The 2026 WesBank Festival of Motoring at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit serves as the backdrop for a significant expansion of South Africa's new energy vehicle landscape, with multiple manufacturers using the annual event to introduce electrified models and preview ambitious plans for the local market.
With the exception of Volkswagen, BMW and Suzuki it is a largely Chinese affair with the ‘traditional’ legacy South African brands – Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Isuzu, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz – all not participating. However, Toyota Gazoo Racing was there with public hot laps in the GR Corolla.
For Volkswagen it was a bitter-sweet opening day as the company launched the new T-Roc but announced the departure of Marthina Biene who has been redeployed within the VW Group after eight years at the helm of the South African operation. During that time she also served as head of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers being instrumental in that role to helping drive the African Free Trade Agreement forward.
However, there is plenty to see and do and here is a brief overview of the new goodies on show;
Changan and Jameel Motors South Africa
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Changan and Jameel Motors South Africa chose the festival to unveil two electrified sport utility vehicles alongside the reintroduction of the Changan Commercial range.
The Deepal S05 REEV and Changan Uni-S HEV represent the brand's progression in the country's growing new energy vehicle segment, according to Marinus Venter, Country Manager at Jameel Motors South Africa. Venter described the event as the ideal platform to showcase what he termed a stylish pair of sport utility vehicles with strong road presence, while also marking the return of the Changan Star in five variants as part of the commercial lineup.
The Deepal S05 REEV positions itself as a premium mid-sized sport utility vehicle built on a range-extended electric vehicle platform. Designed in Italy and engineered in the United Kingdom, the vehicle targets buyers seeking electric driving characteristics without the concern of limited range.
The exterior design language includes a grille-less front end, slim LED headlamps and 18-inch wheels. A single electric motor produces 160 kW and 320 Nm of torque, supported by a 1,5-litre petrol engine generating 72 kW and 125 Nm that functions exclusively as a generator to recharge the 27 kilowatt-hour battery during movement. Changan claims a combined range exceeding 1 000 kilometres, with up to 200 kilometres of pure electric range and a 20-minute fast-charge capability when connected to an electric vehicle charger.
Chelsy Pinto, General Manager of Marketing and Product at Jameel Motors South Africa, explained that a range-extended electric vehicle offers lower running costs and a reduced environmental footprint compared with a more traditional hybrid electric vehicle, without compromising driving characteristics. The key distinction lies in how the engine and electric motors interact, with the engine serving solely as a generator for the battery and never powering the wheels directly.
Pinto expressed enthusiasm about introducing the Deepal S05 REEV to South Africa, believing it addresses genuine consumer concerns about range anxiety. Inside the cabin, occupants find microfibre leather seats and a four-way-adjustable steering wheel with satellite audio and cruise control switchgear.
The dashboard centres around a 15,4-inch Sunflower infotainment touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth functionality and a 14-speaker sound system. Charging provisions include a 50-watt wireless pad at the front and USB ports for both front and rear passengers.
Standard equipment encompasses single-zone automatic climate control with a PM2,5 filter, separate rear air-conditioning controls, heated and ventilated front seats with six-way electric adjustment for the driver and four-way electric adjustment for the passenger, plus a 40:60 split-folding rear bench.
Safety features include six crash bags, tyre pressure monitoring, intelligent driving perception hardware, an electric tailgate and a panoramic skylight. Four drive modes are available, comprising Comfort, Eco, Sport and Custom, while a 50-inch augmented-reality head-up display keeps essential information within the driver's field of vision.
The suspension setup features MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear configuration in a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The safety suite includes a 540-degree high-definition camera view and full Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems, encompassing lane keep assist, lane departure warning, integrated adaptive cruise control, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, rollover prevention and front and rear parking radars. The Deepal S05 REEV comes with a five-year or 150 000 kilometre manufacturer's warranty, an eight-year battery warranty and a five-year or 90 000 kilometre maintenance plan.
The Changan Uni-S HEV introduces hybrid power to the midsize sport utility vehicle that has been available in South Africa as a petrol-only model since April 2026. The new derivative features distinct styling, including a revised front grille. A turbo-charged 1,5-litre petrol engine producing 110 kW and 220 Nm pairs with an electric motor to deliver total outputs of 166 kW and 290 Nm. Power flows through an electronic continuously variable transmission driving the front wheels, drawing from a high-rate ternary lithium battery. Changan claims combined fuel consumption of 4,0 l/100 km from the 51-litre tank.
