By ROBIN MEYERS
There’s plenty happening in the motoring world this week, from a familiar name getting a hybrid makeover to new SUVs offering more equipment for your money. Closer to home, Volkswagen has given Nelson Mandela Bay another reason to celebrate.
Here’s what caught our attention in motoring news this past week.
Volkswagen brings home four awards, with Kariega leading the charge (pictured)
We’ll start close to home, where Volkswagen Group Africa has picked up four honours at the 2026 Naamsa Accelerator Awards, held during SA Auto Week in Durban.
The locally manufactured Polo was recognised as both the Top Locally Manufactured Vehicle of the Year and Top Exported Vehicle of the Year, while the Polo Vivo took the title of Passenger Car of the Year.
That’s a pretty impressive showing for two cars rolling off the production line right here in Kariega.
The Polo has been manufactured locally since 1996 and is exported to more than 30 countries. The Polo Vivo, meanwhile, continues to be South Africa’s best-selling passenger car in 2026 so far.
Volkswagen also received the Next Gen Workforce award, recognising its achievements in transformation and workforce development.
With the company celebrating 75 years in South Africa and preparing to add the new Tengo to its Kariega production line, there’s plenty happening at one of the Bay’s most important automotive employers.
Honda’s CR-V goes hybrid, and gets cheaper
Now here’s something you don’t often hear in the new-car market: a new model arriving with more technology and a lower price.
Honda has introduced the CR-V RS e:HEV AWD, bringing hybrid technology to the South African CR-V range for the first time.
The new model combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric drive system producing 135 kW and 335 Nm. It also gets all-wheel drive as standard, making it an interesting option for families who want something comfortable for everyday driving but capable enough for the occasional gravel road.
The CR-V returns to a practical five-seat layout, with more luggage space, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display and Honda’s suite of driver-assistance technology.
And the price? R949,900.
That’s R91,400 less than the outgoing model.
It’s still a substantial investment, but the combination of hybrid efficiency, all-wheel drive and a lower asking price makes this one worth watching.
Lepas L6 enters the SUV conversation
South Africa’s SUV market is getting increasingly crowded, and Lepas is the latest brand hoping to catch buyers’ attention.
The new L6 starts at R469,900, and there’s certainly no shortage of equipment.
We’re talking a 13.2-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging and a 540-degree camera system designed to make parking and manoeuvring easier.
Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 108 kW and 225 Nm, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
There are two models available: the Javan at R469,900 and the more generously equipped Pantera at R499,900.
The latter adds heated and ventilated front seats, Sony audio and additional driver-assistance features.
The real question for buyers will be how the L6 compares with more established competitors when it comes to long-term ownership, reliability and resale value.
Still, with that much equipment at this price point, it’s certainly making an interesting entrance.
Jetour celebrates two years of rapid growth
Speaking of newer automotive brands, Jetour has gone from a relative unknown to one of South Africa’s top 10 best-selling vehicle brands in just two years.
The brand launched locally in September 2024 with the Dashing and X70 Plus, before expanding its offering with the T1 and T2 SUVs.
By January 2026, Jetour had recorded monthly sales of 1,550 vehicles, with its T-Series accounting for more than 1,000 of those sales.
The Jetour T2 also claimed the 2026 South African Car of the Year title, becoming the first Chinese manufacturer’s vehicle to win the award.
Jetour has expanded its dealership network from an initial 40 outlets to more than 55, supported by a parts distribution centre in Midrand.
It’s an interesting example of just how quickly the South African motoring landscape is changing.
Established brands can no longer assume buyers will stick with familiar badges, particularly when newcomers are offering competitive pricing, technology and generous equipment levels.
Hyundai reminds buyers that the purchase price is only the beginning
With so many new vehicles entering the market, Hyundai raised an important point at SA Auto Week: buying a car isn’t just about what you pay at the dealership.
Fuel consumption, servicing, maintenance, warranties and resale value all contribute to the real cost of ownership.
Hyundai used its new Creta as an example, with pricing starting at R434,900, claimed fuel consumption of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres, a seven-year/200,000 km manufacturer’s warranty and a four-year/60,000 km service plan.
It’s a useful reminder, particularly for buyers comparing vehicles based purely on monthly instalments.
A car that looks affordable on paper can become considerably more expensive once fuel, insurance, tyres and servicing are factored in.
Sometimes the best deal isn’t necessarily the cheapest car on the showroom floor.
And finally, could LPG help businesses save on fuel?
DFSK South Africa is drawing attention to an alternative that doesn’t always feature in everyday motoring conversations: LPG Autogas.
The manufacturer has introduced an approved LPG conversion programme for its commercial vehicles, allowing them to operate on either petrol or LPG.
For businesses covering significant distances every day, the potential fuel savings could make a difference to operating costs.
DFSK says a demonstration journey of approximately 1,200 kilometres in its C35 Panel Van used 80 litres of LPG and around a quarter tank of petrol.
Of course, the actual savings will depend on fuel prices, vehicle usage and access to LPG refuelling facilities, but it’s another example of manufacturers exploring alternatives to conventional petrol-only motoring.
The road ahead
If there’s one thing this week’s motoring news makes clear, it’s that South African buyers have more choice than ever.
Hybrid technology is becoming increasingly accessible across different vehicle segments, newer brands are challenging established manufacturers, and the cost of keeping a vehicle on the road is becoming just as important as its purchase price.
And here in Nelson Mandela Bay, Volkswagen’s continued success is a reminder that our region remains an important part of the country’s automotive story.
Until next week, drive safely and keep an eye on the road ahead.
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