MG3 (2025) Review

In the ever-growing sea of SUVs and crossovers, the arrival of a traditional B-segment hatchback is a breath of fresh air for South African motorists. We subject the recently launched MG3 1.5 Luxury CVT to a comprehensive review to see if this Chinese competitor has what it takes to challenge established stalwarts like the Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Suzuki Baleno/Toyota Starlet twins.

Small hatchbacks may have fallen victim to the market’s preference for crossovers in recent years, but brands like VW, Toyota, Suzuki and others are still doing brisk business. There clearly remains demand for modern, value-packed vehicles at the budget end of the segment.

MG3 is attractive & sharply styled

A brighter colour would make the MG3 stand out a bit more.

One of the newest entrants to this class is the MG3, which arrived a couple of months ago with a design language that the Chinese brand describes as modern, clean and simple. While the styling is somewhat colour-dependent – silver and white can look a touch plain – it is an inoffensive and unpolarising entry into the mainstream market.

195/55 R16 tyres all around.

It does not try to reinvent the wheel but rather offers a sleek, contemporary silhouette that fits perfectly into the small-hatch landscape. Sixteen-inch alloys across the board and LED headlamps on the Luxury grade enhance the appearance.

A tech-focused interior

Our test vehicle was an MG3 1.5 Luxury CVT, one rung from the top. Step inside and you are greeted by a minimalist cabin featuring a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch central infotainment screen. While the system relies on wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the physical buttons for core infotainment functions are a welcome inclusion. It’s a pity the climate control functions are contained within the screen.

A compact digital instrument cluster is easy to understand.

In terms of perceived build quality, the cabin offers impressive soft-touch materials across the dashboard and the cabin feels solidly constructed. Standout features include keyless entry, plus a 360-degree parking camera.

Safety & Practicality

Semi-auto safety tech is impressive at this price point.

Safety is a major talking point for the MG3. The Luxury grade comes equipped with the MG Pilot suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and emergency auto-braking. These are features that aren’t commonly standard in this segment. Impressive!

In terms of practicality, the rear cabin offers adequate space for passengers, complete with dedicated air vents and USB ports, while the boot is sufficiently sized though perhaps on the small side if the vehicle is to perform family car duties.

Rear legroom is on par for the segment.

On the road: The MG3 CVT experience

Under the bonnet of the MG3 lies a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 81 kW and 142 Nm. This unit is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). MG says the transmission has been tuned to simulate an eight-speed torque-converter automatic.

The MG3 has a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

While the transmission operates seamlessly most of the time, the engine isn’t exactly a firecracker at altitude. If you require more performance, opt for the hybrid model. It pairs the 1.5-litre engine with an electric motor for combined outputs of 155 kW and 425 Nm.

Value & Peace of mind

With a starting price of R269 900 for the 1.5 Comfort MT positioning it aggressively against its rivals, the MG3 makes a strong case for itself on paper.

Read more: Full MG3 Specifications

Model derivativePrice*
MG3 1.5 Comfort MTR269 900
MG3 1.5 Comfort CVTR309 900
MG3 1.5 Luxury CVTR344 900
MG3 1.5 HEV LuxuryR469 900
*All pricing correct as of January 2026.

The real ace up its sleeve might be the after-sales support. MG offers an impressive 7-year/200 000 km warranty (which includes roadside assistance) and 3-year/45 000 km service plan as standard, which should provide some peace of mind to South African buyers who may be wary of the staying power of a returning brand.

There are very few compact hatchbacks left, and the MG3 is a pleasant surprise.

Does the MG3 do enough to convince buyers to skip the small-crossover trend? Watch out video to find out what our verdict is.

Read more:

All-new MG 3 Review – The comeback of the hatchback?

Find your own MG3 on Cars.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the engine specifications and performance outputs for the MG3 1.5 Luxury CVT?

A: The MG3 1.5 Luxury CVT is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 81 kW and 142 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT tuned to simulate an eight-speed automatic.

Q: What safety features are included in the MG3 Luxury grade?

A: The Luxury grade features the MG Pilot suite, which includes high-end safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency auto-braking, along with a 360-degree parking camera.

Q: What kind of warranty and service plan does MG offer with the new MG3?

A: MG provides a 7-year/200 000 km warranty (including roadside assistance) and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan as standard across the range.

Shopping for a luxury double cab? Consider these Chinese options

The double cab bakkie is now a luxury family vehicle. If you’re in the market for one but don’t want to follow the herd, what do the latest Chinese bakkies offer?

South Africans love their luxury double cab bakkies, as evidenced by our pioneering research. But the changing role of the double cab has created new needs for buyers and different solutions for manufacturers.

With double cab bakkies now used as family vehicles, cabin comfort and in-cabin tech are more important than off-road angles and tow ratings. Double cabs need to offer a luxury in-car experience rivalling the best crossovers. And that’s tricky because nearly all crossovers are monocoque vehicles, with the body and frame being one unit, which makes it much easier to package the interior for comfort and space.

Double cab bakkies have a body-on-frame construction. That’s great for toughness and off-road ability. But the body-on-frame construction means compromised cabin space and comfort. For car companies, the challenge is creating double cab models with cabins that offer space and lots of tech. And nobody is better than the Chinese when it comes to in-car tech.

The all-wheel-drive advantage

All-wheel drive traction on tar roads. Not many double cabs offer that.

What’s interesting about the Chinese bakkies is that they mostly feature full-time all-wheel/four-wheel-drive systems. That’s similar to what you get with a Mitsubishi Triton’s Super Select gearbox, or a V6 Amarok/Ranger.

Why does all-wheel drive matter in a double cab bakkie? A proper full-time all-wheel-drive system, rather than a part-time setup, means you can use four-wheel drive on a sealed road surface without causing excessive drivetrain wear.

Where is full-time all-wheel drive really useful? When you are trying to tow a heavy caravan or trailer up a challenging tar mountain pass in pouring rain and need to navigate a very steep, off-camber corner, having torque driving all four wheels is a very big advantage.

So, what do the latest luxury Chinese bakkies on sale offer South African buyers in terms of spec and cabin comfort?

GWM P500 (R799 900 to R999 900)

Big bakkie. Lots of features. Smallish diesel engine.

The first Chinese bakkie to nudge a million at its top-end. And the P500 isn’t just about a big price; it’s about big everything.

Bold design and huge dimensions make it larger than a Hilux or Ranger, with lots of road presence. Double cab bakkies can be driven in busy city traffic, but they are even worse to try and park. The P500 has a surround-view camera system and every sensor you could possibly imagine, but there’s no getting around the fact that it is 120 mm longer than a Hilux…

That size works against it off-road, too. Because the P500 is so long, it has a poor straddle angle and risks significant damage to the lower door sections and rocker panels in rocky terrain. Like many Chinese double cab bakkies, the suspension is biased for highway driving and braking stability. And the P500’s suspension needs a lot of compression damping to prevent brake drive and body roll, because it’s much heavier than other double cabs at 2550 kg. That means a firm ride and limited wheel travel in broken terrain.

