Why the Kia Tasman bakkie will likely hit SA only in 2026
The Kia Tasman bakkie looks set to arrive in South Africa only in 2026, rather than in the 2nd half of 2025 as originally planned. Here’s why Mzansi must wait…
Tasman’s arrival in SA likely pushed into 2026
Local distributor is “still negotiating pricing”
New bakkie powered by 2.2-litre turbodiesel
Waiting patiently for the Kia Tasman bakkie to wade into South Africa’s 1-tonne segment? Well, you’ll likely have to sit tight for a little longer as the local arrival of this distinctively styled newcomer appears to have been pushed into 2026.
As a reminder, when the Tasman was revealed back in October 2024, Paul Turnbull, Kia South Africa’s CEO, described the ladder-frame bakkie as an “exciting new opportunity” for the brand, adding that the local distributor aimed to launch it – based on “current planning” – in the 2nd half of 2025.
However, we recently came across some information that suggested the Korean-built Tasman – which is the automaker’s first take on a traditional bakkie – would instead hit the market in Mzansi only towards the middle of 2026. So, we asked Kia South Africa for clarity on the matter.
The South Korean brand’s local distributor confirmed to Cars.co.za that the Tasman launch “will more than likely be next year” (i.e., 2026), adding that “we are still negotiating pricing [with Kia’s head office in Seoul] and want to ensure that we land it at a good price point”.
Of course, pricing is of particular importance in SA’s cut-throat bakkie market, where locally built models such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max dominate the sales charts. In fact, several imported bakkies have struggled in recent times; for instance, sales of the new Mitsubishi Triton have stuttered despite its move into a new generation, while Mazda even opted to pull its BT-50 from the market in early 2024.
For the record, the Tasman launched in Kia’s domestic market of South Korea in February 2025, while Australia and New Zealand officially welcomed the fresh-faced bakkie – which is, of course, named after Tasmania, the island at the southernmost tip of Australia – in July 2025. The roll-out of the new model has also commenced in the Middle East (in countries like Saudi Arabia).
Though Kia builds both single- and double-cab versions of the Tasman at its Hwasung factory in South Korea, we expect the brand’s local division to concentrate on the latter body style (at first, anyway), with a particular focus on the leisure-bakkie segment.
Built on what Kia describes as a “fully optimised” body-on-frame platform, the Tasman looks set to be offered in South Africa with a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivering 154 kW and 441 Nm (likely via an 8-speed automatic transmission, though a 6-speed manual gearbox is also available in some markets). Certain countries also receive a 2.5-litre turbopetrol motor generating 207 kW and 421 Nm.
The double-cab version of the Tasman measures 5 410 mm from front to back, making it some 60 mm longer than a Ford Ranger double cab. The load bed measures 1 512 mm long and 1 572 mm wide, which Kia claims provides “best-in-class cargo capability of 1 173 litres”. The new bakkie’s maximum payload is listed as 1 195 kg (though this will obviously vary by derivative), while the braked towing capacity comes in at 3 500 kg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the Kia Tasman be available in South Africa?
A: The Kia Tasman is now expected to arrive in South Africa in 2026, a delay from the original plan for a late 2025 launch. The local distributor is still negotiating pricing to ensure it is competitive in the market.
Q: What engine will power the Kia Tasman in South Africa?
A: The Kia Tasman is expected to be offered in South Africa with a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This engine produces 154 kW of power and 441 Nm of torque, likely paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Q: What are the key dimensions and capabilities of the Kia Tasman bakkie?
A: The double-cab version of the Kia Tasman measures 5 410 mm in length. Its load bed is 1 512 mm long and 1 572 mm wide. The bakkie has a maximum payload of up to 1 195 kg and a braked towing capacity of 3 500 kg.
Just over an hour south of Johannesburg, in Vanderbijlpark, you’ll find Lemon Garage – a motoring treasure trove with a name as playful as its stock is serious. We browse the dealership’s tantalising line-up of cars and chat with its owner, Angus Webber.
The first impression of Lemon Garage isn’t rows of cars or the smell of polish, but comfort. A sofa, a stack of books and magazines, a coffee machine, and memorabilia give the cosy corner of the showroom the feel of a stylish living room. It sets the tone: this isn’t just about selling cars, it’s about passion.
From that sofa, the view stretches across a fleet of perfectly aligned machines. There is a smorgasbord of classic cars – each spotless, with neatly laminated spec sheets waiting for prospective buyers. The building next door houses further treasures; it’s an eclectic collection – a playground for enthusiasts.
At the heart of Lemon Garage is Angus Webber and his sons. Angus carries the easy professionalism of a man who spent 2 decades at Porsche South Africa.
Angus spent 2 decades at Porsche SA
He smiles as he explains the garage’s unlikely beginnings: “I’ve always been a car enthusiast. My family had a parts business, but it started before that. When I was 5, my older brother bought his first car.
