Tiggo 4 nips at Vivo’s heels! SA’s best-selling cars in August 2026

The VW Polo Vivo retained the title of SA’s best-selling passenger car in August 2026, but the Chery Tiggo 4 Cross was a mere 54 units behind. Here are all the figures…

  • SA-built Polo Vivo retains first place
  • Tiggo 4 Cross posts highest total yet
  • Ertiga climbs 2 rankings to 7th spot
  • Starlet Cross returns to the top 10
  • Polo hatch makes top 15 appearance

In August 2026, South Africa’s total new-vehicle sales increased 11.4% year on year to 57 898 units, with the local new passenger-vehicle market growing 11.6% to 41 216 units. So, which passenger cars were top of the sales charts in Mzansi last month?

Well, before we dive into the top 10, it’s worth noting rental sales accounted for a substantial 17.2% (or 7 086 units) of the passenger-vehicle market’s total for August. A further 468 units were sold to government, while 982 units were reported as so-called “single” registrations (vehicles the respective brands kept for their own use).

Chery Tiggo 4 Cross right on VW Polo Vivo’s tail

Though the Volkswagen Polo Vivo retained the title of SA’s best-selling passenger car in August 2026, the Kariega-built hatchback finished just 54 units clear of its nearest rival. In the end, local registrations of the Polo Vivo – excluding 28 units of the Xpress-badged panel van sold in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment – declined 7.4% month on month to 2 351 units. As many as 583 units were sold via the rental channel.

Meanwhile, the Chery Tiggo 4 Cross (note that the Tiggo 4 Pro has quietly been put out to pasture in South Africa) was right on the Polo Vivo’s tail, ending the month on a total of 2 297 units – some 8.9% higher than its July 2026 effort. According to our records, that’s the Tiggo 4 range’s best-ever single-month total in Mzansi, aided by some 245 sales to the rental industry.

As was the case in July, the Suzuki Swift completed the passenger-vehicle podium in August, enjoying a 12.3% month-on-month increase in sales to reach 2 152 units (the 3rd time this year the hatchback has breached the 2 000-unit mark). A considerable 985 of those registrations – or some 45.8% of the nameplate’s total – represented sales to rental buyers.

Corolla Cross, Grand i10 and Starlet hold steady

Hyundai Grand i10 hatchback

Though local sales of the Toyota Corolla Cross dipped 8.4% month on month to 1 489 units, the Prospecton-built crossover retained 4th in August. Similarly, the Hyundai Grand i10 – including both hatchback and sedan body styles – experienced a 3.4% month-on-month drop in registrations to 1 432 units (excluding 29 units of the Cargo-badged panel van sold in the LCV space) but stayed in 5th place.

The Toyota Starlet, too, kept hold of the 6th position it grabbed in July, despite a 6.5% decline in sales to 1 359 units (including 556 registrations via the rental channel). For the sake of interest, the Suzuki Baleno on which the Indian-built Starlet hatchback is based ended August on 456 units.

Ertiga climbs as Starlet Cross returns to top 10

Toyota Starlet Cross

In August 2026, the Suzuki Ertiga enjoyed a 21.4% month-on-month surge in sales to reach 1 317 units, seeing this Indian-built MPV climb 2 rankings to 7th. Meanwhile, the GWM Haval Jolion (1 261 units) remained in 8th position, despite an 11.4% month-on-month improvement in sales.

The Toyota Starlet Cross returned to the top 10 (at the expense of its Urban Cruiser sibling) in August, ranking 9th with a total of 1 015 units – some 26.4% higher than its July figure. That saw the Suzuki Fronx – the model on which the Starlet Cross is based – fall 3 spots to 10th, with registrations slipping 18.1% month on month to 970 units.

For the record, models that fell just outside the top 10 in August 2026 included the aforementioned Toyota Urban Cruiser (871 units) as well as the Toyota Vitz (871 units), Volkswagen Polo hatch (837 units), Omoda C5 (823 units) and Jetour T2 (802 units).

SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in August 2026

1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo (excluding LCV) – 2 351 units

2. Chery Tiggo 4 Cross – 2 297 units

3. Suzuki Swift – 2 152 units

4. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 489 units

5. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 432 units 

6. Toyota Starlet – 1 359 units

7. Suzuki Ertiga – 1 317 units

8. GWM Haval Jolion – 1 261 units

9. Toyota Starlet Cross – 1 015 units

10. Suzuki Fronx – 970 units

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BMW iX3 (2026) Price & Specs

Fresh off its 2026 World Car Awards victory, the new BMW iX3 has officially arrived in South Africa. Here’s what the “Neue Klasse” fully electric X3 will cost you in Mzansi…

  • Fully electric iX3 quietly docks in South Africa
  • iX3 50 xDrive available from launch in Mzansi
  • Rear-wheel-drive iX3 40 coming in Q1 2027

The new BMW iX3 has officially touched down in South Africa, just a few months after it bagged the 2026 World Car of the Year award. So, what will the “Neue Klasse” fully electric version of the X3 cost you in Mzansi?

Well, while our original report listed only the iX3 50 xDrive (available locally in both M Sport and M Sport Pro guise, with the former priced from R1 690 000 and the latter coming in from R1 720 000), BMW Group SA has now confirmed the rear-wheel-drive (single motor) iX3 40 will arrive in SA in the opening quarter of 2027, with a starting price of R1 498 000.

