BMW X3 (2025) Review

Like its predecessor, the G45-series BMW X3 is proudly built in South Africa. The packaging of this rival to the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5 and other models isn’t as universally appealing as before, but will that bother the Bimmer’s target market?

We like: Excellent powertrain, value for money

We don’t like: Polarising styling, complex infotainment system, mostly good interior quality.

FAST FACTS

  • Model: BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport
  • Price: R1 186 417 (March 2025)
  • Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel with mild hybrid
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Power/Torque: 145 kW/400 Nm 
  • 0-100 kph: 7.7 sec (claimed)
  • Claimed fuel consumption: 6.2 L/100 km
  • Luggage capacity: 570-1 700 litres

Serious about buying/selling?

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

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

Where does the BMW X3 fit in?

The G45-series BMW X3 looks a little slabby from some angles.

The BMW X3 has been a massive sales success for the Munich-based brand. It was BMW’s best-selling SUV – and model – in 2023, although its 3- and 4 Series siblings took top honours last year, while the G01-series Executive SUV was being run out in anticipation of the new G45-series model’s arrival.

With such an enviable legacy, the (G45) X3 has to be a “banker” model for BMW – it can’t be perceived as a radical departure from the (G01) X3. Well, under its sheetmetal, the newcomer certainly isn’t that different – it retains its CLAR platform, but sits wider, lower and is a little longer than its predecessor.

Its exterior design is another story. As the follow-up to the handsome G01-series X3, this model doesn’t hold quite the same visual appeal. Granted, the matte paint and larger wheels do help to a degree, and design is subjective, but our test team feels that elements such as the headlights and grille look fussy.

The front-end design, replete with an illuminated grille, is polarising.

If you have R1 million to spend on a new executive SUV, most of the models offered in this segment are good – and some are excellent. Therefore, separating the good from great is the major challenge…

The main rivals to the X3 are the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5, but it’s important to note that the latter will be replaced by an all-new model in late 2025. The Lexus NX was a 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards finalist and well worth looking into if you favour luxuriousness over dynamism. You can also consider the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the Volvo XC60, but bear in mind that those products are now past their prime.

Compare the BMW X3 20d’s price & specs with those of its Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5 rivals

How the BMW X3 fares in terms of…

Performance and Efficiency

Our testers have always maintained that despite the excellent diversity offered by the range of BMW X3 powertrains, a 20d derivative is likely all the Executive SUV that you’d ever need. The G45-series X3 sees the addition of 48V mild-hybrid tech to its internal-combustion engines.

The BMW X3 offers a variety of drive modes and -moods that cover so much more than the basics.

The 20d’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel produces 145 kW400 Nm, and the motor drives all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. There are various drive modes to choose from; they adapt the powertrain’s responses, as well as the cabin’s colour themes, but more about that a bit later.

On our test strip, things did not go as expected. Despite various attempts, the 20d xDrive M Sport test unit refused to activate its launch-start function – the best 0-100 kph time we recorded (8.57 sec) did not reflect the SUV’s performance potential (the manufacturer claims 7.7 sec). But, for what it’s worth, another publication set a time of 7.2 sec with the same vehicle. We don’t know what caused the glitch.

The instrument cluster adopts a futuristic aesthetic.

Fortunately, the Bimmer did not feel underpowered or lacking in urge at any point during its tenure in our test fleet. In its sportiest drive mode, the 20d xDrive M Sport‘s in-gear acceleration felt muscular and virtually instantaneous thanks to the hybrid system, which plugged any gaps in the torque delivery.

You can see an “e-boost” icon light up on the right of the instrument cluster when you accelerate hard. Also, if you need to summon all the power, simply hold the left shift paddle down for more BOOST: it will make the BMW engage its sportiest setting temporarily and bring up a red graphic on the digital cluster.

Hold the boost paddle to exact maximum thrust for 10 seconds.

If you want a 1-word description for the X3’s driving experience, it’s effortless. With plenty of shove available from low revs, there’s no need to mash the accelerator pedal – the 20d xDrive M Sport keeps pace with traffic with very little effort. There are nice-feeling paddle shifters on the back of the BMW’s multifunction ‘wheel, but the ZF ‘box is so well calibrated, they may gather dust from lack of use!

While keeping its revs as low as possible and leaning on its hybrid system in traffic, the 20d xDrive M Sport should be very fuel-efficient – and it is! BMW says this variant ought to consume an average of 6.2 L/100 km (but carmakers’ claims tend to be too optimistic), yet after covering just over 700 km (during which we conducted performance testing and sat in a lot of traffic), the test unit indicated 6.6 L/100 km!

By the time we returned the X3 to its minder, it indicated an excellent average consumption figure.

With its 60-litre tank, the turbodiesel variant has a theoretical range of 968 km, but on its 1st day in our fleet, the fully-fuelled BMW (in its most efficient setting) indicated a distance to empty of over 1 000 km.

Ride and Handling

Given its versatile luxury family car role, the G45-series X3 is expected to handle competently on and off-road, but without sacrificing much in the way of ride (or cabin) refinement. The X3 nameplate has an admirable reputation in that regard; even the base variants of previous models have been engaging to drive briskly, yet retained notable composure on urban trips (such as the school run) and long journeys.

The BMW Individual 21-inch alloy wheels are a R30 000 option.

With just over 200 mm of ground clearance, the X3 is useful on gravel. However, if you’re going to be travelling extensively off-tar, we’d suggest opting for smaller rims with higher-profile run-flat tyres.

The optional aero-optimised 21-inch alloys wrapped in 255/40 Goodyears look great, but the low-profile tyres will be vulnerable, given the poor condition of some SA roads. Remember, there’s no spare tyre.

The infotainment graphics are crisp and detailed.

All G45-series X3s have all-wheel drive; previously, some (sDrive-badged) variants had rear-wheel drive only. The xDrive system splits propulsion 40% to the front axle, with 60% to the rear, but when the BMW loses traction, torque can be redistributed to the axle that has the most grip. This is useful when driving on loose surfaces, like dirt roads, but will also help keep the SUV surefooted when tar roads get slippery.

The M Sport trim grade includes a sportier (relatively stiffer) suspension setup, which does enhance this variant’s handling ability, but it’s something to be mindful of if you value on-road comfort. You see, with larger wheels and sporty damping, the X3’s ride quality can get a touch uncomfortable on coarser road surfaces. When the suspension absorbs road-surface impacts, they will thud through to the cabin.

All-wheel drive is now standard across the range.

As for the 20d xDrive M Sport‘s steering setup, it feels responsive, direct and confidence-inspiring (for a less-than-compact family car) – it’s easy to place the X3 on the road accurately. Because it offers such a hands-on driving experience, the X3 is likely to appeal to buyers who appreciate driver engagement.

Practicality and Features

The G45-series BMW X3’s cabin design represents a visual overload, with a plethora of illuminated surfaces and angular cutouts and panels; it seems several elements were lifted from the flagship BMW iX electric SUV. No, we’re not in the G01 anymore, but general ergonomics are sound. The cabin’s layout favours a minimalist approach, but all critical functions are located right where you’d expect them to be.

The BMW X3’s fascia is a progressive, futuristic design, with panels that light up. It feels very premium in the main.

As in most contemporary BMWs, the build quality is suitably premium. Areas that are likely to be touched often feel plush and substantial, and recycled materials are cleverly applied to cover up swathes of black plastic: the dashboard, for example, is wrapped in a textured fabric made from recycled fishing nets.

