Top 10 Most Popular Used Cars in SA for the Past Decade

Fresh used-car data released by leading automotive portal Cars.co.za reveals just how much South Africa’s pre-owned vehicle market has changed during the past decade.

Working with local data journalism initiative, Media Hack, Cars.co.za has released a racing bar chart that shows how the make-up of the Top 10 list of most popular used cars in South Africa has changed during the past 105 months (from December 2012 to August 2021).

The data is based on actual user enquiries (known in the retail sector as “leads”) per month and the individual bar graphs reflect the percentage (for that brand/model) of the overall enquiries achieved. It is worth noting that Cars.co.za currently lists just shy of 70 000 vehicles for sale.

Used Car Data

“I think the main take-away from the data is the sheer dominance of the Volkswagen Polo,” says Cars.co.za Consumer Experience Manager, Hannes Oosthuizen. “Not only was the Polo on top of the chart, every month, for the entire span of the 105 months measured, it was also the only model to achieve an enquiry share of over 5% (sometimes as high as 10%) every month.”

The rise of the bakkies

Toyota Hilux

As double-cab bakkies (or pick-ups) have become more popular as family and/or lifestyle vehicles, it should come as no surprise that those vehicles have surged up the rankings during the past 9 years. At the start of the data measurement period, the Toyota Hilux was in a solid 9th place, but by August 2021 it had shot up to second – and looks quite secure in that position.

The Hilux is no longer the only bakkie in the Top 10, however. The Ford Ranger made its first appearance in the Top 10 in early 2016 and currently sits in a strong fourth place. Isuzu’s KB (now D-Max) has also popped into the Top 10 several times and could do so again in future.

The enduring appeal of luxury sedans

bmw 3 series

In recent years, sales volumes of traditional D-segment luxury sedans (such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class) have plummeted in the new-car market due to, inter alia, steep price-hikes as well as pressure from premium-badged crossovers and SUVs. However, the 3 Series and C-Class, in particular, remain highly popular in the used-car market.

The BMW 3 Series kicked off its ranking performance in December 2012 with a solid second place, and nearly a decade later it is still on the podium (third). The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has, comparatively, been less consistent but looks secure inside the Top 10 for now (in 7th), while Audi’s A4 and smaller A3 premium hatchback/sedan have both dropped in popularity.

“Looking at the kind of vehicles that sit just outside of the Top 10, we can confidently predict that the chart will look rather different in another year or two,” says Oosthuizen. “The rise of small crossovers is likely to elevate at least two or three new nameplates into the list. Models such as the Ford Ecosport, Hyundai Creta and Tucson and Volkswagen T-Cross, could well make an appearance quite soon.” As it stands, the Toyota Fortuner is the only SUV in the Top 10 list.

But which vehicles could be next to bow out of the Top 10? “Not so long ago, compact hatchbacks such as the Toyota Yaris and Opel Corsa were regulars in the Top 10, but both have since tumbled down the rankings. The Ford Fiesta could be next, particularly given its slide down the new-car sales charts,” adds Oosthuizen. “Meanwhile, Toyota’s ‘old faithful’ – the Corolla – may still be in the Top 10 for the moment (in tenth spot), but bear in mind that the model was competing for a podium position less than a decade ago; it may also be in decline.” 

Buy a used Car on Cars.co.za

Also see: Top 10 Best Value Used Cars on Cars.co.za

Another South African “art car”, but this time it’s a Porsche!

Renowned South African artist, Nelson Makamo, has applied his artistic talent to his very own Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe. 

When it comes to the rarified world of the internationally acclaimed “art car”, South Africa’s Esther Mahlangu has led the way through her work with BMW, initially with her Ndebele-inspired E34 5 Series. But now there’s a new name being applauded internationally, and he’s taken the bold step of applying his art to his own car, a Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe.

