F60 Mini Countryman (2017-2024) Buyer’s Guide

Equal parts charming and practical, there’s plenty to like about the F60-series Mini Countryman. So, should you consider buying a used version of what was at the time the biggest Mini in the range?

When the F60-series Mini Countryman bounded onto the global stage late in 2016, some criticised the compact crossover for its anything-but-mini exterior dimensions, suggesting Sir Alec Issigonis – the celebrated designer of the pint-sized original Mini launched in 1959 – would be rolling in his grave.

But the BMW-owned brand was simply moving with the times, just as it did with the preceding – though slightly more compact – R60-series Countryman back in 2010 (and, for example, just as Porsche did by conceiving the original Cayenne, an SUV that arguably saved the German sportscar brand’s bacon).

*At the time, the F60 was the biggest Mini ever.*

The Oxford-based automaker’s 2nd attempt at a premium small crossover resulted in what was, at the time, the largest Mini-badged model yet. Despite the outcry online, it was a strategy that worked wonders, with the Countryman serving as the brand’s best-selling nameplate in several major markets.

Built on the BMW Group’s UKL2 platform, the 2nd-gen Countryman shared various oily bits with the likes of the F48-series X1 and F45-gen 2 Series Active Tourer. It was billed as the “most versatile model” in Mini’s then-57-year history, featuring 5 “fully fledged” seats, a “clear increase in space” and even an optional “Picnic Bench” (that folded out of the load bay to provide outdoor seating for 2 people).

Despite both the 1st- and 2nd-gen versions of the BMW-built Countryman taking the form of 5-door crossovers, this nameplate was originally used on an entirely different body style.

Indeed, back in the early 1960s, the Austin Mini Countryman (alongside the Morris Mini Traveller) was a 2-door estate car featuring double barn-style rear portals.

F60 Mini Countryman’s SA line-up

The F60-series Mini Countryman was revealed online in October 2016 ahead of its official premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show the following month. By the end of March 2017, the newcomer had arrived in South Africa and was available in front-wheel-drive Cooper and Cooper S derivatives.

Cooper Countryman 1.5 6MT (100 kW/220 Nm)
Cooper Countryman 1.5 6AT (100 kW/220 Nm)
Cooper S Countryman 2.0 6MT (141 kW/280 Nm)
Cooper S Countryman 2.0 8AT (141 kW/280 Nm)

Cooper variants employed the marque’s 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol motor, while Cooper S variants upgraded to a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that likewise benefitted from forced induction. In August 2017, the John Cooper Works (JCW) Countryman slotted in at the summit of the local line-up, drawing its urge from what was – at the time – the most powerful engine ever fitted to a series-production Mini.

*The JCW derivative arrived in Mzansi in August 2017.*

In the JCW Countryman, the familiar 2.0-litre powerplant churned out 170 kW and 350 Nm, peak outputs there were delivered to all 4 wheels via either a 6-speed manual cog-swapper or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 0-100 kph sprint took a claimed 6.5 sec regardless of the specified gearbox.

The Cooper D completed the Countryman portfolio around September 2017, offering 110 kW and 330 Nm from its 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel heart. Like the entry-level Cooper, the D-badged version was available with a choice of 6-speed transmissions (manual or auto).

*Late in 2019, the JCW variant received a hefty power boost.*

In the final quarter of 2019, an updated version of the JCW Countryman – now offered exclusively in 8-speed auto guise – touched down in Mzansi, with its engine significantly uprated to produce 225 kW and 450 Nm. Around the same time, the Cooper and Cooper S switched to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The facelifted F60 Countryman then arrived in South Africa in November 2020, sporting refreshed exterior styling (including a distinctive “Union Jack” design in the taillamps) and a smattering of cabin updates. The latter included a new 5-inch instrument cluster sited ahead of the driver, along with a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and various revised interior surfaces.

*The facelifted Countryman; note the “Union Jack” taillights.*

At launch, the refreshed range comprised only Cooper and Cooper S derivatives in 7-speed dual-clutch auto guise, while the still-firm ride quality was said to be palpably improved (even though run-flat tyres remained standard). Interestingly, the manual gearbox was thus no longer offered, with the turbodiesel derivative falling away, too. Shortly thereafter, the facelifted JCW Countryman made local landfall.

The final update for the F60 Countryman range in Mzansi came in the form of a special Untamed Edition launched in the 3rd quarter of 2022. Based on the Cooper S derivative, this limited-run variant featured Momentum Grey paintwork (a hue repeated on various exterior trim elements), along with 4 Frozen Bluestone diagonal stripes on the lower section of the doors, model-specific 18-inch alloy wheels and a green-and-blue interior colour scheme.

What are the F60 Mini Countryman’s strengths?

*The interior of the pre-facelift Cooper S.*

Characterful, high-quality cabin: Modern Minis are known to have some of the most interesting cabin designs on the market and the F60-series Countryman’s cockpit was certainly no exception. Highlights included a circular infotainment screen (a hat-tip to the classic Mini’s signature centre binnacle), vertically positioned air vents and the freestanding digital instrument cluster introduced at the facelift.

Compared with its predecessor, the Countryman’s interior build quality was vastly improved, while the larger exterior dimensions unlocked a whole new level of practicality.

Indeed, this model offered particularly impressive room for rear passengers (for the segment), with the 40:20:40-split rear bench furthermore able to slide fore and aft across 130 mm.

*The split rear bench offered a sliding function.*

The luggage bay, too, offered plenty of packing space at 450 litres, while an electric tailgate was available. There was also a storage package that included not only a handy variable load floor, but also lashing eyes and tension straps, along with a stainless-steel insert on the loading sill.

Wide range of engines: As detailed above, the 2nd-gen Countryman was available with a wide range of powertrains. That meant there was an engine to suit most tastes, with the 3-cylinder Cooper catering to entry-level buyers and the 4-pot Cooper S providing more than sufficient zip for most requirements.

The JCW-badged derivative, of course, appealed to enthusiasts, with the uprated 225-kW version said to reach 100 kph from a standstill in 5.1 seconds – a whopping 1.4 seconds quicker than its 170-kW predecessor. Finally, the Cooper D offered typical turbodiesel economy, sipping a claimed 4.7 L/100 km in auto guise and 4.8 L/100 km in manual form.

As an aside, it’s interesting to note that BMW Group SA planned to offer a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the F60 Countryman from 2018, but for whatever reason (probably a prohibitive asking price) this derivative never arrived. Badged as the Cooper SE Countryman All4, it featured a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, resulting in peak system outputs of 165 kW and 385 Nm.

Enjoyable to drive: As the largest Mini of the era, the F60 Countryman was, obviously, considerably heavier than the standard F56 3-door hatchback, and it stood quite a bit taller, too.

Though that extra weight and height meant the Countryman wasn’t the sharpest Mini to pilot, it nevertheless remained entirely enjoyable to drive quickly. This characteristic was further amplified in models fitted with a zesty powertrain, as was the case with the Cooper S and JCW.

What are the F60 Mini Countryman’s weaknesses?

*A look at the pre-facelift JCW Countryman’s cabin.*

Condition-based servicing: Though it shipped with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, the Countryman – just like virtually all models in the BMW stable – featured so-called “condition-based servicing” (CBS) rather than predetermined service intervals. What exactly does this mean?

In short, the vehicle would monitor the condition of various components (including the engine oil) and alert the driver only when the onboard diagnostics system determined a workshop visit was necessary. BMW said this resulted in “lower cost of ownership through the effective extension of service intervals”.

*Pay close attention to the frequency of performed maintenance.*

Still, there’s an argument to be made that, under certain circumstances at least, these flexible service intervals could be extended a little too far. Therefore, many fastidious BMW and Mini owners opted to slot intermediate oil changes between the CBS recommendations.

