10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: March 2023
South Africa’s list of best-selling bakkies saw some movement (including on the podium!) in March 2023, plus the debut of a certain Ford-built Volkswagen pick-up. Let’s take a closer look at the sales figures…
Though South Africa’s new-vehicle market shrunk slightly year on year in March 2023 to a still-impressive 50 157 units, the light-commercial segment (which is dominated by bakkies) enjoyed 11.1% growth, finishing the month on 15 529 units (the highest figure achieved by this segment for more than a year). So, what happened on the list of SA’s best- and worst-selling bakkies?
Well, no prizes for guessing the Prospecton-built Toyota Hilux was again out in front (just as it was in February 2023), with a considerable 3 920 units registered in South Africa during March 2023. Fascinatingly, however, the Struandale-produced Isuzu D-Max grabbed 2nd place with 2 289 units (500 of which represented sales to government), pushing the new Silverton-manufactured Ford Ranger (2 247 units) into a very close 3rd.
As an aside, Ford Motor Company of SA confirmed to Cars.co.za the Ranger’s figure included as many as 642 examples of the range-topping Raptor.
The Nissan NP200 (1 404 units) and Mahindra Pik Up (966 units) increased their tallies month on month, holding steady in 4th and 5th, respectively. Though the Nissan Navara’s haul in March 2023 fell somewhat to 475 units, the Rosslyn-built bakkie nevertheless remained in 6th position, again just ahead of the seemingly evergreen Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (406 units).
Having officially arrived in local dealerships on 18 March, the new Volkswagen Amarok – which is built alongside the Ranger at Ford’s facility in Gauteng – enjoyed a strong start (perhaps boosted by the fulfilment of pre-orders), ending the month with 401 registrations and thus returning the nameplate to the table by placing 8th.
The Amarok’s reappearance in the top 10 saw the imported GWM P-Series (372 units) and GWM Steed (118 units) each drop a spot, with the Chinese bakkies finishing in 9th and 10th, respectively.
Best of the rest in March 2023
The VW Amarok’s return saw the Mitsubishi Triton fall from the top 10 in March 2023.
What about the bit-part players? Well, although the Mitsubishi Triton improved month on month to 62 registrations, it dropped out of the top 10 in March 2023. The Peugeot Landtrek, meanwhile, finished the month on 37 units, ahead of the Mahindra Bolero (21 units), the Jeep Gladiator (13 units) and the Mazda BT-50 (6 units).
Meanwhile, JAC’s T-badged bakkies – the Chinese automaker reports a combined figure for its T6 and T8 line-ups – ended March 2023 on a total of 45 units.
Export winners in March 2023
More than 5 700 units of the Ford Ranger were shipped from SA shores in March 2023.
What about the bakkie export market? Well, the Ford Ranger moved into 1st place here, with 5 708 units shipped overseas in March 2023. That saw the Toyota Hilux pushed down into 2nd, with 3 588 units exported during the month.
The D-Max (743 units), Navara (450 units) and NP200 (29 units) again made up the numbers on the export charts. The official Naamsa report again interestingly showed a handful of imported models being exported from local shores in March 2023, in the form of the Triton (30 units), P-Series (18 units), Gladiator (1 unit) and Steed (1 unit).
10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for March 2023
The M4 has moved so far upmarket that the BMW M2 – now in its 2nd generation – is comparatively closer in spirit to the brand’s iconic coupes from the Eighties and Nineties. Ciro De Siena drove a manual version of the new M2 in Arizona.
As we headed out on the highways of Phoenix, Arizona and into the nearby mountains to catch some twisties in the new, G87-generation M2, I felt a rush of excitement, because BMW furnished me with a manual version (a “stick-shift”, as they say here in the States) of the model to put through its paces.
Ciro relished driving a 6-speed BMW M2, but driving a left-hand-drive car with a manual ‘box was a challenge.
Having said that, when you’re used to driving manual right-hand-drive cars, it’s a challenge to use your right hand to change gears in a left-hand-drive country; you select the next gear by shifting away from –as opposed to toward – you. It’s like, well, swapping your knife and fork and then trying to eat normally.
BMW owes much of its fan following to its compact sportscars of yesteryear and the new M2 has that classic ol’ configuration: it’s a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive compact coupe with an inline-6 petrol motor and a manual ‘box. It harks back to classic BMW models that don’t really exist anymore… Recent M3s and M4s have become sort of different beasts – they’re powerful, but they’re quite heavy too.
The new BMW M2 looks very broad-shouldered from the back, note the elaborate bumper, diffuser and quad tailpipes.
New BMW M2 – a big little car
So, the BMW M2 is the smallest M car in the Bavarian brand’s line-up. In reality, however, it’s not much smaller than the M4 and its sedan counterpart, the M3. The new M2’s wheelbase is only 110 mm shorter than that of the M4 and overall, the newcomer’s about 210 mm shorter than its bigger sibling.
However, when you stand in front of the new M2, its dimensions and design seem to shrink – it does appear to be a smaller car than the M4. Its cabin also feels like that of a smaller car…
The BMW M2 comes in 2 model-specific colours: Toronto Red and this finish: Zandvoort Blue.
The 2023 car is available in 5 colours, 2 of which are specific to the model. The example I drove was finished in one of those hues – Toronto Red – but there is also a new Zandvoort Blue, which, for me, does not work on this car. It’s like a matte colour and sort of reduces the impact of the M2’s lines and shoulder creases… It makes it look a bit weak, visually.
When this car was revealed, there was a lot of online chatter (which is usually the case when new BMWs get unveiled). Some disgruntled commentators said: “BMW didn’t get the styling right”, but they must just wait until they see an M2, clad in Toronto Red, with their own eyes. It may change their opinion.
The G87-generation BMW M2’s steering wheel features a pair of red (and programmable) M-mode buttons.
