Proton dropped by SA distributor (but will Geely take over?)
Proton’s local distributor looks set to off-load the struggling Malaysian brand. While Geely confirms it’s in “discussions” to take over distribution in SA, it says “no formal decisions” have yet been made…
CMH confirms Proton distribution agreement will “terminate”
Geely in talks to take over but says no decision has been made
Proton sales in SA slumped 87.5% year-on-year in Q1 2026
With Proton sales in South Africa flagging, the Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) Group has confirmed its distribution agreement with the Malaysian brand with soon “terminate”. Chinese firm Geely – which owns a 49.9% stake in Proton globally – says it’s in discussions to take over local distribution, though emphasises “no formal decisions” have yet been made.
As a reminder, Proton returned to South Africa in September 2022, after the CMH Group was appointed as the brand’s local distributor. In May 2025, we reported that the marque’s future in Mzansi looked uncertain, based on comments from CMH Group CEO Jebb McIntosh. Soon thereafter, Proton SA released a statement saying it was “not exiting the South African market”.
Now, a year later – with local Proton sales having tapered to a fresh low – McIntosh confirmed in the CMH Group’s recently released 2026 integrated annual report (for the year ended 28 February 2026) that the “Proton import/distribution operation will terminate when the remaining inventory is sold”.
“The products have proven to be of good quality, with low warranty-claim rates, but the import pricing is uncompetitive. The [CMH] Group will continue to support [Proton] customers with workshop and parts facilities through its retail outlets until the local Geely operations are ready to take over,” McIntosh wrote in the report.
Since McIntosh made specific mention of the Chinese brand, we asked Geely Auto South Africa – which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Zhejiang-based automotive giant – whether it did indeed have plans to take over local distribution for Proton. For context, Geely returned to SA late in 2025, relaunching its local operations with the E5 range, before adding the fully electric E2 in April 2026.
“We are aware of the market speculation regarding Proton’s future distribution arrangements in South Africa. Discussions are currently ongoing, however no formal decisions or announcements have been concluded at this stage. As such, it would be premature for us to comment further at this time,” Geely Auto SA told Cars.co.za, adding that any “confirmed information” would be “communicated through the appropriate formal channels”.
Ahead of its return to the local market in 2022, Proton’s global division said it was “bullish about its sales prospects in South Africa”, adding that it was “projecting strong sales” in the final months of 2022, before setting itself a target of more than doubling its volume in 2023.
The automaker started reporting sales figures to industry-representative body Naamsa in July 2023, with 640 units registered in the 2nd half of that year. In 2024, Proton sold 888 units in Mzansi (translating to a monthly average of 74 units), a total that fell to just 459 units in 2025 (or around 38 units a month).
In Q1 2026, Proton SA suffered the local market’s most significant year-on-year percentage drop in sales, with registrations plummeting 87.5% compared to the same 3-month reporting period in 2025, falling from 160 units to a mere 20 units. A further 7 units were registered in April 2026.
Proton’s range in South Africa currently comprises the Saga sedan along with the X50, X70 and X90 crossovers. Pricing starts at R209 900 for the base version of the Saga and runs through to R679 900 for the top-spec derivative in the X90 line-up. According to its website, Proton currently has 10 dealerships in SA – down from the 17 that were listed a year ago (in May 2025) and the 20 that marked the brand’s relaunch in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Proton leaving the South African market?
A: While the current distributor, Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) Group, has confirmed it will terminate its distribution agreement once remaining inventory is sold, the brand might not actually exit. Geely Auto South Africa is currently in discussions to potentially take over local distribution, though no formal decision has been finalised.
Q: How poor were Proton’s sales figures in early 2026?
A: Proton suffered a massive 87.5% year-on-year sales decline in Q1 2026, with registrations dropping from 160 units in the first three months of 2025 to just 20 units in the same period of 2026. Only 7 additional units were registered in April 2026.
Q: Will current Proton owners still have access to parts and services?
A: CMH Group CEO Jebb McIntosh has confirmed that the group will continue to support existing customers with workshop and parts facilities through its retail outlets, seemingly until local Geely operations are prepared to take over the responsibility.
Scoop! The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is launching in South Africa in May 2026 and we have specifications and pricing for the new compact offroader.
Revealed back in October 2025, the new Toyota Cruiser FJ is about to make its local showroom debut, priced under R800 000. Sharing a modified and updated version of the Hilux and Fortuner platform, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ boasts a wheelbase of 2 580 mm, meaning its a bit longer than the Corolla Cross, but just shorter than the RAV4 (itself due for replacement).
Powertrain
The ladderframe architecture, low-range transfer case and wheel articulation mean it should be one talented machine when it comes to the offroad trails. In terms of powertrain, it appears there’s just one combination offered and that’s the 2.7-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine. Codenamed the 2TR-FE, it produces 120 kW and 246 Nm to all four wheels via a 6-speed Super ECT automatic transmission. It is rumoured a diesel powertrain will eventually follow.
At the time of writing, we understand there’ll be two trim levels; GX and VX. Further comfort and convenience features will be added as more information is released.
Trim Levels GX
Grey 17-inch alloys Fabric upholstery
VX
Black 18-inch alloys Leather trim
At this stage, there is no sign of the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ First Edition (below right).
How much does the new Toyota FJ cost in South Africa?
Chery appears to be preparing another massive product offensive for South Africa, with the shapeshifting Tiggo V and the budget-friendly Q electric hatchback recently snapped on local soil.
Fresh from their global unveilings, the Chery Tiggo V and the Chery Q have been spotted on a transport carrier in South Africa, signalling their imminent local introduction.
