What happens when you drive a financed car without insurance?
One of the first things that cash-strapped car buyers do is consider cancelling their insurance. It’s a grudge purchase, after all. And you’re a safe driver … no one will know. You may think you’re smart, but the bank is smarter. Here’s why it’s a bad idea.
While online vehicle marketplaces like Cars.co.za offer detailed search tools showcasing extensive inventory for prospective vehicle buyers, once you’ve searched and signed on the dotted line, there is one more hoop to jump through: providing proof of comprehensive insurance if your new car is financed. Depending on your risk profile, that could easily amount to a few hundred or thousand rand extra per month. Often, it’s an expense that can feel hard to justify if you never need to claim. Money’s tight. So you decide to cancel it as soon as you drive off the forecourt. What could possibly go wrong?
The dealership loophole: Can you cancel insurance right after delivery?
South Africans are an innovative bunch. We adapt. We improvise. And no one likes to pay something for nothing. So, still revelling in the fresh smell of your new car, you send an email to the insurer to cancel the insurance policy for the financed amount.
You’ve done it. You’ve beaten the system. More cash back in your pocket for fuel, food or fun. With a victimless crime.
Except, you’ve only made yourself a victim of your own crime. That confirmation of cover sent to the bank wasn’t just a letter; it was proof of a condition built into a contract with them … and you’ve just broken it.
Your finance agreement requires you to keep the vehicle comprehensively insured for the duration of the loan because it protects the bank’s security.
In many cases, the insurer notifies the bank when a financed vehicle’s policy is cancelled, allowing the bank to identify that the finance agreement is no longer compliant.
How banks track policy cancellations (and what happens next)
The good news is, banks rarely use hooded figures with baseball bats to show you the error of your ways. Neither will they immediately send a repo truck to collect their asset.
You’ll first be issued a letter requesting a reinstatement of cover with a deadline (usually 10 to 14 business days).
Most finance agreements allow the bank to arrange lender- or bank-arranged insurance if you fail to maintain the required cover, with the cost added to your monthly instalment.
If by now you haven’t realised that you’ve lost the game, it’s just gotten worse: bank-arranged insurance premiums are typically priced at high-risk levels. There are no beneficial add-ons: forget about courtesy vehicles, bundled cheap gym rates or 3-month discounted fibre packages. The bank’s intent is to primarily protect its financial interest rather than provide the broader benefits found in a comprehensive policy you choose yourself. This is the insurance you really don’t want to be paying each month.
None of this is out of spite or retribution. The bank is merely protecting its financial interest.
Section 129 Notice of Default: When a quick shortcut turns into a legal nightmare
If you want to keep your car, this is the time to start paying. Fully and regularly, and even if it’s a lot more than you wanted to pay in the beginning. Defaulting on the bank’s arranged payments can turn the fight into a full-blown legal one.
If you continue to ignore the bank’s requests or default on your obligations under the finance agreement, the matter can ultimately progress to a Section 129 Notice of Default under the National Credit Act, informing you that you are in material breach of your loan contract terms. Depending on the circumstances, you may be given an opportunity to remedy the breach by reinstating comprehensive insurance and settling any outstanding amounts.
Keep ignoring that, and sit back and watch how quickly things spiral out of control. The bank will initiate court proceedings to repossess the vehicle, after which it gets auctioned. Not only have you lost the car; you’ll also be liable for the shortfall if the auction doesn’t cover the full outstanding value.
To top it off, you’ll be blacklisted.
Comparison: Voluntary insurance vs bank default
If you’re a serial cents-saving number cruncher, at first glance it may seem like a brilliant idea to cancel your financed car’s insurance. In reality, though, the numbers don’t add up. But the consequences do.
Scenario
Voluntary policy
Bank-arranged
Who chooses it?
You shop around for the insurer and best terms
The bank selects it
Monthly cost
Market-competitive rates
More expensive, high-risk rates
What’s covered?
Comprehensive (You & 3rd-party)
Bank’s financial interest
Perks and add-ons
Courtesy car, roadside assistance, etc.
None
Vehicle status
You keep driving safely
You keep driving, but usually at high-risk insurance rates
Credit record
Clean/good standing
Breach recorded. Future credit may become more expensive
Clearly, cancelling your cover with the dealership in the rear-view mirror isn’t smart. Aside from the additional financial strain, you’re handing control of your finances to the bank. You’ll face bank-arranged insurance premiums offering little or no personal liability protection, default notices and possibly a risk of vehicle repossession.
All of which makes the initial insurance payment – negotiated on your own terms – seem a lot more attractive…
GAC GS3 Emzoom (2026) Review
Competing in one of the most hotly contested segments, the GAC GS3 Emzoom didn’t have the easiest of starts due to initial uncompetitive pricing. The addition of a significantly more affordable entry-level version should improve its chances of success.
We like: Nova model is more powerful than most rivals; dynamic and driver-oriented; good ride quality; handsome styling; lifetime engine warranty (for the first owner).
We don’t like: Only 2 airbags; no rear-view camera; small 47-litre fuel tank limits range; shorter service plan than key rivals; no price advantage over better-equipped alternatives; throttle mapping.
GAC Motor arrived in South Africa in 2024 courtesy of the Salvador Caetano Group, the same distributor that handles JMC locally. The GS3 Emzoom was their debut product: a small, front-driven turbopetrol crossover positioned squarely against market favourites such as the Haval Jolion Pro, Omoda C5, Chery Tiggo Cross and Toyota Corolla Cross. It is an undoubtedly handsome, well-engineered car, but its original pricing left it without a compelling value argument. Soon after launch, in January 2025, prices were reduced.
But, recently, the GS3 Emzoom’s value appeal arguably grew even stronger with the addition of the entry-level 1.5T Nova variant. By stripping the GS3 Emzoom back to a leaner specification level, the brand has brought the entry price down to R359 900 – the same price as the Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5T Million Edition and only R20 000 more than an entry-level Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Street+. So, the GAC’s price competitive, but the question is whether it justifies the choice over those two established alternatives. The answer is more nuanced than you might expect.
The GS3 Emzoom is genuinely one of the better-looking crossovers in South Africa right now, and that remains true in Nova guise. The design language is confident and cohesive and, in our view, looks more like a slightly high-riding, sporty hatchback than a crossover. However, at 4 410 mm long, 1 850 mm wide and 1 600 mm tall on a 2 650 mm wheelbase, it is a proper small crossover with proportions that sit comfortably alongside its key rivals.
