2025 CarsAwards: Best Premium SUV in SA

The Premium SUV category of the 2025 CarsAwards featured 3 of the market’s most sophisticated and luxurious family cars. A Japanese contender came close to stealing the trophy in the 2024/25 programme, but the venerable BMW X5 prevailed…

Premium SUVs may primarily appeal for irrational and emotional reasons such as design and status, but at their core, they are some of the most sophisticated and capable vehicles on the market.

Apart from sheer desirability, the winner of the Premium SUV category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) is spacious, has a high-tech all-wheel drivetrain, a powerful engine, a luxuriously trimmed cabin and, of course, a prestigious badge on its grille.

2025 CarsAwards Premium SUV finalists: BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Lexus RX

The Best Premium SUV category

This Premium SUV category of the 2025 CarsAwards was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors included a list price between R1 300 000 and R1 800 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting. It had to be a large SUV of the BMW X5/Mercedes GLE category (coupe-inspired variants were also considered). It goes without saying that an all-wheel drivetrain was a must-have feature.

Pillars of success for this category included powertrain technology, luxury, brand strength, design and quality appeal, driving dynamics, as well as space and practicality.

WINNER:

2025 CarsAwards Premium SUV finalist BMW X5 (right)

BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport

About 25 years ago, the 1st-gen BMW X5 helped to establish what is now known as the Premium SUV segment and, after last winning this category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards in 2019/20, the 4th-gen model has won the trophy again (also a xDrive30d M Sport and with a combined score of 77.88%).

With a 219-kW 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel powerplant that balances impressive on-road performance with good fuel economy, the xDrive30d M Sport also offers generous passenger room and cargo-carrying capacity. BMW claims an average fuel consumption figure of 7.8 L/100 km for this variant.

The X5 is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

View the Price & Specs of the BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport

Find a BMW X5 for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

2025 CarsAwards Premium SUV finalist Lexus RX

Lexus RX 500h F Sport

Launched in 2023, the current-gen Lexus RX is a refreshing alternative to its dominant German rivals and the strikingly styled RX 500h F Sport, which combines a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine with a hybrid system to develop total outputs of 273 kW and 460 Nm, came within 2 hundredths of a per cent of beating the BMW X5 to the Premium SUV category title this year (its combined score was 78.86%).

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Lexus RX500h F Sport:

It certainly has all the grunt you would want from an SUV that isn’t a performance-oriented model. Lexus claims the derivative will use 6.5 L/100 km, which compares well with the average consumption figures of 6-cylinder turbodiesels it might compete with.

The Lexus RX 500h is backed with a 7-year/105 000 km vehicle warranty and maintenance plan, as well as an 8-year/195 000 km hybrid battery warranty.

View the Price & Specs of the Lexus RX 500h F Sport

Read a launch review of the Lexus RX

Find a Lexus RX for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards Premium SUV finalist Mercedes-Benz GLE

Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4Matic

As 1 of the vehicles that created the Premium SUV segment, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a strong reputation and is always a contender, offering sumptuous ride comfort and a particularly striking interior.

Watch Ciro De Siena compare a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE with a BMW X5:

The GLE 300d is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine with peak outputs of 213 kW and 550 Nm of torque. Mercedes-Benz claims an average consumption figure of 6.9 L/100 km.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d, which achieved a combined score of 73% in the 2025 CarsAwards, is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4Matic

Read a review of the Mercedes-Benz GLE

Find a Mercedes-Benz GLE for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

The winners of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) was announced on 27 February 2025.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

BMW vs Mercedes-Benz: 2024’s premium sales winner crowned!

BMW and Mercedes-Benz both suffered sales declines in 2024. But which of these German giants won the global premium sales race last year? Here are the figures…

With 2024 now firmly in the rearview mirror, it’s time to find out which automaker won the global premium sales race last year. As has been the case for some time now, it was a relatively close-fought affair between the 2 top dogs: BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

That said, both of these German automakers suffered year-on-year sales declines worldwide, with Munich blaming delivery stops related to a massive recall (as well as “subdued demand in China”) and Stuttgart pointing to “global macro-economic challenges”. But which company ended 2024 on top?

Well, the BMW Group – which, as a reminder, comprises the BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad brands – reported a worldwide sales figure of 2 450 804 units for 2024. For the record, that represents a 4.0% year-on-year decline.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz Group (which includes the Mercedes-Benz brand and the Smart marque as well as Mercedes-Benz Vans) ended the same 12-month reporting period on 2 389 000 units, likewise representing a 4.0% decrease compared with 2023. By our maths, that puts the Stuttgart-based group 61 804 units behind its Munich-based foe.

What happens if we compare only the 2 core brands? Well, the gulf is wider here, with the BMW marque ending 2024 on 2 200 177 units (a year-on-year fall of 2.3%), enough for the company to claim it “maintained its position as the global leader in its segment”. The Mercedes-Benz Cars brand came in at 1 983 400 units (a year-on-year drop of 3%), though keep in mind the latter figure includes Smart sales, which Mercedes has opted not to list separately. As an aside, Audi’s global sales were down 11.8% year on year to 1 671 218 units.

Meanwhile, the BMW Group says it registered 426 594 units in the fully electric segment in 2024 (a year-on-year improvement of 13.5%), with the Mercedes-Benz Group’s total EV sales dipping 22% year on year to 204 600 units (the company cited “slower EV adoption in core markets” as a reason).

