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 South Africa has announced the arrival of the updated GR Yaris – an exceptional performance vehicle developed with direct input from the World Rally Championship (WRC).
From its inception, the GR Yaris has been engineered as a rally car for the road, developed in collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing.
What is new?
Now, for the first time, the GR Yaris is available locally with an advanced automatic transmission, bringing its motorsport-inspired performance to an even wider audience.
The gearbox:
One of the most notable enhancements to the updated GR Yaris is the introduction of the all-new eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission. This advanced gearbox has been engineered for rapid, responsive shifting and allows the driver to focus more on steering and throttle input – particularly in dynamic driving scenarios.
Unlike conventional automatics, the GR Yaris’s transmission uses predictive software that anticipates gear changes based on driver behaviour, ensuring shifts that are both intuitive and performance-orientated.
This new transmission has undergone extensive real-world and competition testing, including participation in events such as the Japan Rally Championship. It delivers shift speeds that meet professional driving standards, while maintaining the vehicle’s mechanical reliability and heat resistance – essential for spirited driving.
Engine:
The updated GR Yaris benefits from increased engine output, now producing 210kW and 400Nm of torque from its turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine. Paired with Toyota’s GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system, the vehicle offers exceptional grip, balance and agility across a variety of driving surfaces, whether on track, gravel or public roads.
Interior:
Further enhancing the driving experience, the updated interior places more emphasis on driver ergonomics and control. A revised seating position, newly designed 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and repositioned controls inspired by rally use all contribute to a cockpit that supports precision and performance.
The vehicle also offers selectable drive modes (Sport, Normal, Eco), adapting steering, throttle and transmission response to suit both everyday driving and more focused use.
Price:
The GR Yaris costs R897 400 (Manual) and R925 300 (Automatic).
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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