Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition (2026) Price & Specs
The Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition has touched down in South Africa, with just 15 units set aside for the local market. Here’s what this farewell edition costs…
Final Edition variant sees off the CLA45 S
Just 15 units reserved for South Africa
R140 000 premium over standard model
With the 3rd-generation Mercedes-Benz CLAexpected to arrive in South Africa within the next few months, the German firm’s local division has launched the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition.
Conceived as a swansong to the high-performance version of the 2nd-generation model (and revealed overseas in July 2025), the CLA45 S Final Edition will be a particularly rare sight on local roads. In fact, Mercedes-Benz SA says it has been allocated just 15 units of this special variant.
The price? Well, each example of the CLA45 S Final Edition set aside for South Africa – sporting a “Night Black” paint job as standard (rather than the “Mountain Grey Magno” finish pictured here) – has a base price of R1 721 234, including VAT and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. For the record, that’s a R139 727 premium over the “standard” version, which last we saw had a starting price of R1 581 507.
That extra cash scores you “45 S” decals on the front doors, the AMG logo on the side-mirror caps, matte-black 19-inch AMG forged wheels (in a cross-spoke design), gloss-black brake callipers (featuring white lettering) and a silver-chrome fuel cap (complete with “AMG” lettering). Since the AMG Night Package is fitted as standard, exterior elements such as the side-mirror housings and trim strips are finished in high-gloss black.
Inside, the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition is fitted with AMG Performance seats upholstered in a combination of “Artico” synthetic leather and black microfibre. The German firm has added yellow stitching to the seats, door panelling and instrument panel, along with embroidered “45 S” emblems (also in yellow) on the front headrests. A “45 S Final Edition” emblem on the centre console is also included.
Meanwhile, the AMG Performance steering wheel – which is trimmed in Nappa leather and microfibre – likewise comes with yellow stitching. The door-sill panels feature an AMG pattern design in black, while illuminating the “AMG” logo in yellow. A set of AMG floor mats (with the requisite “45 S” lettering and decorative stitching in – you guessed it – yellow) complete the interior upgrades.
As a reminder, the CLA45 S – just like the A45 S hot hatch – employs Affalterbach’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers a heady 310 kW and 500 Nm to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. Mercedes-AMG claims a 0-100 kph time of just 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 270 kph.
Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition price in SA
DERIVATIVE
PRICE
Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition
R1 721 234
The price above includes a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition
Q: How many units of the CLA45 S Final Edition are available in South Africa?
A: The Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition is extremely exclusive, with only 15 units allocated for the South African market. This limited run serves as a high-performance farewell to the 2nd-generation CLA before the new model arrives locally.
Q: What exclusive exterior features come with the R140 000 premium over the standard model?
A: The Final Edition features a standard “Night Black” paint finish with “45 S” door decals and AMG mirror-cap logos. It also includes matte-black 19-inch forged wheels, the AMG Night Package and a silver-chrome AMG fuel cap, distinguishing it from the standard CLA45 S.
Q: Does the Final Edition feature any mechanical or performance upgrades?
A: No, the performance remains unchanged from the standard CLA45 S. It uses the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 310 kW and 500 Nm, allowing for a 0-100 kph sprint in 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 270 kph.
We’ve combed through 2025’s figures to find SA’s best-selling vehicles with a starting price of over R1-million. Yes, these are the nation’s most popular 7-figure vehicles…
Prado takes top spot as sales surge 68.3%
Land Cruiser 300 stays ahead of Defender
Outgoing Audi Q5 Sportback enters the list
South Africa’s new-vehicle market enjoyed a strong 2025, with local sales increasing 15.7% year on year to 596 818 units. While relatively affordable models drove much of that volume, certain pricier vehicles played their part, too. So, we set out to identify SA’s best-selling vehicles with a starting price of over R1-million.
Yes, we painstakingly combed through the 2025’s sales statistics and picked out the nation’s 5 best-selling vehicles that start in 7 figures. Keep in mind, however, that certain premium manufacturers – such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche – don’t share full sales figures with Naamsa, so are unfortunately not represented here.
Land Cruiser 300 sales in SA increased 12.2% compared with the prior year.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – which kicks off at R1 342 200 – was at the very top of the pile, with local registrations of this luxury ladder-frame SUV increasing an appreciable 68.3% year on year to 3 545 units in 2025. That translates to a monthly average of nearly 300 units.
Underpinned by the same body-on-frame TNGA-F platform as the Prado, the larger Toyota Land Cruiser 300 placed 2nd on the list of last year’s most popular 7-figure vehicles, with 1 736 units sold in 2025 (up 12.2% compared with 2024). As a reminder, the 5-strong 300-badged Land Cruiser range starts at R1 550 000.
Despite starting at over R1.8-million, the Defender again proved popular in 2025.
The Land Rover Defender took the remaining spot on the 7-figure podium, with local registrations of this unibody SUV increasing 18.7% year on year to 1 468 units in 2025. Serving as Jaguar Land Rover’s best-selling nameplate in SA last year, the Defender portfolio currently comprises 21 derivatives (including the 90, 110 and 130 body styles), with a starting price of R1 801 100.
Next came the Range Rover Sport, which saw local sales increase a more modest 2.7% year on year to 643 units. The 15-strong Range Rover Sport line-up includes as many as 15 derivatives, with pricing running from R2 167 000 to R3 822 300 (excluding options, of course).
The outgoing version of the Q5 Sportback took 5th place.
The final spot went to the outgoing Audi Q5 Sportback (available from R1 087 200), which enjoyed a 17.3% year-on-year increase in sales to end 2025 on 482 units. Interestingly, in the broader Q5 range, the Sportback option proved more popular than the regular SUV body style, with the latter attracting 408 sales last year. Expect the new-gen Q5 Sportback to debut in SA later in 2026.
For the record, the Ford Everest range – which is set to adopt a revised engine line-up soon – just missed out on making this list since its starting price is currently R953 000 (though all other derivatives in the 6-strong range cost over R1-million). The Blue Oval brand registered 3 444 units (+10.8%, year on year) of the Everest last year.
