SA’s favourites in 2024: 10 best-selling cars & crossovers
A trio of South Africa’s 10 best-selling cars and crossovers for 2024 achieved double-digit year-on-year growth. Here are Mzansi’s favourites in the passenger-vehicle space…
In 2024, South Africa’s new-vehicle market fell 3.0% year on year to 515 712 units. That said, the new passenger-vehicle segment experienced marginal year-on-year growth of 1.1% to finish on 351 302 units. So, which cars and crossovers were ultimately Mzansi’s favourites in 2024? We’ve done the maths to identify the 10 best-selling models.
Rather fascinatingly, every vehicle that placed on the list of SA’s 10 best-selling cars and crossovers in 2023 again achieved that feat in 2024 – though there were some positional changes. That means the list again comprises 4 models produced right here in South Africa, along with another 4 imported from India and the remaining 2 shipped over from China.
As many as 3 nameplates (all imported) in the top 10 enjoyed double-digit year-on-year growth, while a further 3 (interestingly, all inside the top 4) suffered a fall in sales compared with the preceding reporting period. Let’s take a closer look at the figures and which of SA’s favourites placed where…
Podium unchanged as Polo Vivo wins again
Yes, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo (which was facelifed in August 2024) retained its long-held title of South Africa’s best-selling passenger car in 2024, finishing the year on a heady 25 913 units – or a monthly average as high as 2 159 units. The Kariega-built hatchback’s year-on-year growth of 8.4% is all the more impressive considering it came off the back of a 14.6% increase in 2023.
Though sales of the Toyota Corolla Cross slid 3.2% year on year to 21 861 units, the Prospecton-made crossover retained 2nd position in 2024, ending 4 052 units off the pace (for the record, the gap in 2023 was just 1 312 units). Similarly, sales of the Suzuki Swift were down 1.3% year on year to 15 768 units (thanks in part to the switchover to a new generation), but the Indian-manufactured hatchback still comfortably retained 3rd place.
Grand i10 records strongest growth in top 10
The Indian-built Toyota Starlet – which was again beaten to the title of SA’s most popular imported vehicle by the Swift – held onto 4th place despite local registrations falling 10.1% year on year to 14 129 units. For the record, the Baleno – the Suzuki model on which the Starlet is based – finished 2024 in 13th place on 7 311 units.
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Grand i10 – which benefitted from a mid-year price cut – climbed 3 rankings to 5th place, registering the strongest growth in the top 10. In the end, sales of the Indian-made budget model (which is offered locally in both hatchback and sedan form) surged 38.2% year on year to 13 583 units. Note this figure excludes the 756 Cargo-badged panel-van units Hyundai also registered in the light-commercial vehicle space.
Tiggo 4 Pro climbs as Polo hatchback slips
The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro was again the highest-ranked Chinese vehicle, moving up a position to grab 6th place in 2024. Sales of the small crossover grew an impressive 25.8% year on year to 12 646 units (this after soaring a whopping 117.5% in 2023). The increasingly popular Tiggo 4 Pro cracked 4 figures as many as 7 times in 2024, a feat it failed to achieve even once in the preceding 12 months.
The year 2024 was somewhat of a mixed bag for the Volkswagen Polo hatchback, with sales increasing 4.3% year on year to 12 253 units but the Kariega-manufactured model still slipping 2 spots to end in a comparatively lowly 7th. As a reminder, the Polo hatch was SA’s 2nd best-selling passenger vehicle (behind only the Vivo) as recently as 2021, though tumbled from the podium in 2022.
Magnite sneaks into 5 figures (and past Jolion)
While sales of the Toyota Fortuner increased 2.7% year on year to 10 666 units, the locally built adventure SUV ended up dropping 2 rankings to finish in 8th. That said, the Fortuner easily remained Mzansi’s top-selling ladder-frame SUV, with its nearest rival being the Ford Everest way down in 30th on 3 109 units.
Meanwhile, the Nissan Magnite breached the 5-figure mark to climb a spot to 9th, with local registrations of this Indian-built crossover – which was facelifted in October 2024 – surging 17.2% year on year to 10 059 units. With the NP200 no more, the Magnite accounted for a whopping 45.1% of Nissan SA’s volume in 2024. Finally, the Haval Jolion fell a place to 10th position, despite sales growing 7.1% year on year to 9 213 units.
Which models were bubbling under in 2024, falling just outside the top 10? Well, the Kia Sonet (7 425 units) was the best of the rest, placing 11th and followed closely by a trio of Suzuki models: the Fronx (7 355 units), Baleno (7 311 units) and Ertiga (7 198 units). The Celerio-based Toyota Vitz, meanwhile, took 15th position with 6 927 registrations.
South Africa’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in 2024
We sample what is arguably one of the most exciting modern-classic Aston Martins: the 2009-2018 V12 Vantage – equipped with a manual transmission, no less!
Aston Martin is well-known for its gorgeous sportscars. We immediately associate the Gaydon-based brand with James Bond, as well as a strong racing pedigree. So, desirability is certainly strong. It can be argued, however, that most of the marque’s offerings fall more in the grand tourer category than being thrilling, engaging driver’s cars (excluding the likes of the super-exclusive Valour and Valkyrie, of course).
There are exceptions, though. If you’re looking for a fairly modern Aston Martin sportscar that is both good to look at and thrilling to drive, then the V12 Vantage, introduced in 2009, must rank at, or near, the top of the list. Besides… when last did you experience a V12 mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox?