So, we’d suggest paying particularly close attention to the service history of any used Countryman you are considering to make sure you’re satisfied with the frequency of the performed routine maintenance.

Miscellaneous potential issues: We should preface this section by pointing out the F60’s engines were all regarded as generally quite reliable (when fastidiously maintained, of course).

With that in mind, what were some of the relatively common complaints with the B38 motor, as used in the entry-level Cooper derivative? Well, since this was a 3-cylinder unit, it was inherently unbalanced and thus prone to transmitting vibrations into the cabin.

*The Cooper’s 3-cylinder engine could transmit vibrations into the cabin.*

More importantly, it could be afflicted by carbon build-up on the intake valves, an issue that was likewise common to the 2.0-litre B48 motor (used in the Cooper S and JCW). Both engines were known to suffer from oil leaks (usually from the filter housing) and coolant leaks (from the water pump or thermostat).

Meanwhile, the B47 turbodiesel motor was considered a far more robust engine than its N47 forebear, with the latter having a bit of a reputation for snapping timing chains. Still, we have heard of stretched timing chains in the B47, even if such instances seem relatively uncommon.

*The F60 Countryman measured 4 299 mm long.*

Too big to be a “real” Mini? While we certainly understand why Mini opted to grow the Countryman in its 2nd generation, there was no escaping the fact that this model’s exterior dimensions stood in direct contradiction to the badge affixed to its snout (not to mention the ethos of the Issigonis-designed original). Is this really a problem? Well, that’ll depend on your perspective.

For the record, the F60 Countryman measured 4 299 mm from nose to tail, which made it a considerable 202 mm longer than its predecessor (but still 140 mm shorter than the F48 BMW X1). With an extra 75 mm crammed between its axles, the 2nd-gen Countryman’s wheelbase grew appreciably to 2 670 mm.

How much is a used Mini Countryman in SA?

*The entry-level Cooper was the most prevalent derivative on the used market.*

When shopping for a 2nd-gen Countryman on the used market, keep in mind some derivatives will be fitted with what were at the time quite pricey optional extras. For instance, adaptive dampers, sports suspension and various alloy-wheel designs were available for an extra cost, as were several packages (each comprising an array of individual items).

Of the F60 Mini Countryman models listed on Cars.co.za at the time of writing, nearly 50% were Cooper derivatives (with the Cooper S accounting for approximately 30% and the JCW the remaining 20%). Fascinatingly, we found just 2 examples of the Cooper D on the market – and zero manual examples.

*Around a 5th of all listings were JCW derivatives.*

Indicated mileages ranged from 1 000 km to 156 000 km, with the latter figure achieved by a 2019 JCW variant. Just 14% of all models listed showed more than 100 000 km on their respective odometers.

Below R300 000: The few F60 Countryman listings below R300 000 were from the opening 2 model years, with an equal split between Cooper and Cooper S derivatives. The cheapest example we discovered was a 2017 Cooper Countryman with 110 000 km on the clock listed for R239 990.
From R300 000 to R400 000: There was far more choice in this pricing bracket, which included a handful of facelifted models and 1 of the few turbodiesel examples on the market. The Cooper was again most prevalent here, though we even found a couple of pre-facelift JCW units in this space.

From R400 000 to R500 000: About a 3rd of all listings fell between these pricing bookends, though pre-facelift models still dominated here. That said, average mileage was on the low side, with hardly any examples showing more than 75 000 km.
R500 000 and up: A budget of over R500 000 could quite easily put you in a facelifted Countryman with under 30 000 km on the clock. We found late model-year Cooper and Cooper S variants in this space, though JCW derivatives were the most common. The most expensive F60 we unearthed was a 2022 JCW (showing 10 000 km) fitted with several extras and priced at R769 990.

Which Mini Countryman derivative should I buy?

While your budget will play a considerable role in which Countryman derivative you settle on, we’d point to the Cooper S as the sweet spot in the range. More refined than the 3-cylinder Cooper, easier to find than the seldom-spotted Cooper D and better suited to everyday driving than the angrier JCW, the 141 kW Cooper S nevertheless delivered more than enough grunt for most needs.

Judging by our experience scouring the classifieds, you’d probably be limited to a self-shifting example of the Cooper S, though that needn’t be a negative considering both the earlier 8-speed automatic ‘box and the later 7-speed dual-clutch transmission were both pleasingly well-calibrated cog-swappers.

Is the F60 Mini Countryman a smart used buy?

*Note the updated instrument cluster in this facelifted Cooper S.*

What else could you consider in this segment? Well, the F60 Countryman’s rivals included the slightly smaller Audi Q2 and the related Volkswagen T-Roc, as well as the F39-series BMW X2 and both generations (X156 and H247) of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

With its similarly retro-inspired roots, the Fiat 500X made for an interesting rival, but it wasn’t quite as premium (nor as pricey) as the Mini. Potential buyers might also have looked at the Volvo XC40, the Mazda CX-30 and even the P24-series Peugeot 2008.

Several other more mainstream (and thus more affordable) offerings were available, too.

*Bigger, yes, but thus more practical, too.*

Of course, unlike the Countryman, not one of the rivals above was criticised for being “too big”. Ironically, the F60’s increased size was likely the very reason it went on to become one of the marque’s top sellers.

A mite more sensible than its forebear, this model offered buyers new levels of practicality while largely retaining the brand’s inimitable character, both from the standpoint of design (inside and out) and in terms of the driving experience.

In short, the 2nd-gen Mini Countryman grew up – in more ways than one – to help the Oxford-based (and BMW-owned) brand grab a meatier slice of the premium small crossover pie. Besides, parked next to the current U25-gen model, the F60 Mini Countryman now looks downright dainty…

Looking for a used Mini Countryman to buy?

Find Mini Countryman listed for sale on Cars.co.za!

Looking to sell your car? You can sell it to our dealer network here

Omoda C9 (2025) Review

Size-wise, the Omoda C9 – the flagship of the Chery Group’s O&J division – fits into the Executive SUV segment, but price-wise, it competes with top-end family cars. Indeed, the model represents excellent value for money, but does it flatter to deceive?

We like: Comprehensive spec, surprisingly competent on gravel, spaciousness, practicality, on-road refinement.

We don’t like: Overbearing safety tech, some minor quality issues, high fuel consumption.

FAST FACTS

Model: Omoda C9 2.0TGDI 400T Explore AWD
Price: R885 900 (January 2025, before options)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power/Torque: 192 kW/400 Nm
0-100 kph: 8.52 sec (as tested)
Fuel consumption: 8.5 L/100 km (claimed)
Luggage capacity: 660–1 783 litres

Serious about buying/selling?

Some dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials!

Looking to sell your car? Sell it on Cars.co.za for free

Where does the 2025 Omoda C9 fit in?

By offering well-priced vehicles in the small and medium crossover segments, the Chery Group (Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo) has established a substantial foothold in South Africa in a relatively short space of time. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the brands’ line-ups have diversified and pushed upmarket, but will local car buyers also have a healthy appetite for the Chinese giant’s bigger, more premium offerings?

2025 Omoda C9 rear three-quarter view — *Pity about the quartet of fake exhaust tips – they’re purely there for show*.

The C9 is Omoda’s flagship SUV. Priced from a shade under R800k, the Omoda C9 range comprises a pair of derivatives in either front or all-wheel drive guise. The latter (the 2.0TGDI 400T Explore AWD) is specced with additional features, tops the range and is the subject of this review. The C9 is a confident foray into the premium space, where buyers are said to be more brand-conscious than price-sensitive.

Choosing rivals for the C9 is tricky. It’s a larger vehicle than similarly priced family cars and, if you want a vehicle of the C9’s size with similar levels of spec, you must be prepared to pay a substantial premium.

