the Amaze and CR-V.

It’s been a while since Jeep brought something entirely new to the fold, but the latest version of the Grand Cherokee will put its aged predecessor to pasture, a model that is well over a decade old. Staying with generously-sized sport-utility vehicle options, Land Rover confirmed the new Range Rover flagship is coming to town. Cleaner styling and a more digitised interior are part of the highlights.

Off to Stuttgart we go, as Mercedes-Benz looks to fire a salvo in response to the electric strategy of its chief nemeses. Yes, the company will also be planting its stake in the landscape with the EQ range of zero-emissions vehicles. You can look forward to the all-new S-Class, C-Class, GLC-Class and updated A-Class and B-Class. Meanwhile, the well-heeled can delight in the prospect of two Mercedes-Maybach variants.

Mitsubishi claims it has plans to augment or enhance the entire range, from the Xpander to the ASX and Eclipse Cross, as well as the hugely underrated Triton and Pajero Sport. Opel has the new Mokka in the pipeline, bolstered by the Grandland.

Motorists with a Francophile streak might be pleased to know that the wait is nearly over for the new Renault Clio, whose launch was delayed. It will be accompanied by the next-generation Captur too. The Kwid and Triber are due to receive upgrades. Oh, the automaker says that the Duster Oroch is in the plan too, but for the following year. Rather not hold your breath — this has been promised before.

Subaru has a revised expression of the Subaru on the way, but more exciting is the imminence of a new WRX, promising to take the brand into a new era of performance, with its strange and distinctive sedan-cum-crossover body format. A thoroughly modernised new Celerio will add further pluck to the aims of Suzuki in the budget car segment. Their popular Jimny range will expand too.

Fans of Toyota are in for quite a treat when the second-generation GR86 sports car comes to town. Also on the cards are spicier versions of the Hilux and Corolla Cross, both in GR-S trim. The Corolla Quest will get specification enhancements, as will the RAV4 Hybrid.

Volkswagen will have quite a busy year, starting with the release of the updated Polo, which includes the GTI. It is still made in the Eastern Cape, as before. The new Caddy is on the cards too. Performance-hungry shoppers can brace for the Golf R and, for the first time ever, there will be an R derivative of the Tiguan. Look out for a new nameplate: Taigo.

This is based on the Polo, but offers a tougher, crossover appearance. The new Polo sedan comes in the third quarter, while the T-Roc will be treated to a facelift.

The automaker says that the all-new Amarok, based on the Ford Ranger, is expected to make its world premiere. Launch dates will be confirmed soon.