Aerodynamic, flush door handles – a feature more commonly found on cars costing considerably more – are a nice touch, and the 17-inch alloy wheels look appropriately sized. Our test car was finished in a striking metallic red.
Inside, the Nova’s cabin is fundamentally that of the established Emzoom family, and the Emzoom has always punched above its weight in this regard. A 10.25-inch touchscreen is the centrepiece, and it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Keyless entry with remote start, cruise control, an electronic parking brake, hill-start assist and a multifunction steering wheel round out a reasonably well-equipped cabin. Seats are finished in a synthetic leather-and-fabric combination, which is appropriate for the price point.
Cabin space is good for the segment. The Emzoom’s interior is notably wide for its class, and rear-seat occupants will find adequate leg- and headroom. The boot offers 341 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding to a claimed 1 271 litres with the bench folded. The latter figure is class-competitive.
However, one oddity that stands out immediately is the parcel shelf cover: it feels like an afterthought, with flimsy construction and imprecise fitment that undermines the otherwise composed interior impression.
What the Nova does not have – and this is a notable omission – is a rear-view camera. Rear parking sensors are standard, but the absence of a camera is increasingly unusual at this price and in this segment. Both the Chery and the Omoda have this feature as standard.
However, the safety specification is where the Nova’s value proposition takes its most significant knock. It is equipped with just 2 airbags. Electronic stability control and traction control are standard, and GAC claims a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating for the Emzoom range. We’ve no doubt that rating was achieved with more expensive models featuring 6 airbags.
In a segment where the Chery Tiggo Cross offers 6 ‘bags and the Omoda C5 offers 4 as standard, having dual frontal airbags alone is a meaningful shortfall. Buyers who factor occupant protection into their purchasing decision – as all buyers should – will need to weigh this carefully.
Performance & Efficiency
From a performance perspective, the GAC GS3 Emzoom Nova makes a more convincing argument. The 1.5-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 130 kW and 270 Nm. It’s mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) driving the front wheels. Those headline figures make it one of the more powerful cars in this segment. The GAC’s torque advantage – 60 Nm over the Chery; 40 Nm over the Omoda – is clearly felt in real-world driving, particularly during overtaking and on climbs.
GAC claims a 0-100 kph sprint of 8.0 seconds, which on paper makes the Nova one of the fastest crossovers at its price. In our testing, it achieved a time of 8.52 seconds – pretty impressive.
A slight issue, and it’s one that afflicts a number of Chinese offerings, is “unrefined” throttle mapping. It’s a comparatively difficult car to drive smoothly. Give it a smidge too much throttle, and the Emzoom will spin its front wheels. Too little, and it feels frustratingly sluggish off the line.
In terms of fuel consumption, GAC claims 6.2 L/100 km, which actually bests its main rivals from China, despite the power advantage. Real-world returns, however, are higher, as they invariably are. In mixed driving, we recorded an average of approximately 7.5 L/100 km, which is still acceptable for a 130 kW turbopetrol in this class. A bigger concern, perhaps, is the size of the fuel tank; a class-smallest 47 litres means fill-ups every 590 km or so.
Ride, Handling & Comfort
Its dynamic prowess is arguably the GAC GS3 Emzoom Nova’s most persuasive selling point. The Emzoom’s ride and handling balance is noticeably more driver-oriented than what you typically encounter in this class of Chinese crossover. The suspension – the usual MacPherson struts up front, torsion beam at the rear – is well calibrated for South African road conditions. It absorbs surface imperfections with a degree of poise, without floating or wallowing over fast sweepers.
In fact, it feels more dynamic and driver-oriented than its main Chinese rivals, with good damping and a sense of better precision. The steering has a weight and directness that complements the overall sense of engagement.
This is a car that rewards the driver who actually enjoys driving, rather than merely getting from A to B. Body roll is controlled and cornering composure is confident. On the highway, the Emzoom feels stable and refined, not nervous or skittish, as some entry-level Chinese crossovers can be.
GAC GS3 Emzoom Price & After-sales support
The GAC GS3 Emzoom 1.5T Nova sells for R359 900 (July 2026) and comes with a 5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty, a lifetime engine warranty for the first owner (reverting to 5 years/150 000 km on resale) and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan. Services are scheduled at 15 000 km intervals.
The service plan is one of the shortest in its segment. The Chery Tiggo Cross includes a 5-year/60 000 km plan. However, the Omoda C5 Street+ fares even worse than the GAC: just 2 years/25 000 km. The lifetime engine warranty is a meaningful headline benefit and offers genuine long-term peace of mind for the original owner.
Verdict
The GAC GS3 Emzoom 1.5T Nova is a genuinely likeable car. It’s well built, good to drive and handsome to look at. In a market segment where most Chinese crossovers feel exactly the same on the road, those qualities will matter to some buyers. Its performance advantage over the Chery Tiggo Cross and the Omoda C5 is real and meaningful, and the driving dynamics are a step above what most buyers in this segment will have experienced from a Chinese crossover.
However, it competes in a market that favours tech and “surprise-and-delight” features. Sadly, it lacks in those regards compared with its main rivals and doesn’t really have a price advantage.
And that is precisely the problem. At R359 900, the Nova costs the same as the Chery Tiggo Cross Million Edition, which matches it on price, offers 4 more airbags and a rear-view camera, and backs the purchase with a 5-year/60 000 km service plan.
Meanwhile, the Omoda C5 Street+ undercuts the Nova by R20 000, offers 4 airbags, a rear-facing camera, a larger 51-litre fuel tank, and also includes dual 10.25-inch screens. Both rivals win convincingly on spec-sheet breadth and, critically, on safety equipment.
The GAC GS3 Emzoom 1.5T Nova will appeal to buyers who prioritise how a car drives and looks over how comprehensively it is equipped. There may be buyers out there for whom that is an advantage, but they are likely dwindling. In a segment where customers are increasingly sophisticated and where safety ratings enter the conversation, the dual-airbag count and absent rear camera are difficult to overlook.
What engine and transmission power the GAC GS3 Emzoom in South Africa?