Nelson Makamo is a world-renowned South African visual artist whose work has featured on the cover of TIME magazine, and who has successfully sold his works to various international celebrities and collectors. He recently took ownership of his 911 Carrera Coupe, and decided to create his most personal artwork yet…

For Makamo, taking delivery of his own 911 was a moment to savour. He was captivated by the iconic rear-engine sports car while growing up in rural Modimolle, Limpopo in the ’80s, and has always dreamt of owning his own Porsche, one day. That day arrived recently when he ordered his own Jet Black Metallic 911 Carrera Coupe, and decided to set about personalising it into a moving canvas.


Makamo’s art brings life and colour to his Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe. 

At his Johannesburg studio, Makamo painted a number of selected components and panels of the car, before returning them to Porsche Centre Johannesburg for final lacquer coating and fitting. These elements included the rear bumper, front seat mouldings, door panel inserts and handles, dash panel inserts, park brake console and side mirror covers. The left side door panel insert bears a personal inscription ‘Mma’. These three letters mean ‘Mother’ in Makamo’s home language of Sepedi. 

Makamo says the project, titled “My Life in Motion”, is not just a representation of his success, but also of various people he has encountered throughout his life: “I always knew I was going to own a Porsche, I just never knew that my relationship with the brand would start this way – and it’s only the beginning.”

Toby Venter, CEO of Porsche South Africa, says the project has provided great motivation: “Working with Nelson Makamo has been inspirational and this commission is on a level we’ve never seen before. This is a truly bespoke art installation worthy of any gallery. In addition, it illustrates the lengths Porsche South Africa will go to; the creativity and flexibility of our team to accommodate a request as personal as this. Porsche customers have a virtually endless array of options available through Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur to make their Porsche completely individual, but then when a unique customer such as Nelson chooses to do something extraordinary, we are delighted to accommodate his wishes.”

Buy a Porsche on Cars.co.za

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Hyundai Palisade (2021) Specs & Price in SA 

The Hyundai Palisade premium SUV  is now officially on sale in South Africa! Herewith specifications and pricing details…

Hyundai has entered the local premium SUV game with its flagship 7/8 seater Palisade which is now on sale in South Africa. 

The Palisade faces off against stiff competition such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, to name a few, and slots in above the recently-launched and thoroughly revised Santa Fe. 

The newcomer will be offered as either a 7-seater or an 8-seater if you wish (at no additional cost) and both derivatives will be powered by the familiar 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine found in the Santa Fe with 148 kW and 440 Nm of torque. Power is directed to an active on-demand all-wheel-drive system via an 8-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel efficiency, Hyundai claims 8.2 L/100km. 

Key Features 

Hyundai Palisade

The cabin of the Palisade comes luxuriously equipped. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard with the obligatory Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, Bluetooth and voice control. A 7-inch SuperVision instrument cluster is also standard on both derivatives. 

Nice-to-have features include fully electrically adjustable and heated front seats (2nd row seats are also heated) with lumbar support wrapped in artificial leather, automatic climate control with adjustable vents in the 2nd and 3rd rows, dual sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, keyless entry and push-button start. USB and power socks are also conveniently available in all seating rows. 

The driver will appreciate features such as cruise control, park assist, a rear parking camera, blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. A total of 6 airbags is standard (driver, passenger, side and curtain). 

As far as practicality goes, the 7-Seater Palisade features 2 individual seats in the second row and 3 seats in the third row while the 8-seater has a 3-seat bench in the second row. Load space behind the third row is rated at 509 litres, behind the second row 1 297 litres and with all the seats folded down space increases to a claimed 2 447 litres. A cargo screen, luggage net and luggage hooks are also included.

Look out for our local launch report which will be published soon…

How much does the Hyundai Palisade cost in South Africa? 

Hyundai Palisade R2.2 Elite 8AT 7-seater – R999 900

Hyundai Palisade R2.2 Elite 8AT 8-seater – R999 900 

The Hyundai Palisade is sold with a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 7-year/150 000 km service plan and roadside assistance. 

Buy a used Hyundai on Cars.co.za

New Car Sales in SA: August 2021

The automotive sector showed some signs of recovery in August 2021 but the impact of the recent unrest and Transnet cyberattack is still having a negative impact particularly on exports, according to the Automotive Business Council (Naamsa). 