The Details
Being the V12, this model is equipped with numerous model-specific addenda. Notice, for example, the carbon-fibre louvred bonnet, which is not just for show – it allows excess engine heat to dissipate.
You have to appreciate the 10-spoke alloy wheels and the small front splitter, to name a few other eye-catching details. It is not “over-the-top”, however, this car is still immediately recognisable as a Vantage.
The doors swing open (slightly upward) to reveal a cabin still in a near-pristine condition. When we took this car for a drive, it had less than 10 000 km on its odometer; unsurprisingly, the sportscar’s leather trim and the tastefully applied Alcantara inserts were in great condition.
When you’re ensconced behind the tiller, you are greeted by an anti-clockwise analogue rev counter and the clockwise speedometer behind a thick-rimmed (and Alcantara-trimmed) steering wheel. To your left is the most notable feature in the cabin, the stubby – and rather shiny – metal-capped gear lever.
This ornament gives you access to the car’s party piece: a 6-speed manual gearbox – not an automated manual, but a true stick-shift. Next, slot the crystal glass key fob into the dashboard. Press it and the 6.0-litre V12 engine erupts with a (very welcoming) deep burble from the pair of exhaust pipes at the back.
Specifications
Model: Aston Martin Vantage V12
Engine: 6.0-litre, 12-cylinder (V12), petrol
Power: 380 kW at 6 500 rpm
Torque: 570 Nm at 5 750 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, AWD
Weight: 1 680 kg
0-100 kph: 4.34 sec (as tested by CAR magazine)
Top speed: 305 kph (claimed)
Behind the ‘wheel
Whether you’re parking the car or trundling through town at low speeds, the V12 Vantage feels relatively compact. At no time does it feel like a big, cumbersome GT, even if the expansive bonnet is pronounced.
In the bottom half of the rev range (at, say, 2 000 or 3 000 rpm), you can lean on the sizeable V12 motor’s torque, but the engine truly comes alive from there on out. If you push the revs past 6 000 rpm, the Aston feels like a true sports car in every way, accompanied by a magnificent soundtrack.
As I head towards Kalk Bay along Boyes Drive, I revel in the V12 Vantage’s ample performance and can’t help but smile at the visceral driving experience that this British machine delivers. With 380 kW and 570 Nm of torque on tap, you quickly run out of road to experience all the performance that it has to offer.
Make no mistake: the V12 Vantage is a fast car. Its claimed 0-100 kph time is 3.9 sec (with a top speed of 305 kph), but you’ll need time to familiarise yourself with the car, so you can learn how to best launch it.
The steering wheel provides enough feedback, while the carbon-ceramic brakes work perfectly to brush off speed – and in a hurry, which may often be the case. The faster you drive the V12 Vantage, the more compact the car begins to feel. The ride quality is firm, but thankfully not crashy whatsoever.
You can also count on the car’s grip, which is immense, but should the situation allow – and you’re sufficiently skilled behind the wheel – you can get the back end to break away with ease (such fun!), even if the front tyres are 255/35 ZR19 in size and, at the rear, a more substantial 295/30 ZR19.
If you haven’t driven a hardcore manual sportscar for a while, the Aston’s clutch action might seem a trifle heavy, but after a few minutes, you forget about it and are simply absorbed in the experience.
Summary
This Aston Martin V12 Vantage has a split personality. I can imagine how one could spend a good few hours behind the ‘wheel while covering vast distances in relative comfort. At the same time, it’s a dyed-in-the-wool sportscar that invariably offers an exhilarating experience, even on a dash to the shops.
Seeing as it’s a modern classic, don’t forget to pack your CDs from a decade ago if you need musical accompaniment in the car, but for most enthusiasts, I suspect the sonorous V12 will more than suffice.
Trading at more than double the price of a manual Vantage V8 from the same era, a V8 Vantage in great condition might still be a better buy – a bargain, even. However, if you want the ultimate non-S Vantage variant – a driver’s car that will beguile and engage you – it is hard to fault the V12 Vantage manual.
Apart from those gorgeous looks, the combination of the performance and the practicality of being able to take on a road trip (with some luggage accommodated in the boot), makes it a great proposition as a weekend toy and grand tourer. Relative rarity should ensure values remain strong in the long term, too.
This car was sourced and sold by MotoVillage, located in Tokai, Cape Town.
The Top 10 finalists in the running for the prestigious World Car of the Year title have been announced, along with the Top 5 in the 6 individual categories.
Now in its 21st year, the World Car Awards has been the world’s top motoring awards programme for the past 12 years (source: AITASTIC’s 2024 report, which analysed the WCA’s media reach in 47 markets) and the 2025 World Car Awards winners will be announced at the New York Auto Show on 16 April 2025.
A jury of 96 distinguished international automotive journalists from 30 countries selected the finalists based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their professional work. Cars.co.za’s Head of SentiMETAL & Special Projects, Hannes Oosthuizen is South Africa’s longest-serving juror.
“With cars such as the locally-manufactured BMW X3, the recently-launched Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Prado and Volkswagen Tiguan all in the running, this year’s World Car Awards are particularly relevant to our market,” said Oosthuizen. “Furthermore, several of these finalists are also in the running in the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards – sponsored by Absa,” he added.
Top 10 finalists: World Car of the Year
The trophy that car brands want most is the overall World Car of the Year title. The following 10 vehicles are competing for this prestigious trophy – the initial list consisted of no fewer than 52 contenders.
Furthermore, all vehicles competing in the 5 categories above are eligible for the 2025 World Car Design of the Year award.
