SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkie of 2025 revealed
Which model was South Africa’s top selling double-cab bakkie in 2025? Well, here’s a look at the double-, extended- and single-cab bakkie sales figures for last year…
Ranger retains title of SA’s best-selling double cab
Hilux and D-Max post stronger double-cab growth
Single- and extended-cab crowns again go to Hilux
By now, you’ve likely seen our list of South Africa’s most popular bakkies for 2025. But what does the picture look like when we break down the sales figures by body style? Well, let’s take a closer look at the numbers and reveal SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkie of the year in the process.
According to figures kindly supplied by Lightstone Auto, the Ford Ranger retained the title of Mzansi’s most popular double cab in 2025 with 20 856 units sold (up 3.9%, year on year), securing the crown for the 3rd consecutive year. For the record, that number translates to a whopping 81.9% of the Ranger’s overall tally for 2025. As a reminder, the Silverton-built bakkie will benefit from some revisions in the opening half of 2026.
The Silverton-built Ranger was SA’s best-selling double cab in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Toyota Hilux – which is due to move into its 9th generation later in 2026 – again placed 2nd on South Africa’s double-cab rankings, with 16 869 units (up 10.1%, year on year) registered in 2025. By our maths, dual-cab sales comprised 46.2% of the Prospecton-built bakkie’s overall tally for the year. That’s 3 987 units behind the Ranger double cab.
MODEL
2025 DOUBLE-CAB SALES
Y-O-Y CHANGE
1
Ford Ranger
20 856 units
+3.9%
2
Toyota Hilux
16 869 units
+10.1%
3
Isuzu D-Max
9 184 units
+15.3%
Table collated by Cars.co.za based on figures supplied by Lightstone Auto
It will surely come as no surprise to local bakkie fans that the Isuzu D-Max – which is still awaiting its facelift locally – completed the double-cab bakkie podium in 2025, with 9 184 units (up 15.3%, year on year) sold. That works out to 43.3% of the Struandale-built nameplate’s overall annual figure, seeing the D-Max double cab finish 7 685 units behind its Hilux counterpart (and 11 672 units behind the dual-cab Ranger).
Lightstone Auto’s dataset furthermore shows all other 1-tonne double-cab bakkie derivatives – that is, excluding the aforementioned Ranger, Hilux and D-Max (and indeed models from brands that don’t report sales figures to Naamsa) – collectively managed 21 301 units in 2025. This translates to a 27.7% improvement over 2024’s effort.
SA’s best-selling single- and extended-cabs in 2025
The Hilux (seen here in SR guise) retained the title of SA’s top-selling single cab.
So, what happened in the single-cab space last year? Well, the Toyota Hilux was again SA’s best-selling single cab, with 14 444 units (up 18.8%, year on year) registered in 2025. The Isuzu D-Max single cab retained 2nd place on 10 011 units (up 10.8% compared to 2024).
The 2-door version of the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up completed the single-cab podium in 2025, with 7 568 units registered (up 14.5%, year on year). For the record, the Ranger single cab finished 2025 on just 1 003 units, representing a 41.1% year-on-year decline.
MODEL
2025 SINGLE-CAB SALES
Y-O-Y CHANGE
1
Toyota Hilux
14 444 units
+18.8%
2
Isuzu D-Max
10 011 units
+10.8%
3
Mahindra Pik Up
7 568 units
+14.5%
Table collated by Cars.co.za based on figures supplied by Lightstone Auto
The Toyota Hilux won the extended-cab race last year, too, finishing 2025 on 5 121 units (down 0.8% compared to the prior year). Next came the Ford Ranger (down 4.5%, year on year, to 3 604 units), followed by the Isuzu D-Max (up 1.4%, year on year, to 1 998). For the record, these are the only 3 bakkies offered locally in this so-called “cab-and-a-half” body style.
MODEL
2025 EXTENDED-CAB SALES
Y-O-Y CHANGE
1
Toyota Hilux
5 121 units
-0.8%
2
Ford Ranger
3 604 units
-4.5%
3
Isuzu D-Max
1 998 units
+1.4%
Table collated by Cars.co.za based on figures supplied by Lightstone Auto
As a reminder, the Hilux retained the title of SA’s best-selling bakkieoverall (that is, all 3 body styles combined) in 2025, with local sales increasing 11.8% year on year to 36 525 units. The Ranger again took 2nd place overall, becoming the only model in the top 10 to suffer a year-on-year decline, with sales dropping a marginal 0.3% to 25 465 units. That meant the D-Max once more completed the top 3, with its registrations reaching 21 194 units, representing a 11.7% increase compared to 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About South Africa’s Best-Selling Bakkies of 2025
Q: Which bakkie was South Africa’s top-selling double cab in 2025?
A: The Ford Ranger retained its title as the nation’s most popular double cab for the 3rd consecutive year, with 20 856 units sold (a 3.9% increase). Double-cab variants accounted for a massive 81.9% of all Ranger sales in 2025.
Q: Which brand dominates the single-cab and extended-cab markets?
A: Toyota remains the leader in both segments. The Toyota Hilux was the top-selling single cab with 14 444 units and the top-selling extended cab with 5 121 units. While the Ford Ranger leads in double cabs, it saw a significant 41.1% decline in single-cab sales last year, finishing with just 1 003 units.
Q: How did the top three bakkies compare in overall sales for 2025?
A: When combining all body styles (double, single and extended cabs), the Toyota Hilux remained the overall market leader with 36 525 total units sold. The Ford Ranger followed in 2nd place with 25 465 units, while the Isuzu D-Max completed the podium with 21 194 total registrations.
It’s official: Chery SA to buy Nissan’s Rosslyn plant
Nissan and Chery South Africa have reached an agreement that will ultimately see the Chinese automaker purchase the struggling Japanese brand’s Rosslyn plant in Pretoria…
Chery SA agrees to buy Nissan’s Rosslyn plant
‘Majority’ of Rosslyn employees to keep jobs
Nissan brand says it will remain in South Africa
It’s official: Nissan has confirmed it has reached an agreement with Chery South Africa for the fast-growing Chinese automaker to purchase the beleaguered Japanese brand’s Rosslyn plant in Pretoria, where the latter has been building new vehicles for the past 60 years.
“Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings and associated assets of the Nissan facilities, including of its nearby stamping plant, in mid-2026,” Nissan SA said in a statement.
According to Nissan, the move will see “the majority of associated Nissan employees offered employment by Chery SA on substantially similar terms and conditions as today”. Jordi Vila, Nissan Africa President, added the company had “been working to find the best solution for our people, our customers and our partners”.
“External factors have had a well-known impact on the utilisation of the Rosslyn plant and its future viability within Nissan. Through this agreement, we’re able to secure employment for the majority of our workforce thereby also preserving opportunities for our supplier network. This move also ensures that the Rosslyn site will continue contributing to the South African automotive sector,” Vila said.
Nissan SA added that when the acquisition of the Rosslyn facility – once described as Nissan’s “light commercial vehicle hub” for Africa – was complete, the brand would “continue to offer vehicles and services to customers in South Africa, as before, with several new-vehicle launches planned for fiscal year 2026, including the Nissan Tekton and [Y63-series] Nissan Patrol”. The automaker would thus become as a sole importer.
