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
Omoda has officially unveiled its new C3. Building on the legacy of “Art in Motion”, the C3 draws inspiration from lightning, merging cyber-futuristic sharpness with deconstructed lines and electric energy to redefine aesthetic expression, the manufacturer claims.
What is it?
The Omoda C3 is a crossover designed for Gen Z, defying convention to forge a new paradigm, according to Omoda.
Exterior:
“With the OMODA C3, we’ve moved beyond design trends to create a new visual language that speaks to a generation shaped by technology, individuality and bold self-expression,” commented Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa. “It’s more than a car; it’s a statement of where mobility, art and innovation converge.”
Every sharp contour reflects a shift in light; every etched line follows the flow of current. The C3 isn’t just a new vehicle—it’s a bold statement of future-facing design.
Interior:
Inside, the C3’s cabin has been styled as a futuristic command centre. Drawing inspiration from aviation and performance design, it features ‘fighter jet-style instrumentation’, mechanical switchgear and an immersive cockpit experience designed for the modern driver.
Coming to SA?
The OMODA C3 is officially confirmed for the South African market and will be introduced locally in 2026, following its global launch in October 2025. The C3 will be available in both petrol and NEV powertrains, catering to a wider range of driving preferences.
Price and specifications will be announced closer to the date of the local launch.
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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