Festival of Motoring highlights
The Festival of Motoring which was held at the Kyalami Grand Prix race track saw a host of new cars unveiled. We attended the unveiling of these new cars which included the all-new Audi A1, the new Audi Q3, A7, Haval H2 facelift and the highly anticipated Volkswagen T-Cross and Golf GTI TCR edition. Here is what you need to know about these new models:
The Audi A1
The Audi A1 made its first appearance on South African soil in early 2011. The car was well accepted but has, in our opinion always lacked a bit of a sporty look. The new model, however, seems to have remedied that with a focus on a sportier design and a more modern interior. Some of our favourite features on the FoM display car are the new Audi grille and the large wheels. The car on display is an A1 35 TFSI which was also finished in a colour called Python Yellow and it features the S-Line sports body kit. Inside the car features a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen as well as a digital instrument cluster. Under the hood of the show car, you will find a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine.
The Audi Q3
The much anticipated Audi Q3 is finally here and it was also unveiled at the Festival of Motoring. The new Q3 brings with it a host of changes, from a more modern and sportier design to a new-look interior with a driver-focused cockpit. The new Q3 also comes with Audis Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster which is now a standard item. The car on display at the Audi stand is finished in Turbo Blue and features the S-Line sports body kit which sees more aggressive bumpers and larger wheels. The new Q3 is also a whole lot larger than its predecessor making it a valuable alternative to other competitors in the segment. Autodealer editor Sean Nurse will be sampling this newcomer shortly.
The Audi A7
The Audi A7 was, like the A1, introduced into the South African market in 2011 and filled a niche in the market with only a few models being sold locally. The car was based on the A6 sedan but featured a better-looking design in our opinion. Now, the latest model has arrived at the Festival of Motoring with a more modern design. The car features new Matrix LED headlights, a larger front grille and a new rear design which features a light bar that runs the length of the rear. The A7 has always been a standout with its coupe-like design. Inside the car, one can expect a host of screens that are angled towards the driver. Under the skin, you will find some of the latest Audi technology as well as a host of driver aids.
Audi e-tron
Audi South Africa took the opportunity to introduce the media as well as the public to its future in the form of the all-electric Audi e-tron. It is the brands first fully electric SUV that develops around 300 kW of power. The e-tron features a 95kWh battery mounted beneath the passenger compartment is the lifeblood of the new car, it feeds two electric motors – one per axle – which jointly delivers an output. Audi South Africa will be launching the car in the local market towards the end of next year.
Volkswagen also took the opportunity to unveil some products alongside their more premium orientated sibling. Media, as well as public guests to the show, will be able to get up close to the new Volkswagen T-Cross as well as a very limited edition Golf GTI in the form of the TCR version.
T-Cross
The T-Cross is the brands Polo based SUV which is more compact than the popular Tiguan – but just as sophisticated. The T-Cross features a modern design with an athletic front bumper which emphasises the cars sporty and playful character. Inside the car, you will find a large infotainment screen as well as an optional digital instrument cluster. The T-Cross will be on dealership floors soon, however, 1000 units have already been spoken for which tells us that this car is going to be a very popular sight on our roads.
Golf GTI TCR edition
The Golf GTI TCR edition is a more track-focused version of what is possibly the most popular performance hatchback in South Africa. The car features upgraded brakes and a more sports orientated interior. It also features a boost in power, 213 kW and 380 N.m from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Unfortunately only 300 will be coming to South Africa so if you want one, act now.
Haval
Haval Motors South Africa celebrated its success with local media guests. Mr Charles Zhao, Managing Director of Haval Motors South Africa announced that the Haval H2 is fast becoming a favourite within its market segment and continued to reveal the facelifted model which is destined for SA in the first quarter of 2020. In addition to the reveal of the future model, Mr Zhao, it was announced that the Chinese manufacturer has 53 official dealers in South Africa since it started trading locally two-years ago. With four more dealerships opening before the end of the year, an average of two dealerships opening a month and a 50% year on year sales increase have been achieved by the brand. The event concluded with awards handed over to 3000th Haval H1, 5000th Haval H2, 1000th Haval H6C and 100th Haval H9 owners in South Africa.