What the move means for the Navara bakkie – which is the only vehicle rolling off the Rosslyn production line right now – is unclear. As a reminder, when the new D27-series Navara was revealed in November 2025, Nissan SA told us the D23-series model (which is also built in South America) would instead soldier on in the local market.
Back in May 2025, Nissan announced a worldwide “recovery” plan that included 20 000 job cuts as well as the closure of 7 production plants over the following 2 years. A report soon thereafter claimed the Rosslyn factory was one of the facilities on the chopping block.
Before that, in October 2023, Nissan SA entered a “formal consultation phase to restructure the business“. This followed the news that the NP200 half-tonne bakkie – which went out of production at Rosslyn in March 2024 – would not receive its planned replacement.
At Naamsa’s South African Auto Week 2025 in Gqeberha in October 2025, Tony Liu, Chief Executive Officer at Chery Group South Africa, told us the Chinese company was keen to start manufacturing vehicles locally, revealing that the firm was “in discussions” to potentially “take over” another automaker’s local factory.
Nissan officially opened its Rosslyn plant in 1966, meaning the factory has been producing new vehicles for 60 years. In addition to various Datsun and Nissan nameplates, the factory has also built models from other brands, such as the 1st-generation Fiat Uno and Renault Sandero. It’s not yet clear which vehicles Chery plans to build in Rosslyn.
In 2025, the Chery brand placed 8th on the list of South Africa’s best-selling automakers, posting a healthy 26.7% year-on-year increase in sales to reach 25 304 units (and growing its market share from 3.9% to 4.2% in the process). In contrast, Nissan suffered a 32.3% year-on-year decline in sales (on the back of a 23.6% drop in 2024) to end the year on 15 085 units. That saw the Japanese firm tumble 5 places to 12th overall, with its market share shrinking from 4.3% to just 2.5%.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Chery’s Acquisition of Nissan’s Rosslyn Plant
Q: When will Chery officially take over Nissan’s Rosslyn manufacturing facility?
A: Subject to regulatory approvals, Chery South Africa is set to purchase the Rosslyn land, buildings and associated assets in mid-2026. This ends Nissan’s 60-year history of local production at the site, which first opened in 1966.
Q: What will happen to the current Nissan employees at the Rosslyn plant?
A: According to the agreement, the majority of associated Nissan employees will be offered employment by Chery South Africa. These offers are expected to be on substantially similar terms and conditions to their current employment, aimed at preserving jobs and the local supplier network.
Q: Will Nissan stop selling cars in South Africa after the factory sale?
A: No. Nissan has confirmed it will remain in the South African market as a sole importer. The brand plans new-vehicle launches for the 2026 fiscal year, including the Nissan Tekton and the Y63-series Nissan Patrol.
Indian-made models dominate the list of South Africa’s 10 best-selling hatchbacks for 2025, taking as many as 8 spots. Here are the nation’s most popular hatches…
SA-built VWs take positions 1 and 6
Swift secures a strong 2nd place
Indian-made models dominate list
Though the crossover body style continues to grow in popularity in South Africa, local buyers still clearly hold a soft spot for hatchbacks – particularly those of the budget variety. So, which ones were most popular last year? Well, we’ve gone through the sales stats to identify SA’s 10 best-selling hatchbacks in 2025.
Interestingly, while 2 contenders are locally built, the remaining 8 are all imported from India. Suzuki – which ranked as Mzansi’s 2nd most popular automaker overall in 2025 – boasts as many as 3 models inside the top 10, while also producing the 2 Toyota hatchbacks to make the list.
Polo Vivo stays ahead of Swift and Starlet
The Polo Vivo was again SA’s top-selling hatch.
Retaining the title of SA’s best-selling passenger vehicle in 2025, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo was thus also the nation’s most popular hatchback, with 26 067 units sold. Though the Kariega-made model recorded only marginal year-on-year growth of 0.6%, it still topped the hatchback charts.
That said, the Indian-built Suzuki Swift’s 51.7% year-on-year improvement saw it reach a new sales height of 23 921 units in 2025, putting it 2 146 units behind the prolonged-lifecycle Vivo. The Toyota Starlet, meanwhile, completed the hatchback podium, with sales growing 15.2% year on year to 16 281 units.
Grand i10 just misses podium as Polo slips
The hatch body style accounts for most Grand i10 sales in SA.
The hatchback version of the Hyundai Grand i10 narrowly missed out on placing in the top 3, reaching a total of 15 474 units in 2025. Interestingly, that means the hatch accounted for a whopping 96.4% of Grand i10 sales in the passenger-vehicle segment, with just 580 examples of the Grand i10 Sedan sold last year.
Meanwhile, the Toyota Vitz (up +36.2%, year on year, to 9 436 units) ranked 5th on the list of SA’s best-selling hatchbacks, ending just ahead of the Volkswagen Polo hatch. For the record, local sales of the Kariega-built model slipped 23.4% year on year to 9 390 units, meaning it had to settle for 6th on the hatchback charts.
4 more Indian-built models close out the top 10
Baleno sales dipped 22.3%, year on year.
The Renault Kwid (which, though styled as something of a crossover, is technically a hatchback) was some way behind in 7th, with local registrations growing 22.9% year on year to 6 270 units. Next came the Suzuki Baleno (down 22.3%, year on year, to 5 679 units) in 8th, far behind the Starlet to which it provides a base.
Ninth position went to the Hyundai i20, which dipped 19.3% year on year to end on 3 819 units. The Suzuki S-Presso (which, like the Kwid, is styled to resemble a crossover, but is broadly classified as a hatchback) grabbed the final spot in the top 10, growing its sales 5.2% year on year to 3 784 units.
*Table collated by Cars.co.za based on figures reported to Naamsa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About South Africa’s Best-Selling Hatchbacks in 2025
Q: Which hatchback was South Africa’s top seller in 2025?
A: The locally built Volkswagen Polo Vivo retained its title as South Africa’s best-selling hatchback (and passenger vehicle overall) for 2025, with 26 067 units sold. It narrowly held off the Suzuki Swift, which saw a massive 51.7% surge in sales to reach 23 921 units.
Q: Why do Indian-built models dominate the South African hatchback market?
A: Indian-manufactured cars accounted for 8 out of the top 10 hatchbacks in 2025 due to their strong value-for-money proposition. Manufacturers like Suzuki and Toyota leverage Indian production hubs to offer affordable, fuel-efficient models — such as the Starlet, Vitz and Swift — that resonate with budget-conscious South African buyers.
Q: Are all the hatchbacks on the top 10 list imported?
A: No, but the vast majority are. Only the Volkswagen Polo Vivo and the standard Volkswagen Polo hatch (ranked 1st and 6th respectively) are manufactured locally at the Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape. The other 8 models, including those from Suzuki, Toyota, Hyundai and Renault, are imported from India.
Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when buying a car. But what Family SUVs under R400kare light on fuel? Here are 10 budget-friendly fuel-efficient family SUVs to consider.