2025’s best-selling vehicles with a R1m+ starting price
*Table collated by Cars.co.za based on figures reported to Naamsa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About SA’s Best-Selling R1m+ Vehicles in 2025
Q: Which vehicle was South Africa’s top-selling luxury model priced over R1-million in 2025?
A: The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado secured the top spot, with sales surging by 68.3% to reach 3 545 units in 2025. This significant growth was fueled by the launch of the new-generation model (in the 2nd half of 2024), which starts at R1 342 200.
Q: Why are brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche missing from the top-sellers list?
A: While these brands are major players in the luxury segment, they do not report detailed model-specific sales figures to Naamsa. Consequently, popular high-end models from these manufacturers cannot be accurately ranked against those that provide transparent data.
Q: How did the Land Rover Defender perform in the luxury market last year?
A: The Land Rover Defender remained a firm favourite, finishing 3rd overall with 1 468 units sold — an 18.7% increase over the previous year. With a starting price of R1 801 100, it also holds the title of Jaguar Land Rover’s best-selling nameplate in South Africa.
The Toyota Fortuner is the go-to vehicle for Mzansi’s (upper) middle-class. Mixing go-anywhere ability with everyday usability, no other vehicle matches its appeal to anyone from hunters to heart surgeons and housewives. This Buyer’s Guide will tell you all you need to know before signing on the dotted line.
In 2026, the esteemed Toyota Fortuner will celebrate 20 years of market dominance in South Africa. And what a ride it’s been: initially and conceivably a rather niche proposal of a Hilux-station wagon configured as a quasi-7-seat, tough-as-nails ladder-frame SUV, over time it has become middle-upper earners’ favourite mode of transport.
The Fortuner GR-Sport was launched last year with a hike in power and torque, and a beefed-up design language.
Having long overtaken the beloved bourgeois badges of yore like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series, the Fortuner’s all-year, all-terrain allure provides every reason to want Toyota’s savannah-to-suburb sweetheart today. If that sounds like you, let’s get into the details.
Doubtlessly, the SUV craze that started in the mid-2000s has helped accelerate the Fortuner’s trajectory into mainstream market. As proof of its popularity, last year the Fortuner was South Africa’s favourite ladder-frame SUV. Despite topping R1 million at its most expensive, the Fortuner often mixes it in the sales charts with much more affordable fare such as the Kia Sonet and Volkswagen Polo (excluding the Vivo). Quite simply, despite the current generation having been around for more than 10 years and only increasing in price over time, South Africans just can’t get enough of Toyota’s “Kalahari Ferrari”.
Toyota Fortuner: What the models cost in South Africa
Peak Fortuner (at peak pricing): The GR-Sport. This most recent facelift was introduced in March 2023.
The current line-up spans 12 models, of which 3 are powered by a 110kW/400 N.m 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine. The rest are fitted with Toyota’s more powerful 150 kW/500 Nm 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder engine also found in the Land Cruiser 70-series, Hilux and Prado. Of these, there are 4 hybrids available with slightly more power (12 kW/65 Nm). The range is topped by the 165 kW/550 Nm GR-Sport model.
All engines are configured as diesel-powered turbocharged 4-cylinder units. The ferociously thirsty V6 petrol engine was dropped in 2020 alongside the introduction of the Epic trim. There’s no longer a manual gearbox on the 2.8-litre iteration, either.
Model
Price
Fortuner 2.4GD-6
R671 900
Fortuner 2.4GD-6 auto
R705 800
Fortuner 2.4GD-6 4×4
R739 100
Fortuner 2.8GD-6
R826 400
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 48V
R834 800
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 VX
R870 900
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 48V VX
R879 300
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4×4
R907 700
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 48V 4×4
R918 600
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4×4 VX
R950 900
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 48V 4×4 VX
R961 800
Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4×4 GR-Sport
R999 000
Pricing correct as at January 2026. All Toyota Fortuners are sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan.
Toyota Fortuner 4×4 vs. 4×2: Which drivetrain is perfect for local conditions?
The Fortuner underwent a substantial makeover in November 2020, with further specification upgrades following in December 2021.
There’s good and bad news. First, the positives: Unless you tow, the automatic 2.4-litre model, available in 2- or 4-wheel-drive, is adequate and saves you a respective R120k and R169k against 2.8-litre equivalents.
And, as a locking rear differential is standard across the entire range, even 2-wheel-drive will get you further than you may think.
The design of the “in-between” Fortuner launched in November 2020 introduced a number of premium touches.
On the downside, Toyota has stepped the specifications list in such a way that all the best toys are the sole prevail of the VX/GR-Sport models. So you can have a 4×4-equipped 2.4-litre derivative, yet miss out on goodies such as downhill assistance, steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, an active safety suite, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning and heated front seats – among others.
The interior of the 2025 GR-Sport incorporates bolstered seats trimmed in red and black, plus a GR-badged steering wheel with a thicker rim and centre-line stitching.
And what of the 48V versions? Offering a negligible power increase and a similar decrease in fuel consumption, these were introduced in early 2024. If you’re looking for cheap speed or a Greenpeace-pleaser, it’s best to look elsewhere: in our 3-way Hilux drag race conducted between the (2.8-litre) 48V derivative, rear-driven and GR-S equivalents, the battery-assisted Hilux was the slowest of the 3. Offering no life-changing benefit, there’s more to go wrong if you’re stuck in the Caprivi, and more to spend once the vehicle is out of warranty.
This image accompanied the original reveal of the current Fortuner in July 2015.
Fortuner vs. rivals: Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X & Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
The segment for 7-seat, body-on-frame utility vehicles – based on their bakkie brethren and so configured for ultimate off-road capability – is surprisingly limited.
Locally, the Fortuner competes mainly against the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Incredibly, after 10 years, it still cleans up from month to month in the sales race. In 2025, the Toyota sold 9 049 units, the Everest 3 444, the MU-X 1 326 and the Pajero Sport just 253 vehicles.
