Kyalami Roars to Life as the Festival of Motoring Opens for it’s 9th edition

 

The Festival of Motoring powered by WesBank turned Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit into the beating heart of South Africa’s automotive industry on Thursday, 27 August 2026, as media day welcomed brands, journalists and industry leaders ahead of a packed public weekend.

But the real thrill began when the gates opened to the public on Friday, 28 August to Sunday, 30 August 2026. This year’s festival, now in its ninth edition and themed “Driven by Purpose, Defined by Legacy,” is built around a simple promise: putting the public in the driver’s seat.

WesBank CEO Robert Gwerengwe noted with a sharp wake-up call on how quickly the market is changing. “Last month, on the new vehicles we financed, about 40% were Chinese vehicles, and that’s massive if you compare it to 2016, when the number was 0.01%,” he said.

The figure underlined a shifting landscape in which new brands are challenging established players and giving South African buyers more choice than ever.

He further noted a major market evolution, pointing out that over half of the battery-electric vehicles sold locally in 2026 are now priced under R500,000. Gwerengwe emphasized that consumer mindsets have shifted from skepticism to practical considerations like affordability and charging infrastructure, urging the automotive industry to embrace this transition as an exciting next chapter rather than a threat to traditional dealer networks.

A Hands-On Driving Festival, Not a Static Car Show

With 21 vehicle brands exhibiting and more than 100 exhibitors across the showgrounds, the festival has moved far beyond the traditional motor show format.

The action is spread across several dedicated zones:

Main Circuit Hot Laps: Passenger hot laps with professional drivers at racing speed on the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, including experiences with BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, Volkswagen Driving Academy and the Simola Hillclimb.

Self-Driving Handling Course: A dedicated in-field handling track with more than 40 vehicles available for visitors to test braking, handling and stability systems themselves under supervision.

4×4 Village and Off-Road Track: A purpose-built obstacle course where more than 10 SUV and bakkie brands — including Isuzu, Suzuki and Toyota — demonstrate off-road capabilities, with guided passenger rides and self-drive opportunities.

Exhibition halls and brand stands: Live model launches, supercar displays and classic car showcases, with major manufacturers using the weekend to reveal new metal. Volkswagen, for instance, is marking 75 years in South Africa with the public debut of the new T-Roc.

Electric Vehicle Experiences: A growing range of electric cars available to “sample, see, touch and feel,” reflecting the shifting buying trends in the South African market.

With engines ready to roaring the entire weekend, the 2026 Festival of Motoring turned to a weekend where the industry’s future and the public’s passion for cars meet at full throttle.