As a reminder, the new NA5-series iX3 is a so-called “Neue Klasse” model, riding on an all-new platform rather than sharing the G45-series X3’s CLAR architecture. Furthermore, the iX3 is produced in Hungary, while various derivatives in the X3 range are manufactured at BMW’s Plant Rosslyn here in South Africa.

With the 235 kW/500 Nm iX3 40 still a few months away, let’s take a look at the iX3 50 xDrive, which is powered by a pair of electric motors (an electrically excited synchronous motor at the rear and an asynchronous item at the front), which together generate 345 kW and 645 Nm. That’s enough for a claimed 0-100 kph time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 210 kph.

The high-voltage battery integrated into the vehicle architecture (as what BMW describes as “a structural component”) has a usable energy content of 108.7 kWh, which the Munich-based brand’s claims enables a range of “up to 805 km” on the WLTP cycle (or up to 820 km using the NEDC standard).

The German company says a maximum charging rate of 400 kW allows users to fill the iX3 with enough energy at an 800V direct current (DC) rapid charging station to add up to 372 km of range in 10 minutes. The high-voltage battery can theoretically charge from 10% to 80% capacity in 21 minutes, according to the international press material.

For the record, the M Sport Pro package is set apart by its illuminated kidney grille (with a black surround) as well as black finishes for the side-mirror caps and rear diffuser element. Vehicles specified with the M Sport Pro package furthermore gain the M Sport braking system (with red brake callipers) plus some upgrades inside.

Read our extensive International Launch Review of the new BMX iX3 for details on the newcomer’s exterior dimensions, styling, cabin equipment, driving dynamics and more…

What does the new BMW iX3 cost in South Africa?

DERIVATIVEPRICE
BMW iX3 40 (coming in Q1 2027)R1 498 000
BMW iX3 50 xDrive M SportR1 690 000
BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport ProR1 720 000

The prices above includes a 2-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty (likely plus an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty) and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the starting price for the new “Neue Klasse” BMW iX3 in South Africa?

A: At launch, the BMW iX3 lineup opens with the iX3 50 xDrive M Sport priced from R1 690 000 (R1 720 000 in M Sport Pro guise). The entry-level, rear-wheel-drive iX3 40 is scheduled to arrive in Q1 2027 with a lower starting price of R1 498 000.

Q: What are the performance and range specifications for the BMW iX3 50 xDrive?

A: The dual-motor iX3 50 xDrive produces 345 kW and 645 Nm of torque, completing the 0–100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. Powered by a 108.7 kWh battery pack, it offers a claimed driving range of up to 805 km on the WLTP cycle.

Q: How fast can the new BMW iX3 charge?

A: Featuring 800V technology and supporting DC fast-charging rates of up to 400 kW, the iX3 can add up to 372 km of range in just 10 minutes, or replenish its battery from 10% to 80% capacity in approximately 21 minutes.

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New Mitsubishi Pajero revealed (and pencilled in for SA)

The new Mitsubishi Pajero has finally been revealed, switching to a ladder-frame chassis and poised to eventually replace the Pajero Sport in South Africa…

  • Pajero reborn after 5-year pause
  • Switches to ladder-frame chassis
  • Single-turbo 2.4-litre turbodiesel

After a 5-year hiatus, the Mitsubishi Pajero is back. The Japanese brand’s SUV has switched to a thoroughly updated version of the Triton‘s ladder-frame chassis (as opposed to a monocoque body with a built-in frame) and is poised to replace the Pajero Sport as well.

And, based on last year’s comments from Mitsubishi Motors South Africa, the 5th-generation Pajero – set to be offered in 3-row, 7-seater form – is very much on the cards for Mzansi. Though local launch timing has yet to be confirmed, we’d speculate the newcomer will arrive at some point in 2027.

Billed as Mitsubishi’s “new-generation flagship model”, the fresh-faced Pajero will be produced in Thailand alongside the Triton. The newcomer measures 4 920 mm from front to back, making it around 95 mm longer than the outgoing Pajero Sport. Its width comes in at 1 925 mm, while the front and rear tracks measure 1 630 mm (and the wheelbase some 2 870 mm).

When equipped with 20-inch alloys wheels, the ground clearance is 230 mm. Mitsubishi quotes an approach angle of 30.4 degrees, a breakover angle of 22.6 degrees and a departure angle of 25.8 degrees. The company promises the new model’s “highly rigid” ladder frame and “long-travel suspension” will help deliver “outstanding performance over challenging terrain”.

So, what about the powertrain? Well, Mitsubishi’s head office has confirmed the new Pajero will be powered by a “specially developed” version of the familiar 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Interestingly, this latest iteration features a “wide-range single variable geometry turbocharger” rather than the bi-turbo set-up employed by the top-spec Triton.

Still, according to the Japanese company, the updated mill makes 150 kW and up to 480 Nm – matching the Triton Bi-Turbo’s peak power and exceeding its maximum torque by 10 Nm. The engine is paired with a “newly developed” 8-speed automatic transmission as standard, along with Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system.

Inside, you’ll find a pair of 14.3-inch horizontal displays (one featuring a triple-gauge “multi-meter” layout ostensibly referencing previous generations of the Pajero) and a 12-speaker Yamaha sound system. Mitsubishi says the 2nd row of seats features a sliding range of 150 mm as well as a tumble mechanism, while the 3rd row provides “ample headroom, even for adults”.

