The ZS budget crossover is the entry point to the MG brand, which recently returned to Mzansi. In this in-depth review, Ciro De Siena discusses what the MG ZS offers buyers looking for value, practicality and peace of mind in a new entry-level SUV.
The 1st-gen MG ZS small crossover was launched in 2017, facelifted in 2019 and succeeded by the 2nd-gen model in 2024. While the latter is expected to arrive in South Africa in the not-too-distant future, its predecessor serves as a budget crossover model in our market. Ciro begins his review of the MG ZS by discussing the newcomer’s 2-variant line-up: the Comfort and the Luxury, both of which are powered by a naturally aspirated 84 kW/150 Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine mated with a 4-speed auto transmission.
While his review highlights that in-gear shove isn’t a strength of the MG ZS – particularly when tackling hills or overtaking at speed – Ciro finds the Chinese offering well up to the task for typical urban driving.
He points out that, especially in city traffic, the MG ZS is easy to live with, offering light steering, good all-round visibility and the elevated driving position many buyers want from a small crossover.
Beyond the driving experience, the MG ZS offers impressive practicality. Ciro notes that the cabin feels spacious and airy for the ZS’ size and demonstrates the generous rear legroom and 359-litre load bay.
There’s ample storage, and the rear bench splits 60:40 to expand load-lugging capacity. These aspects make the MG ZS appealing for small families or anyone looking for flexible daily transport.
Inside, the MG ZS is kitted out with features you would expect at this price – electric windows, aircon, remote central locking and a touchscreen infotainment setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety is a strong point, with all versions coming equipped with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, as well as electronic stability control (ESC). Ciro highlights that half a dozen airbags and ESC aren’t always fitted as standard on rival models, which gives the MG ZS a clear advantage for buyers seeking peace of mind.
Ciro De Siena demonstrates the rear legroom in the MG ZS.
Whereas MG Motor South Africa claims an average consumption figure of 7.1 L/100 km for the ZS, we found that real-world economy hovered just above 10 L/100 km, making the model slightly thirstier than expected, but Ciro confirms this figure should improve slightly as the car beds in with more mileage.
On the move, the MG ZS delivers a quiet and comfortable ride for its class, absorbing road imperfections well and feeling settled at suburban speeds. However, the automatic transmission is workmanlike, rather than slick, so you shouldn’t expect brisk acceleration or especially responsive open-road performance.
Prices (July 2025) include a 5-year/200 000 km warranty on the vehicle, a 7-year/unlimited km warranty on the engine, plus a 5-year/60 000 km service plan.
While the MG ZS is not the last word in driving thrills or high-end finishes, the Chinese brand’s budget crossover delivers what its target market wants: a keen price tag, plenty of features, notable practicality, lengthy warranties, plus a 5-year service plan. For budget-conscious buyers seeking a well-equipped, spacious and safe entry-level SUV with good after-sales support, the MG ZS is well worth a look.
The Mercedes-Benz G450d has quietly arrived in South Africa. Here’s how much this mildly electrified turbodiesel version of the latest G-Class will cost you…
The Mercedes-Benz G450d has touched down in South Africa, with this mild-hybrid turbodiesel derivative slotting into the latest G-Class range below the battery-powered G580 and the Mercedes-AMG G63.
Yes, the Geländewagen is now offered locally in 3 distinct flavours. We already know the fully electric G580 Edition One (432 kW/1 164 Nm) starts at R4 647 456 and Affalterbach’s V8-powered G63 kicks off at R4 673 415, but now we can tell you the price of the G450d, too.
The G450d arrives as the 3rd derivative in the latest G-Class range.
Thanks to the ever-on-the-ball folks over at duoporta.com, we know the latest G450d – which is available exclusively in AMG Line guise in Mzansi – is priced from R3 590 303. For the record, that’s around R200 000 more than the G400d that did duty in the preceding G-Class range.
Of course, the G450d offers a fair bit more grunt that its 243 kW/700 Nm predecessor, with its 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel motor now generating 270 kW and 750 Nm. Thanks to a new mild-hybrid system, there’s additional 15 kW/200 Nm available for short bursts, too.
A look at the cabin (UK-spec model pictured).
Fitted with a 9-speed automatic transmission (with low-range) as standard, the G450d 4×4 will complete the 0-100 kph dash in a claimed 5.8 seconds, making it some 6-tenths quicker than the old G400d. Maximum speed is again limited to 210 kph, while the claimed combined fuel consumption figure stands at 9.4 L/100 km.
While Mercedes-Benz SA has yet to release a detailed specification list for the G450d (or indeed add this derivative to the local configurator), we do know from duoporta.com that it will ship standard with items like 20-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in 275/50 R20 tyres), adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control, 9 airbags and a trio of differential locks (front, centre and rear).
What does the Mercedes-Benz G450d cost in South Africa?