All GAC GS3 Emzoom models are powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that develops 130 kW of power and 270 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7WDCT), accelerating the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds.
How much does the GAC GS3 Emzoom cost in South Africa?
The GAC GS3 Emzoom crossover lineup is priced across several trim levels:
Emzoom Nova / Comfort Collection: Starts at R359 900
Emzoom Executive: Priced at R449 900
Emzoom R-Style: Priced at R499 900
Emzoom R-Style Plus: Tops the range at R529 900
What is the fuel consumption of the GAC GS3 Emzoom?
The GAC GS3 Emzoom has a claimed average combined fuel consumption of 6.2 litres per 100 km, allowing for an estimated driving range of roughly 758 km on its 47-litre fuel tank.
What technology and safety features come standard on the Emzoom?
Standard features include a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry, push-button start, automatic climate control, LED daytime running lights, and flush hidden door handles. Higher trims add a surround-view camera system and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like Adaptive Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
What warranty and service plan cover the GAC Emzoom in South Africa?
The GAC GS3 Emzoom comes with a 5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty alongside a special lifetime engine warranty for the original owner. It also includes a 5-year/60 000 km service plan (or 2-year/30 000 km on entry-level models), with service intervals set every 15 000 km or 12 months.
Toyota recalls over 2 000 Urban Cruiser units in SA
Toyota SA Motors has recalled over 2 000 units of the Urban Cruiser crossover due to a potential defect with each vehicle’s fuel-level indicator, according to the NCC…
Over 2 000 units affected in Mzansi
Potential fuel-level indicator fault
Recall follows similar action in India
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced that Toyota South Africa Motors has recalled more than 2 000 units of the current-generation Urban Cruiser over a potential defect with the fuel-level indicator.
According to the NCC, as many as 2 208 examples of the Indian-built crossover are affected (sold between 17 January 2025 and 3 June 2025), including 2 015 units sold in South Africa, along with 151 units in Namibia, 23 units in Botswana, 14 units in Eswatini and 5 units in Lesotho.
The NCC statement says that during the manufacturing process of each affected vehicle’s combination meter, there is a “possibility that the improper correction value of the fuel indicator has been written in the memory”.
“As a result, the fuel-level indicator in the combination meter may indicate more fuel than actually remaining. The low-fuel warning light may not turn on as the fuel decreases, so the driver may not notice and run out of fuel, resulting in the engine stalling and the engine not starting.”
The NCC urged those consumers who own the affected vehicles to approach an authorised Toyota dealership for a fuel-gauge inspection, adding that any “corrective work” would be performed at no cost to the vehicle owner.
As a reminder, the Urban Cruiser was effectively developed by Toyota’s global-alliance partner Suzuki (sharing much with the Grand Vitara), though the 2 models are manufactured by Toyota at its Bidadi plant in India. This generation of Urban Cruiser launched in South Africa in April 2023, before gaining extra standard kit in August 2025.
Though Suzuki Auto SA has yet to announce a similar recall for the Grand Vitara, nearly 40 000 units of this model were recalled in India in November 2025 for the same issue. A few days later, Toyota’s Indian division recalled over 11 000 examples of the Hyryder (the model we know as the Urban Cruiser).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why has Toyota South Africa recalled the Urban Cruiser and how many units are affected?
A: Toyota South Africa Motors initiated a safety recall for 2 208 units of the Urban Cruiser crossover (sold between 17 January 2025 and 3 June 2025) due to a potential fuel-level indicator defect. The recall covers 2 015 units sold in South Africa, as well as 193 exported units across Namibia (151), Botswana (23), Eswatini (14) and Lesotho (5).
Q: What causes the fuel gauge fault in affected Toyota Urban Cruiser models?
A: According to the National Consumer Commission (NCC), an improper fuel indicator correction value was written into the memory of the vehicle’s combination meter during manufacturing. This causes the fuel gauge to display more fuel than actually remains in the tank and prevents the low-fuel warning light from activating, creating a risk of running out of fuel and unexpectedly stalling.
Q: What action should affected Urban Cruiser owners take and will repairs be free?
A: Owners of affected vehicles are urged to take their Urban Cruiser to an authorised Toyota dealership for a fuel-gauge inspection. Any required software or hardware corrective work will be performed free of charge to the vehicle owner.
Double-cab bakkie sales in SA: H1 2026 leaderboard
Which model is leading SA’s double-cab bakkie sales race after H1 2026? Here’s a look at the double-, extended- and single-cab figures for opening half of the year…
Ranger leads SA’s double-cab sales charts in H1 2026
Hilux again dominates single- and extended-cab space
Mahindra Pik Up retains 3rd spot on single-cab charts
At the year’s halfway mark, the Toyota Hilux remains South Africa’s runaway bakkie-sales leader, more than 6 000 units clear of the Ford Ranger and nearly 9 000 units ahead of the Isuzu D-Max. But do the rankings change when we break down the figures by body style? Well, let’s take a closer look and reveal the most popular single-, extended- and double-cab bakkies for the opening half of 2026.
Based on figures kindly supplied by Lightstone Auto, we can confirm the Ford Ranger still leads the race for the title of SA’s most popular double cab (a crown it secured for the 3rd consecutive year in 2025). In H1 2026, some 10 075 units have been registered, which our maths suggests forms 80.8% of the Ranger’s overall tally for this 6-month period.
After the opening half of 2026, the Toyota Hilux – remember, the local range currently comprises a mix of 8th- and 9th-generation derivatives, with the latter variants having launched in June 2026 – ranks 2nd on the double-cab leaderboard, with 7 887 units registered. Based on our calculations, that represents 41.8% of the Prospecton-built model’s overall total.
DOUBLE-CAB BAKKIE
H1 2026 REGISTRATIONS
1
Ford Ranger Double Cab
10 075 units
2
Toyota Hilux Double Cab
7 887 units
3
Isuzu D-Max Double Cab
4 415 units
All other double cabs
13 635 units
*Table collated by Cars.co.za based on Lightstone Auto data
As such, the Isuzu D-Max – which was finally facelifted in May 2026 – grabs the 3rd spot on South Africa’s double-cab sales podium for H1 2026, with 4 415units registered. Our arithmetic suggests that translates to 43.9% of the Struandale-built nameplate’s overall figure for this reporting period.