Production of the Pajero (known in some markets as the Montero) started way back in 1981. After 4 generations, the nameplate was put out to pasture in 2021. In South Africa, the Pajero was officially discontinued towards the end of that year, with Mitsubishi Motors SA marking the occasion with a limited-edition Pajero “Legend 100” package.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What underpinnings and chassis configuration does the new-generation Mitsubishi Pajero use?

A: Moving away from the unibody/monocoque structure of its predecessor, the 5th-generation Pajero utilises an updated heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis closely based on the latest Triton platform.

Q: What are the engine and transmission specifications for the reborn Mitsubishi Pajero?

A: The Pajero is powered by a specially developed 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine featuring a single variable-geometry turbocharger, generating 150 kW and 480 Nm. Power is delivered via a new 8-speed automatic transmission and Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system.

Q: How does the new Pajero compare in size to the outgoing Pajero Sport, and when is it expected in South Africa?

A: Measuring 4 920 mm in length, the new Pajero is around 95 mm longer than the Pajero Sport. While local release timing is unconfirmed, the 3-row flagship SUV is expected to arrive in South Africa during 2027 to eventually replace the Pajero Sport.

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No stopping Hilux! SA’s best-selling bakkies in August 2026

In August 2026, the Hilux comfortably retained first place on the list of SA’s best-selling bakkies, despite the Ranger posting its best effort since September 2024…

  • Hilux way out in front despite 7.4% dip
  • Ranger posts highest figure in 2 years
  • Nissan Navara climbs back to 8th place
  • Bolero almost cracks top 10 in August
  • Tasman sales dwindle to just 17 units

In August 2026, sales in South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 11.4% year on year to 57 898 units, with the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment growing 11.0% year on year to 13 727 units. But what happened on the list of SA’s best- and worst-selling bakkies?

Well, local registrations of the Toyota Hilux dipped 7.4% month on month to 3 881 units (including 494 sales via the rental channel) off a 2026-high in July. But the Prospecton-built bakkie range – which currently comprises a mix of 8th- and 9th-generation derivatives – nevertheless easily retained first place in August 2026.

The Ranger hit its highest single-month total since September 2024.

That said, the Ford Ranger registered its highest single-month total since September 2024, with sales of the Silverton-made model (plus those of the Thai-built Raptor) increasing 15.0% month on month to 2 373 units. As such, the 2nd-placed Ranger created some breathing space ahead of the Struandale-produced Isuzu D-Max, sales of which increased 1.8% month on month to 2 005 units (including 327 purchases by government).

Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (down 10.1% month on month to 612 units) retained 4th position, with the GWM P-Series (up 9.7% month on month to 588 units) once more rounding out the top 5 and again ranking as Mzansi’s most popular fully imported bakkie in August.

Sixth place again went to the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (434 units; down 6.7% month on month), while the locally built Volkswagen Amarok retained 7th position in August 2026, reaching a total of 351 units – a marginal 0.3% decrease (or just a single unit) on July’s effort.

Interestingly, the Nissan Navara – local production of which ended in Rosslyn in May 2026, when Chery took over the plant – was the only bakkie in the top 10 to climb in August, moving up a single spot to 8th as sales increased 35.6% month on month (admittedly off a low base in July) to 293 units.

As such, the JAC T-Series – which includes the T6, T8 and T9 – returned to 9th position, with 246 units (down 3.1% month on month) registered. Though the Foton Tunland suffered a 24.4% month-on-month decline to 158 units, this Chinese bakkie just about managed to keep its top-10 place in August.

Bakkies outside the top 10 in August 2026

Mahindra Bolero Maxx
The Bolero (seen here in Maxx guise) climbed 5 places to 11th in August.

So, which bakkies didn’t make the top 10 last month? Well, the Mahindra Bolero (now available in Maxx guise) narrowly missed out on a spot, ending August 2026 on 154 units. And the Peugeot Landtrek (133 units), JMC Vigus (130 units), BYD Shark 6 (127 units) and LDV T60 (120 units) – all of which are sourced from China – weren’t far behind.

Meanwhile, the Changan Hunter (23 units) ranked 16th in August, a single unit ahead of the Mitsubishi Triton (22 units). With just 17 units sold, the Kia Tasman posted its lowest figure since launch, though the South Korean firm’s bakkie stayed ahead of the LDV Terron 9 (8 units). Finally, zero examples of the Jeep Gladiator were sold last month.

Bakkie sales in South Africa for August 2026

1. Toyota Hilux – 3 881 units

2. Ford Ranger – 2 373 units

3. Isuzu D-Max – 2 005 units

4. Mahindra Pik Up – 612 units

5. GWM P-Series – 588 units

6. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 434 units

7. Volkswagen Amarok – 351 units

8. Nissan Navara – 293 units

9. JAC T-Series – 246 units

10. Foton Tunland – 158 units

11. Mahindra Bolero – 154 units

12. Peugeot Landtrek – 133 units

13. JMC Vigus – 130 units

14. BYD Shark 6 – 127 units

15. LDV T60 – 120 units

16. Changan Hunter – 23 units

17. Mitsubishi Triton – 22 units

18. Kia Tasman – 17 units

19. LDV Terron 9 – 8 units

20. Jeep Gladiator – 0 unit

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Ford hits 5-year high! SA’s new-vehicle sales in August 2026

In August 2026, South Africa’s new-vehicle market recorded its 23rd straight month of year-on-year growth, with Ford climbing to 4th place on the back of its highest sales in over 5 years…

  • New-vehicle sales up 11.4% year-on-year in August
  • Exports decline 11.9% year on year to 35 091 units
  • Ford posts highest total in over 5 years to grab 4th
  • Chery hits record figure to again rank ahead of GWM
  • Tata Motors PV SA breaks into top 15 for first time

In August 2026, sales in South Africa’s new-vehicle market increased 11.4% year on year to 57 898 units, representing the local industry’s 23rd consecutive month of year-on-year growth as well as the 2nd-highest total of the year (after March 2026). For the record, August’s showing was also 0.3% higher than July 2026’s effort.