In addition, the BMW M division grew its sales 2.1% year on year to finish 2024 on 206 582 units (note this includes not only full-fat M products but also M Performance models), an all-time high. Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz no longer releases an AMG-specific figure, instead listing a sales total for “top-end” models (comprising Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, G-Class, S-Class, GLS, EQS and EQS SUV registrations). The latter number fell 14% year on year to 281 500 units.

For the record, the Mini brand contributed 244 915 units (down 17.1%, year on year) to the BMW Group’s overall tally, while Rolls-Royce added 5 712 units (down 5.3%, compared with 2023) and BMW Motorrad some 210 408 units (up 0.6%, year on year, for a new record). Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz Vans accounted for 405 600 units of its Group’s 2024 total, down 9% year on year, with around 19 500 of those taking the form of electric vans.

In South Africa, it’s unfortunately not entirely clear how each firm performed in 2024, since BMW reports sales figures for only every 3rd month and Mercedes-Benz doesn’t share registrations with Naamsa at all. That said, based on the industry representative body’s “estimates”, the BMW Group (here including only the BMW and Mini brands, and not Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad) managed 12 477 units locally in 2024, while the Mercedes-Benz Group (including Mercedes-Benz Vans) finished on 6 401 units…

2025 CarsAwards: Best Premium Crossover in SA

If you’re looking for a premium motoring experience from a car that combines luxury, performance and style in a compact shape, the 2025 CarsAwards Premium Crossover category winner – the Mini Countryman S ALL4 – should be top of your shortlist.

These stylish vehicles offer a popular SUV look in a smaller, more city-friendly package. The winner of the Premium Crossover category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) attracts attention with eye-catching looks, colours and a punchy powertrain.

Individuality is the name of the game in this segment, where models’ interior and exterior looks can be tailored to buyers’ specific tastes, while still providing the most up-to-date in-car technologies.

2025 CarsAwards Premium Crossover finalists: BMW X2, Mini Countryman and Volvo XC40

The Premium Crossover category

The Premium Crossover category of the 2025 CarsAwards was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors for this category included a list price between R700 000 and R1 000 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting to ensure exclusivity and status. To be eligible for this category, a model must be a crossover/small SUV in the mould of models such as the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 etc.

Pillars of success for this category included powertrain technology, driving dynamics, design and quality appeal, luxury and brand strength.

WINNER:

2025 CarsAwards Premium Crossover finalists: Mini Countryman

Mini Countryman S ALL4

The 3rd-gen Mini Countryman, which achieved a combined score of 79.9%, offers loftier levels of sophistication in its biggest, most spacious package yet. It has also become a very refined offering.

Watch David Taylor’s video review of the Mini Countryman:

The Countryman S is powered by a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine that delivers a strong 150 kW and 300 Nm of torque, yet promises good efficiency, with a claimed average consumption figure of 6.5 L/100 km.

It is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Mini Countryman S ALL4

Read a review of the Mini Countryman S ALL4

Find a Mini Countryman for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

2025 CarsAwards Premium Crossover finalist: BMW X2

BMW X2 sDrive18i M Sport

A relatively recent arrival on the South African new-vehicle market, the 2nd-generation BMW X2 has grown in size, compared with its predecessor.

The newcomer, of which the sDrive18i M Sport achieved a combined score of 76.2%, is longer (by 194 mm), wider (by 21 mm) and stands 64 mm taller. This gives it a more practical and comfortable cabin.

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the BMW X2:

Powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the X2 delivers a good balance of performance (115 kW/230 Nm) and efficiency, with the focus falling on the latter – BMW claims an average consumption figure of 6.7 L/100 km for this derivative.

The X2 is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

View the Price & Specs of the BMW X2 sDrive18i M Sport

Read a Launch Review of the BMW X2

Find a BMW X2 for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards Premium Crossover finalists: Volvo XC40

Volvo XC40 B4 Plus Dark

In years to come, Volvo’s XC range may be remembered as some of the Swedish brand’s finest products. In the XC40 – the smallest of the trio of (non-electric) models – customers are treated to a compact, yet well-thought-out premium crossover. It achieved a combined score of 70% in the 2025 CarsAwards.

Watch Ciro De Siena compare a Volvo XC40 with a Jaguar E-Pace:

It has a beautifully finished cabin equipped with an innovative Google-powered infotainment system. The B4 mild-hybrid 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine delivers willing performance too, with 145 kW and 300 Nm of torque. Volvo claims an average fuel consumption of 7.3 L/100 km for this variant.

The Volvo XC40 is backed with a 5-year/100 000km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Volvo XC40 B4 Plus Dark

Find a Volvo XC40 for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

The winners of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) was announced on 27 February 2025.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

2025 CarsAwards: Best Family Car in SA

A Family Car must be a genuine all-rounder that offers spaciousness, efficiency, luxury and performance in a neatly styled medium-SUV package. In the 2025 CarsAwards, the Kia Sportage successfully defended the title it won in our 2023/24 programme.

A medium crossover or SUV, which we’ve categorised under “family car” ever since the #CarsAwards programme began in 2015, is expected to perform a variety of duties and be a practical all-rounder.

The winner of the Family Car category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) should excel on the school run, but also be able to transport a family to a distant holiday location. In this category, interior flexibility, comfort and, of course, safety are paramount.