Mercedes-Benz G450d AMG Line – R3 590 303
The price above includes Mercedes-Benz’s 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Pricing for the facelifted Audi RS3 – again offered in Sportback and Sedan forms – has been released for South Africa. Here’s what these 5-cylinder performance cars cost…
Wondering what the facelifted Audi RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan will cost in South Africa? Well, wonder no more: the Ingolstadt-based automaker’s local division has released pricing for its high-performance 5-cylinder twins.
According to Audi SA, the refreshed RS3 Sportback is priced from R1 498 200. By our maths, that represents a considerable R167 400 premium over the pre-facelift version. The German firm has also added a new “Carbon Edition” variant to the mix, priced from R1 591 900 and described as “bespoke” to the local market.
Meanwhile, the updated RS3 Sedan kicks off at R1 528 200, likewise R167 400 more than the pre-facelift iteration. The Carbon Edition version of this 4-door model comes in at R1 610 700. It’s not exactly clear what set the Carbon Edition derivatives apart, but we’ll update this article should Audi SA release more details (curiously, these variants are more expensive than even the 331 kW Audi RS4 Avant, which is currently pegged at R1 562 600).
As a reminder, the facelifted RS3 twins were revealed in August 2024, featuring tweaked exterior styling, a smattering of cabin updates and a few under-the-skin upgrades (such as a new tune for the chassis control systems). However, the powertrain carries over unchanged.
That means the RS3 twins again draw their urge from Audi’s turbocharged 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder petrol engine, which sends 294 kW and 500 Nm to all 4 corners via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. That’s enough, says the German manufacturer, for a 0-100 kph sprint in just 3.8 seconds (regardless of the body style) and a top speed of 290 kph.
The arrival of the refreshed RS3 twins comes just as the likewise facelifted A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan touch down in South Africa. Interestingly, Audi SA has done away with the base and mid-tier A3 derivatives, which means the range kicks off at R808 200 for the A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line. The S3 Sportback and S3 Sedan, meanwhile, are scheduled to make local landfall “later this year”.
What does the facelifted Audi RS3 cost in SA?
Audi RS3 Sportback – R1 498 200
Audi RS3 Sedan – R1 528 200
Audi RS3 Sportback Carbon Edition – R1 591 900
Audi RS3 Sedan Carbon Edition – R1 610 700
The prices above include Audi’s 1-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Swift leads, Fronx climbs: SA passenger-car sales for February 2025
The Suzuki Swift was SA’s most popular passenger car for the 2nd straight month, while the Fronx cracked the top 10 in February 2025. Here are Mzansi’s best-selling cars and crossovers…
In February 2025, sales in South Africa’s new-vehicle market increased 7.3% year on year to 47 978 units. As has been the case for several months now, the local passenger-vehicle segment powered this overall industry growth, with registrations in this part of the market climbing a significant 17.0% year on year to 33 757 units.
For the record, the rental channel accounted for a considerable 14.6% of the latter total. While Toyota Motors SA again ranked 1st both overall and in the passenger-vehicle segment, Suzuki Auto SA retained the runner-up position it grabbed from Volkswagen Group Africa in January 2025.
Suzuki’s Swift was again SA’s best-selling passenger vehicle in February.
This feat was partly thanks to the Indian-built Suzuki Swift hatchback, which earned the title of Mzansi’s best-selling passenger car for the 2nd consecutive month, this time with 2 351 units (down 10.5%, month on month) registered in February 2025. Some 923 of those sales – equating to roughly 40% of the nameplate’s total – came courtesy of the rental industry.
Therefore, the Volkswagen Polo Vivoagain had to settle for 2nd place, with 2 187 units (some 25.4% of which went to rental-vehicle buyers) of the Kariega-produced hatch sold locally in 2025’s 2nd month. That total represents a 14.2% decline compared to January’s effort.
Toyota’s refreshed Corolla Cross returned to the passenger-vehicle podium.
Meanwhile, the Toyota Corolla Cross – which received a facelift early this year – gained a position to complete the podium. Sales of the Prospecton-produced crossover increased 17.0% month on month to 1 435 units, which saw the Indian-made Toyota Starlet (1 279 units, of which 458 represented rental-industry sales) slide a ranking to 4th.
The Hyundai Grand i10 (available in both hatchback and sedan body styles) held steady in 5th place, with 1 253 units sold in February. Note this figure excludes the 128 Cargo-badged panel-van units Hyundai furthermore registered in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space last month. Meanwhile, the Chinese-built Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (1 147 units) likewise retained 6th position.
Chery’s Tiggo 4 Pro kept 6th position in February.
With local registrations surging 45.7% month on month to 1 123 units, the Suzuki Fronx was the only new entrant to the table in February 2025, claiming a strong 7th place. Interestingly, this performance saw the Fronx rank just ahead of the Toyota Starlet Cross (the latter is, of course, based on the former), which nevertheless retained 8th with a total of 1 003 units.