Whereas the model’s suspension has, by and large, been carried over from the previous-gen car (along with extra reinforcement at the rear), the new BMW M2 has a much wider track than its predecessor. Consequently, the car feels more planted on the road and that bigger “footprint” definitely helps – it instils more confidence in the driver to explore the (rather heady) limits of the car’s performance.
Effectively a ‘baby M4’, engine-wise
Like its M3 and M4 siblings, the G87-generation BMW M2 has a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 petrol powerplant, but in a lower state of tune. Its peak outputs are 338 kW and 550 Nm, the latter of which is available for much of the engine’s rev range (from 2 650 rpm to 5 870 rpm, to be precise).
Optional M Carbon bucket seats feature M2 badges, M colour highlights and, of course, lots of added bolstering.
That means this car produces 66 kW and 36 kW more than the previous-gen single-turbo M2 and twin-turbo M2 Competition respectively. However, with a kerb weight of 1 730 kg (6-speed manual) or 1 754 kg (8-speed auto), the new M2 is notably heavier than the old M2 (1 495 kg) and M2 Competition (1 650 kg). Still, it’s claimed to be a 10th of a second faster from 0 to 100 kph (4.3 sec for the manual and 4.1 sec for the auto) than the latter.
Meanwhile, BMW has pretty much thrown the kitchen sink at the new M2; it comes equipped with electronically controlled dampers, as well as an active differential, which can create a locking effect of up to 100 per cent. Heck, it’s even got a drift analyser, for when you feel like shredding your tyres!
The new BMW M2 features an almost cartoonish front bumper with square- and rectangular inlets.
Keeping you on the black stuff are Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres – 20-inch items in the case of the M2 that I drove. And I suspect that the BMW technicians at the launch ensured that the cars’ tyres were “pumped hard” to extend the life of the “boots”, because I could feel every little thing on the road surface. If I drove over an ant, I could probably tell you what species it was from what it felt like through the M2’s tyres.
Peak power is developed at 6 250 rpm (the engine redlines at 7 200 rpm), but moreover, the model’s generous peak-torque band truly made its presence felt when I rifled through the 2nd-, 3rd- and 4th gears. Five hundred and fifty Newton metres is a lot of torque for a car of this size – bear in mind it’s rear-wheel drive only (not all-wheel drive, as is the case with its 285 kW/500 Nm M240i xDrive sibling).
The BMW M2, in rear-wheel-drive guise, is bound to please driving enthusiasts (an xDrive version is coming soon).
Suffice it to say, the new BMW M2 demands a measure of driver skill and -attention that will satisfy some of the most discerning enthusiasts. When I drove the M2 quite enthusiastically, I could feel its tail-end “go light” on a few occasions – not alarmingly so, but enough to clearly convey where the limits were.
Still a hands-on, visceral sportscar
I love how BMW hasn’t tried to refine or sanitise the new M2 to the Nth degree… When you touch the 6-speed manual car’s gear knob while the vehicle is in motion, you can actually feel the machinations of the drivetrain through the palm of your hand. Perhaps the model’s steering is a bit dull (after all, you can’t expect all that much feedback from an electrically assisted setup), but it is, most certainly, accurate.
The manual version of the BMW M2 comes equipped with an entertaining Gear-Shift Assistant function.
Interestingly, there are 2 levels of braking feel available (selectable via the iDrive menu) and, in the manual version of the M2, you get gear-shift assistance, which effectively rev-matches for you on downshifts and meters the way that the clutch engages with the flywheel.
For example, when I shifted down (from, say, 4th to 3rd), the M2 blipped its throttle. It sure wasn’t me: I can’t heel and toe, I’m not (Cars.co.za race ace) Ashley Oldfield… the car did it entirely by itself.
To its credit, BMW has taken the following position on its product line-up: “Electric vehicles (EVs) aren’t the only solution, we’re going to keep making great internal-combustion-engined (ICE) cars. We’re going to make them as efficient as possible and we’re going to make EVs, hybrids and hydrogen cars too.”
BMW South Africa will begin deliveries of the new M2 in May 2023.
I really appreciate that BMW wants to give consumers a broad range of vehicles to choose from (everything from ICE cars – with or without electrification – to hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles).
After all, the Munich-based carmaker has built its brand on visceral models, especially those that bear M badges – producing driver’s cars is one of its major selling points. BMW wants you to walk into one of its dealerships and spend R1.5 million so that you drive out to a winding country road and enjoy yourself.
The G87-gen BMW M2 comes with an 8-speed auto ‘box in SA, but the manual version is available on special order.
Summary
Enjoyment – isn’t that exactly what BMW M cars are for? During the new M2’s launch in the States, the CEO of BMW’s M Division, Frank van Meel showed us a graph with a product timeline that went all the way to 2030. Then he proclaimed that BMW would keep producing great ICE cars all the way to 2030.
What’s more, I absolutely loved the experience of driving a modern high-powered car equipped with a manual ‘box. It seems an anachronism; manual sportscars are definitely dying out, that’s for sure.
When it arrives in South Africa in May, the new BMW M2 will come with the 8-speed automatic ZF transmission, but if you want a manual version, you will be able to place a special order with BMW SA.
The automatic is a brilliant ‘box – I can totally understand if you’d prefer it, especially if you intend to use this BMW as your “daily”, but just know this: A manual M2 is a pretty wonderful thing.
If you are thinking of buying a Porsche 356, should you also take a look at the 4-cylinder Porsche 912? We drive both back-to-back outside Cape Town.
The modest four-cylinder, boxer engine that launched Porsche onto the motoring scene in 1948 started off with a paltry 30 kW from its 1.1-litre displacement. Fast-forward to around 12 years and the flat-4, 1.6-litre engine in the 1600 GT developed a very healthy 100 kW.
A look at Porsche’s racing history reveals it is littered with racing-developed flat-4s fitted to 356s, as well as several notable race cars that achieved several victories over many years.