The road to recovery is long and arduous for the automotive sector but despite the recent challenges the numbers for August 2021 aren’t all doom and gloom. 

Year-on-year new car sales are up and both the passenger car sales and Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales also recorded positive results during August 2021. Exports, however, remained under pressure, registering a year-on-year decline of 15.6%. 

New Car Sales in South Africa for August 2021

  • Aggregate new car sales of 41 425 units up by 24.6% (8 166 units) compared to August 2020
  • New passenger car sales of 27 157 units up by 40.5% (7 822 units) compared to August 2020
  • New LCV sales of 11 749 up by 3.6% (407 units) compared to August 2020
  • Export sales of 19 446 units down by 15.6% (3 583 units) compared to August 2020

Best-Selling Car Brands in South Africa for August 2021 

  1. Toyota – 10 543 units
  2. Volkswagen – 6 930 units
  3. Nissan – 3 332 units
  4. Hyundai – 2 749 units
  5. Suzuki -2 470 units 
  6. Ford – 2 201 units 
  7. Renault – 2 010 units
  8. Haval – 1 885 units 
  9. Kia – 1 703 units 
  10. Isuzu 1 599 units 
  11. BMW – 1 020 units 
  12. Mazda – 728 units
  13. Mercedes-Benz – 631 units
  14. Mahindra – 501 units
  15. Stellantis – 452 units

New Car Sales Outlook 

The automotive sector will remain under pressure for the short to medium term but positive factors for the sector include a positive macro-economic outlook, rental fleet rejuvenation, subdued consumer price inflation and a low interest rate environment. 

However, there are challenges that will continue to stifle growth and these include low consumer and business confidence as well as the ongoing semi-conductor shortages which is severely disrupting vehicle supply worldwide. Locally, household finances and disposable income remain constrained with many car buyers flocking to the used car market in search of value amidst a high new vehicle pricing environment.  

An unstable supply of electricity as a result of the ongoing challenges faced by Eskom will continue to hamper the recovery of the economy in general.  

Exports are expected to improve, assisted by the rebound of the global economy and favourable conditions abroad. 

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Looking to trade in your car? What you need to know


Is it better to trade in your car at a dealer or sell your vehicle privately? How are trade-ins valued? What does trading in your car really mean? Where does one start the process? Here’s what you need to know about trading in your car…

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When buying a new or pre-owned car, your first option is to trade in your current vehicle; should you accept what the trader offers for it, that value will effectively reduce the sum that you’ll need to pay – or look to have financed – to acquire your next car. Might it be better to sell your car privately? How are trade-ins valued? What does trading in your car really mean? Where does one start the process?

motus.cars, supported by Motus Nissan (previously known as Imperial Select), breaks down what you need to know about trading in your car, from the real car people…

What does it really mean to trade in your car?

No matter how long you’ve owned your vehicle, whether it is in fair or excellent condition, whether you bought it outright (cash) or still owe money on it, it has value and, in the case of a bank-financed car, as long as it is deemed to be worth more as a trade-in than it would cost to settle the existing finance agreement, that value can be used in exchange for a credit towards the car you intend to purchase.

How does my trade-in car get assessed and valued?

When taking the vehicle to the dealer for an assessment (the process through which the trader determines what they’ll offer for your vehicle), it is important that you provide as much information as you can.

A good idea is to enquire about the book value of your vehicle, as this may give you an idea of what it is worth (the “book” is an industry-determined price guide that dealers use for reference, it lists the recommended trade and retail values of cars – based on their mileage and condition – up to 10 years of age, or even older than that).

You can buy a report from TransUnion, for example. However, remember that this will only be an approximate value and the final price offered will be dependent on various criteria.

Some important details you should provide:

  • Vehicle make and model, the exact derivative
  • Is the vehicle still financed and how much do you owe the bank (or institution) from which you borrowed the funds to buy the car?
  • Full-service history – it is a good idea to keep all service and maintenance receipts for this reason
  • Any existing warranty, service, and maintenance plans still in place – if there is any time remaining on your service plan, maintenance plan or warranty, it will add to the value of your vehicle
  • The spare key and other items that came with the car – pin numbers for the audio systems, Bluetooth-device instructions and details referring to immobilisers, alarm and tracking systems

The dealership wants to know how well the vehicle has been cared for – so it is a very good idea to make sure your car is clean. A clean and well-looked-after car is likely to attract a higher trade-in value.

