RZ electrical vehicle from Lexus makes local debut
Lexus South Africa new RZ, the brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery electric vehicle (BEV), has arrived on local shores.
- Product News
- 5 March 2026
Ashok Leyland recently introduced the Phoenix – a versatile three-seater workhorse ideal for doing some heavy lifting in the South African market.
What is it?
The Phoenix is capable of transporting goods across different terrains, which will appeal to buyers who must transport goods everywhere, from city centres to rural areas.
It has a 1500cc, three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine good for 59kW and torque of 190Nm connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Interior:
The Phoenix comfortably seats a driver and two passengers and is equipped with power steering. It’s sharp turning radius and dash-mounted gearshift and controls ensure that the Phoenix is easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces whether it’s navigating inner city deliveries, construction sites or narrow farm roads, claims the manufacturer.
Exterior:
The Phoenix’s load carrying capacity of 1 810kg and sturdy load deck make it a serious workhorse, but one that can be driven with a standard local EC1 driver’s licence.
Everything about the Phoenix, from its robust chassis to driver comfort is designed to support the needs of small business owners or fleets.
Price:
The Ashok Leyland Phoenix costs R260 900. It comes with a 5-Year / 150 000km warranty and 5-Year / 150 000km roadside assistance.
This gives owners peace-of-mind, which is essential when you consider the costs and risks faced by small business owners.
Lexus South Africa new RZ, the brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery electric vehicle (BEV), has arrived on local shores.
Chery’s luxury brand, a stand-alone nameplate has arrived in South Africa with more larger models (L8) that will be added to the Lepas line-up later.
The global automotive sector enters 2026 amid profound and rapid transformation, defined by technological acceleration, shifting policies and evolving consumer priorities., according to a white paper published by Messe Frankfurt in partnership with Frost & Sullivan.
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Lexus South Africa new RZ, the brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery electric vehicle (BEV), has arrived on local shores.
Chery’s luxury brand, a stand-alone nameplate has arrived in South Africa with more larger models (L8) that will be added to the Lepas line-up later.
An all-new double-cab bakkie with a 2.5-litre turbodiesel plug-in hybrid powertrain will find its way to South Africa.