History
By 1963, when the Porsche 356’s replacement saw the light of day, the Zuffenhausen-based brand’s focus had obviously shifted to the 911, but the company still saw enough appeal in the 4-cylinder concept to unveil a new model, the 912, at the 1965 New York Auto Show.
While the Porsche 912 was unveiled in 1965, it only became widely available by 1966. Interestingly, the 912 sold very well and evidently, buyers didn’t mind at the time to have a familiar flat-4 engine in the back of their Porsche and a cabin that offered less equipment than the 911.
The idea behind the Porsche 912 was to offer a more accessible sports car to buyers who couldn’t stretch all the way to the 911… and it clearly worked. In its first year of production, around 5 000 units were manufactured and 6 692 in 1966.
Today Porsche 912s are valued lower than early Porsche 911s. Bring the range of 356s onboard, and again the 912 slots comfortably below that range of models if you compare them specification-wise.
Compared to a car like this beautiful Ruby Red Porsche 356B, how does the Porsche 912 stack up from behind the wheel and does it deserve more admiration than it currently gets?
The entire 356 range was fitted with the flat-4-cylinder engine, and the 912 was the only 911 to ever receive a 4-cylinder engine, which makes it a bit of an oddball in Porsche’s road-going history.
Few enthusiasts know this, but a number of Porsche 356s were assembled in South Africa after being imported as knocked-down kits. However, this 1960 Porsche 356B was manufactured in Germany before being delivered to the Winelands town of Stellenbosch.
The first owner was an Olivetti typewriter engineer. He owned it until the day he died and the current owner bought it from his grandson 6 years ago.
Specifications
Model: 1960 Porsche 356B
Engine: 1.6-litre, flat-4 petrol
Power: 44 kW at 4 500 rpm
Torque: 110 Nm at 2 800 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual, RWD
Weight: 900 kg
0-97 kph: 14.4 sec (claimed)
Top speed: 155 kph (claimed)
“I haven’t done anything to this car except to give it a small service and a polish every now and then. We even left the minor cracks in the paint. The car has not been restored and we have several invoices, even including insurance premium slips from early years. The original owner was really fastidious.
“For example, he took the original keys, made copies and only used the copies, filing the original keys in the car’s folder. There is the service book, the handbook and the toolkit. There was also a big folder on the then-new Porsche 928. At some stage, he considered trading in his 356 for this new GT.”
Subsequent to purchasing this 356B, it won the regional Porsche Club Cape concourse event in 2020.
Eight years after that Porsche 356, in 1968, this Bahama Yellow Porsche 912 rolled off the production line. The owner, founder of Dogleg Werks in Cape Town, acquired it in early 2021.
Specifications
Model: 1968 Porsche 912
Engine: 1.6-litre, flat-4 petrol
Power: 67 kW at 5 800 rpm
Torque: 133 Nm at 3 500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, RWD
Weight: 970 kg
0-97 kph: 12.3 sec (claimed)
Top speed: 184 kph (claimed)
“All the license discs from new came with the car. It was a Johannesburg car and has had 2 or 3 owners. Unfortunately, it was cheaply maintained. It does have some rust and will soon be heading for a gentle restoration. However, it won’t be a nuts-and-bolts restoration. The fenders will be removed, sills will be replaced and it will receive a partial respray.
“This was a daily driver for the past 10 to 15 years. It was unfortunately kept in Newlands – one of the wettest parts of South Africa. The engine was rebuilt in the ’90s, but it now needs attention again.”
Parked next to each other it is easy to see the evolutionary design flowing from the 356 to 912. There are similarities, but they are also 2 very distinctly different cars.
Behind the ‘wheels of the Porsche 356 & Porsche 912
I settle in behind the wheel of the 356 and notice the solid thud when I close the door. Everything about the 356 is rounded. The dashboard curves underneath the windscreen and the large Bakelite steering wheel allows for much-needed leverage during slow speeds.
The red leather vinyl-covered dashboard ties in perfectly with the red window garnish rails below the side windows that run towards the rear of the car as well as the fascia, which is also ruby red.
Being a 356 means that there are only 3 dials behind the steering wheel, them being, from left to right, the speedometer, tachometer and a combination gauge for the oil temperature and the fuel level.
It is relatively luxurious in the cabin with rubber matting on the floor, carpets along the sides while the original beige seats and door panels provide a welcoming contrast. Over the bonnet, the rounded curves of the lid as well as the fenders are clearly visible.
The engine starts without any trouble and it sounds spot on, a throaty flat-four rumble that permeates from the two exhaust pipes, situated inside the chromed overriders.
The gearlever slots with ease into gear in a very light manner and it is easy to modulate the clutch, all the pedals being floor mounted.
There is a surprising level of sprightliness to the 1 582 cm3 engine’s power delivery. You can potter around at 2 to 3 000 rpm, but it is from 2 500 to 4 000 rpm that the engine seems at its happiest and delivers an honest level of performance. The redline arrives 500 rpm later at 4 500.
Chase the 4 000-rpm mark through first, second and third gear, and you will be impressed at the speeds you can achieve.
There is a little play in the steering, but you still get a good feel through the wheel. However, you need to remind yourself of those high-profile tyres when you drive more enthusiastically through the corners.
Still, being so lightweight and with the engine mounted low in the chassis, there is grip to be found through the bends and some fun to be had. Even the brakes feel up to the task of bringing the speeds down, although you don’t want to overdo it, having to then use them with vigour.
The owner also told me that he fits all the 356s in his collection with a camber regulator on the rear axle which limits the wheels tucking in during cornering or other vertical loading and unloading.
In terms of practicality the 356 offers less luggage space at the front thanks to the fuel tank and spare wheel which almost completely fills this area. In the 912 there is ample space for a few soft bags.