While Chery has very quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the SUV segment – the Tiggo 4 was SA’s best-selling passenger vehicle in April – these two arrivals represent a pivot to a stronger focus on versatility (Tiggo V) and affordable electrification (Q).
Unveiled at Auto China 2026, the Tiggo V is far from a standard crossover. It is built on modular architecture that blurs the lines between traditional body styles. Chery describes the Tiggo V as a “multi-purpose life space.” Marketing speak aside, what that means is the Tiggo V can be adapted to function as a family-oriented SUV, a spacious MPV, or even a bakkie-style utility vehicle.
The Chery Tiggo V at its unveiling at Auto China 2026.
This model is a fascinating prospect for the local market. South Africans famously love bakkies for their utility and SUVs for their versatility and comfort; the Tiggo V aims to provide both in a single package.
When the Tiggo V arrives, expect a futuristic, minimalist cabin dominated by large screens and sustainable materials.
The Q
Accompanying the Tiggo V on the truck was the Q, a compact electric hatchback known internationally as the QQ3 (remember that ill-fated city hatchback?).
Much like the BYD Dolphin Surf and Geely E2, the Q is positioned as an accessible entry point into EV ownership. While official local specs are yet to be confirmed, international versions feature a range of up to 300 km, making it an ideal city car.
Current indications suggest the Chery Q will make its official South African debut later this year. With these models now physically in the country, expect official pricing and specification announcements to follow shortly.
SA’s 10 most popular Chinese vehicles in April 2026
We’ve identified South Africa’s 10 most popular Chinese vehicles for April 2026, with the Jetour T2 grabbing a podium place and a fully electric vehicle entering the top 10…
Chery Tiggo 4 range’s domination continues
Jetour T2 was 3rd most popular Chinese car
Dolphin Surf enters Chinese-vehicle top 10
In a first for South Africa’s new-vehicle market, four Chinese automakers ranked in the top 10 in April 2026. But which models led the sales charge for China last month? Well, we’ve sorted through the registration figures to identify the 10 Chinese vehicles that proved most popular with local new-vehicle buyers in April.
Keep in mind we’ve included both the passenger-vehicle and the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segments in this exercise, so the list below also features a bakkie (in addition to a bunch of crossovers and a hatchback). Furthermore, note some Chinese brands operating in SA – including the likes of JMC, GAC, Geely and LDV – currently don’t report sales figures to Naamsa, so are not represented here.
Tiggo 4 dominates as T2’s climb continues
The Chery Tiggo 4 – which includes both the Tiggo 4 Pro and the Tiggo Cross – was not just South Africa’s most popular Chinese vehicle in April 2026 but also the market’s best-selling passenger car overall (the first time a Chinese model has grabbed that title). This was despite local registrations dipping 0.9% month on month to 1 871 units.
Meanwhile, the Haval Jolion retained 2nd place on the Chinese-vehicle charts, growing its tally 1.2% month on month to 1 277 units. But it was the Jetour T2 that posted the strongest growth in the top 10, with sales surging 55.4% month on month to 1 004 units. That saw the T2 (which the Chinese firm says will be produced from 2027 at the Rosslyn factory that the Chery Group is purchasing from Nissan) grab a podium spot.
Omoda C5 drops to 4th but sales hold steady
Though April 2026 marked the first time Chery subsidiary Omoda & Jaecoo ranked on the table of South Africa’s top 10 automakers, it’s interesting to note the Omoda C5 was effectively pushed off the Chinese-car podium into 4th. Still, sales of the crossover improved 4.6% month on month to 884 units, which was enough for it to grab a place on the list of SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles, too.
The GWM P-Series (including both the P300 and P500) was the only light-commercial vehicle to feature here. For the record, the P-Series climbed to a new high of 4th place on the list of Mzansi’s top-selling bakkies in April, even though sales dipped 25.1% month on month (admittedly from a record 785 units in March) to 588 units.
Fully electric Dolphin Surf breaks into top 10
Meanwhile, the Chery Tiggo 7 (425 units) enjoyed a 46.6% month-on-month increase in sales in April to grab 6th place on this list, finishing in front of the Haval H6, which in contrast endured a 4.8% month-on-month decline to 413 units. The Jetour Dashing (305 units; down 26.3% month on month) ended up in 8th position.
But the big news towards the bottom of the table was the arrival of the BYD Dolphin Surf, which ranked 9th in April. In the end, the Chinese new-energy vehicle (NEV) company registered 302 units (up 26.4% compared to March) of this fully electric hatchback, seeing it slot in just ahead of the Jetour T1 (299 units; down 31.6% month on month).
SA’s 10 most popular Chinese vehicles in April 2026
Q: Which Chinese vehicle is currently the best-seller in South Africa?
A: The Chery Tiggo 4 (which includes the Tiggo 4 Pro and Tiggo Cross) is the most popular Chinese vehicle in South Africa, with 1 871 units registered in April 2026. Notably, it also became the first Chinese model to claim the title of the country’s best-selling passenger car overall (in a single month).
Q: Are there any fully electric vehicles (EVs) in the top 10 Chinese car rankings?
A: Yes. The BYD Dolphin Surf, a fully electric hatchback, made history by breaking into the top 10 in April 2026. It ranked 9th overall with 302 units sold, representing a significant milestone for new-energy vehicles (NEVs) in the local market.
Q: What is behind the surge in Jetour T2 sales and what are the brand’s local plans?
A: The Jetour T2 experienced the strongest growth in the top 10, with sales surging 55.4% month-on-month to 1 004 units, securing a 3rd-place spot. Jetour has also confirmed that the T2 will be produced locally starting in 2027 at the Rosslyn factory.
Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when buying a car. But what are the fuel efficient Family SUVs under R400k? Here are 10 budget-friendly fuel efficient family SUVs to consider.
SUVs must offer spaciousness, practicality, performance, efficiency, ride comfort and features. How do you choose from all the fuel efficient family SUVs under R400k, that offer the best balance of features and running costs? With new car prices and fuel costs rising dramatically in a short space of time, more and more buyers are buying down or looking in the used car market in an effort to find a more affordable mobility solution.
Anyone that’s considering taking the leap to purchase a car will have to think about the operating costs (maintenance, insurance etc.) of that vehicle, including fuel costs. Fuel efficiency is therefore an important factor to consider whether you are buying a new or used car.
So, if fuel efficiency is important to you and you have a budget of up to R400 000 to spend on a used family SUV, then this list will help you find one! We have used our knowledge in the market to identify 10 fuel efficient used family SUVs under R400k.
Note that only cars between 2018 to 2023 (5 years old) are considered and this list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure about how much you are able to afford to spend on a car then we suggest you use our new Car Affordability Calculator and you can also work our estimated monthly premiums using your Finance Calculator.
Fuel efficient family SUVs under R400 000
1. Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI (5.2 L/100km)
Gravel travel capable version of the Golf7, with some of the most advanced engineering of any vehicle in its class. Of the 10 fuel efficient used family SUVs under R400k, the Tiguan is one of the best to drive, with true German engineering excellence.
The second-gen Tiguan set new standards for ride, handling and driving experience when it arrived in South Africa in 2017. VW might have transitioned away from the turbodiesel engines that once made up most of its powertrain line-up, but many second-gen Tiguan 2.0 TDis are still in the pre-owned market.
These 2-litre turbodiesel Tiguans offer an excellent combination of cruising performance and economy. And because they are turbocharged, you lose almost no power on the Highveld.
There are many price and power options, too, because VW offered three versions of the 2.0 TDI engine in its second-gen Tiguan. The mildest version had 81 kW and 280 Nm, with diesel consumption of only 5.2 L/100km in ideal conditions. This version is also only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, which is easier to maintain long term than VW’s DSG transmissions.
The mid-range second-gen Tiguan 2.0 TDI has a lot more performance, at 105 kW and 340 Nm, but still consumes only 6.1 L/100km. If you want real open-road and long-distance driving performance, especially with a Tiguan fully loaded with passengers and luggage, there’s the high-output 2.0 TDI, with 130 kW and 380 Nm, an ideal condition consumption of only 6.4 L/100km.
The mid- and high-power second-gen Tiguan 2.0 TDis were only available with the 7-speed DSG transmission.
Rav4 is the best-selling vehicle in many of the world’s most important car markets, like America. Despite Rav4’s incredible commercial success and the huge amount of money that Toyota invests in its engineering and makes from its sales, there is no diesel Rav4 available anymore. That is why you might want to buy an older version…
The last version of the Rav4 to offer a turbodiesel engine was the fourth-gen, which was on sale from 2013-2019. These Rav4s, with their slick design, are valuable in the used market, especially because many buyers value the performance, economy and trusted Toyota build quality of its 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine.
The fourth-gen Rav4 turbodiesel makes 110 kW and 340 Nm. Those aren’t amazing engine outputs, but 340 Nm of torque is plenty when you need to keep speed up long Highveld inclines, in a fully loaded Rav4. But best of all is the economy equation, with Rav4 diesel manuals as low as 5.6 L/100km and automatic transmission versions at 6.5 L/100km.
You can easily find these desirable fourth-gen Rav4 turbodiesels for under R400 000, with parts and service kits widely available. Toyota’s huge sales success and scale in South Africa, along with its extensive dealer network, make aftersales service and support a real part of the value proposition when buying a Rav4. Of all the 10 fuel efficient used family SUVs under R400k on our list, Rav4 will probably lose the least value due to depreciation.
Mahindra’s XUV500 exited the local market in 2021, but many pre-owned models are still available. And they all offer a combination of bargain pricing and rugged performance, ideal for demanding South African road conditions.
With seating for seven and lots of standard features, the XUV500 offers a lot of value. It’s also powered by Mahindra’s proven 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, which has done duty with distinction in the Indian brand’s bakkies. Farmers and other commercial customers throughout South Africa trust these engines, which have made Mahindra the fastest-growing bakkie brand in South Africa. That means in an SUV like the XUV500, the Mahindra 2.2 turbodiesel should prove very durable.
The XUV500’s 2.2 turbodiesel isn’t very powerful, at only 103 kW, but it has 330 Nm of torque. There are two transmission options, both with 6-speeds, but the manual has better fuel consumption potential than the automatic.
If you choose your gear shifts carefully and manage the XUV500’s momentum in traffic and on the highway, you can get 6.5 L/100km. The Mahindra’s 2.2 turbodiesel engine might be powerful, but it’s very durable. Because Mahindra has an established presence in South Africa, with so many of its bakkies running the 2.2 turbodiesel engine, parts availability is good, and service support is reasonably well distributed throughout the country.
Often mispronounced but well regarded, the Hyundai Tucson was one of South Africa’s favourite mid-size SUVs before the flood of Chinese models entered over the last two years.
One thing Tucson always offered that Chinese brands don’t, is turbodiesel power. And that’s where the third-gen Tucsons are such an interesting buy. Available from 2015-2020, these Tucsons were available with two turbodiesel engine options, both capable of incredibly low fuel consumption at highway cruising speeds.
The real pre-owned Tucson turbodiesel bargain is the smaller 1.7 CRDi. Power isn’t amazing at 85 kW, but torque is decent at 280 Nm, which should flatten even the steepest Highveld hills and gradients without issue.
