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
It seems the new Volkswagen Amarok, which is basically the new Ford Ranger bakkie, is getting more traction in its new guise than the previous model did.
Volkswagen just added a single cab workhorse, and if the sales of the double cab so far is anything to go by, the new addition might prove just as popular.
The retail of the Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab range started in South Africa on 18 March 2023 and in just two months, 710 units have already been sold.
What’s new?
Compared to its predecessor, everything is new as the new Amarok is the same as the new Ford Ranger, with some minor styling details to fit in with the VW brand identity.
At launch (which is at the end of May), the Amarok Single Cab will be available with a choice of two turbo-diesel engines.
The 2.0 TDI delivers 110 kW and 350 Nm torque. The four-cylinder engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission while the more powerful version is the 2.0 TDI with 125 kW and 405 Nm of torque, connected to a 6-speed manual transmission.
The more powerful derivative is also available in VW 4x4 outfit, called 4MOTION.
The Amarok Single Cab 110 kW derivative comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, a full-sized steel spare wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, LED headlights and driver/passenger/side/curtain airbags.
Bluetooth connectivity, including wireless App-Connect, a 10-inch colour touch-screen infotainment screen, an 8-inch partial active-info display for the instrument cluster, electronically foldable side mirrors, multi-function steering wheel and a front centre armrest rounds it off.
The Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 125 kW 4x2 and Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 125 kW 4MOTION derivatives offer additional specifications which include 17-inch Combra alloy wheels, rear differential lock, trailer hitch, raised suspension and improved payload capacity of over 1.2 tons.
The load compartment width between wheel arches measures 1 227 mm in length to accommodate a standard European pallet on all new Amarok Single Cab derivatives.
The only optional feature available in the new Amarok Single Cab range is the exterior paint colours. The new Amarok Single Cab is available in the following exterior colours: Clear White, Midnight Black, Bright Blue, Light Grey, Dark Grey, Deep Red, Bright Beige and Mid Blue.
Prices:
2.0 TDI 110 kW 5-speed manual (R499 000), 2.0 TDI 125 kW 6-speed manual (R575 000) and the 2.0 TDI 125 kW 4MOTION 6-speed manual (R646 000).
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
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