“Whenever he serviced it, he’d give me the old parts – and he even bought me a toolbox. From then on, I was hooked. By 16, I was working part-time in the family business.”
In the early 2000s, Angus joined Porsche South Africa (Porsche SA). He started in the parts department before moving to the pre-owned division. “I thoroughly enjoyed that side of the business,” he recalls.
With the backing of Porsche SA chief executive officer Toby Venter, Angus helped elevate pre-owned sales into a business pillar of the Zuffenhausen-based brand’s South African distributorship.
“We even had our own Porsche pre-owned number plate made – the first dealership globally to do so.”
He also championed turning an entire building into a pre-owned hub, complete with a modernised layout and a small coffee shop. Initially met with raised eyebrows, the coffee shop went ahead – and has since become something of a legendary spot in local Porsche circles.
After a rewarding career, Angus decided to strike out on his own, however.
“I started at my dining room table with one car – a 996-series Porsche 911 Turbo, on consignment. Then came a Cayman GT4. After that, I borrowed money to buy 2 cars of my own.”
“The Lemon Garage name is tongue-in-cheek,” Angus quips. “In the trade, a lemon means a disastrous purchase. Here, when someone buys a car, we give them a framed certificate declaring ‘they’ve bought a lemon’. Of course, we don’t sell lemons at all – I’d happily recommend any of these cars to my friends.”
Every car is scrutinised before being put on display: service history checked, tyres inspected, overall condition assessed. Thanks to Angus’s long Porsche career, many of the cars are familiar old friends.
“Once I left Porsche, I realised a lot of Porsche owners also collect other marques – Volkswagens, Land Rovers, and so on. So they now approach me to handle those cars as well.”
Lemon Garage is a family affair
The family aspect is crucial. “My sons have fitted into the business perfectly. They love cars absolutely – and at dinner, well, I sometimes feel for my wife, because the conversation is always about cars!”
Today, Lemon Garage not only sells countrywide but also exports cars abroad. Angus is quick to stress that they always try to find local buyers first – but when international demand knocks, it’s hard to ignore.
Nissan South Africa has temporarily slashed prices across its 3-strong X-Trail range, with the entry-level derivative now a whopping R100 000 more affordable…
Nissan cuts up to R100k off X-Trail pricing
Price reductions are seemingly temporary
All variants also gain wireless charging pad
Having recentlyreduced the prices of the turbocharged derivatives in its Magnite crossover range, Nissan South Africa has now slashed pricing – albeit temporarily, it seems – across its X-Trail line-up.
The Japanese firm’s local division took the decision to cut pricing for all 3 variants in the X-Trail portfolio while introducing what it describes as a “new model year” update. The latter includes a wireless charging pad for all derivatives, along with “approach unlock” and “walk-away lock” functionality.
The 4th-gen X-Trail touched down in SA in April 2023.
So, just how much has Nissan SA lopped off each X-Trail derivative’s starting price? Well, the entry-level X-Trail 2.5 Visia CVT 5-seater had previously been available from R687 900 but is now offered at R587 900 (a considerable R100 000 more affordable than before).
Meanwhile, the mid-tier and likewise front-wheel-drive X-Trail 2.5 Acenta CVT 5-seater now comes in at R666 900, some R85 000 down from its previous sticker price of R751 900. Finally, the flagship X-Trail 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD CVT (which is a 7-seater as standard) has had its price cut by R63 000, from R812 900 to R749 900. It’s not clear how long these price reductions will remain in effect.
The flagship Acenta Plus grade boasts a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
As a reminder, the T33-series X-Trail launched in Mzansi in April 2023. Each derivative in the X-Trail line-up is powered by Nissan’s naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine. This motor delivers 135 kW and 244 Nm via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard.
With the Y62-series Patrol having been put out to pasture earlier in 2025, Nissan SA’s passenger-vehicle range currently comprises only the Indian-built Magnite and the X-Trail (the likes of the Qashqai, Almera and Micra have all been culled). However, the company plans to expand its line-up with a pair of Renault-based crossovers in 2026, with the Y63-series Patrol likely to follow in 2027.
What does the Nissan X-Trail cost in South Africa?
DERIVATIVE
NORMAL PRICE
REDUCED PRICE
X-Trail 2.5 Visia CVT
R687 900
R587 900
X-Trail 2.5 Acenta CVT
R751 900
R666 900
X-Trail 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD CVT
R812 900
R749 900
The prices above include a 6-year/150 000 km warranty and 3-year/90 000 km service plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much has the Nissan X-Trail price been reduced in South Africa?
A: Nissan South Africa has implemented temporary price cuts of up to R100 000 on its X-Trail range. The X-Trail 2.5 Visia CVT’s price has been reduced by R100 000 to R587 900. The X-Trail 2.5 Acenta CVT’s price has been cut by R85 000 to R666 900, while the X-Trail 2.5 Acenta Plus 4WD CVT has seen a R63 000 reduction, bringing its price down to R749 900.
