Motoring editor, reporter and presenter
The South African motor industry is back in full swing and the year promises to be an exciting one. We reached out to the A-to-Z of car brands in the country for their lists of planned releases. Eagle-eyed readers will note that some marques are omitted: these manufacturers either had no confirmed models on the cards or did not respond by the time of publication. Look out for our driving impressions of these vehicles in Sowetan Motoring this year, in print and online.
Alfa Romeo
The updated Tonale will have a refreshed look and cabin enhancements.
Audi
A busier year than 2025 lies ahead for the Ingolstadt marque. Expect the new Q3, Q3 Sportback, Q5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S5 Sportback, E-Tron Q6, E-Tron SUV, RS E-Tron GT, S5 and S5 Avant.
BAIC
The Arcfox T1 electric compact marks the firm’s first local zero-emissions offering.
BMW
Following a packed 2025, the Munich marque confirmed one big release this year, the new iX3.
Changan
After returning to market in 2025, the Chinese firm will expand with the Uni-S compact SUV.
Chery
Rising in popularity, the Chery brand looks set to gain a bakkie dubbed Himla, a more affordable Cross LiT model and the return of the QQ nameplate.
Deepal
The range-extender electric vehicle version of the S05 is on the cards.
Ferrari
Cross fingers for that winning Powerball ticket as the 849 Testarossa is expected on local shores.
Ford
Significant updates will be rolled out to the popular Ranger and its SUV sibling, Everest.
GWM
The brawny P500 bakkie is set to receive revisions.
Haval
No specifics were divulged, but the brand confirmed a new B-segment SUV model and indicated the possibility of a new H9 flagship.
Hyundai
A hybrid version of the Palisade, the new Venue and a facelift for the Exter are confirmed.
iCaur
The retro-themed electric off-roader brand will see the addition of the V23, 03T and V27 models.
Isuzu
Nearly five years on, the seventh-generation D-Max is to gain a facelift.
JAC
New derivatives of the existing range are on the horizon. The T6 will receive 2.0l engines sourced from the T8. The T9 will gain a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle version and the JS9, an SUV based on the T9, is imminent.
Jaecoo
A hybrid electric vehicle version of the J5 aims to make the technology more accessible.
Jeep
Look out for the Wrangler and Gladiator 85th anniversary editions, with the possibility of the new Avenger.
Jetour
The T1 and T2 PHEV models are scheduled for launch, plus the updated Dashing and X70 Plus.
JMC
Returning to Mzansi after a hiatus, the Vigus Pro and Grand Avenue hope to make a statement.
Kia
This is a big year for Kia, with the notable release being the Tasman bakkie. The Carens, Syros, new Seltos and updated Sportage are also confirmed.
Lamborghini
Following its global debut in 2025, the Temerario will be officially launched in SA.
LDV
The T60 bakkie is to receive a facelift.
Leapmotor
Pushing the electric agenda is the compact B10, while the all-wheel drive C10 electric vehicle is a possibility.
Lepas
A division of Chery, Lepas aims to offer buyers premium textures at attainable prices with the L4, L6 and L8.
Lexus
The brand will launch its all-electric RZ and new ES saloon.
Maserati
As the Trident brand celebrates 110 years, it will launch the new GranCabrio, GranTurismo and MCPura.
Mazda
The all-new CX-5 is poised for arrival, while the long-standing 2 and CX-3 will be treated to minor revisions.
Mercedes-Benz/Mercedes-AMG/Mercedes-Maybach
The big mainstream model for the German brand is the compact CLA. Its Mercedes-Maybach division will bring over a limited number of SL and V12-engined S680 units.
MG
No specifics, but the brand did confirm that it has new models in the pipeline for 2026.
Mini
A sporty but silent salvo is underway, with John Cooper Works versions of the Aceman and the regular three-door Mini EV in the pipeline.
Mitsubishi
More power is in the works for the Triton bakkie, while the Destinator SUV will slot above the Outlander Sport.
Nissan
A new model named Tekton aims to drive better sales volumes and the X-Trail is to be updated.
Omoda
Following the trend of its sibling, Jaecoo, Omoda will launch the C5 HEV as well as a new model named C4.
Porsche
More potent than before, the 911 Turbo S will arrive to throw down the gauntlet among fast-sprinting supercars.
Renault
A turbocharged derivative of the Kiger and a passenger version of the Trafic van are in the works.
Subaru
The all-new Outback will continue to play in the niche of outdoorsy wagons.
Suzuki
Revealed late last year, the Across (based on the Grand Vitara) is a strong possibility.
Tata
Following its return in 2025 with four models, the Indian brand is likely to add the striking Sierra and Nexon SUVs to the mix.
Toyota
SA’s leading car brand by sales has a significant year ahead, with the new Hilux, RAV4, Land Cruiser FJ and BZ4X EV. The Corolla Cross GR-S will be facelifted.
Volkswagen
Finally, the 8.5 Golf GTI will be launched officially. Families may flock to the T7 Multivan and ID.Buzz Pro. On the commercial vehicle front, the Vivo Xpress is on the cards. Special versions of the Amarok include the Dark Label and Walkinshaw editions. The new T-Roc is also on the list.
Volvo
In addition to the ES90 saloon and EX60 SUV, the brand plans to launch a new armoured range of models.
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