There might be only an 8-year difference between these two cars, but the moment you step into the 912 you know this is the more modern model, body and layout that also spanned around 2 decades of 911s.
There is a complete change of feel in the cabin thanks to the horizontal, straight dashboard design and the cabin is marginally roomier in every direction.
The seats are well worn, so I sit very low, while the cabin colours are darker compared to the 356. The black vinyl seats, door trims and the dashboard are all black as well.
As in the 356, the steering wheel is close to the dashboard, but now there are 5 dials to look at (there were only 3 when the 912 was launched), one of the additions being a clock. As in the 356, there are still rear seats that can be folded flat to offer extra luggage space, or up to offer seating space for children.
As I twist the key, the engine turns and for a moment the different beat from the flat-4 caught me off guard, not a sound you associate with a 911-shaped Porsche. When cars are half a century old, or older, they are very much the result of how they have been maintained. This example of the Porsche 356 has been maintained better than the car it’s being compared with here, but even so, this particular Porsche 912 has been used regularly and provides a good idea of what the 1960s cut-price 911 offers.
The view through the windscreen is also different compared to the 356. Gone is the rounded centre lid, now replaced by the sloping flat deck, with the pronounced fenders running towards the headlights leaving you in no doubt this is a 911 (or 912).
This 912 was, at some time in its life, fitted with a factory short shifter kit, as the throws are very short and direct and it doesn’t have any of the vagueness usually associated with this transmission. This does add another level of driver involvement and sportiness for me. If it was my car, I would probably have opted for this upgrade as well, especially after having experienced these gearboxes in their original state.
It still needs some getting used to though, but after a few minutes I become accustomed to finding that dogleg first gear and also the following four gears. The availability of five speeds is an important change over the Porsche 356’s driving experience.
The additional ratio allows you not only more speed, but once on the go it is easy to swap between second and third, ideal for the twisties, and then fourth and fifth as you head onto the longer straights. I immediately feel there is a wider scope of performance with the 912.
Although the engine, in its current state, is not as smooth as the 356B’s, it still pulls stronger than its older sibling, while also allowing you to head higher into the rev range. With the red line only arriving at 6 000 rpm, you can comfortably let the needle run past 4 000 and 5 000 rpm.
After all, the 912’s engine was based on the 356 Super 90 engine, offering 90 hp (67 kW) versus the 356B’s 44 kW.
As the suspension is a notably better setup compared to the Porsche 356, the Porsche 912 feels more planted on the road and it does feel more suited to enthusiastic cornering than the 356. Of course, the 912 benefits from the same suspension, steering and braking system as the early 911s.
Porsche 356 or Porsche 912?
On the way home we both select 3rd gear, needles pointing to the middle of the rev range. We push the throttle pedals to the floor. For a moment the Porsche 356 pulls away from its Porsche 912 stablemate, but as our speed builds and I select fourth gear in the 912, it pulls away from the 356.
The Porsche 912 will probably continue to remain under the radar for most buyers, but I don’t understand why. Of course, it is 2 cylinders down on any other 911 in history, but it still delivers a visual experience that is 100% that of the 911 and a driving experience that is very close to that of the celebrated brand’s iconic sportscar. Oh, and did I mention it is around 50 kg lighter than a 911 of the same year?
For those who appreciate these benefits, that is a very attractive number. Depending on what your requirements are for an air-cooled 4-cylinder Porsche, give the underrated 912 a closer look.
Toyota Fortuner bounces back! SA’s best-selling cars in March 2023
The South African new-vehicle market’s run of year-on-year growth has ended, with sales falling marginally to a still-impressive 50 157 unitsin March 2023. Here’s a look at SA’s best-selling vehicles, most popular brands and more…
In March 2023, South Africa’s new-vehicle market registered a marginal decline of 0.6% to 50 157 units, bringing to an end the industry’s 14-month streak of year-on-year sales growth. Still, the month’s sales tally represents a considerable 10.6% increase compared with February 2023’s effort and is interestingly also the first time the market has cracked the 50 000-unit mark in a year.
Naamsa described the industry’s performance in March 2023 as “modest”, saying this could at least in part be attributed to rising interest rates and the so-called “national shutdown” of 20 March, when “many dealers opted to close shop and vehicle manufacturers operating in hotspot metros also halted production”.
Out of the total reported industry sales of 50 157 vehicles, an estimated 43 801 units (or 87.3%) came via the dealer channel, with 6.1% representing sales to the rental industry, 4.1% to government and 2.5% to industry corporate fleets.
The new passenger-vehicle market decreased 6.4% to 31 631 units in March 2023, while sales of new light-commercial vehicles (including bakkies and minibuses) grew an encouraging 11.1% year on year to 15 529 units (the highest LCV figure for over a year, as you can see in the chart below). After the opening quarter of the 2023, domestic sales stood at 139 437 units, representing an increase of 2.4% compared with the same period in 2022.
What about the export market? Well, Naamsa’s figures showed a 3.1% year-on-year increase to 34 134 units in March 2023, with the year-to-date number coming in at 84 774 units (or 4.2% down on the first quarter of 2022).
Lebogang Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communications at WesBank, was upbeat, suggesting March 2023’s performance was worth celebrating.
“Despite the public holidays, March is a long sales month and this month’s performance mirrored what was the best-selling month last year. Both March 2022 and 2023 have been the only sales months to breach the 50 000-unit level since October 2019,” explained Gaoaketse.
Furthermore, according to WesBank, March’s increased volumes compared with February’s tally indicates “growth remains possible despite the headwinds of the continued energy crisis, rising interest rates and the pressures of inflation on household budgets”.
Gary McCraw, National Director of the National Automobil Dealers’ Association (NADA), was similarly optimistic, saying the fact total sales exceeded the 50 0000- unit barrier “was a positive sign, showing that there is still ongoing, pent-up demand for new vehicles”.
