The new BMW 3 Series
Perhaps one of the most anticipated reveals of the show is the seventh generation BMW 3 Series. Touted as the most advanced 3 Series yet, this 3 Series is all-new, but borrows the CLAR architecture of the 5 Series saloon. This Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class rival is bigger than its predecessor and features a number of design elements - inside and outside - that sets it apart in the BMW stable.
The new BMW 3 Series comes in 320i variant with a 2.0-litre 135kW/300Nm petrol unit under the bonnet, a 330i with a 190kW and 400Nm version of that same petrol unit, while the diesel range is made up of a 318d with a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel doing duty under the bonnet kicking out 110kW and 320Nm. This comes with a 6-speed manuel ‘box as standard and an 8-speed auto as an option. Under the bonnet of the 320d is a 140kW and 400Nm unit, while the 320d xDrive makes use of the same engine, but is paired with BMW’s all-wheel-drive system. For those wanting more grunt, there is also the 3.0-litre turbodiesel in the 330d with 195kW and 580 Nm.
The new BMW 3 Series is set to land on our shores in March 2019.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
With its sights firmly set on BMW’s X5 and Audi’s Q7, the bigger Mercedes-Benz GLE was revealed in Paris looking bolder and more bulky than the model it is due to replace. Internationally, the GLE range will be made up of four, six and eight-cylinder engines along with cleaner hybrid powertrains.
A high-performance Kia Ceed GT
The new sporty car from Korea has been designed, developed, engineered, and built in Europe. It will make use of a 1.6-litre T-GDi engine that produces 150kW and 265Nm and will be available with a seven-speed double clutch transmission as an option. The standard ‘box is a six-speed manual transmission. Both the exterior and interior feature sporty design cues that hint at its sporty ambitions.
New Audi A1
The new Audi A1 was officially launched in Paris. A popular little hatchback in SA, the new Audi A1 looks a bit more grown up in its new iteration with a more premium feel than ever before. There will be a wide range of engines on offer. And we’re hoping to see an S1 Sportback in development soon!
Facelifted Porsche Macan
Porsche’s baby SUV has been given a facelift. Sort of. You will have to look really hard to see the difference, but that’s not a complaint. The standard Porsche design works. The engine line-up has been slightly switched up with the diesel engine no available. A 2.0-litre turbopetrol, a 3.0-litre V6 and a 2.9-litre V6 make up the new Macan engine offering.