However, some elements, such as the door-mounted ventilation controls, feel marginal. We appreciate BMW’s novel execution of a mundane function, but it’s not user-friendly. Granted, the trim’s supposed to move, but it feels flimsy and out of place. We’ve been in a few G45-series X3s – they all have this quirk.

The panel that combines ventilation-, central locking- and seat position memory controls feels flimsy.

We’d also like to discuss the G45-series X3’s elaborate in-car ambient lighting. Yes, a futuristic cabin lighting setup will always be a talking point, but at what point does a brilliant lightscape go too far?

Every drive mode (or -mood) has a distinct theme. When Sport mode is active, the infotainment and instrument screens assume a red theme, which extends to the doors, centre console, and the wireless charging cradle! If you activate the hazard lights, most of these panels also flash in time. It’s a bit much.

The plethora of lighting themes is overkill, in our opinion.

Fortunately, beyond the, um, flashy light show, the 20d xDrive M Sport‘s cabin retains all the practicality that has endeared the model to our team and owners of previous generations of BMW’s executive SUV.

The X3’s wheelbase length and load capacity (570 litres) are on par with other models in the segment (top honours go to the GLC), but the BMW has the edge when the rear seats are folded. The claimed utility space is 1 700 litres, which is useful for loading up mountain bikes, golf clubs and push chairs.

There is more than sufficient occupant space at the rear.

The rear passengers are well catered for with a dual climate-control console, a pair of adjustable vents and a couple of USB-C ports (for recharging devices). While headroom is generous, the legroom is good, with indentations in the backs of the front seats freeing up a valuable few extra millimetres of knee room.

The G45-series BMW X3 supports over-the-air updates. We installed this upgrade during the review.

When it comes to tech and features, the X3 comes comprehensively equipped, but its digital interface is not that intuitive. The layouts of its infotainment- and instrument screens (powered by BMW Operating System 9) mimic smartphone or tablet menu systems. It all looks slick but isn’t the most user-friendly, and it’s frustrating to dive into a menu to perform as simple a task as adjusting the climate control.

Android Auto is wirelessly connected.

Over-the-air updates help to keep it all working efficiently. The update we installed during the BMW X3’s tenure in our test fleet, for example, implemented software enhancements that improved the stability of wireless Apple CarPlay integration and made the digital assistant more responsive (the system said).

A wireless charger and two USB-C ports are up front.

Although the infotainment system requires some familiarisation, we appreciated the ultra-crisp resolution of the screens and the display quality of the feed from the high-res parking cameras. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly, too, and the wireless charger cradle is neatly designed.

High-quality surround-view cameras are useful when manoeuvring the X3 into tight parking spots.

Our test unit came specced with a matte paint finish, 21-inch wheels (R30 000) and the Deluxe package (R45 000), which includes a tow bar, pano roof, Harman Kardon audio, and rear window blinds.

Price and After-sales support

The BMW X3 20d xDrive M Sport retails for R1 186 417 (before options, in April 2025), which includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

See also: BMW X3 prices and specs

Verdict

“Evolution rather than revolution” may be a motoring journalism cliche, BUT it’s particularly relevant in the case of the G45-series BMW X3. Apart from a slightly firm ride, shouty interior lighting and a few minor trim issues, the 20d xDrive M Sport emulates its predecessor and improves on it in a few ways.

Should you buy one? Perhaps the biggest plus is the variant’s price compared with that of its G01-series predecessor. In October 2024, the X3 20d M Sport cost R1 137 731 before options, and 6 months later, it’s refreshing to see only a nominal price difference between variants of successive model generations.

Finally, as an additional vote of confidence, the G45-series BMW X3 (in 30e xDrive M Sport guise) won the Executive SUV category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards. The Bimmer’s rivals have work to do.

Further Reading

All the latest BMW news and reviews

Want to purchase a new or used BMW X3? Browse vehicles for sale

Battle for 2nd place: Suzuki vs VW Group in Q1 2025

With Suzuki sales still soaring, has the budget-friendly Japanese brand pushed ahead of Volkswagen Group Africa in Mzansi? Let’s examine the Q1 2025 sales figures…

In the opening quarter of the year, South Africa’s new-vehicle market registered year-on-year growth of 10.5% to move to 144 426 units. When examining the automaker sales charts, Q1 2025’s battle for 2nd place is what stands out.

Yes, while Toyota SA Motors is predictably way out front with 35 555 units sold (a year-on-year increase of 6.2% and a hefty market share of 24.6%), Suzuki Auto SA has now officially pushed ahead of Volkswagen Group Africa to secure 2nd place.

Suzuki vs VW Group: total sales in Q1 2025

After finishing ahead of its German rival in each of the 3 months of Q1 2025, Suzuki ended this reporting period on a total of 17 727 units. Our calculations suggest this figure represents a 19.8% increase compared with the Hamamatsu-based firm’s performance in the opening quarter of 2024 (when it placed 3rd).

Meanwhile, local sales from VW Group Africa – which, of course, includes the Audi brand – dipped 1.5% year on year to 15 838 units. The Wolfsburg-based automaker’s local division thus found itself 1 889 units behind Suzuki and in an unfamiliar 3rd place (so, down a ranking from Q1 2024).

For perspective, it’s worth noting that in the full year of 2023, VW Group Africa was a comfortable 18 018 units ahead of Suzuki. However, in 2024 as a whole, the Japanese brand closed the gap to 6 912 units (not an insignificant number, but far closer). Though just a quarter of 2025 has passed thus far, Suzuki appears well placed – based on its current trajectory, anyway – to secure 2nd place overall in a full year for the very first time.

Does VW have anything in its arsenal to counter Suzuki’s sustained rise? Well, though the Kariega-built Polo Vivo remains extremely popular (though found itself just behind the Swift in Q1 2025 sales), the company will be hoping its next locally made model – a small SUV known as the Tera in Brazil but as-yet-unnamed for Mzansi – will add significant volumes. However, local production of that model is scheduled to start only in early 2027…

Other interesting stats from the top 10 in Q1 2025

What else happened on the list of SA’s 10 best-selling automakers in the 1st quarter of 2025? Well, Hyundai Automotive SA climbed 3 spots from its Q1 2024 ranking to grab back 4th place, with local sales increasing a healthy 25.3% year on year to 8 937 units.

Chinese firm Chery registered even stronger year-on-year growth of 28.7% to end the quarter on 5 739 units, moving up 2 rankings to 7th. However, it was Mahindra – which climbed from 12th to 9th – that boasted the most robust growth in the top 10, with the Indian firm’s sales surging a remarkable 71.9% year on year to 5 326 units.

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Meanwhile, Nissan was the biggest loser in the top 10, falling from a strong 4th place in Q1 2024 to a lowly 10th in Q1 2025. With the NP200 half-tonne bakkie – which had served as the brand’s chief volume driver in Mzansi – having gone out of production in March 2024, the Japanese firm’s local sales in this latest reporting period declined 45.2% year on year to 4 962 units.