“The retail dealer network fared well in the circumstances, with many of them having closed over the Human Rights Day period. In fact, the dealers’ share of the new-vehicle market continues to hold up, with the March share of 87.3% being even better than the 83.6% share in February. On a year-to-date basis, the dealers have sold 2 230 more vehicles this year than in the same period in 2022 – 117 178 versus 114 948,” added McGraw.
New vehicle sales summary for March 2023
Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 50 157 units decreased by 0.6% (-308 units) compared to March 2022.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 31 631 units decreased by 6.4% (-2 157 units) compared to March 2022.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 15 529 units increased by 11.1% (1 556 units) compared to March 2022.
Export sales of 34 134 units increased by 3.1% (1 026 units) compared to March 2022.
10 best-selling car brands in South Africa in March 2023
Another month, another overwhelmingly dominant sales performance from Toyota. The Japanese firm’s local arm registered a hefty 13 406 units in March 2023 (translating to a market share of 26.7%), almost 2 000 sales more than it achieved in the preceding (admittedly shorter) month. The Volkswagen Group (6 139 units) was again 2nd on the list, though the German company at least managed to stretch its lead over the 3rd-placed Suzuki (3 734 units).
Hyundai (3 032 units) climbed a place to 4th, finishing the month a mere 20 units ahead of Nissan (3 012 units), which consequently dropped a spot to 5th. Ford wasn’t far behind, with its 2 993 sales enough to keep it in 6th, while Isuzu (2 691 units) enjoyed a particularly strong month, moving up a position to 7th. With 2 058 registrations, Renault thus slipped a spot to 8th, with Haval (2 002 units) gaining a place to 9th and Kia (1 833 units) sliding a position to 10th.
Which brands finished just outside the top 10? Well, Chinese automaker Chery again had to settle for 11th, with its 1 502 units sold in March 2023 proving a record haul, and seeing it finish ahead of Indian firm Mahindra (1 434 units) and the BMW Group (1 394 units), with the latter reporting sales to Naamsa for the first time this year.
1. Toyota – 13 406 units
2. Volkswagen Group – 6 139 units
3. Suzuki – 3 734 units
4. Hyundai – 3 032 units
5. Nissan – 3 012 units
6. Ford – 2 993 units
7. Isuzu – 2 691 units
8. Renault – 2 058 units
9. Haval – 2 002 units
10. Kia – 1 833 units
10 best-selling vehicles in South Africa in March 2023
Isuzu’s Struandale-built D-Max scooped 2nd place in March 2023.
As you might very well have guessed, the Toyota Hilux was again South Africa’s most popular new vehicle, with as many as 3 920 examples registered in March 2023. Interestingly, the Isuzu D-Max (2 289 units, including 500 sales to government) climbed a spot to snaffle 2nd, pushing the new Ford Ranger (2 247 units) down to 3rd. Yes, that means the podium comprised a trio of locally produced bakkies (here’s the full list of SA’s best-selling bakkies for March 2023).
The Kariega-built Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2 016 units) – recently bolstered with the launch of a subtly updated GT flagship – moved up a position to 4th, forcing the Prospecton-produced Toyota Corolla Cross (1 839 units) down to 5th. The Toyota Hi-Ace (1 600 units) gained a spot to finish the month in 6th, while the Toyota Fortuner made a strong return to the top 10, with 1 409 registrations across the country (including 281 units courtesy of the rental channel). As a reminder, the Japanese firm’s locally produced adventure SUV lost the title of SA’s best-selling SUV in 2022 (and failed to crack the top 15 overall in both January and February 2023), though recently benefited from a handy refresh.
The long-in-the-tooth Nissan NP200 (1 404 units) and Suzuki-built Toyota Starlet (1 276 units) effectively swapped places compared with February 2023 – thus finishing in 8th and 9th respectively – while the Suzuki Swift tumbled 4 positions to close out the table on 1 248 registrations.
Top 10 vehicles exported from South Africa in March 2023
BMW Group SA exported nearly 6 000 examples of the X3 in March 2023.
Though the Volkswagen Polo hatchback again missed out on a top-10 finish on the domestic front, it was the runaway leader on the export charts, with a whopping 10 029 units shipped overseas. Meanwhile, with the brand again reporting figures to Naamsa for March 2023, the Rosslyn-built BMW X3 (5 988 units) grabbed 2nd, with the Silverton-manufactured Ford Ranger (5 708 units) close behind in 3rd and the Toyota Hilux (3 588 units) relegated to 4th.
As is so often the case, the Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Toyota Corolla Cross, Toyota Fortuner, Nissan NP200 and Toyota Corolla Quest made up the export numbers. We should, of course, point out Mercedes-Benz did not submit detailed figures, so it’s not clear exactly how many new C-Class sedan units were exported during the month (for the record, though, Naamsa’s estimate for March 2023 stands at 7 075 units).
1. Volkswagen Polo (hatch) – 10 029 units
2. BMW X3 – 5 988 units
3. Ford Ranger – 5 708 units
4. Toyota Hilux – 3 588 units
5. Isuzu D-Max – 743 units
6. Nissan Navara – 450 units
7. Toyota Corolla Cross – 98 units
8. Toyota Fortuner – 81 units
9. Nissan NP200 – 29 units
10. Toyota Corolla Quest – 28 units
Sales outlook for the remainder of 2023
So, where to from here for South Africa’s new-vehicle market? Well, Naamsa believes the latest interest-rate hike as well as a multitude of other factors will have a further impact on the “shrinking disposable income purse many consumers rely on when making new vehicle sales decisions”.
“While vehicle production is ramping up and the overall performance [of] vehicle sales and exports sales has been steadily increasing, the continued monetary policy tightening, domestic and global slowing growth, as well as energy shortages will have greater spill over to the overall performance of the industry,” says Naamsa, before adding it “remains upbeat” that its forecast of domestic sales growth of 6.3% and export sales growth of 8.3% for 2023 is still achievable.