Hyundai’s Tucson 1.7 CRDi features an easy-to-maintain 6-speed manual gearbox. And if you are smart about shifting at the right intervals and conserving momentum, average cruising diesel consumption can drop to 6.8 L/100km. That is some of the best consumption of any fuel efficient family SUVs under R400k.
If you want great overtaking performance and economy, Hyundai’s second-gen 2.0 CRDi turbodiesel is an excellent used buy. With 131 kW and 400 Nm, it delivers very confident highway performance, and the 6-speed automatic transmission has an economy-minded shift pattern, which can average diesel consumption in the mid-7s.
The Mazda CX-5 is an excellent family car and the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 121 kW and 213 Nm and mated with a 6-speed manual transmission is a particularly fuel-efficient combination.
Sure, the CX-5 loses a lot of power and performance at altitude on the Highveld. But because it’s not turbocharged, the claimed fuel consumption is very close to what you get in real-world driving. And then there’s the benefit of a naturally aspirated petrol engine, like the CX-5’s 2-litre, being a lot more durable and cheaper to service in the long term.
If design matters and petrol economy matter to you, the CX-5 is possibly the best looking fuel efficient family SUVs under R400k on our list.
Chery’s Tiggo 7 Pro is proving very popular in South Africa and while it’s slightly smaller than your typical Tucson or RAV4 family car, it’s bigger than your typical compact family SUV (T-Cross/Ecosport/Venue etc.) and it therefore straddles that boundary and we think it deserves a shout on this list.
Tiggo 7 Pro’s commercial success in the market means there’s a growing supply of pre-owned versions becoming available, at prices below R400 000.
The Tiggo 7 Pro is powered by a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine. It makes 108 kW and 210 Nm and is paired with a CVT, offering a good balance of highway performance at altitude, but also reasonable petrol consumption. If you are looking for a bang-for-buck family SUV then we’d say this is a solid choice. For 7-seat capability, the larger Tiggo 8 Pro is also available, but it’s slightly more expensive.
The Opel Grandland X offers good value in the used-car market, and for under R400k there are several well-priced, low-mileage units on offer.
The Grandland X is powered by a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with 121 kW and 240 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. With that turbocharged engine, you don’t lose performance on the Highveld, the Grandland X offers a good balance between acceleration and fuel consumption, especially if you drive with gentle throttle inputs.
If you like the idea of Opel’s brand legacy in South Africa and don’t want to drive one of the mainstream Japanese, Korean or Chinese brands, the Grandland X is Opel’s outlier option in the segment.
The Peugeot 3008 is a hugely underrated family car in the South African market, and it’s one of the more stylish options to consider. If you value everything that’s great about distinctive French car design, the 3008 has a lot of appeal.
An updated 3008 arrived in South Africa back in 2021. A cousin of the Opel Grandland X, the 3008 is powered by the same 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine shared across many Opel and Peugeot models. With 121 kW and 240 Nm, performance is decent, even if you live in Gauteng’s thinner air, where the turbocharger compensates for any power loss.
Paried with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 3008 is very undemanding to drive in hectic urban commuter traffic. And like all French cars, it has very comfy ride quality.
Honda’s previous-generation CR-V has a proven reputation in South Africa. These Hondas are known for their build quality and mechanical durability and that is why they are on our list of fuel efficient family SUVs under R400k
Unlike Honda’s current CR-V, the previous-gen version features a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 113 kW and 189 Nm of torque, and it comes with a CVT.
Not being turbocharged does make it a bit slow on the Highveld, where the real power loss from altitude is significant. But without a turbocharger, the CR-V has very consistent fuel consumption and excellent long-term durability.
Haval’s wildly popular Jolion has played a significant role in establishing Chinese brand equity in the South African car market. The Jolion has been a huge success since its launch. Offering a sensibly sized family car package, with good cabin space, and a lot of features for a very competitive price. This is one of the best equipped fuel efficient family SUVs under R400k.
Another big selling point with Jolion, is its engine. The Haval uses 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with 105 kW and 210 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Being turbocharged, it offers consistent performance on the Highveld, unlike non-turbo engines, which loses a lot of power and overtaking performance at altitude.
Run-flats are designed to get you home safely if your tyre is losing air. That’s if home isn’t too far away… Here we look at the pros and cons of run-flat tyres within a South African context.
Run-flat tyres were designed to solve a European luxury car problem. What happens if you start losing air and don’t want to stop and change the tyre, because stopping next to a highway is dangerous and illegal in parts of Europe? The engineered solution was the run-flat tyre.
But run-flat tyres, locally pioneered by BMW with the E90 3 Series, were created for a driving environment very different from South Africa’s. In Europe, the driving distances between home, office, social venues and garage forecourts are much shorter than in South Africa. The run-flat tyre principle was a convenience feature. You could drive a few kilometres home safely, then worry about tyre replacement the next day.
In South Africa, these special tyres have enormous safety benefits, but some of our roads also complicate the issue.
Here we’ve created an all-you-need-to-know guide about the tyres that can get you home when they’ve run out of air. We also touch on the important question of run-flat tyres and their use on bakkies and ladder-frame SUVs. This is worth thinking about because many traditional German luxury sedan buyers have now become double-cab and SUV owners. The run-flat tyre options for these vehicles are not quite the same as those for a German luxury sedan.
How do run-flat tyres work?
BMW was an early run-flat pioneer and continues to offer extensive run-flat options.
Lots of very clever mechanical and chemical engineering. The concept is very simple: A tyre supports your vehicle’s weight through a combination of its structural integrity, which is the tyre sidewall, and the volume of air inside it.