The P500 does have good core 4×4 hardware, however. BorgWarner is one of the most respected 4×4 drivetrain suppliers and the P500 uses a BorgWarner low-range transfer case and traction control system, with electrically simulated front and rear differential locks.

Where the P500 excels is its cabin, which is larger than those of the Hilux or Ranger. With excellent seating comfort, even for the rear-seat passengers, who also get electrically adjustable backrests (a rarity in a double cab bakkie). The UX might be a bit over-the-top, like many Chinese vehicle’s digital interfaces, but there’s no absence of tech inside the P500.

Curiously, the P500 is also one of the few bakkies with a sunroof. Which is always quite pointless in South Africa, where a sunroof allows way too much cabin radiation to be useful for most months of the year. Not to mention the long-term maintenance and leakage risks of an electric sunroof.

A big Chinese bakkie with mid-grade diesel power

Clever tailgate. But what’s the rattle risk after 50 000 km on corrugated dirt roads?

Beyond the great cabin, the P500’s powertrains aren’t perfectly suited to South African needs. There’s a 2.4-litre turbodiesel, which is a decent enough engine, but its 135 kW and 480 Nm struggle with the P500’s weight. Do the math and it only has a power-to-weight ratio of 53 kW per tonne. Which isn’t much better than you get in something like a Hyundai i10.

GWM also offers the P500 with a hybrid petrol powertrain delivering 255 kW of peak power. This combination offers terrific highway cruising and overtaking performance, but it has some odd throttle response characteristics off-road. And it is wildly heavy on petrol.

The other issues with P500 are its load bed. There’s a split tailgate, which is novel, but it has the risk of rattling if you are going to drive long hours on South Africa’s notoriously corrugated rural dirt roads.

Then there is the payload issue. The P500 has a class-leading braked tow rating of 3 500 kg, but the payload ratings are disappointingly low for such a big bakkie. The P500 2.4 turbodiesel can carry only 760 kg, which is a lot less than a Ranger or Hilux double cab, both of which are rated around 1 000 kg of payload. It’s even worse for the P500 HEV, which can load only 685 kg on the back.

Find you next GWM P500 deal on Cars.co.za

LDV Terron 9 (R849 900)

LDV Terron 9
Think Audi’s Q8 or Lexus LX has a big grille? Think again…

Another enormous Chinese double cab for local buyers. How big? It’s 150 mm longer than a Ranger.

LDV’s Terron 9 has one of the biggest grilles in production, giving it a lot of presence. With its massive external dimensions, it can be a challenge parking the Terron 9.

The cabin is stacked with tech, as you’d expect from a Chinese bakkie. But it is also very roomy and wide, with a much airier feel than a Hilux or even a Ranger, which has one of the roomiest cabins among legacy double cab bakkie models.

A Chinese bakkie with lots of ‘lockers

The cabin is airy in a way the Hilux and Ranger just aren’t.

Like the P500, this is a very heavy double cab bakkie, with a not very powerful engine. The Terron 9 has a kerb weight of 2 400 kg and its 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine is rated at 163 kW. Sure, that’s more powerful than a Hilux 2.8 or the P500’s 2.4 turbodiesel, but do the match and it still a power-to-weight ratio of only 67 kW per tonne.

Off-road ability is mixed. Like many Chinese vehicles with a low-range transfer case, the Terron 9 uses a proven BorgWarner 4×4 system. The Terron 9 has three differential lockers, which puts it, in theory, on par with the Toyota Land Cruiser 79’s traction ability.

Usually, a Chinese bakkie has peculiar traction control software with strange parameters. For example, they don’t allow drive to the front wheels when the rear axle is locked, which isn’t ideal when you are trying to crawl up a steep off-road incline.

The Terron 9’s ground clearance is middling at 220 mm. Alarmingly, it has only 500 mm of wading depth, so forget about clearing a flooded Limpopo or KZN river if you’re away for a long weekend.

BYD Shark 6 (R969 900)

The BYD Shark 6 has 230 mm of ground clearance, but it struggles in technical off-road terrain.

By far the most interesting of the Chinese bakkies on sale in South Africa, the Shark 6 has garnered a lot of bakkie debate. It has a PHEV powertrain, big power numbers, advanced cabin tech and a surprisingly over-engineered chassis.

The core Shark 6 numbers are impressive. The 1.5-litre turbopetrol and battery PHEV powertrain delivers 321 kW of peak power and 650 Nm of power, making this Chinese double cab a legitimate Ford Ranger Raptor rival.

However, the Shark 6 is extremely heavy at 2710 kg. To give some context, that’s nearly 400 kg heavier than a turbodiesel Hilux or Ranger. But even at that weight, its overtaking acceleration is incredible for a bakkie.

Where the Shark 6’s weight works against it is in its braked towing capacity, or getting up steep off-road terrain. The BYD double cab has a braked tow rating of only 2 500 kg, which is a whole tonne less than a Hilux or Ranger. Crucially, it doesn’t have a low-range transfer case, so you can forget about getting up steep or technical inclines, because the gearing is just totally out of sync for off-road work, despite the PHEV powertrain having so much power.

If you keep the 29.58 kWh battery pack charged, the Shark 6 has an unrivalled combination of usable daily performance and economy, with consumption averaging close to 7.0 L/100 km. Be warned, though: when the battery depletes, fuel consumption can nearly double.

Buy your BYD Shark 6 on Cars.co.za

Farewell, GWM Steed! Chinese bakkie quietly exits SA

The GWM Steed bakkie – which launched soon after the Chinese brand’s arrival in South Africa way back in 2007 – has quietly exited the local market…

  • Steed nameplate officially discontinued in SA
  • Had served on local market for some 18 years
  • P300 SX variants take over workhorse duties

It seems there’s no longer a “Need for Steed” in South Africa. Yes, after soldiering on for around 18 years, the GWM Steed nameplate has quietly exited the local new-vehicle market’s bustling bakkie segment.

We recently noticed the Steed – a model that launched shortly after the Chinese brand entered the local market back in 2007 – was no longer listed on GWM SA’s website. The automaker has since confirmed to Cars.co.za the Steed has indeed been discontinued, though points out it has “enhanced” the P300 range with the recent introduction of the SX grade (across both the single- and double-cab body styles).

GWM SA suggested the Steed was put out to pasture towards the end of 2025. Interestingly, though Steed sales dropped from 198 units in October to 100 units in November and then just 37 units in December, registrations spiked to 172 units in January 2026, including 100 examples sold via the rental channel. Expect any remaining new-vehicle stock to be depleted soon.

While local sales of the GWM Steed (known as the “Wingle” in its domestic market of China) increased 22.0% year on year to 1 460 units in 2025, the workhorse fell just short of cracking the list of South Africa’s 10 best-selling bakkies for the year.