Compare Omoda C9’s specs with those of similarly-priced VW Tiguan and Kia Sportage variants

Compare Omoda C9’s specs with those of similarly-sized BMW X3 and Audi Q5 variants

You could also consider a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max, which has the same engine (but slightly reduced peak outputs) and a 3rd row of seats. It’s priced more than R100k lower than the C9, so seems a real bargain.

How the Omoda C9 fares in terms of…

Design & Practicality

In an era in which car design has become predictable and formulaic (spurred on by the motor industry’s pursuit of ever-stricter safety-, aerodynamic and -efficiency standards), bold, distinctive designs are few and far between. However, the Omoda C9 does make quite a style statement with its sharp angles and boldly creased sheetmetal. Dare we ask: “Has the Brutalist architectural style crossed over to cars?”

2025 Omoda C9 front view — *Slim headlamps, vertical LED daytime running lights and a textured grille make quite an imposing statement*.

The Omoda C9 is sizeable: 4 775 mm long and 1 920 mm wide, with a 2 800 mm wheelbase. This is not a comparative review, but it is worth noting that the Tiguan and Sportage have wheelbases of 2 676 mm and 2 680 mm. So the C9 is not a medium SUV per se; based on dimensions, it can be categorised as an Executive SUV, such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Kia Sorento, Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Why do we emphasise a technical detail (the length of the Chinese offering’s wheelbase) in particular? It’s because the wheelbase (the measurement between a vehicle’s axles) usually reflects the amount of interior (cabin space) it offers. The longer the wheelbase, the larger and more capacious the rear cabin.

2025 Omoda C9 rear bench — *Rear occupants are afforded generous leg- and headroom*.

In the 2025 Omoda C9 2.0TGDI 400T Explore AWD, rear passengers benefit from generous amounts of leg- and headroom. For additional comfort and convenience, there’s privacy glass, adjustable and heated rear seats and well-sized door pockets, along with the obligatory USB charging ports.

The driver and front passenger are not short-changed, however. The driver has a commanding view of the road (courtesy of a perched seating position) and, based on our initial impressions, the C9’s interior, with grand switchgear and a wide (infotainment and instrument cluster) screen, befits an executive SUV.

2025 Omoda C9 front of cabin — *The Omoda C9 has magnificent showroom appeal, thanks to its smartly finished and tech-intensive cabin.*

The list of standard features is exhaustive. We’re assessing the range-topping AWD here, but even the front-wheel-drive 400T Inspire is generously equipped. At this rather lofty price point, consumers will expect the Omoda C9 to come festooned with high-end features… but they won’t be disappointed.

2025 Omoda C9 climatic seat settings — *The front seats are electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated and there are settings for the fragrance dispenser.*

A panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable- heated and ventilated seats, leather trim, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, powered tailgate, multi-colour LED ambient lighting, an 8-speaker Sony audio system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a potent wireless charging pad are all standard. That’s “a lot of toys”, so what do you get extra if you fork out R100k more for the top-spec 400T Explore AWD?

2025 Omoda C9 front seats — *The Omoda C9 features a panoramic roof, beautifully contoured and comfortable seats and much, much more.*

Along with all-wheel drive (and specific off-road drive modes), the flagship gains adaptive suspension, adaptive front lighting, a 12-speaker Sony audio (with speakers in the headrests), opulent Nappa leather trim and a built-in fragrance dispenser – yes, you read that correctly, as you’d find in a BMW 7 Series.

The user experience of the “widescreen” (a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster flanked by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen) is intuitive and the menu system is reasonably coherent, but the setup feels a bit stale: the graphics quality is not quite as good as in other Chery Group products, such as the Jaecoo J7.

But, like in the Jaecoo J7, of which we did an extended review, some “nannies”, such as the distracted driver monitoring system and the lane-departure warning, which will tug at the ‘wheel if you dare change lanes without indicating, can be overbearing. Thankfully, you can reduce the intensity of those functions.

Unsurprisingly, safety tech abounds in the apex Omoda. The C9 is equipped with all the contemporary “must-haves”, including auto emergency braking, but that’s just the start. It has clever, genuinely useful features, such as warning you when you’re about to open a door into the path of approaching vehicles.

2025 Omoda C9 infotainment system safety systems menu — *The Omoda C9 is equipped with a plethora of high-tech safety systems!*

All perfect plain sailing then? Almost. The C9’s build quality/fit-and-finish is a mixed bag. At first glance, the quality is right up there with the segment leaders. The leather stitching, for example, is exceptional.

Upon closer inspection, however, some elements, such as the illuminated door panels, feel distinctly un-premium and of a similar standard you’d find in Omoda’s C5 small crossover. But, it isn’t a deal-breaker.

2025 Omoda C9 door panel — *The Sony audio system is impressive, but some of the panels feel marginal compared with the rest of the package*.

Performance & Efficiency

The 2025 Omoda C9 is powered by the Chery Group’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine, with 192 kW and 400 Nm distributed to all wheels in this case (remember, the 400T Inspire is front-wheel-driven).

Based on those peak outputs, the Omoda C9 should deliver willing performance… The Chinese brand does not state a 0-100 kph time for the model, but according to our test equipment, the 2.0TGDI 400T Explore AWD (with its sportiest drive mode activated) charged from a standstill to 100 kph in 8.52 sec.

Peak engine outputs of 192 kW and 400 Nm make the Omoda C9 feel quite brisk.

Now while that’s not the quickest in its segment, we must point out that the C9 doesn’t feel like it lacks urge and, not to forget, the Omoda, with a claimed kerb weight of just over 1 800 kg, is no lightweight. That said, a 0-100 kph time is arguably less important than in-gear acceleration and the C9’s overtaking ability, particularly when merging with highway traffic from an onramp, proved more than sufficient.

The secret to its in-gear punch seems to be the 8-speed automatic transmission, which complements the turbopetrol engine’s performance characteristics. What’s more, it’s a conventional torque converter-type ‘box that delivers smoother pullaways and ‘shifts than a dual-clutch unit. There is no jerkiness and/or hesitation when pulling away and every gear shift feels like it gently blends into the next one.

We’d also like to mention that although many Chinese brands’ new products seem to exhibit uneven responses to accelerator-pedal inputs, this C9 felt more accurate and measured in its power delivery.

*We suspect that if we drove more conservatively and prioritised Eco mode, the fuel efficiency would improve*.

Based on its 65-litre fuel tank capacity and claimed consumption of 8.5 L/100 km, the Omoda C9 has a full-to-empty range of 765 km, but only in theory. While immense progress has been made in terms of fit-and-finish, plus build- and ride quality, this Chery Group product’s fuel economy is still mediocre.

Despite our best efforts (we adopted a conservative driving style whenever we could), after travelling more than 850 km in the Omoda, 11.6 L/100 km was the best indicated return that we could achieve.

That being said, it’s not entirely the powertrain’s fault. The C9 employs permanent all-wheel drive (which can inhibit fuel efficiency – just ask Subaru owners) and the model is a few hundred kilograms heavier than its more efficient rivals, most of which utilise all-wheel drive on a part-time basis. Note that Omoda will introduce a plug-in hybrid C9 derivative in 2025, which is said can travel over 1 000 km on 1 tank.

*The car’s infotainment system has lots of technical readouts, such as this AWD distribution graphic*.

Ride & Handling

What is the 2025 Omoda C9 like to drive? Given its considerable size and on-road presence, the C9 feels like a refined and premium offering. The ride quality is on the firm side, presumably to facilitate a sportier on-road feel, but that applies to most large SUVs – even when they’re not badged as sporty derivatives.

That said, we appreciate that the Omoda’s suspension can soak up most road imperfections. It’s quite a feat, considering the C9 has large (20-inch) alloy wheels. Fortunately, the flagship’s handsome rims are wrapped with reasonably plump 245/50 tyres and Omoda didn’t skimp on the rubber – they’re Michelins!

Furthermore, the C9’s open-road refinement is great – you’ll be impressed by the lack of road noise.