SA’s 10 best-selling automakers in Q1 2025

1. Toyota SA Motors – 35 555 units (+6.2%)

2. Suzuki Auto SA – 17 727 units (+19.8%)

3. Volkswagen Group Africa – 15 838 units (-1.5%)

4. Hyundai Automotive SA – 8 937 units (+25.3%)

5. Ford Motor Company of SA – 8 274 units (+9.4%)

6. Isuzu Motors SA – 6 790 units (+7.8%)

7. Chery SA – 5 739 units (+28.7%)

8. GWM SA – 5 535 units (+18.2%)

9. Mahindra SA – 5 326 units (+71.9%)

10. Nissan SA – 4 962 units (-45.2%)

Related content

Mahindra hits record high! SA sales in March 2025

D-Max pips Ranger! Top-selling bakkies in March

GWM Tank 300 hits new sales high as diesel arrives

Hyundai Tucson (2025) Price & Specs

The facelifted Hyundai Tucson has arrived in South Africa and while the local line-up has been trimmed to 3 derivatives, the starting price has fallen by R39 000…

The facelifted Hyundai Tucson – with subtly updated styling, a revised interior and some extra standard equipment – has quietly hit the market in South Africa and we’ve managed to lay our paws on some early information, including pricing.

Revealed back in November 2023, the refreshed Tucson arrives in Mzansi a little later than scheduled. But local buyers will be pleased to hear that although the line-up has been trimmed from 5 derivatives to just 3, the range’s starting price has fallen by R39 000.

The refreshed Tucson in standard trim.

Yes, according to our information, the updated Tucson 2.0 Premium will start at R559 900, down from this pre-facelift derivative’s price of R598 900. Despite this price drop, the Premium grade gains features such as LED headlamps (with a “static bending” function), blind-spot detection, rear occupant alert, leather upholstery, a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen (replacing the old 8.0-inch item) and 18-inch alloy wheels (an inch larger than before).

However, from what we can tell, Hyundai Automotive SA has also quietly shortened the Tucson’s standard service plan from the previous 6-year/90 000 km arrangement to a 5-year/75 000 km service plan (again with intervals of 15 000 km).

Note the new 12.3-inch infotainment screen and instrument cluster with the same diameter.

From what we understand, the Premium grade’s naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine is carried over unchanged, which means this atmospheric motor still delivers 115 kW and 192 Nm to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the pre-facelift range’s 2.0 Executive (R655 500), 2.0 Elite (R729 900) and R2.0D Elite (R799 500) all seemingly fall away, with the new Tucson R2.0D Executive added as the mid-tier option, priced from R709 900. This trim level upgrades to 19-inch alloys and furthermore scores a smart key, push-button start and a powered tailgate, all features not present on the pre-facelift Executive variant.

A look at the rear end of the flagship N Line derivative.

We believe the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine is also unchanged, again sending 137 kW and 416 Nm to the front axle through an 8-speed automatic transmission. This powerplant also drives the Tucson R2.0D N Line AWD which again tops the local line-up, though pricing for this derivative has increased some R23 400 to R859 900.

Set aside primarily by its N Line styling package (inside and out) and the presence of all-wheel drive, the facelifted version of the flagship variant furthermore gains a Bose sound system. As a reminder, though the NX4-series Tucson was revealed as early as September 2020, it launched in South Africa only in March 2022, before the flagship N Line derivative joined the line-up in May 2023.

What does the facelifted Hyundai Tucson cost in SA?

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Premium AT – R559 900

Hyundai Tucson R2.0D Executive AT – R709 900

Hyundai Tucson R2.0D N Line AWD AT – R859 900

The prices above include Hyundai’s 7-year/200 000 km warranty (comprising a 5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty and an additional 2-year/50 000 km powertrain warranty) plus a 5-year/75 000 km service plan with intervals of 15 000 km.

Related content

Hyundai cuts Creta prices; introduces Matte Edition

Hyundai SA ‘in discussions’ about bakkie options

Hyundai Creta (2017-2020) Buyer’s Guide

Toyota Corolla Cross review – Why it’s still a class leader

Toyota recently updated its award-winning, locally produced Corolla Cross compact family car. In this in-depth review, Jacob Moshokoa highlights the updates to the model and considers why the Toyota Corolla Cross attracts so many buyers.

Despite stiff competition from traditional rivals and a slew of new competitor products offered by Chinese brands, the Corolla Cross remains a regular sales chart leader. The model, backed by Toyota’s excellent after-sales support, was named the 2024/25 CarsAwards: Best Compact Family Car in SA.

Exterior and Design Updates

The first thing you’ll notice on the facelifted-for-2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is the redesigned front grille, now more seamlessly matched with the car’s paintwork, giving the crossover a tidy, up-to-date look.

The addition of darker-tinted taillights further refines the rear view, and the new electrically powered tailgate makes it easier to load groceries, luggage, or whatever else you have to haul in the load bay…

While not radically different from before, these changes help to freshen the Corolla Cross’ broad appeal.

Interior Comfort and Features

Inside, the 2025-spec Corolla Cross benefits from the introduction of a digital driver display, making crucial information easier to read while on the move. The rest of the cabin layout remains simple and accessible – it prioritises everyday usability – but if you look closely, you’ll notice the detail updates.

The main infotainment system has a 10.1-inch touchscreen, but while it has gained Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, the so-so camera resolution and reliance on physical buttons for the audio feel somewhat outdated compared to newer offerings. The switch to an electronic parking brake, which replaces the previous manual mechanism, brings added convenience and a modern touch, however.

Passengers are treated to convenient features such as USB-C charging ports in the back, ample cup holders, and a new, darker headliner that gives the interior a more premium feel.

Engine, Performance, and Efficiency

Assembled in Prospecton, Durban, the Corolla Cross is available with either Toyota’s 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine or a petrol-electric hybrid with the same displacement. The 1.8 Hybrid XR is particularly noted for its ability to switch smoothly between electric and gasoline power in urban environments.

Real-world fuel consumption remains impressive at 5.4- to 5.6 L/100 km, ensuring that the Corolla Cross stands out for efficiency. The ride quality is generally comfortable, but the CVT can become noisy under heavy acceleration, and the Toyota performs best around town rather than on long, high-speed trips.

What does the facelifted Toyota Corolla Cross cost in SA?

Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XiR414 800
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XSR452 200
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XSR494 400
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XRR501 500
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-SportR518 200
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XRR545 200
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid GR-SportR561 700

New Toyota Corolla Cross Specs & Prices in South Africa

Find a new/used Toyota Corolla Cross listed for sale on Cars.co.za

The prices (July 2025) include Toyota’s 3-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/unlimited km hybrid battery warranty and a 6-service/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).

This review by Jacob Moshokoa (shown above) highlights that the Toyota Corolla Cross remains a highly recommended “medium” crossover, now refreshed with updates that enhance its everyday usefulness.

The top-selling Japanese brand has kept its compact family car competitive and appealing for South African families who value practicality, efficiency, reliability and above all, good after-sales support.

Related content:

Haval Jolion Vs Toyota Corolla Cross – Which should you buy?

#CarsAwards: Kia Seltos vs VW T-Cross vs Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Toyota Corolla Cross (2025) Launch Review

Toyota Corolla Cross (2025) Price & Specs

Swift leads, 3 models relegated: SA’s 10 best-selling cars in Q1 2025

With the opening quarter of the year gone, which cars and crossovers are leading SA’s passenger-vehicle sales charts? We’ve tallied up the numbers for Q1 2025…

South Africa’s new-vehicle market enjoyed a strong opening quarter of the year, with total industry sales increasing 10.5% year on year to 144 426 units. So, which cars and crossovers led the charge in Mzansi’s all-important passenger-vehicle space in Q1 2025?