Family SUVs must offer spaciousness, practicality, performance, efficiency, ride comfort and features. How do you choose family SUVs under R400k that strike that balance better than others? With new car prices and fuel costs rising dramatically in a short space of time, more and more buyers are buying down or looking in the used car market in an effort to find a more affordable mobility solution.
Anyone that’s considering taking the leap to purchase a car will have to think about the operating costs (maintenance, insurance etc.) of that vehicle, including fuel costs. Fuel efficiency is therefore an important factor to consider whether you are buying a new or used car.
So, if fuel efficiency is important to you and you have a budget of up to R400 000 to spend on a used family SUV, then this list will help you find one! We have used our knowledge in the market to identify 10 fuel efficient used family SUVs under R400k.
Note that only cars between 2018 to 2023 (5 years old) are considered and this list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure about how much you are able to afford to spend on a car then we suggest you use our new Car Affordability Calculator and you can also work our estimated monthly premiums using your Finance Calculator.
Family SUVs under R400k that are fuel efficient
1. Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI (5.2 L/100km)
Gravel travel capable version of the Golf7, with some of the most advanced engineering of any vehicle in its class. Of the 10 fuel efficient used family SUVs under R400k, the Tiguan is one of the best to drive, with true German engineering excellence.
The second-gen Tiguan set new standards for ride, handling and driving experience when it arrived in South Africa in 2017. VW might have transitioned away from the turbodiesel engines that once made up most of its powertrain line-up, but many second-gen Tiguan 2.0 TDis are still in the pre-owned market.
These 2-litre turbodiesel Tiguans offer an excellent combination of cruising performance and economy. And because they are turbocharged, you lose almost no power on the Highveld.
There are many price and power options, too, because VW offered three versions of the 2.0 TDI engine in its second-gen Tiguan. The mildest version had 81 kW and 280 Nm, with diesel consumption of only 5.2 L/100km in ideal conditions. This version is also only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, which is easier to maintain long term than VW’s DSG transmissions.
The mid-range second-gen Tiguan 2.0 TDI has a lot more performance, at 105 kW and 340 Nm, but still consumes only 6.1 L/100km. If you want real open-road and long-distance driving performance, especially with a Tiguan fully loaded with passengers and luggage, there’s the high-output 2.0 TDI, with 130 kW and 380 Nm, an ideal condition consumption of only 6.4 L/100km.
The mid- and high-power second-gen Tiguan 2.0 TDis were only available with the 7-speed DSG transmission.
Rav4 is the best-selling vehicle in many of the world’s most important car markets, like America. Despite Rav4’s incredible commercial success and the huge amount of money that Toyota invests in its engineering and makes from its sales, there is no diesel Rav4 available anymore. That is why you might want to buy an older version…
The last version of the Rav4 to offer a turbodiesel engine was the fourth-gen, which was on sale from 2013-2019. These Rav4s, with their slick design, are valuable in the used market, especially because many buyers value the performance, economy and trusted Toyota build quality of its 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine.
The fourth-gen Rav4 turbodiesel makes 110 kW and 340 Nm. Those aren’t amazing engine outputs, but 340 Nm of torque is plenty when you need to keep speed up long Highveld inclines, in a fully loaded Rav4. But best of all is the economy equation, with Rav4 diesel manuals as low as 5.6 L/100km and automatic transmission versions at 6.5 L/100km.
You can easily find these desirable fourth-gen Rav4 turbodiesels for under R400 000, with parts and service kits widely available. Toyota’s huge sales success and scale in South Africa, along with its extensive dealer network, make aftersales service and support a real part of the value proposition when buying a Rav4. Of all the 10 fuel efficient used family SUVs under R400k on our list, Rav4 will probably lose the least value due to depreciation.
Mahindra’s XUV500 exited the local market in 2021, but many pre-owned models are still available. And they all offer a combination of bargain pricing and rugged performance, ideal for demanding South African road conditions.
With seating for seven and lots of standard features, the XUV500 offers a lot of value. It’s also powered by Mahindra’s proven 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, which has done duty with distinction in the Indian brand’s bakkies. Farmers and other commercial customers throughout South Africa trust these engines, which have made Mahindra the fastest-growing bakkie brand in South Africa. That means in an SUV like the XUV500, the Mahindra 2.2 turbodiesel should prove very durable.
The XUV500’s 2.2 turbodiesel isn’t very powerful, at only 103 kW, but it has 330 Nm of torque. There are two transmission options, both with 6-speeds, but the manual has better fuel consumption potential than the automatic.
If you choose your gear shifts carefully and manage the XUV500’s momentum in traffic and on the highway, you can get 6.5 L/100km. The Mahindra’s 2.2 turbodiesel engine might be powerful, but it’s very durable. Because Mahindra has an established presence in South Africa, with so many of its bakkies running the 2.2 turbodiesel engine, parts availability is good, and service support is reasonably well distributed throughout the country.
Often mispronounced but well regarded, the Hyundai Tucson was one of South Africa’s favourite mid-size SUVs before the flood of Chinese models entered over the last two years.
One thing Tucson always offered that Chinese brands don’t, is turbodiesel power. And that’s where the third-gen Tucsons are such an interesting buy. Available from 2015-2020, these Tucsons were available with two turbodiesel engine options, both capable of incredibly low fuel consumption at highway cruising speeds.
The real pre-owned Tucson turbodiesel bargain is the smaller 1.7 CRDi. Power isn’t amazing at 85 kW, but torque is decent at 280 Nm, which should flatten even the steepest Highveld hills and gradients without issue.
Hyundai’s Tucson 1.7 CRDi features an easy-to-maintain 6-speed manual gearbox. And if you are smart about shifting at the right intervals and conserving momentum, average cruising diesel consumption can drop to 6.8 L/100km. That is some of the best consumption of any fuel efficient family SUVs under R400k.
If you want great overtaking performance and economy, Hyundai’s second-gen 2.0 CRDi turbodiesel is an excellent used buy. With 131 kW and 400 Nm, it delivers very confident highway performance, and the 6-speed automatic transmission has an economy-minded shift pattern, which can average diesel consumption in the mid-7s.
The Mazda CX-5 is an excellent family car and the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 121 kW and 213 Nm and mated with a 6-speed manual transmission is a particularly fuel-efficient combination.
Sure, the CX-5 loses a lot of power and performance at altitude on the Highveld. But because it’s not turbocharged, the claimed fuel consumption is very close to what you get in real-world driving. And then there’s the benefit of a naturally aspirated petrol engine, like the CX-5’s 2-litre, being a lot more durable and cheaper to service in the long term.
If design matters and petrol economy matter to you, the CX-5 is possibly the best looking fuel efficient family SUVs under R400k on our list.
Chery’s Tiggo 7 Pro is proving very popular in South Africa and while it’s slightly smaller than your typical Tucson or RAV4 family car, it’s bigger than your typical compact family SUV (T-Cross/Ecosport/Venue etc.) and it therefore straddles that boundary and we think it deserves a shout on this list.
Tiggo 7 Pro’s commercial success in the market means there’s a growing supply of pre-owned versions becoming available, at prices below R400 000.
