Fuel Efficient Family SUVs Under R400k

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.

Also see: Volkswagen Tiguan (2016-2021) Buyer’s Guide

Buy a used Tiguan 2.0TDI on Cars.co.za for under R400k

2. Toyota RAV4 2.2 D manual (5.6 L/100km)

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.

Buy a used Toyota RAV4 2.0 for under R400k on Cars.co.za

3. Mahindra XUV500 2.2CRDe W8 manual (6.5 L/100km)

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.

Also see: Mahindra XUV700 Review: Living with it

Buy a used Mahindra XUV500 for under R400k on Cars.co.za

4. Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi automatic (6.7 L/100km)

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.

Also see: Hyundai Tucson (2016-2021) Buyer’s Guide

Buy a Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi for under R400k on Cars.co.za

Buy a Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi for under R400k on Cars.co.za

5. Mazda CX-5 2.0 Active manual (6.8 L/100km)

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.

If you are considering either the Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Tucson as an option, take a look at this useful comparative review!

Buy a used Mazda CX-5 2.0 manual for under R400k on Car.co.za

6. Chery Tiggo 7 Pro (6.8 L/100km)

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.

Buy a used Chery Tiggo 7 Pro for under R400k on Cars.co.za

7. Opel Grandland X (7.0 L/100km)

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.

Buy a used Opel Grandland X for under R400k on Cars.co.za

8. Peugeot 3008 (7.0 L/100km)

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.

Buy a used Peugeot 3008 for under R400k on Cars.co.za

9. Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort (7.3 L/100km)

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.

Buy a used Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort for under R400k on Cars.co.za

10. Haval Jolion – (7.5 L/100km)

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.

Buy a used Haval Jolion for under R400k on Cars.co.za

Run-flat tyres: How useful are they in SA?

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 imagin*e.

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 cars under R200 000? We have 10 budget-friendly options for 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.

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 Ford Fiesta has sadly been discontinued in South Africa but when the new Fiesta came to market in 2018 one of its key strengths was fuel efficiency, particulalry for the diesel-powered Fiesta 1.5TDCi Trend manual (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 6^th 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.

Buy a Ford Fiesta 1.5TDCi for under R200k on Cars.co.za

Buy a used Ford Fiesta 1.0T for under R200k on Cars.co.za

2. Fiat 500 – From 3.8 L/100km

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.

Buy a used Fiat 500 for under R200k on Cars.co.za

3. Suzuki Celerio – From 4.2 L/100km

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.

Buy a used Suzuki Celerio for under R200k on Cars.co.za

4. Peugeot 108 – From 4.3 L/100km

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.

Buy a Peugeot 108 for under R200k on Cars.co.za

5. Mahindra KUV100 Nxt 1.2 D75 K6+/K8 – From 4.3 L/100km

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…

Buy a used Mahindra KUV100 Nxt 1.2TD for under R200k on Cars.co.za

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.

Buy a used Volkswagen Polo 1.0TSI Comfortline for under R200k on Cars.co.za

7. Ford EcoSport 1.5 TDCi – From 4.6 L/100km

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.

Note that production of the Ford EcoSport has officially ended.

Buy a Ford EcoSport 1.5TDCI for under R200k on Cars.co.za

8. Toyota Vitz – From 4.4 L/100km

The Toyota Vitz is a rebadged Suzuki Celerio, a product of the Toyota-Suzuki product share agreement.

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.

Buy a used Toyota Vitz for under R200k on Cars.co.za

9. Renault Duster 1.5 dCi – 4.8 L/100km

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.

Buy a used Renault Duster diesel for under R200 000 on Cars.co.za

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.

Most of the Suzuki S-Spresso range is priced below R200k which means you can buy one new off the showroom floor!

Buy a used Suzuki Swift for under R200k on Cars.co.za

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.

Watch: BYD Shark 6 vs Ford Ranger Raptor: Off-road comparison

The standing start drag race

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.

Curious to see how the Volkswagen Golf GTI fares against a real competitor? VW Golf GTI (2026) vs Toyota GR Corolla (2026) Drag & Rolling Race

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.

Find a Suzuki Across on Cars.co.za!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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.

Kia Carens (2026) Price & Specs

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.

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

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.

Carens 1.5D seven-seater LS 6MT	R399 995
Carens 1.5D seven-seater LX 6AT	R459 995
Carens 1.5D seven-seater EX 6AT	R499 995
Carens 1.5D seven-seater SX 6AT	R599 995

Want to buy a new or used Kia? Browse vehicles for sale.