All of these have their individual strengths and weaknesses. As a next-gen vehicle, the Everest and (DNA-sourcing Ranger twin) is a comprehensively newer product as far as infotainment, cabin comfort and engines go. Its (outgoing) smaller-capacity 2.0-litre engine is also more powerful in bi-turbo trim than the Fortuner’s 2.8GD-6 engine, excepting the GR-S range-topper. However, despite the allure of V6 power that the Fortuner lacks (and ideally needs), the Everest range is more expensive.
The Isuzu MU-X received a much-needed facelift in 2025 that modernised the styling and interior features. Its engine is less powerful than the Fortuner’s, though. Still, the Isuzu has the most rear space of all vehicles in this category.
Toyota Fortuner
Ford Everest
Isuzu MU-X
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Engine capacity
2.4-litre, 2.8-litre
2.0-litre, 3.0-litre
1.9-litre, 3.0-litre
2.4-litre
Power/Torque
110 kW/400 Nm, 150 kW/500 Nm
154 kW/500 Nm, 184 kW/600 Nm
110 kW/350 Nm, 140 kW/450 Nm
133 kW/430 Nm
Average fuel consumption (claimed)
7.9 L/100 km (2.8-litre model)
7.5 L/100 km (comparative 2.0-litre model)
7.6 L/100 km (comparative 3.0-litre model)
8.1 L/100 km
Maximum towing ability
3 300 kg
3 500 kg
3 500 kg
2 700 kg
Approach, departure and breakover angles
29°/25°/23.5°
30.4°/23.5°/22.3°
30°/26°/°24°
30°/24.2°/23.1°
Ground clearance
279 mm
220 mm
235 mm
218 mm
Loading space (all 3 rows up to 2nd and 3rd rows flat)
200-1 718 litres
259-1 823 litres
311-2 138 litres
193-1 813 litres
Price range
R685 900-R1 009 000
R953 000-R1 324 000
R752 300-R1 026 800
R789 990-R904 990
Warranty
3 years/100 000 km
4 years/120 000 km
5 years/120 000 km
3 years/100 000 km
What are the Toyota Fortuner’s drawbacks?
The 2015 Fortuner in top-spec VW trim.
As Toyota likes to extend the lifespans of its vehicles to infinity and beyond, the most obvious disadvantage is the Fortuner’s age, although that shortcoming is set to be corrected most likely in 2026 when the 3rd-gen Fortuner launches as a spinoff of the upcoming 9th-gen Hilux.
With that in mind, you could get your hands on a run-out version at a discount; or wait for the new one which is guaranteed to be more expensive.
The 3rd-row jump seats impede packing space and can start rattling over time.
Secondly, the jump-seat arrangement… The third-row seats fold up against the boot’s inner sides when stowed away. And it’s a major inhibitor of rear loading space. The chairs can’t be removed by a simple process of unclipping, either, although it is possible with a spanner, a fair degree of effort and some Gordon Ramsay-shaming slang. Toyota says the vehicle’s body-on-frame construction doesn’t allow any other mechanism. We say offer the option to delete the 3rd row at no cost straight off the factory floor.
Finally, owing to its popularity and reliability, the Fortuner is classified as one of the highest-risk vehicles for theft or highjacking by South African insurers. Demand for genuine parts within and outside our borders, as well as Fortuners’ off-road ability, add to their appeal to cross-border syndicates. Owners are often expected to fit a secondary tracking device, which adds to long-term ownership costs.
Conclusion
The dashboard design of the Fortuner strays just far enough from the Hilux’s to differentiate it as a family SUV (2015 model pictured).
Seemingly against all logic, the 10-year-old Toyota Fortuner endures as South Africa’s favourite ladder-frame 7-seat SUV. Boasting bulletproof badge appeal and reliability, backed up by the largest dealer footprint in the country, commendable resale value and robust off-road pedigree, practically nothing else blends rugged capability and ease of use quite like the Fortuner.
Age, in Fortuner land, is indisputably just a number.
Modern SUVs are also family cars. You know they work for daily driving, in town. But what about off-road? We help you choose the best SUVs for off-road driving.
You need a family vehicle that is equally at home trundling through gridlock traffic and conquering dunes during that year-end vacation road trip. That means you must know which are the best SUVs for off-road driving. And with all our experience, we are here to help.
While cars are designed to be driven primarily on tar, there’s an enthusiastic segment of the car-buying public looking to purchase vehicles based on their off-road capabilities.
That is why we’ve used all our testing and driving experience with the latest South African SUV models to create a list of the best SUVs for off-road driving. To help you choose, we rated these SUVs based on their ability to traverse routes where all-wheel drive traction is required. We factored in ground clearance, approach/departure angles, low-range gearbox availability and off-road driving modes.
Toyota Fortuner
Ground clearance: 279 mm
Approach/Departure angles: 29/25 degrees
Low range: Yes
Off-road modes: No
Diff lock: Yes, rear
Priced from: R746 500 (January 2026)
Wading depth: 700 mm
With multiple #CarsAwards category wins under its belt, there are many reasons why the Toyota Fortuner is a fantastic all-rounder. But the current version is due for replacement this year. So if you are buying, it’s worth considering that.
With global production winding down, the 11-year-old Fortuner feels, well, old. Its engines and 6-speed automatic transmission feel very slow and old-school compared to the newer 8-, 9-, and 10-speed automatics offered by rivals.
Cabin ergonomics and comfort are nowhere close to the Everest, and the Fortuner’s third-row seating configuration is a terrible design.
The Fortuner’s strength lies in its proven Hilux twin platform and Toyota’s excellent build quality. These SUVs go where they are needed, year after year, without issue. Even in demanding conditions, way beyond what most urban owners will ever subject them to.
One of the features that makes the Fortuner such a trusted off-road SUV is Toyota South Africa’s dealership support. If you do suffer a mechanical failure, help is never too far away thanks to Toyota’s strong after-sales support and extensive dealer network.
You can wait for the new Fortuner, which is due later this year, or buy the rugged, proven but ageing current one. And maybe get a good deal on runout stock.
The MU-X is the SUV twin of Isuzu’s popular and proven D-Max bakkie range. Like all contenders in the bakkie-based SUV segment, MU-X engineers really know a thing or two about combining excellent off-roading capabilities with family-oriented comfort and practicality.