Lightstone Auto’s dataset furthermore shows that all other 1-tonne double-cab bakkie derivatives – that is, excluding the aforementioned Ranger, Hilux and D-Max (and indeed models from any brands that don’t report sales figures to industry-representative body Naamsa) – collectively managed 13 635 units in the opening half of 2026.
SA’s single- and extended-cab bakkie sales in H1 2026
What’s happening in the single-cab space? Well, the Toyota Hilux continues to serve as South Africa’s best-selling single cab in H1 2026, with 8 101 units (or 42.9% of its overall tally) registered. Second place in this reporting period again goes to the Isuzu D-Max single cab, with 4 849 units (or 48.2% of its total).
Meanwhile, the 2-door version of the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up once more completes the single-cab podium in the opening half of 2026, with 3 711 units sold (or a hefty 79.1% of the Indian bakkie’s total). For the record, the Ranger single cab finished the 6-month reporting period on just 707 units.
SINGLE-CAB BAKKIE
H1 2026 REGISTRATIONS
1
Toyota Hilux Single Cab
8 101 units
2
Isuzu D-Max Single Cab
4 849 units
3
Mahindra Pik Up Single Cab
3 711 units
All other double cabs
7 848 units
*Table collated by Cars.co.za based on Lightstone Auto data
Unsurprisingly, the Toyota Hilux leads the extended-cab race in H1 2026, too, with 2 589 units sold. The Ford Ranger finds itself in 2nd on 1 740 units, followed by the Isuzu D-Max on 804 units. As a reminder, these are the only 3 bakkies currently available in the so-called “cab-and-a-half” body style in South Africa.
EXTENDED-CAB BAKKIE
H1 2026 REGISTRATIONS
1
Toyota Hilux Xtra Cab
2 589 units
2
Ford Ranger Super Cab
1 740 units
3
Isuzu D-Max Extended Cab
804 units
*Table collated by Cars.co.za based on Lightstone Auto data
For the record, the Hilux (18 862 units; up 14.1% year on year) leads the overall bakkie sales race after the first half of 2026, with Ranger (12 472 units; up 0.6% year on year) ranking 2nd and the D-Max (10 068 units; up 2.3% year on year) in 3rd position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which bakkie is leading South Africa’s double-cab sales race after H1 2026?
A: According to Cars.co.za, the Ford Ranger double cab leads the double-cab segment in H1 2026 with 10 075 units registered, representing 80.8% of total Ranger sales. It is followed by the Toyota Hilux double cab in 2nd place (7 887 units) and the Isuzu D-Max double cab in 3rd place (4 415 units).
Q: Which model tops the single-cab bakkie sales charts for the first half of 2026?
A: The Toyota Hilux single cab continues to dominate the workhorse segment with 8 101 units sold. The Isuzu D-Max single cab holds 2nd position with 4 849 units, while the Mahindra Pik Up single cab retains 3rd spot with 3 711 units registered.
Q: What are the overall bakkie sales totals for South Africa in H1 2026 across all body styles?
A: According to Cars.co.za, across all body styles (single, extended and double cab), the Toyota Hilux leads overall with 18 862 units registered (up 14.1% YoY). The Ford Ranger ranks 2nd overall with 12 472 units (up 0.6% YoY) and the Isuzu D-Max ranks 3rd with 10 068 units (up 2.3% YoY).
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA is available with electric and petrol hybrid and this 3rd-gen model is under consideration for South Africa.
This is the 3rd-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Stuttgart-based brand is offering the vehicle with a choice of either petrol or electric. Officially, Merc says its ‘electric-first’ which is understandable given how Europe is gearing for a battery-electric future.
The looks are more reserved than the rest of Mercedes-Benz’s current releases which is justified given this a mainstream model. Naturally, it too features the large grille, which features 608 LEDs in the electric derivatives. There are some neat touches like the aerodynamic door handles. There’s a new identity for the rear tail lights.
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA shares the same Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform as the recently-launched CLA sedan (which we drove recently) and as a result, has grown in size. Overall length is up 102 mm to 4 565 mm, it is 39 mm wider and the wheelbase has grown by 61 mm to 2 790 mm. One of the criticisms of the outgoing model was its lack of rear cabin space, so this is progress.
With the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA now being offered with both combustion power and battery-electric motors, this means its the end of the road for the all-electric EQA. The internal-combustion petrol engine is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid tech.
Full outputs were not revealed, but the release suggested the launch range will comprise outputs of 120 kW to 140 kW, with both front-wheel and 4Matic all-wheel drive. There’s a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and the vehicle can run briefly on pure electric power thanks to a 1.3 kWh battery.
There was more info regarding the electric GLA where the GLA 200 offering up 165 kW and 335 Nm from a single motor powered by a 58 kWh LFP battery. The GLA 250+ brings 200 kW and 335 Nm, while the GLA 350 4Matic packs 260 kW and 515 Nm. Both have 85 kWh NMC batteries.
The electric GLA range is assembled on 800V architecture which can accept 320 kW, and the range claims look more than adequate, on paper at least.
GLA 200 394-447 km
GLA 250+ 577-657 km
GLA 350 4Matic 555-643 km
Climb inside and the new cabin is dominated by large screens. Passengers can opt for a screen on their side should the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.5-inch central infotainment screen be inadequate. The latest iteration of MBUX now features an AI-powered virtual assistant.
There’s a new panoramic glass roof as standard which Mercedes-Benz says is made of special heat-insulating laminated glass. There’s also a full loadout of driver-assistance tech as well as safety hardware in the form of 5 radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and 8 cameras.
When will the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA come to South Africa?
Officially and according to Mercedes-Benz South Africa, the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA is under consideration for our market. We think that given the recent arrival of the Audi Q3, plus the BMW X1 proving popular, Mercedes-Benz SA will try get into local showrooms before the end of next year.
What platform and powertrains underpin the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The third-generation 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA is built as an “electric-first” vehicle on the modern MMA architecture. It is offered with fully electric battery-powertrains as well as electrified combustion engine variants featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance.
When is the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA arriving in South Africa?
Following its global reveal, the new 2027 GLA model range is rumoured to arrive in South Africa around mid-2027.
How do the interior technology and digital features update on the 2027 GLA?
