By Prashirwin Naidu
As the year draws to a close and the holiday season approaches, motoring journalists hit the reset button. They put aside red-eye flights and endless airport announcements, instead looking forward to xploring new routes and enjoying December drives at their leisure. After all, despite being spoilt throughout the year, they’re only human and cherish time with family and driving purely for fun. That said, some manufacturers simply can’t resist teasing what’s to come, whetting our appetites with late-December launches. When BMW South Africa, Kia South Africa, and newcomer Dongfeng Motor Company came calling, the Xploreza team couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take an early look at what 2025 has in store for motorists. Based on what we’ve seen, we suggest you hold off on signing those purchase documents—things are about to get exciting on our roads!
Kia Tasman
Feeling very confident, Kia unveiled the Tasman and the EVS in one swoop, hoping to muscle in on the highly contested market and make a strong mark. Kia has boldly entered the bakkie market with the new Tasman, set to hit South African roads in July 2025. Competing against the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, it will launch with a three-model double-cab lineup—no single-cabs yet. The top-tier X-Pro trim stands out with its 252 mm ground clearance, 17-inch black wheels, and all-terrain tyres. Power comes from a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, with AWD standard on most
models and three drive modes: Eco, Smart, and Sport. Inside, expect a spacious, minimalist cabin with luxurious leather upholstery and modern tech, promising comfort and style.
Kia EV5
Kia gave us a glimpse into their electric future with the EV5, a practical and stylish SUV built on the E-GMP platform. It features a spacious interior made from sustainable materials, with a focus on competitive range and fast-charging capabilities. While the EV5 looks ready to impress, South Africans will have to wait until late 2025 to see it on local roads. Challenges like charging infrastructure and affordability remain, but with climate-conscious buyers driving demand, Kia’s EV strategy shows promise. Now all that’s left is to see it in action—bring on the test drives!
BMW SA
BMW SA has given us a glimpse into what is coming in the new year. We’ve spent a few hours sampling the new BMW X3 and 1 Series as well as the MINI electric. The official launches will take place in early 2025. We had the opportunity to take the new all-electric MINI Cooper SE for a quick spin, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s fun, punchy, and keeps that iconic go-kart feeling MINI fans love. The electric motor delivers 160 kW, sprinting from 0–100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, while its 54.2kWh battery offers a solid 402 km range (as claimed). With its modern design and zero emissions, this MINI feels ready for the urban future—playful as ever, just greener. The sporty John Cooper Works trim is optional.
MINI Cooper SE 3-Door Hatch Priced from R802 000.00
Dongfeng Box
Dongfeng’s Box, a compact electric hatchback, arrives in South Africa this January, and it’s as stylish as it is practical. With a bright design, premium cabin, and features like a 12.8-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and keyless entry, it feels fresh and modern. Two battery options offer up to 430km range (claimed), and charging takes around seven hours at home or just 44 minutes on fast chargers. With zippy performance and space for five plus luggage, the Box promises to be an exciting city car. Expect pricing around R425 795.