2025 CarsAwards Family Car category finalists: VW Tiguan, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and Kia Sportage

The Family Car category

The Family Car category of the 2025 CarsAwards was guided by eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors for this category included a list price between R600 000 and R800 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting. The following features must be standard: ABS and electronic stability control (ESC), aircon, a minimum of 6 airbags, split-folding rear seats, as well as a service plan.

Pillars of success for this category included powertrain flexibility, fuel economy, space and practicality, design and quality appeal, comfort and safety and in-car entertainment.

WINNER:

2025 CarsAwards Family Car category finalist Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus

The 5th-gen Kia Sportage burst onto the scene with bold and futuristic good looks, but under its shapely sheetmetal, you’ll find a well-packaged family SUV. In the 2023/24 programme, the Sportage competed in EX guise and emerged as our winner, but to repeat its win in 2024/25, the Korean medium SUV (in 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus guise) had to repel a fierce challenge from an all-new Volkswagen Tiguan model.

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of 2022 Kia Sportage:

The Kia Sportage’s 1.6 CRDi GT Line Plus is powered by a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that delivers a strong 320 Nm of torque, making it a delight to drive around town, plus it offers unbeatable (in this trio) fuel efficiency, with a claimed average consumption of 5.0 L/100 km.

The Kia Sportage 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus, which achieved a combined score of 77.8% in the 2025 CarsAwards, is backed with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km service plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT Line Plus

Read a review of the Kia Sportage

Find a Kia Sportage for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

2025 CarsAwards Family Car category finalist Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI R-Line

As the successor to 1 of the most-loved family-sized crossovers on the market, the Volkswagen Tiguan has big shoes to fill. Perhaps predictably, VW has not fiddled with the successful recipe too much.

Watch Jacob Moshokoa’s video review of the VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI R-Line:

The Tiguan 1.4 TSI R-Line, which achieved a combined score of 73.1%, offers handsome looks, a spacious cabin, proven drivetrains and a more tech-oriented spec sheet than before.

Its 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine delivers 110 kW and 250 Nm, with Volkswagen claiming an average fuel consumption of 7.6 L/100 km.

The Tiguan is backed with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI R-Line

Read a Launch Review of the Volkswagen Tiguan

Find a Volkswagen Tiguan for sale on Cars.co.za

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDi 390 Executive AWD

2025 CarsAwards Family Car category finalist Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max

With its stylish good looks, a 7-seat interior, powerful drivetrain and attractive warranty/service plan, it’s no surprise that the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max has proven to be a popular offering in this segment.

Jacob Moshokoa and Ciro De Siena compare Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max with Haval H6:

The model’s 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine delivers 187 kW and 390 Nm of torque, giving the Chery strong performance. The Chinese brand also claims an average fuel consumption figure of 8.7 L/100 km.

It is backed with a 7-year/200 000 km vehicle warranty and headline-grabbing 10-year/1 000 000 km engine warranty (for the first owner), as well as a 7-year/90 000 km service plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDi 390 Executive AWD

Read a review of the Chery Tiggo 8

Find a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro for sale on Cars.co.za

More about the #CarsAwards

The winners of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) was announced on 27 February 2025.

Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster Price Announced

The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is confirmed for South Africa and we have pricing for the new convertible sportscar.

The 2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is powered by the same AMG-sourced 4.0-litre V8 turbocharged petrol engine with 489 kW and 800 Nm. Power drives the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox and Aston reckons its newcomer can hit 100 kph in just 3.5 seconds, and run to a top speed of over 300 kph. If you’re keen, you’ll need over R5 million to secure one.

Some clever engineering by the Aston Martin engineers has insured that the Roadster is just 60 kg heavier than the coupe sibling, with the roof mechanism optimised to retain most of the structural rigidity.

2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster driving

The roof mechanism is of the Z-fold fabric roof design, which weighs less than the standard K-fold units found in conventional convertibles. This setup means the roof mechanism can be opened and closed quickly, with the brand claiming the new Vantage Roadster has the world’s fastest roof. It takes a fraction under 7 seconds to open and at up to speeds of 50 kph.

Aston Martin had to tweak the rear suspension software as well as the gearbox to account for the additional mass of the roof and weight distribution adjustments. Impressively, the vehicle has a 49:51 weight distribution. The downsides? The roof mechanism does impact the boot space slightly.

2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster cabin

Customers can option niceties like carbon ceramic brakes and uprated Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and let’s not forget the extensive Q by Aston Martin customisation program either. There are three new paint finishes, four 21-inch alloy wheel designs and you can get even more granular with seven brake calliper colours and five roof colours to choose from.

How much does the 2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster cost in South Africa?

An Aston Martin South Africa representative confirmed to Cars.co.za the first units will be touching down in the second quarter of 2025, with a base price of R5 649 000.

Haval H7 (2025) Launch Review

The Haval H7 – aimed squarely at adventure-seekers – has debuted in South Africa with a 3-pronged line-up. We get behind the new model’s ‘wheel in Gauteng.

The Haval H7 is here – a family SUV that’s styled to resemble an old-school off-roader and positioned as a rival to the Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson etc.

With plenty of features, a surprisingly large passenger area and a brand-new engine, the Haval H7 looks set to emulate the success of its H6 sibling, which is a more conventional medium SUV. It will be a busy year for GWM, with the facelifted H6, diesel-powered Tank 300 and an updated P300 bakkie to come.

