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
The new Creta range comprises of three derivatives with two different specification levels: Premium and Executive.
At the time of the face-lifted Creta’s launch, a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 84 kW and 144 Nm is used as the power source in combination with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) or a six-speed manual gearbox.
The first-generation Creta was a volume-seller in Hyundai's South African SUV range after its launch in 2017. After a slight mid-term facelift the following year, an all-new second-generation Creta arrived in South Africa at the end of 2020. Now, an upgraded 2022 Creta has arrived.
The 2022 Hyundai Creta’s new face is similar to that of the new Hyundai Tucson. The headlights (halogen for the Premium derivatives and LED for the Executive) sit below the outer edge of the new parametric jewel pattern grille.
At the rear, a new design has also been applied to the tailgate with the Creta model’s name in bold chrome letters underneath the company’s logo.
Six body colours are available in the new Creta range: Magnetic Silver, Optic White, Titan Grey Metallic, Midnight Black Pearl, Dragon Red Pearl, and Galaxy Blue, Lava Orange, Phantom Black, Polar White, Red Mulberry, Titan Grey and Typhoon Silver.
Seat trims are available in black cloth for the Premium derivative and black artificial leather for the Executive version.
A multifunction steering wheel with remote control buttons for the infotainment system, trip computer and cruise control, and a wireless-charging pad (in the Executive derivatives) are among the many convenience features found in the Hyundai Creta.
Apart from the infotainment USB connection in the centre console, the new Creta has an extra 12V power socket, as well as a USB-charging socket and storage place in a very useful console for the rear passengers.
The McPherson strut front suspension and coupled torsion beam axle for the rear wheels have been tuned to give the Creta an even more solid, surefooted feeling on various road surfaces than before.
The Executive version also gets front, side and two curtain airbags. Side and curtain airbags are not included in the Premium derivative.
Pricing (July):
1.5 Premium MT (R409 900), 1.5 Premium IVT (R429 900) and the 1.5 Executive IVT (R469 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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
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.