EXPANDING HORIZONS
Our selection of some of the most compelling new cars heading to SA this year.
AUDI
The Four Rings from Ingolstadt is continuing its model upgrades, with new hardware and software features to keep the A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron up to date. All these subtly updated models will reach South Africa next year. However, the all-new third-generation Audi Q3 is expected to arrive here before mid-year. The Q3 has been a well-established bestseller in the premium compact segment for over a decade, and its new exterior design conveys confidence and emotion in both SUV and Sportback forms.
Numerous innovative features turn the latest Q3 into a digital companion, and new micro-LED technology in the digital Matrix LED headlights enables a high degree of personalisation and adaptive, high-resolution light functions. Another feature of the new Q3 is an efficient, partially electrified combustion engine with mild-hybrid technology and a plug-in hybrid model with an electric range of up to 119 kilometres.
ALFA ROMEO
Following the recent introduction of the new Alfa Romeo Junior, the Italian marque is set to introduce the latest facelifted version of the Tonale early in 2026, and it is also possible that the next-generation Alfa Romeo Stelvio will be released locally late in the year.
The new Tonale is an evolution in its character and sportiness, featuring a wider track, a new concave badge, refreshed Trilobe, and larger 19” and 20” wheels. The interior has new red leather trim and two-tone Alcantara in black and white, a more functional gear selector, and new ambient lighting with gradient-effect visuals. Drivetrains stay the same, but the lineup is revised, from the new entry-level Tonale to the more distinctive Sprint, Ti and Veloce versions.
Although the new Stelvio has not yet been revealed, indications are that the range will include conventional and hybrid powertrains, including the potent V6 in the QV models.
BMW
Besides the manic, specially modified BMW M2 CS expected from Munich at some stage this year, the highlight for the Bavarian brand in terms of new models will be the local introduction of the brand-new, full-electric ‘Neue Klasse’ BMW iX3. The new iX3 marks a significant step change in the performance and innovation of BMW’s battery-electric vehicles, with the iX3 50 xDrive claimed to have a range of up to 800 km and ultra-fast charging capabilities, thanks to its sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology with an 800-volt architecture and 400 kW rapid-charging capacity.
Alongside these technological advances, the iX3 introduces an entirely new design language, which will be adopted by all future BMWs. Inside, the cabin places the driver at the centre of a clean, minimalist layout centred on the new Panoramic iDrive.The standard interior features Econeer seat fabrics made from recycled materials. Locally, the new BMW iX3 will be available in distinct trim levels: iX3, iX3 M Sport and iX3 M Sport Pro, each offering a comprehensive range of standard equipment. The Neue Klasse model is built in Hungary, and the newcomer is expected here late in the year.
CHANGAN
A relative newcomer to the local market (not taking into account its earlier Chana adventure), Changan has quickly expanded its local lineup with key models including the Alsvin sedan, CS75 Pro SUV, the Hunter bakkie (in diesel and REEV guise), and the premium electric Deepal S07. More new models, such as the Uni-S and Deepal S05, are expected this year through distributor Jameel Motors.
Perhaps the most interesting model expected, is the battery electric and range extender Changan Nevo E07, also known as the Deepal E07 “multi-truck”, in essence a mid-size crossover SUV that can also double up as a pickup, due to its innovative and unusually designed rear, which combines elements of a pickup load bay with glazed and sliding panels covering the upper and rear parts, with the lower part of the trunk lid opening downwards. Available in Plus RWD (252 kW) and Performance AWD (440 kW), both variants are powered by an 89.9-kWh battery pack.
CHERY
With a comprehensive lineup established, Chinese automotive giant Chery is making huge inroads locally but its model onslaught is set to continue this year, firstly with the introduction of the Chery Himla in the highly contested one-tonne pickup market, as well as with the Chery Tiggo 9L full-size crossover SUV – having the upcoming Haval H9, the GWM Tank 500 and the Toyota Prado in its sights.
