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
Ford expanded its Everest range by adding a 4x4 version at the lower end of the range.
The new Everest XLT 2.0-litre single turbo 4x4 model delivers 132 kW and 420 Nm and it is linked to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
It slots in between the current two 4x2 models (2.2 TDCi XLS & 2.0 XLT) at the entry level and the more expensive 3.2 TDCi 4x4 with the top three models in the rage all fitted with a high power, twin-turbo version of the 2-litre engine delivering 157 kW.
At the same time the Everest’s lighting technology has been upgraded, with the introduction of high-tech LED headlamps as standard on all XLT models, as well as the range-topping Everest Limited.
The addition to the Everest range is equipped with the same 2.0 single turbo diesel engine that powered the Ford Ranger to the Double Cab class victory in a fuel economy run last year.
The 10-speed automatic transmission features an electronic control system with real-time adaptive shift-scheduling to help select the correct gear at the right time, including skip-shift and direct downshift capabilities.
The transmission incorporates Progressive Range Select (PRS), which gives the driver the ability to lock out gears from the automatic shifting range. This provides greater control when driving in slippery conditions, when towing or climbing steep gradients.
In XLT trim, the Everest has an array of safety, comfort and convenience features as standard, including Passive Entry and Passive Start (PEPS) with key-less unlocking and push-button starting. Front and rear parking sensors are provided, linked to an integrated rear-view camera.
Competitors for in the new addition’s price segment, are the Haval H9 2.0T 4WD Luxury (petrol), Toyota Fortuner, both the slightly less powerful 2.4 GD-6 Auto 4x4 and the more expensive 2.8 GD-6 Epic 4x4 auto and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4D 4x4 Shogun.
Range and prices (September 2020):
2.2 TDCi XLS 6AT 4x2 (R552 500)
2.0 SiT XLT 10AT 4x2 (R637 800)
2.0 SiT XLT 10AT 4x4 (R679 400)
2.0 BiT XLT 10AT 4x2 (R693 300)
3.2 TDCi XLT 6AT 4x4 (R715 300)
2.0 BiT XLT 10AT 4x4 (R744 500)
2.0 BiT Limited 10AT 4x4 (R819 400).
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.
Retail new vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts.
South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a standout performance in March 2026, extending its domestic growth trajectory to the strongest level seen in nearly two decades.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
The Nissan Navara Warrior by Premcar has reached its first year on sale in South Africa, offering buyers a more capable, off-road-focused version of the standard Navara bakkie.
Salvador Caetano South Africa has launched the all-new JMC Vigus bakkie onto the local market, marking the brand's entry into the highly competitive South African one-tonne pickup segment with the new vehicle.
The refreshed Ford Ranger line-up for 2026 strengthens its position as one of South Africa’s most popular bakkies. Built at Silverton, the range now spans 23 derivatives across Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab body styles.