The 7-seater Isuzu MU-X has a reasonably modern interior with some recent infotainment screen upgrades. Cabin comfort is good, and the third-row seating is much better than the Fortuner’s. It offers a fully flat, highly functional load area, with the second- and third-row seating folded.
The MU-X 4×4 is available only with Isuzu’s 3.0-litre turbodiesel; the more affordable and less powerful 1.9-litre turbodiesel isn’t offered with 4×4. Isuzu’s engines don’t make class-leading power and they can be noisy. But they are also bombproof.
There’s a long history of Isuzu optimising the ride quality of its KB and D-Max bakkies for local gravel-road conditions. That applies to the Isuzu SUV, too. With the MU-X based on the current D-Max, it does have that Isuzu ride and handling confidence on corrugated Karoo backroads.
Ford’s rival to the Fortuner is the stylish Everest. Ford says it is a Prado rival but the Everest is built on the Ranger bakkie platform and therefore competes more directly with the Fortuner, which is built on a Hilux platform.
The Everest matches the Fortuner in off-road capability but has much better in-car connectivity, active safety features and ride comfort. The Everest is the slightly more practical of the 2 with its 3rd row of seats that fold completely flat, as opposed to the Fortuner’s terrible fold-up arrangement.
Significant engine changes are happening to the Everest in 2026. Gone is the 2.0 bi-turbodiesel (BiT), which was one of the best diesel SUV engines available: powerful, quiet and reasonably economical. Ford’s 2.0 single-turbodiesel (SiT) is replacing it, but there’s a significant power loss involved, dropping from the BiT’s 154 kW to the SiT’s 125 kW. For a vehicle of its size and weight, that will impact highway and sand-driving performance for Everest owners who get the 2.0 SiT.
The 3.0 V6 turbodiesel continues unchanged. Ford’s Everest V6 is much more powerful than its rivals and delivers very capable highway cruising, towing and dune-driving performance. Ford’s adding the 2.3-litre turbopetrol engine option, too, which delivers 222 kW, but it’s very heavy on fuel and South African large SUV buyers have traditionally ignored powerful petrol options.
If you want an Everest that’s ready to conquer any terrain, be sure to get one in Sport or Wildtrak trim, where all-terrain tyres are fitted. Avoid the ultra-luxurious Platinum version. Its oversized 21-inch wheels and low-profile highway tyres degrade ride quality and are vulnerable to flats or wheel damage on badly corrugated dirt roads or mild off-road trails.
We’ll miss the Mitsubishi Pajero, of which production will soon end after many decades of service. Your next best bet in the Mitsubishi stable is the Pajero Sport.
It’s an incredibly underrated all-terrain SUV, with its excellent SuperSelect transfer case. This system is much more advanced than those in other SUVs in the segment. How? Most SUVs lock the drive 50/50 in 4H on gravel roads, but the Pajero Sport’s SuperSelect can vary the torque. That enables you to keep steering control and traction through long dirt-road corners, even at high speeds. This is instead of the extreme understeer that comes with a traditional transfer case, which locks the drive 50/50.
The other significant advantage of SuperSelect is that you can use it on sealed roads, such as highways or tarred roads. That’s unlike other SUVs, which can’t use their 4H system on a tar road due to the risk of damaging the drivetrain. So when it’s raining and you are towing a really heavy trailer or caravan up a steep mountain pass with tight hairpin corners, you can use SuperSelect to guarantee traction, hugely reducing the risk of mid-corner traction loss and slippage.
With one engine and gearbox shared across 3 derivatives, the 2.4-litre turbodiesel delivers 133 kW and 430 Nm. It, too, offers seating for 7 and we’d argue it’s one of the more stylish and capable adventure SUVs out there.
The current generation is often overlooked in favour of the more powerful Fortuner and Everest, which have more luxurious cabins. The Mitsubishi is still a stalwart of the segment and remains a trusty off-roading option from Japan.
You may wonder why this tiny toy (by comparison) is listed among these large off-road-ready SUVs, but don’t be fooled – the Suzuki Jimny is phenomenally capable when the tarmac turns to rocks and sand.
There’s no diff lock, but a trick traction control system that simulates a similar effect. Body-on-frame construction, low-range gearing, and solid axles front and rear give this small Suzuki big off-roading capability.
With its short wheelbase, lightweight body and incredible approach and departure angles, the Suzuki Jimny simply clambers over obstacles you would never dream possible. The 3-door model is sold as a 4-seater, but the cabin is quite confined and the load-bay minuscule, so rather just fold the rear seats down and run it as a 2-seater. The 5-door is significantly more spacious, but that’s not saying much…
The Jimny can feel very underpowered at altitude, and it is not the most comfortable long-distance tarmac touring vehicle. It is also very susceptible to crosswinds and lane wandering. The Jimny’s small tyres mean low grip during emergency braking or evasive manoeuvring on tar.
Terrible aerodynamics lead to remarkably high fuel consumption for such a light, modestly powered vehicle. And with a tiny fuel tank, the touring range in a Jimny is limited, so be sure to plan refuelling points when you go journeying somewhere like Namibia.
Mahindra’s bakkies have won over South Africa’s demanding double cab customers. So it’s only logical that an SUV version with all the Mahindra all-terrain driving confidence would be a great deal, too.
The Scorpio N is a body-on-frame 7-seater SUV at a very affordable price point. It has considerable all-terrain ability for families that really want to live the adventure life while taking in all those Karoo backroads.
Like its Japanese rivals, the Scorpio N has a rugged steel ladder-frame chassis with semi-independent front suspension. But importantly, the rear axle is semi-independent, allowing it to roll over undulating terrain without significant changes in ground clearance.
The cabin is comfy, and for the price, the higher-trim Scorpio Ns are very well equipped. Unfortunately, like the Fortuner, the third-row seating arrangement in the Scorpio N isn’t brilliant.
Mahindra’s 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine isn’t wildly powerful, but its 128 kW and 400 Nm deliver decent cruising performance. And when you do engage low-range, there’s lots of torque to keep the Scorpio N crawling up steep, challenging, off-road trails.