When you lose the support of that air on a conventional tyre, the sidewall is too weak to carry the vehicle’s corner-load weight on its own. To address this issue, a run-flat tyre is over-engineered by a significant margin. Its sidewalls are much stronger and use materials with greater heat resistance because when the total loading on those sidewalls increases, they heat up and risk deformation and failure.
How well do run-flats work? In ideal scenarios, like on an unloaded vehicle driving along a perfectly smooth highway at less than 80 kph, a run-flat allows you to drive for up to 80 km. That’s a real benefit in Gauteng, or if you are on the N2 in Cape Town. But if you are in the middle of nowhere in the Northern Cape?
Run-flat tyres prevent catastrophic blowouts
To survive a South African pothole strike, you need an off-road tyre or run-flats.
Gauteng and greater Cape Town often look like a permanent construction site. That means lots of fasteners (like bolts, nails and screws) that fall off during transportation and end up on the road surface. This building debris, especially fasteners, is a huge risk to tyres.
Run-flats are great at preventing that nail-in-the-tyre annoyance from becoming a total disaster. Stopping next to a South African highway to change a flat tyre, especially at night, is a huge risk. With run-flats, you can keep driving and get home.
Aside from avoiding the personal security hazard of having to stop in a high-risk area to change a tyre, a run-flat tyre has another real benefit: preventing high-speed blowouts. Not all vehicles driving at highway speeds in South Africa have tyre-pressure-monitoring systems. These sensors warn you when you have a tyre suddenly losing pressure and is at risk of suffering a structural collapse. A ‘blowout’ at highway cruising speeds, especially if it is a front tyre on the steered axle, can be catastrophic and very hard to control.
If you have a slow puncture on one of your tyres and don’t have a tyre-pressure-monitoring system to warn you the tyre is deflating, a run-flat will prevent that tyre from sudden and complete structural collapse.
Why aren’t all tyres run-flats?
High-volume run-flat tyres exist but all-terrain casing options are limited.
If run-flats are so good at reducing the risk of being stranded next to a highway or avoiding a blowout, why aren’t they standard across most new vehicles?
Like everything in automotive engineering, run-flat tyres have compromises. The first is cost. Compared to a conventionally structured tyre of the same size, rubber compound and tread pattern, run-flats are more expensive.
The second issue is weight. Run-flats are engineered to carry the full load of a car when deflated, creating heavier tyres. That means a lot more rotational/unsprung weight, increasing fuel consumption.
Those overengineered run-flat sidewalls can also mean a harsher ride quality. Because the sidewalls are designed to be much stronger than those of a conventional tyre, they have less vertical bump absorption. That means run-flats have an impact on ride quality.
For South African buyer preferences and travel conditions, run-flats also have specific limitations that don’t apply to Europe…
Run-flat tyres and double-cabs/rugged SUVs
Bakkie drivers want tall sidewalls that flex at low pressure, exactly what run-flats aren’t capable of doing…
South Africa’s most popular vehicle is the Toyota Hilux. South Africa’s most popular full-size SUV is its 5-door twin, the Fortuner. Double-cab bakkies and body-on-frame SUVs are popular family vehicles in South Africa because they are tough and versatile. They’re capable of journeying with ease on the most challenging, corrugated dirt roads.
Part of what makes double-cab bakkies and body-on-frame SUVs so good for all-terrain road trips is the tyres they use. Usually, they’re large-volume, all-terrain tyres. You’ll really struggle to find run-flat tyres in the sizes that work on double cabs or body-on-frame SUVs.
Another issue is the feature that makes a run-flat what it is – that ultra-rigid sidewall – is exactly what double-cab bakkie and SUV drivers don’t want. Why? Well, large-volume all-terrain tyres need a sidewall that can deform. This allows the tyre to create that elongated tread pattern when aired down. This increases traction, a crucial need for nearly all double-cab bakkie drivers who venture out of the city.
In comparison, run-flats don’t allow the tread pattern to elongate when aired down, making them unsuitable for off-road drivers.
Run-flat tyres in SA conditions
South African luxury double cabs go places European tyre engineers can’t imagine.
Possibly the biggest challenge for the use of run-flats in South Africa is our country’s amazing dirt road network. Nearly every great family road trip includes a long dirt road. And dirt roads don’t play nice with run flats.
On severe gravel routes, you want high-volume tyre casings with tall, flexible sidewalls that absorb corrugation shocks. The rigid sidewall structure of a run-flat does exactly the opposite. It transfers all the corrugation harshness to the suspension components and therefore the cabin.
Then there’s the issue of what happens during longer driving distances on poor rural roads. Once they run out of air pressure, run-flat tyres impose speed and distance limitations. At 80 kph for 80 km, a deflated run-flat tyre might not get you to the next town in the Karoo or Northern Cape. And that’s under ideal conditions on a smooth highway…
Local dirt roads are harsh on tyres. A family vehicle at its gross vehicle-mass limit (fully loaded with passengers and cargo) will severely test a run-flat tyre’s ability to reach the full 80 km driving distance.
For urban use on passenger vehicles such as sedans, crossovers and monocoque SUVs, run-flat tyres hold real-world safety benefits. And that makes them worth the cost. However, be mindful of how vulnerable they can be if you’re planning a road trip involving a lot of dirt-road driving.
Fuel-efficient used cars under R200k in SA
Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when buying a car. But what cars should you consider if you are shopping for fuel efficient used carsunder R200 000? We have 10 budget-friendly optionsfor you.
The used car market in South Africa is flourishing. As new car and fuel prices continue to rise, more South African car buyers are exploring the used-car market. And especially the market for fuel efficient used cars.