Read all the latest Kia news and reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Ford Ranger 2.3T (2026) Launch Review

The Ford Ranger 2.3T forms part of the updated Ranger line-up and it has just gone on sale. We took it for a quick drive at its local media debut in Oudtshoorn.

The Ford Ranger has been given a refresh, with the Blue Oval brand tweaking the range and offering more value, but the headline act is the local debut of the 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine.

Given its popularity as South Africa’s best-selling double-cab bakkie, the MY26 Ranger looks set to continue its sales success.

What’s new?

Granted, as it’s not quite a facelift but rather a model-year upgrade, visual changes are subtle. There are two new colours (Ignite Orange and Acacia Green), new wheel designs and body-coloured accents.

The standard equipment levels have been upgraded, too, with the 12-inch portrait infotainment screen and dual-zone climate control standard across the double-cab Ranger range. Safety tech has also been increased with the XL gaining front PDC and lane-keep assist. The XLT, meanwhile, receives adaptive cruise control and BLIS with cross traffic alert. Lastly, the Wildtrak gains matrix LED lights.

In terms of powertrains, the line-up has been rejigged substantially. The 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel falls away and more derivatives like the Tremor gain the 3.0-litre V6 diesel.

At the entry point, the 2.0-litre single-turbodiesel has been upgraded with updated fuel system and has switched from a wet belt to a timing chain. Outputs are 125 kW and 405 Nm, and customers can choose from a 6-speed manual gearbox or 10-speed automatic, which is now the only auto available.

The subject of this driving event, however, was the local debut of the 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 222 kW and 452 Nm. This is the powertrain of choice for Rangers sold in the United States and, yes, earlier versions of this motor powered both the Mustang and Ford Focus RS. That gives you some indication of positioning.

What’s on offer?

As before, the line-up comprises XL, XLT, Wildtrak, Tremor and Platinum, but its worth mentioning that the Wildtrak-X has become an option pack as opposed to a standalone model. New for MY26 and the Ranger range is the debut of Sport trim, which is available with the 2.3T petrol and 3.0 V6 diesel.

The standard features list is impressive, with the likes of a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, zone lighting, 240V power in the load bed, navigation, tyre-pressure monitoring and 8-way power adjustable driver seat as some of the standout items.

What is the Ford Ranger 2.3T like to drive?

We had the chance to drive the new Ford Ranger 2.3T in and around the Oudtshoorn area, including the famously spectacular Swartberg Pass and Meiringspoort canyon road. These are well worth visiting if you’re in the area, but our road trip was affected by an early winter storm, which made Swartberg Pass’ gravel sections a touch sketchy.

Enough of that, though. You’re probably all wondering about the pace and, given the recent fuel price news, the economy. With 222 kW and 452 Nm underfoot, the Ford Ranger 2.3T doesn’t hesitate to put down all that power and delivers it all in a smooth and linear fashion.

We didn’t get the chance to conduct a 0-100 kph sprint, but we estimate it should dispatch that in around 7.5 seconds. Quick for a double-cab bakkie!

Of more relevance is its in-gear capabilities and we had the chance to assess that when overtaking slower traffic. The gearbox with its 10 ratios coped well, but we still feel there are 1 or 2 unnecessary gears slightly hindering performance. Essentially, the transmission has to kick down a few gears too many before unleashing that torquey and rev-happy engine. Given the engine and sporty trim, we would have liked a sport mode to further reinforce the sporty aspirations, but you get normal, tow, slippery, and eco.

Which brings us to the elephant in the room… We’ll be the first to admit that we had concerns this was going to be a very thirsty vehicle, given its mass and poor aerodynamics. We’re happy to report an average of 11.2 L/100 km over a day’s worth of travel and we weren’t shy with our overtakes, nor did we use eco mode. In an urban environment, 12.0 L/100 km would be our prediction, which isn’t an awful compromise given the performance offered.

The new engine is punchy, but we do wish given its lofty outputs and sporty aspirations that there was a bit more soul coming from both the engine and the exhaust. Ford SA staff even joked that the newcomer is a ‘baby Raptor.’ It wouldn’t surprise us in the slightest if some aftermarket exhausts made their way onto the vehicle. That said, engine noise levels are commendably low, if you favour quietness.

Interestingly the new Ranger 2.3T is available only in 4×2 auto configuration, but if you do frequent those gravel trails, there is a lockable rear differential to assist.