Targeting South African SUV buyers who want true off-road ability for not too much money, there is a Mahindra that’s completely trail-ready off the showroom floor: the Z8 Adventure. This version of the Scorpio N features all those off-road accessories and must-haves that you’d ordinarily have to purchase and have fitted by an aftermarket specialist, like proper all-terrain tyres and steel bumpers.
The Mahindra Scorpio N Z8 Adventure is a bargain and one of the best SUVs for off-road driving. Its only limitation is low ground clearance at 187 mm.
There are so many Chinese SUVs on sale but very few have real off-road ability. The pioneer of Chinese SUVs with true off-road-conquering technical features is GWM’s appropriately named Tank.
With its Tonka Truck design and proportions, this GWM signals significant capability. And the hardware doesn’t disappoint, making this one of the best SUVs for off-road driving.
The Tank 300 is everything a demanding 4×4 driver desires: body-on-frame construction, heavy-duty axles, and an advanced BorgWarner traction control system. Add to that, it has front and rear axle lockers, something its Japanese or American rivals like the Fortuner, MU-X and Everest, don’t have. There’s even a Jeep Wrangler-type sway-bar disconnect to allow for extreme wheel articulation when you need to crawl over obstacles in really rocky terrain.
Engine choices are either a powerful but fuel-hungry hybrid 2.0-litre turbopetrol, the same 2.0-litre without the hybrid battery or a 2.4-litre turbodiesel. That diesel makes the most sense in South African conditions, especially if you plan to use your Tank 300 for true adventure touring and long-distance journeys.
The Tank 300 might have rugged styling and real off-road ability, but it also offers a rather comfortable and luxurious cabin. As you’d expect from GWM, the trim quality is premium, and there’s every imaginable screen function and UX assistant.
In 2025, as many as 24 models on South Africa’s new-vehicle market each sold fewer than 10 units. Meet Mzansi’s single-figure sellers: the “least-sold” cars last year…
2025 saw 24 models each sell fewer than 10 units
From low-volume supercars to discontinued models
Tipo, I-Pace, Roma, S8, e-tron GT, X25 make list again
We’ve already brought you the list of South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles of 2025, as well as the country’s most popular bakkies. Now it’s time to turn our attention to the other end of the sales charts: yes, the new-vehicle market’s single-figure sellers from last year. Based on our analysis, as many as 24 models each sold fewer than 10 units in 2025. These are SA’s least-sold cars.
Before we dive into the figures, we’d like to point out there are various potential reasons vehicles might find themselves on this list. For instance, a couple of the models below have not yet been launched (with the registered units seemingly coming into SA for homologation purposes), while several others have been completely discontinued (so, stock was limited, to say the least).
Unsurprisingly, Ferrari’s 12Cilindri ended 2025 in single figures (though only just).
Furthermore, multi-million-rand supercars tend to be low volume by design – as you’ll see below, there are several Ferrari models here. That said, for the models mentioned on this least-sold list – which, for the record, is restricted to light vehicles and based on figures reported to Naamsa – we’ll do our best to provide some context. Right, let’s take a closer look…
SA new-vehicle market’s least-sold cars of 2025
As mentioned, low-volume manufacturer Ferrari has a strong presence here, with every model bar the 296 GTS (which hit 22 registrations) coming in at under 10 units in 2025. Indeed, the 12Cilindri and Purosangue each managed 9 units, while the Amalfi-preceding Roma added 5 units. Finally, the 296 GTB and SF90 settled on 4 units apiece.
Despite being discontinued in 2023, BAIC sold 8 “new” X25 units in 2025.
Despite the fact the BAIC X25 was discontinued in South Africa way back in early 2023, the Chinese brand’s local division curiously registered as many as 8 units in 2025. That’s more than the Toyota GR Corolla (7 units) managed last year, though it’s worth noting only very limited quantities of the outgoing version of this all-paw hot hatch (a revised iteration is due to land soon; check out pricing) were set aside for SA.
Just as it did in 2024, the fully electric Audi e-tron GT made the single-figure sellers list in 2025, though at least increased its tally from 4 to 7 units. With production of all Jaguar models having come to an end as the British brand prepares to pivot to a new product strategy, the effectively discontinued E-Pace (6 units), F-Type (5 units) and I-Pace (4 units) all ended last year in single figures.
Toyota sold 4 examples of the Crown last year.
From what we can tell, the last 6 units of the Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy have finally been sold in South Africa, with the likewise-discontinued Honda BR-V managing 4 units. Interestingly, the Toyota Crown (4 units) also made the list in 2025, though we should keep in mind the Japanese firm’s local division has not been actively marketing this hybrid model (it’s not even listed on Toyota SA Motors’ website) owing to a limited allocation.
Meanwhile, the Audi A8 – or, more specifically, the S8, since this Audi Sport variant is the only A8 derivative available locally – ended 2025 on 3 units (a single unit fewer than the prior year). Various since-discontinued models from Stellantis camp also made an appearance on the least-sold list: the Opel Crossland (3 units), Peugeot 208 (2 units), Fiat Tipo (1 unit), Opel Zafira (1 unit) and Peugeot 3008 (1 unit).
The WRX is available locally only on “special order”.
These days available locally only on “special order”, the Subaru WRX ended 2025 with just 2 units sold. Finally, a single unit of each of the Kia EV6 and Audi Q6 e-tron – both likely imported for homologation purposes – were registered in 2025, along with a sole example of the discontinued Toyota C-HR.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About South Africa’s Least-Sold Cars of 2025
Q: Why do some popular car brands have models with single-figure sales?
A: Many vehicles on this list, such as the Fiat Tipo (1 unit) or Renault Mégane RS 300 Trophy (6 units), have been officially discontinued, meaning dealers were only registering final “runout” stock. Others, like the Toyota Crown (4 units), are available in extremely limited quantities and are not actively marketed to the general public.
Q: Are supercars like Ferrari always expected to be on the single-figure sellers list?
A: Generally, yes. Multi-million-rand supercars are low-volume by design. In 2025, every Ferrari model except the 296 GTS fell into the single-figure category, including the new 12Cilindri and Purosangue, which each recorded 9 units sold.
