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 family-orientated Ford Territory last year, Ford SA is set to raise the bar for its compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) with a decent value-for-money proposition with the imminent release of the Territory Dark Edition.
What is it?
As an exclusive, top-of-the-range variant of Ford’s popular compact SUV, the Territory Dark Edition is based on the range-topping Titanium model but merges sophisticated aesthetics with innovative design and style that sets it apart in a very competitive and fast-growing segment in South Africa, Ford claims.
Exterior:
The Territory Dark Edition boasts black accents and trimmings, a satin black grille, combined with the high-gloss black treatment for the skid plate, fog lamp accents and black mirror caps.
From the side, the Dark Edition is fitted with 19-inch Ebony Black alloy wheels, integrated roof rails, lower guard trim strip, window trim and the distinctive black “Territory” badge at the rear.
In keeping with its exclusive status, the Dark Edition is available in four iconic colours: Crystal Pearl White, Lustrous Grey, Panther Black and Ruby Red.
Interior:
Stepping into the cabin, the Territory Dark Edition’s charcoal black headliner and pillars are set against black leather perforated seats, door trims and instrument panel inserts with Cyber Orange stitching.
A high-gloss black-painted strip for the instrument panel frames the 12.3-inch high-definition digital instrument cluster in combination with the 12.3-inch landscape infotainment touchscreen. As with the Titanium derivative, a Bluetooth audio system is standard in combination with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity linked to eight speakers. Wireless charging is complemented by three USB ports up front and a USB charging port at the rear.
Engine:
Under the bonnet of the Territory Dark Edition is the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine that is available in the rest of the Territory line-up with 138kW and 318Nm of torque, matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Safety:
The Territory provides an extensive range of safety features like a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Assist. Unique to the Territory Dark Edition is a new 360-degree camera that provides all-round visibility.
Price:
The Territory Dark Edition 1.8L EcoBoost 7AT costs R733 000.
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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