THE FESTIVAL of Motoring took place this past weekend, and it was nothing short of glitz, glamour, speed and excitement.
If you didn’t make it to the festival, then you really missed out.
But because we care about you at Cartrends, we’re bringing you some of the highlights and giving you a taste of what went down at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
For motoring enthusiasts, Kyalami was the place to be, offering visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the latest vehicles making their way to the South African market.
Speaking of new cars, Suzuki introduced the all-new, all-electric e Vitara, marking Suzuki’s first battery-electric vehicle.
Merging the familiar compact-SUV formula with zero tailpipe emissions, the e Vitara builds on the pioneering nameplate’s 38-year legacy with an all-new electric powertrain.
The model displayed at the Festival of Motoring was the 4WD variant, which pairs a 61kWh battery pack with dual electric motors. Combined, they produce 135kW and 307Nm of torque, with a calculated WLTP range of 395km.
Inside, the e Vitara introduces Suzuki’s new Integrated Display System, combining a 10.25-inch digital instrument display with a 10.1-inch central touchscreen infotainment system. It also comes equipped with an extensive package of comfort, connectivity and safety features.
These include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera, Suzuki’s Dual Sensor Brake Support II, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and seven airbags.
Other highlights include 12-colour interior ambient lighting, heated front seats, a glass roof with a sunshade, an Infinity sound system with a subwoofer and dashboard speakers, as well as a wireless smartphone charger.
Geely’s new Riddara RD6 all-electric bakkie also attracted plenty of attention at the festival, ahead of its arrival in Mzansi.
The Riddara RD6 Aspire 2WD rides on 17-inch wheels and is powered by a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle. It produces 180kW and 309Nm of power and torque, respectively.
The bakkie offers three driving modes – Eco, Comfort and Sport – while Geely claims a top speed of 160km/h, making it more than capable of handling highway duties.
Changan and Jameel Motors South Africa also used the festival to introduce two new electrified SUVs, the Deepal S05 REEV and Changan Uni-S HEV.
The Deepal S05 is a premium midsize SUV built on a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) platform. It is aimed at buyers looking for an EV driving experience without the concern of range anxiety, while also offering a high level of quality, technology and features.
Meanwhile, the Changan Uni-S midsize SUV has been available in South Africa as a petrol-only model since April 2026. The new HEV derivative introduces hybrid power along with distinctive styling, including a redesigned front grille.
Chery also used the event to introduce its new Chery Q EV.
And this is only the beginning.
South African motorists can expect a growing list of new EVs, hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles from brands including Dongfeng, Omoda and Jaecoo, iCAUR, Lepas and BAIC in the coming months.
But the Festival of Motoring was about much more than new-car launches.
Attendees had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of some of the latest vehicles through manufacturer test drives, while those looking for an adrenaline rush could experience the speed of the iconic Kyalami circuit through high-speed, professionally piloted supercar hot laps.
Driving enthusiasts could also put performance cars through their paces on a dedicated and controlled handling track.
Off-road fans were not left out either, tackling steep climbs, deep ruts, sand traps and axle twisters in rugged vehicles from brands such as GWM, with its P-Series and TANK models, as well as Suzuki.
Spectators were treated to extreme track action as Vilaca Racing’s Time Attack machinery pushed the limits, while the Sunbet ZX10 Masters Cup Superbikes roared around the circuit at high speed.
There were also Formula One-style demonstration laps, filling the Kyalami circuit with the deafening and thrilling sound of high-performance racing machinery.
Certain manufacturer stands, including Chery, also offered family-friendly entertainment and meet-and-greets, with popular Mamelodi Sundowns football players making an appearance.
When it was time to take a break from the cars and the action, attendees could head over to the returning Halaal Goods Market streatery, where they could enjoy local favourites from vendors such as Talladega Grill, Ny Slice Pizza and Drizzling Donuts.
Those with hospitality passes experienced the Santam Premium Suite on the rooftop of the Main Pit Building, offering harvest-table menus, open bars, live entertainment and spectacular panoramic views of the circuit.
And while all of this may sound like a lot, if you were actually there, you would know that this only scratches the surface of what the Festival of Motoring had to offer.
There was plenty more action, entertainment, cars and excitement throughout the weekend.
As a motoring enthusiast, my advice is simple: if you missed this year’s Festival of Motoring, make sure you don’t miss the next one. You really don’t want to hear about it from those who were there.
Also Read:
iCAUR V27 TO MAKE SA DEBUT AT FESTIVAL OF MOTORING
VOLKSWAGEN TO UNVEIL THE ALL-NEW T-ROC AT FESTIVAL OF MOTORING
FESTIVAL OF MOTORING RETURNS TO KYALAMI FOR ITS NINTH EDITION