Q: Are the Nissan X-Trail price cuts permanent?
A: No, the price reductions on the Nissan X-Trail range are described as temporary. It is not clear how long these special prices will be in effect.
Q: What new features have been added to the Nissan X-Trail in South Africa?
A: In addition to the price cuts, all 3 variants of the Nissan X-Trail now come with a wireless charging pad. The vehicle also gains ‘approach unlock’ and ‘walk-away lock’ functionality as part of a new model year update.
Our seasoned contributor saw the 2nd-gen Volkswagen T-Roc – due in Mzansi in the 2nd half of 2026 – at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich. Herewith his impressions…
Cars.co.za recently reported that Volkswagen had revealed the 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc. The Wolfsburg-based brand exhibited the 2nd iteration of its boutique small crossover at the IAA Mobility show, again clad in Canary yellow. That’s canary like the islands, not the bird. Visually, I’m immediately a fan.
I think we can agree that Volkswagen has the largest range of crossovers/SUVs with names that begin with the letter T – and it’s expanding. First, the upcoming Tengo, followed by the Taigo and T-Cross small crossovers, the Tiguan family car and its Tayron sibling, which slots beneath the Touareg premium SUV.
Do you see how easy it is to lose the T-Roc in the melee, especially when you consider its proximity in the portfolio to the T-Cross? Not this time; the new T-Roc is no wallflower cloned from the Audi Q2 (ahem).
Instead, it incorporates sharp style lines, ornate lamp work and chunky, ebony alloy hoops under each gaping arch. A fun party trick is optional self-centring logo caps… completely unnecessary, but very fun.
Bolder styling & improved practicality
Whereas its predecessor was an unsung hero appealing to those who needed a relatively spacious small crossover, but appreciated the coupe-like aesthetic and didn’t mind the compromise, the 2026 model is more capacious, bold and purposeful, with styling in line with contemporary Volkswagen iconography.
LED matrix headlights are available as an option (standard on the R-Line and Style derivatives) and are connected to the white illuminated Volkswagen logo with a subtle light strip. At the back, the T-Roc also features a continuous LED crossbar with a red illuminated Volkswagen logo (depending on spec).
Muscular haunches and blacked-out grilles and diffusers complete the look, giving it a tough street presence somewhat reminiscent of what comes out of Ingolstadt. But you never heard that from me.
Hop aboard and you’ll encounter a well-appointed cabin where large LCD screens and infotainment systems abound. The ergonomics appear bang up to date, and the surfaces feel suitably upmarket.
More importantly, the passenger cell feels airy, allowing plenty of light to flood the dark materials. It’s a comfy and pleasant space that absolutely teems with active and passive safety systems.
2026 Volkswagen T-Roc engine line-up
Under the bonnet, you’ll find a mild-hybrid powertrain, which should translate into South African spec T-Rocs without hassle. For Europe, there are two 48V mild hybrid drives (1.5 eTSI) with 85 kW and 110 kW.
Next comes a pair of full-hybrids developed entirely from scratch, but most likely destined to remain in Europe. All will come exclusively with front-wheel drive, with 4Motion all-wheel drive variants, a 2.0-litre TSI mild hybrid (mHEV) and a T-Roc R, all possibly coming down the line in the not-too-distant future.
Q: When is the new Volkswagen T-Roc due in South Africa?
A: The 2nd-gen Volkswagen T-Roc is due to arrive in Mzansi (South Africa) in the 2nd half of 2026.
Q: What engine powers the 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc?
A: The new T-Roc will have a mild-hybrid powertrain. For Europe, there are two 48V mild hybrid drives (1.5 eTSI) with 85 kW and 110 kW.
Q: What are the key styling features of the new T-Roc?
A: The 2026 T-Roc features sharp style lines, ornate lamp work, and chunky alloy wheels. It also has optional LED matrix headlights connected to a white illuminated Volkswagen logo with a light strip, and a continuous LED crossbar at the back.
Which Toyota Cars are actually Suzukis in SA?
Which Toyota cars on the market in SA are actually Suzuki products? Let’s take a closer look at the 5 Toyotas that are based on – or simply rebadged – Suzukis…
Based on sales figures for the opening half of 2025, Toyota and Suzuki are the 2 biggest automakers in South Africa. Interestingly, these Japanese firms are also partners in a wide-ranging global alliance. In Mzansi, this collaboration manifests as a collection of Toyotas based squarely on Suzuki products built in India.
So, which models in Toyota’s stable are actually Suzukis underneath? Well, the vast majority are budget cars, with the Aichi-based automotive giant cleverly leveraging Suzuki’s reputation as a small-car specialist. Fascinatingly, in Europe, it’s Suzuki that markets rebadged Toyota models; the Suzuki Across, for instance, is a lightly disguised RAV4.