The redesigned cabin introduces a panoramic glass roof, a large MBUX Superscreen spanning across the dashboard, and a next-generation MBUX Virtual Assistant powered by generative AI for intuitive natural voice interaction.
Is the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA larger than the previous generation?
Yes, the 2027 GLA model is noticeably larger, measuring 4,565 mm in length (+102 mm), 1,873 mm in width (+39 mm), and standing on an expanded 2,790 mm wheelbase (+61 mm) to increase passenger legroom and overall cabin comfort.
What standard service and maintenance plan is offered on Mercedes-Benz vehicles in SA?
In South Africa, new Mercedes-Benz models typically come standard with the brand’s PremiumDrive Comfort Care Plan, providing 5 years or 100,000 km of service and maintenance coverage alongside a 2-year / unlimited kilometre manufacturer’s warranty.
VW wants to simplify its operations, but at what cost?
In an effort to become more profitable, Volkswagen will dramatically reduce the number of models and options it offers. How did we get here?
Germany’s biggest company offers too many models across too many configurations to too few buyers. Ten years ago, VW was the world’s biggest car company, and arguably its most successful. Since then, it’s been struggling.
In China, demand for Audi and VW products dropped by more than 25% in the first half of this year. Porsche, once the most profitable car company by units sold in the world, had its worst year on record.
To understand the scale of the problem, you have to understand the structure. VW is arguably the world’s most complicated car company. It has a motorcycle brand (Ducati), a Spanish legacy brand that it doesn’t sell in most global markets (Seat), and two trucking divisions (MAN and Scania). Then there’s Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche. All ultra-premium and luxury car brands.
In a year where its passenger car division has performed poorly, the only silver lining was Škoda. And that’s telling, because in the world’s 2 biggest car markets – the United States of America and China – few people know what a Škoda is.
The first half of 2026 numbers are bad and they’re not predicted to get any better towards year-end.
Leadership at VW has suggested it needs to reduce global headcount by a staggering 100 000 employees. That would be the biggest number of job losses sustained by any car company in history.
VW also wants to close 4 factories in Germany. Bitter negotiations are underway between VW, organised labour and local German governments where those VW car factories operate.
Investors, workers and suppliers are desperate for answers about the future of VW before the European summer shutdown, which runs for most of August.
The Group is simply too big
South African David Powels is VW Passenger Car CFO. He has very difficult decisions to make.
The current VW Group structure was created in the late 1990s into the early 2000s by one of the best automotive engineers in history: Ferdinand Piëch (1937–2019). However, without his coercive personality, authoritarian control and ability to force through R&D priorities, the complex and layered VW structure is buckling.
Managing the engineering needs of different parts of the VW Group while keeping production costs in check is extremely difficult. VW’s only real rival in terms of scale is Toyota, and its structure and model line-up are both a lot simpler. It also sells a lot more body-on-frame models (bakkies and rugged SUVs), which are cheaper to engineer and build, and easier to make a profit on. VW knows it needs more of a presence in the bakkie and rugged SUV market…
Eastern Cape-born and -educated David Powels has spent his entire career at VW, including stints in South America and China. He now serves in a powerful position as the VW Passenger Car and Group Core CFO in Germany. Many of the most challenging financial decisions about staff reductions and factory closures in Germany need to be guided by Powels.
So, what are the plans? One of the solutions is to cut the global model range by half by 2030. Simultaneously, the Group wants to reduce the number of build options – powertrain, colour, trim, and spec additions – by 75%. These are changes with immense consequences for Germany’s largest automaker, both abroad and in South Africa.
Interesting engines, colours and carbon trim bits? Those options might be disappearing in future.
VW has been very careful with its wording about the plans to reduce its model range by 2030. The core products will likely remain, i.e. don’t expect the Polo or Tiguan to go anywhere. However, models developed and built for regional markets could be axed.
VW South Africa’s continuation cars, especially the Vivo, have accounted for the bulk of the brand’s local sales over the last few years. But we know that the current Vivo is nearly out of technical runway and viable supplier support, so seeing it disappear won’t be the cause of the unprecedented VW global restructuring. It was always going to happen.
However, other models like the Taigo and T-Roc might be at higher risk. Although these low-roofline crossovers sell for more than their donor cars (T-Cross and Golf), the configuration and production complexity of their unique shapes are costs VW may not be able to sustain.
Will all these interior luxury trim options still exist by 2030?
A simplified VW model range in South Africa, with fewer options and more affordable base models, could work out well. Consumers are cash-strapped and the Chinese brands offer amazing value. VW has been going upmarket in South Africa for a long time, but that looks set to end in the near future. The brand will need to reposition to its roots as a simpler, family-car company.
A potentially bigger issue exists for Audi and Porsche. Customers who spend luxury car money want options, lots of configuration options – from engines to wheels, to cabin trim, to all manner of other individualisation items, including expensive paint options.
Reducing the number of options an Audi or Porsche customer can specify by up to 75% could put both brands in a difficult position. Even more so if their 2 German rivals (BMW and Mercedes-Benz) continue to offer greater depth of options and configurability.
Additionally, no discussion of automotive product planning can exist without mentioning China. Full-house specification is standard with most Chinese models. And increasingly, Chinese brands are offering a depth of factory-level customisation that’s deeply impressive. The recent launch of iCAUR in South Africa, with its extraordinary colour and trim combinations, is proof of that.
In a future car market where Chinese brands are offering more luxury models, with comprehensive specs and lots of customisation options, how does the VW Group respond with a product range that is going to become 75% simpler?
VW needs a Golf 1 moment
Can VW do affordable and purposeful cars again?
This is not VW’s first crisis. The company nearly went bankrupt in the early 1970s because it was too preoccupied with air-cooled engines.
Although the original Beetle and Kombi were globally successful, VW’s product planners obsessed over horizontally opposed air-cooled engines. This came at the cost of developing more traditional family-car configurations such as front-wheel drive and water-cooled, inline-engine platforms.
The air-cooled fixation nearly ruined the company. But in its moment of crisis, it created a product that would save the brand and give it a dominant position in the family car market for years: the Golf 1.
