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
In the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, the Corolla Cross has secured its place as South Africa’s favourite, with over 22 000 units sold last year alone. This success has also propelled it to become the country’s second-best selling passenger vehicle.
What’s new?
The latest iteration of the Corolla Cross elevates this model to new heights, introducing a range of improvements, including refined design elements, technologies and enhanced safety features.
Exterior:
On the outside there are a new bumper and grille, as well as redesigned headlamps, which feature sequential turn signals (on XR and GR-S models).
Exclusive to the XR and GR-S models are uniquely shaped Bi-Beam LED lamps and crystal-like LED daytime running lights. The rear end has been updated with a reimagined light design featuring an inner lens.
A sleek new carbon-neutral badge further highlights Toyota’s dedication to sustainability. Customers can also choose from two stunning new colours – Brass Gold and Oxide Bronze – for added personalisation.
Interior:
On the inside, you will find new premium materials and features like real stitching on the instrument panel and console lid, along with high-quality floor carpets with a heel pad.
Convenience is also a focus, with the addition of an electric parking brake, USB Type-C ports and Rear Occupant Detection for added safety.
The seating has been upgraded with rear reclining seats for added comfort and newly designed seat trims that feature dark brown accents. The interior trim colours remain unchanged: Black and Terra Rosa.
Technology:
The Corolla Cross now offers a larger, high-resolution Display Audio screen that provides three customisable display options. Now coming standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smartphone connectivity is seamless.
The system also includes multi-touch control with a soft-touch interface, improved Bluetooth connectivity and an enhanced end-user interface for a smoother experience.
The newly digitised instrument cluster (available on XR and GR-S grades) offers improved visibility and personalised driving themes, tailoring the experience to suit individual preferences.
Equipment:
The new Corolla Cross makes loading and unloading easier than ever before with the introduction of a hands-free luggage and back door release system (Power Back Door + Kick Sensor) on the XR and GR-S models – a first for the Corolla Cross.
The back monitor now provides clearer image views, with customisable view modes that assist with parking and reversing.
The XR and GR-S grades also come with a 360° Panoramic View Monitor for enhanced visibility when driving and convenience when parking.
Prices:
The Corolla Cross retains its two-engine strategy (a 1.8-litre petrol engine and the 1.8-litre Hybrid (HEV). This, in combination with the grade strategy, results in a seven-model matrix:
Cross 1.8 Xi (R414 800), Cross 1.8 Xs (R452 200), Cross 1.8 Xs HEV (R494 400), Cross 1.8 XR (R501 500), Cross 1.8 XR HEV (R545 200), Cross 1.8 GR-S (R518 200) and the Cross 1.8 GR-S HEV (R561 700).
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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.