So Auto Africa has been and gone…that doesn’t mean that we’ve had our fill of automotive entertainment! Thankfully, the Durban Motor Show is about to erupt with everything from local model unveilings and exotica to pumping sound systems and stunt driving!
So Auto Africa has been and gone…that doesn’t mean that we’ve had our fill of automotive entertainment! Thankfully, the Durban Motor Show is about to erupt with everything from local model unveilings and exotica to pumping sound systems and stunt driving!
Several manufacturers will use the Durban Motor Show as an opportunity to preview or unveil their exciting new models. A revitalised Mazda will reveal a face lifted Mazda3 range as well as its funky Mazda5 MPV and the electrically folding tin-top version of the iconic MX5.
Geneva was dominated by “green” and environmentally friendly offerings from a number of companies, and the Durban Motor Show will also play host to a number of models that promise to be kinder to the polar icecaps or ozone layer. Fiat Auto SA will display its Fiat Uno Flex, a South American-built version of the venerable Uno that can run on either petrol or bio-fuel.
This “reborn Uno” will make it’s way over here mid-year. Alfa Romeo will also unveil a new model in the shape of the 159 2,4 JTD turbodiesel. Subaru will show off the Tribeca seven-seater luxury SUV, while Peugeot, is being a more furtive with regards to the new model it will set to unveil at the Durban Motor Show. You’ll have to wait until March 21 to satisfy your curiosity. Renault is being equally cryptic about its offering, but has stated that its display will greatly appeal to motor sport fans.
Those cheeky Chana models previewed at Auto Africa last year will also feature at the Durban Motor Show and timed to coincide with the arrival of the company’s model range on the local market. This will bring the number of models available locally from three to ten, including a mini MPV, panel van and extended cab bakkie. Another Chinese manufacturer, Great Wall Motors, will display a range of bakkies and SUVs on its stand that should not trouble too many wallets.
The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) will have one of the biggest tow trucks in South Africa on its stand to highlight the role played by the towing industry in South Africa.
Show goers will be pleased to hear that a hearty dose of exotica will be on display – the crowning jewel will be the stunning Ford GT owned by Colin Lazarus. Lamborghini will display a pair of gorgeous Gallardos – a bright orange coupé and the newly launched convertible with an electrically operated canvas top. Sandton-based luxury car dealer, Daytona Group, will provide spectators with a veritable feast of six-figure metal such as the luxurious Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé, a couple of Aston Martins – a DB9 and the popular Vantage V8.
Local motoring newspaper, TestDriven, will also contribute to the parade of glamorous gear with the new Mercedes-Benz CL500 and Bentley Continental gracing its stand alongside Cobra road and race cars, a duo of Ford GT40 kit cars as well as the Lotus Exige and Europa. Bringing things back down to earth, TestDriven will also preview the Land Rover Freelander 2 and VW Polo Cross – both of which will be launched here later this year.
Visitors to the show must also pack their earplugs, digital cameras and possibly a seismograph, as the Durban Motor Show plays host to an “Audio Sound-off” and “bikini car wash” at the Jays Auto Care stand on March 24 and 25.
The activity area will also have visitors riveted with the Toyota Advanced Driving team’s Skid Monster driver training system, powersliding in a Nissan 350Z and ace stunt rider Brian Capper negotiating some hair-raising obstacles on his KTM motorbike.
The Durban Motor Show will take place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from March 21 to 25 from 10am to 9pm. Tickets for adults will cost R40 and R20 for children under 12 years of age.
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