Well, before we dive into the figures, it’s worth noting SA’s passenger-vehicle segment accounted for as many as 102 268 sales in Q1 2025, representing impressive year-on-year growth of 20.6% and translating to 70.8% of the total market.

VW’s Polo fell from the top 10 in Q1 2025.

Interestingly, as many as 6 models inside the top 10 were sourced from India, while 2 came from China and 2 were produced here in South Africa. While the Volkswagen Polo hatchback placed 6th in Q1 2024, the Kariega-built model was relegated from the list in Q1 2025 (ending this latest reporting period in 12th position), with sales falling 16.8% year on year to 2 518 units.

Two other nameplates that placed inside the top 10 in the opening quarter of 2024 also failed to make the cut in the first 3 months of 2025: the likewise locally built Toyota Fortuner (down 20.7% to 2 079 units) in 14th and the Indian-made Toyota Vitz (down 3.9% to 1 698 units) in 18th.

Swift grabs lead and Starlet reaches podium

Toyota’s Starlet reached the podium in the opening quarter.

But the big news for SA’s passenger-vehicle sales in Q1 2025? The Suzuki Swift took pole position, with local registrations of the Indian-built hatchback surging 42.4% year on year to 6 587 units. That saw the Swift – which entered a new generation in the final quarter of 2024 – gain 2 places compared with its ranking in Q1 last year.

Just how far off the pace was perennial favourite, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo? Well, though the Kariega-made hatch enjoyed a 10.5% year-on-year increase in sales, its Q1 2025 tally of 6 439 units put it 148 sales behind the Swift, meaning it had to settle for the runner-up position. Meanwhile, the Toyota Starlet – based on the Baleno and built by Suzuki in India – moved up a ranking to secure the final spot on the podium, attracting 4 534 registrations (+7.5%).

Toyota Corolla Cross slips as Tiggo 4 climbs

Having placed 2nd in the corresponding reporting period in 2024, the Toyota Corolla Cross – remember, the Prospecton plant switched to a facelifted version early this year, perhaps briefly impacting supply – slipped off the podium to 4th in Q1 2025, with local sales falling 25.2% year on year to 4 231 units. Fascinatingly, the Corolla Cross was the only model in the top 10 to suffer a year-on-year decline.

Meanwhile, the Indian-built Hyundai Grand i10 held steady in 5th spot, growing its sales 12.6% year on year to 3 760 units. The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro was again the highest-placed Chinese model, climbing a ranking to 6th thanks to an 18.2% year-on-year improvement to 3 371 units. Note that the Grand i10 and Tiggo 4 Pro figures above exclude sales of converted panel vans in the light-commercial vehicle space.

Jolion returns as Starlet Cross and Fronx debut

The Haval Jolion fought its way back into the top 10 in Q1 2025.

After failing to rank inside the top 10 in Q1 2024, the Haval Jolion made a strong return in Q1 2025, boasting 95.3% year-on-year growth to finish on 3 183 units and take 7th place. The Toyota Starlet Cross (3 010 units) and Suzuki Fronx (up a whopping 158% year on year to 2 946 units) twins, meanwhile, both climbed into the top 10, with just 64 sales separating them in 8th and 9th, respectively.

Finally, despite sales increasing 16.7% year on year to 2 729 units, the Nissan Magnite dropped a ranking to 10th. As with the Grand i10 and Tiggo 4 Pro above, note that the Magnite’s figure excludes light-commercial vehicle sales of the brand’s fresh Move-badged panel van.

Kia’s Sonet placed just outside the top 10.

So, which models were bubbling under in the opening quarter, falling just short of making the top 10? Well, the Kia Sonet (2 520 units) was 11th ahead of the Polo hatchback, while the Toyota Urban Cruiser (2 471 units), Fortuner and Suzuki Ertiga (2 013 units) rounded out the top 15. Next came the Mahindra XUV 3XO (1 925 units), Renault Kwid (1 799 units), Vitz, Omoda C5 (1 628 units) and Volkswagen T-Cross (1 485 units).

SA’s best-selling passenger vehicles in Q1 2025

1. Suzuki Swift – 6 587 units (+42.4%)

2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 6 439 units (+10.5%)

3. Toyota Starlet – 4 534 units (+7.5%)

4. Toyota Corolla Cross – 4 231 units (-25.2%)

5. Hyundai Grand i10 (excluding LCV) – 3 760 units (+12.6%)

6. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (excluding LCV) – 3 371 units (+18.2%)

7. Haval Jolion – 3 183 units (+95.3%)

8. Toyota Starlet Cross – 3 010 units (no sales in Q1 2024)

9. Suzuki Fronx – 2 946 units (+158%)

10. Nissan Magnite (excluding LCV) – 2 729 units (+16.7%)

Related content

Mahindra hits record high! SA sales in March 2025

GWM Tank 300 hits new sales high as diesel arrives

Toyota Vitz gets price cut (sort of) and extra airbags

New GX posts highest SA sales by Lexus model in years

The new Lexus GX has only just hit the market in South Africa, but it’s already posted the highest single-month sales total by a Lexus model in many, many years…

Though the Lexus GX has only just arrived in South Africa, the Prado-based luxury ladder-frame SUV has already posted the highest single-month sales total by a Lexus model in several years.

Yes, Lexus registered 63 units of the new GX in March 2025, all sold via the dealer channel. While that figure may not seem overly impressive at first glance, it’s worth noting that GX pricing kicks off at a heady R1 766 000 and runs through to R1 867 000 (also keep in mind that Lexus has long been a low-volume brand in SA).

Lexus GX

According to Toyota SA Motors, order books for the new Lexus GX opened in February 2025, shortly before Cars.co.za published its pricing scoop for this new-to-Mzansi nameplate. So, the sales figure reported in March technically also includes orders placed in the prior month.

Still, the 63-unit haul meant the GX immediately outsold all other Lexus models in March 2025, finishing well ahead of the NX (40 units), the freshly updated LX (16 units), the RX (11 units), the ES sedan (3 units), the recently arrived fully electric RZ (3 units) and the UX (2 units), while the IS failed to trouble the scorers. In the end, the GX accounted for a considerable 45.7% of the brand’s 138-unit total last month.

New Lexus GX Interior

So, just how long has it been since a Lexus model managed a loftier single-month sales total in South Africa? Well, though there are admittedly a few gaps in our records, by our reckoning this could potentially be the highest single-month tally by a Lexus nameplate since the IS sedan hit 70 units way back in September 2012. Yes, that’s nearly 13 years ago…

As a reminder, each of the derivatives in the new Lexus GX line-up is powered by the Japanese firm’s twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 petrol engine (and each thus wears the “GX 550” moniker). Familiar from both the Land Cruiser 300 and the since-discontinued LX 600 (the latter having recently been replaced by the new LX 700h) but here detuned slightly to 260 kW and 650 Nm, the V35A-FTS engine is mated to all 4 wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

This petrol motor serves to further differentiate the GX from the Land Cruiser Prado, with the latter offered exclusively in 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel guise (for the record, as many as 495 units of the Prado were sold locally in March 2025). Positioned between the Lexus RX and flagship LX, the GX shares various elements – though, again, not its powertrain – with this latest Prado, right down to its “J250” model code.

