The compact crossover Tata Osprey, known as the Nexon in most international markets, is preparing for its debut in South Africa. Although Tata Motors has not yet achieved the strong market penetration of some of its Indian and Chinese competitors, the brand is gradually expanding its presence, and the new product will play a key role in this expansion.
The Indian manufacturer returned to South Africa in 2025, introducing models such as the compact hatchback Tigao, along with SUVs like the Punch, Curvv, and Harrier. The next model to enter the market is the Osprey, which is marketed as the Nexon in other regions. The Osprey is expected to arrive in dealerships in the third quarter of 2026, and there is a possibility that it could become a brand bestseller.
Pricing and trim details will be announced closer to the launch, but given that the vehicle measures 3995 mm in length, it is likely to position itself between the Punch and Curvv models. It will compete with turbocharged versions of the Nissan Magnite and entry-level variants of the Chery Tiggo 4. Since the Punch is sold in the price range of R244,900 to R339,900, and the Curvv starts from R349,900, it is reasonable to assume that the Osprey might cost less than R300,000.
The specific lineup for the local market has not yet been confirmed, but in the domestic market, the Osprey is offered with a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 88 kW, as well as a 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 84 kW. Both options feature front-wheel drive. The interior boasts interesting color schemes. According to Tata Motors SA, the cabin of the local models will be equipped with a 10.25-inch Harman multimedia system and a digital instrument cluster of similar size. The IRA 2.0 connected car technology will allow owners to remotely monitor their vehicles. Other features include ventilated synthetic leather seats, an HD rear-view camera with 360-degree view, an HD backup camera, and a blind-spot monitoring system.
In terms of safety, the Osprey has received a five-star rating from Global NCAP, and its equipment includes six airbags and second-level ADAS driver assistance systems. Furthermore, Tata plans to launch its rather impressive mid-size SUV, the Sierra, in South Africa this year. Jeff Ellison, General Manager of Products and Marketing at Tata SA, noted: 'Since our return to South Africa last year, we have achieved tremendous success, exceeding our targets and selling over 600 vehicles in May.' He added that 'various launches of new models in the medium term are intended to support and strengthen this momentum so that the brand continues to grow in South Africa.'
Porsche will cease manufacturing the combustion engine Macan in July. The German automaker's entry-level SUV will not have a gasoline-powered replacement available for at least two years.
In a recent sales-focused press conference, the manufacturer announced that the last unit will be produced at the Leipzig factory in Germany this month. After this date, the name Macan will exclusively refer to the fully electric version.
This change is surprising, given that the combustion engine version registered higher sales than the electric one. In the first half of 2026, Porsche delivered a total of 35,315 Macans worldwide, with 19,695 having a combustion engine and 15,620 being electric.
Compared to the same period in 2025, there was a 22% drop in model sales. The company attributes this decline to a high comparison base in 2025, the lack of tax incentives for hybrid and electric vehicles in the United States, and slower-than-expected adoption of electric mobility.
The brand acknowledges having misjudged the market and has already approved a successor that will offer both combustion and hybrid options. This new vehicle will be developed using the Audi Q5 platform, but its debut is only scheduled for 2028, and it will have a different name.
In the Brazilian market, the Macan remains available in two distinct lines. The combustion line includes the base, T, S, and GTS versions, equipped with engines ranging from 265 hp to 440 hp, and is expected to be sold until stock runs out. Meanwhile, the electric line comprises the Macan 4, 4S, and GTS models, with the latter being the top-of-the-line model with up to 639 hp.
According to Porsche's own price list, prices in Brazil start at R$ 530 thousand for the gasoline model and exceed R$ 800 thousand for the highest-performance electric version.
The SUV has been present in the country since its first generation, around the last decade, and has always remained among the brand's highest-volume models locally. Electrification was introduced in November 2024, marking the second generation, where the electric Macan was the first Porsche designed to abandon the combustion engine, utilizing the Volkswagen Group's PPE platform, shared with the Audi Q6 e-tron, and equipped with a 100 kWh battery.
In 2026, commercial performance reflects the global trend of contraction. In May, the Macan registered 76 registrations in Brazil, according to premium segment data, while Porsche delivered a total of 710 units across its entire lineup in the first two months of the year, according to Fenabrave.
