BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
As new-energy vehicles become mainstream, drivers are placing growing importance not just on range, but on the safety of what lies beneath — the electric powertrain system that powers the journey.
After all, no smart feature can ease the anxiety caused by underlying safety concerns. The Chery Tiggo 7 CSH tackles this head-on with an “invisible shield” of protection, turning safety into the most reassuring part of the drive.
During heavy rainfall seasons, flooded roads and potholes put a vehicle’s reliability to the test. The Tiggo 7 CSH’s battery compartment is equipped with triple-layer protection. High-strength steel casing wraps around the battery pack like a suit of armour, shielding it from flying debris and minor scrapes. With an IP68-rated waterproof and dustproof design, it handles deep water crossings with ease.
But the real genius lies in its intelligent safety management system, the manufacturer claims. Even when parked and locked, it maintains 24/7 vigilance, scanning battery status every five minutes. It even monitors charging stations for irregularities, ensuring optimal safety and efficiency while preventing risks such as short-circuiting and overheating.
What if the battery runs low after an eight-hour road trip? The Tiggo 7 CSH’s high-performance hybrid system is always prepared. Acting like an experienced navigator, it adjusts driving modes based on real-time vehicle status, ensuring consistent power delivery while maintaining battery stability.
The vehicle offers three selectable energy modes:
“The Tiggo 7 CSH is built with safety systems that work quietly in the background — protecting the battery, monitoring conditions and responding in real time,” commented Verene Petersen, National Brand and Marketing Manager for Chery South Africa. “It gives drivers the confidence to enjoy the road, knowing the tech beneath them is always looking out for their safety.”
What happens when a collision occurs? The Tiggo 7 CSH’s lithium iron phosphate battery boasts an ultra-stable chemical structure that remains unfazed — even under extreme conditions like nail penetration or crushing — eliminating the risk of fire or explosion.
The crash safety system reacts with lightning speed, detecting impact signals and cutting power within 0.02 seconds (fifty times faster than a human blink), instantly neutralising hazards at their source.
Will the battery overheat under a scorching summer sun? The Tiggo 7 CSH features an intelligent all-climate thermal management system, functioning like a precision climate control unit for the battery. Even when parked outdoors on surfaces heated to 60°C, the battery maintains an optimal temperature. In -30°C winters, the system activates thermal protection, ensuring reliable starts and consistent performance, according to Chery.
While rising fuel prices often trigger spikes in interest around electric vehicles, Volvo Car South Africa believes the real reasons South Africans are starting to consider EVs go far beyond the petrol pump.
MG has opened a new engineering centre in Frankfurt as part of its “in Europe, for Europe” approach. The facility will focus on developing vehicles suited to European conditions, including climate, roads and driving habits. It will work alongside existing teams in the United Kingdom (UK) and London design hub.
Europe’s used electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing a notable surge as the Iran conflict drives up global oil prices and pushes petrol costs sharply higher across the continent.