From what we can tell, the single-cab versions of the Steed (offered in S and SX guise) were axed at some point earlier in 2025, leaving just a pair of double-cab derivatives. Before their discontinuation, these double cabs were priced at R390 150 in 4×2 guise and R423 350 in 4×4 form. Both variants employed a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivering 110 kW and 320 Nm via a 6-speed manual gearbox.

As a reminder, the Steed launched in South Africa back in 2008 (succeeding the Chinese brand’s initial Sailor- and Sing-based bakkies), the year after GWM officially entered the local market. Over the years, various iterations of the Steed were available in Mzansi.

After the launch of the P-Series late in 2020, the Steed 5E and Steed 6 were effectively phased out, leaving the workhorse Steed 5 – which infamously scored zero stars for adult-occupant protection in its 2020 Global NCAP crash-test (prompting GWM SA to make dual front airbags and ABS standard across the range) – to carry the nameplate in updated form. Now, however, that model’s time has come, too…

Find a used GWM Steed on Cars.co.za!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the GWM Steed’s Exit from South Africa

Q: Why has the GWM Steed been discontinued in South Africa?

 

A: After some 18 years on the local market, GWM has retired the Steed nameplate to make way for base versions of the more modern P-Series range. The move allows the brand to consolidate its bakkie offerings around the P300 and P500 platforms, which offer better safety standards and updated technology.

Q: What is the replacement for the GWM Steed workhorse?

 

A: The entry-level duties have been taken over by the GWM P300 SX. Available in both single- and double-cab configurations, the P300 SX is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine producing 120 kW and 400 Nm, marking a power and torque increase over the outgoing Steed’s 110 kW/320 Nm outputs.

Q: Is the GWM Steed still a popular choice on the used market?

 

A: Yes. Despite being discontinued as a new vehicle, the Steed remains sought after in the pre-owned segment due to its affordability.

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Volvo EX60 revealed with 800 km range

The Volvo EX60 is the Swedish brand’s latest all-electric offering. Promising huge range, this stylish family SUV is confirmed for SA in 2026.

Essentially, the EX60 is an all-electric five-seater family SUV and Volvo is claiming it is its first product entering the largest electric vehicle segment globally. Rivals included the new Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ and BMW iX3.

Underpinned by the SPA3 platform which is the Swedish brand’s electric vehicle architecture and debuting a number of features like new HuginCore, redesigned battery cells, megacasting and cell-to-body technology, the EX60 looks to be competitive in terms of weight and range.

Total range varies across the lineup, but in all-wheel-drive configuration, Volvo reckons its EX60 can go 810 km on a single charge. The charging speeds look impressive, too, with 340 km of range added in just 10 minutes when using a 400 kW fast charger.

Powertrain choices

There will be three different powertrain options. The P12 AWD is the range specialist with 810 km, P10 AWD offers up to 660 km while the rear-wheel-drive P6 manages 620 km. Volvo says there will be 7 trim levels, including the much-loved Cross Country variant.

In terms of support, Volvo is offering a 10-year battery warranty, while Swedish customers get 3 years of home charging. Hopefully the South African offering will be competitive.

When it comes to tech and gadgets, the EX60 has a 28-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system which also features speakers in all the headrests. Apple Music is pre-installed into the vehicle. As per most Volvo products, the EX60 makes use of Android Automotive operating system, but in this product, it goes one step further and now includes Gemini AI assistant. The car will receive over-the-air updates, meaning the vehicle will only get better in time.

It wouldn’t be a Volvo unless there was a mention of the safety and the EX60 debuts its new multi-adaptive seatbelt as well as new levels of assisted driving features.

When will the Volvo EX60 come to South Africa?

Production of this new SUV begins in Sweden in the 2nd quarter of 2026, with the first South African customer cars touching down in the 3rd quarter of this year.

Want to purchase a new or used Volvo? Vehicles for sale right now!

All the latest Volvo news and reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Volvo EX60 be available in South Africa?

Volvo South Africa has confirmed that the all-electric EX60 is scheduled to arrive in the local market during the third quarter of 2026. This follows its global reveal in January 2026.

What is the electric range of the Volvo EX60?

The Volvo EX60 offers varying ranges depending on the powertrain selected:
  • P6 (Single Motor): Up to 620 km.
  • P10 (AWD): Up to 660 km.
  • P12 (AWD Performance): Up to 810 km (the longest range of any electric Volvo to date).

How fast can the Volvo EX60 charge?

Thanks to its new 800-volt architecture, the EX60 is capable of extremely fast charging. Using a 400 kW DC fast charger, it can add up to 340 km of range in just 10 minutes. A 10% to 80% charge takes approximately 18 minutes.

Will there be a Volvo EX60 Cross Country model?

Yes, Volvo has revealed an EX60 Cross Country variant. This model features 20 mm of additional ground clearance (expandable via air suspension), unique Frost Green paint, rugged body cladding, and stainless steel skid plates for a more adventurous look.

What performance does the flagship EX60 P12 offer?

The flagship P12 AWD Performance model produces a combined 500 kW and 790 Nm of torque. It is the most powerful production car Volvo has ever made, capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

Vitz grabs 4th! SA’s best-selling passenger cars in January 2026

In January 2026, the Toyota Vitz broke into the top 5 on the list of SA’s best-selling passenger vehicles for the first time, while the Corolla Cross fell from the top 10…

  • Polo Vivo reclaims first position in January
  • Resurgent Swift right on Polo Vivo’s tail
  • Vitz reaches new sales high to grab 4th
  • Rumion cracks top 10 as Corolla Cross falls

In January 2026, sales in South Africa’s new vehicle-market increased 7.5% year on year to 50 073 units. The local new passenger-vehicle market’s performance, meanwhile, was largely in line with the overall industry, growing 7.1% year on year to 37 190 units. But which passenger cars were most popular with Mzansi’s buyers last month?

Before we examine the figures, it’s worth pointing out the rental channel accounted for 13.3% of South Africa’s total passenger-vehicle sales in the opening month of 2026. That translates to a considerable 4 956 units.

Polo Vivo on top as Swift bounces back

The Polo Vivo remained first place in January 2026.

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo – which retained the title of SA’s best-selling passenger vehicle in 2025 despite having to settle for 2nd in December last year – reclaimed first place in January 2026. The Kariega-built hatchback recorded a 1.8% month-on-month increase to each 2 060 units, with 477 units (or some 23.2%) taking the form of rental purchases.

After falling to an unfamiliar 9th place in December 2025, the Suzuki Swift bounced back in January, growing its sales a whopping 104.1% (admittedly off a low base) month on month to 2 029 units – just 31 units behind the Vivo. As many as 704 units (or 34.7% of the Indian-sourced hatchback’s tally) were sold to rental companies.

Meanwhile, the Chery Tiggo 4 (which, as a reminder, includes sales of the Tiggo Cross) held steady in 3rd position. Again ranking as SA’s most popular Chinese vehicle, the Tiggo 4 enjoyed a 3.6% month-on-month gain to end January on 1 625 units. In contrast to the 2 models above, all sales were reported via the dealer channel.