Summary

The inclusion of the Ford Ranger 2.3T in the MY26 lineup is an interesting exercise. Traditionally, the double-cab market has favoured the torque and efficiency of a diesel powertrain, especially when it comes to towing things. But, given the surging price of diesel, we reckon there’ll be considerable interest in this new engine.

The rest of the updates and upgrades form part of Ford’s realignment strategy for the Ranger, having learnt what customers want and not having the multiple option packs which added complexity. The pricing hasn’t changed dramatically; in some cases, it remains the same or less.

How much does the Ford Ranger 2.3 cost in South Africa?

Double-cab derivative	Price
Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 6MT 4×2	R621 000 (unchanged)
Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 10AT 4×2	R651 500 (up R6 000)
Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XLT 10AT 4×2	R699 500 (up R17 000)
Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 6MT 4×4	R704 000 (unchanged)
Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XL 10AT 4×4	R735 000 (up R4 500)
Ranger 2.0 SiT Double Cab XLT 10AT 4×4	R788 500 (up R21 500)
Ranger 2.3T Double Cab Sport 10AT 4×2	R839 600 (new derivative)
Ranger 2.3T Double Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4×2	R899 000 (new derivative)
Ranger 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Sport 10AT 4×4	R995 000 (new derivative)
Ranger 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Tremor 10AT 4×4	R1 039 000 (new derivative)
Ranger 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Wildtrak 10AT 4×4	R1 070 000 (down R18 000)
Ranger 3.0TD V6 Double Cab Platinum 10AT 4×4	R1 179 500 (up R28 500)
Ranger 3.0T V6 Double Cab Ranger Raptor 10 AT 4×4	R1 299 000 (up R28 000)

Want to buy a new or used Ford Ranger? Browse vehicles for sale

Read all the latest Ford news and reviews

What is the price of the Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost in South Africa?

As of May 2026, the Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost is priced at approximately R839 600 for the Sport 4×2 and R899 000 for the Wildtrak 4×2 derivative.

How much power does the Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost produce?

The 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine delivers 222 kW of power and 452 Nm of torque. It is paired exclusively with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.

Is the 2.3 EcoBoost available in 4×4 in South Africa?

Currently, the 2.3 EcoBoost variants are offered in a 4×2 (Rear-Wheel Drive) configuration only. Customers requiring 4×4 capability are typically directed toward the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo or 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel models.

What is the fuel consumption of the Ranger 2.3 petrol?

The Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost has a claimed combined fuel consumption of approximately 9.3 L/100 km, though real-world figures in urban South African conditions may vary between 11.0 and 13.0 L/100 km.

What warranty and service plan is included?

The Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost comes with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty. While a service plan is no longer standard due to Right to Repair regulations, Ford offers optional Service or Maintenance Plans that can be tailored up to 8 years or 165 000 km.

SA crowned a new best-selling passenger vehicle in April 2026

The Chery Tiggo 4 claimed the title of South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicle in April 2026, pushing ahead of the locally built VW Polo Vivo. All the details here…

Tiggo 4 crowned SA’s top-selling passenger car in April
Swift returns to the podium as Corolla Cross slips to 6th
Jetour T2 & Omoda C5 break into passenger-car top 10

In April 2026, South Africa’s new-vehicle market grew 13.0% year on year to 47 979 units, with the local passenger-car segment improving an even more robust 14.3% to 34 414 units. So, which passenger vehicles were most popular with local buyers last month?

Before we dive into the numbers, it’s worth noting the rental channel accounted for just 5.7% of Mzansi’s total passenger-vehicle sales in the 4th month of 2026 – the lowest percentage of the year thus far. For the record, that means 1 965 units were sold to rental companies in April.

Tiggo 4 beats Polo Vivo to crown in April

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro — *Chery reports a single figure for the Tiggo 4 Pro and Tiggo Cross ranges.*

Yes, the Chery Tiggo 4 – which, as a reminder, somewhat contentiously includes both the Tiggo 4 Pro and the Tiggo Cross, the latter of which is now also available in entry-level LiT form – grabbed the title of SA’s best-selling passenger vehicle in April 2026, despite local registrations dipping 0.9% month on month to 1 871 units. That is, of course, the first time a Chinese vehicle has placed first in a single month.