What’s on offer?

Under the bonnet of the newcomer is a new-generation 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor that develops 170 kW/380 Nm and is mated with a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid version, with outputs of 179 kW and 530 Nm, will go on sale in the 2nd quarter of 2025.

See also: Haval H7 (2025) Price & Specs

If you intend to go off-road often, the (for now, range-topping) 2.0T Super Luxury DCT 4WD’s ground clearance of 200 mm, lockable rear differential and 9 off-road modes, should fit the bill. But, if you seek serious 4×4 capability, consider the Tank 300, which has a low-range transfer case and a ladder-frame chassis. For what it’s worth, the H7 4WD has a 24-degree approach- and 30-degree departure angle.

That being said, the front-wheel-drive H7 2.0T Luxury DCT has the same ground clearance and plump 235/60 19-inch tyres, so it should be more than capable of facilitating slight to mild “gravel travel”.

There are 2 trim grades: Luxury and Super Luxury, the latter being exclusive to the 4WD and hybrid derivatives. As is usually the case with Chinese brands’ wares, the H7’s specification is comprehensive.

The entry-level variant features a 14.6-inch infotainment system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated seats and the usual complement of semi-autonomous safety tech, along with 6 airbags.

Super Luxury adds a head-up display, hands-free electric tailgate, 50W wireless charging pad, ventilated seats with memory function, and ambient LED interior lighting to name but a few features.

A quick look around the cabin highlights a utilitarian modern layout with some plush-feeling surfaces and fair ergonomics. There’s a good balance between responsive touchscreen functionality as well as physical buttons.

What’s the Haval H7 like to drive?

For our launch route, we drove on urban roads north of OR Tambo airport. While behind the ‘wheel of the 2.0T Luxury DCT, our first thought was: “Do you truly need all-wheel drive?” Granted, the additional spec offered in Super Luxury trim may sway you, but for day-to-day driving, the entry-level variant is just fine.

With numerous trucks on the road, we had opportunities to test the flexibility of the new powerplant, which proved responsive, especially in its Sport drive mode. In Eco mode, the motor still delivered a commendable performance, with the transmission proving responsive enough to shift down efficiently.

Performance aside, we were most impressed by the engine’s refinement/lack of mechanical noise. Haval’s turbopetrol motors have tended to be noisy at high revs, so it seems progress has been made.

Another prior criticism of Haval’s powerplants (and those of other Chinese car brands, for that matter) was less-than-stellar fuel economy and we feel the H7 has improved in this department as well.

Although we indulged in some spirited driving at times – when we made extensive use of the H7’s liberal overtaking urge – we saw an indicated consumption of around 9 L/100 km, which was quite reasonable.

Interestingly, our car suddenly went into limp mode and the GWM support team deserves kudos for assisting us promptly. We tried the usual reset procedures, but the H7 flatly refused to right itself.

Given the varying quality of fuel in South Africa and the fact that none of the other vehicles on the launch were affected by this glitch, we believe some contaminated fuel may have triggered the test car’s engine management system’s “protection mode”. Due to this issue, we were unable to test the H7 on the gravel section of the route – a pity, because the vehicle would probably have coped admirably with a dirt road.

And what about the newcomer’s ride quality? Seeing as the Haval H7 shares a platform with its H6 sibling (unfortunately named LEMON; it’s anything but that), we were satisfied with the way it coped with the (to be kind) inconsistent quality of the Gauteng province’s road surfaces. The monocoque (unibody) construction and slightly sporty suspension tune give it a slightly firm, but still comfortable, demeanour.

How much does the Haval H7 cost in South Africa?

*Pricing is accurate as of July 2025

Haval H7 2.0T Luxury DCT	R604 950
Haval H7 2.0T Super Luxury DCT 4WD	R674 950
Haval H7 1.5T HEV Super Luxury DHT	R734 950

Prices include a 7-year/200 000 km warranty, 7-year unlimited roadside assistance, and 7-year/75 000 km service plan. The hybrid derivative adds on an additional 8-year/150 000 km components warranty.

Verdict

The Haval H7 makes quite a bold statement, right from the get-go. It’s a distinctively styled family car with a new-gen engine that is sufficiently punchy, as well as refined. It’ll be fascinating to see if the H7’s fuel consumption figures will be on par with those of its legacy-brand rivals (we’ll test it in due course).

But, as is often the case with Chinese brands’ new vehicles, the Haval’s value proposition is strong. In today’s money, R600k (around the price of the entry-level H7 variant) barely gets you into a Volkswagen T-Roc and the Haval comfortably outguns that model in terms of size, specification and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Haval H7 in South Africa

What is the price of the Haval H7 in South Africa?

The price of the Haval H7 in South Africa varies by model. The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol models start from approximately R604,950 for the Luxury trim and R674,950 for the Super Luxury 4WD. The top-of-the-range 1.5-litre HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is priced from around R734,950.

What are the warranty and service plan details for the Haval H7?

The Haval H7 comes with a comprehensive 7-year/200,000 km warranty and a 7-year/75,000 km service plan. For the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) model, there is an additional 8-year/150,000 km warranty specifically for the high-voltage battery system.

What are the engine and performance specifications of the Haval H7?