A design panel comprising 5 highly respected world design experts was asked to 1st review each candidate and establish a short list of recommendations for the jurors’ final vote. The design experts were in alphabetical order: Anja Bracht (Germany – Pforzheim University), Gert Hildebrand (Germany – Owner Hildebrand-Design), Tom Matano (USA – Academy of Art University, Former Head of Design – Mazda), Victor Nacif (USA – Chief Creative Officer, Brojure.com and Design instructor, New School of Architecture and Design) and Shiro Nakamura (Japan – CEO, Shiro Nakamura Design Associates Inc.)
The 5 finalists chosen by the design panel for the jurors’ vote in February are:
Toyota LC79 cracks top 5! SA’s best-selling bakkies in December 2024
Toyota’s Land Cruiser 79 climbed into the top half of the list of South Africa’s 10 best-selling bakkies in December 2024. Here are the sales figures for the final month of the year…
In December 2024, South Africa’s new-vehicle market improved 2.5% year on year to 41 273 units. While the passenger-vehicle segment was yet again the driver of this overall industry growth, sales in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space slid 10.3% year on year to 9 136 units.
So, what happened on the list of Mzansi’s best- and worst-selling bakkies in December 2024? Well, the Toyota Hilux ended the year right where it started – at the very top of the list. In 2024’s final month, Toyota registered as many as 2 926 units of the Prospecton-built bakkie around SA, representing an 8.3% increase over November 2024‘s effort.
Toyota’s Hilux enjoyed an 8.3% month on month increase in sales.
Meanwhile, local sales of the Ford Ranger dipped 14.4% month on month to 1 924 units in December, meaning the Silverton-manufactured contender found itself more than 1 000 units off the pace in 2nd place. However, the Isuzu D-Max’s month-on-month decline was even more marked, with sales of the Struandale-made model – which nevertheless retained 3rd position – falling a considerable 38.4% to 1 086 units in December 2024.
Though local registrations of the KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up plummeted 44.2% month on month to 390 units, the Indian brand’s bakkie still managed to retain 4th place. However, the Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (352 units) range – which recently welcomed a manual-gearbox version of the 2.8-litre GD-6 powertrain – was hot on its heels, moving up 2 places to crack the top 5 in December.
The Ford-built Volkswagen Amarok (315 units) remained in 6th spot last month, while the Rosslyn-produced Nissan Navara (300 units) slid 2 rankings to finish in 7th. Despite a slow-down in sales compared with November, the GWM P-Series (which will soon gain a facelift, with the standard models adopting the “P300” badge) managed to keep hold of 8th place, with 169 units registered.
Interestingly, the Chinese-made Peugeot Landtrek breached 3 figures for only the 3rd time this year, with its December tally of 126 units representing its 2nd-best effort of 2024 and proving enough for it to return to the top 10 and snaffle 9th. As a reminder, Stellantis SA plans to commence local assembly of this bakkie from completely knocked-down kits at a new facility in Gqeberha towards the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026.
Mitsubishi’s new Triton retained 10th place in the final month of 2024.
Finally, the Mitsubishi Triton – which moved into a new generation locally in November 2024 – closed out the table with 65 units, retaining 10th place. Though this figure represented a decrease compared with the 82 examples sold in the preceding month, it was indeed enough to keep the Japanese contender inside the top 10.
Best of the rest in December 2024: bakkies outside top 10
The GWM Steed was knocked out of the top 10 in December 2024.
What about the bakkies that didn’t crack the top 10 in December 2024? 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 individual nameplates in the top 10 – managed 86 units.
Meanwhile, the GWM Steed – which had placed 9th in November – finished on 52 units, while the Mahindra Bolero ended the month on 19 units. Next came the Jeep Gladiator (8 units), a facelifted version of which is expected to launch locally at some point in 2025, with the since-discontinued Nissan NP200 (production ceased at Rosslyn back in March 2024) bringing up the rear on just 3 units.
2025 will be a big year for Jaecoo, as it looks to expand its product line-up and dealer network. For now, the brand offers only the J7, which makes a strong 1st impression, but does it stand up to closer scrutiny? Read our extended review of the 1.6T Glacier!
A standard Cars.co.za review is thorough (we conduct it over a 7- to 14-day period), but if we hope to discover a model’s granular details, talents and quirks, an extended test over the December holiday period is the ideal opportunity to form a more in-depth understanding and appreciation of a vehicle.
For the 2024/2025 period, this author got behind the ‘wheel of a Jaecoo J7, tested here in the mid-spec Glacier trim grade. Jaecoo is a new Chinese brand that began operating in South Africa in 2024 and, in case you didn’t know, the brand forms part of the Chery Group‘s O&J division, along with Omoda.
Fundamentally, all the Chery Group vehicles make use of common platforms and share powertrains, but have different exterior designs, cabin layouts, and market positionings.
Many onlookers said the J7 had Range Rover design cues. We expected it: the Chery Group builds JLR products in China.
The Jaecoo J7 is the brand’s only model (for now) and priced from R549 900 (January 2025), with new arrivals like the compact J5, the boxy, all-electric J6 and J8 7-seater earmarked for South Africa in 2025.
The R500k-R600k family car segment is awash with excellent offerings. However, when you look at the technical data, you will see the Jaecoo J7 is a little smaller than traditional medium SUVs, so you can rule out the Toyota RAV4, VW Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5 as possible rivals.
As like-for-like rivals, which are very similarly sized to this striking Chinese newcomer that purposely resembles a luxury British car brand’s SUV, we’ve singled out the Kia Seltos and Volkswagen T-Roc.