Safety equipment includes full Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, six crash bags as standard and a 540-degree high-definition camera view for parking. The cabin features microfibre leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, a 12,8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and either a 15-watt wireless charge pad or USB charging depending on specification.
The commercial range introduces the Changan Star in five derivatives: single-cab dropside, double-cab dropside, single-cab box body, panel van and minibus. All variants are powered by a 1,25-litre petrol engine producing 72 kW and 119 Nm, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and featuring air-conditioning as standard.
The range is backed by a five-year or 200 000 kilometre warranty, with service plans available as optional extras and self-service kits provided for buyers preferring to maintain their own vehicles.
Chery South Africa
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Chery South Africa used the festival to preview three models that take the brand into new market segments. The display featured the compact electric Chery Q, the Tiggo V and the KP31 diesel-hybrid bakkie, underscoring Chery's strategic move to diversify its South African portfolio beyond its established sport utility vehicle foundations.
Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa, noted while Chery remains well known for its sport utility vehicles, the range is growing. Petersen said the festival would allow South Africans to see a compact electric vehicle, a flexible seven-seater and the brand's first bakkie, providing a clear indication of where Chery is heading and the broader choice it intends to offer local customers.
The Chery Q brings the brand into the compact electric market with a length of 4 200 mm designed primarily for urban environments where smaller dimensions and manoeuvrability matter. Its dedicated T1X 3,0 electric platform and 2 700 mm wheelbase allow for more cabin space than exterior dimensions might suggest.
A rear-mounted motor frees up space for a 70-litre front storage compartment, with an additional 38 storage areas positioned throughout the cabin. When the rear seats are folded, carrying capacity increases to as much as 1 450 litres.
The Q uses rear-wheel drive, independent front and rear suspension and 50:50 weight distribution. A 5,225-metre turning radius facilitates navigation in tight streets and parking areas. Inside, it features a 15,6-inch 2,5K central display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, along with Level 2 driver-assistance technology that includes automated parking and a 540-degree camera system.
Alongside the Q, the Tiggo V (pronounced Vee) presents a different interpretation of the family sport utility vehicle. The seven-seater has a 2 800 mm wheelbase, sliding second-row seats, 42 storage compartments and ventilation for all three rows. Its main feature is a transformable rear body sport utility vehicle structure that allows the enclosed third-row seats compartment to be reconfigured with an open pickup-style load area, providing owners with additional room for camping equipment, outdoor gear and other large items without extensive aftermarket modifications.
The Tiggo V is powered by the Chery Super Hybrid system, with preliminary figures indicating fuel consumption as low as 6 l/100 km and a combined NEDC range of up to 1 030 kilometres. Ground clearance of 220 mms makes it suited to poor roads and unpaved routes.
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Completing the display is the KP31, the bakkie that takes Chery into one of South Africa's largest and most competitive vehicle segments. Developed on a dedicated hybrid platform, the KP31 combines a 2,5-litre turbo-diesel engine with electric power and four-wheel drive.
Preliminary specifications include combined outputs of 350 kW and 800 Nm, an electric-only range of up to 100 kilometres on the NEDC cycle and a braked towing capacity of 3 500 kilograms.
Its load box measures 1 560 mms long, 1 560 mms wide and 500 mms high, while ground clearance is no less than 247 mms when fully loaded. Vehicle-to-load functionality allows the bakkie to power external equipment such as tools and camping appliances.
The name KP31 is not necessarily what the bakkie will be called and Chery has invited South Africans to suggest an original name for the model, with submissions exceeding 20 000. The final list of six name options are BAKKIE, GROOTMAN, NDUNA, CHIEF, ORCA and BRAHMAN.
Geely Auto South Africa
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Geely Auto South Africa officially introduced Riddara, Geely Auto Group's new-energy bakkie brand, to the South African market. Built as a new-energy bakkie rather than an electrified diesel platform, the Riddara combines the practicality and capability expected of a bakkie with the refinement, performance and driving experience of a modern sport utility vehicle.