The Tiggo 7 Pro is powered by a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine. It makes 108 kW and 210 Nm and is paired with a CVT, offering a good balance of highway performance at altitude, but also reasonable petrol consumption. If you are looking for a bang-for-buck family SUV then we’d say this is a solid choice. For 7-seat capability, the larger Tiggo 8 Pro is also available, but it’s slightly more expensive.
The Opel Grandland X offers good value in the used-car market, and for under R400k there are several well-priced, low-mileage units on offer.
The Grandland X is powered by a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with 121 kW and 240 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. With that turbocharged engine, you don’t lose performance on the Highveld, the Grandland X offers a good balance between acceleration and fuel consumption, especially if you drive with gentle throttle inputs.
If you like the idea of Opel’s brand legacy in South Africa and don’t want to drive one of the mainstream Japanese, Korean or Chinese brands, the Grandland X is Opel’s outlier option in the segment.
The Peugeot 3008 is a hugely underrated family car in the South African market, and it’s one of the more stylish options to consider. If you value everything that’s great about distinctive French car design, the 3008 has a lot of appeal.
An updated 3008 arrived in South Africa back in 2021. A cousin of the Opel Grandland X, the 3008 is powered by the same 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine shared across many Opel and Peugeot models. With 121 kW and 240 Nm, performance is decent, even if you live in Gauteng’s thinner air, where the turbocharger compensates for any power loss.
Paried with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 3008 is very undemanding to drive in hectic urban commuter traffic. And like all French cars, it has very comfy ride quality.
Honda’s previous-generation CR-V has a proven reputation in South Africa. These Hondas are known for their build quality and mechanical durability and that is why they are on our list of fuel efficient family SUVs under R400k
Unlike Honda’s current CR-V, the previous-gen version features a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 113 kW and 189 Nm of torque, and it comes with a CVT.
Not being turbocharged does make it a bit slow on the Highveld, where the real power loss from altitude is significant. But without a turbocharger, the CR-V has very consistent fuel consumption and excellent long-term durability.
Haval’s wildly popular Jolion has played a significant role in establishing Chinese brand equity in the South African car market. The Jolion has been a huge success since its launch. Offering a sensibly sized family car package, with good cabin space, and a lot of features for a very competitive price. This is one of the best equipped fuel efficient family SUVs under R400k.
Another big selling point with Jolion, is its engine. The Haval uses 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with 105 kW and 210 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Being turbocharged, it offers consistent performance on the Highveld, unlike non-turbo engines, which loses a lot of power and overtaking performance at altitude.
Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition (2026) Price & Specs
The Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition has touched down in South Africa, with just 15 units set aside for the local market. Here’s what this farewell edition costs…
Final Edition variant sees off the CLA45 S
Just 15 units reserved for South Africa
R140 000 premium over standard model
With the 3rd-generation Mercedes-Benz CLAexpected to arrive in South Africa within the next few months, the German firm’s local division has launched the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition.
Conceived as a swansong to the high-performance version of the 2nd-generation model (and revealed overseas in July 2025), the CLA45 S Final Edition will be a particularly rare sight on local roads. In fact, Mercedes-Benz SA says it has been allocated just 15 units of this special variant.
The price? Well, each example of the CLA45 S Final Edition set aside for South Africa – sporting a “Night Black” paint job as standard (rather than the “Mountain Grey Magno” finish pictured here) – has a base price of R1 721 234, including VAT and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. For the record, that’s a R139 727 premium over the “standard” version, which last we saw had a starting price of R1 581 507.
That extra cash scores you “45 S” decals on the front doors, the AMG logo on the side-mirror caps, matte-black 19-inch AMG forged wheels (in a cross-spoke design), gloss-black brake callipers (featuring white lettering) and a silver-chrome fuel cap (complete with “AMG” lettering). Since the AMG Night Package is fitted as standard, exterior elements such as the side-mirror housings and trim strips are finished in high-gloss black.
Inside, the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition is fitted with AMG Performance seats upholstered in a combination of “Artico” synthetic leather and black microfibre. The German firm has added yellow stitching to the seats, door panelling and instrument panel, along with embroidered “45 S” emblems (also in yellow) on the front headrests. A “45 S Final Edition” emblem on the centre console is also included.
Meanwhile, the AMG Performance steering wheel – which is trimmed in Nappa leather and microfibre – likewise comes with yellow stitching. The door-sill panels feature an AMG pattern design in black, while illuminating the “AMG” logo in yellow. A set of AMG floor mats (with the requisite “45 S” lettering and decorative stitching in – you guessed it – yellow) complete the interior upgrades.
As a reminder, the CLA45 S – just like the A45 S hot hatch – employs Affalterbach’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers a heady 310 kW and 500 Nm to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. Mercedes-AMG claims a 0-100 kph time of just 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 270 kph.
Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition price in SA
DERIVATIVE
PRICE
Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition
R1 721 234
The price above includes a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition
Q: How many units of the CLA45 S Final Edition are available in South Africa?
A: The Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition is extremely exclusive, with only 15 units allocated for the South African market. This limited run serves as a high-performance farewell to the 2nd-generation CLA before the new model arrives locally.
Q: What exclusive exterior features come with the R140 000 premium over the standard model?
A: The Final Edition features a standard “Night Black” paint finish with “45 S” door decals and AMG mirror-cap logos. It also includes matte-black 19-inch forged wheels, the AMG Night Package and a silver-chrome AMG fuel cap, distinguishing it from the standard CLA45 S.
Q: Does the Final Edition feature any mechanical or performance upgrades?
A: No, the performance remains unchanged from the standard CLA45 S. It uses the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 310 kW and 500 Nm, allowing for a 0-100 kph sprint in 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 270 kph.
We’ve combed through 2025’s figures to find SA’s best-selling vehicles with a starting price of over R1-million. Yes, these are the nation’s most popular 7-figure vehicles…
Prado takes top spot as sales surge 68.3%
Land Cruiser 300 stays ahead of Defender
Outgoing Audi Q5 Sportback enters the list
South Africa’s new-vehicle market enjoyed a strong 2025, with local sales increasing 15.7% year on year to 596 818 units. While relatively affordable models drove much of that volume, certain pricier vehicles played their part, too. So, we set out to identify SA’s best-selling vehicles with a starting price of over R1-million.
Yes, we painstakingly combed through the 2025’s sales statistics and picked out the nation’s 5 best-selling vehicles that start in 7 figures. Keep in mind, however, that certain premium manufacturers – such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche – don’t share full sales figures with Naamsa, so are unfortunately not represented here.
Land Cruiser 300 sales in SA increased 12.2% compared with the prior year.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – which kicks off at R1 342 200 – was at the very top of the pile, with local registrations of this luxury ladder-frame SUV increasing an appreciable 68.3% year on year to 3 545 units in 2025. That translates to a monthly average of nearly 300 units.
Underpinned by the same body-on-frame TNGA-F platform as the Prado, the larger Toyota Land Cruiser 300 placed 2nd on the list of last year’s most popular 7-figure vehicles, with 1 736 units sold in 2025 (up 12.2% compared with 2024). As a reminder, the 5-strong 300-badged Land Cruiser range starts at R1 550 000.