Other things the vehicle valuator takes into consideration are:

  • The popularity of the car’s make and model
  • Year of first registration
  • Mileage, ideally it should not be higher than 25 000 km per year since the car was initially registered.
  • The vehicle’s overall condition
  • Any additional accessories or non-standard specifications
  • The exterior colour of the car may also play a role. Tip: white cars have the best resale value and lowest insurance premiums due to their high visibility on the road

If your car has been in a major accident, it would be best to get a reputable panel beater to repair the damage before you sell your car. Any sign of a major accident will decrease the value of your vehicle.

The motus.cars network has a unique electronic valuation system, which enables a motus.cars dealer to compile a report that includes a detailed verification of the make and model of your car. They also establish the correct value and can offer you the best price, thanks to motus.cars‘ broad and diverse dealer network, which covers all the major car makes and models.


How long does the process take?

The dealer will be able to give you an indication of the trade-in value immediately after the vehicle assessment is completed. As for the rest of the vetting and verification (to give you a complete report and solid offer)… that should not take longer than a few hours.

Disadvantages and advantages of trading in your car?

Disadvantages:

Many people have the misconception that you will get more money if you sell your car privately, but there are risks, hassles and even costs involved with the process; it can also be very time-consuming.

Advantages:

  • Ease of service – the dealer will handle everything that needs to be done from settling the outstanding balance with the bank to ensuring the vehicle is taken out of your name, to delivering your new vehicle
  • It is fast and convenient – you will not need to worry about the task of advertising the car, meeting with potential buyers and transferring ownership
  • It is safer – you will not be at risk of being scammed between processes

As a rule of thumb, it works out cheaper to let a dealer recondition your car after you’ve traded it in. What you would lose on the trade-in value will be marginal compared to trying to repair the car yourself before you dispose of it/sell it on.

If you would like to get your car valued as a trade-in, why not book a test drive, or enquire about your new dream car on motus.cars and get your current car valued at the same time!


Make use of free tools available to further help you decide what the best vehicle finance option is for you. Use these simple affordability and finance calculators to help you determine what you can afford and what finance option will be best for your needs.

Visit motus.cars for more info, or join the conversation on Facebook, YouTube and  Twitter.

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Raptor-Rivalling Isuzu D-Max AT35 Revealed

The long-standing relationship between Isuzu and Arctic Trucks continues and this latest D-Max AT35 prototype looks awesome! Check it out!

The new Isuzu D-Max can’t come to market soon enough and local production of the all-new D-Max is due to begin in 2022. The D-Max’s mechanical twin is the new Mazda BT-50 which is already on sale locally. 

As far as beefed-up high-performance double-cab bakkies go, local buyers aren’t too spoilt for choice and the Ford Ranger Raptor and current D-Max AT35 are the go-to products if you are looking for uprated offroad performance from your bakkie.

Now though, Isuzu and Arctic Trucks have revealed a new D-Max AT35 prototype at the 2021 Commercial Vehicle Show in the UK. 

“Our partnership with Isuzu now stretches back years. During that time, we have had several versions of the Isuzu D-Max AT35 however this is the best yet,” said Peter Smith, Arctic Trucks‘ UK Managing Director.

Isuzu D-Max AT35 ready to tackle the wild

Isuzu D-Max AT35
This D-Max AT35 prototype features an uprated suspension for better offroad performance. 

The new Isuzu D-Max is one of the best-looking double-cab bakkies in the segment and the D-Max AT35 prototype just looks even better, don’t you think? 

The D-Max AT35 features a strengthened chassis to tackle the harshest terrains and it wears chunky 35-inch all-terrain tyres for maximum grip. Importantly though, the D-Max AT35 has also gained a Bilstein Performance Suspension to ensure better offroad performance. 

On the inside, the interior design is much the same as what you’d find in the new D-Max but additional Arctic Truck details include branded headrests, mats and side sills. 