Vitz reaches its highest sales tally yet

The big news, though, was the performance of the Toyota Vitz, which grabbed 4th place. Local registrations of the budget hatchback (which is, of course, based squarely on the Suzuki Celerio) rocketed 115.1% month on month to 1 514 units, enough to see this model break into the top 5 for the very first time (and beat its previous best, achieved in September 2025). This surge in sales came largely courtesy of the rental channel, which accounted for 673 units or 44.5% of the Vitz’s total.

Suzuki Fronx
The Fronx kept its nose just ahead of the related Starlet Cross last month.

Compared to December 2025, the Toyota Starlet (1 372 units; -14.7%), Hyundai Grand i10 (1 320 units, excluding LCV sales; down 12.1%), Haval Jolion (1 172 units; -4.9%) and Suzuki Fronx (1 161 units; -0.8%) thus each dropped a ranking to end in 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Starlet Cross was hot on the heels of the Fronx (on which it’s based), moving up to 9th on the back of a 15.5% month-on-month increase in sales to 1 119 units. Finally, the Toyota Rumion cracked the top 10, taking the final spot with its best performance in recent memory. By reaching 1 049 units (up a whopping 199.7% month on month, including only 71 rental sales), the Rumion effectively knocked the closely related Suzuki Ertiga (937 units; down 6.3%) out of the top 10.

But where is the Toyota Corolla Cross?

The Corolla Cross fell from the top 10 in January 2026.

Regular readers may have picked up that a certain locally built model – which sat on the final rung of the passenger-vehicle podium last year – didn’t make the top 10 in January 2026. Yes, sales of the Prospecton-built Toyota Corolla Cross fell a considerable 68.4% month on month to 873 units (admittedly from what we believe was a record high of 2 766 units in the prior month), seeing the crossover drop from 1st place in December 2025 to an unfamiliar 14th in January 2026.

We asked Toyota South Africa Motors about possible reasons for the marked month-on-month decline in Corolla Cross registrations and the company told us: “The lower sales volume in January can be attributed to a shorter retail month, as well as natural supply following a high-sales rate in December”.

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

1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 060 units

2. Suzuki Swift – 2 029 units

3. Chery Tiggo 4 (including Cross) – 1 625 units

4. Toyota Vitz – 1 514 units

5. Toyota Starlet – 1 372 units

6. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 320 units

7. Haval Jolion – 1 172 units

8. Suzuki Fronx – 1 161 units

9. Toyota Starlet Cross – 1 119 units

10. Toyota Rumion – 1 049 units 

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VW’s new small bakkie to be called ‘Tukan’

Volkswagen in Brazil has released a teaser image of the German brand’s upcoming new bakkie, which will wear the “Tukan” nameplate in that market…

  • VW to call new Brazilian-built bakkie the “Tukan”
  • Production scheduled to start in Brazil in 2027
  • Teaser image show bakkie’s “Canary Yellow” paint

Back in mid-2024, Volkswagen announced a significant investment in its São José dos Pinhais factory in Brazil, finally confirming plans to build a “new pick-up” at the facility. Now the German firm has released a teaser image revealing that the new bakkie’s name will be “Tukan”.

The teaser image gives us a glimpse of part of the small bakkie, complete with “Canary Yellow” paint and a “Tukan” badge on the C-pillar. VW’s Brazilian division describes the upcoming model as “another vehicle 100% designed, planned and developed in Brazil”, confirming that production is scheduled to start in 2027.

Volkswagen Tarok concept
The Tukan may well draw from the Tarok concept first revealed in 2018.

From what we can tell, the Tukan will be larger than the long-in-the-tooth Saveiro half-tonne model but smaller than the one-tonne Amarok. We wouldn’t be surprised if the production model draws heavily on the Tarok concept that was revealed at the São Paulo International Motor Show way back in 2018. Still, it’s not yet clear whether the unibody Tukan will be offered in both single- and double-cab guise or only the latter.

Volkswagen says the Tukan name was “inspired by elements” of Brazil’s local fauna, including the toucan bird known for its striking appearance. Though VW has already applied to trademark the name in Brazil, the company has yet to file such an application here in South Africa, based on our searches. The model could, of course, wear a different badge in other markets.

The teaser shows the “Tukan” nameplate on the bakkie’s C-pillar.

So, will this bakkie ever be offered in Mzansi? Well, it’s perhaps too early to say, even though VW Brazil’s press material briefly mentions “export” opportunities to markets outside of that country. In addition, it’s exceedingly likely the São José dos Pinhais factory will focus on left-hand-drive production to meet demand in that part of the world. Furthermore, as was the case with the Saveiro, converting the Tukan to right-hand drive for a handful of comparatively small markets would likely be too costly an investment to justify.

As a reminder, in October 2024, Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, suggested to Cars.co.za that the planned SA-built small bakkie that was to be spun off the upcoming new Tengo crossover had hit something of a roadblock. Still, Biene didn’t rule out the possibility of eventually building some sort of bakkie at the Kariega plant, calling on South Africans to make their voices heard should they be keen to buy such a vehicle.

“We are looking for a car – and that can be a half-tonne bakkie and I need a lot of listeners to vote for it – that we can sell approximately 50 000 times per year in Africa. Then we’ve got the right car for Africa. If this is a half-tonne bakkie, please let me know – please send us your orders – then we know already how [many] we can sell and then it’s something we can progress,” she said.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Volkswagen Tukan and SA’s Small Bakkie

Q: What is the Volkswagen Tukan and where will it be built?

 

A: The Tukan is an upcoming small bakkie developed by Volkswagen’s Brazilian division. It is scheduled for production at the São José dos Pinhais factory in Brazil starting in 2027. Positioned between the half-tonne Saveiro and the one-tonne Amarok, it is expected to draw design inspiration from the 2018 Tarok concept.

Q: Is the VW Tukan confirmed for the South African market?

 

A: No. Currently, the Tukan is a left-hand-drive project for the South American market. Converting the model to right-hand drive for South Africa would require a significant investment that may not be justified by local sales volumes alone. VW Group Africa has not yet filed a trademark for the “Tukan” name locally.

Q: What is the status of the “third model” and the small bakkie for the Kariega plant?

 

A: Volkswagen South Africa is currently preparing its Kariega plant for a new small SUV (called “Tengo”), which is set to begin production in 2027. While a bakkie spin-off was initially considered, VW management has stated it hit a “roadblock” because the Brazilian plant (the lead plant for the platform) changed its development plans. However, the project is not dead; the brand is still looking for an affordable bakkie solution that can reach 50 000 units in annual sales across Africa.

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Choosing your next car: EV, PHEV, REEV … or stick with ICE?

EV, PHEV, REEV and ICE… What do these acronyms actually mean? If you’ve only driven petrol or diesel before, here’s a simple breakdown of electric and hybrid vehicles, and how to choose the right one.

Think about it: from smartphones to AI and social media algorithms, the greatest irony of the digital age is that even if technological advancements are intended to simplify our lives, they are best optimised only through a rich understanding of their inner workings.