It’s not a road trip until you stop at an obscure padstal for biltong!
Things To Like about the Jaecoo J7
An abundance of standard features
The J7 1.6T Glacier is one of those vehicles where it is simply easier to list the features that are missing – otherwise, we’d fill this entire page and take up far too much of your time detailing each and every item.
A heated steering wheel, privacy glass and all-wheel drive are the only items left off – they’re reserved for the 1.6T Inferno AWD flagship variant, which costs a notable R80k more than the 1.6T Glacier.
Wireless Android Auto works well on the massive portrait-oriented infotainment screen.
Highlights (features we used extensively) include the ventilation function for the front seats (they can also be heated) – it was very welcome on hot summer days, integrated dashcam, head-up display, 360-degree parking camera, wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, Sony audio system, 14.8-inch portrait touchscreen, and 50W wireless charging (which is genuinely effective, not all cars’ inductive pads are).
Most car wireless charging pads have outputs ranging from 5 to 10W. This is 50W!
Eager performance
Under the bonnet is a 145 kW/290 Nm 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Those peak outputs suggest the J7 should be brisk in a straight line, but seeing as the test unit arrived with very few kilometres on its odo, we delayed the 0-100-kph test a while.
The front end of the Jaecoo J7 is distinctive, it looks bigger than it is!
But once the odometer nudged past 2 000 km, we hooked up our test gear for 1st first acceleration run of 2025. The 1.6T Glacier bucked its name by zipping to 100 kph from a standstill in a spirited 8.04 sec; Jaecoo doesn’t state an acceleration time for the J7, but it feels punchy for a not-so-small crossover.
Three drive modes are available: Sport, Eco and Normal.
Like in other Chinese brands’ models, the throttle calibration isn’t perfect – we found the J7’s powertrain tended to respond to gentle (to firmer) accelerator pedal inputs with nothing, nothing again, and then all of the torque at once (often accompanied by a chirp from the front tyres), but we solved that by driving exclusively in Eco (the other drive modes are Normal and Sport), which is smoother and more relaxed.
Usually, you’d knock a transmission lever to the side to access the manual override mode, but not here.
The transmission, which shifts smoothly and exactly when you expect it to, is excellent. Granted, there are no ‘shift paddles on the ‘wheel and the manual override function is unconventional because you use the standard shift movement from Park-Reverse-Neutral-Drive to change up/down, which is quite novel.
Safety Features
Considering the 1.6T Glacier’s price point, it’s fitted with a staggering (but impressive) level of safety equipment. In Glacier trim, the Jeacoo J7 comes fitted with 8 airbags (including a driver’s knee bag and 1 positioned between the seats), autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-departure warning/prevention, rear cross-traffic alert/assist, and much more.
We also discovered a pair of interesting features. First, the blind-spot assist works in conjunction with the rear passenger doors when the Jaecoo is standing still. If a vehicle is approaching, a subtle warning light will flash to alert passengers that it is unsafe to exit the vehicle. Second, when you’re sitting in traffic and not paying attention, the 1.6T Glacier will beep to let you know the car in front of you has moved. Clever!
Dislikes?
Iffy electronics
Because an increasing number of new-car buyers are more concerned with new vehicles’ packaging than their mechanical configurations, most car manufacturers now endow their products with a bristling assortment of high-tech features… but getting them to work together seamlessly is no easy task.
Software specialists often talk about UX (user experience, including intuitiveness, efficiency, utility and so on) and it’s a bit frightening to think about how much computing power new cars have. But even if cars have become increasingly connected, bugs/glitches commonly occur – especially on new models.
In our case, a week before the J7 was due to be collected, its blind-spot detection system stopped working. A quick reset (turning the car off and on again) didn’t resolve the problem. We drove to the office and a few hours later, when we returned to the car to drive home, the glitch had vanished. It was weird, but such issues are becoming common – another car in our December fleet had a similar problem.
When Integrated Cruise Control is active, the road markings turn blue. The red dots are the driver monitoring system
Integrated Cruise Control is Jaecoo’s propriety name for its assisted-driving program, which utilises adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist to perform semi-autonomous driving. You have to keep your hands on the wheel – if you don’t, the car will detect a lack of resistance on the rim and sound an alert.
The system works adequately, but there were a few times when the integrated cruise control actuated overly harsh steering inputs and applied automatic braking force VERY late, so some fine-tuning or polishing is required. For what it’s worth, if you crave this sort of tech, then look to Volvo’s Pilot Assist.
Located atop the steering column is a small rectangular sensor, which tracks your eye moment. If you’re not paying attention to the road in front of you, an alert will sound. It quickly becomes overbearing – and intrusive. It CAN be switched off, yes, but it will reactivate itself once you restart the vehicle.
Clumsy ergonomics
There’s no shortage of safety features in the J7 – very impressive!
Yes, the sizeable portrait-orientated touchscreen boasts excellent graphics and visibility (day and night, in all types of weather), but it does seem as if Jaecoo has impeded the user-friendliness of the J7’s infotainment system by integrating, no, jam-packing way too much functionality into it.
Here’s an example of digital clunkiness: if you want to change the cabin temperature while Android Auto is running, you have to exit that application, push the home screen button, open the climate control menu (to make the adjustment), then push the home button, before you can open Android Auto again.
There are very few buttons in the Jaecoo J7, there are (pretty much) all you get.