Despite starting at over R1.8-million, the Defender again proved popular in 2025.
The Land Rover Defender took the remaining spot on the 7-figure podium, with local registrations of this unibody SUV increasing 18.7% year on year to 1 468 units in 2025. Serving as Jaguar Land Rover’s best-selling nameplate in SA last year, the Defender portfolio currently comprises 21 derivatives (including the 90, 110 and 130 body styles), with a starting price of R1 801 100.
Next came the Range Rover Sport, which saw local sales increase a more modest 2.7% year on year to 643 units. The 15-strong Range Rover Sport line-up includes as many as 15 derivatives, with pricing running from R2 167 000 to R3 822 300 (excluding options, of course).
The outgoing version of the Q5 Sportback took 5th place.
The final spot went to the outgoing Audi Q5 Sportback (available from R1 087 200), which enjoyed a 17.3% year-on-year increase in sales to end 2025 on 482 units. Interestingly, in the broader Q5 range, the Sportback option proved more popular than the regular SUV body style, with the latter attracting 408 sales last year. Expect the new-gen Q5 Sportback to debut in SA later in 2026.
For the record, the Ford Everest range – which is set to adopt a revised engine line-up soon – just missed out on making this list since its starting price is currently R953 000 (though all other derivatives in the 6-strong range cost over R1-million). The Blue Oval brand registered 3 444 units (+10.8%, year on year) of the Everest last year.
2025’s best-selling vehicles with a R1m+ starting price
*Table collated by Cars.co.za based on figures reported to Naamsa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About SA’s Best-Selling R1m+ Vehicles in 2025
Q: Which vehicle was South Africa’s top-selling luxury model priced over R1-million in 2025?
A: The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado secured the top spot, with sales surging by 68.3% to reach 3 545 units in 2025. This significant growth was fueled by the launch of the new-generation model (in the 2nd half of 2024), which starts at R1 342 200.
Q: Why are brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche missing from the top-sellers list?
A: While these brands are major players in the luxury segment, they do not report detailed model-specific sales figures to Naamsa. Consequently, popular high-end models from these manufacturers cannot be accurately ranked against those that provide transparent data.
Q: How did the Land Rover Defender perform in the luxury market last year?
A: The Land Rover Defender remained a firm favourite, finishing 3rd overall with 1 468 units sold — an 18.7% increase over the previous year. With a starting price of R1 801 100, it also holds the title of Jaguar Land Rover’s best-selling nameplate in South Africa.
The Toyota Fortuner is the go-to vehicle for Mzansi’s (upper) middle-class. Mixing go-anywhere ability with everyday usability, no other vehicle matches its appeal to anyone from hunters to heart surgeons and housewives. This Buyer’s Guide will tell you all you need to know before signing on the dotted line.
In 2026, the esteemed Toyota Fortuner will celebrate 20 years of market dominance in South Africa. And what a ride it’s been: initially and conceivably a rather niche proposal of a Hilux-station wagon configured as a quasi-7-seat, tough-as-nails ladder-frame SUV, over time it has become middle-upper earners’ favourite mode of transport.
The Fortuner GR-Sport was launched last year with a hike in power and torque, and a beefed-up design language.
Having long overtaken the beloved bourgeois badges of yore like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series, the Fortuner’s all-year, all-terrain allure provides every reason to want Toyota’s savannah-to-suburb sweetheart today. If that sounds like you, let’s get into the details.
Doubtlessly, the SUV craze that started in the mid-2000s has helped accelerate the Fortuner’s trajectory into mainstream market. As proof of its popularity, last year the Fortuner was South Africa’s favourite ladder-frame SUV. Despite topping R1 million at its most expensive, the Fortuner often mixes it in the sales charts with much more affordable fare such as the Kia Sonet and Volkswagen Polo (excluding the Vivo). Quite simply, despite the current generation having been around for more than 10 years and only increasing in price over time, South Africans just can’t get enough of Toyota’s “Kalahari Ferrari”.
Toyota Fortuner: What the models cost in South Africa
Peak Fortuner (at peak pricing): The GR-Sport. This most recent facelift was introduced in March 2023.
The current line-up spans 12 models, of which 3 are powered by a 110kW/400 N.m 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine. The rest are fitted with Toyota’s more powerful 150 kW/500 Nm 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine also found in the Land Cruiser 70-series, Hilux and Prado. Of these, there are 4 hybrids available with slightly more power (12 kW/65 Nm). The range is topped by the 165 kW/550 Nm GR-Sport model.
All engines are configured as diesel-powered turbocharged 4-cylinder units. The ferociously thirsty V6 petrol engine was dropped in 2020 alongside the introduction of the Epic trim. There’s no longer a manual gearbox on the 2.8-litre iteration, either.
Model
Price
Fortuner 2.4GD-6
R671 900
Fortuner 2.4GD-6 auto
R705 800
Fortuner 2.4GD-6 4×4
R739 100
Fortuner 2.8GD-6
R826 400
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 48V
R834 800
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 VX
R870 900
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 48V VX
R879 300
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4×4
R907 700
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 48V 4×4
R918 600
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4×4 VX
R950 900
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 48V 4×4 VX
R961 800
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4×4 GR-Sport
R999 000
Pricing correct as at January 2026. All Toyota Fortuners are sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan.
Toyota Fortuner 4×4 vs. 4×2: Which drivetrain is perfect for local conditions?
The Fortuner underwent a substantial makeover in November 2020, with further specification upgrades following in December 2021.
There’s good and bad news. First, the positives: Unless you tow, the automatic 2.4-litre model, available in 2- or 4-wheel-drive, is adequate and saves you a respective R120k and R169k against 2.8-litre equivalents.
And, as a locking rear differential is standard across the entire range, even 2-wheel-drive will get you further than you may think.
The design of the “in-between” Fortuner launched in November 2020 introduced a number of premium touches.
On the downside, Toyota has stepped the specifications list in such a way that all the best toys are the sole prevail of the VX/GR-Sport models. So you can have a 4×4-equipped 2.4-litre derivative, yet miss out on goodies such as downhill assistance, steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, an active safety suite, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning and heated front seats – among others.
The interior of the 2025 GR-Sport incorporates bolstered seats trimmed in red and black, plus a GR-badged steering wheel with a thicker rim and centre-line stitching.
And what of the 48V versions? Offering a negligible power increase and a similar decrease in fuel consumption, these were introduced in early 2024. If you’re looking for cheap speed or a Greenpeace-pleaser, it’s best to look elsewhere: in our 3-way Hilux drag race conducted between the (2.8-litre) 48V derivative, rear-driven and GR-S equivalents, the battery-assisted Hilux was the slowest of the 3. Offering no life-changing benefit, there’s more to go wrong if you’re stuck in the Caprivi, and more to spend once the vehicle is out of warranty.
This image accompanied the original reveal of the current Fortuner in July 2015.
Fortuner vs. rivals: Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X & Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
The segment for 7-seat, body-on-frame utility vehicles – based on their bakkie brethren and so configured for ultimate off-road capability – is surprisingly limited.