One of SA’s most popular EVs, the Volvo EX30.

It’s no different with modern-day electric vehicles. An insight into how each type works will help you decide which electric vehicle you should buy; or whether you should stick to the Hydrocarbon Age in your ICE-driven model.

What’s the difference between EV, PHEV & REEV?

Before electrification came along, all cars were solely powered by internal combustion engines (ICE) burning fossil fuels like petrol and diesel. Over time, they’ve gotten a bad reputation as drivers of climate change (although, contrary to popular opinion, they are far from the single-greatest contributor).

Eventually, car companies caved to the growing awareness and relentless social pressure, giving rise to a cleaner take on the genre. When the propulsion of a traditional combustion engine is complemented by electricity, the former does less work and produces correspondingly less harmful emissions. Hence the birth of the hybrid, today iconised by the birth of the self-charging (through coasting and braking) Toyota Prius in the late 1990s. Eventually, Toyota added a suite of hybrids to its stable in the form of such models as the RAV4, Corolla, Corolla hatch and Cross.

In the market? Buy a BMW X3 30e xDrive on Cars.co.za

The 1st-gen Nissan Leaf was ahead of its time and offered on sale in SA for a brief period.

Locally, early electric vehicles (EVs) such as the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3 and Jaguar I-Pace were configured as plug-in-powered only, or battery-electric vehicles (BEV) in industry-speak. BMW’s oddball i3 was available in both as a BEV as well as a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), relying on a separate 0.65-litre petrol engine not connected to the wheels and whose sole purpose was to generate electricity once the battery level dropped to a critical level.

The Changan Hunter is one of very few REEVs in Mzansi.

Fast forward to today and, owing to their cost, complexity and limited range advantage, REEVs aren’t as widely sold (or popular) as in plug-in electric hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). In fact, currently the Changan Hunter double cab and Leapmotor C10 are the only REEVs locally available.

Read more: Changan Hunter REEV (2025) Pre-Launch Review – Cars.co.za

Conversely, PHEVs are equipped with a petrol/diesel and an electric motor working in parallel (or series, depending on the driving mode and battery’s state of charge), though for the latter to operate at peak efficiency, it needs to be plugged in and charge like a conventional EV battery.

EV vs PHEV vs REEV: Which one is best for South African roads?

Whatever the type, the decision to buy an EV extends beyond simple pricing. Similar considerations should pertain to range and maintenance cost. The good news is that fewer moving parts generally translate to a lower price and running costs. Vehicles like the BYD Dolphin Surf reviewed above are testimony that not all EVs need to be sold at seven-digit prices.

BYD Shark 6 Most powerful double cab bakkie in SA
The BYD Shark 6 bakkie has helped to make PHEV powertrains more accepted in the traditionally conservative bakkie segment.

Here are some examples and pricing scales of all three EV types currently sold in South Africa.

Price rangeModelTypePrice
LowBYD Dolphin Surf ComfortEVR341 900
Mid1. Volvo EX30 Single Motor Core
2. Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T CSH Plug-in Hybrid Plus
3. BYD Shark 6 Double Cab Premium AWD
4. Leapmotor C10 REEV Style
5. Changan Hunter REEV Double Cab CE 4X4		1. EV
2. PHEV  
3. PHEV
4. REEV
5. REEV		1. R835 500
2. R619 900  
3. R969 900
4. R759 900
5. R799 900  
High1. Range Rover P460e SE
2. BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport		1. PHEV
2. EV		1. R3 224 900
2. R3 010 000

Proximity to charging facilities, however, is the primary influencer of which EV type you should be looking at.

EVs, with their limited range, are best used for set commutes in and around town, and between home and work, where charging opportunities are ample, reliable and regularly available. EVs are fundamentally limited in their practicality and long-distance usability (just how long would your Joburg-to-Durban year-end trip be if all EVs were to use the same charging stations and owners had to queue for a 30-60 minute fill-up session?).

The Haval H6 GT PHEV offers a decent size battery and a powerful petrol engine to balance needs.

PHEVs are the closest to a best-of-both solution: regardless of the battery state, the ICE persists as the primary propulsion provider.

Want to see more? Buy a Haval H6 GT 1.5T PHEV Ultra Luxury on Cars.co.za

Finally, REEVs are the sole preserve of the zombie apocalypse. They’re primarily configured as EVs, yet consume only a little bit of petrol to charge the battery once it’s depleted – the perfect load-shedding solution.

Maintenance costs: EV vs PHEV vs REEV

Owing to fewer moving parts, an EV’s service schedule is wholly different compared to a petrol or diesel car, whose operability depends on the upkeep of belts, spark plugs, fluids, filters, tyres and brakes.

EV typeRequired maintenance levelGeneral service frequency
EVLow, with no consumables that need changing. Primarily generative braking means pads can last in excess of 100 000 km. Tyre wear could be higher than ICE cars owing to higher torque available.Every 2 years or 30 000 km
REEVMedium. Because the engine functions as a generator, it runs at constant RPM which translates to less wear and tear.Every 20 000-30 000 km
PHEVHigh. Both the petrol and electric drivetrains need servicing.Every year or 15 000 km

Thinking of going smaller? Buy a Mini Cooper SE on Cars.co.za

How long does it take to charge EVs, PHEVs & REEVs?

Smaller EVs such as the BYD Dolphin Surf charge comparatively quickly.

When buying an EV, range is one of the most obvious determinants of its capability. Second to that, however, is charging speed – a result of the battery size along with the power of the charger.

EV typeBattery sizeHome charging timePublic charging time
EVLarge (50-100 kWh)8-12 hours (7 kW wallbox)45-60 minutes for 10%-80% on a 50 kW DC charger; 20-30 minutes on a high-speed 150 kW+ charger
PHEVSmall (12-20 kWh)5-7 hours (standard 3-pin plug); 2-3 hours (7 kW wallbox)N/a: most PHEVs are only designed to charge slowly
REEVMedium (30-40 kWh)4-5 hours (7 kW wallbox)30-40 minutes

Although the reduced time of public charging seems alluring, it is worth remembering that you will pay R7 to R7.35 per kWh of electricity, versus about R3-R4/kWh on Eskom’s Home User tariff if charging in your own garage. Not only is patience therefore a virtue, but will also save you money. Better still, if you have a large enough solar installation at home, you’ll be smiling all the way to the bank.

Going Swedish? Buy a Volvo EX30 on Cars.co.za

EV, REEV, or PHEV? The risks and hidden costs vs traditional petrol cars

Battery life has the single biggest effect on an EVs resale value.

Against an ICE-powered vehicle, that single component allowing an EV to lower your running costs is ultimately also the item that will – negatively and inevitably – affect its resale value.

The top determinant of a used EV’s value is the state of its battery. Similar to any mobile device battery, it degrades from day one. The number of charging cycles (fast ones in particular) and exposure to heat constantly eat away at its longevity. In most cases, replacement batteries are valued at 30-50% of the total vehicle cost. So for a used EV of, say R400k, a R200k new battery would equal a write-off.