2025 Omoda C9 alloy wheel — *These stylish 20-inch wheels are wrapped in expensive Michelin rubber*.

Given the C9’s sophisticated underpinnings, minimal body roll and well-balanced ride quality, one would hope it would have an engaging steering setup, but the multifunction ‘wheel feels just a bit too light to wield for a vehicle of this stature, even after you select a sportier drive mode, which adds artificial heft. You miss that big-car “meatiness”, even if executing tight parking manoeuvres requires little effort.

And, on the open road, you have to make constant micro-adjustments to keep the C9 tracking straight –or just do what we did: use the car’s adaptive cruise control with steering assist, which is less tiring.

With an all-wheel drivetrain and a selection of off-road modes to play with, we would be remiss if we didn’t drive the C9 on a gravel road – at a brisk pace – to see how well it holds up. The Omoda’s all-paw setup is sound; when there was a loss of traction (minimal), the stability control gently reined things in.

Granted, the author was rather enthusiastic (he required more from the C9 on gravel than most owners would), but it was reassuring to feel the all-wheel drive (AWD) system work its magic. AWD is best suited for the snowy and icy months in Europe, but in the domestic context, it’s a nice-to-have safety feature.

It’s also worth mentioning the gearshift paddles located behind the steering wheel: not only do they add a premium touch – they feel substantial to operate. They sort of symbolise an “ultimate level of control”.

2025 Omoda C9 shift paddle — *Mechanical feeling gear-shift paddles are a nice touch, but the transmission shifts quite sensibly on its own.*

Price and After-Sales Support

The 2025 Omoda C9 2.0TGDI 400T Explore AWD costs R885 900 (February 2025), which includes a 7-year/200 000 km warranty, a 10-year/1 000 000 km engine warranty (for the vehicle’s 1st owner), as well as a 7-year/100 000 km service plan. The Chery Group has truly sweetened the deal on this newcomer: its warranty and service plan are significantly longer and more comprehensive than those of its rivals.

Verdict

2025 Omoda C9 front three-quarter view — *The C9 is proof that the Chery Group has listened to criticism – and raised its game!*

The Chery Group’s efforts to elevate Omoda into a premium brand are subtle – and effective. Whereas the C5 seems fancy, its C9 sibling is plush: From the ‘Benz-like seat adjustment controls on the doors, to the Range Rover-style door handles that retract into the bodywork once locked – we get the impression that Omoda has implemented its learnings from premium players into this value-packed family SUV.

You can’t forget the outrageous equipment and features list either. A fragrance dispenser and speakers in the headrests? Those are high-ticket items commonly found in models such as the BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class and yet, they’re standard on this “family SUV” that costs under R1 million.

*Few models will be able to match the value offering (and spaciousness at the price) of the Omoda C9*.

We’ve reviewed numerous Chinese brands’ models, but the Omoda C9 illustrates the ability that one of several fledgling brands has to move upmarket quickly and decisively. Most of our criticisms of Chery Group products’ powertrains have been addressed and the C9 is oh-so-close to being excellent. Given the C9’s talents, it may not take long for Chinese brands to dominate the Executive SUV market too.

Volkswagen Indaba 2025: What new cars are coming to SA?

Volkswagen Group Africa this week held its annual Volkswagen Indaba at its Kariega production facility in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, where the German firm provided industry updates and insights and revealed its product plan for 2025, including progress on its forthcoming Entry A0 SUV which will be locally produced at Kariega. See the details below!

It’s only fitting that Volkswagen Indaba 2025 took place in the engine room of Volkswagen Group Africa’s production facility in Kariega where media and industry representatives, including NAAMSA, convened to receive industry insight and product information for the year ahead and beyond.

It’s going to be a busy year for Volkswagen Group Africa as the German firm intends to expand its local product offering while also growing its market share in a challenging and complex trading environment. Just last month, Volkswagen lost its long-held second-place sales position to Suzuki South Africa, evidence of a rapidly changing marketplace that’s proving to be hugely competitive for legacy brands such as Volkswagen.

In 2024, the firm achieved an all-time production record with a total of 167 084 units rolling off the line. Despite this success, Volkswagen Group Africa’s passenger car business shrunk by 2.8% in 2024, but with an exciting and varied mix of new products joining its lineup in 2025, the firm is setting itself up for growth and continued success in the local market and abroad.

Let’s take a peek at the new vehicles coming from Volkswagen Group Africa!

New Entry A0 SUV to be built at Kariega

The Kariega production facility is the sole production site for the Polo, Polo GTI and the Polo Vivo with a third, small SUV model, expected to go into production in 2027.

As reported in 2024, the design and development of this new small SUV has been led by Volkswagen in Brazil and it will carry the “Tera” nameplate in that market and will also be produced at the firm’s Taubaté factory. The new Volkswagen Tera is due to be fully revealed in Brazil in early March 2025. Interestingly, the model name to be used in the South African context has yet to be decided upon and Volkswagen Group Africa has confirmed that the naming convention for the new model will take place in March 2025.

A sizable investment of R4-billion into Volkswagen’s Kariega production facility was announced in 2024. Plant upgrades are already underway in preparation for full-scale local production of this new small SUV in 2027.

*The Kariega facility will produce the new A0 Entry SUV.*

The new A0 SUV to come from Volkswagen Group Africa will be produced alongside the Polo, Polo GTI and Polo Vivo and will serve to fill production volume at Kariega as demand for the Polo is expected to wane in European export markets as Electric Vehicle (EV) uptake increases. The new SUV, however, will not be sold on the Old Continent but will rather serve South Africa and Africa at large where demand for Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) remains strong.

Volkswagen Group South Africa did share new details regarding the model’s design but the information is under embargo and we are therefore not in a position to divulge any information at this point in time but more details will be revealed when the Tera SUV is shown in March 2025.

The new SUV is based on the current Polo platform and will slot in below the firm’s T-Cross compact SUV and will complement Volkswagen’s current SUV lineup which also includes the Taigo, T-Roc, Tiguan and Touareg. Powertrain details will be confirmed in due course and we’ll keep you updated.

Volkswagen Polo Vivo Edition 15 coming in Q3 2025

Volkswagen Group Africa is celebrating 15 years of the Polo Vivo in 2025 and to commemorate the milestone, Volkswagen will introduce the Edition 15 Polo Vivo in the third quarter of 2025.

Production of the Volkswagen Polo Vivo Edition 15 will be limited to only 1 500 units and will ride on unique wheels and will be easily identified by its Edition 15 decals seen along the lower side skirts and on the right bonnet lip. Exact specification and pricing details will be confirmed closer to its launch.

Buy a VW Polo Vivo on Cars.co.za

Volkswagen Golf 8 1.4TSI coming in Q2 2025

Volkswagen Golf fans will soon see the Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI in local showrooms featuring the familiar 110 kW / 250 Nm turbocharged 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine which will be exclusively paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. A total of 4 trim grades will be available to customers including Life, Life+, R-Line and R-Line+.

Volkswagen also revealed pricing details ahead of the model’s arrival which is as follows:

VW Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW Life – R580 900

VW Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW Life+ – R604 500

VW Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW R-Line – R660 000

VW Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW R-Line+ – R688 100

Volkswagen Group Africa has yet to announce warranty and service/maintenance plan details for this model.

See specification details for the Volkswagen Golf 8.5 1.4TSI here.

Buy a VW Golf on Cars.co.za

Facelifted Volkswagen T-Cross range expansion

The facelifted T-Cross arrived in South Africa towards the end of 2024 and Volkswagen Group Africa has now confirmed pricing details for the 6 derivatives available to customers. The facelifted T-Cross is powered by VW’s turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol motor offering either 70 kW and 175 Nm or 85 kW and 200 Nm. Buyers can choose from a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

A total of 4 trim lines are available including Base, Life, Style and R-Line.