To refresh your memory, the Lexus GX is a body-on-frame SUV that traces its roots all the way back to 2002. While the opening 2 generations were produced exclusively in left-hand-drive guise (catering primarily to North America), this 3rd iteration is also manufactured in right-hand drive, opening the door to introductions in its domestic market of Japan as well as in Australia and indeed now South Africa.

Related content

Prado vs Lexus GX: which should you buy?

Lexus GX 550 (2025) Price & Specs

Mahindra hits fresh high! SA sales in March 2025

D-Max pips Ranger! SA’s best-selling bakkies in March 2025

The D-Max grabbed 2nd from the Ranger on the list of SA’s best-selling bakkies for March 2025, while Mahindra’s Pik Up broke into 4 figures…

In March 2025, South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 12.5% year on year to 49 493 units. Once again, the local passenger-vehicle segment was responsible for much of this industry growth, with sales in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space conversely sliding 8.4% year on year to 13 328 units.

So, did anything interesting happen on the list of Mzansi’s best- and worst-selling bakkies in March 2025? Well, there was no change at the very top, as the Prospecton-produced Toyota Hilux retained 1st place, with sales of this Japanese stalwart increasing 8.9% (compared to February 2025) to 2 923 units.

Toyota Hilux
March was the Toyota Hilux’s best month of 2025’s opening quarter.

However, the big news was the fact the Isuzu D-Max grabbed 2nd place from the Ford Ranger, with registrations of the Struandale-built bakkie surging 16.9% month on month to 2 250 units (off the back of a 36.2% improvement in February, we might add). Interestingly, 372 of these D-Max units represented sales to government.

That, of course, meant the Silverton-made Ranger had to settle for an unfamiliar 3rd position in March 2025, though the Blue Oval brand’s contender was just 71 units behind its Japanese foe. In the end, local Ranger sales improved marginally (0.5% month on month) to 2 179 units, with 183 of those sold to the state.

Meanwhile, the Mahindra Pik Up broke into 4 figures in March 2025, comfortably retaining 4th place. The Indian automaker’s seemingly evergreen bakkie – which is assembled under contract by the AIH Group in KwaZulu-Natal – enjoyed a 59.2% month-on-month improvement to end on 1 215 units, a figure we believe is this nameplate’s best effort yet (helping Mahindra to a record 2 253 sales overall).

The Nissan Navara climbed a ranking to 5th, with local registrations of the Rosslyn-made range – which recently welcomed a new Pro-4X Warrior flagship derivative – soaring 102.7% month on month to 835 units. That meant the imported Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (476 units) fell a place to 6th in March.

In March, Mahindra’s Pik Up put in what we believe was its best showing yet.

Seemingly bolstered by new P300 derivatives, the GWM P-Series line-up registered a 73.3% month-on-month improvement in sales to 402 units, seeing the Chinese bakkie move up a spot to 7th. The Volkswagen Amarok – which is built alongside the Ranger at Ford’s Silverton facility in Gauteng – thus slipped a ranking to 8th, with 275 units sold.

Having made its debut in the top 10 in February 2025, the Foton Tunland G7 retained 9th place in March, with 236 units registered. The final place on the table went to another Chinese bakkie in the form of the long-in-the-tooth GWM Steed (119 units), which held onto 10th.

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

JAC’s T-Series of bakkies (including the T9) hit 186 sales in March.

So, which bakkies didn’t make the top 10 in March 2025? Well, the JAC T-Series – the Chinese firm unfortunately reported only a combined figure for its T6, T8 and T9 line-ups, so we technically can’t rank these individual nameplates in the top 10 – managed 186 units. Meanwhile, the Peugeot Landtrek ended March 2025 on 79 units and was followed by the Mitsubishi Triton and Mahindra Bolero, each finishing on 39 units (having tied in February, too).

Finally, 5 examples of the Jeep Gladiator were sold, though 2 of them represented “single registrations” (that is, units Stellantis SA kept and licensed for its own use). Interestingly, March 2025 was the first month the Nissan NP200 didn’t appear on the new-vehicle sales charts since its discontinuation a year ago, suggesting stock has finally run dry.

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa for March 2025

1. Toyota Hilux – 2 923 units

2. Isuzu D-Max – 2 250 units

3. Ford Ranger – 2 179 units

4. Mahindra Pik Up – 1 215 units

5. Nissan Navara – 835 units

6. Toyota Land Cruiser 79 – 476 units

7. GWM P-Series – 402 units

8. Volkswagen Amarok – 275 units

9. Foton Tunland G7 – 236 units

10. GWM Steed – 119 units

Related content

BYD Shark 6 (2025) Price & Specs

Supersized LDV Terron 9 confirmed for SA

Navara Pro-4X Warrior (2025) Price & Specs

GWM Tank 300 hits new sales high as turbodiesel arrives

The recent addition of turbodiesel power to the GWM Tank 300 range has seemingly already resulted in a spike in SA sales, with the boxy SUV hitting a new high in March 2025…

Early in March 2025, the GWM Tank 300 range in South Africa welcomed a pair of new 2.4TD derivatives, finally bringing turbodiesel power to the local line-up. And, based on the latest sales figures, that move already appears to be paying dividends.

In March 2025, local registrations of the Tank 300 increased 77.6% month on month to 103 units, marking the first time this Chinese ladder-frame SUV has breached the 3-figure mark. For the record, 11 of those sales were so-called “single registrations” (that is, vehicles GWM kept and licensed for its own use).

Though Naamsa’s sales dataset unfortunately does not provide a breakdown by model derivative or indeed engine, there’s little doubt the long-awaited arrival of a turbodiesel motor drove this fresh growth. And, considering the oil-burning derivatives reached local dealers only towards the end of the first week of March, there’s every chance we’ll see a further spike in months to come.

As a reminder, the recent arrival of these 2 new turbodiesel derivatives resulted in the Tank 300 portfolio – which previosuly included only turbopetrol and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrains – expanding to 6 variants. And, rather interestingly, the base 2.4TD variant saw the line-up’s entry price lowered by R26 050.

As with the turbopetrol and HEV powertrains, the new turbodiesel motor is offered in the familiar Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury grades. The Tank 300 2.4TD Super Luxury 4×4 is priced at R699 900, while the Tank 300 2.4TD Ultra Luxury 4×4 comes in at R739 900.

In the Tank 300, the new 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (codenamed GW4D24) – which debuted locally in the P500 bakkie in August 2024 and has since been rolled out to the P300 line-up, too – generates peak outputs of 135 kW (at 3 600 r/min) and 480 Nm (at 2 500 r/min). Drive is delivered to all 4 corners via a 9-speed automatic transmission as standard.

The listed fuel-economy figure for the Tank 300 2.4TD powertrain comes in at 7.7 L/100 km, which compares favourably with the turbopetrol and HEV claims of 9.5 L/100 km and 8.4 L/100 km, respectively. Interestingly, the new diesel derivatives roll on all-terrain tyres (265/65 R17 for the Super Luxury and 265/60 R18 for the Ultra Luxury) rather than the “highway terrain” rubber used by the other variants.

In 2024, GWM registered 526 units of the Tank 300 in South Africa, with a further 41 units sold in January 2025 and 58 examples in February 2025. Before March 2025’s 103-unit haul, the Tank 300’s monthly high was 62 sales, achieved in August last year.

