The month of July 2013 saw a host of new and exciting models introduced to South Africa. We’ve compiled a list of new car launches that took place during the month of July 2013.

Renault Fluence Dynamique CVT from R254 900

Renault extended its Fluence line up with a new Dynamique 2.0-litre sedan, the final variant in the brand’s 2013 model line up. The model was facelifted in 2012 with the new Renault family face, standard Xenon headlights and a few minor changes. The mid-sized sedan is now offered with a CVT transmission.

Volkswagen Golf GTI from R368 300

Volkswagen brought us the long awaited seventh generation Golf GTI to South African soil, not only featuring a heavily revised turbocharged engine. The GTI is 42kg lighter than before (from 1393 to 1351kg), thanks to VW’s new ‘transverse matrix’ MQB platform.

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso – not yet available

Citroen revealed the second generation C4 Grand Picasso designed to offer a “pioneering balance between interior spaciousness and flowing body styling.” The model also has class-leading second and third row spaciousness as well as a cargo capacity in excess of 700 litres. There is no indication as to when or whether the model will be available in South Africa.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan R239 900

Mitsubishi upgraded the Lancer 2.0 GLS sedan with a number of features (Bluetooth, a full complement of seven airbags, reversing camera and touchscreen controls for the audio system) that provide added value to buyers without an increase in the selling price.

Lexus IS 350 from R449 900

Lexus introduced its redesigned third generation IS sedan sporting rich sporty looks, a claimed fuel consumption figure of 9.7 litres/100km, and a new interior design available in a choice of three smooth leather colour schemes.

FAW Sirius from R149 995

FAW released an updated Sirius model, a rival to the Nissan Livina. Specification levels on the Sirius range include alloy wheels (even the spare), air-conditioning, dual airbags, remote control central locking, and power steering to name a few.

Peugeot 208 GTi R259 900

The Peugeot 208 GTi is available with a high pressure turbocharged 1.6-litre engine that delivers 147kW of power, accelerating to 100km/h in just 6.8 seconds. The GTI rides on 17-inch Diamond Carbon alloy wheels and also features revised steering settings that increase firmness.

Nissan NV200 Combi from R235 800

Nissan added to its range of LCVs the NV200 Combi which is much like its sibling the NV200 panel van, with sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle, 14-inch alloy wheels and is available in array of colours including white, silver, grey, black, and a more zesty red, blue marine and blue green

Mercedes Benz SLK AMG from R579 238

Mercedes-Benz further enhanced its SLK AMG Sport-line range featuring new generation 4 and 6-cylinder engines with direct injection.

Toyota Fortuner LTD Edition from R434 700

Toyota launched the Fortuner LTD Edition which is available exclusively across a number of models, including the Fortuner 3.0 and 4.0, as well as the 4×4 variants.

Honda Brio Sedan from R128 900

Japanese manufacturer Honda extended its Brio range with a contemporary sedan version based on the same platform as the hatchback, and is equipped with a 1.2-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder, delivering 65kW of power at 6000 pm.

Toyota Hilux Dakar Edition from R292 200

A Dakar Edition Hilux was released by Toyota and is available for a limited period (till September) on Raider grade models across all three body types. Some improvements include stainless-steel nudge bar, rear styling and door steps with a Dakar logo.

Peugeot RCZ Coupe from R423 500

Peugeot introduced its updated RCZ coupe which is available with an extensive list of safety features; extra boot space which can be expanded to 760 litres with the rear seats folded flat, and will also be offered with a choice of two versions of the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine.

Porsche Panamera from R958 000

The heavily updated Porsche Panamera is now locally available in eight derivatives with a change in the engine line-up, and a new V6 3-litre biturbo engine replacing the previous 4.8-litre V8 engine in the Panamera S and Panamera 4S.

Nissan Juke dCi R263 800

Nissan added the CVT automatic and all-wheel drive versions to the Juke line-up, which are equipped with the 1.5 dCi engine and feature three driving modes: Normal, Eco and Sport. The models are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.