The Haval H7 is available with two engine options. The standard engine is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit producing 170 kW and 380 Nm of torque. The hybrid model features a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 179 kW and 530 Nm.

How fuel-efficient is the Haval H7?

The claimed fuel consumption for the 2.0-litre petrol model is around 8.1 L/100km for the FWD version and 9.1 L/100km for the AWD version. The more fuel-efficient hybrid model has a claimed consumption of 5.7 L/100km.

What features come standard on the Haval H7 in South Africa?

Standard features on the Haval H7 include a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, and a comprehensive suite of advanced safety systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control and a 360-degree camera system.

Cressida Town! We visit the South African town that runs on Toyota Cressidas

Cressida Town, a place where Toyota Cressidas rule the roads! Join Jacob Moshokoa as he explores this fascinating part of South African car culture. Watch the video!

For some time now, we’ve heard whispers of a small town in KwaZulu Natal that has become renowned for the startling numbers of Toyota Cressidas running around the area.

The town is called Bhamshela, situated about 2 hours outside of the provincial capital, the port city of Durban.

Our very own Jacob Moshokoa and our film crew travelled to the small town and met the owners and drivers of these now legendary cars. In a series of interviews, we were told why they love Cressidas so much, and just exactly what they do with them on a day-to-day basis.

The Cressida was cemented into South African car culture when Nelson Mandela was finally released from prison in 1991. Toyota SA provided the blue Cressida which was driven to pick Mandela up from Victor Voster prison in Cape Town. Sadly, the VIN was not recorded and that car is now lost to history, despite many attempts to track it down.

The Cressida has since become a living legend; very reliable, cheap to fix and as we found out, very good off-road!

We hope you enjoy watching this as much as we enjoyed making it.

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SA’s top 10 automakers: 2024’s winners & losers by market share

We’ve crunched the numbers to calculate market share and see which of South Africa’s top 10 automakers grew and which ones shrunk in 2024. Here are your winners and losers…

South Africa’s new-vehicle market declined 3.0% year on year to 515 712 units in 2024. So, which of Mzansi’s mainstream automakers bucked the industry trend and grew their sales, year on year? And which ones actually shrunk (and perhaps even lost market share) compared with their 2023 performance?

Well, we’ve tallied up the sales figures – and calculated overall market share, too – to identify South Africa’s 10 best-selling automakers of 2024, allowing us to compare these numbers with 2023’s statistics.

So, here’s your comprehensive overview of the respective performances of the main players in the country’s new-vehicle market. For the record, the top 10 welcomed a new brand in 2024, which was 1 of 4 on the table that enjoyed some degree of year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, the remaining 6 automakers suffered sales declines compared with 2023.

Toyota still king as Suzuki closes on VW Group

Toyota's market share in 2024 was nearly 25%

While the podium was unchanged in 2024, sales from runaway leader Toyota (including its Lexus and Hino brands) interestingly slipped 9.8% year on year to 128 663 units. By our maths, that puts the Japanese automaker’s local market share at a still-heady 24.9% (down from 2023’s record of 26.8%). So, virtually 1 in every 4 new vehicles registered in Mzansi last year came from the Toyota stable.

Having now led South Africa’s new-vehicle market for 45 straight years, Toyota was again far ahead of the 2nd-placed Volkswagen Group, with the latter firm’s total – which includes Audi sales – falling 1.4% year on year to 66 486 units. Despite this marginal year-on-year decrease in volume, the VW Group marginally grew its market share in a declining industry, from 2023’s 12.7% to 12.9% in 2024.

However, the 3rd-placed Suzuki closed the gap on its German rival to just 6 912 units in 2024, with local sales of this increasingly popular Japanese brand surging 20.5% year on year (representing the 2nd-strongest instance of growth in the top 10) to 59 574 units. For the record, that translates to an impressive market share of 11.6%, up from 9.3% in the prior 12-month period. Will 2025 be the year Suzuki overtakes the VW Group?

Ford pushes past Hyundai (and Isuzu climbs, too)

Meanwhile, Ford ramped up its local sales by 6.7% year on year to finish on 32 766 units. In the process, the Blue Oval brand – which relied on its Silverton-built Ranger for a considerable 78% of its overall total – moved up a position to grab 4th place, while also growing its market share from 5.8% in 2023 to 6.4% in 2024.

That saw Hyundai slip a ranking to 5th, ending the year on 30 759 units (that’s 2 007 units behind Ford). Though the South Korean firm’s local sales dipped 3.7% year on year, its share of the total market interestingly held steady at 6.0%.

What about Isuzu? Well, the Japanese firm registered a 0.1% year-on-year gain, with its 2024 tally coming in at 23 290 units (a whopping 81.5% of which were D-Max sales). That was enough for the company to climb a spot to 6th place and inch forward its market share from 4.4% to 4.5%.

Chery cracks top 10 as Nissan tries to limit damage

Despite losing what was its chief volume driver relatively early in the year – with production of the NP200 having ceased in March 2024 – Nissan managed to limit the inevitable sales damage that would come with its half-tonne bakkie’s discontinuation… to some degree, at least.

In the end, the Japanese brand slipped just a single ranking to 7th in 2024, even though its overall sales fell a considerable 23.6% year on year to 22 284 units (and its market share slipped from 5.5% to 4.3%). Ultimately, the Magnite picked up much of the slack in the absence of the now-defunct NP200, accounting for a hefty 45.1% of its maker’s total.