Locally, the Fortuner competes mainly against the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Incredibly, after 10 years, it still cleans up from month to month in the sales race. In 2025, the Toyota sold 9 049 units, the Everest 3 444, the MU-X 1 326 and the Pajero Sport just 253 vehicles.
All of these have their individual strengths and weaknesses. As a next-gen vehicle, the Everest and (DNA-sourcing Ranger twin) is a comprehensively newer product as far as infotainment, cabin comfort and engines go. Its (outgoing) smaller-capacity 2.0-litre engine is also more powerful in bi-turbo trim than the Fortuner’s 2.8GD-6 engine, excepting the GR-S range-topper. However, despite the allure of V6 power that the Fortuner lacks (and ideally needs), the Everest range is more expensive.
The Isuzu MU-X received a much-needed facelift in 2025 that modernised the styling and interior features. Its engine is less powerful than the Fortuner’s, though. Still, the Isuzu has the most rear space of all vehicles in this category.
Toyota Fortuner
Ford Everest
Isuzu MU-X
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Engine capacity
2.4-litre, 2.8-litre
2.0-litre, 3.0-litre
1.9-litre, 3.0-litre
2.4-litre
Power/Torque
110 kW/400 Nm, 150 kW/500 Nm
154 kW/500 Nm, 184 kW/600 Nm
110 kW/350 Nm, 140 kW/450 Nm
133 kW/430 Nm
Average fuel consumption (claimed)
7.9 L/100 km (2.8-litre model)
7.5 L/100 km (comparative 2.0-litre model)
7.6 L/100 km (comparative 3.0-litre model)
8.1 L/100 km
Maximum towing ability
3 300 kg
3 500 kg
3 500 kg
2 700 kg
Approach, departure and breakover angles
29°/25°/23.5°
30.4°/23.5°/22.3°
30°/26°/°24°
30°/24.2°/23.1°
Ground clearance
279 mm
220 mm
235 mm
218 mm
Loading space (all 3 rows up to 2nd and 3rd rows flat)
200-1 718 litres
259-1 823 litres
311-2 138 litres
193-1 813 litres
Price range
R685 900-R1 009 000
R953 000-R1 324 000
R752 300-R1 026 800
R789 990-R904 990
Warranty
3 years/100 000 km
4 years/120 000 km
5 years/120 000 km
3 years/100 000 km
What are the Toyota Fortuner’s drawbacks?
The 2015 Fortuner in top-spec VW trim.
As Toyota likes to extend the lifespans of its vehicles to infinity and beyond, the most obvious disadvantage is the Fortuner’s age, although that shortcoming is set to be corrected most likely in 2026 when the 3rd-gen Fortuner launches as a spinoff of the upcoming 9th-gen Hilux.
With that in mind, you could get your hands on a run-out version at a discount; or wait for the new one which is guaranteed to be more expensive.
The 3rd-row jump seats impede packing space and can start rattling over time.
Secondly, the jump-seat arrangement… The third-row seats fold up against the boot’s inner sides when stowed away. And it’s a major inhibitor of rear loading space. The chairs can’t be removed by a simple process of unclipping, either, although it is possible with a spanner, a fair degree of effort and some Gordon Ramsay-shaming slang. Toyota says the vehicle’s body-on-frame construction doesn’t allow any other mechanism. We say offer the option to delete the 3rd row at no cost straight off the factory floor.
Finally, owing to its popularity and reliability, the Fortuner is classified as one of the highest-risk vehicles for theft or highjacking by South African insurers. Demand for genuine parts within and outside our borders, as well as Fortuners’ off-road ability, add to their appeal to cross-border syndicates. Owners are often expected to fit a secondary tracking device, which adds to long-term ownership costs.
Conclusion
The dashboard design of the Fortuner strays just far enough from the Hilux’s to differentiate it as a family SUV (2015 model pictured).
Seemingly against all logic, the 10-year-old Toyota Fortuner endures as South Africa’s favourite ladder-frame 7-seat SUV. Boasting bulletproof badge appeal and reliability, backed up by the largest dealer footprint in the country, commendable resale value and robust off-road pedigree, practically nothing else blends rugged capability and ease of use quite like the Fortuner.
Age, in Fortuner land, is indisputably just a number.
What is a credit score and why is it important for vehicle finance?
Here we weigh in on why it’s so important to have a good credit score when you’re seeking approval for vehicle finance.
Firstly, you probably have a credit score already – almost all South African adults have one – you just don’t know what it is! However, your credit score is a critical piece of information that impacts whether you can get credit to buy a car.
It is a very good idea to find out what your credit score is and make sure it is good enough that you can get the very best deal when you want to buy the car of your dreams.
What exactly is a credit score? How will it affect your car finance deal?
When you apply for credit for a car, you are asking a bank to lend you hundreds of thousands of Rands over many years. That means you are promising to pay the bank a significant sum of money every month for, on average, 6 years! What the bank wants to know is whether it can trust you to repay your loan. Your credit score is basically a measure that a bank can use to work out whether it can trust you.
Who calculates your credit score?
Your credit score is calculated by a Credit Bureau. A Credit Bureau has spent years tracking you by talking to all the banks as well as various lenders. If you have a store card at Truworths, for example, and if you have a DStv, Vodacom or MTN account, the bureau knows about all of these. The bureau gets data from all of these places and works out how good you are at paying the bills you have every month right now.
They then do a lot of fancy mathematics to estimate how good you will be at paying any new accounts you might want in the future. The result of all that “fancy maths” is your Credit Score.
Why your credit score is important to your vehicle loan?
Are you thinking about buying a car? Perhaps you’re researching a car that you have your eye on; perhaps you’ve even put through a lead on a car you’d like to test drive. If that’s the case, it’s likely that you will soon find a car that suits your requirements (and, ostensibly, your budget) and sign an offer to purchase (OTP) at a dealership, after which its staff will help you to fill in a vehicle-finance application.
They will send this application to ALL the banks, every bank you apply to will get your credit score from the bureau they use. The credit score they get is a MAJOR factor in the decision they make. That is why it is important that you know what it is. Only 30% of car-finance applications are currently being approved. That means 70% of applicants see their dreams of buying a car (new or used) dashed.
How do I find out what my credit score is?
Image: Vecteezy.
Therefore, before you set off on your car-shopping journey, it’s best to know whether you’re likely to be approved for vehicle finance before you set your heart on a prospective purchase (irrespective of whether you believe you can afford the monthly repayments for that vehicle).
Important note: There are several credit bureaus in South Africa and they all employ really smart mathematicians, but these number-crunching experts do not always agree with each other! Therefore, some bureaus will give you a better score than others. Different banks use different credit bureaus – that is why your dealership will send it to all the banks in order to try to get the best result for you.
Modern SUVs are also family cars. You know they work for daily driving, in town. But what about off-road? We help you choose the best SUVs for off-road driving.
You need a family vehicle that is equally at home trundling through gridlock traffic and conquering dunes during that year-end vacation road trip. That means you must know which are the best SUVs for off-road driving. And with all our experience, we are here to help.
While cars are designed to be driven primarily on tar, there’s an enthusiastic segment of the car-buying public looking to purchase vehicles based on their off-road capabilities.
