2014 is set to be another bumper year in terms of car companies launching a flurry of new models on South African shores.

Check out some of the best of the South African car launches for 2014. Click on the model’s name for more details.

South African car launches for 2014

Alfa Romeo 4C

This stylish little Italian number spearheads a revolutionised Alfa Romeo and is supposed to make the brand more desirable, especially in the United States. Whether that plan will work is another story, but the 4C is one of the prettiest little sportscars on sale. Thanks to its lithe body and a powerful 1.7-litre-turbo engine, you can expect performance to be rather exciting.

Audi RS 7

One of the most powerful production Audi saloons gatecrashes the performance party this year. With a fearsome 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the RS7 is going to be an absolute monster.

Audi RS Q3

How does 228 kW and 420 Nm sound? Decent, yes? Now imagine that sort of power in an Audi Q3. This is the Audi RS Q3 – a performance SUV.

BMW M3 and M4

The legendary M3 name makes a welcome return in 2014. This time around we have a turbocharged six-cylinder motor as well as a name change. The M3 refers to the sedan, while the M4 is the coupe variant.

BMW 2-Series

This is the coupe version of the 1-Series and it makes its debut with a combination of diesel and petrol engine options. The flagship M235i should make its way here too. Can’t afford the M235i? Then best you look at the BMW M Performance Power kit for the 2-Series.

BMW i3 / BMW i8

The future is now! BMW’s electric cars arrive in 2014 and look rather promising. The i3 is a small commuter car, while the i8 will offer green performance motoring. Could these be the green solution we’ve all been waiting for?

Chevrolet Sonic RS

The little Chevrolet Sonic receives a much-needed performance shot in the arm with this RS model. It features a turbocharged engine as well as go-faster visual upgrades like bigger alloys and a subtle bodykit.

Ford Fusion

This mid-size sedan from Ford will make its way to South Africa and will form part of the American company’s plan to launch no fewer than 17 new models in 2014.

GWM M4 /GWM C50

Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors also intends to hit the ground running in 2014. The company unveiled a few new models at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show, which were warmly received.

Honda Jazz

The next generation of Honda’s popular city car will reach South African shores this year. It looks rather good and if it continues the Jazz tradition, this will be a very good car.

Hyundai i10

Internationally the latest version of Hyundai’s i10 has been receiving positive reviews across the board. Let’s see if it will do well in South Africa.

Hyundai Genesis

It has taken its time to get here, but Hyundai’s flagship Genesis sedan has been confirmed for local introduction. It will be here in the second half of 2014.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

If there was something the Hyundai Veloster needed it was more power. Our prayers have been answered and Hyundai is bringing in the turbocharged Veloster to South Africa. We saw it at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show.

Jaguar F-Type Coupe

The Jaguar F-Type convertible has been a serious success for the brand and 2014 sees a hard-top coupe version make its way here. Expect more beauty and just as much performance.

Lexus RC

The eye-catching Lexus RC coupe will be landing on our shores in 2014. It will have both petrol and hybrid engines, with a strong possibility of a V8-powered hot version.

Mazda3

The Mazda3 is the Japanese car maker’s bread-and-butter, and this new model has to be good. We’ll let you know how good it is when it’s launched.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The all-new C-Class has just been shown off overseas and will be launched locally in 2014. The cars will be made here in Merc’s East London factory.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

This little stylish SUV has been confirmed for local introduction. Merc is so excited about this car, it has already opened up the order books and pricing starts at just under R400 000.

MG3

MG’s little city car makes its local debut and will be going up against the local favourites like the Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris. It’ll be interesting to see if this Chinese-owned Brit can make an impact.

Mini

The 2014 Mini was revealed internationally and South Africa has been confirmed as one of the countries which will receive this new model. It’s bigger, greener and funkier than its predecessor.

Nissan Qashqai

The all-new Qashqai will be making its way here in 2014 and with a host of new technology and engines, should be a strong offering.

Peugeot RCZ R /Peugeot 2008

Peugeot will be using 2014 to show off the performance version of its RCZ coupe. It’s called the RCZ R and has some serious firepower under the hood. The 2008 is a more sensible offering and is a rather attractive crossover.

Porsche Macan

Can’t afford a Cayenne? Have no fear, Porsche’s baby SUV is here. It’s called the Macan and opens the door to Porsche ownership to many. It’ll take the fight to the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

Renault Clio RS

The new Renault Clio RS was meant to be launched in late 2013, but was delayed. The new version features a 1.6-turbocharged engine coupled to a twin-clutch gearbox. It’s completely new for Renault and we’re keen to see if it can live up to the tradition.

Subaru WRX

The anticipated WRX performance sedan will make its way here in 2014, with the STI version following on a little later. The new WRX carries on the tradition of an all-wheel drive tarmac terrorist, while still retaining sedan practicality.

Suzuki SX4

The SX4 has grown up and become a real crossover. We’re keen to see if this new model is any good.

Toyota Corolla

This important model goes on sale early in 2014 and much is expected of this iconic car. Will it be able to carry on the tradition of previous generations of Corolla?

VW Golf R

The most powerful version of Volkswagen Golf reaches South African shores early on in 2014. With figures of 221 kW and 380 N.m, this is going to one seriously quick car.

These are just some of the South African car launches in 2014. There’ll be a lot, that we can promise you! For a highlight of the best of 2013’s cars, you can read Ciro De Siena’s post or read David Taylor’s 2013 year in review here.

Gallery of South African car launches in 2014