During the early 1990s, the company faced rising production costs and was under threat from Japanese automakers that were building better sedans and hatchbacks. By the early 2000s, VW was pioneering design, cabin comfort, and powertrains in the family hatchback and sedan market. In only 10 years, it went from crisis to product excellence under the powerful leadership of Ferdinand Piëch. Can it do so again by 2030?
Supersized Audi Q9 revealed (and it’s coming to SA)
The new Audi Q9 has been revealed as the German brand’s flagship SUV. And this massive luxury barge has already been pencilled in for a 2027 launch in South Africa…
New Q9 is larger than both X7 and GLS
3.0 V6 TDI engine detailed for Europe
SQ9 with 4.0-litre V8 confirmed for US
Scheduled to hit South Africa in 2027
Meet the new Audi Q9. Billed as the Ingolstadt-based automaker’s largest SUV to date, the fresh-faced, 3-row luxury model slots in at the very summit of Audi’s portfolio, above the Q7 and Q8. And it’s already been pencilled in for a 2027 launch in South Africa.
Measuring 5 310 mm long, 2 210 mm wide and 1 810 mm tall (with a wheelbase stretching 3 140 mm), the new Q9 – which will be built in Bratislava, Slovakia – debuts as the largest Audi of all time. For context, the current BMW X7 is 5 181 mm long, while the X167-series Mercedes-Benz GLS measures 5 207 mm from front to back.
The new Q9 is larger than the X7 and GLS.
The German brand says it will offer 2 “distinct equipment packages” (standard and S line) and 2 interior variants. As standard, the new Audi Q9 will seat 7 occupants across 3 rows, though the luxury SUV will also be optionally available with 6 seats – including a pair of power-adjustable individual pews in the 2nd row.
According to Audi, highlights will include the “largest-ever” panoramic sunroof fitted to an Audi as standard, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, alloy wheels up to 23 inches in diameter, digital Matrix LED headlights, 3rd-generation digital OLED taillamps and adaptive air suspension. There are also new “advanced turn signals”, which project stylised indicators onto the ground when signalling at night.
A trio of displays up front.
Audi claims the new Q9’s infotainment is “clearer and more user-centric” than earlier systems. The curved MMI panoramic display comprises a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch MMI touch display. There’s also a 12.3-inch passenger display with what the brand calls “distraction-free dynamic privacy mode” (which ostensibly ensures “distracting content such as videos cannot be viewed from the driver’s seat while driving”).
Though powertrain options for South Africa have yet to be confirmed, Audi’s international press material suggests a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine (driving all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission) will be offered in Europe. Interestingly, the brand looks set to offer this 6-cylinder oil-burner in 2 states of tune: a 180 kW/500 Nm version and a 220 kW/630 Nm iteration.
The new Audi SQ9, confirmed for the US market.
In either case, a mild-hybrid system – comprising a generator, alternator starter and a lithium iron phosphate battery pack – is included. The “powertrain generator” provides up to 18 kW and 370 Nm when “starting off and overtaking”. The V6 TDI unit also features an electrically powered compressor, which “complements” the mild-hybrid set-up, as well as 2-stage turbocharging.
There will also be an Audi SQ9, though Audi’s North American arm says this Audi Sport performance model will be “built for the US market”. The SQ9 features the Volkswagen Group’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, which delivers 441 kW to all 4 corners. It’s not yet clear which other markets will receive the SQ9.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is the new Audi Q9 arriving in South Africa, and how does its size compare to competitors?
A: The flagship Audi Q9 is pencilled in for a South African arrival in 2027. Measuring 5 310 mm long, 2 210 mm wide and 1 810 mm tall with a 3 140 mm wheelbase, it debuts as the largest Audi of all time — eclipsing key full-size 3-row rivals such as the BMW X7 (5 181 mm long) and Mercedes-Benz GLS (5 207 mm long).
Q: What cabin configurations and tech features are showcased in the Audi Q9 interior?
A: The Q9 seats 7 occupants across 3 rows as standard, with an optional 6-seat setup featuring power-adjustable individual 2nd-row seats. Tech highlights include a curved MMI display (12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit and 14.5-inch touch screen), a dedicated 12.3-inch front passenger display with privacy mode, Audi’s largest panoramic sunroof and OLED taillamps.
Q: What engine options have been detailed for the Audi Q9 and SQ9 ranges?
A: Internationally, Audi detailed a 3.0-litre V6 TDI mild-hybrid engine for Europe offered in 2 outputs (180 kW/500 Nm and 220 kW/630 Nm) with an 8-speed automatic. Additionally, the high-performance Audi SQ9 performance model gets a 441 kW 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine. Local SA powertrain specs will be confirmed closer to launch.
GWM P500 3.0TD coming to SA with ‘class-leading’ torque
The GWM P500 3.0TD is set to launch in South Africa later this year, offering what the Chinese brand terms a “class-leading” torque output. Here’s what to expect…
New 3.0TD engine confirmed for P500
Maximum torque to come in at 620 Nm
Bakkie market’s torquiest 4-pot diesel?
The GWM P500 3.0TD is expected to launch in South Africa later in 2026, offering a markedly higher torque figure than derivatives fitted with the Chinese brand’s current 2.4-litre turbodiesel motor. In fact, it looks set to debut as the torquiest 4-cylinder turbodiesel bakkie in the country.
As a reminder, the Baoding-based automaker confirmed back in April 2025 it was developing a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine. Now, GWM South Africa has published a “Register Your Interest” page on its website, with posts on the brand’s social-media platforms revealing the P500 3.0TD is “coming soon”.
Exactly when the newcomer is scheduled to hit the market in Mzansi has yet to be confirmed, though it’s worth keeping in mind GWM has announced the new engine will make its “global debut in Australia this September [2026]”. So, it’s fair to assume we won’t see it before then.
What do we know about the new powerplant? Well, the 3.0-litre, 4-cylinder oil-burning engine boasts peak outputs of 170 kW and 620 Nm, representing respective increases of 35 kW and 140 Nm compared to the 2.4-litre 4-pot. The new motor is paired with GWM’s in-house developed 9-speed automatic transmission as standard.
According to specifications released for the Australian market, the new 3.0-litre turbodiesel version of the P500 (a model known in that market as the Cannon Alpha) has a claimed fuel consumption of 7.3 L/100 km, seemingly on the NEDC standard. The braked towing capacity, meanwhile, is listed as 3 500 kg, the same as that of the P500 2.4TD derivatives.
