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
On the full electric vehicle side of the new car business, the new Dayun Yuehu S5 is now the most affordable passenger electric vehicle (EV) in South Africa.
What is it?
Introduced by Enviro Automotive last year, the Dayun Yuehu S5 (also known as the DY3) is a mini crossover/SUV that is currently imported and distributed by Enviro, which also imports the electric versions of DFSK’s battery-electric product range like the DFSK EV panel vans, DFSK EV forward-cab 1-tonne bakkies, SRM T3 EV 1.6-tonne bakkies and the Dayun line-up, including the Autoplead EV 4-tonne truck.
Power:
Designed for urban mobility, it features a 35kW front-mounted motor delivering 105Nm of torque. Upgraded for local conditions, it boasts a top speed of 115km/h. It is equipped with a 31.7 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery, consuming 10.7kWh per 100km, offering a 330-kilometre range. It supports Level 2 AC and DC charging for home charging or quick recharges at DC fast-charging stations. A 220V recharge takes four hours, while DC fast charging recharges from 20% to 80% in under an hour.
Equipment:
Though a mini-SUV, the Yuehu S5 ensures abundant safety with driver and passenger airbags, dual disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Slope Descent Control (SDC), and Automatic Cruise Control (ACC).
It also features a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), low-speed pedestrian warning, and a rearview camera with Reverse Assistance (RA). The S5 VIP derivative includes four ultrasonic radars, LED Daytime Running Lights, Turn-assist headlights and Front Fog Lamps.
Interior:
Despite the compact size of the Yuehu S5, the minimalist interior design with leather finishes provides ample space.
Inside is a 7-inch LCD infotainment screen and an 8-inch central control screen. Dayun's Intelligent Car System provides driver-assistance features, including vehicle monitoring, Bluetooth, a hands-free system, radio, media selection, climate control and vehicle settings. It also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot and USB/Type-C multimedia ports.
Prices:
The Dayun Yuehu S5 line-up comprises two derivatives, the S5 Standard at R399 900 and the S5 VIP priced at R449 900.
It has a battery warranty of 5-years/120 000km, a 3-year/60 000km mechanical warranty and a service plan, which also includes roadside assistance. Service intervals are every 12 months or 20 000km.
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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