Q: What is the reason for a single registration of an unreleased model?
A: When a single unit of a new model is registered — such as the Kia EV6 or Audi Q6 e-tron in 2025 — it is typically imported by the manufacturer for homologation purposes. This process is required to certify the vehicle for the South African market before it can be officially launched to the public.
Lexus GX luxury SUV – 5 genuine accessories to consider
Keen to kit out your new Lexus GX luxury SUV with some tasty genuine accessories? Here are 5 factory-backed adds-on available from the Japanese brand in South Africa…
Right from its launch in April 2025, the Lexus GX proved a hit with luxury SUV buyers in South Africa. It’s thus no surprise the Toyota-backed brand’s local division offers a wide range of genuine accessories for this model.
So, which ones should you consider? Well, our selection of 5 genuine accessories for the ladder-frame GX 550 includes both aesthetic and functional components. Lexus South Africa fully backs each item, meaning the vehicle’s warranty and maintenance plan remain intact after fitment.
As a reminder, the 3rd-generation GX – which is closely related to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – hit the local market in the 2nd quarter of 2025. At launch, the line-up comprised the 5-seater GX 550 Overtrail (also available in bi-tone guise) and the 7-seater GX 550 SE. Both employ a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 petrol engine that delivers 260 kW and 650 Nm to all 4 wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
1. Bashplate
Lexus SA offers GX buyers a so-called “bashplate”, which the company describes as “impact resistant to prevent damage” to the undercarriage (including the engine, transmission and other critical components). Note buyers must order this Lexus-branded item in conjunction with a front skid plate and skid-plate bracket.
2. Roof rack
The official Lexus GX genuine accessories catalogue includes a pair of roof-rack options – one for the Overtrail derivative and one for the SE variant (models that feature different roof-rail arrangements). The Japanese brand says its roof racks allow you to take advantage of packing space on the vehicle’s roof. It adds that they are “durable and corrosion resistant”.
3. Black emblem overlays
Looking for a quick-and-easy visual customisation that won’t void your warranty? Well, Lexus SA offers these subtle black emblem overlays for the GX’s rear badging. Fashioned from what the firm dubs “tough and durable” black ABS plastic, the overlays have been designed to fit “precisely” over the existing chrome badges.
4. Bonnet protector
Worried your new Lexus GX might sustain unsightly stone chips on the leading edge of its bonnet? Consider this genuine bonnet protector, which the automaker says will protect against “light damage and road debris”. Created from “high-strength” acrylic, Lexus says this tinted item “resists cracking and UV discolouration”. Furthermore, it’s easily removable for hassle-free cleaning.
5. Rock rails
Available only for the Overtrail grade (and not the road-biased SE trim level, which comes with auto-retractable side-step rails), these tubular rock rails offer added protection to the GX’s door sills and door bottoms during off-road jaunts. They replace the Overtrail’s standard side steps. Note that they don’t come bundled as a set; instead, buyers have to order a left item as well as a right item.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lexus GX Genuine Accessories
Q: Will fitting genuine accessories to my Lexus GX void its warranty?
A: No, your vehicle’s mechanical warranty and maintenance plan remain intact after fitment because these accessories are factory backed and fully endorsed by Lexus South Africa.
Q: Which accessories are specifically recommended for off-road protection?
A: For off-road enthusiasts, Lexus offers a high-strength bashplate to protect the undercarriage and engine, as well as rock rails. Note that the rock rails are specifically designed for the Overtrail grade and replace the standard side steps to protect the door sills during technical driving.
Q: Are the roof-rack options the same for all Lexus GX models?
A: No. There are two distinct roof-rack options available: one tailored for the Overtrail derivative and another for the SE variant. This is because the two models feature different roof-rail arrangements to suit their respective design and utility focus.
South Africa’s best-selling ladder-frame SUVs in 2025
Which ladder-frame SUVs proved most popular in South Africa in 2025 and which ones struggled by comparison? We’ve rummaged through the sales figures to find out…
Fortuner still SA’s favourite ladder-frame SUV
LC Prado pushes ahead of Jimny and Everest
GWM Tank 300 registrations surge circa-200%
MU-X retains 7th position as Scorpio-N slides
Lexus GX breaks into top 10 in its debut year
GWM Tank 500 climbs as Wrangler tumbles
While hatchbacks and unibody crossovers yet again dominated the list of South Africa’s best-selling passenger vehicles for 2025, a few ladder-frame SUVs also proved popular. So, which body-on-frame SUVs sold up a storm and which ones struggled last year?
Well, we’ve sifted through the 2025 sales statistics to determine exactly how well – or indeed otherwise – the various ladder-frame SUVs that were available in Mzansi last year sold. Compared with our 2024 list, there’s just a single new entrant.
Before we dive in, note that since Mercedes-Benz doesn’t report sales figures to Naamsa, it’s not clear how many G-Class units were registered locally in 2025. And it’s the same case with Ineos and its Grenadier as well as with LDV and its D90.
That said, we found as many as 16 ladder-frame SUVs scattered through Naamsa’s sales figures for 2025. Below, we’ll examine exactly how well each one performed last year, including a look any year-on-year changes in sales…
Fortuner retains title as Prado climbs
The 7-seater Toyota Fortuner was yet again South Africa’s favourite ladder-frame SUV, despite local sales dipping 15.2% year on year to 9 049 units. For the record, the Prospecton-built stalwart – which shares much with Mzansi’s best-selling vehicle overall, the Hilux – ranked 15th overall in the passenger-vehicle segment.
Meanwhile, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – which gained a new VX-L flagship derivative late in 2025 – climbed 2 places to (just about) secure 2nd position, improving on its 2024 tally by a considerable 68.3% to end the year on 3 545 units.
Jimny and Everest each slip a place
Finishing a mere 19 units behind the Prado, the Suzuki Jimny had to settle for 3rd place (down a ranking on its 2024 performance). In the end, sales of the Hamamatsu-based firm’s plucky little off-roader – which is offered locally in both 3- and 5-door guise – fell 6.0% year on year to 3 526 units.