Meanwhile, WesBank’s Gaoaketse also points to the latest increase in the prime lending rate as cause for concern for the new-vehicle market.
“In addition to making existing linked finance agreements more expensive, the higher-than-expected interest-rate hike will no doubt challenge affordability and future purchase decisions for the new-vehicle market, which could begin impacting sales volumes over the coming months,” warns Gaoaketse.
Despite this, WesBank “continues to expect market growth this year off the back of improved supply and the need to refresh the replacement cycle that has been delayed over the past few years”.
NADA’s McGraw takes a likewise positive stance, listing various factors that could see more new-vehicle sales growth.
“Looking ahead, we believe that as many local companies have entered a new financial year, there may be a greater appetite for them to start buying again. Ongoing load-shedding and changes in company policies are seeing many more people now returning to work in their offices instead of at home, which means they are driving daily, which could also be a spur for new-car sales.
“We also believe that the increase in interest rate may result in a speed up of the buy-down trend. We are hopeful that people intending to replace their cars this year will still do so, as there is a host of new models arriving and new-vehicle stock levels are much improved. This could lead to more aggressive trading,” concludes McGraw.
Volkswagen South Africa has officially unwrapped an “upgraded” version of its locally built Polo Vivo GT. Here are the details and pricing…
Volkswagen South Africa has launched an “upgraded” Polo Vivo GT. So, what’s new about the revised version of the locally produced, prolonged-lifecycle hatchback? Well, here’s what you need to know.
The updated Polo Vivo GT sticks with the outgoing version’s turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, which sends unchanged peak outputs of 81 kW and 200 Nm to the front axle, again via a 6-speed manual gearbox.
What does the upgrade to the Polo Vivo 1.0 TSI GT – which sits right at the summit of the strong-selling 5-variant Vivo range – then entail? Well, it appears to be an entirely (and rather subtle) cosmetic exercise, led by the adoption of a new exterior silver theme. Yes, the previously body coloured side-mirror caps switch to a silver finish, matching the 17-inch “Mirabeau” alloy wheels.
Spot the difference: original on the left, updated model on the right. Yes, the changes are subtle.
Meanwhile, the decals that run along the 5-door hatchback’s flanks change from black to silver, and take on a new design, too (the “GT” logo, for instance, is smaller than before and now positioned on the front rather than rear doors). Round back, the GT insignia likewise switches from black to silver. We also noticed the availability of a fresh paint finish; the “Wild Cherry metallic” option you see in the accompanying images.
Inside, the silver theme continues, with the Polo Vivo GT gaining dashboard inserts in the bright hue. In addition, the colour used for the cloth insert and top-stitching on the front seats has been changed to red, though the headrests interestingly now lose the top-stitching detail. Grey stitching has been applied to the gear-lever and handbrake gaiters, while the mats feature “GT” logos embroidered in red.
Other standard features include the Safety Package, the Lights and Vision Package, cruise control, faux-aluminium pedals, Anthracite headlining, a chrome-trimmed tailpipe, lowered suspension (by 15 mm) and a black rear spoiler.
How much does the VW Polo Vivo GT cost in South Africa?
Volkswagen Polo Vivo GT – R332 800
A 3-year/120 000 km warranty is included in the price, while service and maintenance plans (with intervals of 15 000 km) are available as options.
Good news for owners of diesel vehicles as the price is coming down. Here are the changes in the prices of fuel for April 2023.
There’s some good news for diesel car owners and operators as unaudited data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) is pointing to a substantial decrease in the price of diesel as we head into April 2023.
The price of illuminating paraffin will also come down, but sadly there’s nothing significant for the price of petrol. Based on the latest numbers, the decrease for 95 ULP petrol stands at 1.5 cents a litre, while 93 ULP goes down by around 4c/l. Diesel relief is far more noteworthy, with a reduction of around 78 c/l and illuminating paraffin down by R1.39/l. The official adjustment of the fuel prices come on the first Wednesday of the new month, which is the 5th April 2023.
“The main driver behind the decreases is lower international product prices, while the higher average Rand/US Dollar exchange rate is counter-balancing these gains. The weaker Rand is eroding around 40c/l of the decreases meaning the decreases could have been more significant had the Rand been stronger throughout March,” notes the AA.
It’s also important to remember that the two main levies on fuel (General fuel levy and Road accident fund) will not be increasing this year. These increases usually come into effect in April, but the Minister of Finance confirmed this would not happen in the February budget speech.
Fuel Price Forecast for April 2023 in South Africa
Toyota South Africa has given the popular Toyota Fortuner a minor update for 2023. We drove the Japanese brand’s 7-seater adventure SUV in the Great Karoo to see whether the subtle changes are enough to keep it near the top of local sales charts.
What’s new on the Toyota Fortuner 2023?
New lighting and bumper design for this update. Indicator lamps are below the fog lamps now
Toyota South Africa Motors’ (TSAM) juggernaut bakkie and bakkie-based models – the Hilux and Fortuner – tend to have particularly light, but regular, updates throughout their life cycles. This year, it was the turn of the Fortuner, which has received new 18-inch wheels, a reshaped front bumper, as well as revised grille- and LED designs. Also, the front and rear indicator elements now light up sequentially.
A new white/black option has been added to the colour palette (but the 2-tone scheme is only available on 2.8-litre derivatives). The 2.4-litre variants, in turn, gain the lighting design from the pre-facelift 2.8-litre versions and have been updated cosmetically to more closely resemble their larger-engined siblings.
The Toyota’s interior is largely unchanged in terms of specification, bar a red/black leather combination that complements the new 2-tone exterior option. According to TSAM, this update to the Fortuner does not incorporate any changes to the suspension, steering setup or NVH levels of the model.
The power outputs of the 2.4- and 2.8-litre derivatives remain the same.