As for the engine, this UK-based prototype is powered by a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 121 kW and 360 Nm but a more powerful version with 140 kW and 450 Nm will surely be a better proposition to meet the need for higher performance. 

While this is just a prototype, it’s a very promising one and we can’t wait for the official Isuzu D-Max AT35 to go on sale alongside the new D-Max. Let’s hope it happens sooner, rather than later…

Buy an Isuzu D-Max on Cars.co.za

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Toyota Hilux Legend RS vs Ford Ranger Thunder – Race!

The 2 best selling vehicles in SA go head to head in a dirt drag race. The Ford Ranger takes on the Toyota Hilux in this instalment of ‘bakkie-khana’.

If this isn’t the greatest title for a video ever, I’m not sure what is.

Put on your best movie trailer voice…Legend vs Thunder!

In what sounds like a wrestling match and not a drag race, the new Toyota Hilux Legend 2.8 GD-6 RS, with the uprated 150 kW motor, takes on the latest special edition from Ford, the Ranger Thunder.

Ford has managed to squeeze 157 kW from its 2.0-litre BiTurbo diesel motor, but both cars have torque outputs of 500 Nm.

The Ranger is a fair bit heavier though, which usually doesn’t help in a drag race, but it does have a slicker shifting transmission, which will help.

Enjoy this epic match up and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Cars.co.za’s Youtube channel is powered by Budget Insurance. For an instant quote, click here

Pricing as of September 2021

Ford Ranger Thunder price in South Africa: R839 900

Toyota Hilux Legend 2.8 GD-6 price in South Africa: R876 800

Searching for a used Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger in South Africa? We have thousands to choose from!

https://www.cars.co.za/usedcars/Toyota/Hilux/

https://www.cars.co.za/usedcars/Ford/Ranger/

New Hyundai Casper is a Quirky Small SUV

First images of the new Hyundai Casper have surfaced in the newcomers home market of South Korea and it looks quite quirky. 

This is our first look at Hyundai’s new Casper small SUV which will slot in beneath the Venue compact family car in the firm’s lineup. 

The new Hyundai Casper measures 3 595 mm long, 1 595 mm wide and 1 575 mm high and is built on the same platform that underpins the Grand i10 and Kia Picanto hatchback. 

The new Casper shares some of its styling cues with the larger Venue but it wears distinctive circular headlights with its LED daytime running lights integrated into a darker strip just below the bonnet lip. The mesh-like grille further adds to the funky retro styling of the Casper. 
Furthermore, the rear-end features an interesting light design incorporating LED triangles which form circular patterns of varying intensity that stretches across the width of the Casper. 

As for the interior, we have yet to see an official image of the Casper’s interior but a supposed interior sketch leak does show a large dashboard-mounted touchscreen and a 2-spoke steering wheel. Official details and images are however expected to surface soon. 

As for the engines that will power the new Hyundai Casper, a 56 kW entry-level 3-cylinder, naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre petrol engine is on the cards as well as a more powerful 74 kW, 1.0-litre pertol engine. Manual and automatic transmissions are also expected. 

Will the new Hyundai Casper come to South Africa? 

It’s too early to know for sure but there is a chance that the new Casper will see the light of day in South Africa. As a natural rival to the Suzuki Ignis, the new Casper should find favour with youthful buyers looking for a stylish urban city car. The new Casper is due to go into production in South Korea soon but it’s also expected to be produced in India which means there’s a chance that we could see an Indian-built Casper reach South Africa in months to come. We will keep you updated as this story develops. 

Buy a Hyundai i10 on Cars.co.za

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Mercedes-AMG plug-in hybrid packs 1400 Nm


Mercedes-AMG’s first series-production plug-in hybrid is also the most powerful 4-door model Benz’s Affalterbach-based division has ever produced. With 620 kW and a monstrous 1 400 Nm of torque on tap, the GT63 S E Performance is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 2.9 sec and achieve a top speed of 316 kph.