Are electric cars worth buying in South Africa?

Still lovely to look at and drive, but the BMW i3’s EV powertrain is way behind the times.

There’s the issue of obsolescence. Technology is moving so fast that car companies don’t and won’t want to supply (out-of-warranty) batteries to owners of older EVs when they’ve invested in next-gen tech already. And because they’d rather have you buy a new car than keep your old one going and profiting less.

Moreover, a 2022 EV may have a 300 km range; and a 2026 one may have a 500 km one.

All of the above factors underline why EVs lose 30-45% of their value in the first year of ownership against 15-20% for ICE vehicles. By year 3, they are worth less than half of what you’d have paid for them new.

Ultimately, the choice between EV, PHEV, or REEV boils down to a would-be owner’s daily commuter profile versus their less-plausible long-distance-driving aspirations. Keep in mind, too, that internal-combustion vehicles offer resale stability and a worry-free refuelling network.

If you have solar-powered charging at home, an EV might just make sense.

Therefore, choosing the right EV type is about which powertrain type best aligns with your personal infrastructure, risk appetite for depreciation, and your desire to stay ahead of the technological curve on South African roads.

Read more:
Leapmotor C10 REEV rivals (2025) and tech breakdown
Range Rover Velar PHEV (2025) Review

Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV (2026) Review

The Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV has received a modest facelift, with the focus on tech and design in an effort to stay relevant. Here’s our assessment.

We like: Powertrain refinement, straight-line performance, infotainment system upgrades, premium fittings and cabin space.

We don’t like: Pricey in comparison to rivals, not a thrilling drive.

FAST FACTS

  • Model: 2026 Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV Plus Bright
  • Price: R1 460 800 (before options)
  • Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol + electric motor plug-in hybrid
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Power / Torque: 340 kW/709 Nm
  • Claimed fuel consumption: 1.6 L/100 km
  • 0-100 kph: 4.8 sec (claimed)

Where does the Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV fit in?

Thor’s Hammer headlights are a trademark Volvo design trait.

Around since 2017, the Volvo XC60 is the Swedish brand’s best-selling vehicle and it has received yet another update. Volvo’s tweaked it again because of a delayed ban on internal-combustion engines; plus it needs to fill the gap until the EX60 is widely available.

As far as rivals are concerned, the Swede faces direct competition in the form of the locally assembled BMW X3 and Lexus NX. Other premium offerings like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC are not offered with plug-in hybrid powertrains in our market at the time of writing.

See how they compare: Volvo XC60 T8 versus BMW X3 & Lexus NX

If you’re wanting to try out one of the latest Chinese offerings, R1 million gets you a top-of-the-line Chery Tiggo 9 Pro or an Omoda C9 plug-in hybrid.

How the Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV fares in terms of…

Design & Packaging

Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV grille
A facelift in the purest of terms, with a sharp-looking grille

If ever there was a vehicle which embodied the term “facelift”, it’s the 2026 Volvo XC60 T8; one of the biggest changes is the new grille. The cabin receives an ergonomic upgrade, with an updated and repositioned infotainment screen and there are some new materials. The plug-in hybrid powertrain has been carried over from the predecessor.

In terms of packaging and options, our test vehicle rode on the standard 19-inch wheels (21-inch units are available, but mind the potholes, yeah?). The Denim Blue exterior paint is R5 000, while the Cardamom interior comes in at R33 900.

Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV interior
Note the new, repositioned screen.

Climb inside and the cabin screams Scandinavia! with light wood inlays on the dashboard and a minimalist approach. Build quality looks and feels premium, but if you dislike the Nordic look and feel, Volvo does offer darker cabin materials. The crystal gear knob from Orrefors is a lovely, premium touch.

One of the coolest gear selectors there is.

The biggest tech change comes in the form of a new 11.2-inch portrait-orientated screen. It looks a little like an afterthought, but perhaps we were spoilt by the predecessor’s screen which sat flush with the rest of the dashboard.

Under the skin of this syetm, there’s a new processor and the latest iteration of Google Automotive has introduced upgrades such as wireless Android Auto. Over-the-air updates are standard.

Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV android auto
Android Auto makes its debut.

There are very few physical buttons, with climate control functionality incorporated into the touchscreen system. The setup has full Google services, so things like Google Assistant, Maps and the Play Store are present, but if you use an iPhone, don’t stress as Apple CarPlay is included.

Standard features at this price point are comprehensive, with items such as a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, heated steering wheel, USB ports, quality audio system, and wireless phone charging as standard. Let’s not forget the high-tech assisted driving and safety tech like Pilot Assist, either.

Generous rear space complete with rear seat heaters.

With one of the largest wheelbases in the segment, both rear passenger space and boot space is on the more generous side.

Ride, Handling & Comfort

Driving the XC60 has always been a relaxing pleasure and this latest model is no different. While many manufacturers lean towards sportier handling and dynamics, Volvo prefers to focus on its conservative and restrained Scandinavian roots to deliver a calm and comfortable driving experience.

These wheels add to the plush ride quality.

Usually, the marketing vehicles from car manufacturers are loaded to the hilt in terms of options, the largest wheels and so on. Interestingly, this Denim Blue unit rode on the standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Customers are able to spec higher wheels, but prior testing has shown these to negatively impact the ride. We’d always recommend a smaller wheel with a plumper tyre for optimum road absorption and subsequent comfort.

Note the charging flap behind the front wheel.

The XC60 T8 comes with air suspension which provides two benefits: ride quality; and the ability to adjust the ride height. While lowering the car for a sportier experience sounds good, the reality is you’ll appreciate being able to increase the ground clearance when tar turns to gravel. You can stiffen the suspension setup, too, as well as the steering feel, which is a good thing as the default feel is uncomfortably light. A biggish family SUV should feel like one!

Performance & Efficiency

The most potent Volvo XC60 gets this badge.

It’s pretty remarkable for a conservative and safety-orientated brand such as Volvo to have such a potent performer in its portfolio. Yes, the XC60 T8 will attempt to sway you with its efficiency and eco credentials, but when you look at its powertrain outputs and subsequent performance, you’ll quickly realise this is a very brisk family SUV. Quickest in class, as a matter of fact.

Battery range and petrol range get their own icons.

From a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with an electric assist comes a combined outputs of 340 kW and 709 Nm, comfortably outgunning its nearest PHEV rivals. Volvo claims 4.8 seconds to 100 kph and with our timing equipment locked in, it delivered a 4.92-second dash and effortlessly beat 13 seconds over the quarter mile. As a reminder, Volvo mandates an electronic top speed limiter at 180 kph for safety purposes.

Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV infotainment
The menu system is straightforward to follow.

Is it hands-on and involving? Not quite in the same league as its X3 rival from Munich. While the 8-speed gearbox is clinically quick to shift, we would have appreciated some gearshift paddles on the steering for additional engagement. That said, we can’t see too many Volvo clientele stretching the T8s legs too often.

Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV charge
Only AC charging for the XC60; some of Chinese rivals add DC functionality.

