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
Kia is expanding its Sonet compact crossover range by adding two models to the top of the range. Both are fitted with the Korean manufacturer’s new 1.0 T-GDI turbo, 3-cylinder petrol engine.
The new 1.0 T-GDi EX and EX+ derivatives supplement the 1.5 LX and EX models that were launched locally last year with more than 3 500 sold so far in South Africa.
“The Sonet was one of the most anticipated new Kia models in several years when it was introduced to the South African market in April 2021,” says Stephen Crosse, Sales and Marketing Director, Kia South Africa.
“At the time, the global supply chain constraints hampered our efforts to launch Sonet with a broader range of engine and transmission options, but as some of these constraints begin to normalise, our persistent desire to expand the Sonet range has now come to fruition.”
The Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDi is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT). The engine boasts an output of 88 kW and a stout 172 Nm compared to the normally aspirated 1500 powertrain’s 85 kW and 144 Nm.
8,.0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; Bluetooth with voice control; Leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter; Rear-view camera and rear park distance control (PDC); Combination of artificial leather and cloth seat trim; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); ABS with EBD; Hill-start Assist Control (HAC); Dual front airbags.
Side and curtain airbags; 2” TFT LCD Supervision cluster; Artificial leather seats with contrast red stitching; Folding electric side mirrors; Electrochromatic rear-view mirror; Cruise control; Automatic climate control and Drive Mode Select.
1.5 LX Manual (R296 995), 1.5 LX CVT (R317 995), 1.5 EX Manual (R316 995), 1.5 EX CVT (R337 995), 1.0 T-GDI EX 7DCT (R359 995) and the 1.0 T-GDI EX+ 7DCT (R389 995).
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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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
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