Related content

GWM P500 PHEV: new 300 kW bakkie’s specs confirmed

Haval H6 facelift for SA: extra oomph for 2.0T variants

GWM rolls out 7-year warranty for all models (but 1)

Mahindra hits fresh high! SA’s new-vehicle sales in March 2025

March 2025 was the SA new-vehicle market’s 6th straight month of year-on-year growth. Here’s your full market overview, including a look at the country’s best-selling automakers…

In March 2025, South Africa’s new-vehicle market recorded its 6th consecutive month of year-on-year growth, with sales increasing 12.5% to 49 493 units. This performance – the market’s best in virtually 2 years – furthermore represented a 3.2% improvement over February 2025’s showing.

Naamsa described March 2025 as a “pivotal month” for the local industry, with the positive news extending to the export front, too, with this part of the market seeing growth for the first time in some 10 months. In the end, export sales from Mzansi surged 31.1% year on year to 39 477 units in March 2025.

According to the industry representative body, some 86.8% of last month’s total reported domestic industry figure represented dealer sales, while an estimated 7.3% were sales to the new-vehicle rental industry, 3.5% to government and 2.5% to industry corporate fleets.

Unsurprisingly, it was SA’s new passenger-vehicle segment that again drove growth in the overall market, with sales here rocketing 25.3% year on year to 33 447 units (the rental channel accounting for 7.2% of that figure). Meanwhile, domestic sales of new light-commercial vehicles again declined year on year, this time falling 8.4% to 13 328 units.

Meanwhile, Brandon Cohen, National Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), said the results proved that South African consumers had a “strong appetite for new passenger vehicles in March”, though added that the actual tally “may be [even] higher than reported, as several Chinese brands are not yet included in the current data”.

“The resilience in new-vehicle sales is evident, despite ongoing financial constraints for consumers. The growing pressure on financial institutions to approve credit is influencing purchasing behaviour, while rising electricity costs and fluctuating fuel prices continue to strain household budgets. Nevertheless, new-car sales remain buoyant, particularly in the lower market segments, with medium car sales remaining stable,” Cohen pointed out.

WesBank added that the industry “continued to defy economic turmoil in March to mark 6 consecutive months of year-on-year growth and round out 2 optimistic quarters of growth for the South African motor industry”. Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank, suggested this growth came at a time when “local economic headwinds” were providing “more challenges than positives”.

“While the pending increase in VAT only amounts to R500 per R100 000, we expect that some purchase decisions will have been accelerated by its imminent implementation. While interest rates remained unchanged during the month, their levels have alleviated some affordability, stimulating demand in the market for new vehicles. WesBank has also experienced a reduction in balloon amounts financed year-on-year, reinforcing the positive improvements in affordability in the market,” explained Gaoaketse.

New-vehicle sales summary for March 2025

  • Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 49 493 units increased by 12.5% (5 504 units) compared to March 2024.
  • New passenger-vehicle sales of 33 447 units increased by 25.3% (6 756 units) compared to March 2024.
  • New light-commercial vehicle sales of 13 328 units decreased by 8.4% (1 227 units) compared to March 2024. 
  • Export sales of 39 477 units increased by 31.1% (9 354 units) compared to March 2024.

SA’s 10 best-selling automakers in March 2025

Toyota SA Motors (which includes the Lexus and Hino brands) ended March 2025 on 11 660 units, representing a marginal month-on-month fall of 0.7%. Of course, that tally was more than enough for the Japanese giant to retain 1st position, again more than doubling the efforts of the market’s next-strongest contender.

That runner-up spot in March went to Suzuki Auto SA, meaning the Hamamatsu-based automaker has placed 2nd in each of 2025’s opening 3 months. In the end, Suzuki registered a total of 5 284 units, some 12.6% down on its February’s figure. Volkswagen Group Africa (including Audi sales) thus again had to settle for 3rd place, with its sales dipping 6.4% month on month to 4 913 units (for the record, that’s 371 sales behind Suzuki).

Hyundai (3 103 units) and Ford (2 907 units) both enjoyed slight month-on-month sales increases to remain in 4th and 5th position, respectively. Isuzu registrations surged 20.1% (compared to February 2025) to 2 759 units, which saw the Japanese brand comfortably keep 6th place.

Having returned to the top 10 in February, Nissan climbed a further 3 rankings to grab 7th in March 2025, with sales ballooning 53.8% (admittedly off a relatively low base) month on month to 2 303 units. Meanwhile, Indian automaker Mahindra put in what was easily its best performance yet, with local registrations climbing 39.9% month on month to a record 2 253 units.

Fascinatingly, that meant the market’s 2 largest Chinese brands were resigned to the final 2 spots in the top 10. Despite GWM sales increasing 20.6% month on month to 2 066 units – the first time the firm has breached the 2 000-unit mark since July 2023 – the company slid a place to 9th in March. Chery, meanwhile, fell 3 rankings to 10th, with registrations dipping 1.0% month on month to 1 904 units.

Still, Chery’s total was enough to again prevent Kia (1 402 units) and Renault (1 402 units) from re-entering the top 10. BMW Group SA (with a Naamsa-estimated 1 337 units) followed in 13th place, ahead of Omoda & Jaecoo (806 units) in 14th and Mercedes-Benz (with a Naamsa-estimated 563 units) in 15th.

1. Toyota – 11 660 units

2. Suzuki – 5 284 units

3. Volkswagen Group – 4 913 units

4. Hyundai – 3 103 units

5. Ford – 2 907 units

6. Isuzu – 2 759 units

7. Nissan – 2 303 units

8. Mahindra – 2 253 units

9. GWM – 2 066 units

10. Chery – 1 904 units

Sales outlook in South Africa for remainder of 2025

So, where to from here for South Africa’s new-vehicle market? Well, on the monetary policy level, Naamsa points to the country’s currently “stable” borrowing costs as a clear positive. However, it adds that “challenges such as energy constraints, rising living costs and the upcoming VAT increase in April may pose new hurdles in the months ahead”.

“Despite these potential headwinds, South Africa’s automotive industry remains committed to long-term growth and resilience,” the industry representative body says, adding that the industry has again “proved its ability to thrive amid geopolitical shifts and sustain its long-term growth trajectory”.

Meanwhile, NADA’s Cohen says while financial downturns have “historically” led to a “marked shift towards used vehicles as more affordable options”, this trend is “not as pronounced in the current environment, with strong growth in new-vehicle sales instead”. Still, NADA suggests the best approach currently is one of caution.

“With overall sentiment remaining constrained, we are adopting a cautious stance, particularly with the upcoming Budget Vote and potential US tariff announcements on the horizon. The sustained demand for passenger vehicles is a positive indicator, but broader economic uncertainties continue to shape the outlook for the automotive sector,” explains Cohen.

Finally, WesBank’s Gaoaketse says the arrival of “more and more Chinese brands and products is certainly creating more volume for the market at affordable prices with attractive specification levels”, adding that “some of these sales are winning market share from legacy brands, indicating a shift in buying behaviour as consumers become more product conscious and less brand conscious in their vehicle choice”.

In addition, Gaoaketse suggests relief at the pumps “thanks to substantial decreases across the fuel board during April” means consumer confidence “should remain as bullish as 1st quarter sales would suggest, providing a strong impetus for 2nd quarter sales. However, political and economic uncertainties continue to prevail, which could impact the growth trajectory”.

