Hybrids and EVs take centre stage at 2026 Festival of Motoring

The Festival of Motoring kicked off at Kyalami on Thursday with a media and exhibitors’ day before the public event on August 28-30.

The annual event brings together some of the country’s vehicle brands and the public in a unique setup for dynamic introductions to new and existing products. Vehicles can be viewed on stands and experienced on the famous track.

This year’s strongest theme is new electric and hybrid crossovers from Chinese brands, including bakkies.

The itinerary kicked off at DongFeng, the Chinese brand that entered the local market with the compact electric Box crossover. The company is extending its offering and revealed the new DongFeng Friday, a mid-size crossover powered by a range-extender electric powertrain.

Pricing is not confirmed, but it will be launched here before year-end. The brand also has other new crossover models on its stand that it plans to launch in the near future.

Changan, which launched the Uni-S and Deepal subsidiary this year, has brought the new Uni-S hybrid into its range. It also separates itself from its conventional cousins with a grille displaying hexagonal shapes.

Alongside the newcomer is the new Deepal S05, a more compact crossover like the larger and fully electric Deepal S07 that’s already on sale. The compact new model brings range-extender electric vehicle tech and frameless door windows.

Chinese brand Geely, which sells a range of midsize electric and plug-in-hybrid crossovers, revealed the new Riddara bakkie. The full electric bakkie is more lifestyle chic than workhorse and launches with three models and two- or all-wheel drive underpinnings. Prices start from R611,900.

The Chinese commercial specialist brand revealed the T60 Max Plus, a new high-end derivative of the double-cab range with special cues and added amenities. Visitors to the stand will also see other LDV products, including the hulking Terron 9.

The Chinese commercial brand under the Salvador Caetano umbrella has used the festival to unveil its new Grand Avenue double-cab ahead of its market launch next week. It shares the stage with the new generation Vigus, one of the most affordable double cabs available in South Africa, and the Dadao, a Grand Avenue made more macho by the fitment of extra off-road accoutrements.

Chinese brand BAIC was the first from the bloc to set up a local manufacturing plant in Gqeberha. The company revealed the new Arcfox compact crossover it plans to launch in October.

Chery subsidiary iCaur unveiled the new V27, its largest model thus far, which is powered by a range-extender electric engine comprising a turbocharged 1.5 l engine, twin electric motors and a 34.3 kWh battery. The company aims the V23 as a Land Cruiser Prado rival in size and applications. It goes on sale in South Africa before year-end, priced under R1m, we are told.

The Chinese brand with the longest presence in this market showcased the new Jolion Max, which debuts the range’s anticipated facelift.