Subscribe
The Herald
Subscribe

Your guide to the new cars launching in 2026

Exciting releases on the horizon for SA consumers

5 min read
The latest Hilux packs a meaner look. Picture:
Toyota Hilux 2026 The latest Hilux packs a meaner look. Picture:Picture: Toyota

The SA 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 The Herald 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's iX3 enters its second generation
BMW iX3 BMW's iX3 enters its second generationPicture: Uwe Fischer

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's Testarossa nameplate is revived in thrilling fashion
Ferrari 849 Ferrari's Testarossa nameplate is revived in thrilling fashionPicture: Ferrari

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's new flagship Palisade will be offered in hybrid guise
Hyundai Palisade Hyundai's new flagship Palisade will be offered in hybrid guisePicture: Hyundai

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.

The Avenger is Jeep's first electric model
Jeep Avenger The Avenger is Jeep's first electric modelPicture: Jeep

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's Temerario succeeds the Huracán
Lamborghini Temerario Lamborghini's Temerario succeeds the HuracánPicture: Lamborghini

Lamborghini

After 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 will make its all-electric entry with the RZ
Lexus RZ Lexus will make its all-electric entry with the RZPicture: Lexus

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.

Mercedes-Benz has lofty ambitions for its CLA
Mercedes-Benz CLA 2026 Mercedes-Benz has lofty ambitions for its CLAPicture: Mercedes-Benz AG – Communicati

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 under way, 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.

The Destinator expands Mitsubishi's SUV portfolio
Mitsubishi Destinator The Destinator expands Mitsubishi's SUV portfolioPicture: Mitsubishi

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 the C4.

Porsche

More potent than before, the 911 Turbo S will arrive to throw down the gauntlet among fast-sprinting supercars.

Porsche's updated 992 Turbo S sustains a vaunted legacy
Porsche 911 Turbo S Porsche's updated 992 Turbo S sustains a vaunted legacyPicture: Porsche

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

After its return in 2025 with four models, the Indian brand is likely to add the striking Sierra and Nexon SUVs to the mix.

A retro glasshouse design hides the four-door shape of the in-coming Tata Sierra
Tata Sierra A retro glasshouse design hides the four-door shape of the in-coming Tata SierraPicture: TATA SA

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.