For those interested in the technical aspects of this potent plug-in hybrid, the electric motor is mounted on the rear axle and delivers 107 kW and 309 Nm. Thanks to its 19 kWh battery, Volvo claims an electric range of up to 81 km, and our testing period showed the vehicle came very close to that. Of course, this depends on driving style and which mode you’re in.

Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV dashboard
6.5 L/100 km is good consumption considering the performance.

The economy claim of 1.6 L/100 km is a bit far-fetched in the real-world, but rest assured, this is still a frugal vehicle. After a week of driving both in gridlocked traffic and triple-digit speeds on the open road, as well as daily charging at our Cars.co.za AC box, our final consumption figure sat comfortably under 7.0 L/100 km. It is worth mentioning that if you run the vehicle’s battery right down, the petrol consumption increases dramatically.

Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV Price & Aftersales support

Every XC60 is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. On the PHEV derivatives, the hybrid battery is covered for 8 years/160 000 km. Five years of unlimited roadside assistance is also included. 

XC60 B5 CoreR1 058 400
XC60 B5 PlusR1 116 300
XC60 T8 PHEV PlusR1 460 800
XC60 T8 PHEV UltraR1 500 700
Pricing correct at of February 2026.

Verdict

Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV front
The enhancements are small, but did it actually need them?

In 2026, Volvo finds itself in a tricky position. Globally, demand for battery-electric vehicles has dropped and brands like Volvo that focused mainly on electric-only powertrains suddenly found themselves in a precarious position. Many brands, like Volvo, have reversed course and are rethinking future approaches. In the meantime, what do they sell?

This XC60 facelift is the result of such industry turmoil. However, given its popularity and long list of positives, it makes perfect commercial sense for Volvo to introduce some minor enhancements and keep it on sale. The XC60 may lack the dynamic talents of some of its rivals, but at its core, it is still one of the best, classiest premium family SUVs.

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

All the latest Volvo news and reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Volvo XC60 cost in South Africa?

The price for a new Volvo XC60 in South Africa starts from approximately R1 058 400 for the B5 mild-hybrid Core Bright model. The range-topping T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Ultra Dark model is priced at approximately R1 500 700. Prices are subject to change and may vary based on optional extras.

What engine options are available for the Volvo XC60?

The Volvo XC60 is currently offered with two primary electrified powertrains in South Africa:
  • B5 Mild-Hybrid: A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 48V assistance, producing 183 kW and 350 Nm.
  • T8 Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): A 2.0-litre turbo and supercharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 340 kW and 709 Nm.
All models come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission and All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

What is the fuel consumption of the Volvo XC60?

Claimed fuel consumption varies by powertrain:
  • B5 Mild-Hybrid: Approximately 7.6 L/100 km.
  • T8 Plug-In Hybrid: A claimed combined figure of 1.6 L/100 km, provided the battery is charged. In real-world hybrid driving, consumption is typically between 4.0 and 5.5 L/100 km.

What is the electric-only range of the XC60 T8 Recharge?

The Volvo XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid features a 18.8 kWh (nominal) battery pack that provides a pure electric driving range of up to 81 km (WLTP cycle), making it ideal for emission-free daily commuting.

What warranty and maintenance plan comes with the Volvo XC60?

In South Africa, the Volvo XC60 is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. Additionally, the high-voltage battery in the T8 PHEV models carries an 8-year/160 000 km warranty. Five years of roadside assistance is also included as standard.

All you need to know about buying a new Volkswagen Polo hatchback

The Volkswagen Polo has matured from a budget hatchback into the sophisticated mini-Golf of today. While this premium-minded approach is reflected in its pricing and big-car optional extras, smart shopping can put the perfect Polo within your reach. Here’s how to tackle the task.

Ask anyone who’s ever kicked tyres when looking for a hatchback and the default reply would always be the Volkswagen Polo. And why not? It’s locally built with plenty of spares around, boasts one of the largest dealer footprints in the country and the current range features powerful but efficient turbocharged engines paired with slick-shifting dual-clutch gearboxes that are well ahead of the competition. What’s not to like?

The Polo has successfully matured into a mini-Golf, offering much of the larger car’s comfort, refinement and perceived quality.

Read more: 2022 Volkswagen Polo Life Facelift Review – Still the Compact Champion?

Indeed, few rivals can match the Volkswagen Polo hatchback’s balance between big-car equipment (including next-gen tech and safety suites that are increasingly comparable to those of the Golf), engineering and build quality. That, and irresistible badge appeal, puts the Polo always in demand. And that boosts resale value – great for owners; not so great if you’re looking to get one if on a budget.

A facelift in 2022 brought the Polo’s design language in line with its newer contemporaries within the VW stable.

This guide will help you pick what’s best for your pocket.

How much does a new Volkswagen Polo hatchback cost in South Africa?

The current, 6th-generation Polo was released in 2018. At the time, the popular 1.2-litre TSI engine was discontinued in favour of the 1.0 TSI on all models but the GTI. A major facelift followed in 2022.

During the 2022 facelift, VW added this light bar, which complements the LED headlamps nicely.

The latter revision (a full-width front light bar, uprated safety and tech, as well as digital instrumentation on top models) represented a significant step forward. It incorporated Volkswagen’s contemporary design language also found on more recently released models. Plainly, it’s the one you want if you can afford one.

In the market? Buy a new Volkswagen Polo on Cars.co.za

ModelPrice*
Polo 1.0 TSIR373 800  
Polo Life 1.0 TSIR420 800  
Polo Life 1.0 TSI DSGR445 400
Polo R-Line 1.0 TSI DSGR499 100
Polo GTI DSGR585 800
*Accurate as of February 2026.

Key specifications: Engines, Fuel economy & Features

With small-capacity engines (so configured to fall into the lowest tax or insurance brackets) being the name of the game – other than in the flagship GTI – a single engine powers the entire Volkswagen Polo range.

The 1.0 TSI engine comes in 2 states of tune: 70 kW and 85 kW.

This turbocharged, 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder power unit (used in the Polo Vivo and Polo Sedan, Taigo and T-Cross) is available in two model-dependent states of tune and transmission types.    

ModelEnginePower / TorqueTransmission Fuel efficiency 
Polo 1.0 TSI1.0L, 3-cylinder, turbopetrol70 kW / 175 Nm5-speed manual5.4 L/100 km
Polo Life 1.0 TSI1.0L, 3-cylinder, turbopetrol70 kW / 175 Nm5-speed manual5.4 L/100 km
Polo Life 1.0 TSI DSG1.0L, 3-cylinder, turbopetrol85 kW / 200 Nm7-speed dual-clutch automatic5.4 L/100 km
Polo R-Line 1.0 TSI DSG1.0L, 3-cylinder, turbopetrol85 kW / 200 Nm7-speed dual-clutch automatic5.4 L/100 km
Polo GTI DSG2.0L, 4-cylinder, turbopetrol147 kW/320 Nm7-speed dual-clutch automatic6.4 L/100 km

Read more: New Polo GTI Facelift Review – New price, same power, still good enough?