The Prado’s rise also meant the Ford Everest slipped a place to 4th, despite sales of the Blue Oval brand’s Thai-built adventure SUV increasing 10.8% year on year to 3 444 units. Note that in some point in the opening half of 2026 a refreshed version of the Everest will hit the local market, complete with a revised engine line-up.
Tank 300 sales surge nearly 200%
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 – which may well become available locally in 341 kW hybrid form during 2026 – held steady in 5th place, with local registrations of this ladder-frame SUV increasing 12.2% year on year to 1 736 units.
But the body-on-frame SUV that posted the strongest year-on-year growth was the GWM Tank 300. In the end, local sales of this Chinese-built model – which crucially became available with a turbodiesel powertrain late in the opening quarter of 2025 – surged 196.6% compared with 2024, pushing its tally to 1 560 units and seeing it climb 2 spots to 6th.
MU-X keeps 7th as Scorpio-N slides
The final body-on-frame SUV to breach 4 figures in 2025 was the Isuzu MU-X, which could only retain 7th position despite local sales improving 45.4% year on year to 1 326 units. Meanwhile, the Mahindra Scorpio-N slipped 2 spots to 8th, enduring a 9.7% year-on-year slide in sales to 882 units.
Interestingly, the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series – which includes both the 76- and 78-badged models, though we suspect the former made up the bulk of the 434 units sold – rose 2 rankings to 9th on the back of a 77.9% year-on-year increase in registrations.
Lexus GX cracks top 10 in debut year
Despite hitting the market only in March 2025, the new Lexus GX – which is based on the Prado but features a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and a starting price of over R1.8-million – broke into the top 10 last year, with 347 units sold. For the record, that also gave it the title of Lexus SA’s best-selling nameplate in 2025.
Meanwhile, sales of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport dropped 17.0% year on year to 253 units, seeing this 7-seater slip out of the top 10 (down 2 rankings to 11th). The Lexus LX, however, improved its total by 14.0% compared to 2024, retaining 12th place on 179 units.
Tank 500 climbs as Wrangler tumbles
Like its 300-badged sibling, the GWM Tank 500 (which is not available in turbodiesel form … just yet, anyway) enjoyed strong year-on-year growth last year, improving on its 2024 effort by a whopping 118.6% to reach 153 units and rise 2 spots to 13th.
The Jeep Wrangler (130 units; down 55.2% year on year), meanwhile, tumbled 4 places to 14th, though still finished well ahead of the BAIC B40 Plus (67 units; down 46.0% year on year), which dropped 2 rankings to 15th. The final spot on the list went to the since-discontinued Y62-generation Nissan Patrol, with 11 units sold (down 86.4% compared to 2024).
*Table collated by Cars.co.za based on figures reported to Naamsa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About South Africa’s Top Ladder-Frame SUVs of 2025
Q: Which ladder-frame SUV was the top seller in South Africa in 2025?
A: The Toyota Fortuner remained South Africa’s favourite ladder-frame SUV in 2025, recording 9 049 units sold. Despite a 15.2% year-on-year decline in sales, the Prospecton-built model comfortably maintained its 1st-place ranking in the segment.
Q: Which off-road SUV showed the most significant growth in 2025?
A: The GWM Tank 300 posted the strongest year-on-year growth in the segment, with sales surging by 196.6% compared to 2024. This performance was bolstered by the introduction of a turbodiesel powertrain, helping the Chinese-built model climb two spots to 6th position overall with 1 560 units.
Q: How did the premium ladder-frame SUV market change in 2025?
A: The year saw a significant shift as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado climbed to 2nd place with a 68.3% sales increase (3 545 units). Additionally, the new Lexus GX made a strong debut, breaking into the top 10 with 347 units sold since its March launch, becoming Lexus SA’s best-selling nameplate for the year.
The Mini Countryman Rugged brings some adventuring lifestyle to the fashionable and funky family crossover. Here’s pricing and specifications.
Accessorised Countryman brings all-terrain tyres to the party
Choice of 1.5 or 2.0 turbopetrol engines
Pricing from R833 903
The Mini Countryman Rugged has gone on sale in South Africa and is limited to just 100 units. Essentially, the mechanicals remain unchanged but some unique design elements and accessories have been added.
You can spot the Mini Countryman Rugged with model-specific bonnet stripes, grille decal as well as 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, which will help with grip on low-traction surfaces like gravel.
Inside, the cabin gain all-weather mats which will help reduce the guilt about bringing mud and dirt into the vehicle. Owners have the option of two complimentary roof-mounted accessories, depending on their needs.
Mini is offering a roofbox for additional storage capacity, or for the cycling fanatics, there’s a roof-mounted bike carrier. The Mini Countryman Rugged is available in a choice of four exterior colours: Nanuq White, Smokey Green, Melting Silver or Legend Grey.
In terms of powertrain, the Mini Countryman is available in C and S configuration. As a reminder, the Countryman C has a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine making 115 kW and 230 Nm. Mini reckons the C can accelerate to 100 kph in 9.0 seconds.
The Countryman S makes use of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and all-wheel drive, and thanks to 150 kW and 300 Nm, is good for a 0-100 kph sprint in 7.4 seconds. Both derivatives feature a 7-speed automatic transmission.
How much does the Mini Countryman Rugged Edition cost in South Africa?
What is the price of the new Mini Countryman in South Africa?
As of late 2025/early 2026, the new Mini Countryman pricing is as follows (subject to change):
Mini Countryman C: Starts from approximately R742 220.
Mini Countryman S ALL4: Starts from approximately R825 074.
Mini Countryman John Cooper Works (JCW): Starts from approximately R988 768.
Mini Countryman SE (Electric): Starts from approximately R1 110 000.
Is the Mini Countryman available as an electric vehicle in South Africa?
Yes, the Mini Countryman SE ALL4 is the fully electric variant available in South Africa. It features dual electric motors providing all-wheel drive, producing 230 kW and offering a claimed driving range of approximately 433 km on a full charge.
What engine options are available for the petrol Mini Countryman?
The local line-up includes three primary petrol engine options:
How fast is the Mini Countryman John Cooper Works (JCW)?
