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
Volkswagen will introduce the new Transporter that is set to launch in the second half of 2025. The new-generation Transporter offers more space, load capacity, more sustainable and economical mobility for all.
What’s new?
The range of new-generation Transporter models available is impressively large. At launch, the new Transporter will be available in a panel van variant with a long wheelbase and two engine as well as gearbox options (2.0 TDI 81kW 6-MT and 2.0 TDI 110kW 8-AUTO).
The new Transporter will be available in Panel Van, Crew Bus, Kombi and Dropside Double Cab derivatives. The Panel Van, Crew Bus and Kombi are planned to be launched in 2025. The Dropside Double Cab will be introduced in 2026.
Interior & dimensions:
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has significantly expanded the standard equipment package for its new Transporter models with LED headlights as standard, including Light Assist, an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold function, 12-inch digital instruments (Digital Cockpit), a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system to mention a few.
Compared with the preceding model (T6.1), the new Transporter offers significantly more space, higher payload and greater towing capacity.
It is 5 050mm long in the short wheelbase version, which is an increase of 146mm over its predecessor. The wheelbase has been increased by 97mm to 3 100mm.
The Transporter is also available with a long wheelbase extended by 400mm (overall length: 5 450mm). The drop-side version of the Transporter has the long wheelbase as standard. At 2 032mm, the exterior width of all models has increased by 128mm.
Exterior:
The T5 can be seen briefly in the shape of the radiator grille, the T6.1 in the headlights and the T1 in the iconic clarity – but all these features have evolved significantly into a new Volkswagen Transporter look.
The rear of the new Transporter Panel Van, Crew Bus and Kombi has a homogeneous design, giving it the clean look. As with the T6.1, the Panel Van and Crew Bus derivatives can be alternatively ordered with a boot lid or wing door.
Engines:
Three newly developed 2.0-litre four-cylinder for the seventh-generation Transporter develops 81kW, 110kW and 125kW. The 125kW TDI is combined with an eight-speed automatic gearbox with a choice of front wheel drive or 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
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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