Related content

Farewell, Corolla Quest! SA-built sedan bows out

VW has Golf 8 GTI stock to ‘last for rest of 2025’

Kaiyi: yet another Chinese brand for South Africa?

Nissan Qashqai (2022-2024) Buyer’s Guide

The J12-series Nissan Qashqai didn’t last even 2 years in South Africa, despite its forebears proving very popular over the preceding decade and a half. So, should you consider buying a used version of the short-lived 3rd-gen model? Let’s investigate…

While the first 2 iterations of the Nissan Qashqai thrived in South Africa, the J12-series model fell flat. In short, the Japanese brand’s 3rd-gen compact SUV failed to find favour with Mzansi’s new car buyers, leading Nissan SA to unceremoniously and abruptly end this nameplate’s 17-year run on the local market.

What caused this previously successful badge to fade away in South Africa? Well, it certainly wasn’t a product issue – the 3rd-gen Nissan Qashqai was a decidedly competent offering. Instead, it likely all came down to positioning. Facing more competition than ever before (including from China), Nissan shifted the J12 upmarket, arguably rendering this Sunderland-built crossover too pricey for local tastes.

The Mk3 Qashqai was revealed in early 2021.

Though this sharply styled model’s early demise in South Africa was a pity, there’s a potential upside for astute used car buyers. Yes, the J12-series model’s premature departure from the local new-vehicle market (preceded by significant discounts from Nissan South Africa’s dealer network) has resulted in rather attractive asking prices on the 2nd-hand market. But more on that later.

As an aside, the 3rd-gen Qashqai was discontinued in Mzansi around the time the facelifted version was revealed overseas. Will Nissan SA ever return to this space? Well, once the Qashqai’s local axing was official, the firm said it was “evaluating opportunities for new products” but did not go into further detail.

Daring design from the outset.

However, we believe a new Renault-based crossover, which is set to be built in India and will most likely be based on that right-hand-drive market’s 3rd-generation Duster, will eventually plug the Qashqai gap, joined by a 7-seater version that will reportedly share many components with the Dacia Bigster. In the end, these Nissan models will surely be more competitively positioned than the since-departed J12.

J12-series Nissan Qashqai line-up in South Africa

The J12 generation arrived in SA in September 2022.

Revealed in February 2021, the J12-series Nissan Qashqai was scheduled to reach local showrooms before the end of that year. However, it touched down in Mzansi only in September 2022, with the Yokohama-based brand’s local division stating it was “confident” this model would “be a game-changer”.

At launch, the local line-up comprised a trio of front-wheel-drive derivatives. The only engine on offer was a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor (without the mild-hybrid assistance available overseas); the powerplant was jointly developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and Mercedes-Benz.

The local range included 3 trim levels.

The entry-level derivative featured a detuned version of this mill and a 6-speed manual gearbox (with a listed 0-100 kph time of 10.3 sec), while the mid-tier and flagship variants came with the high-output version (improving the claimed sprint time to 8.9 sec) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

  • Qashqai 1.3T Visia 6MT (96 kW/240 Nm)
  • Qashqai 1.3T Acenta CVT (110 kW/250 Nm)
  • Qashqai 1.3T Acenta Plus CVT (110 kW/250 Nm)

Over the next 20-odd months, Nissan SA made no changes to its Qashqai portfolio; e-Power derivatives were expected in “early 2023” but never materialised. The 3-cylinder mill in the Qashqai e-Power was used only to generate electricity, which was then transmitted to the battery pack, electric motor, or both.

The promised e-Power derivatives didn’t ever make it to SA.

In short, the electric motor was the sole source of power for the wheels, resulting in what Nissan called an “EV-like” driving experience. It sounded like a fascinating powertrain, but then again, e-Power variants would probably have come at a hefty premium, which nixed their feasibility.

As it happened, local sales of the J12-series Qashqai tapered sharply to just 10 units in April 2024 and then zero registrations the following month. Having spoken to several sources, Cars.co.za broke the news of the Qashqai’s local axing early in June 2024, with Nissan SA confirming the decision soon thereafter. According to our maths, approximately 1 700 new units were sold before the model was axed.

What are the Nissan Qashqai’s strengths?

Even the top-spec derivative featured relatively high-profile tyres.

Quiet and comfortable: Built on the ubiquitous CMF-C platform, the J12-series Nissan Qashqai offered lofty levels of refinement, entirely in line with its move upmarket. Very little vibration from the powertrain found its way into the cabin at idle, while the CVT drone was thankfully kept to a minimum on the open road (except when you flattened the accelerator pedal, that is).

Ride comfort was also a strong point, thanks largely to a suspension setup offering impressive bump absorption and road-noise suppression. Comfort levels were further enhanced by the entry-level Visia’s plump (215/65 R17) tyres, while even the mid-spec Acenta and range-topping Acenta Plus were fitted with relatively high-profile rubber (235/55 R18 and 235/50 R19, respectively).

Ground clearance was a claimed 193 mm.

Ground clearance came in at 193 mm. Curiously, though front-wheel-drive Qashqais (wearing wheels measuring up to 19 inches) came with a comparatively rudimentary torsion-beam rear suspension in Europe, Nissan SA’s official specification sheet listed all 3 local derivatives as boasting the multi-link configuration reserved for all-paw examples (and those with 20-inch rims) on the Old Continent.

High-quality, well-equipped cabin: When we tested the 1.3T Acenta Plus soon after the Qashqai’s local launch, we described the cabin as looking and feeling “notably upmarket”. We rated the build quality as “up there with the best in the segment”, pointing out that panels lined up neatly, materials felt plush, and the switchgear “wouldn’t have looked out of place” in a similarly sized model built by a German brand. 

A well-built cabin with plenty of standard kit.

The 3rd-gen Qashqai was available with the sort of big-car kit that was previously reserved for premium marques’ models. For instance, the flagship derivative came with items such as Nappa leather trim, electrically adjustable front seats, a front-seat massaging (and heating) function and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system.

Even the mid-table Acenta came equipped with features such as adaptive headlamps, intelligent cruise control, built-in navigation and wireless smartphone charging (the latter was, in fact, standard across the line-up). Interestingly, every variant in the South African J12-series Nissan Qashqai line-up had to make do with an analogue instrument cluster rather than the digital item available in some overseas markets.

Plenty of safety kit: Soon after its unveiling in Europe, the J12-series Qashqai was awarded a 5-star safety rating by Euro NCAP. And, refreshingly, the South African specification of Nissan compact SUV was also well equipped in this department: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, a brake-assist system, hill-start assist, ISOfix child-seat anchors and tyre-pressure monitoring were standard across the range.

In addition to the entry-level Visia’s reverse-view camera, the Acenta and Acenta Plus derivatives gained Nissan’s 360-degree camera system (complete with “moving object detection”), parking sensors (fore and aft) and a raft of semi-autonomous driver-assistance features.

The latter list included features such as blind-spot intervention, cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward emergency braking, predictive front-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and driver-attention alert.

What are the Nissan Qashqai’s weaknesses?

The J12-generation Qashqai was imported from the United Kingdom.

Lofty asking price when new: It could certainly be argued that the Qashqai’s local demise boiled down to its ambitious positioning in the market. Ultimately, there was no getting away from the fact that this UK-built model was very pricey in Mzansi, nor that shoppers in this segment had plenty of alternatives.

