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
Nissan’s new Navara bakkie has been unveiled in Australia, and not in the cards for South Africa.
What is it?
The new Navara is based on the new Mitsubishi Triton bakkie. It is part of the two manufacturers’ sharing strategy as both, together with Renault, make up the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
This partnership was formed in 1999 and expanded in 2016 when Mitsubishi joined to improve competitiveness, share costs and leverage each other's technologies, as is the case now with the new Navara bakkie.
The model is scheduled to go on sale in Australia and New Zealand at the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Exterior:
The exterior design draws inspiration from Nissan’s pickup truck lineage but is also unmistakable in its profile as a reworked version of the Triton.
The Nissan signature V-motion grille gives the front fascia a bold and unique presence, while the three-part intake openings outlined in orange pay homage to the first-generation model. The C-shaped headlamps connect seamlessly with the grille, creating a tough yet refined and advanced appearance.
Interior:
Inside, the cabin offers a spacious and comfortable environment. A 7-inch colour TFT meter is used for the instrument cluster, and the dashboard features a high-function 9-inch infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto as standard.
Engine:
The new model is equipped with a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine, an updated version of Mitsubishi’s powertrain, with an output of 150kW and torque of 470Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
A newly adopted electric power steering (EPS) system enhances manoeuvrability and enables better handling performance. Power is delivered to the road via a Super 4WD system, a Mitsubishi strongpoint.
Driver-Assistance Technologies:
The new Navara supports the driver with a wide range of advanced driver-assistance systems, including Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), an emergency lane-keeping system that assists steering to help avoid danger, and the Intelligent Speed Limiter, which automatically recognises speed-limit signs and alerts the driver.
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
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.