The Haval Jolion – the 2nd Chinese-built model in the top 10 – slipped back into 3 figures in February 2025, with its tally of 982 units ultimately seeing it fall 2 positions to 9th. Finally, the Toyota Urban Cruiser slid a ranking to 10th, with 875 units registered last month. That meant the Kia Sonet was relegated from the table in February, despite sales increasing 5.2% month on month to 873 units (excluding 4 registrations in the LCV segment).
SA’s 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in February 2025
Veteran motoring journalist Calvin Fisher travelled to Sweden for an ice-driving experience of the VW Golf 8.5 R and the Wolfsburg-based brand‘s other 4Motion-equipped models. Suffice it to say, he spent most of his time going sideways…
The headline: “Golf 8.5 R on ice” doesn’t only refer to the fact that the new, more powerful iteration of the all-wheel-driven performance Golf won’t be making it to Mzansi because of our poor fuel quality.
No, I’m literally parked on ice – welcome to the frozen lakes of Arvidsjaur, Sweden. I’m here, just 110 km south of the Arctic Circle in the heart of Lapland, where it’s cold. And I mean really cold (-14°C). But, we were about to warm ourselves up, thanks to the line-up of machines Volkswagen had prepared for us.
Our hosts had assembled various cars for us to flick and dance with in this chilly environment. Sure, there were the likes of the new Tiguan and larger Tayron (due in SA in August/September 2025), the Passat Variant wagon, as well as a prototype for an AWD Golf 8.5 1.4TSI. Then there was a pair of EVs in the shape of the ID4 GTX, ID7 Tourer GTX and, of course, the latest Golf R – in hatch and estate guises.
As mentioned before, it’s the facelifted (8.5) R with 245 kW and 420 Nm of torque. In the dry, it’ll do 0-100 kph in 4.6 sec, but here, not so much. It has a 7-speed dual clutch auto, but we’ll struggle to see 4th.
This isn’t strictly a car review; instead, it’s a celebration of the culmination of over 4 decades of all wheel drive – almost completely conducted via the side windows. We’ll be going sideways – ad infinitum – and by way of 4Motion, Volkswagen’s clever means of keeping all 4 wheels turning, so that you can make it quickly – and safely – around any kind of corner. And even if the corner is made of 80-cm thick ice.
Because here on Lake Arvidsjaursjön, it is. They say it’s safe to land a plane or drive a bus on this ice, but that doesn’t make hearing the cracking noises any less terrifying. Despite my fears, it is indeed a stalwart location among the motor manufacturers keen on cold weather testing; the VW Driving Experience layout features about 40 configurations (each 1 is essentially a racetrack), with the longest 1 measuring 10 km.
I’m on what the locals call the Red Loop. It’s about 5 km long and a festival of chicanes that tighten and loosen randomly to keep you on your toes. The 1st few laps are chaos, with me frantically winding and unwinding lock upon lock of steering in an attempt to keep this Golf 8.5 R dancing from apex to apex.
Eventually, the process becomes rhythmic, even therapeutic, as you get comfortable with zero traction. Push past the discomfort of that initial frantic and squirrelly nature and you’ll encounter a level of zen that only rally drivers (or the most exuberant farmers in their bakkies) will experience on a gravel road.
You start to appreciate the linear power delivery of the “EA888 LK3 evo4” motor and how you can, with subtle inputs from the steering wheel, accelerator and, to a lesser extent, the brake pedal, make the Golf 8.5 R rotate at will, all to the tune of a rollicking turbocharged 4-pot soundtrack, of course.
This changes somewhat when you hop into “more demure” electric family SUVs such as the ID4– and ID.7 Tourer GTX. Suddenly, it occurs to you that like an electric light switch, their “throttle responses” are binary (on or off), which results in an all-in/all-out behaviour. Whereas previously you had modularity, now you have wanton floodgates, 560 Nm deep, ready to lurch you into a 180-degree spin.
But it isn’t the case. VW has done an enviable job of building modularity into its ID models’ “throttles” via a software update, which enables the EVs to skate like their internal-combustion-engined counterparts.
Whereas the all-paw setup of VW’s ICE models (such as the Golf 8.5 R) can be described as “hang-on” AWD systems (with the powered front axle dragging the rear wheels behind it), the all-electric ID models’ AWD configuration can be described as an add-on system that makes the rears help push the car along.
But only the Golf 8.5 R enjoys torque vectoring along its rear axle (via 2 clutches), which acts much like a limited slip differential to optimise grip and deliver long, predictable slides and broad grins. Like mine.
Volkswagen has been honing its all-wheel drive (4Motion) systems for decades now. The Wolfsburg-based brand toyed with the technology covertly as early as the T2 Kombi, evolving in it their Syncro-endowed models before ultimately going mainstream with the likes of the Touareg, Amarok and Golf R.