It was perhaps telling that Nissan SA opted not to impose a single price hike to the J12-series range – in stark contrast to industry trends at the time – during this model’s almost 2 years on the local market. So, from launch to discontinuation, the Qashqai had lofty pricing bookends of R568 200 and R670 600.

The luggage compartment was a little below par.

Slightly below-par load bay: Measuring 4 425 mm in length, the 3rd-gen Qashqai was a little larger than the J11-series model that preceded it, but its luggage compartment was nevertheless smaller than those of similarly priced rivals. Nissan South Africa listed a slightly below-par volume (for the segment) of 480 litres, but the load bay’s lack of flexibility was perhaps its biggest issue.

The rear bench, for instance, featured only a 60:40 split rather than the more versatile 40:20:40 configuration, while dropping these seats flat required scurrying from door to door since there were no dedicated buttons situated in the luggage compartment. Moreover, the rear bench – which offered merely average occupant space – was fixed in place, with no option to slide it fore or aft.

Only a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine was offered locally.

No turbodiesel option: While the J10- and J11-series Nissan Qashqai were both available locally with a wide range of powerplants, the J12 iteration was offered only with the 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor. The lack of a turbodiesel engine was likely particularly disappointing for local Qashqai fans, although, to be fair to Nissan SA, an oil-burning powertrain was not developed for this generation.

Still, at least the turbopetrol unit ostensibly had the ability to return relatively pleasing fuel-economy figures (if not quite as impressive as a diesel might have managed), with Nissan claiming 6.4 L/100 km for the manual-equipped Visia and 6.1 L/100 km for the CVT derivatives. For the record, we managed an indicated 9 L/100 km during our review of the flagship Nissan Qashqai 1.3T Acenta Plus.

While we’re on the topic of engines, another quick aside: considering the J12 Qashqai is still a young vehicle in automotive terms, we can’t make any definitive calls on this model’s mechanical reliability, particularly in a local context.

How much is a used Nissan Qashqai in SA?

With comparatively few sold in SA, there aren’t many 3rd-gen Qashqai units on the used market.

Nissan SA offered the 3rd-gen Qashqai with a 6-year/150 000 km warranty and a service plan spanning 3 years or 90 000 km (with intervals of 15 000 km). Factory-backed accessories included items such as a chrome styling pack, a protection pack (featuring mudguards, a rear upper-bumper protector, a luggage-bay entry guard, illuminated kickplates and rubber mats) and a removable towbar.

At the time of writing, just over 50 units of the J12-series Nissan Qashqai were listed on Cars.co.za. The mid-spec Acenta accounted for a whopping 72%, followed by the flagship Acenta Plus (19%) and, finally, the manual-equipped Visia grade (9%).

The top-spec Acenta Plus accounted for about a 5th of listings at the time of writing.

Indicated mileages ranged from just 16 km on (an apparently unused) demo vehicle to 86 000 km on a 2022 Acenta Plus (the latter being one of only 4 listings with more than 50 000 km on its odometer). Unsurprisingly, 2023 was the most prevalent model year (46%), while Magnetic Blue (the hue seen in most of the images here) was the most popular paint colour, accounting for 37% of listed examples.

  • Below R400 000: Though just 11% of J12-series Qashqai listings were positioned below R400 000, all 3 trim levels were represented here. Most came from the opening model year, though we also found a couple of Visia variants from 2023 in this space. The cheapest example was a 2022 Visia with 58 000 km, priced at R329 990. As a reminder, this variant would have cost R568 200 new.
  • R400 000 to R450 000: Despite this bracket spanning just R50 000, it contained a considerable 45% of the J12-series Qashqai units listed at the time of writing. The 2023 model year was the most prevalent by some margin, with the majority of derivatives featuring the mid-spec Acenta grade.
  • R450 000 to R500 000: Jumping another R50 000 opened the door to a further 34% of listings, though we interestingly found no examples of the base Visia between these pricing bookends. There were several enticing deals in this space, including a delivery-mileage 2024 Acenta priced at R499 900 (representing a whopping R139 400 saving over its listed new price).
  • Above R500 000: The remaining 10% of listings were positioned above R500 000, with all but one example from the final model year. Just a single unit was priced over R550 000, with this 2024 Acenta (showing 1 850 km on the clock) coming in at a rather high R644 800. This was an outlier, however, since we found several models with similar mileage priced at around R529 900.

Which Nissan Qashqai derivative should you buy?

The mid-spec Acenta featured all the driver-assistance tech of the flagship.

So, which of the 3 derivatives was the pick of the bunch? Well, while the Visia wasn’t poorly specified – it came with LED headlamps, a reverse-view camera, an 8-inch touchscreen system, cruise control, wireless smartphone charging and 17-inch alloy wheels, but made do with manual aircon and a polyurethane finish for the steering wheel – we’d be tempted to climb the ladder a little further.

The mid-tier Acenta upgraded to a 12.3-inch infotainment system (along with USB-A and USB-C ports), while also gaining adaptive high beams, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, paddle shifters and all the driver-assistance technology that would usually be reserved for a flagship variant.

The Acenta Plus rode on 19-inch alloys.

So, unless you have to have a manual gearbox, the Acenta is the sweet spot. Of course, should you be prepared to spend a little more, the flagship Acenta Plus furthermore featured Nappa leather upholstery, a massaging (and heating) function for the front seats, an uprated audio system and larger alloys.

Is the Nissan Qashqai a smart used purchase?

The J12 faced increased competition.

While the original J10-series Nissan Qashqai that arrived in Mzansi back in 2007 faced very little direct competition, the J12 iteration found itself lost in the crowd, again straddling traditional segment lines. Mainstream alternatives in the family crossover space included the likes of the NX4-series Hyundai Tucson, NQ5-series Kia Sportage, 2nd-gen Volkswagen Tiguan, XA50-series Toyota RAV4 and the seemingly evergreen KF-series Mazda CX-5 – all of which were larger than the Nissan.

Buyers keen on something a little more left-field might also have considered the P84-series Peugeot 3008, Citroën C5 Aircross and even the 2nd-gen Renault Koleos, not to mention an ever-growing crop of aggressively priced Chinese crossovers. The base Qashqai also faced pressure from the segment below, where more affordable Indian-built offerings such as the Kia Seltos, SU2-series Hyundai Creta and Suzuki Grand Vitara made their presence very much felt.

The Qashqai was far more popular in Europe than it was in SA.

In addition, Nissan SA’s ambitious pricing effectively put the top-spec version of the Qashqai directly in the firing line of several premium-badged offerings, including the F3-series Audi Q3, U11-series BMW X1, Mini Countryman (F60), H247-series Mercedes-Benz GLA and Lexus UX.

Ultimately, the J12-series Qashqai’s shift upmarket – a huge risk in a new vehicle market as notoriously price-sensitive as ours – put it out of reach of its more affordable predecessors’ target audience. It also failed to convince higher-earning shoppers that it was a true alternative to premium-badged models.

Plenty of neat design details.

Price aside, though it was perhaps not a class leader in what had become an overpopulated segment, the J12-series Nissan Qashqai was nevertheless a highly competent and rather sophisticated offering. Thanks to this model’s falling residual values, it now represents rather strong value on the used market.

Looking for a used Nissan Qashqai to buy?

Find one on Cars.co.za!

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