The Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa team, with driver Mark Jones and navigator Kes Naidu, approached the NRC2 podium at the debut GR Legends Rally before a mechanical protection system led to a disappointing end to their participation over the weekend.
The competition, which was the fourth stage of the 2026 South African National Rally Championship and took place at the Soetdoring Venue near Tshwane, marked the pair's third appearance in the Toyota GR Yaris. The start of the weekend was marred by an issue with the gear lever, which stopped the GR Yaris just a few hundred meters into the first test run on Thursday.
With the help of local dealer Godrich Toyota, the team resolved the fault and conducted additional checks before the rally started. Friday, consisting of five stages, did not give Jones and Naidu much time to adapt, but they finished the day without new problems, securing 10th overall and 4th in the NRC2 class, trailing the class leaders by just over two and a half minutes.
On Saturday, Jones and Naidu demonstrated steady progress, climbing in the rankings as the day progressed. After one of the most challenging stages was removed from the route, the Toyota crew managed a flawless run and moved up to 7th overall and 3rd in the NRC2 class after the 12th stage. A podium finish in their class seemed quite realistic, as only the final stage remained.
However, everything fell apart on a sharp corner after a fast section. An engine overrev during a gear change activated the GR Yaris engine protection system, and the car would not restart. Local farmers attempted to assist, but Jones and Naidu had to leave the race close to the finish line.
The withdrawal means that the final result does not reflect the progress made over the weekend, as the GR Yaris completed all stages except the last one. For Jones and Naidu, this event also provided extra driving time, allowing them to continue getting used to the car and working on its development within the national championship.
The South African National Rally Championship will continue in Mpumalanga at the Ermelo Rally on August 21 and 22, where the fifth stage of the 2026 season will take place.
Fiat officially revealed the new Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback models, two SUVs aimed at the global market that seek to expand the automaker's line of sport utility vehicles. The vehicles were presented during the celebration of the manufacturer's 127th anniversary and are scheduled for their public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, with arrival in the international market expected in the last quarter of 2026.
Fiat positions the two cars to meet different consumer profiles, maintaining a focus on practicality and family use. The Grizzly follows the conventional SUV format, prioritizing comfort and interior space, while the Grizzly Fastback features a body with lines closer to a coupe but preserves versatility.
The unveiling of the models occurred through a video simulating the registration of the SUVs in an Italian notary office, featuring Olivier François in this scenario. François, CEO of Fiat and global marketing director of Stellantis, highlighted that the Grizzly is ideal for those seeking space and comfort, and the Grizzly Fastback offers these same benefits in a more expressive silhouette, reaffirming Fiat's commitment to accessible and economical family transport.
In terms of dimensions, the Grizzly measures 4.4 meters in length and was designed to optimize internal space within a contained size. The Grizzly Fastback reaches 4.5 meters and has a trunk capacity of up to 600 liters, combining elegance with daily functionality.
The SUV line will offer various powertrain options, including gasoline, mild hybrid, and fully electric, with a maximum power of 147 hp. Transmission availability can be manual or automatic, depending on the market. Furthermore, the vehicles will be launched in seven distinct colors and will incorporate technologies to assist in daily mobility.
As informed by the manufacturer, these SUVs are part of the product strategy defined during the Stellantis Investor Day, held in Auburn Hills, USA, on May 21. This strategy aims to strengthen Fiat's position as a highly internationalized brand, with a strong presence in the markets of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.