In Australia, GWM notes the new 3.0-litre engine “matches the largest-displacement 4-cylinder turbodiesel” currently available in that market and “sets a new benchmark with [its] class-leading torque output”.
It will be a similar case here in South Africa, where the P500 3.0TD’s 620 Nm will eclipse the peak twisting force of the Isuzu D-Max‘s 3.0TD (450 Nm), Nissan Navara‘s 2.5DDTi (450 Nm), Mitsubishi Triton‘s 2.4DI-D Bi-Turbo (470 Nm), Toyota Hilux‘s 2.8GD-6 (500 Nm) and LDV Terron 9‘s 2.5TD (520 Nm). Its maximum torque will even beat that of the Ford Ranger‘s 184 kW 3.0TD V6 (600 Nm), a 6-cylinder mill also used by the Volkswagen Amarok.
Of course, the upcoming GWM P500 3.0TD won’t be the torquiest double-cab bakkie in South Africa, with that title instead going to the freshly launched 350 kW BYD Shark 6 Performance, which churns out 700 Nm courtesy of its plug-in hybrid petrol powertrain. In addition, the current 255 kW GWM P500 2.0T HEV offers a maximum of 648 Nm from its petrol-hybrid arrangement.
It remains to be seen whether the 135 kW/480 Nm 2.4TD engine (which also does duty in the P300 and Tank 300 portfolios) and 2.0T HEV powertrains will remain in the P500 range or end up being outright replaced by the 3.0TD unit. It’s likewise not yet clear whether the new 3.0-litre motor will also be offered locally in the Tank 500, though we suspect it eventually will.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When will the new GWM P500 3.0TD launch in South Africa, and what are its key engine specifications?
A: The GWM P500 3.0TD is expected to arrive in South Africa later in 2026, following its global debut in Australia in September 2026. Powered by a new 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, it delivers peak outputs of 170 kW and 620 Nm of torque.
Q: How does the P500 3.0TD’s torque output compare to other double-cab bakkies in South Africa?
A: Generating 620 Nm, the P500 3.0TD is set to debut as the torquiest 4-cylinder turbodiesel bakkie in SA, outperforming 4-cylinder rivals like the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 (500 Nm) and LDV Terron 9 2.5TD (520 Nm). Its torque output even surpasses 6-cylinder diesel alternatives like the Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 (600 Nm), though hybrid models like the 700 Nm BYD Shark 6 Performance remain overall torque leaders.
Q: What are the towing and efficiency ratings for the 3.0TD engine?
A: According to specifications released for right-hand-drive markets, the 3.0-litre turbodiesel P500 has a claimed fuel consumption of 7.3 L/100 km and retains a standard braked towing capacity of 3 500 kg.
How to sell a financed car privately in South Africa
What’s the safest way of selling a financed car in South Africa? How does that compare to selling privately? How does positive or negative equity affect the transaction? And which selling platforms can simplify the process? Let’s find out how the process works.
Be it owing to buyer’s remorse, a desire to upgrade or a sudden lack of affordability, it’s almost inevitable that at one point in your motoring journey, you will get to a situation where you will be selling a car that is still financed. Understanding the rights of all interested parties, as well as your financial position afterwards, determines how – and if – such a transaction can be viably carried out.
Can you sell a financed car privately in South Africa?
Yes. When it’s financed, however, it’s not as easy as just listing the vehicle for sale on Cars.co.za. That’s because as long as you’re still paying monthly instalments, the car isn’t yours. In legal terms, you are the operator while the bank is the title holder. When selling privately, the bank is due what it’s owed first. As the legal title holder, it will release the original certificate of ownership (NaTIS) only once the full finance amount has been settled.
Step-by-step: How to sell your financed car to a private buyer
Selling your under-finance car requires a step-by-step procedure of compliance and the correct procedure:
1. To ascertain the exact outstanding value of the loan amount, you will have to request a 14-day settlement letter from your vehicle’s finance house.
2. Once a price has been agreed upon, the prospective buyer settles the outstanding balance directly with the bank.
3. If the funds have been correctly received, the bank will release the original NaTIS/registration document to you.
4. The Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) must then be completed. The seller needs to submit the NCO form to their local licensing department to register the transfer, while the buyer takes the original NaTIS along with their own RLV (Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle) form and a Roadworthy Certificate to register the car in their name.
Understanding equity: What happens with a shortfall or a surplus?
In terms of your credit status, you will at this stage find yourself in 3 possible scenarios, listed in order of preference:
If the car was sold for a higher price than what was owed to the bank, you have earned a profit (positive equity) that can be used towards a deposit on your next purchase.
Should the settlement have matched the vehicle’s value, you’ve broken even. You’re debt-free but cash-neutral.
By far the worst case scenario is being stuck with negative equity: that’s when you owe more on the car than the car is worth on the market. Example: you sell your car for R300 000 while still owing the bank R400 000. You will be liable for the R100 000 difference before the bank releases the car’s papers to you. You’ll either have to pay that amount out of pocket, refinance it separately, or include it in the finance of your next vehicle purchase. None of these scenarios is ideal, locking you into a debt trap lasting many more years than you would have liked.
Private sale vs. selling directly to a dealer or a platform
If you’re uncomfortable with the hassle and security issues of private vehicle sales, and are similarly put off by the sometimes-predatory nature of dealerships when trading in, there is another alternative.
The recent rise of instant-offer platforms has created another avenue for would-be sellers looking for the safest and quickest way of selling their cars in South Africa; financed or otherwise. As one-stop shops (or effectively single-visitors to you), these handle all the paperwork and intermediary admin with your bank.
High. Possibility of payment fraud, test drive risks and sharing personal information.
Low. Established physical business premises and verified transactions.
Low. Fully vetted, verified dealer network with secure escrow/bank clearing.
Convenience level
Low. You handle bank settlement, buyer queries, NaTIS collection and licensing.
High. Dealer manages bank payoff and transfer paperwork for you.
High. Single inspection; platform handles bank settlement and full admin.
Finance settlement procedure
Manual. Buyer pays bank directly, or you coordinate funds clearance.
Seamless. Dealer settles outstanding loan directly with your finance house.
Seamless. Dealer settles bank balance and pays out surplus directly to you.