Toyota Vitz: A rebadged Celerio hatchback
In 2023, Toyota SA Motors put the Agya (which was based on the Daihatsu Ayla) out to pasture. Its replacement? The Vitz, is built alongside the Celerio at Suzuki’s Manesar factory. The Vitz is little more than a rebadged Celerio and thus shares that model’s exterior styling, interior design and naturally aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder powertrain.
While the first Starlet based on the original Baleno was nothing more than a rebadge, there are at least some styling differences with this 2nd generation. Toyota’s version landed in SA in 2022, visually set apart from its donor car by a model-specific design for components like the grille and front bumper (though still clearly sharing a body in white). Suzuki builds both at its Ahmedabad plant in India.
Launched in 2024, the Starlet Cross is closely related to Suzuki’s Fronx. Like the Starlet above, the Starlet Cross is set apart from its cousin by some model-specific styling elements, including its grille and lighting signature. Suzuki produces both of these crossovers at its Ahmedabad facility.
When it was first introduced back in 2021, Toyota’s Rumion was effectively a carbon copy of the Ertiga. However, the refreshed version that arrived in 2023 gained Toyota-specific front-end styling elements, including its grille, bumper and foglamp bezels. As with the Starlet and Starlet Cross above, Suzuki’s familiar naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol mill (K15B) powers this MPV (which Suzuki makes at its Gurgaon factory in India).
Of all the twins on this list, the Toyota Urban Cruiser and Suzuki Grand Vitara are arguably the least alike in the styling department (though obviously still share body panels). In addition, while Toyota’s version ships standard with the K15B engine, the Grand Vitara can also be ordered in K15C guise, complete with a mild-hybrid system. It’s also worth noting that though these models were developed by Suzuki, they’re built by Toyota at its Bidadi plant in India.
Q: Which Toyota cars in South Africa are rebadged Suzuki products?
A: The Toyota Vitz, Starlet, Starlet Cross, Rumion and Urban Cruiser are all based on or are rebadged versions of Suzuki products sold in South Africa.
Q: Is the Toyota Vitz the same as the Suzuki Celerio?
A: Yes, the Toyota Vitz is a rebadged version of the Suzuki Celerio. They share the same exterior and interior design, as well as a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine.
Q: What is the Toyota Starlet Cross based on?
A: The Toyota Starlet Cross, which launched in 2024, is closely related to the Suzuki Fronx. While it has some model-specific styling elements, such as the grille and lighting, it is essentially a rebadged version of the Fronx.
Our seasoned contributor travelled to Munich to witness the global debut of the near-production-ready ID Polo – the new, electric iteration of the Wolfsburg-based brand’s Kariega-built compact hatchback, which is celebrating its 50th birthday this year.
Maya Angelou once wrote that “you can’t really know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been”. It’s with this in mind that I twist the Polo Mk 1’s ignition key to “Off” and let its little heart settle.
I’m in Germany to attend the IAA Mobility as a guest of Volkswagen, and I’ve just spent an hour behind the wheel of the original VW Polo – a 1975 Luxury variant with a 1.0-litre engine that produces a plucky 29 kW while slowly transferring the tree-lined country road from the windscreen to the rearview mirror.
I won’t get waylaid on sentimentality, but I will say that everyday motoring should never lose this feeling.
VW Group Africa marks half a century of the Polo
2025 is a momentous year for the Polo. Volkswagen recently released the 50 Years of an Icon: Polo Project Drift video to celebrate 5 decades of the model and its various iterations; it showcases the talent of 7-time FIA World Rallycross Champion and 2-time Gymkhana Grid Champion Johan Kristoffersson and was filmed in and around Nelson Mandela Bay, including at VW Group Africa’s Kariega assembly plant.
Opening with scenes from the Port of Gqeberha and featuring a high-speed tour of the VW factory, the video shows off various Polo models, including the Polo R WRC, the Polo R Supercar in a Harlequin livery selected by fans, the electric Polo RX1e, and even the Polo GTI, which is only built in South Africa. There is also a cameo by the ID Polo concept, which will be the newest, all-electric member of the Polo family.
ID Polo debuts at IAA Mobility
Under the glaring lamps of IAA Mobility, there is an acreage of automotive metal, much of which is electrified and undoubtedly clever, but in my opinion, also hamstrung by a lack of identity – many of the cars are amorphous blobs that have been wind-tunnelled into the same slippery, but uninspired, profile.
And then there’s the ID Polo – it looks immediately familiar and serves as a link between VW’s analogue past and digital future. Beyond it sits the ID Polo GTI, the heated-up version that serves as a promise to the people that Wolfsburg won’t forget us – the brand respects the connection we crave with our cars.