Although it retains the Tiggo branding, the large, fully equipped six- or seven-seat flagship SUV is unrelated to the Tiggo 9. The newcomer is equipped with Chery’s Super Performance Hybrid CDM-S system, with three electric motors and Chery’s Falcon 700 advanced driving assistance system. Its H-shaped headlights represent “Hero” and “Home” on this halo model, according to Chery.
DENZA
Shenzhen Denza, trading as Denza, is a vehicle manufacturer and luxury plug-in electric vehicle brand owned by BYD Auto, and all indications are that this new brand will be introduced locally soon. Denza is already exporting vehicles to Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and has recently launched its B5 and B8 models in Australia and New Zealand.
As an extension of BYD Auto, and in tandem with the BYD Shark bakkie, Denza will cater for adventurous and more off-road oriented lifestyle customers with its plug-in hybrid B5 – in essence, the Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 5 rebranded for export – with the bigger, more luxurious B8 (Fang Sheng Bao 8) to follow later. The Denza B5 is body-on-frame and features a Super Hybrid system from BYD Auto comprising a 1.5-litre 145 kW turbo petrol engine, two electric motors, and three differential locks, delivering a combined power output of 505 kW and 760 Nm.
HAVAL
Haval has built up an extended range in South Africa, covering virtually the full spectrum of the SUV segment. However, since the discontinuation of the first-generation Haval H9 in 2019, the brand has not had a flagship SUV offering. This will change with the introduction of the new, second-generation H9 this year.
The fully equipped and luxuriously appointed H9 will compete in the premium SUV segment against models such as the Land Cruiser Prado, the Denza H5, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, in order not to be compete with the petrol-hybrid GWM Tank 500, it is expected the H9 will most likely only be available in tougher “Warrior Edition” trim with a more potent 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine (137 kW/490 Nm), as found in the GWM P-Series and the Tank 300, coupled with a nine-speed transmission and standard front and rear differential locks.
JETOUR
Having recently introduced the well-received T1 and T2 model ranges locally, Chinese brand Jetour (part of the Chery Group) is set to continue its new adventure SUV direction with the local introduction of the Zongheng G700 (probably only as the G700), the first model under its line of body-on-frame, luxury off-road vehicles, late this year. Using the Chery-developed CDM-O plug-in hybrid system designed for off-road vehicles, the G700 features a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine coupled to two electric motors, producing 665 kW.
Jetour claims the G700 can travel 1,400 km without recharge or refuelling. With amphibious capabilities and an oxygen generator, the G700 was the first SUV to cross the Yangtze River. Related to the G700, the Zongheng F700 plug-in hybrid full-size bakkie is also expected to be introduced in South Africa, likely late this year or early 2027, and sold as the Jetour P5.
KIA
This year, Kia is expected to launch the completely revamped, boxy-styled Seltos in South Africa early in the year, along with the new boxy sub-compact Syros SUV, positioned below the Sonet. With its bold design, advanced technologies such as Level 2 ADAS and Kia Connect, and a focus on space, safety, and connectivity, the small newcomer will be offered with petrol, diesel, and possibly electric (EV) powertrains.
Key features of the Syros include so-called Starmap LED lights and a futuristic Tiger Face, with a large Trinity display inside with segment-first OTA (over-the-air) updates. Ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof are also offered. The South African launch is expected in late 2026, with the Syros range priced below R500,000.
LEXUS
The new eighth-generation Lexus ES – developed with the focus on the concept Experience Elegant & Electrified Sedan – is set to be introduced locally this year. As an “original Lexus,” a fixture in the model range since the brand’s launch in 1989, the ES now introduces new technologies, including battery-electric technology, and advanced comfort, connectivity, and safety to sustain the model’s global reputation. Although larger than its predecessor, the Clean x Tech design delivers a sleek, elegant look inside and out.
The ES 300h features a redesigned self-charging hybrid powertrain with a 148 kW 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder engine and both front- and all-wheel drive, while the ES 350h delivers 182 kW. These models will likely come to South Africa, although two battery electric versions are also available: the 165 kW ES 350e front-wheel drive, and the 252 kW all-wheel drive ES 500e. Both benefit from Lexus’ K platform, which features new eAxles that integrate the power control unit and transaxle.