Speed to sell
Slow. Days to weeks depending on listing traction and buyer finance approval.
Fast. Same day, usually tied to purchasing another vehicle on-site.
Fast. Inspection to offer and payout typically within 24 to 48 hours.
Realised value
Highest potential. Cuts out middleman margins, although open to negotiation.
Lower. Trade-in offers factor in dealer markup and reconditioning costs.
Competitive. Multiple dealers compete for your vehicle, driving up the offer price.
Safety meets value
Selling a financed car privately is entirely possible. The process doesn’t have to be a minefield of bank and licensing queues, NaTIS delays, or private buyer risks. However, the biggest danger sellers face isn’t just administrative; it’s falling into a debt trap. If you have negative equity, rolling an unsettled balance into your next car-finance agreement locks you into compounding debt for years to come. Settle your outstanding balance before taking on a new commitment.
While a traditional private sale gives you control over your asking price, managing settlement letters, test drives, and title transfers by yourself takes time and exposes you to transaction fraud. Using a trusted multi-dealer platform eliminates all that uncertainty.
Ready to sell your financed car hassle-free?
Skip the lowball trade-in offers and dodgy late-night private meeting risks. Listing your vehicle on Cars.co.za’s Sell My Car entitles you to receive competitive cash offers from over 1 500 verified South African dealers, with full bank settlement and NaTIS admin handled seamlessly for you. It’s the smartest, safest way to wrap up your finance and pave the way for your next financial move.
Ahead of the new Mazda CX-5’s official launch in SA, we’ve unearthed several details about the local line-up, including specifications and powertrain particulars…
New CX-5 to arrive in South Africa in August 2026
Local line-up to comprise 4 derivatives at launch
Fresh Homura specification set to top the portfolio
“Recalibrated” 2.5-litre petrol mill to make 132 kW
The new Mazda CX-5 is scheduled to launch in South Africa in August 2026, but Cars.co.za has managed to unearth details of the local line-up ahead of this 3rd-generation model’s official market introduction.
To refresh your memory, the KM-series CX-5 was revealed in July 2025, featuring evolved exterior styling, larger dimensions and extra cabin (and luggage) space. The new CX-5 furthermore gains a completely redesigned interior, including fresh touchscreen options.
So, what do we know about the local line-up? Well, according to our information, the new CX-5 portfolio in South Africa will comprise 4 derivatives at launch. The Japanese brand’s local division will offer its familiar Active, Dynamic and Individual grades, along with a new “Homura” flagship specification:
CX-5 2.5 Active 6AT FWD
CX-5 2.5 Dynamic 6AT FWD
CX-5 2.5 Individual 6AT AWD
CX-5 2.5 Homura 6AT AWD
All SA-spec variants will feature a “recalibrated” version of Mazda’s naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which here generates peak outputs of 132 kW and 240 Nm. A 6-speed automatic transmission will ship standard, with Mazda Southern Africa offering both front- (Active and Dynamic) and all-wheel-drive (Individual and Homura) derivatives.
As a reminder, the outgoing KF-series CX-5 employs a likewise atmospheric 2.0-litre petrol engine offering 121 kW and 213 Nm. That 3-strong line-up (topped by the Carbon Edition) currently has pricing bookends of R570 500 and R688 400. Though Mazda Southern Africa has yet to announce pricing for the new CX-5, our information suggests the range will again start at under R600 000.
We expect the entry-level Active grade to include features like a reverse-view camera, automatic LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, an 8-speaker sound system, wireless smartphone charging, parking sensors (front and rear), tyre-pressure monitoring, black fabric upholstery, grey 17-inch alloy wheels and an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) package.
Meanwhile, the Dynamic specification will upgrade to faux-leather upholstery (in a black-and-white colour combination), 8-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat (including a memory function), a head-up display (projected onto the windscreen), a memory function for the side mirrors, a powered tailgate, roof rails and black-and-silver 19-inch alloys.
According to our information, the Individual grade will boast black 19-inch rims, black leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a 360-degree camera system, 6-way power adjustment for the front-passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlamps, an “off-road” driving mode, piano-black exterior trim and a few extra ADAS functions.
Finally, the range-topping Homura trim level will seemingly be set apart by tan-and-black leather upholstery (as pictured here), a 15.5-inch touchscreen system, a hands-free function for the powered tailgate, paddle-shifters, heated seats (front and rear), a heated steering wheel and what Mazda terms a “driver personalisation system”.
We expect the new Mazda CX-5 to be available in South Africa in a choice of 7 exterior paint colours, including the Japanese brand’s signature Soul Crystal Red Metallic. The colour palette will also feature Navy Blue Mica, Rhodium White Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Machine Grey Metallic, Polymetal Grey Metallic and Aerogrey Metallic.
As a reminder, the 2nd-gen CX-5 has been around since 2017 but remains Mazda Southern Africa’s best-selling model. In 2024, for instance, 1 218 units were registered in Mzansi, a figure that increased marginally to 1 242 units in 2025. A further 599 examples were sold locally in the first half of 2026.
Interestingly, the local CX-5 line-up was rationalised from 6 to 3 derivatives back in February 2024, with both the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine (140 kW and 450 Nm) and the 2.5-litre petrol mill (which back then made 143 kW and 258 Nm) removed from the range, leaving only the aforementioned 2.0-litre petrol motor.
Q: When will the new 3rd-generation Mazda CX-5 launch in South Africa, and how many variants will be available?
A: The new 3rd-generation (KM-series) Mazda CX-5 is scheduled to launch in South Africa in August 2026. According to Cars.co.za, the local line-up will consist of 4 derivatives across four trim levels: Active (FWD), Dynamic (FWD), Individual (AWD) and a new flagship Homura grade (AWD).
Q: What engine and transmission power the new South African-spec Mazda CX-5?
A: All South African derivatives will feature a recalibrated naturally aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 132 kW and 240 Nm of torque. This unit is paired with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission in either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.
Q: What key features distinguish the top-spec Homura grade from the rest of the CX-5 range?
A: According to Cars.co.za, the range-topping Homura model is set apart by exclusive tan-and-black leather upholstery, a larger 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, hands-free power tailgate operation, steering wheel paddle shifters, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and Mazda’s driver personalisation system.
