South Africa is getting a lot of exciting cars this year, ranging from bakkies like the new VW Amarok to sporty hatches like the upcoming Toyota GR Corolla.
Among the many new vehicles expected to make their local debut in 2023 are several models from Chinese carmakers – a segment that has seen great success on the market in a relatively short time frame.
This includes names like BAIC, Chery, GWM, and JAC, which all have at least one car that has been confirmed to be coming to South Africa in 2023, with even more potentially in the works.
These are the Chinese cars that have been confirmed to be launching in South Africa in 2023.
BAIC B80
The BAIC B80 is an upcoming luxury SUV that has drawn comparisons to the likes of Mercedes-Benz’s G-Class.
It made its public debut at last year’s Festival of Motoring, where a company representative confirmed to TopAuto that it was looking at a starting price of around R1.1 million.
While this figure could still change, as the car’s launch window has yet to be set in stone, other aspects of the B80 were confirmed for its South African release.
It will have a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 184kW and 350Nm and transmit this power to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The BAIC also provides a wading depth of 600mm, an approach angle of 39 degrees, a departure angle of 33 degrees, and a break-over angle of 25 degrees.
South African-specific features include 17-inch alloys, red brake calipers, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, side steps, leather upholstery, aluminium sports pedals, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a digital driver display, a 10.25-inch infotainment unit, a reverse camera, keyless start, front and rear parking sensors, and cruise control.
Chery Omoda C5
The Chery Omoda C5 will be the first non-Tiggo model to feature in South Africa since the brand re-entered the country in late 2021.
It was initially penned for release in late 2022 but has since been delayed to April 2023, and pre-orders are now open.
The carmaker did, however, reveal that it would feature a 1.5-litre engine and that a new-energy drivetrain would be added at a later date.
Equipment on the Omoda, meanwhile, consists of eco-leather Sports seats, a dual 10.25-inch digital driver and infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, keyless start and entry, wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warnings, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and Smart LED headlights.
GWM Ora Cat
The Ora Cat could well be the cheapest fully-electric car (EV) in South Africa when it lands in the second/third quarter of this year.
While its pricing is still unknown, the country currently only has one EV retailing for less than R1 million – that being the Mini Cooper SE – meaning there’s not a lot of competition in the sphere of “affordable” EVs at the moment.
It uses a single motor to send 126kW and 250Nm to the front wheels which is powered by either a 49 or 63kWh battery pack – giving it a maximum range of between 320km and 420km.
The Ora is also capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds and reach speeds of up to 153km/h.
With a 6.6kW AC cable, an 80% charge is expected to take place in around five and a half hours, which can be cut all the way down to 43 minutes using a 63kW DC fast charger.
Interior additions comprise leatherette upholstery, keyless start, electric seats, automatic air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, rear parking sensors, 360-degree cameras, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment display.
GWM Tank 300
Another Chinese 4×4 set to hit the local market in short order – the Tank 300 will not be competing with the BAIC B80, but rather its more affordable counterpart, the B40 Plus.
This puts the Tank’s pricing somewhere around the R500,000 mark, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Looking at other markets where the 300 is sold, the SUV features a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with 224kW and 640Nm, or a 2.0-litre hybrid with 224kW and 640Nm. In either case, it takes advantage of an eight-speed auto-box to transmit power to a 4WD system.
Ground clearance for the GWM is pegged at 224mm, it can wade through 700mm of water, tow 2,500kg, and both axles feature an electronic differential lock for added capabilities.
The car itself, which has two trim levels, is then expected to have fittings like a 360-degree camera, 12.3-inch media screen, keyless start and entry, Matrix LED lights, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, and a sunroof.
JAC T9 Hunter
The JAC T9 Hunter is shaping up to be South Africa’s first plug-in hybrid bakkie.
Expected to release in the second quarter of 2023, the Hunter will offer 4×2 and 4×4 driving layouts, as well as two different powertrains – which are making their debut on different dates.
The first of these is a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with 125kW and 410Nm, which works with an eight-speed automatic. The pickup is further equipped with a lockable rear diff and is certified to tow up to 3,500kg.
Unfortunately, no information has been provided about the hybrid’s capabilities thus far, but the manufacturer did state that it is investigating the possibility of a battery-electric for 2024.
Inside, the double cab features a 10.4-inch infotainment unit, 7-inch driver screen, heated and electronic seats, partial leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a wireless charger.
It’s also bringing autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera.
Keyword: All the Chinese cars coming to South Africa this year