No, both the 2.4-litre- and the 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engines’ power/torque outputs remain the same for the 2023 model. That means the Fortuner ships with either 110 kW/400 Nm (2.4-litre) or 150 kW/500 Nm (2.8-litre), with your choice of 4×2 or 4×4. Only the entry-level 2.4-litre 4×2 version can be specced with a manual transmission, the rest are all equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
We only sampled the top-spec VX derivative on the local launch, which included the red/black interior.
Ford may have a 184 kW/600 Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel in its arsenal, but the power and torque delivery of the 2.8-litre Fortuner feels ample, especially considering it virtually matches the Everest’s bi-turbo 2.0-litre 4-pot (154 kW/500 Nm). Compare the 2.8GD-6 4×4 VX with the Everest 2.0 BiTurbo 4×4 Sport.
Toyota has evidently quickly caught up in the power struggle that appears to be happening in the bakkie segment, in which an increasing number of buyers seek multi-purpose vehicles (like a Fortuner) that can tow large trailers, carry 7 people and still easily pull off rapid overtaking manoeuvres at around 120 kph.
While Toyota does offer this engine in a more powerful spec in the Hilux GR-Sport, the Fortuner GR-Sport hasn’t been confirmed for our market, TSAM is considering its business case for the local market.
Has the interior been updated?
Red and black leather is now available on the 2.8-litre derivatives.
The new dual-tone leather is a subtle upgrade that offers a modicum of premium design without being overly showy. Toyota doesn’t have a massive infotainment system to match the Ford Everest’s (yet) so it feels comparatively a bit basic in functionality, but you still get the necessities such as Android Auto and Apple Carplay. It would be nice to have more than 1 USB port up front to match the 2 ports in the rear.
No official changes have been made to the suspension or steering.
Despite TSAM claiming that nothing has changed in terms of the SUV’s suspension or steering setups, we couldn’t help but feel that the 2023 Fortuner seemed a little more refined than the outgoing model.
We drove the 2.8GD-6 4×4 VX on a variety of asphalt and dirt roads (including the Swartberg Pass) and, whether it be the steering, which feels a bit better weighted and accurate, or the ride refinement and low cabin noise on dirt roads, the updated Fortuner seems to have come out of the factory slightly improved.
Some of this may be down to manufacturing improvements that were implemented on the Toyota Fortuner following the Prospecton factory’s enforced shutdown due to the KZN floods in 2022.
Toyota Fortuner pricing and after-sales
Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD6 RB MT
R653 500
Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD6 RB AT
R677 500
Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD6 4×4 AT
R709 800
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD6 RB AT
R794 600
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD6 RB VX AT
R837 800
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD6 4×4 AT
R873 500
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD6 4×4 VX AT
R915 400
A 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 10 000 km) are included in the purchase price.
Is the Toyota Fortuner a match for the new Ford Everest?
The Fortuner is renowned for excellent reliability and resale values.
Right now, the Toyota Fortuner seems a bit outgunned by the 3rd-generation Ford Everest, which is admittedly an all-new model replete with bold, eye-catching styling and a rather swanky interior…
The Fortuner, however, has proven itself a reliable choice for thousands of South African adventurers. Its tech and how you interact with the functions may seem a little dated compared with the Everest, but after 8 years on the market (this generation was introduced in 2016), you know it’s a proven product.
It may lose some buyers to the Everest (because the Ford is the more sophisticated product), but I think most buyers looking to spend R1 million on a 4×4 SUV will remain loyal to Toyota, with its sterling brand reputation. Also, the top-spec Fortuner is R50k cheaper than the entry-level Everest (March 2023).
The 2nd-generation Hyundai Kona has shed its “i30 hatchback on stilts” image in favour of a space-age small crossover design. The newcomer, which is notably larger than its predecessor, will be launched in South Africa during the 4th quarter of 2023.
The Korean manufacturer says the development of the all-new Hyundai Kona started with the EV variant, which explains its “EV-derived futuristic design”. However, the 2nd-gen small crossover will be produced in internal-combustion engine (ICE), petrol-electric hybrid (HEV) and all-electric (EV) guises. There will be N Line versions of all variants, although the firm has not said anything about a next-gen Kona N.
In terms of practicality, the newcomer is both longer (by 150 mm) and wider (by 25 mm) than the original model; it measures 4 355 mm (courtesy of a wheelbase that has been lengthened by 60 mm to 2 660 mm). It is also said to offer more legroom (77 mm) and headroom (11 mm) for 2nd-row occupants, who are afforded 1 402 mm of shoulder room, plus 723 litres of luggage space (up by a significant 179 litres).
The new Kona’s front-end styling, which is dominated by a full-width horizontal lighting element, is reminiscent of that of the Staria. On ICE and HEV variants, the bumper features a 3-dimensional garnish and skid plate instead of a radiator grille. The latter variant comes equipped with upper and lower active air flaps (AAF), while the former is fitted with an upper AFF only to lower the model’s drag coefficient.
The model’s flanks are characterised by black cladding, sculpted side panels and an ornate chrome strip that stretches from the base of the A-pillars to the leading edge of the tailgate spoiler. The rear end also scores a full-width lighting set-up, along with a high-mounted brake light integrated within the spoiler.
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) says that the N Line versions will be offered with optional black side-mirror caps and roof, along with a wing-type spoiler, more aggressive front and rear designs, model-specific 19-inch alloy wheels, twin exhaust outlets and silver side skirts.
The new Kona’s EV roots are evident even in the ICE and HEV variants of the model; a column-type shift-by-wire gear selector is positioned on the steering column, which facilitates an open, clean console structure (highlighted by LED ambient lighting) that offers more storage space than the current model.
The fascia is dominated by a pair of 12.3-inch displays (for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen), which are integrated into a single panel and support over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Despite its expansive electronic interface, the Kona still offers audio system- and climate control buttons, a drive-mode selector knob, as well the usual multiple charging ports and a wireless charging pad.