In contrast, however, new-vehicle exports from South Africa dropped 11.9% year on year to 35 091 units, a result that industry-representative body Naamsa said reinforced the “need to strengthen industrial competitiveness and translate improving domestic demand into local production, localisation, investment and employment”.

According to Naamsa, an estimated 81.8% of August 2026’s total reported domestic figure of 57 898 units represented sales via the dealership channel, while 13.4% were sales to the new-vehicle rental industry, 2.4% to government and 2.4% to industry corporate fleets.

Registrations in Mzansi’s new passenger-vehicle market increased 11.6% year on year to 41 216 units (with rental sales accounting for a significant 17.2% of that total) in August. Meanwhile, local sales of new light-commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew 11.0% year on year to 13 727 units.

Meanwhile, Brandon Cohen, National Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), pointed out that though the “rental industry made an important contribution” to overall sales, dealers also “enjoyed a positive month” in August.

“Customers are asking more detailed questions about fuel consumption, finance, insurance, servicing, warranties and the products available to protect their vehicles over longer ownership periods. This indicates that the buying process is maturing,” Cohen suggested.

Thanda Sithole, Senior Economist at FNB and WesBank, said August’s growth came against an affordability backdrop that remained mixed, with relatively stable financing conditions supporting demand while rising fuel costs continued to reshape the overall affordability equation for vehicle ownership.

“August provided a relatively supportive environment for vehicle demand, particularly for consumers. Inflation moderated to 4.3% in July from 5.0% in June, while the repo rate remained at 7.00%, with prime at 10.50%. Greater stability in both inflation and interest rates can give households more certainty when considering a significant, multi-year financial commitment such as purchasing a vehicle,” Sithole explained.

New-vehicle sales summary for August 2026

  • Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 57 898 units increased by 11.4% (5 938 units) compared to August 2025.
  • New passenger-vehicle sales of 41 216 units increased by 11.6% (4 269 units) compared to August 2025.
  • New light-commercial vehicle sales of 13 727 units increased by 11.0% (1 358 units) compared to August 2025. 
  • Export sales of 35 091 units decreased by 11.9% (4 742 units) compared to August 2025.

10 best-selling automakers in SA in August 2026

Chery Tiggo Cross
Chery SA again hit a record sales high.

In August 2026, Toyota SA Motors unsurprisingly again ranked as South Africa’s top-selling automaker (including Lexus and Hino), recording a figure of 13 814 units for a 23.9% market share. Though that total was down 2.3% compared to July, it nevertheless represented the Japanese giant’s 2nd-best showing of the year thus far.

Similarly, Suzuki Auto SA registered its 2nd-highest tally of 2026, with August’s effort coming in at 6 505 units – an 8.5% month-on-month increase. That saw the Hamamatsu-based brand comfortably retain 2nd place ahead of Volkswagen Group Africa (including Audi), which completed the podium despite a 2.3% month-on-month decline to 5 668 units.

Meanwhile, Ford Motor Company of SA climbed a place to 4th in August, breaching the 3 000-unit mark for the first time in 2026. In the end, the Blue Oval brand registered 3 202 units, a month-on-month improvement of 9.4% and – according to our records – its highest single-month total since way back in June 2021.

That saw Hyundai Automotive SA fall a position to 5th, with local sales slipping a marginal 0.8% month on month to 3 034 units. After registering a record total in July, Chery SA exceeded that figure in August (though remained in 6th place), growing a further 2.0% to finish on 2 763 units.

As such, fellow Chinese automaker GWM SA again had to settle for 7th, despite sales increasing 3.6% month on month to 2 594 units. Isuzu Motors SA (2 531 units; up 3.9% month on month), Jetour SA (1 952 units; down 4.0% month on month) and Kia SA (1 783 units; down 7.1% month on month) again rounded out the top 10.

So, which automakers fell just outside the top 10 in August? Well, Renault SA (1 702 units) climbed 2 rankings to 11th, finishing ahead of the again 12th-placed Mahindra SA (1 563 units). Omoda & Jaecoo SA (1 305 units) fell 2 places to 13th, while BMW Group SA (on a Naamsa-estimated 1 299 units, including the Mini brand) held steady in 14th. Interestingly, Tata Motors PV SA cracked the top 15 for the first time, with 853 units registered in August.

1. Toyota – 13 814 units

2. Suzuki – 6 505 units

3. Volkswagen Group – 5 668 units

4. Ford – 3 202 units

5. Hyundai – 3 034 units

6. Chery – 2 763 units

7. GWM – 2 594 units

8. Isuzu – 2 531 units

9. Jetour – 1 952 units

10. Kia – 1 783 units

SA’s new-vehicle sales outlook for the rest of 2026

So, what’s next for South Africa’s new-vehicle market? Well, Naamsa says the combination of “moderating inflation and stable interest rates” continue to provide “some relief to consumers navigating still-elevated living and borrowing costs”.