This saw the Kariega-built Volkswagen Polo Vivo slip to 2nd place, with sales dropping 17.1% month on month to 1 847 units (the first time this model has dipped below the 2 000-unit mark this year). That figure excludes 29 units of the Xpress panel-van derivative registered in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space. The Indian-made Suzuki Swift, meanwhile, climbed a ranking to 3rd thanks to an 11.5% month-on-month improvement to 1 556 units.

SA-built Corolla Cross slips to 6th position

*The Corolla Cross dropped off the podium again in April.*

The Hyundai Grand i10 (1 347 units, down 1.0% month on month) and Haval Jolion (1 277 units, up 1.2% month on month) each gained a place compared to March 2026, finishing in 4th and 5th, respectively. For the record, the Grand i10 total excludes 17 units of the Cargo-badged panel van that were registered in the LCV segment.

Interestingly, 2026 continues to prove a topsy-turvy year for the Toyota Corolla Cross, with sales of the Prospecton-built model sliding 25.5% month on month to 1 144 units. That saw the crossover fall from 3rd position in March to 6th in April (after landing 14th in January and 9th in February), finishing just ahead of the Suzuki Fronx (1 113 units, down 5.6% month on month).

Jetour T2 and Omoda C5 break into top 10

Meanwhile, the Jetour T2 – which the Chinese company says will be produced from 2027 at the Rosslyn factory Chery is purchasing from Nissan – put in its best showing yet, cracking 4 figures for the first time and making its debut the top 10 in the process. In the end, local sales of the 8th-placed T2 surged 55.4% month on month to 1 004 units.

The Omoda C5 also broke into the top 10 in April (meaning Chinese models took 4 places), with registrations of this crossover increasing 4.6% month on month to 884 units. The Suzuki Ertiga was close behind in 10th, growing its sales a whopping 149.0% month on month to 874 units.

Models that narrowly missed out on a top-10 finish in April included the Volkswagen Polo hatch (817 units), Toyota Vitz (772 units), Toyota Rumion (747 units), Toyota Starlet (733 units) and Toyota Urban Cruiser (711 units).

SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in April 2026

1. Chery Tiggo 4 (including Cross) – 1 871 units

2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo (excluding LCV) – 1 847 units

3. Suzuki Swift – 1 556 units

4. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 347 units

5. Haval Jolion – 1 277 units

6. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 144 units

7. Suzuki Fronx – 1 113 units

8. Jetour T2 – 1 004 units

9. Omoda C5 – 884 units

10. Suzuki Ertiga – 874 units

Fuel price increase for May 2026

South Africans are heading to the pumps tonight with a heavy heart as a massive fuel price hike takes effect at midnight. This adjustment marks one of the most severe blows to the local economy in recent years.

If you are planning to fill up, here is everything you need to know about the fuel price changes for May 2026.

Why the fuel price is skyrocketing

The primary driver behind this month’s surge is the escalating 2026 Iran crisis. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz – a critical maritime artery for 20% of global oil – has sent shockwaves through energy markets.

Oil prices: Brent crude has leapt from roughly $93.67 to over $101 per barrel during the review period.
The Rand: While the South African Rand remained relatively stable, averaging around R16.65 to the US Dollar, it provided no cushion against the massive spike in international petroleum product costs.
The slate levy: To recover a R14.2 billion deficit in the fuel account, a slate levy of 122.70 cents per litre has been implemented for May by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

Government intervention: A small silver lining

Without intervention from National Treasury, the fuel price would have been even more catastrophic. The government has extended emergency relief measures:

A R3.00 per litre reduction in the general fuel levy for petrol.
A R3.93 per litre reduction for diesel (effectively bringing the diesel levy to zero).

Despite these measures, the net result is still a record-breaking increase due to the sheer scale of the global oil crisis.

Comparison: April 2026 vs May 2026

Last month, motorists were already struggling with petrol prices around R23.25 (inland). However, the May hike sees diesel breaching the R32 per litre mark for the first time, which will likely lead to rapid food price inflation and higher transport costs across the country.

Official fuel price changes (inland) – effective 6 May 2026

Fuel type	Change (increase)	New Price (inland)	New Price (coastal)
Petrol 93 unleaded	+ R3.27 / litre	R26.52	R25.73
Petrol 95 unleaded	+ R3.27 / litre	R26.63	R25.76
Diesel 0.05% (wholesale)	+ R6.19 / litre	R32.09	R31.22
Diesel 0.005% (wholesale)	+ R6.19 / litre	R32.30	R31.54
Illuminating paraffin	+ R4.22 / litre	R28.43	R27.38
LPG (per kg)	+ R5.07 – R5.78	R41.12	R37.87

Must-have accessories for the (outgoing) Toyota Hilux

Upgrades should add value to your bakkie, not void warranties. These official Toyota Hilux accessories do just that, enhancing future resale value.

