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 has made sure that its XL line-up of the Ranger-bakkie is everything but just an entry-level model.
To improve the appeal of the XL model, Ford has added a Sport Pack option that gives a customer the choice of upgrading from the entry-level SYNC 1 system to an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Although it makes do without embedded voice recognition and navigation, it offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto when paired with compatible smartphones. This allows users to access the respective phone’s navigation functions. Two USB slots provide additional multimedia connection options.
Visually, Ranger XL models equipped with the Sport Pack are distinguished by a gloss black grille that replaces the plain black version and the normal 16-inch silver alloy wheels are upgraded to 17-inch Panther gloss black cast alloy rims with larger diameter 265/65 R17 tyres.
The Sport Pack also adds a tubular sports bar in the rear load compartment, as well as a black rear bumper. Customers can also opt for the dealer-fitted black side steps.
The Ranger XL standard features include, amongst others, ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Roll-over Mitigation, Adaptive Load Control and Trailer Sway Control. The four-wheel drive models gain Hill Descent Control (HDC), with a rear diff-lock fitted as standard on all 4x2 and 4x4 derivatives. All Ranger XL models are fitted with a tow bar as standard equipment.
The Ranger XL is powered by Ford’s 2.2-litre four-cylinder Duratorq TDCi engine with a power delivery of 118 kW and torque of 385 Nm. The Single Cab and SuperCab models are available in two- and four-wheel drive specifications mated to a six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed automatic in the 4x2 derivative. The Ranger XL Double Cab can be specified in 4x2 or 4x4 versions, with both available in manual and automatic.
The XL Sport Pack adds R16 500 to the base price of the Ranger XL series (November 2020), while the optional eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system and dealer-fitted side steps are available for R6 080 and R5 050, respectively.
Competitors include the Toyota Hilux SR range, Mahindra Pik Up, Isuzu D-Max LE and some Hi Rider-models, offerings from Nissan’s Hardbody line-up as well as various Chinese bakkies.
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.