Volkswagen AG’s forecasts predict that the electric small car segment in Europe will grow approximately fourfold over the next 8 years. Naturally, the Wolfsburg-based brand wants to secure a large part of that market with its Brand Group Core platform, which will underpin Volkswagen, Seat, and Skoda models.
A sizable percentage will hinge on the success of their own ID Cross small crossover concept car, also revealed in Munich, and representing an ever-burgeoning segment, in Europe as in South Africa.
But how the iconic Polo evolves as an ID car is what’s all-important here… We are already fans of the fact that VW has reverted to names over numbers and can imagine a portfolio where every model has an ID derivative (like the Cross now has), and inevitably, so there will be an ID Golf, ID Tiguan and so on.
VW describes the ID Polo as a “near-production-ready concept car” and indeed, despite the coy attempt at camouflage liveries, there’s no identity crisis whatsoever. The 4053 mm by 1816 mm (and 1530 mm tall) compact hatchback has a purposeful foursquare stance that looks ready to roll into showrooms.
It’s based on an advanced MEB platform dubbed MEB+, and its design language is called Pure Positive. The ID Polo is undergoing final testing, and you can expect the vinyl wraps to come off in May, followed by a market launch in the 3rd quarter of 2026. The reveal date for the GTI variant is yet to be announced.
The ID Polo will be equipped with 2 battery sizes and 3 power outputs. The most potent of these will be reserved for the GTI at 166 kW, seen here wearing Continental rubber on its ludicrous 19-inch alloys.
Also, an array of features will make their way down from VW’s larger models to the upcoming ID Polo. These will include the Travel Assist package (think lane detection and keeping assist, a 360-degree-view camera system and park assist plus), as well as a host of new safety technologies and comfort features.
Will we get left behind?
No, the ID Polo won’t replace the Polo Mk 6. While VW’s Pure Positive language design is limited to the electrified Polo, the upcoming model will live alongside the current internal combustion-engined Polo.
Sadly, while the ID Polo’s enviably projected sticker price of EUR 25 000 will have the European buyers salivating, the fact that new EVs remain subject to heightened taxation by our Government means that by the time that it arrives in Mzansi, it will essentially retail as a luxury vehicle, where, ironically, it will have to appeal to enthusiasts. And for those who are even more invested in the badge, there’ll be a GTI too.
A: The VW ID Polo is expected to have its global market introduction in the third quarter of 2026, following its reveal in May 2026. Its South African launch date is yet to be confirmed.
Q: What engine and power outputs will the ID Polo have?
A: As an all-electric vehicle, the ID Polo will be equipped with two battery sizes and three power outputs. The most potent version, reserved for the GTI model, will produce 166 kW.
Q: What platform is the VW ID Polo built on?
A: The ID Polo is based on an advanced MEB platform, which has been dubbed MEB+.
Q: Will the ID Polo replace the current Polo?
A: No, the ID Polo will not replace the current internal combustion-engined Polo. It will be sold alongside the existing model.
End of the road for Renault Clio in South Africa?
With the new Renault Clio VI hatchback not planned for South Africa, the nameplate may well have reached the end of the road locally after a quarter of a century…
New Clio VI not planned for South Africa
Facelifted Clio V didn’t ever arrive in SA
Nameplate first launched locally in 1999
The freshly revealed Renault Clio VI hatchback is not scheduled to launch in South Africa, according to the Boulogne-Billancourt-based brand’s local distributor, suggesting this storied nameplate may well have reached the end of the road locally after some 26 years.
Though the pre-facelift Clio V is still listed on Renault SA’s website, the last time a sale was registered in the local new-vehicle market was back in October 2024, when just a single unit was sold. While the automaker’s distributor had previously planned to introduce the facelifted model, it’s now confirmed to us that a “decision was taken not to launch locally because of the [unfavourable] currency rate”.
The new Clio VI revealed in Germany is not planned for SA.
Furthermore, Renault South Africa revealed to Cars.co.za that the newly revealed Clio VI is “not anticipated for local launch in SA”. Though there’s theoretically still a (slight) chance the firm – which these days relies on Indian-sourced budget cars for much of its sales volume – might one day change its mind, for now the nameplate appears to have wrapped up a local run that spanned some 26 years.
While the 1st-generation Clio was never officially sold in South Africa, the Clio II arrived in Mzansi back in 1999. Over the past quarter of a century, successive generations of the hatchback have launched locally, including various RenaultSport-badged, hot-hatch iterations. Based on earlier figures released by Renault SA, we’d estimate that nearly 80 000 units of the Clio were sold locally (with almost 35 000 of those being Clio IV units).
The facelifted Clio V didn’t ever materialise in SA.
The outgoing Slovenia-built Clio V range comprised 3 derivatives, each employing a turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that delivered 74 kW and 160 Nm to the front axle via a 6-speed manual gearbox (no automatic was offered locally). The line-up kicked off with the entry-level Life (R312 999), while the mid-tier Zen was priced at R327 999 and the top-spec Intens at R367 999.