All that faff, just to change the cabin temperature? A simple climate control shortcut button would solve that, but to be fair, so would more familiarisation: there is a discreet AC on/off button located adjacent to the drive-mode selector, which will call up the climate menu. The rest of the screen’s ergonomics are quite un-car-like – they incorporate a smartphone- or tablet-esque user flow with swipes and flicks.
If you swipe downwards from the top of the screen, you get access to the menu shown above, from which you can deactivate the start-stop system – it took us 10 days to find that setting! You’ll notice that you can also adjust the screen brightness and volume with sliders, much like a smartphone/tablet. Great for the younger generation, but it’s likely to be a steep and intimidating learning curve for older buyers.
Mediocre fuel economy
Even when we utilised the most conservative drive mode (Eco) frequently and adopted a measured driving style while travelling long distances with the 1.6T Glacier, we couldn’t get the test unit to consume less than 7.9 L/100 km (Jaecoo claims 7 L/100 km and we travelled about 2 500 km). In our opinion, when compared with similarly-sized rivals, the J7 is on acceptable. We expect that if you drive with a care-free attitude in Normal or Sport mode, the average consumption will nudge – or eclipse – 9 L/100 km.
We achieved 7.9 L/100 km in Eco mode in combined driving conditions.
The Jaecoo J7 range will gain a plug-in hybrid version in 2025, which should address any fuel economy concerns. It’s likely to be the priciest derivative (due to its more sophisticated powertrain), but tests in China have claimed an average consumption of 3.3 L/100 km, as well as a pure electric range of 125 km.
Prices include a 5-year/70 000 km service plan and a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, as well as an “additional engine warranty valid for 10 years/1 000 000 km,” Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa says.
Summary
Visiting one of our favourite wine farms on a particularly scorching hot day near Citrusdal.
Jaecoo (and parent company Chery) is well aware that it has no legacy (and therefore, little brand cachet) in South Africa and is in the early stages of building a reputation in the local automotive market.
Buying a new car isn’t a cheap exercise – there are precious few bargains out there – and convincing potential customers to look past legacy brands to choose something brand new – and unproven – is a tough ask. Yet, when you look around on our roads, the uptake of new Chinese brands’ cars is high!
First impressions count for a lot. The keen pricing, extensive after-sales support, abundance of standard equipment, impressive infotainment screen and punchy driving performance outweigh the drawbacks.
Happily, these issues can, and should, be resolved with running updates and given the Chery Group’s rapid pace of manufacturing, short lifecycles and vast parts bin, we won’t have to wait long. The devil is in the details: better English grammar and syntax in the menus will also bolster the brand’s credibility.
Overall, despite its quirks, we enjoyed getting to know Jaecoo’s J7 and can understand why it is selling as strongly as it is (soon there will be more Jaecoos to choose from, which will also benefit the model). It offers ample space for families, plenty of performance and more gadgets than you’re ever likely to need.
Chery climbs! SA’s new-vehicle sales for December 2024
December 2024 represented the SA new-vehicle market’s 3rd consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Here’s your overview, including Mzansi’s best-selling automakers…
South Africa’s new-vehicle market recorded its 3rd consecutive year-on-year increase in monthly sales, with local registrations in December 2024 growing 2.5% to 41 273 units*. As expected, however, the year’s final month – which is traditionally a relatively low-volume sales period – was down markedly (some 15%, in fact) compared with November’s high of 48 585 units.
Ultimately, despite the uptick experienced in the final quarter, Mzansi’s new-vehicle sales for 2024 overall fell 3.0% year on year to 515 712 units. In addition, for the first time since 2020, the country’s new-vehicle exports declined, falling 22.8% year on year to 308 830 units (after dropping 4.3% year on year to 25 931 units in December*).
*On 27 January 2025, Naamsa issued an erratum revising December 2024’s total downwards by 181 units to a “corrected total” of 41 092 units (shifting the year-on-year gain to 1.9%). In addition, Naamsa revised the month’s export figure upwards, saying it actually increased 10.5% to 29 935 units. We’ve adjusted the chart below accordingly.
Naamsa says 88.4% of the total reported industry figure of 41 273 units in December 2024 represented dealer sales, while 8.1% were sales to the vehicle-rental industry, 2.1% to government and 1.4% to industry corporate fleets.
Yet again, the new passenger-vehicle market proved the driver of the industry’s year-on-year growth in December, gaining 8.2% to 29 775 units (10.9% of which came courtesy of the rental channel). The new light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment, however, slipped 10.3% year on year to 9 136 units.
Brandon Cohen, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), suggested a key contributor to the overall decline in LCV sales was “the pullback of SA Taxi Finance, which prompted other financial institutions to follow suit”.
“This led to a sharp decline in taxi sales, which fell from well over 1 000 units per month to just a few hundred since March. Despite this, other LCV segments showed growth, partially offsetting the impact,” Cohen pointed out.
He futhermore noted that sales figures for December and January often “lacked clarity” due to variations in reporting cut-off dates. “To gain a more accurate understanding of end-of-year trends, it is generally better to combine the figures for both months and calculate an average,” Cohen explained.
That said, the NADA executive described December’s performance as a “disappointing conclusion to a year in which we had hoped for growth. However, the last 3 months showed positive momentum, with overall sales improving each time, led by passenger car sales”.
New-vehicle sales summary for December 2024
Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 41 273 units increased by 2.5% (1 011 units) compared to December 2023.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 29 775 units increased by 8.2% (2 246 units) compared to December 2023.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 9 136 units decreased by 10.3% (1 052 units) compared to December 2023.
