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
If you think Golf in South Africa, you think GTI or even the quicker Golf R. Volkswagen, however, has just introduced a new entry-level Golf consisting of four models slotting in below its twin performance siblings.
What is it?
The new additions are all equipped with 1400 powertrains, and two will be available in the Life, Life +, R-Line and R-Line + equipment lines. The new Golf models will be filling a gap in the Golf range, making the iconic car more accessible to a larger audience.
Engines:
The new Golf is powered by a 1.4TSI 110kW engine mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The engine develops maximum torque of 250Nm available between 1 500 and 4 000 r/min.
Exterior:
Revamped front and rear and a new light design. The new Golf can be recognised by its new front end. Visually defining features include the Volkswagen logo, which is illuminated for the first time on the Golf, and the newly designed LED headlights.
The top-of-the-range IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights incorporate a new high-performance main beam with a range of up to 500m.
The Life derivative comes standard with 16-inch Norfolk alloy wheels.
R-Line style, including 17-inch Coventry alloy wheels complemented by LED plus headlamps.
The R-Line + comes standard with IQ Matrix LED Headlights with illuminated VW front logo and 18-inch Leeds alloy wheels.
Interior:
The Golf Life boasts Wireless App Connect and a Cruise Control System. Inside, it features a 12.9-inch Infotainment Radio, 6-speaker audio system, 10-colour Ambient Lighting Dashboard and 10-inch Integrated Digital Cockpit.
The Life + derivative features Driver Profile Selection, rear view camera, 30 colour ambient lighting and Art-velour’s sports comfort seats package.
The R-Line derivative features a Multi-Function heated steering wheel with shifting paddles, Progressive steering with sports suspension, Climatronic three zone automatic climate control with allergen filter and controls in the rear, keyless entry, R-Line seat trim covers with the head rest integrated into the seat for a sporty look and Park Assist with Park Distance Control.
The R-Line + comes standard with a power-adjustable driver seat, active high beam, heated & cooling front seats, Vienna leather seats with R-Line logo in front and paddles in brushed stainless steel.
Prices:
1.4l TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life (R580 900), 1.4l TSI 110kW Tiptronic Life + (R604 500), 1.4l TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-line (R660 000) and the 1.4l TSI 110kW Tiptronic R-line + (R688 100).
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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