Things are hotting up as we proceed from No. 30 – 21 on our 50 Best Cars list for 2014…
30. New Renault Megane: Second Quarter
A new nose is all that’s required to keep the Renault Megane as fit as a fiddle and at the top of its game C-Segment game. The French manufacturer’s ever-changing corporate look is prefaced by a small transformation that has created an extraordinary effect. The Megane facelift offers up a distinctive front grille and new elliptical-shaped headlights that put one immediately in mind of the well-received Renault Clio 4.
29. Audi SQ5 TDI: Second Quarter
Now this is a tarted-up Audi SUV that makes a little more sense to us than the Audi RSQ3, which is little more than an RS3 on stilts. With a 3.0-litre V6 TDI from a Volkswagen Touareg this little-big SUV will be good for 230 kW and 650 Nm of torque, with drive sent to all four wheels courtesy of Quattro of course. Phoaw.
28. BMW 4 Series Convertible: First Quarter
The convertible version of the venerable 3 Series / 4 Series needs no introduction, and neither does the range of four- and six-cylinder petrol engines making 135 kW and 225 kW respectively, with a diesel also thrown into the mix most likely, this will be a good looking, economical drop-top with plenty of impetus for getting wind in your hair.
27. Aston Martin Vantage V12 S: First Quarter
Taking the sports car to new extremes, the new V12 Vantage S replaces the outgoing V12 Vantage in 2014, and with the exception of the One-77 hypercar, it’s the fastest road-going Aston Martin ever made. The V12 Vantage S comes equipped with the new 428 kW Aston Martin 6.0-litre V12 engine, and is capable of reaching 330 km/h. Peak and low rev torque improves appreciably, with 620 Nm available at 5 750 r/min; up from 570 Nm previously. The V12 Vantage S will not be found wanting for speed.
26. Kia Cerato Koup Turbo: First Quarter
Lower, longer and wider than before, the swept-back headlamps with LEDs give it a striking front end, but for once the Cerato Koup line up can now boast some firepower under the bonnet: 149 kW and 265 Nm of torque from a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine you find overseas in the Pro_Cee’d GT. An entry level 2.0-litre four-cylinder produces 130 kW and 208 Nm of torque.
25. Audi A8 Facelift / A8 LWB / S8: Third Quarter
The Audi A8 and V8-powered S8 will undergo minimal cosmetic surgery to maintain its dignified, executive discretion; but it will most likely get a new hybrid entry-level model and ultra hi-tech headlights, while the rest of the range will get Quattro all-wheel drive, and a 13 cm longer LWB version will be on offer for the first time.
24. Nissan X-Trail: Fourth Quarter
The Nissan X-Trail will replace its utilitarian looks with a sleeker, new Qashqai-like design. Buyers will have the option of a sensible two-wheel drive and more-capable all-wheel-drive model, the latter controlled by Nissan’s All Mode 4x4i system. Drivetrain wise, there is little to know at the moment, but a 1.6-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre dCi are likely options, as is an XTronic CVT automatic transmission.
23. BMW i3: Fourth Quarter
BMW calls the i3 the world’s first premium electric vehicle that’s been built from the ground up as such. The BMW i3 was designed with a carbon fibre reinforced passenger cell for light weight and an aluminium chassis. This makes the BMW i3 one of the first mass-produced carbon fibre cars ever. The BMW i3 is powered by a 125 kW electric motor with a 22-kW-hour lithium-ion battery, but an optional range-extender petrol engine is also available: a 650 cc, two-cylinder engine.
22. Audi A3 Convertible: Second Quarter
The handsome Audi A3 Cabriolet will complete the A3 model line-up based on Volkswagen’s versatile MQB platform. Carrying with it inherent weight saving benefits, the second-generation A3 Cabriolet has grown longer end-to-end but is also lower, wider and with a longer wheelbase. It looks smashing too…
21. Alfa Romeo 4C: First Quarter
The highly anticipated, compact, mid-engined sports car from Alfa Romeo has already garnered 13 orders for Limited Edition launch versions in S.A. and the Italian manufacturer hopes to receive a further 25 units before the year runs out.
Missed out on Part 1 and Part 2 of our 50 Best Cars coming to South Africa in 2014? Be Sure to catch them here: Part 1, Part 2.