Export sales of 25 931 units decreased by 4.3% (1 158 units) compared to December 2023.
10 best-selling automakers in SA in December 2024
Toyota stayed firmly on top in the final month of the year, registering 11 422 units (including Lexus and Hino sales) across the country in December. That represented the 9th time the Japanese giant cracked 5 figures in 2024, a feat no other automaker managed even once. The Volkswagen Group (4 832 units, including Audi sales) retained 2nd place last month, with Suzuki (4 514 units) just 318 registrations behind in 3rd.
Hyundai (2 826 units) climbed a ranking to 4th, pushing Ford (2 607 units) down a place to 5th. Meanwhile, Chery (1 867 units), GWM (1 686 units) and Kia (1 496 units) each moved up a position to 6th, 7th and 8th, respectively, thanks to Isuzu’s (1 364 units) slide down to 9th. Finally, Renault (1 105 units) again closed out the table.
For the record, December represented the 2nd time this year that Chinese firm Chery ranked 6th overall after having first achieved this position in April (when it registered its best month of 2024 with 2 009 sales).
Indian automaker Mahindra (1 054 units) again found itself just outside the top 10, ahead of the BMW Group (990 units) in 12th and Nissan (807 units) all the way down in 13th. Omoda & Jaecoo (655 units) retained 14th, finishing ahead of Stellantis (554 units), with Mercedes-Benz again failing to crack the top 15.
1. Toyota – 11 422 units
2. Volkswagen Group – 4 832 units
3. Suzuki – 4 514 units
4. Hyundai – 2 826 units
5. Ford – 2 607 units
6. Chery – 1 867 units
7. GWM – 1 686 units
8. Kia – 1 496 units
9. Isuzu – 1 364 units
10. Renault – 1 105 units
Sales outlook in South Africa for 2025
According to Naamsa, the “confluence of positive economic indicators and the resilience of the volume passenger-car segment during the last quarter of 2024 suggests a potential rebound for the new vehicle market in 2025”.
“The South African Reserve Bank’s 2 interest-rate cuts towards year-end, the first in 4 years, coupled with easing inflation, has created a more favourable economic environment,” says Naamsa, adding that “lower fuel prices have bolstered consumer confidence and disposable income” (with petrol prices “at the lowest point they have been in nearly 3 years in 2024”).
“Further interest-rate cuts in 2025 would support vehicle affordability across all the various segments. The domestic outlook for 2025 is expected to improve, driven by a revival in business and consumer sentiment stemming from improvements in the country’s key economic indicators,” says the industry representative body, stating that “with an improved GDP growth rate of around 1.5% projected for 2025, the new-vehicle market would likely improve by single digits compared to the level of 2024”.
NADA’s Cohen, meanwhile, agrees that “annual vehicle sales in South Africa typically align with the country’s GDP, and this was again the case in 2024”. Still, he suggests “meaningful growth is unlikely until the overall economy is revived, and we transition into a growth phase for our GDP”.
“The coming year will be intriguing, with local industry wage negotiations and changes in the US administration adding to the complexities. Managing consumer demand amid rising cost pressures remains challenging for our retail dealers. Consumers are increasingly opting for smaller, more affordable vehicles or high-quality pre-owned models to navigate economic constraints, which, in turn, places pressure on retailers’ bottom lines,” Cohen points out.
He adds that stabilising inflation, potential further reductions in interest rates and easing energy constraints might offer some relief for both consumers and businesses. However, global factors such as volatile oil prices, geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts remain “potential disruptors” to the sector in the months ahead.
Cohen furthermore remarks that dealerships offering flexible financing options and aligning inventory with affordability trends will maintain a competitive edge. “We are also seeing some OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] adjusting pricing to counter more affordable Chinese alternatives, and I expect this trend to continue into 2025,” he concludes.
The Suzuki Swift is a hugely successful hatchback in South Africa but with the recent introduction of an all-new Swift, we were interested to find out exactly how much the new Swift differs from the previous Swift. Jacob Moshokoa investigates… Watch the video!
The previous version of the Suzuki Swift became a top seller in the local market, challenging the Polo Vivo for the title of best-selling hatchback in the country. The new Swift aims to build on that success, but are the engine and design changes likely to yield better sales and success, or has Suzuki gone down the wrong path?
Jacob Moshokoa drives both the new and old Swift back-to-back to give his verdict on whether this new Suzuki will be a hit or not.
Let us know in the comments below what your thoughts are on the new Suzuki Swift.
Chinese brand GAC Motor, which entered the South African market in mid-2024 and expanded its line-up to 2 models with the launch of the Emkoo model, has significantly reduced the prices of its family car’s derivatives – by R80k and R100k respectively!
To recap, GAC is the abbreviation for Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Company – the 5th-largest automaker in China. Its products are distributed in South Africa by the Portuguese-based Salvador Caetano holding company and GAC Motor South Africa (SA) launched the GS3 Emzoom in July 2024, followed by the larger Emkoo in September. More model introductions are scheduled for 2025.
GAC Motor SA has begun the new year by announcing “a strategic price reduction” for the 2 models. It attributes the price drop to “a better forex rate through the end of 2024”, as well as “scaled global cost reduction initiatives, allowing (the Bryanston-based importer) to pass the benefits… to the consumer.”
GAC Motor SA, which is said to be increasing its dealerships and service centres to 40 outlets, further says the adjustment is not “temporary sales support or promotional tactics”, but “a response to market conditions” and underlines the firm’s “transparency in pricing and commitment to fair… practices”.