And while driving on a frozen lake is hardly relatable to a South African motorist, it demonstrates the lengths VW go to ensure 4Motion is more than a safety feature; it’s also a form of driver engagement. And you can take my word on the latter, as I leave the lake sweating, smiling, and very much engaged.
The facelifted Audi A3 has arrived in South Africa, again offered in Sportback and Sedan guise (though as part of a dramatically rationalised range). Here’s what they cost…
The facelifted Audi A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan have touched down in South Africa, with the Ingolstadt-based firm’s local division rationalising the local line-up to just 4 derivatives (initially, at least).
Of course, as it announced late in 2024, Audi South Africa plans to expand its updated A3 portfolio with the launch of “sportier derivatives” at some point later in 2025. But, for now, just a quartet of 35 TFSI variants make up the refreshed 8Y-series range.
So, while the pre-facelift line-up comprised as many as 12 derivatives (including base and mid-tier versions of the 35 TFSI as well as the 40 TFSI powertrain), the refreshed range is made up of high-spec 35 TFSI “S line” and “Black Edition” variants, in 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan forms.
With the A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line priced from R808 200, the range’s entry point rises by a considerable R126 100. The A3 Sportback 35 TFSI Black Edition costs R834 500. Meanwhile, the A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S line comes in from R823 200, with the A3 Sedan 35 TFSI Black Edition topping the range – for the time being, at least – at R849 500.
To refresh your memory, the 35 TFSI derivatives retain the Volkswagen Group’s familiar turbocharged 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine and 8-speed automatic transmission (rather than switching to a 1.5-litre petrol engine featuring mild-hybrid technology and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, as initially thought), generating unchanged peak outputs of 110 kW and 250 Nm.
The S line package includes 18-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in 225/40 R18 tyres), LED lights (with dynamic indicators), a “convenience” key, lane-departure warning, parking assist (with parking aid plus), a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting package plus, a sports steering wheel, sports seats, the Audi virtual cockpit and a Sonos 3D premium sound system.
Meanwhile, the Black Edition grade adds darkened trim for the grille, Audi rings and side-mirror caps, along with black 18-inch alloy wheels and privacy glass. Of course, the A3 range’s mid-cycle refresh also encompasses revised exterior and interior designs as well as various new cabin materials.
In 2024, Audi SA registered 596 units of the A3 Sportback, along with 390 examples of the A3 Sedan. As a reminder, this generation of A3 arrived in Mzansi back in July 2021.
How much does the facelifted Audi A3 cost in SA?
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line – R808 200
Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI S line – R823 200
Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI Black Edition – R834 500
Audi A3 Sedan 35 TFSI Black Edition – R849 500
The prices above include Audi’s 1-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Tunland cracks top 10! SA’s best-selling bakkies in February 2025
The Foton Tunland G7 has cracked the list of South Africa’s 10 best-selling bakkies for February 2025. Here’s a closer look at the sales figures…
In February 2025, South Africa’s total new-vehicle market increased 7.3% year on year to 47 978 units. Yet again, the local passenger-vehicle segment drove this overall industry growth, while sales in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) space dropped 11.3% year on year to 11 802 units.
So, what happened on the list of Mzansi’s best- and worst-selling bakkies in February 2025? Well, there was no stopping the Toyota Hilux, with local registrations of the Prospecton-built stalwart increasing 4.9% month on month to 2 683 units. Toyota SA Motors says 1 120 units represented double-cab sales.
In February, Isuzu’s D-Max cut the gap to the Ford Ranger to 244 units.
Meanwhile, sales of the Ford Ranger grew 16.7% (compared to January 2025’s effort) to 2 168 units. This performance saw the Silverton-made contender retain the runner-up position in February, some 515 units off the pace set by the Hilux.
However, the Isuzu D-Max enjoyed a month-on-month sales surge of 36.2%, ending February 2025 on 1 924 units and therefore closing the gap to the Ranger to just 244 units. As many as 452 units – or a considerable 23.5% – of the Struandale-produced bakkie’s tally represented sales to South Africa’s government.
Not only were the podium positions unchanged in February 2025 but the next 5 places were unmoved, too. The KwaZulu-Natal-assembled Mahindra Pik Up (763 units) retained 4th place, while the imported Toyota Land Cruiser 79 (534 units) remained in 5th, again breaching the 500-unit mark.
That meant the Rosslyn-built Nissan Navara (412 units) held steady in 6th place, finishing ahead of the Ford-built Volkswagen Amarok (290 units) in 7th position. The GWM P-Series (232 units) range – which now also includes new P300 derivatives, each powered by the latest 2.4 turbodiesel engine – again finished in 8th.
The GWM P-Series range now includes new P300 2.4TD derivatives.
