While the South African new car market recorded a further decline in 2024, it seems manufacturers' resolve to introduce fresh metal remains unaffected.
From compact electrics to hardy double cabs and fire-breathing performance brutes, a great deal can be expected in 2025.
Some brands are omitted. These either confirmed they had no new introductions on the cards, or did not respond to us by time of publication.
Audi
Facelifted iterations of the SQ7, SQ8, A3, S3 and RS3 are on the cards. The all-new A5 and Q5 will join the range, with the latest RS Q8 Performance taking flagship position. On the electric front, look out for the Q6 E-Tron.
BAIC
The B30, which looks like a cross between a Mini Countryman and Jeep Renegade, will expand the Chinese brand's line-up.
Bentley
Thundering into SA this year are the new Continental GT and GTC models.
BMW
A quiet year for the marque after its local 50th anniversary, with only the 2 Series Gran Coupé imminent.
Chery
After the release of the Tiggo Cross in 2024, this year sees the arrival of the updated Tiggo and Tiggo 8, with a new portfolio-topping Tiggo 9 on the cards.
Citroën
The Indian-made Basalt aims to give budget-conscious shoppers coupé-crossover swagger.
GAC
Nothing confirmed yet, but the brand said it was considering model upgrades for the current range, a new MPV and a new electric car.
GWM
After the recent introduction of the Haval H7, the GWM line-up will gain a new P300, diesel Tank 300 derivative and new Haval H6.
Hyundai
A facelift will help the Tucson retain its freshness, while the Alcazar arrives to replace the Grand Creta.
Ineos
The chassis cab derivative of the hardy Ineos Quartermaster will pander to the commercial sector in 2025.
Isuzu
No new nameplates from the Japanese firm, but facelifts were confirmed to be in the wings this year.
JAC
A busy year for the small volume Chinese player. A plug-in hybrid derivative and six-speed manual option will be added to the T9 range. The T8 expands with a new 2.5-litre, turbocharged-diesel engine. The T6 2.8-litre TDI single-cab is set to join the range, in addition to the X200 EV 1.6-tonne bakkie.
Jaecoo
Targeting the entry level market is the J5, to be followed by the J6, the first electric car from the brand. The popular J7 gains a plug-in hybrid derivative. Eyeing the luxury market is the J8, purported to be a genuinely premium offering.
Jeep
This year the famed American off-roader brand will offer Mzansi buyers an updated Wrangler and Gladiator.
Jetour
Boxy, upright and promising true off-road ability, the T1 and T2 will expand Jetour's sport-utility vehicle range.
Kia
Facelifts for the Sorento and Carnival are due. The Carens nameplate makes a return. The hugely anticipated Tasman, the first bakkie from Kia, is confirmed for introduction.
Leapmotor
The Stellantis-aligned Chinese electric car firm debuts in Mzansi with the compact C10.
Lexus
The GX, a swankier version of the Land Cruiser Prado, is expected in SA this year.
Mahindra
Expect updates for the long-standing Pik-Up, a 3X0 panel-van and XUV700.
Maserati
Look out for the new GranTurismo, GranCabrio, MC20 Cielo and GT2 Stradale.
Mercedes-Benz
It is a year of high-end wares for the three-pointed star brand, starting with a new G-Class range. The two-door version of the GT63 SE should have V8 fans rejoicing. The SL63 is also imminent, in addition to the CLE53 and E53.
MG
British brand MG was acquired and reinvented by China's SAIC conglomerate. While the new MG brand tried and failed here when it set up shop in 2012, it hopes to give the market another shot. New compact crossovers, sport-utility vehicles and a sports car will spearhead the return.
Mini
The dainty, electric Aceman is the first standalone electric nameplate for the Mini brand and is confirmed for SA. The new Mini Convertible will also arrive this year.
Mitsubishi
It could be the busiest year for Mitsubishi in a while, with products such as the Outlander Sport, Xpander Cross, DST, Pajero Sport facelift and enhanced Outlander on the horizon.
Omoda
The C9's appeal is set to be enhanced by the addition of a plug-in hybrid derivative. Bridging the gap between the C9 and junior C5 is the C7.
Opel
Fans of Opel's sporting heritage will delight in the Corsa Irmscher. The new Frontera will be Opel's first electrified option in SA, available in hybrid or full-electric form. A new Crossland and updated Mokka also join the range.
Peugeot
The impressive but underrated 2008 is set to gain a refresh this year.
Porsche
2025 sees focus on the 911 range, with the purist-slanted T derivative confirmed, in addition to the GTS.
Renault
Look out for the new Duster, with updates for the Capture, Triber and Kiger on the cards. The passenger version of the Trafic is due. Though the model has been around overseas for some time, the Arkana coupe SUV finally makes its way here. Poised to take position above the Captur is the Renault Symbioz.
Toyota
Mzansi's leading car brand kicks off the year with an update for the Corolla Cross. The updated GR Yaris, with an automatic gearbox, is planned for 2025, plus the addition of a Fortuner GR-S.
Volkswagen
Finally, the regular 1.4l version of the Golf will be offered locally. The Tayron, essentially a seven-seater iteration of the Tiguan, is confirmed. The Ford-based new Transporter range touches down this year in panel van and Kombi forms.
Volvo
This year the Swedish marque will place the spotlight on its flagship model, with the all-new EX90 and updated XC90 imminent.
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