The 9th-gen Toyota Hilux will be the most important vehicle introduced this year. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t great run-out deals and upgrade options (including official Hilux accessories) for the legendary 8th-gen model.

Toyota has, for decades, set the standards for manufacturing quality. That’s why the Hilux has remained South Africa’s best-selling vehicle for as long as most of us can remember.

But why would you want one of the very last Hilux units? Because these are possibly the best-built 8th-gen Hilux bakkies you can buy. The system and supply chain that creates these bakkies is mature, with all the quality standards at their highest level of development after years of feedback and improvement.

So, you want to spend the smart money and buy an 8th-gen Hilux, but make it the perfect bakkie for your needs? You’ll need to choose the best Hilux accessories that won’t void your warranty or affect your future resale value. They should add value to the real-world South African double-cab ownership experience. That’s why we’ve listed only official Toyota Hilux accessories.

Rubber floor mats

*Rubber mats are under-appreciated; they ensure better future value for your Hilux.*

Toyota has designed and built the Hilux to work hard for a living, but many of the double-cab models serve as family vehicles. Yet, kids can be as hard on a Hilux’s interior carpets and trim as the hardiest construction crews.

If you don’t want muddy trainers and sports shoes imprinting dirt and prematurely wearing out the carpet fabric of your Hilux, there’s a solution: the official Toyota rubber floor mats. They are shaped and cut to fit perfectly in the Hilux’s floor sections without snagging pedals.

A small investment that lasts virtually forever, these rubber floor mats add significant value over time. They might just be the most under-appreciated Hilux accessories. Because when you do eventually sell or trade-in your Hilux, and its carpets still look like new, you’ll get a much better price.

Hood assist

*When your Hilux is being a recovery vehicle, these make life easier.*

Hilux owners rarely have to open their bakkies’ bonnets. Toyota’s most popular model is renowned for its mechanical durability, especially its engines.

But Hilux bakkies are often involved in recovery or assisting others. And that means some Hilux owners, like farmers, wildlife managers and technical service crews, have to open their bakkie bonnets often to help other drivers in need. Why? Jump-starting assistance, for example. Or operating an air compressor to adjust air pressure if a vehicle is stuck in sand, when your Hilux needs to air down for more traction, or to help recover another vehicle.

The official Hilux hood assist (yes, Toyota South Africa lists it as ‘hood assist’ instead of ‘bonnet assist’), is the solution. It’s features two gas-charged struts that make it easier to lift the Hilux’s heavy steel bonnet and close it gently, without violently dropping it onto the securing latches.

Headlamp protector

*Stone-chip damage is expensive. These prevent that from happening.*

South African bakkie drivers know the anxiety of stone-chip damage. Whether it’s caused by roadworks or following in convoy on a long dirt road in the Karoo, headlamp cracking due to stones happens.

The best way to avoid an expensive headlamp replacement is to get an official Hilux headlamp protector. Sure, it looks a bit weird, but it will save you a lot of money, especially if you own a Hilux and do a lot of dirt-road driving.

Snorkel

The snorkel is one of the most misunderstood bakkie accessories in the market but a useful upgrade.

They serve several purposes. The most obvious is allowing confident water fording and river crossing abilities. With the snorkel’s huge air-intake clearance, even if you are going beyond the official wading limits of a Hilux, you know airflow to the engine is going to be fine without the risk of stalling and your Hilux becoming a river barge.

The other big wins with snorkels are dirt-road driving and dune driving in extreme heat. The snorkel allows your Hilux engine to draw intake air from a less dusty zone than the front grille, which is directly in the dust cloud when following other vehicles on dirt roads.

In extremely hot dune-driving conditions, surface sand temperatures generate significant secondary radiation. Having a snorkel drawing slightly cooler ambient air further away from the sand’s surface is useful.

Cattle rails

*The absolute must-have Hilux accessory for farmers’ double cabs.*

A wraparound cattle rail setup transforms your Hilux bakkie’s ability to carry high-volume loads. But why cattle rails instead of a canopy? Well, the latter has a roof limiting vertical loading height.

