Motorsport South Africa, in conjunction with the FIA, is exploring the possibility of introducing the FIA Affordable Cross Car as a junior motorsport category in South Africa, serving as an introduction to the gravel disciplines of motorsport, including Rally, Rally Raid and Rallycross.
Cross Cars are single seater, motorcycle engined, buggy style vehicles designed primarily for use on gravel surfaces in a variety of competition formats, including time attack style events, rallycross and autocross. The aim is to begin with a 31 kW Cross Car (XCL2) aimed at the 14 to 18 age group, with the long term goal of introducing additional Cross Car classes, including XC Junior (55 kW) and XC Senior (85 kW), which utilise identical chassis and require only an upgrade to the motorcycle engine and gearbox. Possible sources of the 31 kW engine include the Yamaha MT-03, a 321 cc liquid cooled twin engine.
MSA is calling for expressions of interest from parties interested in the manufacture of Cross Cars for the South African market. MSA will make available to interested parties, subject to acceptance of the conditions of use, the full FIA document set, which includes a complete set of manufacturing diagrams and instructions, enabling interested manufacturers to bid for appointment as the official manufacturer of MSA Affordable Cross Cars.
The most important consideration in the assessment of bids will be affordability and the retail price of a complete, race ready Cross Car.
Upon official appointment by MSA, it is envisaged that MSA will conclude an agreement with the selected manufacturer in terms of which MSA will, with the assistance of the FIA, fund the manufacture of the required jigs and tooling, and commit to the purchase of three XCL2 Cross Cars for a series of launch and demonstration events at various motorsport venues across South Africa.
Interested parties are requested to respond to this invitation by no later than 22 May 2026 by contacting Jaco Deysel at MSA via email at jaco@motorsport.co.za, after which further details will be provided.