Pricing for the facelifted T-Cross is as follows:

VW T-Cross 1.0TSI 70 kW Base MT – R400 700

VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI 85 kW Base DSG – R418 200

VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI 85 kW Life DSG – R471 400

VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI 85 kW Style DSG – R511 300

VW T-Cross 1.0TSI 85 kW R-Line DSG – R543 800

See specification details for the facelifted VW T-Cross here

Buy a Volkswagen T-Cross on Cars.co.za

Volkswagen Tayron coming in Q3 2025

The 7-seater Tayron is expected in August / September 2025 and will serve as a replacement for the outgoing Tiguan Allspace.

When it arrives, powertrains are likely to mirror what’s offered for the new Tiguan which includes a 1.4 and 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine as well as a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. Specification and pricing will be revealed closer to launch.

Volkswagen Polo GTI Black Style coming in Q3 2025

Volkswagen will introduce a special edition Polo GTI Black Style in the third quarter of 2025. While its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 147 kW and 320 Nm remains, the Polo GTI Black Style gains additional black exterior details to embolden its look such as black alloy wheels, black rear diffuser and black and red badging, to name a few, to distinguish it from the standard Polo GTI.

Pricing will be confirmed closer to its arrival later in 2025.

Buy a Volkswagen Polo GTI on Cars.co.za

Volkswagen Polo Vivo Xpress due in Q3 2025

On the commercial side, Volkswagen Commercial announced the forthcoming introduction of a budget delivery vehicle based on the Polo Vivo. The vehicle name has yet to be finalised but the unit on display at Volkswagen Indaba 2025 carried the Vivo Xpress moniker.

This segment has seen tremendous growth in the last 3 years and Volkswagen will look to capitalise on the opportunity while broadening its product offering.

The Xpress is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2025 and will likely be powered by Volkswagens 1.4-litre petrol engine with 55 kW and 130 Nm and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.

Buy a VW Polo Vivo on Cars.co.za

New Volkswagen Transporter for SA in 2025

2025 will see the new Transport range reach South Africa which will include the Kombi, Crew Bus and Panel Van while the Transporter Double-Cab is expected to follow in 2026.

Furthermore, depending on application, the Transporter will be offered in both short- and long-wheelbase guise. A total of 3 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines will power the range with power ranging from 81 kW, 110kW and 125 kW.

Pricing and specifications will be communicated closer to launch.

Buy a Volkswagen Transporter in Cars.co.za

Facelifted Volkswagen Crafter coming in the first half of 2025

The Crafter has received a facelift and when it arrives later in 2025 it will be more versatile to serve a wide range of needs. The Crafter enjoys great success in South Africa and the model celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025.

The Crafter 35 will be offered in both short and long-wheelbase form and will be powered by a 130 kW 2.0-litre bi-turbocharged turbodiesel engine. The Crafter 50, however, will feature a 120 kW 2.0-litre bi-turbocharged engine and will be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for the first time. The cabin of the Crafter has also received a notable upgrade, now featuring a larger infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster and enhanced safety features.

Pricing and specification details will be confirmed closer to launch.

Buy a Volkswagen Crafter on Cars.co.za

Volkswagen ID Buzz coming in Q2 2025

The electric Volkswagen ID Buzz is confirmed for a local introduction in the second quarter of 2025. Combining futuristic and retro-inspired looks, the ID Buzz should be available in both long-wheelbase and short-wheelbase derivatives, and customers can choose from both single motor or twin-motor setups, the latter offering all-wheel drive. The introduction of the passenger bus follows what appears to be a successful trial period where DHL used a number of commercial ID Buzz vehicles for deliveries.

Pricing and specifications details will be confirmed closer to launch.

Audi SQ7 and SQ8 (2025) Price & Specs

The facelifted Audi SQ7 and SQ8 will soon launch in South Africa, each switching from a V8 turbodiesel engine to a twin-turbo V8 petrol motor. Here’s what they cost…

The facelifted Audi SQ7 and SQ8 are just about to hit the market in South Africa. The big news? The old V8 TDI engine has made way for the Volkswagen Group’s familiar twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol motor.

In addition, both the SQ7 and SQ8 are now available locally in Black Edition guise, which adds the Ingolstadt-based automaker’s Black Styling Package Plus along with black side-mirror caps, a black grille surround and privacy glazing for the rear windows.

*The SQ8 TFSI pictured in Black Edition guise.*

So, how much do these updated derivatives cost? Well, the Audi SQ7 TFSI kicks off at R2 540 500, while specifying this variant in Black Edition form adds R34 000 to the price (taking it to R2 574 500). Meanwhile, the Audi SQ8 TFSI starts at R2 640 500, with the Black Edition version coming in from R2 675 500 (R35 000 up).

As a reminder, the 4.0-litre turbodiesel unit employed by the pre-facelift SQ7 and SQ8 offered peak outputs of 310 kW and 900 Nm. The TFSI-badged V8 petrol engine in the refreshed derivatives, meanwhile, sends 373 kW and 770 Nm to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

*This is the SQ7 TFSI in standard form (that is, without the Black Edition trimmings).*

With that extra power (and despite the torque deficit), the claimed 0-100 kph sprint time improves from 4.8 seconds to just 4.1 seconds, while top speed remains capped at 250 kph. Of course, the switch away from diesel means the facelifted SQ7 and SQ8 aren’t nearly as efficient as before, with the claimed combined fuel consumption coming in at 11.9 L/100 km.

Standard kit for the SQ7 includes items such as 22-inch alloy wheels, adaptive air suspension sport, adaptive cruise control, all-wheel steering, a surround-view camera system, HD matrix LED headlamps (with Audi laser lights), Audi virtual cockpit plus, a Bang & Olufsen 3D premium audio system, a panoramic glass roof, Valcona leather upholstery, front-seat heaters and plenty more. The SQ8, meanwhile, upgrades to 23-inch wheels.

How much do the Audi SQ7 and SQ8 cost in SA?

Audi SQ7 TFSI – R2 540 500

Audi SQ7 TFSI Black Edition – R2 574 500

Audi SQ8 TFSI – R2 640 500

Audi SQ8 TFSI Black Edition – R2 675 500

The prices above include Audi’s 1-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Volkswagen Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI (2025) Price & Specs

Volkswagen plans to launch the Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI in South Africa early in Q2 2025. Here’s what the standard hatch – which will also be available in R-Line guise – will cost you…

In October 2024, Volkswagen Group Africa – which last offered a non-performance version of the Golf back in the 7th generation – unexpectedly announced plans to launch the Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI in South Africa. Now, well ahead of this model’s scheduled arrival early in the 2nd quarter of 2025, pricing has been revealed.

The German firm made the announcement at its Volkswagen Indaba 2025 event at the Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape, where it confirmed the facelifted Golf would be available in a quartet of grades: Life, Life+, R-Line and R-Line+.

*This is the R-Line specification (UK model pictured).*

All 4 derivatives will be powered by the Wolfsburg-based automaker’s familiar turbocharged 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which will send 110 kW and 250 Nm to the front axle via an 8-speed automatic transmission. So, no manual gearbox will be available locally.

So, how much will it cost? Well, VW Group Africa says the Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW Life will be priced from R580 900, with the Life+ (featuring a little more standard kit) coming in from R604 500. Meanwhile, the Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW R-Line will start at R660 000, while upgrading to R-Line+ will push the price to R688 100.

*This is the standard (non-R-Line) version, as sold in the UK.*

According to VW Group Africa, the Life grade will come with “Eco” LED headlamps, Wireless App Connect, cruise control, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.9-inch infotainment screen, a 6-speaker audio system, 10-colour ambient lighting and 16-inch “Norfolk” alloy wheels. The Life+ derivative will add driver profile selection, a reverse-view camera, 30-colour ambient lighting and “Art Velours” sports comfort seats.