Cattle rails were developed for the farming community because animals can easily leap off an open load bed. Most farm animals are also too tall to fit under a canopy’s roof.

On a Hilux, cattle rails prevent animals from falling out or disembarking during transit. Or stacked feed bales from tumbling over the load bed sides when driving on a rugged dirt road or rounding those tight 90-degree corners between grazing camps that are a feature of a commercial farm’s layout.

Many of the most ardent Hilux owners are farmers and for them, a cattle rail on a leisure-spec double cab is not a statement. It’s a need. Cattle rails might increase wind noise and diesel consumption (a little), but they are very useful to rural Hilux owners.

Buy a new or used Toyota Hilux on Cars.co.za

Fuel Efficient Family SUVs Under R400k

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.

Fuel efficient family SUVs under R400 000

1. Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI (5.2 L/100km)

2. Toyota RAV4 2.2 D manual (5.6 L/100km)

3. Mahindra XUV500 2.2CRDe W8 manual (6.5 L/100km)

4. Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi automatic (6.7 L/100km)

5. Mazda CX-5 2.0 Active manual (6.8 L/100km)

6. Chery Tiggo 7 Pro (6.8 L/100km)

7. Opel Grandland X (7.0 L/100km)

8. Peugeot 3008 (7.0 L/100km)

9. Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort (7.3 L/100km)

10. Haval Jolion – (7.5 L/100km)

Run-flat tyres: How useful are they in SA?

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.

How do run-flat tyres work?

Run-flat tyres prevent catastrophic blowouts

Why aren’t all tyres run-flats?

Run-flat tyres and double-cabs/rugged SUVs

Run-flat tyres in SA conditions

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 cars under R200 000? We have 10 budget-friendly options for you.

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

2. Fiat 500 – From 3.8 L/100km

3. Suzuki Celerio – From 4.2 L/100km

4. Peugeot 108 – From 4.3 L/100km

5. Mahindra KUV100 Nxt 1.2 D75 K6+/K8 – From 4.3 L/100km

6. Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI Comfortline – From 4.5 L/100km

7. Ford EcoSport 1.5 TDCi – From 4.6 L/100km

8. Toyota Vitz – From 4.4 L/100km

9. Renault Duster 1.5 dCi – 4.8 L/100km

10. Suzuki Swift / Dzire / Ignis / S-Presso – From 4.9 L/100km

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 standing start drag race

The rolling race

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…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Kia Carens (2026) Price & Specs

The Kia Carens has touched down in South Africa, boasting smart practicality and punchy diesel power. Here’s a look at pricing and specifications.

Trim Levels

How much does the Kia Carens cost in South Africa?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Kia Carens cost in South Africa?

What engine does the South African Kia Carens have?

Is the Kia Carens a 7-seater?

What is the fuel consumption of the Kia Carens?

What warranty is included with the Kia Carens?

Ford Ranger 2.3T (2026) Launch Review

The Ford Ranger 2.3T forms part of the updated Ranger line-up and it has just gone on sale. We took it for a quick drive at its local media debut in Oudtshoorn.

What’s new?

What’s on offer?

What is the Ford Ranger 2.3T like to drive?

Summary

How much does the Ford Ranger 2.3 cost in South Africa?

What is the price of the Ford Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost in South Africa?

How much power does the Ranger 2.3 EcoBoost produce?

Is the 2.3 EcoBoost available in 4×4 in South Africa?

What is the fuel consumption of the Ranger 2.3 petrol?

What warranty and service plan is included?

SA crowned a new best-selling passenger vehicle in April 2026

The Chery Tiggo 4 claimed the title of South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicle in April 2026, pushing ahead of the locally built VW Polo Vivo. All the details here…

Tiggo 4 beats Polo Vivo to crown in April

SA-built Corolla Cross slips to 6th position

Jetour T2 and Omoda C5 break into top 10

SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in April 2026

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Fuel price increase for May 2026

South Africans are heading to the pumps tonight with a heavy heart as a massive fuel price hike takes effect at midnight. This adjustment marks one of the most severe blows to the local economy in recent years.

Why the fuel price is skyrocketing

Government intervention: A small silver lining

Comparison: April 2026 vs May 2026

Official fuel price changes (inland) – effective 6 May 2026

Must-have accessories for the (outgoing) Toyota Hilux

Upgrades should add value to your bakkie, not void warranties. These official Toyota Hilux accessories do just that, enhancing future resale value.

Rubber floor mats

Hood assist