But there was a new entrant in February 2025. Yes, the Foton Tunland G7 grabbed 9th place (effectively booting the new Mitsubishi Triton out of the top 10), with 201 units registered last month. This is the first month Foton has reported sales figures to Naamsa since returning to the segment back in June 2024.
The GWM Steed took the final place in the top 10, ending the month on 125 registrations. Though that’s a relatively modest figure, it interestingly represents a whopping 68.9% improvement compared to this Chinese nameplate’s January 2025 tally.
Best of the rest in February 2025: bakkies outside top 10
After 3 straight months of top-10 finishes, the Mitsubishi Triton fell off the charts in February.
So, which bakkies didn’t crack the top 10 in February 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 138 units.
Next came the Peugeot Landtrek on 94 units, followed by the aforementioned Mitsubishi Triton and Mahindra Bolero, each ending February 2025 on just 46 units (for the record, the Triton enjoyed 3 straight months of top-10 finishes before being relegated in February). Finally, 11 units of the discontinued Nissan NP200 were registered in SA last month, along with 3 examples of the Jeep Gladiator.
Suzuki holds strong in 2nd! SA’s new-car sales in February 2025
February 2025 represented the SA new-vehicle market’s 5th consecutive month of year-on-year growth. Here’s your market overview, including a look at Mzansi’s best-selling automakers…
In February 2025, South Africa’s new-vehicle market registered its 5th straight month of year-on-year growth, with sales increasing 7.3% to 47 978 units. That latter figure furthermore represents a 3.4% improvement over January 2025’s effort.
Meanwhile, export sales fell 8.6% year on year to 34 656 units, leading Naamsa to describe February 2025 as “a defining month for South Africa’s new-vehicle market, reflecting both resilience in domestic sales and headwinds in the export segment”.
According to the industry representative body, 84.1% of last month’s total reported domestic industry figure represented dealer sales, while an estimated 11.1% were sales to the new-vehicle rental industry, 2.2% to industry corporate fleets and 2.5% to government.
Once again, it was Mzansi’s new passenger-vehicle market that drove overall growth in the industry, with sales in this space increasing a significant 17.0% year on year to 33 757 units (for the record, the rental channel accounted for 14.6% of that total). Meanwhile, domestic sales of new light-commercial vehicles slipped 11.3% year on year to 11 802 units.
Meanwhile, Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank, said February’s sales “gave even more reassurance [than January’s performance] that positive growth may be possible for the automotive industry this year”.
“Despite February being a short month, it was not a particularly short sales month, providing wherewithal for consumers to act on renewed confidence and easing affordability,” he explained.
Brandon Cohen, Chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), added that passenger-vehicle buyers in South Africa were seemingly undeterred by “prevailing economic concerns”. He further pointed to the latest decrease in interest rates as well as “speculation over a potential VAT increase” as factors that may have “encouraged some buyers to expedite their purchases”.
“Another reason for the surge in new-car buying could have been that February is the end of a tax year for many companies and those who still have money in their budgets tend to buy before the end of this period,” Cohen suggested.
New-vehicle sales summary for February 2025
Aggregate new-vehicle sales of 47 978 units increased by 7.3% (3 229 units) compared to February 2024.
New passenger-vehicle sales of 33 757 units increased by 17.0% (4 900 units) compared to February 2024.
New light-commercial vehicle sales of 11 802 units decreased by 11.3% (1 504 units) compared to February 2024.
Export sales of 34 656 units decreased by 8.6% (4 861 units) compared to February 2024.
10 best-selling automakers in SA in February 2025
Nissan returned to the top 10 in February 2025.
Though Toyota SA Motors’ total (which includes the Lexus and Hino brands) for February 2025 slid 3.4% year on year to 11 743 units, the Japanese firm remained well ahead of the pack. As a reminder, Toyota boasted a 24.9% share of the total market in 2024, with nearly 130 000 new vehicles sold around the country last year.
Meanwhile, after leapfrogging Volkswagen Group Africa in January, Suzuki Auto SA managed to retain 2nd place in February 2025, finishing on a healthy 6 044 units (down 5.5%, month on month). That meant VW Group Africa (including Audi sales) again had to settle for 3rd position, with local registrations falling 7.5% month on month to 5 249 units.
Hyundai Automotive SA (3 074 units), however, reported month-on-month sales growth of 8.8% in February 2025, keeping the South Korean firm in 4th spot ahead of the likewise steady Ford (2 900 units) in 5th place. Interestingly, the Blue Oval brand enjoyed a 17.6% increase in local registrations compared with January.
That said, Isuzu Motors SA’s month-on-month improvement was even more marked, with local registrations of this brand up 32.6% to 2 298 units. That saw Isuzu climb 2 rankings to 6th, forcing the Chinese duo of Chery (1 924 units) and GWM (1 713 units) down to 7th and 8th, respectively.