Meanwhile, the R-Line derivative is set to upgrade to R-Line style bumpers, 17-inch “Coventry” alloys, a heated steering wheel (with paddle shifters), progressive steering, sports suspension, 3-zone climate control (including rear controls), keyless entry, R-Line seats (with integrated headrest), a park assist system and LED “Plus” headlamps.

*A look at the R-Line front-bumper design.*

Finally, the R-Line+ grade will boast IQ Matrix LED headlights, active high beam, an illuminated VW logo up front, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated-and-ventilated front seats, “Vienna” leather seats (with “R-Line” logo up fron), brushed stainless-steel pedals and 18-inch “Leeds” alloy wheels.

The Golf 1.4 TSI’s imminent return to the local market (which has shifted away from C-segment hatchbacks in favour of similarly sized crossovers over the past few years) is an interesting development considering VW Group Africa initially launched only the high-performance GTI and R derivatives of the Golf 8.

*A look at the UK-spec cabin of the base model.*

Still, with the Golf 8.5 GTI and R still technically not confirmed for Mzansi (Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of VW Group Africa, earlier told Cars.co.za the country’s fuel quality stood in the way of the facelifted GTI’s arrival on local soil), perhaps the Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI will serve as a stopgap of sorts.

As a reminder, the pre-facelift Golf 8 GTI still on the local market is currently priced at R853 400, with the Golf 8 R now starting at R1 016 600.

How much will the VW Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI cost in SA?

VW Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW Life – R580 900

VW Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW Life+ – R604 500

VW Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW R-Line – R660 000

VW Golf 1.4 TSI 110 kW R-Line+ – R688 100

Volkswagen Group Africa has yet to announce warranty and service/maintenance plan details for this model.

How well is Jetour selling in SA? The latest sales figures

Chinese brand Jetour has quietly started reporting model sales to Naamsa. Here’s how many vehicles the newcomer sold in South Africa in January 2025…

Late in September 2024, Chinese brand Jetour debuted in South Africa, kicking off its local operations with the launch of the Dashing and X70 Plus crossovers. Now, a few short months later, the Chery Holding Group subsidiary has started reporting model sales figures to Naamsa, beginning with January 2025.

So, exactly how well is this 7-year-old Wuhu-based brand selling in Mzansi right now? Well, Jetour reported a total of 451 sales in South Africa in the opening month of 2025. With 261 units, the Dashing accounted for 57.9% of Jetour’s tally for the month, while the X70 Plus contributed 190 units.

For the record, 418 units of Jetour’s total sales were registered through its dealership channel, with the remaining 33 units listed as “single” registrations (that is, vehicles kept and licensed by the automaker for its own use).

Jetour’s 451-unit effort saw it rank 15th on the list of South Africa’s best-selling automakers in January, behind fellow Chery subsidiary Omoda & Jaecoo (743 units) but ahead of Mercedes-Benz (with a Naamsa-estimated 414 units), Stellantis (384 units) and Mazda (269 units). In the passenger-vehicle segment (so, excluding commercial vehicles), meanwhile, Jetour ranked 14th, claiming a 1.3% share of this space.

According to Jetour – which is owned by the Chery Group but describes itself as an “independent brand” – it has now sold more than 2 000 new vehicles in SA. The company says it is “committed to further expansion and growth in South Africa”, with plans to introduce additional models, grow its dealer network and “strengthen its footprint” across the country.

From what we understand, the local introduction of the Jetour T2 is planned for the 2nd quarter of 2025, while the Jetour T1 also appears to be on the cards, though seems likely to arrive only towards the end of the year.

As a reminder, the local Dashing line-up comprises 2 derivatives, each powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine sending 115 kW and 230 Nm to the front wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Pricing starts at R439 900 (figures correct in early February 2025).

The X70 Plus portfolio (not to be confused with Proton’s X70 range) likewise features a pair of variants, each powered by the same 4-cylinder petrol engine used in the Dashing. This 7-seater crossover kicks off at R454 900 (February 2025).

SA passenger-car sales: Toyota grabs 4 spots in January 2025’s top 10

The Suzuki Swift soared to the top of SA’s passenger-vehicle standings in January 2025, while Toyota grabbed 4 spots in the top 10. Here are Mzansi’s best-selling cars and crossovers…

While Suzuki hogged the headlines for leapfrogging Volkswagen Group Africa in January 2025 (with the Swift furthermore ranking as South Africa’s best-selling vehicle overall), Toyota again dominated the passenger-vehicle space, accounting for as many as 4 of the top 10 best-selling cars and crossovers in 2025’s opening month.

As a reminder, Mzansi’s new passenger-vehicle market was again largely to thank for the overall industry’s year-on-year growth in January, with sales in this segment increasing 18.3% year on year to 29 181 units (a whopping 19.2% of which came courtesy of the rental channel).

*Suzuki’s Swift was SA’s top-selling passenger car (and best-selling vehicle overall) in January.*

The Suzuki Swift put in its best performance yet to finish the month on 2 628 units, some 46.4% of which represented sales to the vehicle-rental industry. That meant the Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2 549 units) had to settle for an unfamiliar 2nd place in January, with the Kariega-built hatchback – which was SA’s best-selling passenger car in 2024 – ending 79 units off the pace.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Starlet – which is based on the Baleno (406 units) and built by Suzuki in India – climbed 3 places to complete the podium, with 2 180 units registered, 1 250 (or 57.3%) of which were sales via the rental channel. That saw the Prospecton-produced Toyota Corolla Cross slip 2 positions to 4th, with sales falling slightly to 1 226 units (likely due to the recent changeover to the facelifted version).

*The Toyota Starlet made it onto the podium in the opening month of 2025.*

The Hyundai Grand i10 retained 5th place in January, with 1 163 units of this Indian-built model sold. Note this figure excludes the 49 Cargo-badged panel-van units Hyundai furthermore registered in the light-commercial vehicle space last month. The Chinese-made Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (1 122 units) moved up 2 places to 6th, with the Haval Jolion (1 099 units) holding steady in 7th.

The next 2 spots were occupied by Toyota-badged models: the Toyota Starlet Cross (1 050 units) breached the 4-figure mark to return to the top 10 and snaffle 8th, finishing ahead of the Toyota Urban Cruiser (890 units) in 9th. Finally, the Kia Sonet (830 units) retained 10th to round out the table.

*Kia’s Sonet retained 10th place in January 2025.*

For the record, the Suzuki Fronx on which the Starlet Cross is based managed 771 units in January, while the Grand Vitara alongside which the Urban Cruiser was developed ended on 209 registrations.

SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in January 2025

1. Suzuki Swift – 2 628 units

2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 549 units

3. Toyota Starlet – 2 180 units

4. Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 226 units

5. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 1 163 units

6. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 1 122 units

7. Haval Jolion – 1 099 units

8. Toyota Starlet Cross – 1 050 units

9. Toyota Urban Cruiser – 890 units

10. Kia Sonet – 830 units

SA crowned a new best-selling vehicle in January 2025!

South Africa’s new-vehicle market crowned a fresh best-selling vehicle overall in January 2025, with this hatchback beating both Toyota’s Hilux and VW’s Polo Vivo…

In January 2025, Suzuki Auto SA leapfrogged Volkswagen Group Africa for only the 2nd time in history, grabbing the runner-up place behind Toyota. And, in the process, South Africa crowned a new best-selling vehicle for the month.

Yes, the Suzuki Swift finished January 2025 – the local market’s 4th straight month of year-on-year growth – on a hefty 2 628 units, seeing it beat perennial front runners and locally manufactured favourites, the Toyota Hilux (2 557 units) and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2 549 units).

According to our records, that’s easily the Swift nameplate’s best effort ever in South Africa and indeed the first time this imported hatchback has breached the 2 000-unit mark in a single month. It beats the model’s 1 925-unit haul of June 2022, when it also briefly wore the crown of SA’s top-selling vehicle (in the absence of the Hilux, which tumbled down the sales charts thanks to the KwaZulu-Natal flooding that shuttered the Prospecton plant).

