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
Toyota’s super sporty GR Yaris has received some upgrades, benefiting from technical, design and construction enhancements that promise to deliver an even greater driving.
In the three years since the first car came off the line, extensive changes have been invested in to make the Yaris GR even better - more powerful, more responsive, more engaging and more rewarding to drive.
What’s new?
Interior:
The cockpit layout and driving position have been redrawn for a more authentic sports car feel, whether on-road driving or in motorsports competition. Visual upgrades inside and out have been added to the GR Yaris, including tilting the dashboard and multimedia screen towards the driver by 15 degrees to aid operability.
Chassis:
The bespoke GR Yaris chassis has been further strengthened and the suspension has also been adjusted for greater handling control and robust performance under high loads, with revised spring rates and a strengthened front shock absorber assembly.
Transmission:
Previously only available with a six-speed intelligent manual transmission, the GR Yaris now offers broader appeal for driving enthusiasts with the introduction of an automatic option that has been developed through hardcore use in professional motorsport.
TGR World Rally Team drivers put the new automatic transmission to the test on a range of road surfaces, including in the Japanese Rally Championship and Toyota GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge to ensure that the new transmission is as durable and reliable as possible.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox has been constructed highly using heat-resistant friction material in the clutch, with close ratios that make the most of the engine’s power band.
Engine:
Power has been increased from 200 kW to a peak 224 kW with torque also boosted by 30 Nm to 400 Nm. Power continues to be deployed to all four wheels with selectable torque distribution and a new drive mode select system that adjusts the electronic power steering, air conditioning and powertrain settings in accordance with user preferences.
When and how much?
Not many more details at this stage. Toyota South Africa Motors can confirm that the refreshed GR Yaris is being considered for local introduction and that further details will be shared at an opportune time.
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
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
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.