MAZDA
In July last year, Mazda revealed the new, third-generation CX-5 overseas, featuring a bolder design, a more spacious cabin with high-quality materials, and significant tech upgrades, including Google built-in for intuitive infotainment, enhanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and available AI integration (Gemini). The new compact SUV is now rolling out in Europe, with the South African introduction expected in the second half of 2026.
The newcomer features an evolved Kodo design with a sculpted body, new grille, and updated badge, creating a more premium SUV look, while the cabin is now more spacious and refined with high-quality materials, improved comfort, and enhanced quietness. On local debut, the new CX-5 will be powered by the trusty 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine from the current range, but a mild hybrid variant may follow soon after.
MERCEDES-BENZ
In 2026, Mercedes-Benz plans to launch significant updates to its range, including facelifts for the S-Class, GLE, and GLS. This will be complemented by the introduction of new EQ electric models like the CLA Electric (sedan and Shooting Brake), the GLB EQ, and electric versions of the GLC, plus high-performance AMG variants of the CLA and AMG GT four-door, as a continuation of Stuttgart’s push into electrification and updated tech across its range.
Introduced overseas last year, the all-new CLA will be launched here imminently, with initial models likely to be mild-hybrid petrol versions, with EVs following later. The hybrid models will feature a new four-cylinder combustion engine and 48-volt technology, with an electric motor integrated into its new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and will also be available with AMG Line Edition and AMG Line Premium Edition specifications.
SUZUKI
Suzuki South Africa had a stellar 2025 and is set to continue this upward trend with the addition of a new Maruti Suzuki-sourced model to its already comprehensive lineup. However, at this stage, it is still unclear whether the new model will be called Victoris locally (as it is badged in India) or named Across.
Underpinned by Suzuki’s Global C platform (like the Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser), the Victoris/Across is slightly taller and is offered with either a 76 kW 1.5-litre petrol engine with front-wheel or all-wheel drive (Allgrip, coupled with an auto transmission), or a 68 kW 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain with CVT. Pricing is expected to be around R300,000, filling the gap between the Fronx and Grand Vitara.
TOYOTA
The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 was officially unveiled in Japan late last year and is expected to reach South Africa before mid-year. The new RAV4 comes in both plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) models, with the PHEV now featuring a new high-output charger and a more efficient battery setup, resulting in an improved battery-only range of up to 150 km. Toyota has also focused on enhancing the off-road performance of the PHEV variant, and the RAV4 now has vehicle-to-home (V2H) capability.
The RAV4’s bold new exterior design expresses its uniqueness, and inside, it’s all about functionality and comfort, with a lower dashboard, a clever reversible centre console, its “island architecture” layout and increased luggage space. Three styling options (Core, Adventure, GR Sport) are available, and the new RAV4 features a new Arene software platform, signalling the start of Toyota’s shift into the world of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). Details of the local specification will be made available closer to the launch date.
VOLKSWAGEN
This year, Volkswagen celebrates 75 years of local assembly and 30 years of Polo production, so a special derivative or two from the Kariega plant can be expected. However, with a plethora of introductions last year (Golf, Tiguan, Tayron, and Transporter), only the new T-Roc is still outstanding, and this model, now in its second generation, is set to be introduced here by the second quarter of the year.
Available overseas in Trend, Life, Style, and R-Line trim, the new T-Roc is slightly longer (122 mm) than its predecessor, with an increased wheelbase (+28 mm), and it now comes with up to 20” wheels. Two 48V mild-hybrid drives (eTSI) with 85 kW and 110 kW engines coupled with seven-speed DSG will be followed by two full hybrid drive systems. The T-Roc will later be available with 4Motion all-wheel drive and a 2.0-litre TSI, offered as a mild-hybrid (mHEV).
Report by FERDI DE VOS