With a considerable 19.2% of January’s sales in the new-passenger vehicle segment coming courtesy of the vehicle-rental channel, it’s perhaps no surprise the Swift enjoyed exceedingly strong support from this part of the market. In the end, as many as 1 219 examples of the hatchback were registered as sales to the rental industry, translating to a whopping 46.4% of the Swift’s record total.

As a reminder, the new-generation Swift hatchback hit the local market in the final quarter of 2024. The range comprises 5 derivatives, all powered by Suzuki’s latest naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine (Z12E), which drives the front wheels via either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Pricing currently runs from R219 900 to R284 900, excluding the Swift Sport (which is based on the previous-gen model and is imported from Japan). The Swift – the mainstream derivatives of which are sourced from Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar facility in India – finished 3rd on the list of South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles in 2024, placing behind the Polo Vivo and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Find a used Swift on Cars.co.za!

Triton inches forward: SA’s best-selling bakkies in January 2025

The new Mitsubishi Triton has started what could be a gradual climb up the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies. Here are the sales figures for January 2025…

In January 2025, South Africa’s new-vehicle market grew 10.4% year on year to 46 398 units. The passenger-vehicle segment again powered this overall industry growth, while sales in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space dropped 9.1% year on year to 9 901 units.

So, what happened on the list of SA’s best- and worst-selling bakkies in January 2025? Well, the Toyota Hilux – which again ranked as Mzansi’s most popular vehicle in 2024 and will later this year become available in Legend 55 guise – picked up right where it left off, ending the opening month of 2025 on 2 557 units (172 of which were sales via the vehicle-rental channel).

*Toyota’s Hilux led the charge again in January.*

Though that’s 12.6% down on December’s effort, it was still more than enough to keep the Prospecton-built stalwart well ahead of the 2nd-placed Ford Ranger. The Blue Oval brand’s Silverton-made bakkie – which took the title of SA’s best-selling double-cab bakkie last year – saw its total registrations fall 3.4% month on month to 1 858 units.

In contrast, local sales of the Isuzu D-Max – which is in line to receive a facelift at some point this year – increased 30.1% compared with December’s performance, seeing the Struandale-produced model finish on 1 413 units and thus comfortably remain in 3rd position. Interestingly, 241 of those registrations represented sales to government.

Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up retained 4th place, enjoying its best month since June 2024, with registrations surging 105.4% month on month to 801 units (admittedly off December’s relatively low base). The Japanese-made Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (531 units) breached the 500-unit mark for the first time in recent memory, keeping its place inside the top 5 in the process.

Though sales of the Nissan Navara decreased marginally month on month to 298 units, the Rosslyn-built contender climbed a ranking to 6th, forcing the Silverton-produced Volkswagen Amarok (233 units) down a place to 7th. The GWM P-Series (101 units) only just cracked 3 figures – the Chinese bakkie is likely in a runout phase ahead of the imminent launch of the P300 – but nonetheless managed to cling to 8th.

What about the Mitsubishi Triton? Well, the Japanese bakkie – which moved into a new generation locally in November 2024 – climbed a spot to 9th, finishing January 2025 on 75 units. The Triton has now ranked inside the top 10 for 3 straight months, having entered the table with the launch of the latest generation. Finally, the GWM Steed (74 units) returned to close out the top 10.

Best of the rest in January 2025: bakkies outside top 10

Peugeot’s Landtrek dropped out of the top 10 in January.

What about the bakkies that didn’t make the top 10 in January 2025? Well, the JAC T-Series – the Chinese firm unfortunately reported only a combined figure for its T6, T8 and T9 line-ups, so we technically can’t rank these nameplates individually – managed 102 units.

Next came the Mahindra Bolero and Peugeot Landtrek (the latter slipping from the 9th place it held in December), each ending January 2025 on 53 units. With local stock dwindling, the discontinued Nissan NP200 came in on just 7 units, followed by the Jeep Gladiator on 4 units.

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for January 2025

1. Toyota Hilux – 2 557 units

2. Ford Ranger – 1 858 units

3. Isuzu D-Max – 1 413 units

4. Mahindra Pik Up – 801 units

5. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 531 units

6. Nissan Navara – 298 units

7. Volkswagen Amarok – 233 units

8. GWM P-Series – 101 units

9. Mitsubishi Triton – 75 units

10. GWM Steed – 74 units

Suzuki leapfrogs VW Group! SA’s new-car sales in January 2025

January 2025 was the SA new-vehicle market’s 4th straight month of year-on-year growth. Here’s your overview, including a few significant changes on the list of Mzansi’s best-selling automakers…

South Africa’s new-vehicle market kicked off the year by recording its 4th straight month of growth, with local registrations increasing 10.4% year-on-year to 46 398 units in January 2025. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that figure represents a 12.9% improvement over December 2024’s tally, too.

Pointing out that the “positive momentum” of the final quarter of 2024 continued into the opening month of 2025, Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa said he was “absolutely confident that an improved economic outlook, coupled with higher business and consumer sentiment, [would] support the new vehicle market in 2025”. There was positive news in the export segment, too, where sales increased 29.7% year on year to 25 348 units in January 2025.

But back to local sales. According to the industry representative body, 81.4% of the total reported industry figure of 46 398 units in January 2025 represented dealer sales, while a considerable 14.8% were sales to the vehicle-rental industry, 2.2% to industry corporate fleets and 1.6% to government.

As has been the case over the past few months, SA’s new passenger-vehicle market was largely to thank for the broader industry’s year-on-year growth in January, increasing 18.3% to 29 181 units (a whopping 19.2% of which came courtesy of the rental channel). Meanwhile, the new light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment slid 9.1% year on year to 9 901 units.

ALSO READ: The cars hardly anyone bought in SA in 2024

Meanwhile, Brandon Cohen, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), described the market’s performance as a “most welcome surprise for the industry”, pointing to the passenger-car segment’s particularly “bullish” effort.

“This positive trend builds on the momentum from the last quarter of last year, with the rental industry once again playing a major role, accounting for 14.8% of the total market and 19.1% of the car market,” said Cohen, before applauding the growth in the export segment, which he called “the lifeblood of several local manufacturers”.

ALSO READ: Still SA’s favourite? Golf 8 GTI sales for 2024

Though Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank, welcomed the sales uptick, he said January 2025’s performance should be considered in “context”.

“Although 10.4% growth doesn’t reflect WesBank’s slow growth forecast, it is important to note a number of impacting factors in this unusual sales month. Firstly, January volumes are traditionally boosted by lower December numbers as buyers delay purchase decisions into the new year. Secondly, last year’s sales had started off slowly and January 2024 sales were 3.8% down, providing a lower base from which to compare year-on-year performance this month,” he explained.

Gaoaketse said January sales were impacted by “varying reporting processes” by the manufacturers in December. While the last month of 2024 saw sales increase 2.5% year on year, some of these transactions would otherwise have been reported as January sales, he suggested. Consequently, the 2 months should be “considered together to get a meaningful view of the market’s true performance”.

New-vehicle sales summary for January 2025

Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 46 398 units increased by 10.4% (4 375 units) compared to January 2024.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 34 530 units increased by 18.3% (5 349 units) compared to January 2024.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 9 901 units decreased by 9.1% (993 units) compared to January 2024.
Export sales of 25 348 units increased by 29.7% (5 803 units) compared to January 2024.

10 best-selling automakers in SA in January 2025

Mahindra XUV 3XO — *Mahindra broke into the top 10 in January 2025.*

Toyota started 2025 right where it ended 2024: at the very top of the pile. In fact, the Japanese firm’s local division registered as many as 12 152 units in January 2025, its highest tally since October 2023. As a reminder, Toyota held a 24.9% share of the total market in 2024, with nearly 130 000 new vehicles sold.