Indian automaker Mahindra (1 610 units) remained in 9th place, putting in what we believe was its best-ever tally in South Africa, eclipsing its 1 463-unit effort in the prior month. Finally, Nissan (1 497 units) returned to the top 10 for the first time since September 2024 to snaffle the last spot on the table.
Therefore, there was no space in the top 10 for Kia (1 491 units) or Renault (1 466 units), with these Motus-imported brands settling in 11th and 12th, respectively. Next came BMW Group SA (with a Naamsa-estimated 1 256 units) in 13th, followed by Omoda & Jaecoo (772 units) in 14th and Stellantis (501 units) in 15th.
1. Toyota – 11 743 units
2. Suzuki – 6 044 units
3. Volkswagen Group – 5 249 units
4. Hyundai – 3 074 units
5. Ford – 2 900 units
6. Isuzu – 2 298 units
7. Chery – 1 924 units
8. GWM – 1 713 units
9. Mahindra – 1 610 units
10. Nissan – 1 497 units
Sales outlook in South Africa rest of 2025
So, what’s next for South Africa’s new-vehicle market? Well, Naamsa believes “inflationary risks remain a concern”, with the Nersa’s (National Energy Regulator of South Africa) 12.74% electricity tariff hike set for April “posing potential cost pressures for manufacturers”.
Furthermore, the industry representative body says the “unexpected postponement of the 2025 Budget [Speech] introduced short-term fiscal uncertainty, though consumer resilience, monetary support and sustained business confidence helped maintain a positive trajectory for overall vehicle sales”.
WesBank’s Gaoaketse echoes Naamsa’s concerns around short-term uncertainty in the wake of the postponed Budget Speech (and indeed the seemingly fleeting return of load-shedding in February), saying it may “stunt the swell of positivity in the market”. However, he says 3 consecutive interest-rate drops have provided relief.
“While further expected cuts would continue to address affordability and stimulate market activity, other inflationary increases, including electricity tariffs and fuel prices, persist and have many economists questioning the expected pace of interest-rate cuts, warning there may be fewer cuts throughout the year than previously envisioned,” says Gaoaketse, who adds affordability “could still trip up” the market’s early 2025 growth momentum.
Meanwhile, NADA’s Cohen says several economic disrupters remain at play in the South African market, including “concerns about the future of trade with the United States and an ongoing lack of confidence in the business sector”.
However, he adds that the sales charts feature a “growing presence” of manufacturers competing in the entry- and lower segments of the market, suggesting this section of the market is gaining yet more traction. This shift, says Cohen, shows that affordability will likely continue to play a key role in driving local sales.
New GWM Tank 300 2.4TD variants will soon launch in South Africa, lowering the range’s entry point by R26 050. Here’s what the turbodiesel derivatives will cost…
Two new GWM Tank 300 2.4TD derivatives are scheduled to launch in South Africa in March 2025, finally bringing turbodiesel power to this ladder-frame SUV range. And Cars.co.za can confirm local pricing for these highly anticipated oil-burners.
The imminent arrival of these 2 new turbodiesel derivatives will expand the Chinese firm’s Tank 300 portfolio – which currently includes only turbopetrol and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrains – to 6 variants. And, rather interestingly, the base 2.4TD variant will see the line-up’s entry price lowered by R26 050.
The Tank 300 2.4TD will be available in Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury grades.
As with the turbopetrol and HEV powertrains, the new turbodiesel motor will be offered in the familiar Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury grades. According to our information (since confirmed by GWM SA at its recent dealer awards event), the Tank 300 2.4TD Super Luxury 4×4 will be priced at R699 900, while the Tank 300 2.4TD Ultra Luxury 4×4 will come in at R739 900 (scroll to the bottom of this article to view full range pricing).
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 new 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine under the Tank 300’s bonnet.
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.
It’s our understanding that the new Tank 300 2.4TD derivatives will come fitted with a 78-litre fuel tank, rather than the slightly larger 80-litre item used by the turbopetrol and HEV variants. In addition, we believe the oil-burning derivatives will boast a braked towing capacity of 3 000 kg, some 500 kg higher than its siblings.
The cabin of the Tank 300 in Ultra Luxury guise.
Back in October 2024, Desmond Els, Sales Director at GWM South Africa, confirmed to Cars.co.za that a turbodiesel engine would be added to the Tank 300 portfolio in the opening quarter of 2025. Els told us that since local buyers are “very pro diesel, we know we need to get to market as quickly as possible”.
To refresh your memory, 2 variants in the current range employ the firm’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which sends 162 kW and 380 Nm to all 4 wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the hybrid powertrain used in the other 2 derivatives is based on a similarly sized 4-pot but churns out total system outputs of 255 kW and 648 Nm. The dual-powered variants switch to a 9-speed automatic transmission.
