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
Honda introduced an upgraded version of its Fit 1.5 Hybrid e:HEV in South Africa.
What’s New?
The “new” range-topper Fit now boasts sportier styling, enhanced specification levels and increased dynamic performance says the manufacturer.
Exterior:
Refreshed exterior styling creates a sportier appearance with new design elements. These include revised bumpers for a more cohesive and aesthetic look while retaining the shape of the Fit with the clean, horizontal lines first introduced on the fourth-generation model.

Interior:
The interior revisions offering a more premium feel to the cabin, and the face-lifted model now also gains a wireless smartphone charger, adding to its comprehensive list of standard specifications.

Drivetrain:
The e:HEV hybrid powertrain has been revised to generate more power. Honda’s e:HEV hybrid technology continues to be specified exclusively on the range-topping Fit Hybrid model – now with a 10 kW increase in maximum power output with improved acceleration performance and refinement.
Total powertrain output of the 1.5 litre, four-cylinder petrol-engine and electric motor is increased to 90 kW (up from 80 kW), with 253 Nm of electric propulsion torque. This increase in the overall system output is achieved through a 10 kW increase in power from the traction motor, whilst engine power has also been increased to 78 kW (up from 72 kW) to improve drivability and overall system efficiency.

Pricing:
The Fit Hybrid comes standard with a 5-year/200 000 km Warranty, a 4-year/60 000 km service plan as well as an additional extended warranty of 8 years/200 000km covering the Lithium-ion battery and other related components of the Hybrid system. The face-lifted Fit Hybrid costs R544 900.
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