Though the industry-representative body points to the potential of fuel-price movements playing a significant role in new-vehicle sales (for both private motorists and commercial operators), it adds that the market’s current performance “suggests that greater economic stability, improving product choice and more predictable financing conditions are helping to support vehicle demand”.

Meanwhile, NADA’s Cohen believes that the local new-vehicle market “remains resilient” despite continued pressure on the household budgets of private buyers and the rising operating costs of businesses.

“We look forward to a positive close to the 3rd quarter [of 2026], while remaining mindful of the effect of higher fuel prices on households and commercial operators,” he adds.

Finally, WesBank’s Sithole adds that “for both consumers and businesses, the affordability calculation is becoming increasingly important”.

“The purchase price or monthly repayment is only one part of the equation. Fuel consumption, maintenance, insurance and expected vehicle usage all contribute to what a vehicle ultimately costs over the life of the agreement. In an environment where running costs can change quickly, understanding that full picture becomes increasingly valuable,” he says.

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VW celebrates 75 years in SA by unveiling the Tengo

There are birthdays, and then there are birthdays that double as a statement of intent. Volkswagen’s 75th anniversary celebration in Kariega last night was certainly the latter, and the cherry on the cake was a first look at the all-important Tengo crossover.

Amid the nostalgia and the rows of iconic classics, the evening’s real headline act rolled confidently onto the stage: the Tengo, the compact crossover that VW is betting will carry this plant and this brand’s African ambitions into its next chapter.

It’s worth sitting with the scale of the occasion first. President Cyril Ramaphosa was the guest of honour at the gala dinner, and he didn’t mince his words about what Volkswagen means here. “This brand is so woven into our culture that we sometimes have to remind ourselves that Volkswagen is not South African,” he told the room. It was a line that landed exactly as intended in a town that has built Beetles, Kombis, Golfs and Polos since a South African Motor Assemblers and Distributors (SAMAD) line first assembled a Beetle on 31 August 1951.

Seventy-five years, nearly 40 models and more than 4.8 million vehicles later, Kariega is still turning out cars for South Africa, but also the world.

Meet the Tengo

VWGA chairperson and MD, Martina Biene, introduced the new Tengo at the brand’s Kariega manufacturing base.

If you’ve been following the local rumour mill, the name won’t be new to you. VW Group Africa (VWGA) let the public vote on it back in 2025, and “Tengo” (chosen for its resonance across African languages, evoking strength and resilience) beat out Tavi, Tiva and Tion. What was new last night was seeing it in the metal, on home soil, for the first time.

Read more: VW’s new small SUV to be called ‘Tengo’ in SA

This is a critical new product. Built on the same platform that underpins the Polo and closely related to the Brazilian-market Tera, the Tengo is a compact crossover engineered specifically to plug the gap beneath the T-Cross. In other words, it will fill the entry-level, value-driven space where Chinese brands have made their most damaging inroads into VW‘s local volumes over the past few years. This is the segment where the battle for South Africa’s new-car buyer is actually being fought, and until now, Volkswagen hasn’t had a proper foot soldier there.

Read more: Why the VW Polo’s SA sales slide matters less than you think

Volkswagen Tera (aka Tengo)
The Brazilian VW Tera, to which the Tengo is closely related.

It’s also, unmistakably, a handsome thing. The Tengo is a compact crossover with the kind of tidy, confident proportions VW‘s design language does well: a slim light signature up front, sculpted flanks, and none of the awkwardness that sometimes creeps into cars built down to a price. Nobody in the room last night was left wondering whether this car could hold its own on looks alone.

We managed to sneak a pic of the pre-production interior…

In Brazil, the Tera is available with either a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre petrol engine or a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol (TSI) motor. Transmission options in the South American country include a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed automatic.

The Tengo is the product of a roughly R4 billion investment into upgrading the Kariega facility, developed in close collaboration with Volkswagen of Brazil and slotting in alongside Skoda’s India operation as part of a genuinely global small-SUV push.

Martina Biene, VWGA’s chairperson and managing director, has previously been candid that this isn’t a straight copy-paste of the Brazilian Tera. It’s being “Africanised” for local roads, local buyers and, tellingly, local fuel quality.

Signed, sealed and delivered from next year, the display Tengo was signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as Thomas Schäfer (CEO of VW Passenger Cars), Oliver Blume (VW Group CEO) and Martina Biene (chairperson and MD of VWGA).

Production is earmarked to begin in Kariega in around 100 days, ahead of the car’s on-sale date in 2027, alongside the Polo and Polo Vivo that already carry this plant’s export reputation.

Schaefer’s moment

If Ramaphosa’s speech was the political high point of the evening, Thomas Schäfer’s was its emotional one. The Volkswagen brand’s global CEO for Passenger Cars – and a former MD of the local operation – didn’t deliver a polished corporate address so much as a love letter to the plant that shaped his own career.

Plant Kariega plays a pivotal role in the global VW manufacturing chain.

“Kariega has secured its place in the Volkswagen world over the past 75 years,” he said, before making the point that will matter most to anyone watching this industry closely: “Global success is not created at headquarters. It is built by strong teams, strong locations and strong local roots.”