According to our records, Renault registered 641 units of the Clio V in South Africa in 2022, with that number climbing to 723 units in 2023. In 2024, some 766 units of this hatchback were sold locally, with zero examples registered so far in 2025 (suggesting local stock has finally been depleted).
The Clio nameplate debuted in SA in 1999 (facelifted 2004model pictured).
While the B-segment hatchback space in Mzansi is still dominated by the Kariega-built Volkswagen Polo, this so-called “supermini” category has lost substantial sales volumes seemingly both to more budget-friendly sub-B-segment contenders (such as the VW Polo Vivo, Suzuki Swift and Toyota Starlet) and, of course, crossovers. Several big names have also exited the market over the couple of few years, including the Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra and Kia Rio.
Q: Is the new Renault Clio VI coming to South Africa?
A: No, according to Renault’s local distributor, the newly revealed Renault Clio VI hatchback is not planned for a local launch in South Africa.
Q: Why didn’t the facelifted Renault Clio V come to South Africa?
A: The facelifted Clio V was not launched in South Africa due to a decision based on the unfavourable currency rate at the time. The last sale of the pre-facelift Clio V was registered in October 2024, and local stock appears to have been depleted.
Q: How long has the Renault Clio nameplate been in South Africa?
A: The Clio nameplate has been in South Africa for 26 years, with the first official launch of the Clio II in 1999. Although the 1st-generation Clio was never sold locally, subsequent generations were available, and an estimated 80 000 units have been sold in South Africa over this period.
Here are the 5 cheapest new cars currently available in South Africa…
We all know that buying a new car can be an expensive exercise but this article highlights the 5 cheapest brand new cars currently available in South Africa.
Yes, you may have to compromise somewhat in terms of quality and features in the low-end of the new car market but if these 5 cheapest cars don’t quite meet your needs then it’s worthwhile exploring the used car market right here on Cars.co.za.
Also, if you need car buying advice, feel free to engage with us on Facebook or X and we will gladly assist you.
Let’s take a closer look at 5 of the most affordable brand-new cars money can buy in South Africa.
Yes, it’s based on the new Suzuki Celerio as part of the Toyota-Suzuki product alliance and the Vitz is powered by a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre engine with 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission and 5-speed automatic is available. Pricing for the Vitz starts from R178 800 and goes up to R224 900 for the Vitz 1.0 XR automatic.
For just R100 more, you can step into the the updated Suzuki S-Presso which is ideal for first-time car buyers looking for a quirky hatchback. The S-Presso is powered by a 49 kW/89 Nm 1.0-litre petrol engine and can be had with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual transmission.
The S-Presso is offered in 3 trim grades, including GL, GL+ and S-Edition. Pricing starts from R178 900 and goes up to R219 900 for the range-topping S-Presso S-Edition automatic.
Tata is back in South Africa and will look to gain traction in the passenger car market. Tata’s local range of cars starts with the Tiago budget hatchback in either XM or XT trim with the a top-spec XZ derivative expected at a later stage.
The Tiago is powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine that offers 63 kW and 113 Nm and can be had with either a 5-speed manual or Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
A new Suzuki Celerio arrived in South Africa in 2022 to entice local buyers and it remains a popular choice in the budget car segment.
The Celerio is powered by a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre engine that offers 49 kW and 89 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission does service in the Celerio, but you can have the Celerio in 5-speed automatic guise too.
The base-spec Celerio 1.0 GA is priced from R188 900 but the higher-spec Celerio 1.0 GL is priced at R210 900 while the automatic derivative is priced at R225 900.
The Renault Kwid is proving to be quite popular locally and it’s one of Renault’s best-selling models in South Africa alongside the larger Kiger.
The Kwid is powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine with 50 kW and 91 Nm of torque. The range starts with the Kwid 1.0 Life priced from R196 999. The higher-spec Kwid Zen is priced from R206 999. A range-topping Kwid Climber is also on offer with pricing starting at R217 999. Renault also offers an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) for the Zen and Climber trim lines in addition to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The Hyundai i30 N – the firm’s first hot hatch under the N performance brand – has quietly left the market in South Africa after a run of more than 5 years…
Hyundai’s first hot hatch departs SA
Was available in Mzansi for over 5 years
Last priced at R848 900 before its exit
Yes, we’ve just lost another hot hatch.Cars.co.za can confirm the Hyundai i30 N – the South Korean company’s very first mass-production model under the “N” performance brand – is no longer available in South Africa.
While the i30 N has always been a low-volume product in Mzansi, we recently noticed zero units were registered in June, July or August 2025. With the hot hatch having also been removed from Hyundai’s local website, we asked the company for clarity.