Meanwhile, the fully foldable rear bench allows for the Kona’s load bay capacity to be expanded. Hyundai has not stated a claimed utility space figure at this stage, but the manufacturer says that, depending on which market it’s offered, the model will be available with a customisable “smart power tailgate” and that the car can, if so specified, be locked, unlocked and started via a smartphone app (Digital Key 2 Touch).
Although it’s unlikely that all of the following features will be offered in our market, the new Kona may be equipped with smart cruise control, navigation-based smart cruise control, lane-following assist, highway driving assist, a surround-view monitor, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, parking distance warning, reverse parking collision-avoidance assist and remote-smart parking assist systems.
According to HMC, optional advanced driver assistance systems include forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning, intelligent speed limit assist, driver attention warning and blind-spot view monitor, as well as high-beam assist.
As for the expected local line-up of the 2nd-gen Kona, it’s unlikely that we’ll see the all-electric version reach South Africa, but it’s not inconceivable that, given the recent launches of the rivalling Corolla Cross Hybrid and Haval Jolion HEV, that the 104 kW/265 Nm hybrid may make an appearance at some point.
The ICE line-up, however, sounds very familiar. Base derivatives of the new Kona are likely to be powered by a 110 kW/180 Nm naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Higher-specced derivatives, in turn, may be powered by a 146 kW/265 Nm 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s general manager of corporate communications Deon Sonnekus told Cars.co.za that the new Kona was set to arrive in local dealerships during the 4th quarter of the year (so, from October onwards). Although Sonnekus could not yet confirm the new range’s line-up, he did say that an N Line version was a possibility and that the hybrid variant remained under consideration.
Refreshed Porsche Cayenne’s New Interior Unwrapped
Porsche has revealed the extensively updated interior of the upcoming facelifted Cayenne, handing the SUV an interesting mix of digital and analogue controls…
The facelifted Porsche Cayenne will be fully revealed on 18 April 2023 at the Auto Shanghai show in China, but the Zuffenhausen-based firm has released images of its best-selling SUV’s extensively overhauled interior a little early.
The company describes the new Porsche Driver Experience arrangement as a “ground-breaking display and control concept”, saying it has completely redesigned the entire instrument panel, centre console and upper part of the inside of the doors. As you’ve no doubt noticed, the new cockpit borrows numerous elements from the fully electric Taycan, including a free-standing digital instrument cluster.
As in the Taycan, this configurable 12.6-inch curved display does not require a hood. Various modes are on offer, including a “classic” setting, which Porsche says transfers the trademark 5-tube cluster design into the digital age.
The automatic gear selector has furthermore been relocated to the facia, freeing up room on the likewise redesigned centre console for a large air-conditioning controller (not to mention more storage space). In addition, Porsche will offer an optional passenger display in the refreshed Bratislava-built Cayenne.
A sketch of the refreshed Cayenne’s cabin (and a hint of the rear styling, too).
Porsche says it placed focus on achieving the “right balance between digital and analogue elements”. Yes, that means despite all the digital elements, there are also a number of traditional physical controls. The redesigned control lever for the various driver-assistance systems, for instance, is now sited on the redesigned steering wheel, as is the drive-mode switch. Meanwhile, the air-con control panel combines touch recognition, haptic feedback and mechanical switches. There’s also a physical volume controller.
The 12.3-inch central screen is joined by an optionally integrated 10.9-inch passenger display. The additional touchscreen cannot be seen from the driver’s seat (thanks to a special foiling), which the German firm says ensures the driver won’t be distracted.
Finally, the updated Cayenne receives a cooled smartphone storage area, complete with inductive charging, along with extended integration of online services and a pair of fast-charging USB-C ports in the front storage compartment (plus another 2 in the rear area of the centre console).
Look out for the full reveal of the facelifted Cayenne on 18 April 2023, when we’ll find out more about exterior design changes, powertrain upgrades and further under-the-skin alterations.
Meet the first-ever full production Lambo with both a V12 and electrification, its the Lamborghini Revuelto and its armed with over 1000 hp!
The new Lamborghini Revuelto is the brand’s 6th new V12-powered Lambo in 60 years and it represents a new chapter in the brand’s story.
The big news is the 6.5-litre V12 engine is an updated and enhanced version of the Aventador’s, but there’s a power boost, making it the most powerful road-going 12-cylinder motor. There’s 600 kW and 725 Nm, but that’s not including the new hybrid tech.
There are three electric motors, with two on the front axle and one located in the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that powers the rear wheels. There’s motors each make around 108 kW. Impressively, the car can run on electric power only, but power is restricted to 130 kW as the V12 stays silent. With this hybrid setup, the Revuelto is all-wheel drive and has torque vectoring capability. There’s a 3.8 kWh battery pack.
With both the petrol V12 and three electric motors working in harmony, 1 001 hp (736 kW) is on offer. Dial up the launch control and the Lamborghini Revuelto will sprint to 100 kph in 2.5 seconds, hit 200 kph in under 7 seconds and go to a top speed of 350 kph.
Customers will be able to playing with the various driving modes, one of which is all-new. Citta (City) put the Revuelto into all-electric mode, but your favourites like Strada, Sport and Corsa are there too, if you want access to the V12. Sport mode now has three sub-modes; Recharge, Hybrid and Performance.
Despite its performance credentials, the Lamborghini Revuelto boasts quite a number of creature comforts and is the first Lambo to get a proper safety suite that includes things like lane-departure warning, blind spot, adaptive cruise control and rear-cross traffic alert. The car will come with goodies like LED Matrix headlights, over-the-air updates and connectivity like SiriusXM satellite radio and Amazon Alexa.
This is a new chapter for Lamborghini as there’ll be a convertible and faster, track-focused versions of the Revuelto, but critically, it heralds the electric age for the brand.