In contrast, Chery broke into the top 10 for the very first time, climbing 3 places to end in 8th. The Chinese firm improved its local sales performance by a hefty 22.4% year on year – representing the strongest growth in the top 10 – to finish the year on 19 971 units (a figure that excludes sales from Chery Group subsidiaries, Omoda, Jaecoo and Jetour). According to our calculations, that gives Chery a 3.9% share of the total SA market (up from 3.1% in 2023).

GWM hangs onto 9th as Renault tumbles to 10th

What about Chery’s main Chinese rival, GWM? Well, the broader Great Wall Motor family (which includes the Haval, P-Series, Tank and Ora sub-brands) fascinatingly endured its 2nd straight year of sales decline, with local registrations slipping 4.9% year on year to 18 927 units. GWM nevertheless retained 9th position, while its market share held steady at 3.7%.

Meanwhile, Renault suffered the sharpest year-on-year sales drop in the top 10 (even more significant than Nissan’s fall), with local registrations plunging 27.1% to 15 822 units (this after recording a 20.4% decline in 2023). As such, the French automaker slid 2 rankings to finish in 10th, with its share of SA’s total market contracting from 4.1% to just 3.1%.

So, which brand was booted out of the top 10 in 2024? Well, with the rise of Chery, Kia had to settle for 11th place, ending the year on 14 778 units. That represents a year-on-year decline of 22.6%, with the South Korean firm’s market share shrinking from 3.6% to 2.9%.

South Africa’s 10 best-selling automakers of 2024

	AUTOMAKER	2024 SALES	Y-ON-Y CHANGE	MARKET SHARE
1	Toyota	128 663 units	-9.8%	24.9%
2	VW Group	66 486 units	-1.4%	12.9%
3	Suzuki	59 574 units	+20.5%	11.6%
4	Ford	32 766 units	+6.7%	6.4%
5	Hyundai	30 759 units	-3.7%	6.0%
6	Isuzu	23 290 units	+0.1%	4.5%
7	Nissan	22 284 units	-23.6%	4.3%
8	Chery	19 971 units	+22.4%	3.9%
9	GWM	18 927 units	-4.9%	3.7%
10	Renault	15 822 units	-27.1%	3.1%

*collated by Cars.co.za based on figures reported to Naamsa

Haval H7 (2025) Price & Specs in South Africa

The new Haval H7 arrived in South Africa early in 2025. See specification and pricing details for the H7 below!

GWM South Africa has expanded its SUV product lineup with the arrival of the new Haval H7 in South Africa. The new 5-seater SUV – which features a boxier design and more rugged styling than the closely related H6 – will be available in a trio of derivatives.

The Chinese firm’s local division is offering a turbopetrol engine in both front- and all-wheel-drive guise, along with a flagship hybrid variant.

*Note the GWM (rather than Haval) badge on the tailgate.*

The range kicks off with the Haval H7 2.0T Luxury DCT, which is priced from R604 950. This derivative employs a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which sends 170 kW and 380 Nm to the front wheels through a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission.

This 4-pot motor – which offers 20 kW and 60 Nm more than the equivalent engine in the H6 underpinned by the same platform – will also power the Haval H7 2.0T Super Luxury DCT 4WD, though here drive is delivered to all 4 corners. This all-paw derivative is priced from R674 950.

*The Haval H7 HEV tops the local range.*

Finally, the Haval H7 1.5T HEV Super Luxury DHT tops the line-up (though will arrive only in the 2nd quarter of 2025), priced from R734 950 and inheriting the H6 HEV’s powertrain. As a reminder, this dual-powered set-up combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol mill with hybrid gubbins (an electric motor and battery pack), resulting in total system outputs of 179 kW and 530 Nm.

As anticipated, the H7’s pricing sees it overlap with high-spec variants of the H6 (which currently runs from R495 500 to R799 900) and the entry versions of the Tank 300 (from R699 900 to R929 950).

*Here’s a look at the SA-spec H7’s interior.*

Interestingly, though the new SUV wears the “Big Dog” nameplate in its domestic market of China, it will be badged as the H7 here in Mzansi. This is despite GWM having earlier applied to protect the “Haval Dargo” moniker (another export name for this model) in South Africa, a trademark that was officially registered in March 2024.

Featuring a unibody configuration, the 2nd-generation Haval H7 (the first having never made it to local shores) measures 4 705 mm from nose to tail, with a wheelbase of 2 810 mm. That makes it some 52 mm longer than the H6, a facelifted version of which is expected to arrive in South Africa in the 2nd quarter of this year. The luggage compartment comes in at a claimed 483 litres, expandable to 1 362 litres with the rear seats folded down.

*Distinctive twin-spoke 19-inch alloys ship standard.*

What features are offered as standard on the H7 in South Africa?

All H7 derivatives ride on 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, while all driving lights are LED-powered. There’s a choice of 4 exterior paint colours – Hamilton White, Sun Black, Grey and Orange – while roof rails are included as standard.

Inside, you’ll find a 14.6-inch infotainment system a the 12.3-inch instrument cluster, with the latter complemented by a head-up display system on the Super Luxury grade. Standard features across the range include a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats and leather upholstery (with synthetic trim on the Luxury model).