Greg Maruszewski, Chief Operating Officer of Geely Auto South Africa, said the Riddara changes the conversation around electric bakkies. Maruszewski explained electric vehicles have always had the potential to deliver exceptional performance, but the Riddara demonstrates this need not come at the expense of the qualities that make a bakkie versatile.
Riddara is the only bakkie brand under Geely Auto Group and is built on the company's engineering and technology ecosystem. The RD6 is based on the MAP Platform, China's first native new-energy bakkie architecture developed from Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture. The platform has been engineered specifically to combine passenger-vehicle refinement with bakkie capability.
At the top of the South African range, the Apex RD6 4WD delivers performance that would be unexpected from a traditional bakkie. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces a combined 315 kW and 595 Nm, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4,5 seconds with Highway Terrain tyres in ideal operating conditions. The system can switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive in as little as 20 milliseconds, intelligently distributing torque according to driving conditions and available traction.
For drivers venturing beyond the tar, the RD6 offers dedicated drive modes including Economy, Comfort, Sport, Sand, Mud and Off-road, while its 225-mm ground clearance and 815-mm wading depth provide capability for more demanding terrain. The RD6's bakkie credentials extend to its practical capability, with a payload of up to 1 030 kilograms and towing capacity of up to 3 000 kilograms in the flagship model.
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The Riddara electric architecture brings another dimension to the traditional bakkie formula. The RD6 features a 73-kilowatt-hour battery, while the flagship Apex 4WD offers a claimed 424-kilometre NEDC range. The vehicle's high-voltage electrical system is rated to IP67, while its power battery carries an IP68 protection rating, providing additional confidence when tackling challenging conditions. DC fast charging of up to 110 kW allows rapid recharging, while the vehicle's 6-kilowatt vehicle-to-load capability transforms the RD6 into a mobile source of electricity, allowing owners to power equipment, appliances and outdoor activities, or provide an additional source of power during load-shedding.
The Riddara range comprises three derivatives: the Aspire Econ 2WD with 180 kW and 309 Nm priced at R611 900, the Aspire Econ 4WD with 280 kW and 485 Nm priced at R681 900, and the Apex RD6 4WD with 315 kW and 595 Nm priced at R781 900.
The two 4WD derivatives use a 73-kilowatt-hour battery, with claimed NEDC ranges of 424 kilometres for the Apex RD6 4WD and 390 kilometres for the Aspire Econ 4WD, while a 63-kilowatt-hour battery allows 369 kilometres for the Aspire Econ 2WD.
iCAUR South Africa
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The iCAUR V23 brings a fresh and characterful approach to electric sport utility vehicle ownership in South Africa. Serving as the entry point to the local iCAUR range, it combines retro-inspired styling, compact dimensions, useful everyday practicality and generous standard equipment in a value-focused electric sport utility vehicle package.
The iCAUR V23 has been designed to stand apart from conventional compact sport utility vehicles, using a boxy silhouette and retro-inspired detailing to create a distinctive, youthful appearance. Its upright body, short overhangs, flat bonnet and strong shoulder line give it a confident stance, while the squared-off cabin and generous glass areas contribute to its functional, adventure-ready look.
LED headlights and taillights are standard across the range, but model-specific wheel designs help separate the two derivatives. The two-wheel drive version is fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels and 255/55 tyres, while the all-wheel drive gains larger 21-inch alloy wheels with 265/45 tyres for a bolder stance. The V23 will be offered in several paint colours including Khaki White, Carbon Crystal Black, Cyan Grey, Starlight Silver, Texture Green and Warm Orange.
The V23 range gives buyers a choice between two fully electric powertrains, each tuned to suit a different customer. The two-wheel drive derivative uses a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, producing 100 kW and 180 Nm of torque. It reaches 100 km/h in 11 seconds and has a top speed of 140 km/h. Its 59,93-kilowatt-hour battery delivers an NEDC-estimated range of 360 kilometres, while energy consumption is rated at 20 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometres.