Anyone that’s considering taking the leap to purchase a car will have to think about the operating costs (maintenance, insurance etc.) of that vehicle, including fuel costs. Fuel efficiency is therefore an important factor to consider whether you are buying a new or used car.
So, if fuel efficiency is important to you and you have a budget of up to R200 000 to spend on a used car, what are your options? Our advice will hopefully give you something to think about. All the cars on this list have claimed fuel consumption figures of under 5 L/100km.
We have added insights to each choice. These insights cover how driving needs and location can influence real-world fuel consumption, compared to the claimed numbers.
It is important to remember that if you live inland, especially on the Highveld, engines that aren’t turbocharged, lose significant power. And often need to be driven harder, to keep up with highway traffic, theoretically increasing fuel consumption. We hope this helps you better understand how to shop smart for fuel-efficient used cars.
If you are unsure about how much you are able to afford to spend on a car then we suggest you use our new Car Affordability Calculator and you can also work our estimated monthly premiums using your Finance Calculator.
Fuel-efficient used cars under R200 000 in South Africa
1. Ford Fiesta 1.5TDCi Trend / Fiesta 1.0T Trend – From 3.6 L/100km
The 1.5-litre turbodiesel Fiesta wasn’t very powerful. But it offered what South African buyers really wanted on the Highveld. An engine that did not suffer power loss at altitude and had very low diesel consumption.
The 63 kW peak power number isn’t impressive. But Ford’s 1.5 turbodiesel engines do make 175 Nm of torque, which is plenty for a lightweight car like the Fiesta. If you use that 6th gear as an overdrive on the highway, these Fiesta 1.5 turbodiesels have remarkably low fuel consumption. With sub-5l/100km figures achievable in the real world.
Everything that’s great about the 1.5 turbodiesel doesn’t apply to the 1.0 turbopetrol Fiesta. These engines are notorious for using a lot of boost to compensate for the small relative capacity. And that means there’s no way to really drive a Fiesta 1.0 turbopetrol economically.
The Fiat 500 is one of the smallest cars on sale in South Africa. But it’s also one of the most fuel-efficient used cars you can buy for under R200k. The Fiat 500 was updated in 2021 and there are several low-mileage Fiat 500’s on offer in the used car market for under R200k.
The Fiat 500 is available with a 2-cylinder 0.9-litre (875cc) turbocharged petrol engine. This tiny engine produces 62.5 kW and 145 Nm of torque. It is mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a Manual Transmission Automatic (MTA).
Engineers at Fiat are experts at creating tiny engines with great driveability and reasonable fuel consumption. The 500’s charming yet aerodynamic shape and its very low weight also help keep fuel consumption low.
Be aware that those MTA transmissions are more complicated and can become expensive to maintain in the long term. Especially if you are driving up long inclines or in heavy city traffic daily. Always choose the 5-speed manual 500 if you can.
Suzuki products are well-known for returning excellent real-world fuel consumption figures while also being affordable to buy and maintain. The new Suzuki Celerio and indeed the outgoing Celerio hit the bulls-eye when it comes to fuel consumption.
The updated Celerio in GL automatic guise claims 4.2 L/100km while the manual derivatives claim 4.4 L/100km. The previous Celerio was slightly thirstier with 4.6 and 4.7 L/100km claimed for the automatic and manual derivatives respectively.
Celerio makes use of a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine with 49 kW and 89 Nm. This engine is paired with either 5-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automated manual transmission. It’s a very lightweight car, but on the Highveld Celerio does feel slow when loaded with people and luggage. Why? Because the tiny naturally aspirated engine loses about 15% of its power at altitude.
And that 15% power loss matters for fuel consumption. How? Because you’ll use a lot more throttle to keep up with traffic and pass trucks on the Highveld, with a Celerio, compared to the coast. And more intense throttle use means heavier fuel consumption.
The Peugeot 108 was re-introduced to market back in 2019 and the the 1.0 Active was the only derivative on offer. The 108 has however since been discontinued in South Africa but there are numerous used examples currently on offer.
Peugeot’s 108 is powered by a naturally aspirated 1-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. It is rated at 53 kW and 93 Nm and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The 108’s fuel consumption depends on where in South Africa you live and how you drive. Why? It is about the differences between coastal and inland air density influence engine performance.
Small engines without turbocharging lose nearly 15% of their power output at Gauteng altitude. That means they work much harder to keep up with traffic on the highway, or up long inclines. And that increases average fuel consumption.
The diesel-powered Mahindra KUV100 Nxt is both a budget-friendly and fuel-efficient choice for under R200k. It uses a 1.2-litre turbodiesel engine with 57 kW and 190 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
The power number isn’t amazing, but 190 Nm of torque in a small car is plenty. Mahindra’s 3-cylinder turbodiesel’s torque does make a difference when you need to keep momentum up long highway inclines. Or need that roll-on acceleration to pass slower traffic.
This compact Mahindra is an interesting used-car low-consumption hero because it’s diesel. There are very few compact cars in a sensible age and mileage range, with diesel engines available in South Africa.
The KUV100 suffers no performance loss at altitude. That means consistent acceleration and overtaking performance. And really impressive real-world diesel consumption if you drive with mild throttle inputs, averaging close to 5l/100km on the highway.
Best of all, the XUV100’s turbodiesel engine isn’t wildly sophisticated. It uses a timing chain instead of a timing belt. A design proven to be a lot more durable and cheaper to maintain in the long term. The KUV100 Nxt 1.2TD is one of the rarer fuel efficient used cars in South Africa. But if you want a diesel, it is well worth searching for one in our link below…
6. Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI Comfortline – From 4.5 L/100km
The Volkswagen Polo is another great choice to consider under R200k, if you are looking in the market for fuel efficient used cars.