Coming from the man who now sets direction for Volkswagen Passenger Cars worldwide, that’s a vote of confidence that Kariega’s next 75 years are still being written from right here, not from Wolfsburg.

Then moving to more serious matters, Schäfer directly called for policy changes to enable those brands that invest and manufacture locally to compete “on a level playing field”. The president acknowledged his remark.

Why this matters beyond the party

It’s also absolutely critical to the Eastern Cape’s economy as one of the largest private employers in the province.

Strip away the anniversary trimmings, and you’re left with is a genuinely significant moment for South Africa’s auto sector. The Eastern Cape’s manufacturing base doesn’t get many nights like this, where a sitting president, a global brand CEO (in addition to Oliver Blume, CEO of VW Group) and a room full of dealers, suppliers and unions gather to mark not just what’s been built, but what’s coming next.

With VWGA also serving as the headquarters for Region Africa, the Tengo isn’t just another model on a crowded local price list. It’s the car that has to prove Kariega can still win the volume game that keeps a plant like this viable for the next 75 years.

We’ll bring you full technical details, spec and pricing on the Tengo as Volkswagen releases them ahead of its 2027 on-sale date.

Opinion: What happens after Vivo?

Toyota’s popular Starlet leaps from 0 to 4 stars in latest Global NCAP crash tests

After a disappointing 0-star rating for adult occupant protection earlier this year, Toyota’s popular hatchback has bounced back following a crucial safety update.

The Toyota Starlet has achieved a commendable 4-star rating for adult occupant protection in the latest Global NCAP #SaferCarsForAfrica crash tests.

Earlier this year, the Indian-built hatchback – one of South Africa’s best-selling models – was heavily penalised for offering only 2 front airbags. Following the original test, Toyota made 6 airbags (including side curtain airbags) standard fitment across the locally offered range.

Read more: SA-built Toyota Corolla Cross: Global NCAP issues 2-star safety rating

Putting the updated model to the test

Global NCAP independently funded a follow-up assessment to test the revised safety spec. The results proved the benefit of the extra equipment, with the Starlet securing 4 stars for adult protection and retaining its 3-star rating for child occupant protection.

The structural assessment revealed a stable footwell area, although the body shell was deemed unstable under further frontal loadings. In the side and pole impact tests, head, abdomen and pelvis protection scored well, while chest protection ranged from adequate to marginal. However, child occupant testing highlighted some ongoing vulnerabilities, noting that the head of the child dummy (simulating a 3-year-old child) made contact with the interior during the frontal impact.

Industry praise for the turnaround

Industry bodies have warmly welcomed the upgrade. Richard Woods, CEO of Global NCAP, noted that the result proves what can be achieved when manufacturers prioritise safety, stating that “safety should never be reduced to an optional extra”.

Read more: Car safety ratings: What they mean and why they matter

Meanwhile, the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) praised the swift action, calling it proof that improving entry-level safety needn’t cost the Earth or disrupt production lines.

According to Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the AA, “This result serves as an example of how improvements to safety specifications on entry-level vehicles can instantly yield safer cars on our roads. We strongly encourage those local brands with recent poorer #SaferCarsForAfrica results to work with us on improving the safety of their affected entry-level models, ensuring that safety is prioritised over cost; and proving that African lives matter.”

Watch the Toyota Starlet crash video here:

Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback (2026) Price & Specs

The new Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback – including the 270 kW SQ7 derivatives – have touched down in South Africa. Here’s what you’ll pay for these newcomers…

  • New Q5 and Q5 Sportback arrive in SA
  • Local line-up comprises 10 derivatives
  • 270 kW SQ5 TFSI variants top the range

The new Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback have finally arrived in South Africa, with the local line-up comprising as many as 10 all-wheel-drive derivatives – including a quartet of potent 270 kW SQ5 variants – at launch.

As a reminder, the 3rd-generation Q5 was revealed back in September 2024, while the covers came off the closely related sloped-roof Sportback in November of that year. Now these models have finally touched down in Mzansi.

Thanks to a timely heads-up from the ever-vigilant folks over at duoporta.com, we know the local range comprises 4 derivatives in the standard body style and 6 in Sportback guise. Interestingly, the Q5 SUV is offered exclusively in petrol form at launch, while the Q5 Sportback portfolio features the option of turbodiesel power, too.

The Q5 TFSI 200 kW quattro S line is priced from R1 295 000, while the S line Black version comes in at R1 350 000. For the record, the outgoing line-up had a starting price of R1 018 200, with the new range kicking off some R256 800 higher.

And it’s the Q5 Sportback TDI 150 kW quattro S line that effectively serves as the entry point to the range, priced from R1 275 000. Opting for this derivative in S line Black guise pushes the price to R1 330 000. Meanwhile, the Q5 Sportback TFSI 200 kW quattro S line comes in at R1 365 000, with the S line Black iteration costing R1 420 000.

What about the Audi Sport derivatives? Well, the SQ5 TFSI 270 kW quattro is priced from R1 510 000 (and the S line Black version from R1 565 000), while the SQ5 Sportback TFSI 270 kW quattro costs R1 580 000 and the S line Black iteration tops the range at R1 635 000.

The TDI derivatives each employ a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivering 150 kW and 400 Nm to all 4 wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox – a transmission that’s standard across the range. Claimed fuel consumption is 5.1 L/100 km, while the listed 0-100 kph time is 7.4 seconds.