VW Polo vs. Hyundai i20, Opel Corsa & Mazda2

The interior is easy to use, comfortable and beautifully finished, as you’d expect at the price.

In positioning the Vivo firmly in the budget category where it dominates, the Polo has been given headroom to grow into the more premium B-segment. It’s more niche … and pricier.

 VW Polo (1.0 TSI)Hyundai i20Opel CorsaMazda2
Price rangeR374k – R499k*R310k – R467k*R385k – R535k*R321k – R417k*
Power70 kW – 85 kW61 kW – 90 kW74 kW – 96 kW85 kW
Warranty3-year/120 000 km7-year/200 000 km5-year/100 000 km3-year/unlimited km
Service plan3-year/45 000 km4-year/60 000 km3-year/45 000 km3-year/unlimited km
Boot space351L311L309L280L
*Accurate as of February 2026.

Against its competitors, the Polo suffers from a weaker service plan offering while conversely the Hyundai i20 trumps all in aftersales.

Better value than the Volkswagen can be had from the Toyota Starlet/Suzuki Baleno clones, although these are positioned around maximisation of value, rather than the Polo’s big-car sumptuousness and superior tactility.

Buy a used Volkswagen Polo on Cars.co.za

Pros & cons: Is a VW Polo the right choice for you?

Ride comfort and rolling refinement match that of some cars in the segment above.

On paper, the Volkswagen Polo is the go-to hatchback for discerning buyers. From build and ride quality to aftersales peace of mind, strong resale value and a sense of sophistication born from one of Mzansi’s most-loved brands, it’s a slam-dunk must-buy.

Still, caveats remain.

High used values mean you’re paying more than for competitors, and simultaneously suffering a poor rands-per-feature ratio, especially on entry-level derivatives.

Secondly, the Polo (but more so the Vivo) is, well, the second-most stolen car in South Africa. Your insurance premium will unquestionably reflect that. Your insurer will almost certainly insist on a satellite tracking device being fitted, so that’s an additional monthly cost to account for.

The Polo breaks no design boundaries; instead, it’s sophisticated and understated.

Finally, repair costs. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. For all the pleasure provided by the torque-happy, crisp-shifting powertrain when you blast past lesser hatches on the Reef, when the turbocharger or twin-clutch transmission goes – with conspicuous regularity just days after the factory warranty expires, conspiracy theorists would like you to believe – you’re looking at R30 000-plus repair bills. (If you love your credit score, out-of-warranty agent repairs should be avoided at all costs.) 

New Volkswagen Polo Specs & Prices in South Africa

So the ugly-duckling Starlet is hopeless against the Polo on the catwalk, but makes up much of that shortfall in the bank manager’s office – not only month after month, but also every time you service it. 

Does the Polo have any optional extras?

Yes, but beware: many of these rank as nice-to-haves. Adding just a few will add another R30 000 to R50 000 your new Polo’s price in just a few clicks of your computer mouse. And you won’t see that value back in your pocket come sales time.

The key, then, as with buying any used car, is to have the first owner take the hit. Buy a year or 2-year-old model that still has a bit of factory warranty remaining.

South Africans love their sunroofs, and VW offers a large panoramic roof on the Polo (as a costly option, of course).

The following are some of the more popular/worthwhile additions to consider:

Panoramic sunroofR15 800
Matrix LED headlampsR16 700
Embedded navigation, wireless connectivity, digital cockpitR17 900
Comfort (auto) parking and reverse cameraR16 600
Active safety packR13 600

Buying a VW Polo in South Africa persists as a choice between head and heart. If you’re after the most refined driving experience and the strongest resale value in the segment, the Polo is the undisputed champion. On the other hand, if your priority is a bulletproof warranty or lower insurance premiums, the Hyundai i20 or Toyota Starlet are formidable challengers.

Shop around and you’ll find the perfect Polo Life 1.0 TSI (our recommendation).

Ultimately, the best Polo is often a two-year-old Polo Life 1.0 TSI with a verified service history. Let someone else pay for the initial depreciation while you enjoy the upmarket mini-Golf experience.

Read more:

Used VW Polo GTI: The ULTIMATE Buyer’s Guide (What to Check Before You Buy!)

Another record! Jetour T2 sales continue to soar in SA

Sales of the new Jetour T2 hit fresh heights in January 2026, helping to drive the Chinese brand to a record overall total in South Africa…

  • Jetour T2 registers its highest sales tally yet
  • Closely related T1 also hits fresh high in SA
  • Chinese firm reaches record total in January

Since launching in South Africa in mid-November 2025, the Jetour T2 has served as the Chinese brand’s best-selling model. That momentum continued in January 2026, with the T2 hitting a new sales high – and, in the process, helping Jetour SA to reach a record overall total.

Yes, Jetour SA – which falls under the Chery Group banner but describes itself as “independent” – registered as many as 665 units of the T2 locally in the opening month of 2026. That eclipses the 545-unit haul in the T2’s launch month as well as the 441 units sold in December 2025. A total of 1 651 examples have thus already been sold in SA.

Jetour T1 and T2
The T1 and T2 hit record numbers last month.

Thanks largely to the T2’s strong performance, Jetour SA reached a record total of 1 550 units in January 2026, representing a 13.1% month-on-month improvement over December 2025’s effort (which was its previous best). However, after breaking into the top 10 in the final month of last year, Jetour SA had to settle for 11th last month, effectively being pushed off the table by Mahindra SA.

Closely related to the likewise unibody T2, the new Jetour T1 also put in its best performance yet in January, with 431 units sold. That’s markedly up on the 81 units registered in November 2025 and the 264 examples moved the following month (and puts the T1’s total at 776 units). The Dashing (283 units) and X70 Plus (171 units) completed the picture in January 2026.

The Omoda C5 likewise put in its best performance yet in January.

Other Chinese passenger vehicles that enjoyed new sales highs in January 2026 included the Omoda C5 (907 units, up from its previous high of 849 units in October 2025) and the GWM Tank 300 (249 units, up from its earlier best of 216 units in December 2025).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Jetour’s Record-Breaking January 2026

Q: How did Jetour perform in South Africa during January 2026?

 

A: Jetour SA achieved a record-breaking month, selling 1 550 total units — a 13.1% increase over its previous best in December 2025. Despite this record volume, the brand placed 11th overall in the manufacturer rankings, narrowly missing the top 10 as Mahindra surged back into the charts.

Q: Which models were the primary drivers of this growth?

 

A: The Jetour T2 led the charge with a new high of 665 units. The Jetour T1 also reached a personal best of 431 units, while the Dashing (283 units) and X70 Plus (171 units) provided solid support to the brand’s total.

Q: Did other Chinese model see similar success in early 2026?

 

A: Yes, the Omoda C5 hit its highest sales tally yet with 907 units in January 2026. This contributed to a broader trend where Chinese manufacturers, including GWM and Chery, continue to gain significant market share in the SUV and crossover segments.

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