One of the biggest events on the South African motoring calendar is, of course, the SA Festival of Motoring, which takes place annually at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. The event is an opportunity for petrolheads to immerse themselves in ALL THINGS MOTORING, and for manufacturers to showcase their best and latest. This year was no different, here are some of the notable highlights from the event. 

Omoda C9


Let's start with the Omoda C9, the soon-to-arrive ultra-luxury car that's set to redefine opulence in the Chinese vehicle space. It's bringing all the bells and whistles to the table, making heads turn with its premium features and futuristic design. You can expect a high-end interior with plenty of room and a layout resembling some of Mercedes-Benz's finest, featuring a fold-out passenger leg rest similar to that of an S-Class. It even has none-mechanical doors that open by pressing a button from the inside. This spaceship-like beauty is gearing up to make a grand entrance into the South African market.

Suzuki Jimny 5-door


It's been a long time coming but it's finally here, we're talking about the 5-door Suzuki Jimny. Enthusiasts have been waiting for this for decades and it's now on the horizon. Although the 5-door Jimny with 340mm more space isn't going on sale yet, attendees of the Festival of Motoring had the opportunity to sample the first one in the country. What's more, is that it will give you the ability to fold the front seats into overnight beds, and it has adequate rear legroom to accommodate adults. The 5-door Suzuki Jimny will be sold in a variety of new colours including Celestial Blue, Granite Grey and a special Sizzling Red with metallic black roof.


 

Proton X90


Proton's making a splash with the Proton X90. This hybrid vehicle boasts a roomy interior that can comfortably fit seven adults. Keyless entry and start, wireless charging, a plethora of USB ports (one for each passenger), and ventilated seats are just some of the features that you can expect. Add a 360-degree camera to that list. The 1.5l TGDi engine may not have been the best pick for the Chinese brand, especially in a seven-seater. We'll know for sure whether this drivetrain is apt for the job when it arrives and we get behind the wheel. However, the R559 900 starting price is music to the ears.

GWM/ORA


Now, let's dive into the electrifying world of GWM's ORA brand. This all-electric wing is kicking off with the ORA 03, flaunting 126 kW and 250 Nm under the shell. With a range of 300km, it will allow you to cover all corners of the city without the fear of running out of current. Oh, and guess who's behind the stunning design? A former Porsche designer, adding a dash of German sleekness to the ORA's personality.

GWM isn't stopping there. They're flexing their muscles with the new Tank brand which looks like it means business. The rugged SUV from Tank looks ready to conquer any terrain you throw at it, making off-road adventures something to look forward to. This will be an affordable alternative to the Jeep Wranglers of this world.

BMW iX5 Hydrogen


The Germans aren't holding back either. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is paving the way for BMW's hydrogen-powered cars, featuring dual drive units (rear and front) with a combined output of 275 kW. With a range of 500km, it's a game-changer in the green driving scene. Externally, it's still the well-known X5 design but with some cosmetic tweaks and blue accents to symbolise its eco-friendliness. You can expect a sub-6-second 0-100 time from the iX5 Hydrogen.

For two-wheel aficionados, BMW's got you covered with their new electric scooters, one of which was on display at FOM and is already on sale. The BMW C04 scooter - a speedy delight able to zip through the streets with a 130km range and a 0-60 time that'll give you an adrenaline rush at around 3 seconds. On the flip side, the R275 000  price tag might give your wallet a workout too. Keep an eye out for the C02 electric scooter from Motorrad, which will be whizzing its way into South Africa soon.

There was plenty more to see and experience at this year's Festival of Motoring, from 4x4 self-drive experiences, to track drives in some of the finest machines driven by some of the best drivers the country has to offer. There's a lot to look forward to in the coming months, and it's safe to say that the world of wheels just got a whole lot more exciting!

 

Gugu Masuku - Proudly CHANGECARS