Car of the Year 2026
Haval’s rugged SUV in the mix
The Haval H7, available at the dealership in Shelly Beach, is a premium SUV, featuring a retro-boxy design, a 2.0-litre turbo engine (170kW/380Nm) or a 1.5T hybrid, and a 14.6-inch touchscreen.
Dealer Principal Ronald Oelefse is delighted that it’s been chosen as a finalist in the South African Car of the Year competition.
It’s available in South Africa from R604 950 and offers 2WD or 4WD options, high-end comfort features like heated/ventilated seats, and advanced driver assistance systems.
The Haval comes in three ranges – Luxury 4×2, Super Luxury and HEV Super Luxury. There’s a lot going for it, including a seven-year/200 000km warranty which is transferable to a new owner and not only limited to the original owner.
The service plan has been upped to seven years/75 000km with 15 000km intervals. “This will suit folk who don’t drive as much,” said Ronald.
Parts are more readily available, with Haval having been in South Africa for eight years now.
The Haval has come a really come long way in terms of ride comfort quality, with reduced noise and wind.
It’s a good-looking SUV, with extremely capable offroad abilities, including 1.5-tonne towing capacity.

The Haval has presence and doors open and close with a solid, firm precision.
Inside there’s enough luxury and bells and whistles, including soft touch panels, sound system and so much more. Ronald invited the community to test drive the Haval this Saturday – Valentine’s Day special – with no strings attached. “Come and drive one, experience the vehicle,” he said.
Chery Tiggo 7 is fully-loaded

images courtesy of Chery South Africa
The Chery Tiggo 7 CSH PHEV isn’t just another SUV, it’s a statement. Designed for drivers who want serious performance without the fuel penalty, this plug-in hybrid offers luxury, savings and everyday practicality. Available in Plus and Ultra models, it combines dual-motor power with elegant design and smart technology.
Recognised for its 93km all-electric range, 1200km total range, and 5.4 L/100km fuel efficiency, it was selected as a Car of the Year finalist for its blend of performance, technology and value.
Junaid Ally from NMI Chery Shelly Beach said this recognition marks an important step for the brand as it continues to expand its footprint in South Africa’s highly competitive SUV market. “Chery has been turning heads on the international stage, and now it’s gaining serious traction here on the South Coast. It is becoming known for ground-breaking safety trials, fuel-sipping endurance challenges, and one of the most affordable hybrid SUVs.”
The 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine works in conjunction with dual electric motors, powered by an 18.3kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery for a combined power output of up to 265kW and 530Nm of torque. It’s paired with Chery’s dedicated hybrid transmission, which is designed for swift responsiveness and intelligent energy distribution.
Safety is a top priority for Chery, and the new Tiggo 7 is fully loaded. The model includes the brand’s most advanced driver-assist technologies, offering peace of mind in daily and long-distance driving.
The Chery Tiggo 7 has achieved a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, confirming its strong performance in independent crash testing and safety assist evaluations.
This rating reflects the vehicle’s high levels of adult and child occupant protection, effective safety assist technologies and overall structural integrity. In addition to its reinforced body structure with over 60% high-strength steel, this SUV combines multiple airbags and advanced driver-assistance systems to deliver comprehensive, all-round protection.
Visit NMI Chery Shelly Beach and find out more on this amazing vehicle.
Six of the best for LSC Motors
Six of the 18 finalists in the 2026 South African Car of the Year competition, ranging from compact to luxury SUVs and electric vehicles, are available at the The LSC Motor Group in Margate.
“At LSC Motor Group, it’s incredibly rewarding to see BYD, Volkswagen and Audi named finalists for Car of the Year 2026, as it reflects the passion and hard work behind every brand we represent. This recognition affirms that what we do every day truly matters across innovation, trust and premium excellence,” said Anechia Werner, marketing coordinator.
BYD Shark 6: a powerful new plug-in hybrid double-cab bakkie, which delivers bold capability, combining robust performance and adventure-ready features without compromising on efficiency or environmental responsibility.
BYD Dolphin Surf: South Africa’s most affordable fully electric vehicle, redefines compact urban mobility with its agile, dynamic platform, offering exceptional range, smart technology and affordability for everyday drivers.
VW Golf TSI

VW Golf 1.4 TSI: it is engineered to thrill and inject power into every drive, with a striking new exterior and enhanced performance. It is powered by a 2.0 TSI turbo engine and pushes 195kW and 370Nm of torque.
VW Tayron: a well-thought-out all-rounder boasting a charismatic design. It is crafted for those who think beyond the moment. Thanks to its spacious interior with up to seven seats, it is the perfect companion for every situation in life, from school runs to weekend getaways. With high quality and premium-class features, this isn’t just any SUV – it’s an investment in every road ahead.
Audi A5: a sporty, elegant silhouette, with fully digitalised interior as well as high-performance and efficient drive systems. Make a choice, between two high-performance TFSI engines – one producing 146kw and the other 200kW (combined with quattro all-wheel drive).
Audi RS Q8: a powerful V8 engine, with generous SUV proportions as well as luxurious comfort and exclusive design.
Its performance impresses with its breath-taking dynamism, assisted by standard ceramic brakes and well-tuned drive and suspension components.
Audi A5
VW Tayron
BYD Dolphin
BYD Shark 6
Audi RS Q8
images courtesy of Audi South Africa




