Hyundai Automotive SA confirmed to Cars.co.za that the i30 N hot hatch “is no longer available in South Africa”. Interestingly, the closely related Kona N is still listed locally (for now, anyway), despite production of the hot crossover having already ended.
Though the i30 N has not been available in European markets since early 2024, it’s still sold in Australia (in both hatchback and sedan form, with the latter known elsewhere as the Elantra N) today, where it’s offered alongside the smaller i20 N and the fully electric Ioniq 5 N. So, production of the i30 N clearly continues at the firm’s Nošovice plant in the Czech Republic.
The last price we saw for the i30 N before its departure from South Africa’s new-vehicle market was R848 900. As a reminder, the i30 N – which was revealed globally back in July 2017 – launched in South Africa in February 2020, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine sending 202 kW and 353 Nm to the front axle via a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Hyundai’s local distributor then switched to a refreshed version in April 2022, ditching the pre-facelift model’s manual cog-swapper in favour of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The updated i30 N’s motor delivered improved outputs of 206 kW and 392 Nm through the aforementioned dual-clutch cog-swapper, facilitating a claimed 0-100 kph time of 5.4 seconds.
Though our sales records for 2020 and 2021 are unfortunately patchy, we’d speculate somewhere in the region of 300 examples of the i30 N were sold in South Africa in total. From what we can tell, 2022 was this model’s strongest year, with 91 units registered. That figure fell to 60 units in 2023 and 56 units in 2024, with a further 18 units having been sold locally in 2025 (up to the end of August).
Q: Why is the Hyundai i30 N no longer available in South Africa?
A: While the hot hatch has not been available in European markets since early 2024, production continues in the Czech Republic for other markets like Australia. The decision to remove the vehicle from the South African market thus appears to be a local one.
Q: What was the last price of the Hyundai i30 N in South Africa?
A: The last recorded price for the Hyundai i30 N before its departure from the South African market was R848 900.
Q: When did the Hyundai i30 N first launch in South Africa?
A: The Hyundai i30 N launched in South Africa in February 2020.
The fall of legacy vehicle brands hawking underspecced, overpriced models – and the corresponding rise of newcomers powered by strong value propositions – provides a snapshot of the changing buying habits of the distressed car-buying middle class in South Africa.
Winston Churchill is often misattributed for coining the phrase “never let a good crisis go to waste”. For a company like Suzuki in South Africa, that consumer cash crisis has turned into an opportunity as its 12-strong model lineup serves budget-conscious buyers.
What cars does Suzuki sell in South Africa today?
The Suzuki Grand Vitara sits at the top of the brand’s local lineup.
Other than for a bakkie and a sportscar, you’d be hard-pressed not to find a Suzuki for your particular needs.
There are no fewer than 5 different hatchback models to choose from including the S-Presso, Celerio, Ignis, Baleno and Swift. There are also 2 crossovers, the Fronx and Grand Vitara and a pair of sedans in the ironically-named Dzire and unpronounceable Ciaz (Chazz? See-azz? She-azz? Key-azz?).
But that’s not all, the Ertiga and XL6 are quasi-3-row people carriers while the diminutive Eeco panel van is aimed at small businesses such as plumbers and pet pimpers.
Finally, the Jimny enjoys a cult-like following as a unique budget-oriented yet giant-killing ladder-frame 4×4.
Prices, too, are geared to affordability; ranging from R178 900 for the base S-Presso to R542 900 for the Grand Vitara Hybrid Allgrip which is currently the priciest Suzuki on offer, as at September 2025.
It’s worth noting that the Toyota Vitz, Urban Cruiser, Starlet and Rumion are all rebadged versions of the Suzuki Celerio, Grand Vitara, Baleno and Ertiga, respectively.
Interestingly, of all Suzukis sold in South Africa, only the 3-door Jimny is built in Japan.
What budget Suzuki hatchbacks can you buy in South Africa in 2025?
The quirky S-Presso is the entry point to Suzuki ownership in South Africa.
Suzuki’s quintet of hatchbacks range from SASSA-friendly cent-savers to spacious and playful, feature-rich models comparable to European and Korean rivals.
The S-Presso (R178 900-R219 900) is a rock-bottom, bare-bones entry into Suzuki vehicle ownership. Lightweight, compact dimensions and a wheezy 1.0-litre, 49 kW/89 Nm engine means your wallet stays in tact at the petrol pumps but you can forget about scaring any Ferraris, or Fiat 500s at the traffic light grand prix.
As its primary competitor, the Renault Kwid, you can expect bare-bones safety and feature essentials though the S-Presso’s 181 mm ground clearance may save regular bumper scuffers a few rands and the 2-year/30 000 km is a nice bonus at this low price point.
The long-standing Celerio is a core budget offering in Suzuki’s local offering.
