Everybody loves a sneak preview, that moment when you get that close-up ogle of the brand new something you’ve been hearing about in hushed whispers.
Vehicles can be years in design and production, and information trickles out, then they may be glimpsed in cladding on a test drive or two, and only then comes the final reveal.
Which is why you want to be there when it happens. Luckily, the new car reveals are at the core of an annual motor show of note, taking place this weekend.
It’s not only the new cars that present a fine reason to get to the annual Killarney Motor Show powered by Kfm 94.5, at the Killarney International Raceway this Sunday but the host of other attractions.
For the first time, there will be Freestyle Motorcross, as well as the cream of the Stance crews, mod squads, a runaround in an Afrika Burn vehicle as well as two rides up for grabs in the Fuchs Monster Truck.
HIT: Fuchs Monster Truck
Topping the list is the 2019 Jeep Renegade 2.4 Trailhawk, which has undergone a makeover and will be available for test drives, even before its official South African debut.
Presenting crisp new styling with light clusters front and rear, plus improved connectivity the Jeep’s 129kW, 230Nm, 2.4-litre MultiAir engine, nine-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Terrain all-wheel drive, remain the same. Get a taste of the new Jeep on the short circuit and sign up for a test drive with the Century City Motors staff at the north end of the Porsche Straight.
Hyundai is bringing a seriously funky little urban crossover called the Kona, launched here just a week ago. The direct-injection, one-litre three-pot turbo petrol looks to make the ideal runaround, and it comes with some cool bells and whistles.
FUNKY: Hyundai Kona
Toyota brings the Rush. Think of it as a slightly bigger, more attractive Avanza with ground clearance and kwaai features.
Then, for sheer style, get a look at the new grown-up Nissan Micra; it’s a far cry from the odd-looking first generation edition. Find all of the above at the dealer stands down the Porsche Straight.
A significant new model to be seen is an old friend with a new name. Isuzu has given its long-running KB range of one-ton bakkies a comprehensive makeover and a new name - the D-Max.
The idea is to bring this trusty workhorse in line with international trends, adding some luxury features to meet the onslaught of luxury bakkies from Europe. The new Isuzu will also be available for test drive at the 4X4 track.
COMPETE: Isuzu D-Max
Local is lekker, right? One unusual display will present examples of cars only ever available in South Africa, from the ultra-rare Protea - the very first South African production car - to the iconic Ford Capri Perana V8 and the ridiculously quick three-litre Alfa GTV V6.
The show offers 60 hectares of motoring goodness, from hundreds of classic and custom cars and bikes, vintage roadsters (even a vintage tractor), a world-class sound-off, off-road Adventure City, motorcycle stunting by the famous Le Riche brothers, drift demos by SA champion Jason Webb, a V8 tractor tug-of-war, go-karting, live bands, five food courts and a chance to drive the Skid Monster.
ATTRACT: Freestyle Motorcross
Let’s not forget the mod shop bling, memorabilia, accessories and scale models. The Killarney Motor Show is set to be a one-stop not-to-be-missed motor fest.
The Killarney Motor Show will open from 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday, 4 November. Book at Computicket or pay at the gate; entry is R100 for adults, R50 for scholars under 16 and free for children under 12.