All-wheel drive models gain a second electric motor for greater traction and stronger performance. Combined outputs increase to 155 kW and 292 Nm, reducing the 0 to 100 kilometres per hour time to 7,5 seconds. Top speed remains 140 km/h, while the larger 81,9-kilowatt-hour battery increases the NEDC-estimated driving range to 430 kilometres.
Both models offer Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual and Slippery drive modes. The all-wheel drive adds an Off-Road mode, giving the flagship derivative an additional setting for less predictable surfaces. The V23 uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a rear multilink arrangement, supporting ride comfort and stability. Ventilated front disc brakes and rear disc brakes are fitted across the range.
Although compact in overall size, the V23 makes effective use of its footprint. Measuring 4 220 mm in length and riding on a 2 735-mm wheelbase, it offers a spacious cabin for five occupants while remaining easy to place in everyday driving environments. The luggage compartment provides 372 litres of capacity with the rear seats in use. When more loading space is required, the rear bench can be folded flat to increase available cargo volume to 994 litres.
Both derivatives of the V23 come equipped with leather upholstery, climate control and electrically adjustable front seats with ventilation. Both variants also offer 3,3-kilowatt vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing external devices to be powered when needed. The all-wheel drive derivative adds heated front seats, giving the higher-specification model an additional comfort feature for colder climates. Inside, the V23 follows a clean and practical cabin layout with a strong focus on ease of use.
A 15,4-inch touchscreen forms the centrepiece of the V23's cabin, bringing together infotainment, connectivity and selected vehicle functions in one accessible interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity and a seven-speaker iCAUR sound system. Three front-row USB ports are provided, two of which are Type-C ports, making it easy to keep devices charged and connected.
The V23 is equipped with a range of safety features, with both derivatives receiving six crash bags including dual front, front side and side curtain crash bags. ISOFIX child-seat mounting points are also included. Core safety systems include Electronic Stability Programme, traction control, Emergency Brake Assist and Brake Assist.
The V23 all-wheel drive also gains a comprehensive advanced driver assistance systems package including automatic emergency braking with vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle recognition, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, lane departure warning and prevention, lane-keep assist, blind spot detection, front collision warning, reverse collision warning, door opening warning and drive away reminder.
JMC South Africa
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JMC South Africa brought its growing bakkie range to the 2026 Festival of Motoring, taking up a stand in the pit complex and giving South African motorists their first public look at the all-new JMC Grand Avenue.
Since returning to the South African market, JMC has built a reputation for delivering capable bakkies and small trucks that offer more than their price tags suggest.
Bianca Naude, PR Manager of Salvador Caetano South Africa for GAC Motor and JMC Motor, said the Festival of Motoring is where South Africa comes to see what is next, and this year the brand has something genuinely exciting to show. Naude described the Grand Avenue as an important product for the JMC range, developed with real understanding of what South African buyers want.
The Grand Avenue represents JMC's most ambitious offering to date and its first serious contender in the heart of the South African double cab market. Built on a ladder frame chassis and offered in double cab form, it stands out for its size and presence, measuring 5 450 mm in length on a 3 270 mm wheelbase, which makes it longer than several of the established players in the segment.
Power comes from an up-tuned 2,5-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 155 kW and 500 Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a Borg Warner four-wheel drive system. Braked towing capacity is rated at 3 500 kilograms, placing the Grand Avenue firmly in the company of the segment's most established names.
Naude added South African bakkie buyers should not have to choose between capability, comfort and value, and the Grand Avenue is proof that they do not.
Lepas South Africa
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Lepas South Africa placed its expanding new-energy ambitions firmly in the spotlight at the festival. Leading the brand's display is the recently revealed L6 internal combustion engine model and forthcoming L6 electric vehicle, joined by the L4 internal combustion engine, L4 electric vehicle and L8 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
Together, the five models offered visitors a clearer view of how the Lepas range is set to develop in South Africa.
Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of Lepas and Chery South Africa, noted surpassing 1 000 sales within the brand's first few months in South Africa is an important achievement, but only the beginning. Botes stated that the Festival of Motoring allows the brand to introduce more South Africans to the L6 while offering an early look at the electric models that will help shape the future of the brand locally.