A turbodiesel option will broaden the local appeal of the Tank 300.
In 2024, GWM registered 526 units of the Tank 300 in South Africa (and a further 41 units in January 2025), reaching a monthly high of 62 sales in August last year. The addition of turbodiesel derivatives to the local line-up will surely see that figure surpassed before the end of 2025.
How much will the GWM Tank 300 2.4TD cost in SA?
GWM Tank 300 2.4TD Super Luxury 4×4 – R699 900
GWM Tank 300 2.0T Super Luxury 4×4 – R725 950
GWM Tank 300 2.4TD Ultra Luxury 4×4 – R739 900
GWM Tank 300 2.0T Ultra Luxury 4×4 – R775 950
GWM Tank 300 2.0T HEV Super Luxury 4×4 – R851 950
GWM Tank 300 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 – R925 000
We expect the turbodiesel version of the GWM Tank 300 to ship with the same 7-year/200 000 km warranty and 7-year/75 000 km service plan as the other derivatives in the range.
The 13 category winners and the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (#CarsAwards) were announced at Waterfall City Park at Mall of Africa on 27 February 2025.
Highlights of the 2024/25 #CarsAwards, sponsored by Absa
Three apiece: BMW and Toyota notched up the most category wins (3 apiece) in the 2024/25 #CarsAwards. BMW has the 2nd most category wins in #CarsAwards history (15), followed by Toyota (14) and Suzuki (11). Volkswagen (21) still leads the #CarsAwards category trophies tally, but its advantage is narrowing.
Brand of the Year hat trick: By winning the most prestigious #CarsAwards title for a 3rd consecutive time, Toyota has a total of 5 Brand of the Year wins, followed by Suzuki (2) and Volkswagen (1). Apart from wins for the Urban Cruiser and Hilux, the Corolla Cross defended its Compact Family Car win, this time with the 1.8 Hybrid XR.
Budget Car King: Suzuki won the Budget Car category for the 6th time out of 8 iterations of the #CarsAwards with the Swift 1.2 GLX. The previous-gen model (also a 1.2 GLX) won the Entry-level Hatch trophy for a 2nd consecutive time in 2023/24. A Swift variant has won a #CarsAwards category 5 times.
Five in a row: Volkswagen won the #CarsAwards Compact Hatch category for the 5th straight time with a 1.0-litre turbopetrol Polo variant (the 1.0 TSI 85kW R-Line).
Comeback brands:Mini trebled its #CarsAwards trophy tally by finishing on top in the Premium Crossover and Electric Car categories with its Countryman S ALL4 and SE ALL4 respectively, marking the first time the Oxford-based brand has won a #CarsAwards category since 2017/18.
After winning the Premium SUV title in 2020/21, the Land Rover Defender climbed back onto the winners list in the Adventure SUV category of 2024/25. The 110 D350 X-Dynamic HSE also achieved the highest combined score of all finalists (81.1%).
Widest winning margin – Kia, which claimed its 1st #CarsAwards category win with the Sportage 1.6CRDi EX (Family Car) last year, successfully defended its title with the 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus variant. It beat its nearest rival (Volkswagen Tiguan) by 4.7%.
Narrowest winning margin – Apart from winning the Performance Car and Executive SUV categories, the BMW pinched the Premium SUV title with the X5 xDrive30d M Sport, which edged out the Lexus RX by only two hundredths of a per cent (0.02%).
Closest 3-way battle – The Compact Hatch category had the smallest gap between the 1st and 3rd places (0.1%), while Ultimate Double Cab, won by the Ford Ranger Raptor, had the biggest gap between the first- and third-placed finalists (11.4%).
About the 2024/25 CarsAwards, sponsored by Absa
The winners of the 8th iteration of the Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored for a 2nd consecutive year by Absa and endorsed by naamsa | The Automotive Business Council (of South Africa) – were revealed at a glamorous Cirque du Soleil-themed event that was attended by hundreds of guests. Comedian Nik Rabinowitz and radio personality (and #CarsAwards guest judge) Khutso Theledi hosted the evening.
The Cars.co.za (widely known as the #CarsAwards) was established in 2015 to be South Africa’s definitive automotive awards programme – it plays a pivotal role in the company’s mission to help consumers make the best-informed purchasing decisions.
Amazi Mwela, Managing Director of Cars.co.za.
“The Cars.co.za Awards brings together insights of the top motoring experts in the country combined with feedback from real people who drive these vehicles every day to help our users make the best choices for their budget and lifestyle,” says Amasi Mwela, Managing Director of Cars.co.za.
“With 50% of the final scores determined by brands’ ratings in the survey, a vehicle only really stands a very good chance of winning if it is a good product in the eyes of the judges and if its brand delivers solid after-sales service.”