As opposed to the GS3 Emzoom – a small crossover with boutique appeal – the larger Emkoo is a more soberly styled medium SUV, but there’s little chance that one could mistake it for anything but a GAC!
By the South African family-car segment’s historically conservative standards, the GAC Emkoo’s exterior design is arguably at the more expressive end of the spectrum (think of the Jetour Dashing, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage), as opposed to more buttoned-up offerings (such as the new Volkswagen Tiguan and Haval H6), with the Chery Tiggo 7- and 8 Pro/Pro Max sitting somewhere in the middle.
Still, the GAC Emkoo is distinguished by its stylised grille design (with 12 bars arranged in a V shape, decorated with titanium-tungsten alloy strips), ornate LED headlamps and hidden electric door handles.
The newcomer’s rear end, in turn, features “lightsabre-inspired” X-pattern LED taillights – GAC Motor says that they include a music-sync function! – plus a Mecha-style rear bumper and tailgate spoiler.
The GAC Emkoo is based on the Chinese marque’s MegaStar platform: 4 680 mm long, 1 901 mm wide and 1 670 mm tall. Its suspension comprises MacPherson struts up front, with a multi-link arrangement at the rear and GAC Motor claims the model, which has a 2 750-mm wheelbase, offers 1 059 mm of legroom for front- and 990 mm for aft occupants.
Power comes courtesy of a 130 kW/270 Nm 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol that is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch (wet-type) automatic transmission and the model is said to consume an average of 6.4 L/100 km (although note that that is an NEDC figure and not based on the more realistic WLTP cycle).
The GAC Emkoo is offered in Executive and Executive Plus guises and, as opposed the GS3 Emzoom, there is a relatively small difference in the respective derivatives’ features lists.
For a start, all variants come equipped with auto headlamps (with high-beam assist) and -wipers, auto-folding and heated side mirrors, panoramic sunroof with sunshade, keyless entry/start, a multifunction steering wheel (4-way adjustable), a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat (with lumbar support), dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control with integrated cruise assist (which works in conjunction with traffic jam assist and -sign recognition), imitation leather trim and contrast stitching.
The interior has a largely conventional layout, but features a few tasteful – some might say “fashion forward” – design touches, such as the circular (and metallic) elements on the door- and floating centre console – they are complemented by the fascia-mounted centre ventilation, well, “cylinder”. And, for the obligatory touch of bling, the GAC Emkoo’s shift-by-wire transmission lever is festooned with a crystal!
Tech-wise, the front of the GAC Emkoo’s cabin features a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a surround-view camera system, a wireless charging pad, as well as Type A and -C USB ports for streaming or recharging.
Rear occupants benefit from a dedicated ventilation outlet, a flat rear-seat passage (GAC Motor says), as well as reclining seatbacks. The model’s claimed load-bay capacity is 420 litres, but that can be increased notably if you fold the standard 60/40-split seatback down.
In terms of safety, all variants have front-, side- and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability- and hill-descent control, autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist and -departure warning, ISOfix anchor points, tyre pressure monitors and rear parking sensors.
Whereas the 1.5T Executive is fitted with 18-inch alloys, the 1.5T Executive Plus rides on 19-inch wheels. It additionally features a power tailgate, both front seats are electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated (with memory function for the driver), ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, blind-spot detection and lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and -collision warning, as well as a self-park function.
GAC Motor South Africa said in a statement (January 2025) that it “is sensitive to (its) valued customers who have purchased a GAC Motor model in 2024 and in the interests of a fair and equitable relationship, (the company) invites these customers to contact the distributor through its website or contact numbers to discuss any potential concerns regarding the price reduction and how they will be accommodated.”
Prices include a 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, as well as an impressively long (distance-wise) 5-year/100 000 km service plan.
Chinese automotive brandGAC Motor, which entered the South African new-vehicle market in 2024, has significantly lowered the asking prices of its models (in January 2025), including those of the arrestingly styled GS3 Emzoom compact family car.
GAC Motor, a subsidiary of GAC Group, was founded in 2008. The fledgling brand signed a strategic agreement with the Salvador Caetano Group to handle its distribution and retail operations in Mzansi and its first offering on local soil, the GS3 Emzoom, competes in the small-crossover segment of the market.
GAC Motor South Africa (SA), which launched the GS3 Emzoom in July 2024, followed by its Emkoo family car sibling in September 2024, has now announced “a strategic price reduction” for the models. It attributes the price drop to “a better forex rate through the end of 2024”, as well as “scaled global cost reduction initiatives, allowing (the Bryanston-based importer) to pass the benefits… to the consumer.”
GAC Motor SA, which is said to be increasing its dealerships and service centres to 40 outlets, further says the adjustment is not “temporary sales support or promotional tactics”, but “a response to market conditions” and underlines the firm’s “transparency in pricing and commitment to fair… practices”.
Like its fellow Chinese-made small crossovers – the Omoda C5, Jaecoo J7 and BAIC X55 Beijing – the GS2 Emzoom is distinguished by strikingly futuristic styling cues, including sharp lines, hidden door handles, ornate taillights and – on the Sports Pack-equipped 1.5T R-Style – even a sportscar-inspired rear diffuser with a pair of centrally positioned exhaust ends, along with a sizeable panoramic sunroof.
The GAC GS3 Emzoom’s “flying-mecha” front-end design features LED headlights with LED DRLs, while a double waistline element accentuates the model’s flanks. The 3D-effect tail-light clusters, which are said to incorporate 66 LEDs, are complemented by the sporty rear wing; 18-inch alloys are standard.