Suzuki Auto South Africa
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Suzuki Auto South Africa fields a diverse line-up of vehicles at the festival, from compact city cars to new electric vehicles and rugged 4x4s. The brand's presence is anchored in the Main Pits, where models such as the Fronx and Jimny 5-Door ae joined by a fully accessorised Swift and Across.
The star of the show is the all-new e Vitara, Suzuki's first battery-electric vehicle. Merging the familiar compact sport utility vehicle formula with zero tailpipe emissions, the e Vitara builds on the pioneering nameplate's 38-year legacy with a new electric powertrain.
The 4WD variant, which pairs a 61-kilowatt-hour battery pack with dual electric motors. Combined, they develop 135 kW and 307 Nm of torque, with a calculated WLTP range of 395 kilometres. In keeping with the adventurous spirit of its forebears, this derivative comes equipped with Suzuki's ALLGRIP-e four-wheel-drive system, which provides drive to both axles and adds traction when conditions demand it. While drivers can switch between Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes, Trail mode and hill-descent control add an extra level of confidence when covering challenging terrain.
Inside, the e Vitara introduces a new Integrated Display System, combining a 10,25-inch digital instrument display with a 10,1-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, alongside a comprehensive package of comfort, connectivity and safety features. These include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera, Suzuki's Dual Sensor Brake Support II, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Crossing Traffic Alert and seven crash bags.
In the Upper Pits, Suzuki Motorcycles showcases its two-wheeled range, including the DR-150, DS-250, GSX-R1000 and Hayabusa.
Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa, said the Festival of Motoring is always a highlight on the calendar because it gives the opportunity to showcase the breadth of the Suzuki brand and let visitors experience vehicles in a way they simply cannot through a showroom.
Volkswagen South Africa
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The all-new Volkswagen T-Roc was available for sale, with the completely redesigned second-generation compact sport utility vehicle combining expressive design, sophisticated technology and everyday versatility. Positioned between the Taigo and Tiguan, the new T-Roc strengthens Volkswagen's T-SUV family, which includes the T-Cross, Taigo, Tiguan, Tayron and Touareg.
The new T-Roc is longer by 122 mm than its predecessor, with a 28 mm increase in wheelbase contributing to a more commanding road presence and increased interior space.
Elongated proportions, sculpted surfaces and a wider-looking stance give it a more planted presence on the road. At the front, the new T-Roc introduces a distinctive lighting signature that combines advanced LED technology with a new illuminated Volkswagen logo and a continuous light strip, creating a face that is instantly recognisable, particularly at night.
The T-Roc is available in three derivatives: Life, R-Line and R-Line Black Style, each offering its own interpretation of the T-Roc design. The T-Roc Life establishes a strong foundation with 16-inch Bilbao alloy wheels, LED headlights with low and high beam, black roof rails, Park Assist, a rear-view camera, a 10,3-inch infotainment system and a Digital Cockpit.
Moving into the sportier T-Roc R-Line, the design becomes more dynamic with R-Line exterior and interior styling, IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, 18-inch Coventry alloy wheels, sports comfort seats and additional technology and convenience features.
At the top of the range, the T-Roc R-Line Black Style adds an even more distinctive character through the Black Style package. Black exterior mirror housings, black decorative elements, black roof rails, privacy glass and black alloy wheels give the flagship derivative a more purposeful and sophisticated appearance.
The T-Roc Life is equipped with LED headlights, while the R-Line derivatives introduce IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights. The Life can be specified with Volkswagen's IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlamps, incorporating advanced light distribution and cornering functionality.
The cabin features a completely redesigned dashboard with a clean, driver-focused layout and premium materials. A new integrated Digital Cockpit provides key driving information directly in the driver's field of vision, while Volkswagen's latest-generation infotainment systems are available in 10,3-inch and 12,9-inch formats depending on specification.
The T-Roc Life and R-Line feature 10-colour ambient lighting, while the R-Line Black Style takes this further with 30-colour ambient lighting extending across the dashboard and doors. Higher derivatives can also be specified with an optional Head-up Display, allowing key driving information to be projected into the driver's field of vision.
The R-Line derivatives bring a stronger sporting character to the T-Roc interior. The R-Line and Black Style features sports comfort seats upholstered in Varenna leather with R-Line branding as part of the Seat.
The Festival of Motoring is truly worth a visit.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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