Polo 1.0TSI with its turbocharged, 1.0-litre petrol engine offers 70 kW and 175 Nm of torque and is mated with either a 5-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic.
Traditionally, VW dominated the market for compact turbodiesel cars in South Africa. From the late 1990s to the early 2010s, Polo and Vivo turbodiesels were the true low-consumption champions for South African family car buyers. But VW exited much of its diesel engine business in the late 2010s, so the available low-mileage and low-year Polos now are turbopetrols.
These 1.0 TSI turbopetrol engines are more responsive on the Highveld and don’t suffer altitude-induced power loss. But they can be heavier than expected on fuel in city traffic. Why? Because of the traffic driving duty cycle, where the engine has to go on- and off-boost so frequently as you edge along at low speeds. On the open road, at constant throttle and speeds, the 1.0 TSI engine can be very economical.
Between the gearbox options, most of the long-term durability and low-maintenance advantages are definitely with the 5-speed manual over the 7-speed DSG.
The crossover version of Ford’s once-popular Fiesta. And with the proven low-consumption 1.5TDCi engine.
EcoSport offers everything you need from an affordable crossover with turbodiesel power: consistent performance on the Highveld and the promise of low diesel consumption at highway speeds when travelling long distances.
In the EcoSport, Ford’s 1.5TDCi is rated at 75 kW and 205 Nm, which aren’t exceptional engine output numbers. But that 205 Nm torque figure is enough to keep the lightweight EcoSport up to speed with highway traffic, even when you encounter an incline.
That’s a good thing. Why? Because it inherits Suzuki’s reputation for fuel efficiency and is powered by the same 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine with 49 kW and 89 Nm. It too is paired with either 5-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automated manual transmission.
The car that restored Renaut’s reputation in South Africa. A hugely popular crossover/SUV that’s affordable, looks good, and has real gravel travel ability. And one of the most in-demand used Renaults in the market – for good reason.
Engineers at Renault designed the first-gen Duster to be comfortable and capable of travelling on badly corrugated dirt roads. Those roads that adventurous drivers encounter on a deep Karoo road trip. And the Duster deals with them confidently.
Beyond the dirt-road ability, the other reason the previous-generation Duster was so popular with South African buyers was its range. And incredibly low overall diesel consumption. The French-designed 1.5 dCi turbodiesel engine offers a near-perfect balance of performance and economy.
With 80 kW and 240 Nm, this engine has enough overtaking performance to power the Duster past slower trucks on the highway, with ease. Duster also has more than enough torque to cruise up dirt roads mountain passes. That makes it great if you go exploring in the deep Eastern Cape or Lesotho. Being turbocharged, you lose no power at altitude, either, which is a bonus.
But best of all is the incredible fuel efficiency. Duster’s 1.5 dCi is remarkably light on fuel. This is a true gravel travel exploration vehicle within the R200 000 budget, capable of real-world 5l/100km diesel consumption. Giving it an amazing touring range when you need to explore and don’t want to worry about running out of diesel. Or the admin of having to carry jerry cans of additional fuel.
10. Suzuki Swift / Dzire / Ignis / S-Presso – From 4.9 L/100km
The Suzuki Swift, Ignis and S-Spresso hatchback and Suzuki Dzire sedan all return great fuel economy. These cars are all part of the affordability spectrum that Suzuki offers South African buyers. And why the Japanese brand has become so popular in South Africa.
The Suzuki Swift and Dzire are powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine. This engine is rated at 61 kW and 113 Nm of torque. Gearbox options are are a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual transmission. The Suzuki Ignis uses the same engine but the Ignis GLX automatic returns the best fuel consumption while its manual counterpart claims 5.1 L/100km.
Suzuki’s S-Presso is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine with 50 kW and 90 Nm. And can be had with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automated manual transmission.
Be mindful that the S-Presso is a very cheap car, for a reason. It has nowhere near the engineering integrity or build quality of a Swift. In crash testing, the S-Presso has performed very poorly.
The smart buy? A used Swift, if you budget is up to R200 000. That gets you a safer Suzuki, that still has lowish fuel consumption.
VW Golf GTI (2026) vs BYD Shark 6 (2026) Drag & Rolling Race
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a South African performance icon, but the automotive landscape is shifting as powerful newcomers enter the fray. In this latest head-to-head drag race, the recently updated Golf 8.5 GTI faces off against a vehicle from a completely different segment: the BYD Shark 6.
The Volkswagen Golf 8.5 GTI has received a power bump for its latest iteration, now delivering 195 kW and 370 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. It remains the quintessential front-wheel-drive hot hatch, prioritising refinement and punchy performance. But how will it fare in a drag race against a … bakkie?!
The BYD Shark 6, however, represents the new wave of electrified utility. This plug-in hybrid bakkie features two electric motors paired with a petrol engine, producing a massive 321 kW and 650 Nm. Despite weighing nearly 3 tonnes, its all-wheel-drive system and instant torque make it a formidable opponent on the tarmac.
Launching a front-wheel-drive car on a damp surface is a challenge. While the GTI struggles for traction in the wet, the Shark 6 utilises its electric motors to bolt off the line with surprising urgency. The sheer grip and power of the bakkie allow it to create an immediate gap, but the Golf shouldn’t be discounted…
The rolling race
To negate the traction advantage of the bakkie, the contenders also faced off in rolling races from 30 kph. This test focuses on in-gear acceleration and how these different powertrains deploy their energy once already in motion. With the launch issues removed, the contest becomes far tighter, highlighting the impressive engineering behind both the legacy hatch and the high-tech newcomer.