That is why we’ve used all our testing and driving experience with the latest South African SUV models to create a list of the best SUVs for off-road driving. To help you choose, we rated these SUVs based on their ability to traverse routes where all-wheel drive traction is required. We factored in ground clearance, approach/departure angles, low-range gearbox availability and off-road driving modes.
Toyota Fortuner
Ground clearance: 279 mm
Approach/Departure angles: 29/25 degrees
Low range: Yes
Off-road modes: No
Diff lock: Yes, rear
Priced from: R746 500 (January 2026)
Wading depth: 700 mm
With multiple #CarsAwards category wins under its belt, there are many reasons why the Toyota Fortuner is a fantastic all-rounder. But the current version is due for replacement this year. So if you are buying, it’s worth considering that.
With global production winding down, the 11-year-old Fortuner feels, well, old. Its engines and 6-speed automatic transmission feel very slow and old-school compared to the newer 8-, 9-, and 10-speed automatics offered by rivals.
Cabin ergonomics and comfort are nowhere close to the Everest, and the Fortuner’s third-row seating configuration is a terrible design.
The Fortuner’s strength lies in its proven Hilux twin platform and Toyota’s excellent build quality. These SUVs go where they are needed, year after year, without issue. Even in demanding conditions, way beyond what most urban owners will ever subject them to.
One of the features that makes the Fortuner such a trusted off-road SUV is Toyota South Africa’s dealership support. If you do suffer a mechanical failure, help is never too far away thanks to Toyota’s strong after-sales support and extensive dealer network.
You can wait for the new Fortuner, which is due later this year, or buy the rugged, proven but ageing current one. And maybe get a good deal on runout stock.
The MU-X is the SUV twin of Isuzu’s popular and proven D-Max bakkie range. Like all contenders in the bakkie-based SUV segment, MU-X engineers really know a thing or two about combining excellent off-roading capabilities with family-oriented comfort and practicality.
The 7-seater Isuzu MU-X has a reasonably modern interior with some recent infotainment screen upgrades. Cabin comfort is good, and the third-row seating is much better than the Fortuner’s. It offers a fully flat, highly functional load area, with the second- and third-row seating folded.
The MU-X 4×4 is available only with Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbodiesel; the more affordable and less powerful 1.9-litre turbodiesel isn’t offered with 4×4. Isuzu’s engines don’t make class-leading power and they can be noisy. But they are also bombproof.
There’s a long history of Isuzu optimising the ride quality of its KB and D-Max bakkies for local gravel-road conditions. That applies to the Isuzu SUV, too. With the MU-X based on the current D-Max, it does have that Isuzu ride and handling confidence on corrugated Karoo backroads.
Ford’s rival to the Fortuner is the stylish Everest. Ford says it is a Prado rival but the Everest is built on the Ranger bakkie platform and therefore competes more directly with the Fortuner, which is built on a Hilux platform.
The Everest matches the Fortuner in off-road capability but has much better in-car connectivity, active safety features and ride comfort. The Everest is the slightly more practical of the 2 with its 3rd row of seats that fold completely flat, as opposed to the Fortuner’s terrible fold-up arrangement.
Significant engine changes are happening to the Everest in 2026. Gone is the 2.0 bi-turbodiesel (BiT), which was one of the best diesel SUV engines available: powerful, quiet and reasonably economical. Ford’s 2.0 single-turbodiesel (SiT) is replacing it, but there’s a significant power loss involved, dropping from the BiT’s 154 kW to the SiT’s 125 kW. For a vehicle of its size and weight, that will impact highway and sand-driving performance for Everest owners who get the 2.0 SiT.
The 3.0 V6 turbodiesel continues unchanged. Ford’s Everest V6 is much more powerful than its rivals and delivers very capable highway cruising, towing and dune-driving performance. Ford’s adding the 2.3-litre turbopetrol engine option, too, which delivers 222 kW, but it’s very heavy on fuel and South African large SUV buyers have traditionally ignored powerful petrol options.
If you want an Everest that’s ready to conquer any terrain, be sure to get one in Sport or Wildtrak trim, where all-terrain tyres are fitted. Avoid the ultra-luxurious Platinum version. Its oversized 21-inch wheels and low-profile highway tyres degrade ride quality and are vulnerable to flats or wheel damage on badly corrugated dirt roads or mild off-road trails.
We’ll miss the Mitsubishi Pajero, of which production will soon end after many decades of service. Your next best bet in the Mitsubishi stable is the Pajero Sport.
It’s an incredibly underrated all-terrain SUV, with its excellent SuperSelect transfer case. This system is much more advanced than those in other SUVs in the segment. How? Most SUVs lock the drive 50/50 in 4H on gravel roads, but the Pajero Sport’s SuperSelect can vary the torque. That enables you to keep steering control and traction through long dirt-road corners, even at high speeds. This is instead of the extreme understeer that comes with a traditional transfer case, which locks the drive 50/50.
The other significant advantage of SuperSelect is that you can use it on sealed roads, such as highways or tarred roads. That’s unlike other SUVs, which can’t use their 4H system on a tar road due to the risk of damaging the drivetrain. So when it’s raining and you are towing a really heavy trailer or caravan up a steep mountain pass with tight hairpin corners, you can use SuperSelect to guarantee traction, hugely reducing the risk of mid-corner traction loss and slippage.
With one engine and gearbox shared across 3 derivatives, the 2.4-litre turbodiesel delivers 133 kW and 430 Nm. It, too, offers seating for 7 and we’d argue it’s one of the more stylish and capable adventure SUVs out there.
The current generation is often overlooked in favour of the more powerful Fortuner and Everest, which have more luxurious cabins. The Mitsubishi is still a stalwart of the segment and remains a trusty off-roading option from Japan.
You may wonder why this tiny toy (by comparison) is listed among these large off-road-ready SUVs, but don’t be fooled – the Suzuki Jimny is phenomenally capable when the tarmac turns to rocks and sand.
There’s no diff lock, but a trick traction control system that simulates a similar effect. Body-on-frame construction, low-range gearing, and solid axles front and rear give this small Suzuki big off-roading capability.
With its short wheelbase, lightweight body and incredible approach and departure angles, the Suzuki Jimny simply clambers over obstacles you would never dream possible. The 3-door model is sold as a 4-seater, but the cabin is quite confined and the load-bay minuscule, so rather just fold the rear seats down and run it as a 2-seater. The 5-door is significantly more spacious, but that’s not saying much…
The Jimny can feel very underpowered at altitude, and it is not the most comfortable long-distance tarmac touring vehicle. It is also very susceptible to crosswinds and lane wandering. The Jimny’s small tyres mean low grip during emergency braking or evasive manoeuvring on tar.
Terrible aerodynamics lead to remarkably high fuel consumption for such a light, modestly powered vehicle. And with a tiny fuel tank, the touring range in a Jimny is limited, so be sure to plan refuelling points when you go journeying somewhere like Namibia.
Mahindra’s bakkies have won over South Africa’s demanding double cab customers. So it’s only logical that an SUV version with all the Mahindra all-terrain driving confidence would be a great deal, too.