The newcomer is based on the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4Matic+ 4-Door Coupe, which is powered by a 470 kW/900 Nm twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, but the plug-in hybrid produces a full 150 kW and 500 Nm more than its exclusively ICE-powered sibling…

That’s because the GT63 S E Performance’s throaty V8 is not only supplemented with a 10-kW belt-driven starter-generator that is integrated with the vehicle’s (400V) high-voltage electrical system – a 150 kW/320 Nm electric motor is positioned at the rear axle, where it is packaged with an electrically shifting 2-speed gearbox and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential as a compact electric drive unit.

The potent electric motor, in turn, is powered by a 6.1-kWh high-performance battery that weighs just 89 kg and is kept at its optimal operating temperature (45°C) by virtue of 14 litres of non-electrically conductive coolant that the Benz circulates around the pack’s 560 cells, regardless of how often it is charged or discharged.

As for the plug-in part of the package, the GT63 S E Performance is equipped with an onboard 3.7-kW AC charger, which can be connected to a charging station, wall box or household power outlet and gives the Benz an electric-only range of 12 km; while that does not sound like much, Mercedes-AMG openly says the hybrid setup “is designed for fast power delivery and draw, not for the longest range possible”.

With drive sent to all four wheels via Mercedes-AMG’ 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system and a 9-speed automatic transmission, the GT63 S E Performance is claimed to, um, charge from 0 to 100 kph in 2.9 sec, 0 to 200 kph in “under 10 sec” and achieve a top speed of 316 kph, yet consume an average of 8.6 L/100 km, which is astonishing.

No fewer than 7 drive modes are offered, including the Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual. In Electric mode, the Benz activates an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System to warn pedestrians that the GT63 S E Performance is approaching – which is surely a first for a Mercedes-AMG model? The regenerative braking system has 4 settings, the most aggressive of which allows “EV-like” one-pedal driving.

Meanwhile, the newcomer comes standard with AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with automatic level control and adaptive (and adjustable, obviously) damping. Stopping power is provided by carbon-ceramic brakes – 420-mm discs with 6-piston calipers at the front and 380 mm discs with single-piston calipers at the rear.

Although the GT63 S E Performance looks much the same as its Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4Matic+ 4-Door Coupe sibling, it features a charging port on the rear bumper, red-highlighted model badging and externally fluted trapezoidal twin exhaust pipes.

The interior features, inter alia, AMG’s updated twin-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and drive-mode selector, leather-trimmed sports seats and a plethora of carbon-fibre inserts. However, the MBUX infotainment system features model-specific displays, such as graphics that visualise the hybrid drive system’s power flow, while the digital instrument cluster displays range, power consumption and battery temp.

Provided there is enough demand for the model, we expect the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance to arrive in Mzansi during 2022. Suffice to say there aren’t many rivals for this newcomer – it easily outguns the Porsche Panamera turbo S e-hybrid.

Watch will.i.am introduce the Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance

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Updated Haval H9 Shown

The Haval H9 7-seater adventure SUV has received an update in China, ushering in both styling and specification enhancements. 

Haval’s H9 does battle in a difficult segment which is dominated by the formidable Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu MU-X. 

The H9 first arrived in South Africa in 2018 boasting a luxurious and well-equipped interior as well as a fair dose of offroad credibility too, all at a reasonable price point. 

What’s changed on the updated Haval H9? 

Haval is determined to keep its H9 top of mind and as such the model has been refreshed. While the current H9 wears a horizontal slat chrome grille, the latest H9 is easily identified with its thicker vertical slat grille and updated headlight design. A keen eye will also notice that the fog light housings have also been redesigned. 

While official specification details for the updated H9 are forthcoming, an Australian report points to a larger infotainment screen being fitted inside the H9 with mild styling revisions being adopted.

As for engine power, it’s likely that Haval will forge ahead with the 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine that’s tuned to deliver 180 kW and 350 Nm in conjunction with an 8-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels. 

This is a developing story and we have reached out to Haval South Africa to find out when we can expect to see the updated H9 in South Africa. So far, the only comment we have received is that the H9 has not been confirmed for right-hand-drive markets yet 

Buy a Haval H9 on Cars.co.za

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