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
Following the launch of the Tiggo Cross CSH and Tiggo 7 CSH, Chery South Africa is refreshing its line-up with the introduction of the updated Tiggo 7.
Globally, the Tiggo 7 is one of Chery’s best-selling models, with over one million units exported since its debut in 2017.
What is new?
Chery South Africa has launched the refreshed Tiggo 7, featuring sharper styling, a revised front grille and upgraded features across all three trims: Prime, Prestige and Legacy.
Exterior:
Visually, the Tiggo 7 benefits from sharper styling, with a new diamond-effect grille dominating the front fascia. The new grille is flanked by standard LED headlights, giving the mid-cycle refresh a more refined, upmarket appearance.
Interior:
All models come equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens as standard across the range. One screen serves as the digital instrument cluster, while the other is the multimedia touchscreen.
The former controls various infotainment functions, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, as well as Bluetooth, radio and Chery’s Intelligent Voice Command, activated by saying “Hello Chery”. The Tiggo 7 has a total of three USB ports on board, including a front-row Type-C fast charger.
Engine:
Two turbocharged petrol engines are available: a 1.5-litre (108kW/210Nm) and a 1.6-litre (145kW/290Nm), paired with dual-clutch transmissions, six speed for the 1500 and a seven speed for the 1600.
The range kicks off with the Prime, powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, while the mid-spec Prestige upgrades to the more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged engine as does the top model, the Legacy.
Equipment:
The Prestige runs on 19-inch wheels (18-inch for the Prime), a 540-degree camera, faux leather seats, a six-way power-operated driver’s seat and multi-coloured ambient lighting, to name just a few luxuries found on the Prestige trim.
At the top of the Tiggo 7 line-up, the Legacy offers heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power-operated tailgate and an eight-speaker Sony sound system. The Prime and Prestige both have a six-speaker audio system.
Other practical features found on the Tiggo 7 include TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), roof rails, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors, a multi-function steering wheel, second-row air vents, dual cup holders for both front and rear occupants, as well as a front armrest with a storage box.
Pricing:
Prime 1.5T (R429 900), Prestige 1.6T (R499 900) and the Legacy 1.6T (R549 900).
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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