The 200 kW TFSI variants, meanwhile, offer 400 Nm from their turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol mills. The result is a 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 5.7 seconds, with the listed fuel economy coming in at 8.1 L/100 km.

Finally, the SQ5 derivatives each use a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, which sends 270 kW and 550 Nm to all 4 wheels (as a reminder, those peak outputs are up from the outgoing SA-spec version’s 260 kW and 500 Nm). Audi lists a 0-100 kph time of 4.5 seconds and a consumption of 9.0 L/100 km.

While various options are available, the S line specification includes as standard items like LED headlights plus, LED rear lights pro, a 14.5-inch touchscreen, the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus, electrically adjustable front sport seats, 3-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, Park Assist Plus, surround-view cameras, wireless smartphone charging and 20-inch alloy wheels.

As you might have guessed, the S line Black grade adds the Ingolstadt-based firm’s Black Styling Package Plus. This includes a black finish for exterior components like the roof rails and side-mirror caps, along with privacy glazing, dark-chrome tailpipe trim and Audi Sport alloy wheels. A panoramic sunroof is also included.

What does the new Audi Q5 cost in SA?

DERIVATIVEPRICE
Q5 TFSI 200 kW quattro S lineR1 295 000
Q5 TFSI 200 kW quattro S line BlackR1 350 000
SQ5 TFSI 270 kW quattroR1 510 000
SQ5 TFSI 270 kW quattro BlackR1 565 000

What does the new Audi Q5 Sportback cost in SA?

DERIVATIVEPRICE
Q5 Sportback TDI 150 kW quattro S lineR1 275 000
Q5 Sportback TDI 150 kW quattro S line BlackR1 330 000
Q5 Sportback TFSI 200 kW quattro S lineR1 365 000
Q5 Sportback TFSI 200 kW quattro S line BlackR1 420 000
SQ5 Sportback TFSI 270 kW quattroR1 580 000
SQ5 Sportback TFSI 270 kW quattro BlackR1 635 000

The prices above seemingly include Audi’s 1-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Find a used Audi Q5 on Cars.co.za!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the starting price for the new Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback range in South Africa?

A: The new range starts at R1 275 000 for the Q5 Sportback TDI 150 kW quattro S line, while the standard body style Q5 range kicks off from R1 295 000 for the TFSI 200 kW quattro S line.

Q: What powertrains and outputs are available across the new Audi Q5 line-up?

A: The local line-up features three powertrain options, all equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive: a 2.0-litre turbodiesel (150 kW/400 Nm) available on the Sportback, a 2.0-litre turbo petrol (200 kW/400 Nm) and a 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol (270 kW/550 Nm) powering the flagship SQ5 variants.

Q: How much do the flagship Audi SQ5 and SQ5 Sportback derivatives cost?

A: Pricing for the 270 kW SQ5 TFSI quattro starts at R1 510 000 (R1 565 000 for Black Edition), while the SQ5 Sportback TFSI quattro is priced from R1 580 000, topping out at R1 635 000 for the Black Edition flagship.

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GWM SA to launch Wey luxury brand in 2027

GWM South Africa has confirmed it plans to launch its Wey luxury brand as a standalone marque towards the middle of 2027. Here’s what we know so far…

  • Wey luxury brand coming to SA next year
  • Launch expected towards middle of 2027
  • Marque offers large crossovers and MPVs

The head of GWM South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the Chinese automaker plans to introduce its Wey luxury brand to Mzansi as a “standalone” marque towards the middle of 2027.

Conrad Groenewald, Chief Operating Officer of GWM South Africa, made the comments during a wide-ranging interview on the Cars.co.za BizCars podcast ahead of DealerCon 2026. He later also confirmed the news at the 2026 Festival of Motoring at Kyalami.

The Wey Mocha (known as the 05 in some markets).

“We had the [GWM] Group CEO in South Africa at the beginning of this year [2026] to do a market assessment and I think he made the call to say that everything you see in China – that historically used to be left-hand drive and only for domestic-market consumption – is now being opened up for the rest of the world,” Groenewald revealed during the podcast.

“The Wey brand, which is our luxury brand – named after Chairman Wei [Jianjun], the owner of the [GWM] business – that brand will also be launching middle of next year [2027] in South Africa with a full range of products,” Groenewald told us, having earlier confirmed various new Tank models for the local market.

The Wey V8X appears to be a slightly smaller version of the V9X.

GWM established the Wey brand back in 2016, with an initial focus on the Chinese market. However, the Baoding-based company has since rolled out its luxury division to various international markets, with fellow right-hand-drive nation Australia set to welcome the marque before the end of 2026, too.

Though it’s not yet clear exactly which Wey models are planned for South Africa, the brand offers several large crossovers and MPVs in China. Most appear to feature some sort of electrification, with many furthermore offering 3 rows of seating.

A look inside the Chinese-spec V9X.

One of the most recently revealed models is the 3-row Wey V9X, which the company bills as its “global flagship”. In China, the standard version is 5 205 mm long with 3 050 mm between its axles, while the long-wheelbase iteration measures a whopping 5 299 mm from front to back, boasting a 3 150 mm wheelbase.

More details as we have them…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When will GWM’s Wey luxury brand officially launch in South Africa?