The 2024/25 CarsAwards’ multi-faceted judging process
The Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa utilises a unique scoring system that involves extensive testing by a panel of 19 judges, inputs from vehicle owners (based on their sales-, service- and product experiences of vehicles less than four years old and serviced through franchised outlets), provided by data specialists Lightstone.
To ensure adequate representation and coverage by brand, Lightstone undertook targeted interviews using computer-aided interviewing. This involved sourcing contact information for recently purchased vehicles and calling thousands of South African car owners to complete the survey telephonically; this approach ensured each respondent was a bona-fide owner of the target vehicle, says Lightstone. It interviewed almost 5 000 car owners.
Cars.co.za’s extended editorial team chose the 39 finalist vehicles (3 per category) out of a list of 65 semi-finalists. A notable difference between #CarsAwards and other programmes is that all new vehicles available on the market are eligible. This means that a good product launched a few years ago is not automatically excluded.
The combined judging panel (including 15 respected guest judges from various fields of expertise) compiled the finalist vehicles’ scores after they evaluated the cars back-to-back during an intensive two-day test at the Gerotek facility in November 2024.
However, the judges’ scores for the 39 finalists only counted 50% of the final standings. The other 50% was based on rankings that the respective vehicle brands represented by the finalists achieved in the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey.
How 2024/25 CarsAwards Brand of the Year title was decided
As opposed to the category winners, the recipient of the #CarsAwards Brand of the Year title is determined solely by market data and the findings of the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey – how owners rated the dealer sales-, after-sales service- and product experience of their vehicles’ brands – and the percentages of purchase-price value the brands’ finalists retained after 3 years of ownership.
Riaan Esterhuysen, Senior Manager: Product PR & Gazoo Racing for Toyota South Africa Motors.
Toyota, which won the first #CarsAwards Brand of the Year title in 2015/16 and again in 2018/19, is now on a run of 3 consecutive victories. This year, Prospecton-based Toyota South Africa Motors top-scored with 77.2% to back up its Brand of the Year title wins in the 2020/21 and 2023/24 programmes.
But whereas it was a significant 9.2% ahead of the runner-up in 2023/24 (2-time Brand of the Year winner Suzuki), Toyota/Lexus finished only 0.6% ahead of Mini (76.6%), which had moved up 4 places in the past year to take 2nd spot. Isuzu, which improved by 5 places in 2024/25, finished 3rd with 75.3%.
“The Brand of the Year trophy is the ultimate accolade in the local automotive industry and represents validation from the people who matter most: car owners,” says Hannes Oosthuizen, the manager of the Cars.co.za Awards’ scoring process.
“By providing consistently superior after-sales support through the most extensive dealer network in the country, Toyota has put South African consumers first and – based on the feedback by thousands of vehicle owners – they appreciate that.”
Cars.co.za Showroom at Mall of Africa
Since the 2023/24 CarsAwards, the programme has incorporated a consumer experience element and, during the 3 days after the Awards gala, the 13 category winners and the other 2024/25 CarsAwards finalists will be on display at the Mall of Africa, which also hosted the 1st Awards Roadshow in 2023.
From 28 Feb to 2 March, the Cars.co.za Showroom is bringing the 39 best new cars in SA to @themallofafrica! You can see them, test drive them, and even buy one on the spot! 💰 Win awesome prizes! 🎤 Live entertainment Sorted! 🎢 Family-friendly activities for the whole squad! 🔑 Test drive the best cars on the market 😎 Get expert advice from #CarsAwards judges 💰 Absa will be there to help you with vehiclw finance 🚗 Buy YOUR new car! — Cars Awards 2025 is here! 🥳 39 Cars across 13 categories have been judged and thoroughly tested by our 20 judges so you can make the best decision when buying your car. The winners will be announced at the Cars.co.za Awards Gala Event this February and you can be a part of the Cars Awards Experience at the Mall of Africa from 28 Feb – 2 March 2025. Stay tuned to our socials as we get ready to crown the best 13 new cars available in South Africa. #CarsAwards2025#CarsAwards#carsawardsabsa#carssouthafrica#cartoks#carnews#absa#newcar#letsfindwhatmovesyou#whatmovesyou#Carssouthafrica#mallofafrica#Midrand#gauteng#johannesburg#joburg#southafricantiktok#showroom#carscoza#NewCarWhoDis
At the Cars.co.za Showroom, sponsored by Absa (located at Waterfall City Park), the motoring public will be able to inspect and experience the finalist vehicles and get test rides in some of Mzansi’s best new cars. They’ll be able to engage with Cars.co.za advisers, dealers’ sales representatives, and #CarsAwards judges.
Absa finance specialists will also be at the Cars.co.za Showroom to advise prospective car buyers, who could buy their new cars, or at least initiate purchases, at the event.
The Cars Showroom from 28 Feb – 02 March promises fun for the enitre family, with live entertainment, competitions and giveaways, the Absa Car-aoke bar and more.