The Scorpio N is a body-on-frame 7-seater SUV at a very affordable price point. It has considerable all-terrain ability for families that really want to live the adventure life while taking in all those Karoo backroads.
Like its Japanese rivals, the Scorpio N has a rugged steel ladder-frame chassis with semi-independent front suspension. But importantly, the rear axle is semi-independent, allowing it to roll over undulating terrain without significant changes in ground clearance.
The cabin is comfy, and for the price, the higher-trim Scorpio Ns are very well equipped. Unfortunately, like the Fortuner, the third-row seating arrangement in the Scorpio N isn’t brilliant.
Mahindra’s 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine isn’t wildly powerful, but its 128 kW and 400 Nm deliver decent cruising performance. And when you do engage low-range, there’s lots of torque to keep the Scorpio N crawling up steep, challenging, off-road trails.
Targeting South African SUV buyers who want true off-road ability for not too much money, there is a Mahindra that’s completely trail-ready off the showroom floor: the Z8 Adventure. This version of the Scorpio N features all those off-road accessories and must-haves that you’d ordinarily have to purchase and have fitted by an aftermarket specialist, like proper all-terrain tyres and steel bumpers.
The Mahindra Scorpio N Z8 Adventure is a bargain and one of the best SUVs for off-road driving. Its only limitation is low ground clearance at 187 mm.
There are so many Chinese SUVs on sale but very few have real off-road ability. The pioneer of Chinese SUVs with true off-road-conquering technical features is GWM’s appropriately named Tank.
With its Tonka Truck design and proportions, this GWM signals significant capability. And the hardware doesn’t disappoint, making this one of the best SUVs for off-road driving.
The Tank 300 is everything a demanding 4×4 driver desires: body-on-frame construction, heavy-duty axles, and an advanced BorgWarner traction control system. Add to that, it has front and rear axle lockers, something its Japanese or American rivals like the Fortuner, MU-X and Everest, don’t have. There’s even a Jeep Wrangler-type sway-bar disconnect to allow for extreme wheel articulation when you need to crawl over obstacles in really rocky terrain.
Engine choices are either a powerful but fuel-hungry hybrid 2.0-litre turbopetrol, the same 2.0-litre without the hybrid battery or a 2.4-litre turbodiesel. That diesel makes the most sense in South African conditions, especially if you plan to use your Tank 300 for true adventure touring and long-distance journeys.
The Tank 300 might have rugged styling and real off-road ability, but it also offers a rather comfortable and luxurious cabin. As you’d expect from GWM, the trim quality is premium, and there’s every imaginable screen function and UX assistant.
In 2025, as many as 24 models on South Africa’s new-vehicle market each sold fewer than 10 units. Meet Mzansi’s single-figure sellers: the “least-sold” cars last year…
2025 saw 24 models each sell fewer than 10 units
From low-volume supercars to discontinued models
Tipo, I-Pace, Roma, S8, e-tron GT, X25 make list again
We’ve already brought you the list of South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles of 2025, as well as the country’s most popular bakkies. Now it’s time to turn our attention to the other end of the sales charts: yes, the new-vehicle market’s single-figure sellers from last year. Based on our analysis, as many as 24 models each sold fewer than 10 units in 2025. These are SA’s least-sold cars.
Before we dive into the figures, we’d like to point out there are various potential reasons vehicles might find themselves on this list. For instance, a couple of the models below have not yet been launched (with the registered units seemingly coming into SA for homologation purposes), while several others have been completely discontinued (so, stock was limited, to say the least).
Unsurprisingly, Ferrari’s 12Cilindri ended 2025 in single figures (though only just).
Furthermore, multi-million-rand supercars tend to be low volume by design – as you’ll see below, there are several Ferrari models here. That said, for the models mentioned on this least-sold list – which, for the record, is restricted to light vehicles and based on figures reported to Naamsa – we’ll do our best to provide some context. Right, let’s take a closer look…
SA new-vehicle market’s least-sold cars of 2025
As mentioned, low-volume manufacturer Ferrari has a strong presence here, with every model bar the 296 GTS (which hit 22 registrations) coming in at under 10 units in 2025. Indeed, the 12Cilindri and Purosangue each managed 9 units, while the Amalfi-preceding Roma added 5 units. Finally, the 296 GTB and SF90 settled on 4 units apiece.
Despite being discontinued in 2023, BAIC sold 8 “new” X25 units in 2025.
Despite the fact the BAIC X25 was discontinued in South Africa way back in early 2023, the Chinese brand’s local division curiously registered as many as 8 units in 2025. That’s more than the Toyota GR Corolla (7 units) managed last year, though it’s worth noting only very limited quantities of the outgoing version of this all-paw hot hatch (a revised iteration is due to land soon; check out pricing) were set aside for SA.
Just as it did in 2024, the fully electric Audi e-tron GT made the single-figure sellers list in 2025, though at least increased its tally from 4 to 7 units. With production of all Jaguar models having come to an end as the British brand prepares to pivot to a new product strategy, the effectively discontinued E-Pace (6 units), F-Type (5 units) and I-Pace (4 units) all ended last year in single figures.
Toyota sold 4 examples of the Crown last year.
From what we can tell, the last 6 units of the Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy have finally been sold in South Africa, with the likewise-discontinued Honda BR-V managing 4 units. Interestingly, the Toyota Crown (4 units) also made the list in 2025, though we should keep in mind the Japanese firm’s local division has not been actively marketing this hybrid model (it’s not even listed on Toyota SA Motors’ website) owing to a limited allocation.
Meanwhile, the Audi A8 – or, more specifically, the S8, since this Audi Sport variant is the only A8 derivative available locally – ended 2025 on 3 units (a single unit fewer than the prior year). Various since-discontinued models from Stellantis camp also made an appearance on the least-sold list: the Opel Crossland (3 units), Peugeot 208 (2 units), Fiat Tipo (1 unit), Opel Zafira (1 unit) and Peugeot 3008 (1 unit).
The WRX is available locally only on “special order”.
These days available locally only on “special order”, the Subaru WRX ended 2025 with just 2 units sold. Finally, a single unit of each of the Kia EV6 and Audi Q6 e-tron – both likely imported for homologation purposes – were registered in 2025, along with a sole example of the discontinued Toyota C-HR.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About South Africa’s Least-Sold Cars of 2025
Q: Why do some popular car brands have models with single-figure sales?
A: Many vehicles on this list, such as the Fiat Tipo (1 unit) or Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy (6 units), have been officially discontinued, meaning dealers were only registering final “runout” stock. Others, like the Toyota Crown (4 units), are available in extremely limited quantities and are not actively marketed to the general public.
Q: Are supercars like Ferrari always expected to be on the single-figure sellers list?
A: Generally, yes. Multi-million-rand supercars are low-volume by design. In 2025, every Ferrari model except the 296 GTS fell into the single-figure category, including the new 12Cilindri and Purosangue, which each recorded 9 units sold.
Q: What is the reason for a single registration of an unreleased model?
A: When a single unit of a new model is registered — such as the Kia EV6 or Audi Q6 e-tron in 2025 — it is typically imported by the manufacturer for homologation purposes. This process is required to certify the vehicle for the South African market before it can be officially launched to the public.