A: GWM South Africa has confirmed plans to launch the Wey luxury brand as a standalone marque towards the middle of 2027.

Q: What types of vehicles does the Wey luxury brand produce?

A: Wey specialises in large luxury crossovers, SUVs and MPVs, many of which feature electrified powertrains (such as plug-in hybrids) and 3-row seating layouts.

Q: What is Wey’s flagship model and what are its dimensions?

A: The brand’s global flagship is the 3-row Wey V9X. In standard form, it measures 5 205 mm in length with a 3 050 mm wheelbase, while the long-wheelbase variant extends to 5 299 mm in length with a 3 150 mm wheelbase.

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It’s official: GWM Tank 400 and 700 coming to SA

The head of GWM South Africa has confirmed the Tank 400 and Tank 700 are coming to Mzansi, while the upcoming Tank 800 is under consideration, too…

  • Tank 400 and 700 locked in for Mzansi
  • Upcoming Tank 800 could arrive, too
  • Tank 400 likely to employ 2.4TD in SA
  • New twin-turbo 4.0 V8 PHEV for 700?

The head of GWM South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the Chinese brand plans to expand its off-road-focused Tank range in Mzansi, with the Tank 400 and Tank 700 ladder-frame SUVs already locked in – and the upcoming Tank 800 under consideration as well.

Conrad Groenewald, Chief Operating Officer of GWM South Africa, revealed the news during a wide-ranging interview on the Cars.co.za BizCars podcast ahead of DealerCon 2026, suggesting these new models will allow the company to move further into the “premium space”.

The GWM Tank 400 has been confirmed for Mzansi.

As a reminder, the Tank 300 launched in South Africa in turbopetrol and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) guise in February 2024, before 2.4-litre turbodiesel derivatives arrived in March 2025. The Tank 500, meanwhile, hit local roads in HEV form in August 2024, though GWM SA will soon introduce a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel version.

“A full range of Tank products will be coming to South Africa,” Groenewald told us, confirming that the expanding portfolio will again kick off with the Tank 300, a model that has seen a sharp increase in sales since the availability of a turbodiesel motor (and has recently been facelifted in its domestic market).

The Tank 700 is coming, too.

“Tank 400 will be coming, Tank 500 that we’re expanding [and] Tank 700 will also be coming to South Africa,” the former Ford executive said, adding that there is also “the potential of Tank 800” reaching Mzansi at some stage.

Though Groenewald didn’t touch on specific launch timing for either the Tank 400 or the Tank 700, he did mention that GWM SA was planning as many as 14 product launches over the next 18 months, with the Tank marque set to play a central role in that range expansion.

A look inside the Chinese-spec version of the Tank 400.

So, what do we know about the Tank 400? Well, this 5-seater SUV has been in production in China since 2023 and seemingly shares its platform with the aforementioned Tank 300. It measures 4 964 mm from nose to tail, making it some 204 mm longer than its 300-badged sibling and 169 mm longer than the 7-seater Toyota Fortuner.

In China, the Tank 400 is available with a range of powertrains, including a 180 kW/380 Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, a 135 kW/480 Nm 2.4-litre turbodiesel motor and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain ostensibly generating 635 kW and 1 195 Nm. Of course, the oil-burner – already offered locally in the P300 and P500 – seems the most likely fit for South Africa.

The Tank 700 is larger than even Mercedes-Benz’s G450d.

Meanwhile, the Tank 700 – a likewise body-on-frame SUV that Cars.co.za earlier this year reported was firming for a local introduction – measures 5 105 mm from bow to stern, making it a considerable 280 mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz G450d. It’s also 27 mm lengthier than the Tank 500 (and it’s worth keeping in mind the latter seats 7 occupants, while the Tank 700 is a strict 5-seater).

In production since 2024, the Tank 700 is available in China with an Hi4-T powertrain (a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 PHEV) as well as a new Hi4-Z arrangement (featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder PHEV). But GWM has also confirmed its new twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 PHEV for right-hand-drive export versions of the Tank 700. The brand’s latest 3.0-litre turbodiesel motor could potentially be employed here, too.

GWM’s new twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 PHEV powertrain.

Finally, GWM has yet to reveal the production version of its upcoming Tank 800, though this flagship offering is expected to feature not only its own ladder-frame platform and 3 rows of seats but potentially also the aforementioned twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 PHEV powertrain. More details as we have them…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which new GWM Tank models are confirmed for South Africa?

A: GWM South Africa COO Conrad Groenewald has officially confirmed to Cars.co.za that both the Tank 400 and flagship Tank 700 ladder-frame SUVs are locked in for local release, while the upcoming 3-row Tank 800 is under consideration for Mzansi, too.

Q: What are the key specs and likely engine choices for the Tank 400 in South Africa?

A: Measuring 4 964 mm in length (204 mm longer than the Tank 300), the 5-seater Tank 400 shares its platform with its 300-badged sibling. For the South African market, the 135 kW/480 Nm 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine is considered the most likely powertrain choice.

Q: How does the Tank 700 compare in size and what powertrains are expected?

A: The Tank 700 is a large 5-seater SUV measuring 5 105 mm long — 280 mm longer than a Mercedes-Benz G450d and 27 mm longer than the Tank 500. It is earmarked for export with GWM’s newly developed twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 PHEV powertrain, while the brand’s 3.0-litre turbodiesel motor is also a potential candidate for local introduction.

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