The Festival of Motoring (FOM) opened its doors to the public today at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and will run until Sunday. Over the course of the weekend, vehicle manufacturers from across the industry will showcase their latest offerings, with several models having already been launched to the motoring media yesterday.
Visitors can expect a broad spread of new energy vehicles, updated and new bakkies and family SUVs, along with performance metal and motorsport activations. Below is a look at what a few of brands that will be bringing their vehicles to Kyalami this year.
Lepas:
Lepas South Africa will place its expanding new energy ambitions in the spotlight at this year's event. Leading the brand's display will be the recently revealed L6 ICE and the forthcoming L6 EV, supported by a pre order package for the electric model that includes a home charger, installation and charging credit.
The L4 ICE, L4 EV and L8 PHEV will round out a five-model display. Together, the range is intended to give visitors a clearer view of how Lepas plans to grow its presence in the South African market.
Chery:
Chery South Africa is using the festival to preview three models that move the brand into new areas of the market. The display includes the compact electric Chery Q, the Tiggo V and the KP31 diesel hybrid bakkie, which combines diesel hybrid power with Vehicle to Load functionality.
The Tiggo V can add cargo configurations to its third row passenger compartment, giving it added flexibility for family use. Taken together, the three models reflect Chery's move to diversify its South African line up beyond its existing SUV range.
iCAUR:
iCAUR will unveil the V27 to the public at this year's festival, opening pre orders for the new flagship as it makes its first local appearance. The V27 sits at the top of the range and continues the Future Classic design direction introduced by the V23, with a longer body, more interior space and a range extender electric drivetrain.
The reveal forms part of a wider showing for the brand, which will also bring the 03T REEV to Kyalami. iCAUR has also announced a long-term partnership with Red Bull, with a schedule of joint events planned for the coming months and further details to be released in stages.
GWM:
GWM South Africa returns to the Festival of Motoring with a broad showcase of SUVs and bakkies across its four sub brands. The event gives the brand an opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of its current portfolio across several segments, while showing the capability of its vehicles in both road going and off-road environments.
GWM will activate across four areas at this year's event, comprising its main pits stand, a dedicated 4x4 stand, the Self-Drive Area and an additional Yellow Zone presence. The 4x4 stand will focus on the off-road capabilities of the GWM P Series and TANK ranges, while the Self-Drive Area will allow visitors to get behind the wheel of selected GWM vehicles on a dedicated route.
Toyota:
Toyota South Africa Motors is preparing another appearance at this year's Festival of Motoring, with its motorsport division, GAZOO Racing South Africa, delivering a showcase built around performance, motorsport heritage and fan engagement.
Headlining the display is the GR Corolla, a high performance hatchback developed with insights gained from international motorsport competition. It is powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged three cylinder engine producing 210kW and 400Nm, paired with Toyota's GR FOUR all-wheel drive system, and is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 230km/h.
Changan:
Changan and Jameel Motors South Africa introduced two new electrified SUVs at the festival, the Deepal S05 REEV and the Changan Uni S HEV, alongside the newly returned Changan commercial range. The Deepal S05 is a premium mid-sized SUV built on a range extended EV platform, aimed at buyers who want an EV driving experience without range anxiety.
The Uni S midsize SUV has been on sale in South Africa as a petrol only model since April 2026, with the new HEV derivative adding hybrid power and styling changes that include a new front grille. Jameel Motors and Changan also introduced their new commercial range, badged Changan Star, in five derivatives spanning dropside, box body, panel van and minibus configurations, powered by a 1.25 litre petrol engine and paired with a five speed manual gearbox.
Suzuki:
Suzuki Auto South Africa is fielding a diverse line up at this year's festival, anchored in the Main Pits, where models such as the Fronx and Jimny 5 Door will be joined by a fully accessorised Swift and Across. The star of the display is expected to be the all new e Vitara, Suzuki's first battery electric vehicle.
The e Vitara merges the familiar compact SUV formula with zero tailpipe emissions, building on the nameplate's 38 year legacy with a new electric powertrain. The variant on display is the 4WD version, which pairs a 61kWh battery pack with dual electric motors. Visitors will also be able to take part in track activities and meet and greet opportunities with selected Proteas, Suzuki Griquas and Orlando Pirates players.
Getting there:
The Festival of Motoring is presented by Messe Frankfurt SA. For enquiries, event information and tickets, visit the official Festival of Motoring website at www.safestivalofmotoring.com
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
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