How well did the Suzuki Across sell in its 1st full month?
The new Suzuki Across has completed its first full month on the market in South Africa. Here’s how many units of the mild-hybrid crossover were sold locally in April 2026…
New Across comfortably outsells Grand Vitara
Ends up the 6th most popular Suzuki in April
All units of new Across sold via dealer channel
The new Suzuki Across officially hit the market in South Africa in March 2026. So, how many examples of the Japanese brand’s mild-hybrid crossover – which has a pricing overlap with the Grand Vitara – were sold in April 2026, its first full month on the local market?
Well, according to figures reported to industry-representative body Naamsa, Suzuki Auto SA registered 231 units of the new Indian-built Across last month, all via the dealer channel. For the record, that’s in addition to the 131 units registered in its (partial) launch month of March.
While the Swift (1 556 units), Fronx (1 113 units) and Ertiga (874 units) led the sales charge for Suzuki Auto SA in April – with all 3 ranking on the list of SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles last month – the Across finished not too far behind the Baleno (337 units) and S-Presso (332 units). That made it the 6th most popular of Suzuki’s 15 model lines.
In the end, the new Across outsold the Dzire (187 units), Jimny (155 units), Celerio (113 units), Grand Vitara (96 units), XL6 (36 units) and Ignis (19 units), not to mention the Eeco panel van (230 units) and Super Carry mini-truck (84 units) that operate in SA’s light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space.
As a reminder, the local Across portfolio comprises a trio of front-wheel-drive derivatives, each employing the Hamamatsu-based automaker’s 76 kW/137 Nm naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor (K15C) equipped with a mild-hybrid system. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed automatic cog-swapper.
The Across 1.5 GL 5MT is priced from R349 900, while the Across 1.5 GL 6AT is positioned in the middle of the range, available from R372 900. Finally, the Across 1.5 GLX 6AT tops the line-up at R464 900.
Q: How many units of the new Suzuki Across were sold in April 2026?
A: In its first full month on the South African market, the Suzuki Across registered 231 units. This follows the 131 units sold during its partial launch month in March 2026.
Q: Where does the Across rank within Suzuki’s local model line-up?
A: The Across finished April 2026 as the 6th most popular model out of Suzuki’s 15 local lines. While it trailed volume drivers like the Swift and Fronx, it comfortably outsold the Grand Vitara, Jimny and Dzire.
Q: What are the engine specifications and pricing for the Suzuki Across?
A: The Across is powered by a 1.5-litre K15C mild-hybrid petrol engine producing 76 kW and 137 Nm. Pricing starts at R349 900 for the GL manual, R372 900 for the GL automatic, and R464 900 for the flagship GLX automatic.
The Kia Carens has touched down in South Africa, boasting smart practicality and punchy diesel power. Here’s a look at pricing and specifications.
The sharp-looking Carens from Korean brand Kia has just gone on sale in May 2026. Kia reckons it blends 7-seater MPV practicality with SUV styling and based on these images, we’d agree.
There’s just one engine available across the range and that’s the 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder motor. It makes 85 kW and 250 Nm, and it is worth noting that peak torque is coming in at just 1 500 rpm. It’s said to consume 5 L/100 km when paired to the 6-speed manual gearbox, while 6-speed auto has a claimed economy of 5.3 L/100 km.
The Carens is all about the practicality though, and the third row is able to fold down flat, giving you substantial space and seating for five. From the picture above, it appears that there’s still some degree of boot space available with a third row seat deployed.
Trim Levels
All four derivatives feature anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and hill start assist, along with multiple airbags covering the driver, passenger, front thorax and curtain.
LS
Six-speed manual gearbox
16-inch styled wheels
Partial LED rear combination lamps
Height adjustable driver’s seat
Cloth and artificial leather combination upholstery
Centre armrest with integrated storage box
Manual air conditioning
8-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Six-speaker sound system
4.2-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster
Rear park distance control
LX adds:
Six-speed automatic transmission
17-inch Crystal Cut dual-tone alloy wheels
Electric folding mirrors
Roof rails
Artificial leather upholstery
Cruise control
Wireless smartphone charger
EX adds:
LED daytime running lights
Smart key
Push button start
Larger 12.3-inch infotainment display
Front/rear park distance control
SX
Electric driver seat adjustment with electronic lumbar support
Smart cruise control with stop & go functionality
Electric windows with safety control for the driver and passenger
Front heated seats with three-level control.
Larger Digital 12-inch TFT integrated LCD instrument cluster display
Bose premium sound system with 8 speakers
ADAS package comprising Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Blind-Spot Collision avoidance at the rear, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Following Assist.
How much does the Kia Carens cost in South Africa?
All Carens models are sold as standard with 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty (inclusive of road side assistance) as well as a three-year/45 000 km service plan.
How much does the Kia Carens cost in South Africa?
The 2026 Kia Carens starts at R399,995 for the entry-level LS model and goes up to R599,995 for the top-of-the-range SX derivative.
What engine does the South African Kia Carens have?
The Kia Carens is powered by a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine producing 85kW and 250Nm. It is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Is the Kia Carens a 7-seater?
Yes, the Kia Carens is a dedicated 7-seater MPV, offering three rows of seating designed for family practicality.
What is the fuel consumption of the Kia Carens?
The 1.5D engine is very efficient, with a combined cycle of 5.0L/100km for the manual and 5.3L/100km for the automatic models.
What warranty is included with the Kia Carens?
The Kia Carens comes standard with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 3-year/45,000km service plan.