Standard safety features include 6 airbags, seatbelt safety warnings (for both rows), electronic stability control, traction control, cornering brake control, ABS with EBA, tyre-pressure monitoring hill-descent control, hill-hold control and a 360-degree camera system (with an additional 180-degree “electronically created” view of the surface beneath the vehicle).

How does the new Haval H7 cost in South Africa?

*Pricing is accurate as of September 2025

Model	Price
H7 2.0T Luxury DCT	R604 950
H7 2.0T Super Luxury DCT 4WD	R674 950
H7 1.5T HEV Super Luxury DHT	R734 950

The prices above include a 7-year/200 000 km warranty (plus an 8-year/150 000 km battery-specific warranty for the hybrid derivative) and 7-year/75 000 km service plan.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Haval H7 in South Africa

What is the price of the Haval H7 in South Africa?

What are the warranty and service plan details for the Haval H7?

What are the engine and performance specifications of the Haval H7?

How fuel-efficient is the Haval H7?

What features come standard on the Haval H7 in South Africa?

Best Used Cars in SA for Under R100k

If you’re in the market for a used car, but shopping on a tight budget of under R100 000, what are the best used cars to consider? Let’s take a closer look!

Finding the best used cars under R100 000 is a challenge, but if you search for a car on Cars.co.za, nothing is impossible!

If you are shopping in the lower end of the used car market, below R100 000, you need to be prepared to face up to and accept a few truths.

Generally speaking, the cars in this bracket of the market are older models that have lived a hard life and exhibit higher mileage. More often than not, general vehicle condition, including bodywork and interior finishing is average to poor as you reach the bottom end of the market.

Despite this truth, there are still good used car buys to be had in this end of the market and if you are patient, shop smartly and exercise a thorough, committed search, you can buy a good used car for under R100 000.

Also see: 5 Cheapest New Cars in South Africa

Before we dive in, let’s outline a strong buying strategy to ensure that you isolate the best-used cars under R100 000. As a rule of thumb, whenever you’re shopping for a used car, try and find cars that are in the best condition possible, with the lowest mileage and for the best price. This general strategy will ensure that you are considering cars that will offer the best value-for-money.

More than this, it’s also worth considering well-known brands with a strong reputation for reliability and parts availability which will help to reduce your overall running costs, including ongoing maintenance.

With the above in mind, here are our recommendations for the best used cars to buy under R100 000 in South Africa. Note that this list is not exhaustive or definitive, but these cars are merely suggestions for you to consider, representing a good starting point in your journey to find what moves you.

Please reach out on either Facebook or X if you have any particular questions or if you require further guidance. Our experienced team are ready to assist you!

Be sure to do your own research and be as thorough as possible. You can read up on what to look out for and tips on buying a used or new car here.

Suzuki Swift

We get asked about budget-car candidates quite often and, in response, we invariably point people to the Suzuki Swift. Note that a new Suzuki Swift recently arrived in South Africa.

It’s reliable, fuel efficient and quite fun to drive. Suzuki specs it quite well too and we suggest that you look at either a Swift GL or GLS. You can look for an older Swift with a 1.4 or 1.5-litre petrol engine, which was built in Japan, or you can look for a newer model with a 1.2-litre engine that was built in India.

The Japanese-built units offer better all-round quality and also look a bit better on the road – their wheels seem to fit better into the arches. But the previous-generation Indian-built Swift is perfectly fine – Suzuki sold thousands of them in India and the model is hugely popular in South Africa.

Also see: Suzuki Swift (2011-2018) Buyer’s Guide

Search for a used Suzuki Swift here

Other Suzuki products to consider:
Suzuki SX4
Suzuki Celerio

Volkswagen Polo Vivo

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is South Africa’s budget car champion and used car buyers have many examples to choose from below R100 000.

Parts are widely available and the Polo Vivo is a reliable and efficient daily runner that’s fairly economical to maintain. The Polo Vivo can be had as a hatchback or sedan and engine choices include a naturally-aspirated 1.6 or 1.4-litre petrol engine.

There are numerous examples on offer with mileage below 100 000 km and we suggest that you look at these cars first in your search.

Also see: Volkswagen Polo (2010-2017) Buyer’s Guide

Search for a Polo Vivo on Cars.co.za

Other Volkswagen Products to Consider:
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Tiguan

Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto is another easy-to-recommend budget hatchback. Granted, the Korean offering is a little smaller than some of the other options on the list, but it offers good general build quality for the price.

At under R100k, you’ll have to decide between a 1.0-litre, 1.1-litre and a 1.2-litre engine. The bigger engine has obvious benefits, such as better freeway and acceleration behaviour, but if you plan on using the Picanto purely for city slicking, then the 1.0 and 1.1-litre powertrain are sufficient while also offering good fuel consumption.

Also see: Kia Picanto (2011-2017) Buyer’s Guide

Search for a used Picanto here

Other Kia products to consider:
Kia Rio
Kia Sportage

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is a household name in South Africa and if you are looking for something that offers more space than a hatchback, then the Corolla sedan is well worth a closer look.