The big news, however, was the fact Suzuki leapfrogged the Volkswagen Group, grabbing 2nd place from its German rival (a feat it has once before achieved, back in April 2024). In the end, Suzuki completed January 2025 on 6 399 units (incidentally also its best effort since October 2023), finishing the month some 723 sales ahead of the VW Group (5 676 units, including the Audi brand).

Meanwhile, Hyundai (2 760 units) held steady in 4th place and Ford (2 467 units) remained in 5th position, while Chinese firms Chery (1 913 units) and GWM (1 756 units) likewise retained 6th and 7th spot, respectively. Isuzu (1 733 units) climbed a ranking to 8th, while Mahindra (1 463 units) broke into the top 10 with what we believe was its highest total yet, taking 9th in the process. Finally, Kia (1 428 units) fell a place to 10th.

That meant there was no space in the top 10 for Renault (1 409 units), with the French firm having to settle for 11th, ahead of the BMW Group (with a Naamsa-estimated 1 184 units). Nissan (1 162 units) found itself down in 13th, followed by Omoda & Jaecoo (743 units) in 14th and Jetour (451 units) – another Chinese brand now reporting sales figures to Naamsa – in 15th.

1. Toyota – 12 152 units

2. Suzuki – 6 399 units

3. Volkswagen Group – 5 676 units

4. Hyundai – 2 760 units

5. Ford – 2 467 units

6. Chery – 1 913 units

7. GWM – 1 756 units

8. Isuzu – 1 733 units

9. Mahindra – 1 463 units

10. Kia – 1 428 units

Sales outlook in South Africa in 2025

So, how does Naamsa see the rest of 2025 playing out? Well, Mabasa says “the positive start to the year, marked by higher new-vehicle sales, a further interest-rate cut of 25 basis points during the month, and well-controlled inflation, along with promising prospects for a significantly improved domestic economic outlook, all contribute to a sense of optimism as we embark on 2025”.

“The possibility of further interest-rate cuts by the central bank in 2025 would not only enhance vehicle affordability but also foster a revival in business and consumer sentiment. The South African Reserve Bank projects a notable improvement in the country’s GDP growth rate of 1.5% for 2025, with some commentators even projecting even more optimistic figures of around 2%,” Mabasa adds.

ALSO READ: 1 Chinese giant grew in SA and the other shrunk

In terms of new-vehicle exports, Mabasa says this segment “showed promising growth in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024”.

“The anticipated relaxation of monetary policy in South Africa’s primary export markets is expected to sustain this momentum in the short- to medium term. However, the trajectory of trade policies under the new US administration remains uncertain. It’s worth noting that the success and magnitude of US tariffs could have significant spillover effects on South Africa and other markets, potentially leading to increased export revenues and inflation,” he explains.

ALSO READ: How many Polo GTI units were sold in SA in 2024

Meanwhile, NADA’s Cohen says “although we are obviously delighted at the strong performance of the overall market, particularly in the passenger-car segment and the recent small drop in interest rates, several challenges remain for the motor trade”.

“Affordability continues to be a concern as the cost of living rises, compounded by a 4th successive fuel-price hike, electricity increases and the looming possibility of further load-shedding. Additionally, there is the threat of tariffs and a freeze on funding from the United States,” Cohen warned.

Still, he says “there are also positive developments” on the horizon. “We are hopeful about potential announcements during the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) and a possible 4th interest-rate decrease in March (if the current inflationary forces remain in line). Taking all this into consideration, it has been a promising start to the year for the retail motor industry. Only time will tell whether we can build on this momentum as the year progresses,” concludes Cohen.

ALSO READ: Widebody Hilux Legend 55 confirmed for SA!

WesBank’s Gaoaketse likewise points to “affordability” as a “key consideration for consumer purchase decisions”, though says additional interest-rate reductions could play a significant role during the remainder of 2025.

“Further expected [interest-rate] cuts during the year will slowly begin to address new-vehicle affordability and renew business and consumer confidence. However, constrained household budgets will continue to remain vigilant of spend despite lower inflationary pressures overall,” says Gaoaketse.

F60 Mini Countryman (2017-2024) Buyer’s Guide

Equal parts charming and practical, there’s plenty to like about the F60-series Mini Countryman. So, should you consider buying a used version of what was at the time the biggest Mini in the range?

F60 Mini Countryman’s SA line-up

What are the F60 Mini Countryman’s strengths?

What are the F60 Mini Countryman’s weaknesses?

How much is a used Mini Countryman in SA?

Which Mini Countryman derivative should I buy?

Is the F60 Mini Countryman a smart used buy?

Looking for a used Mini Countryman to buy?

Omoda C9 (2025) Review

Size-wise, the Omoda C9 – the flagship of the Chery Group’s O&J division – fits into the Executive SUV segment, but price-wise, it competes with top-end family cars. Indeed, the model represents excellent value for money, but does it flatter to deceive?

FAST FACTS

Serious about buying/selling?

Where does the 2025 Omoda C9 fit in?

How the Omoda C9 fares in terms of…

Price and After-Sales Support

Verdict

Further Reading:

Volkswagen Indaba 2025: What new cars are coming to SA?

New Entry A0 SUV to be built at Kariega

Volkswagen Polo Vivo Edition 15 coming in Q3 2025

Volkswagen Golf 8 1.4TSI coming in Q2 2025

Facelifted Volkswagen T-Cross range expansion

Volkswagen Tayron coming in Q3 2025

Volkswagen Polo GTI Black Style coming in Q3 2025

Volkswagen Polo Vivo Xpress due in Q3 2025

New Volkswagen Transporter for SA in 2025

Facelifted Volkswagen Crafter coming in the first half of 2025

Volkswagen ID Buzz coming in Q2 2025

Audi SQ7 and SQ8 (2025) Price & Specs

The facelifted Audi SQ7 and SQ8 will soon launch in South Africa, each switching from a V8 turbodiesel engine to a twin-turbo V8 petrol motor. Here’s what they cost…

How much do the Audi SQ7 and SQ8 cost in SA?

Related content

Volkswagen Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI (2025) Price & Specs

Volkswagen plans to launch the Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI in South Africa early in Q2 2025. Here’s what the standard hatch – which will also be available in R-Line guise – will cost you…

How much will the VW Golf 8.5 1.4 TSI cost in SA?

Related content

How well is Jetour selling in SA? The latest sales figures

Chinese brand Jetour has quietly started reporting model sales to Naamsa. Here’s how many vehicles the newcomer sold in South Africa in January 2025…

Related content

SA passenger-car sales: Toyota grabs 4 spots in January 2025’s top 10

The Suzuki Swift soared to the top of SA’s passenger-vehicle standings in January 2025, while Toyota grabbed 4 spots in the top 10. Here are Mzansi’s best-selling cars and crossovers…

SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in January 2025

Related content

SA crowned a new best-selling vehicle in January 2025!

South Africa’s new-vehicle market crowned a fresh best-selling vehicle overall in January 2025, with this hatchback beating both Toyota’s Hilux and VW’s Polo Vivo…

Related content

Triton inches forward: SA’s best-selling bakkies in January 2025

The new Mitsubishi Triton has started what could be a gradual climb up the list of South Africa’s best-selling bakkies. Here are the sales figures for January 2025…

Best of the rest in January 2025: bakkies outside top 10

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for January 2025

Related content

Suzuki leapfrogs VW Group! SA’s new-car sales in January 2025

January 2025 was the SA new-vehicle market’s 4th straight month of year-on-year growth. Here’s your overview, including a few significant changes on the list of Mzansi’s best-selling automakers…

New-vehicle sales summary for January 2025

10 best-selling automakers in SA in January 2025

Sales outlook in South Africa in 2025

Related content