The GAC GS3 Emzoom is 4 410 mm long, 1 850 mm wide and stands 1 600 mm tall; it rides on McPherson front and a torsion-beam rear suspension, and GAC Motor claims the small crossover’s load bay can hold 341 litres (and up to 1 271 litres when the rear seats are folded down).
With its stylish, upmarket and tech-laden cabin, the GAC GS3 Emzoom seems to straddle the small family car and boutique crossover segments; it has as many as 21 storage compartments (helped by its floating centre console design, no doubt) and a host of connectivity options via its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Even the entry-level GS3 Emzoom 1.5T Comfort comes equipped with electrically folding side mirrors, keyless entry/start, a multifunction ‘wheel, cruise- and dual-zone climate control, Type-A front USB ports, one-touch anti-pinch electric windows, a reverse-view camera and 3 drive modes (Eco, Comfort and Sport).
But whereas the 1.5T Comfort has fabric and synthetic leather upholstery and a 3.5-inch driver info display in its instrument cluster, the 1.5T Executive has leather trim on the ‘wheel and seats, a 7-inch LCD digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control, 2nd-row ventilation outlets and rear reading lights.
As expected, the range-topping 1.5T R-Style has the most comprehensive spec, which includes rain-sensing wipers, 6-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat, a crystal-detailed transmission lever, a wireless charging pad, a surround-view camera system, Type-C front USB ports, a rear centre armrest and -headrest, ambient cabin lighting, as well as an electrically operated tailgate.
In terms of standard safety equipment, all variants come fitted with dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, an electronic stability programme, hill-hold control, an electronic parking brake, tyre pressure monitors and ISOfix child-seat safety anchors.
However, you have to upgrade to the 1.5T Executive to benefit from additional safety items (and ADAS systems) such as dual front side airbags, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, traffic-sign recognition, intelligent speed-limit control and lane departure warning.
On top of the 1.5T Executive’s safety spec, the 1.5T R-Line range-topper further adds curtain airbags, hill descent control and high-beam assist.
All GAC GS3 Emzoom derivatives are powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that produces 130 kW/270 Nm and is mated with a 7-speed (wet) dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Chinese manufacturer claims GS3 Emzoom variants (all of which are equipped with electric power steering) can accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 8 sec, while consuming an average of 6.2 litres of fuel per 100 km on the combined cycle.
Warranty & Service plan
The GS3 Emzoom was the first of 3 GAC models (the 2nd being the Emkoo family car, with the Aion Y electric crossover also in the pipeline) to be launched in South Africa. All variants come with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan, with service intervals every 15 000 km.
GAC Motor South Africa said in a statement (January 2025) that it “is sensitive to (its) valued customers who have purchased a GAC Motor model in 2024 and in the interests of a fair and equitable relationship, (the company) invites these customers to contact the distributor through its website or contact numbers to discuss any potential concerns regarding the price reduction and how they will be accommodated.”
The thought of driving a new car is enticing, but new cars aren’t cheap and buyers need to exercise financial awareness before committing to a new car purchase. There is however great value to be found in the used car market and depending on what car you have your eyes on, opting for a used car will not only solve your need for mobility but often makes more financial sense too. Here are 2 major reasons you should consider buying a used car…
Cars, especially new cars, exert a strange and powerful force on humans. They have the power to cripple our common sense and manipulate our decision-making process. Before you know it, you could be driving your dream car off a showroom floor, forgetting, perhaps just for a moment, that you can’t afford it. Does this sound like you?
New car prices have risen sharply, so much so that many buyers are unable to afford the new car of their choice and are forced to shop down.
For those willing to forego buying a new car, the used car market has much to offer buyers in terms of value but due to the high demand for quality used cars, used car prices have also risen as a result.
Even so, choosing to buy a used car is a sensible choice and here are 2 major reasons why!
Two Major Reasons to Consider Buying a Used Car
1. Affordability
Affordability is the main reason to consider buying a used car, but it’s by no means the only factor. A used car is considerably cheaper than a new car because (in most cases) the brunt of depreciation has already been absorbed by the previous owner.
Here’s a nice example; to buy a brand new, base spec Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSi Life costs R362 200, but if you opt to buy a used VW T-Cross, you can jump into a low mileage, 2-3-year-old top-spec T-Cross R-Line for under R300k. That’s a big financial win!
More than this, it will also be cheaper to finance and insure a used car (due to the lower purchase price) and in some cases you may even benefit from the carry-over warranty and maintenance plan.
There is a perception that used cars are of sub-standard quality, and in some cases this might be true, but the reality is that there are thousands of quality used cars on the market and if you take the time to find the right car for you, you can save a lot of money!
Also keep in mind that very often the value of optional extras are not accurately reflected in used car prices, so you may actually get more than you bargained for.
Top Tip: Find a used car that’s 2-3 years old with low mileage for the best value.
2. More Choice
The used car market opens up a wide range of options to the used car buyer. Couldn’t afford that glitzy SUV you’ve always wanted? Well, now you possibly can. Just take your time and shop around…
The fact that used cars are cheaper than new cars gives buyers much more choice and freedom. At Cars.co.za, we have well over 70 000 used vehicles to choose from, anywhere in South Africa.
Our new Used Car Search Tool with “Quick Search” functionality will allow you to find the car you are looking for — fast!
Need advice on what car to buy? We have an experienced and dedicated team who are ready to offer the best car buying advice. Feel free to ask us questions on Facebook or X and we will gladly assist you.