The Corolla and the Corolla Quest are both worth considering and because the Corolla is now in its 12th generation, there are also some older Corolla models available that might appeal to some people. With a range of engine options on offer, the Corolla has a strong reputation for reliability backed by the biggest car brand in the world. There’s a reason why the Corolla has found millions of homes worldwide…

Also see: Toyota Corolla Quest (2014-2020) Buyer’s Guide

Search for a Corolla on Cars.co.za

Other Toyota Products to Consider:

Toyota Etios

Toyota Aygo

Toyota Tazz

Hyundai Grand i10

The Hyundai Grand i10 is another excellent used car to consider under R100 000. In addition to the Grand i10, the older i10 is also a possibility.

The Grand i10 offers good reliability and low maintenance cost while also being fuel efficient. Small capacity, naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre, 1.2-litre and 1.25-litre petrol engines are available.

Also see: Hyundai Grand i10 (2014-2020) Buyer’s Guide

Search for a Grand i10 on Cars.co.za

Other Hyundai Products to consider:

Hyundai i20
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Elantra

Honda Brio

The Honda Brio is another Indian-made Japanese hatch. The Brio uses a basic 1.2-litre petrol engine that appears to offer typical Honda bulletproof reliability. It’s a similar size as the Picanto and has an equally small load bay. It can’t match the Picanto for quality feel and cabin materials, but there are some good used examples available for under R100 000.

The Brio’s 1.2-litre engine is one of the better offerings in the segment, because it offers decent performance and a quick-shifting manual ‘box which is preferable over the automatic transmission option.

Search for a Brio on Cars.co.za

Other Honda Products to Consider:
Honda Jazz
Honda CR-V
Honda Civic

2025 CarsAwards: Best Premium SUV in SA

The Premium SUV category of the 2025 CarsAwards featured 3 of the market’s most sophisticated and luxurious family cars. A Japanese contender came close to stealing the trophy in the 2024/25 programme, but the venerable BMW X5 prevailed…

The Best Premium SUV category

WINNER:

BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport

RUNNERS UP:

Lexus RX 500h F Sport

Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4Matic

More about the #CarsAwards

BMW vs Mercedes-Benz: 2024’s premium sales winner crowned!

BMW and Mercedes-Benz both suffered sales declines in 2024. But which of these German giants won the global premium sales race last year? Here are the figures…

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2025 CarsAwards: Best Premium Crossover in SA

If you’re looking for a premium motoring experience from a car that combines luxury, performance and style in a compact shape, the 2025 CarsAwards Premium Crossover category winner – the Mini Countryman S ALL4 – should be top of your shortlist.

The Premium Crossover category

WINNER:

Mini Countryman S ALL4

RUNNERS UP:

BMW X2 sDrive18i M Sport

Volvo XC40 B4 Plus Dark

More about the #CarsAwards

2025 CarsAwards: Best Family Car in SA

A Family Car must be a genuine all-rounder that offers spaciousness, efficiency, luxury and performance in a neatly styled medium-SUV package. In the 2025 CarsAwards, the Kia Sportage successfully defended the title it won in our 2023/24 programme.

The Family Car category

WINNER:

Kia Sportage 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus

RUNNERS UP:

Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI R-Line

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDi 390 Executive AWD

More about the #CarsAwards

2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster Price Announced

The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is confirmed for South Africa and we have pricing for the new convertible sportscar.

How much does the 2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster cost in South Africa?

Further Reading

Haval H7 (2025) Launch Review

The Haval H7 – aimed squarely at adventure-seekers – has debuted in South Africa with a 3-pronged line-up. We get behind the new model’s ‘wheel in Gauteng.

What’s on offer?

What’s the Haval H7 like to drive?

How much does the Haval H7 cost in South Africa?

Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions about the Haval H7 in South Africa

What is the price of the Haval H7 in South Africa?

What are the warranty and service plan details for the Haval H7?

What are the engine and performance specifications of the Haval H7?

How fuel-efficient is the Haval H7?

What features come standard on the Haval H7 in South Africa?

Related content:

Cressida Town! We visit the South African town that runs on Toyota Cressidas

Cressida Town, a place where Toyota Cressidas rule the roads! Join Jacob Moshokoa as he explores this fascinating part of South African car culture. Watch the video!

SA’s top 10 automakers: 2024’s winners & losers by market share

We’ve crunched the numbers to calculate market share and see which of South Africa’s top 10 automakers grew and which ones shrunk in 2024. Here are your winners and losers…

Toyota still king as Suzuki closes on VW Group

Ford pushes past Hyundai (and Isuzu climbs, too)

Chery cracks top 10 as Nissan tries to limit damage

GWM hangs onto 9th as Renault tumbles to 10th

South Africa’s 10 best-selling automakers of 2024

Related content

Haval H7 (2025) Price & Specs in South Africa

The new Haval H7 arrived in South Africa early in 2025. See specification and pricing details for the H7 below!

What features are offered as standard on the H7 in South Africa?

How does the new Haval H7 cost in South Africa?

Frequently Asked Questions about the Haval H7 in South Africa

What is the price of the Haval H7 in South Africa?

What are the warranty and service plan details for the Haval H7?

What are the engine and performance specifications of the Haval H7?

How fuel-efficient is the Haval H7?

What features come standard on the Haval H7 in South Africa?

Related Content

Best Used Cars in SA for Under R100k

If you’re in the market for a used car, but shopping on a tight budget of under R100 000, what are the best used cars to consider? Let’s take a closer look!

Suzuki Swift

Volkswagen Polo Vivo

Kia Picanto

Toyota Corolla

Hyundai Grand i10

Honda Brio

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