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 updated its Sportage range and changed the line-up of this mid-sized SUV, which was launched locally in South Africa last year.
What’s new?
All models now boast better safety features and adding the diesel versions to the entry-level side of the line-up will certainly up the ante for Kia.
While the exterior and interior remain unchanged, the inclusion of more standard Advanced Driver Safety Systems (ADAS) across all models is the big news.
A variety of Kia’s acclaimed in-house developed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology was previously also included on the GT-Line derivatives. However, as of this month, Kia has added these features across all models. Regardless of which derivative in the range a customer opts for, Lane Follow Assist and Lane Keeping Assist are included as standard, as is Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA).
Kia South Africa today introduced a revised line-up of its Sportage range locally. Going forward, the entry-level LX and EX models in the Sportage line-up will be on offer only with the 1.6 CRDi engine (100 kW & 320 Nm) paired with Kia’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The punchy 1.6 T-GDi powertrain (132 kW and 265 Nm) remains available in the three GT-Line models in the range as the sportier models.
Range and prices:
Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi LX (R637 995), Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi EX (R691 995), Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line (R713 995), Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line Plus (R741 995), Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT-Line Plus (R765 995) and the Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S (R798 995).
The revised Kia Sportage line-up is on sale immediately.
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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