You can level up to the Kia Picanto-sized Celerio (R188 900-R225 900), the latter of which itself offers marginally more space, features and safety trim while sharing the same engine. It, too, enjoys a generous ground clearance (170 mm) and, importantly stability control makes a welcome appearance, which is especially beneficial for inexperienced drivers.
The Swift is one of SA’s most popular passenger cars.
For around a quarter-of-a-million Rand, you’re finally looking respectable in the fun-to-drive, multiple-#CarsAwards-winning Swift (R224 900 – R291 900) that competes against the Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Hyundai Grand i10. Expect a longer standard feature list such as 6 airbags, an upsized touchscreen, LED headlamps, keyless entry, climate control and even some leather trim in the higher spec derivatives.
Little wonder the Swift continues to trade blows with the Vivo each month for top honours as South Africa’s best-selling hatchback.
The Swift is powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine with 60 kW and 112 Nm powering the front wheels either through a 5-speed manual transmission or a self-selecting CVT.
The Ignis offers a unique look in the budget crossover segment.
Next up, the Ignis (R237 900 – R293 900) is Suzuki’s take on the urban crossover, locking horns with the Citroën C3, Renault Kiger and Hyundai Exter. As another former class winner in our annual awards as far back as 2017/2018, though now slightly long in the tooth, the Ignis’ cheeky looks continue as a standout trait in a segment defined by visual monotony.
Although the Ignis has the same 1.2-litre engine as the Swift, it lacks stability control. Furthermore, the upright seating position is a double-edged sword and while it offers a commanding view of the road ahead, it forces a less-than-ideal posture. Still, (a little) pain is the price for beauty and the compromise goes a long way towards looking cool and most importantly, keeps overall cost in check.
Finally, the Baleno (R266 900 – R339 900) takes the fight straight to the segment stalwarts such as the Renault Clio, Toyota Starlet, Hyundai i20 and VW Polo. Here, everything is supersized, from the 1.5-litre, 77 kW/138 Nm engine paired with premium technology (cruise control, 360⁰ camera, heads-up display, 6 airbags, and others) to interior space and a particularly large boot. We’d steer away from the slushy 4-speed automatic and for families not swayed by the pressure of having to buy a compact crossover, the 5-speed manual Baleno is a lucky packet for those on a budget.
Unquestionably, apart from the Swift, Suzuki’s second-best seller is the tongue-twisting Fronx. The latter is effectively a raised version of the Baleno, complete with a 170 mm ride height, cladded wheel arches and brawnier bumpers.
The Fronx is at the frontline of Suzuki’s compact crossover offensive in SA.
Ranging in price from R298 900 to R362 900, the Fronx goes head-to-head with the segment-leading Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. The Fronx is offered with just 2 front-driven derivatives – GL and GLX – powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine that develops 77 kW and 138 Nm and comes paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Stretching to the GLX model is definitely worth it, netting buyers keyless entry, a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen (against the GL’s 7.0-inch version), 360⁰ camera, wireless charging, heads-up display and 6 airbags. Both models do feature stability control as standard.
The Jimny offers serious off-road ability for its price point.
Yes. Words like “iconic” and “legendary” have been reduced to lazy staples of the automotive lexicon, but in the case of the Suzuki Jimny (R432 900 – R484 900), they are absolutely deserved. With genuine off-road prowess backed by a body-on-frame build and a low-range transfer case complemented by its relatively low weight, the Jimny easily holds its own in the presence of more muscular 4×4 soil-shredders.
The 3-door Jimny is solely available in GLX trim, whereas its bigger 5-door brother is additionally offered in rep-spec GL trim. A 4-speed automatic option is available alongside the 5-speed manual transmission and and all models are 4-wheel-driven.
At this price, there’s simply nothing else like it and despite the dearth of vehicle brands present in South Africa, not a single one offers a vehicle as uniquely capable, nor as affordable as the Jimny. It’s Suzuki’s best-kept secret!
The Swift Sport offers an exciting drive but it comes at a price that most new car buyers in 2025 can’t absorb.
With the advent of the original Swift in 2008, observers appreciated the fun-to-drive traits of even the humble, church-going models. The more satanic Sport version turned that chuckability up to eleven. Sadly, over time even Suzuki had to make a concessionary nod towards emissions and the introduction of the third-generation Swift in 2017 brought about the change to turbocharging in the range’s hottest model with 103 kW and 230 Nm), which robbed it of its rev-happy character.
Two years later, an automatic with paddle shifters was introduced, broadening the vehicle’s scope, though once again at the cost of engagement. Unfortunately, the Swift Sport’s pricing has not helped its cause pricing pegged at R463 900 and R487 900 for the manual and automatic, respectively. For R100k more you can have a bigger, faster and more powerful Volkswagen Polo GTI.
Our advice? Try buying a used Suzuki Swift Sport, or ideally a previous generation, naturally-aspirated version for true seat-of-the-pants pleasure for mere fish-and-chips money. You can thank us later.