The high-performance Mini Countryman JCW ALL4 accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 5.4 seconds, making it the fastest model in the Countryman range.
What warranty and maintenance plan comes with the Mini Countryman?
Standard coverage for the Mini Countryman in South Africa typically includes a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km Motorplan (maintenance plan), which covers most service and maintenance costs.
Toyota GR Corolla (2026) Price & Specs
Pricing scoop! The updated Toyota GR Corolla will soon launch in SA, gaining revised front-end styling and the option of an automatic transmission. Here’s what it will cost…
Toyota’s revised GR Corolla to arrive in SA soon
Choice of 6-speed manual or new 8-speed auto
Circuit specification standard (Core falls away)
Been waiting patiently for a 2-pedal version of the Toyota GR Corolla to become available in South Africa? Well, an updated take on the Japanese firm’s C-segment hot hatch – complete with the option of an automatic transmission first detailed back in August 2024 – is expected to hit local dealerships soon. And we’ve managed to dig up pricing ahead of its official arrival.
According to our information, while the GR Corolla range will again comprise a pair of derivatives, the base “Core” grade will fall away. As such, the updated version of this all-paw hot hatch will be available exclusively in top-spec “Circuit” form, though customers will now be able to choose between a 6-speed manual gearbox and a new 8-speed automatic transmission (the latter with paddle shifters).
GR Corolla 8AT joins R1-million hot-hatch club
The rear-end design is seemingly unchanged.
From what we understand, the revised GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit 6MT will be priced at R985 200, representing a R37 100 increase over the outgoing version (and effectively raising the apex Corolla’s starting price by R101 600, with the R883 600 “Core” derivative dropped). Meanwhile, the new GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit 8AT will kick off at R1 010 700, rendering the auto-equipped version a 7-figure hot hatch.
For the record, the smaller GR Yaris 1.6T Rally 6MT costs R942 200, while the self-shifting GR Yaris 1.6T Rally 8AT is priced from R971 300. Other circa-R1-million hot hatches currently on the local market include the Volkswagen Golf 8.5 GTI (R908 000, though seemingly still in the pre-order phase), BMW M135 (R988 768), Honda Civic Type R (R1 021 600) and Audi S3 Sportback (R1 091 100).
GR Corolla engine upgraded to offer 400 Nm
Subtly revised model (note the new front-bumper design) at the top and the outgoing version at the bottom.
As before, the GR Corolla is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine (known internally as G16E-GTS), likely with an unchanged peak power figure of 221 kW. That said, the lively little 3-pot’s maximum torque has seemingly been increased by 30 units to 400 Nm. Expect top speed to remain 230 kph.
The 8-speed auto, meanwhile, is the same transmission – complete with a dedicated oil cooler – used in the likewise evolved GR Yaris. In addition to the auto option and refreshed front-end styling (which ostensibly aids cooling), this update for the GR Corolla comprises changes to the suspension (including revised shock absorbers, a raised trailing-arm mounting point and tweaked rear coil springs), braking and steering systems, as well as what Toyota terms “improved chassis rigidity”.
Circuit specification to include plenty of kit
Now with the option of an automatic transmission.
Expect the Circuit specification to again include not only a limited-slip differential on each axle, a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof and bonnet vents (items that previously helped set it apart from the now-defunct Core variant) but also bi-LED auto-high-beam headlamps, synthetic leather-and-suede upholstery, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display and 18-inch alloy wheels (again wrapped in 235/40 R18 tyres). Paint-colour options are likely to include “Fierce Red” and “Glacier White”.
As a reminder, the manual-equipped GR Corolla launched in South Africa in mid-2023, with Toyota SA Motors offering this hot hatch “in limited numbers”. According to figures reported to Naamsa, 27 units were registered in Mzansi in 2023, rising to 42 units in 2024 before falling to just 7 units in 2025 (bringing the total to 76 units).
What does the revised Toyota GR Corolla cost in SA?
DERIVATIVE
PRICE
Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit 6MT
R985 200
Toyota GR Corolla 1.6T Circuit 8AT
R1 010 700
The prices above include Toyota SA Motors’ 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 9-service/90 000 km service plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the updated Toyota GR Corolla in South Africa
Q: What are the new pricing and transmission options for the revised GR Corolla?
A: The updated Toyota GR Corolla range now starts at R985 200 for the 6-speed manual “Circuit” derivative. For the first time locally, a self-shifting option is available in the form of an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is priced at R1 010 700.
Q: How has the GR Corolla range been simplified for the 2026 launch?
A: Toyota South Africa has discontinued the entry-level “Core” grade. The hot hatch is now available exclusively in the higher-specification “Circuit” trim, which includes performance features like front and rear limited-slip differentials and a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof as standard.
Q: What technical and performance upgrades does the updated model feature?
A: While the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine maintains its 221 kW output, peak torque has increased by 30 Nm to a total of 400 Nm. The update also introduces a revised front bumper for better cooling, improved chassis rigidity and tweaked suspension components for sharper handling.
In a year defined by global upheaval and technological leaps, the flagship Kia Carnival 2.2 CRDi SXL 7-Seater proves that sometimes the best escape is found not in fantasy, but in a thoughtfully designed vehicle that turns even the most routine journeys into memorable adventures.
The year that was: Disruptive unpredictability
For all the combined computing power harnessed by AI engines, not one was able to summarise the year that was as one of disruptive unpredictability. Because that’s what it was: a turning point when the old world stopped as a troubled birth was being given to the new one. Looking back, few can argue that the relentless bombardment in 2025 of high global debt, political instability, climate change, corporate failures and shifting geopolitical blocs – to say nothing of AI – was unusually exhausting. By December, a break from it all couldn’t come soon enough.
Escaping reality: The search for the ideal ride
The Kia Carnival made light work of the traffic-clogged trip from Cape Town to Knysna.
Of course, escaping from reality – as the Back to the Future franchise would have you believe – requires not just any means of transport. (It just so happens that by the time the first film hit the circuit in 1985, the DeLorean project had already failed.) But the flagship Kia Carnival SXL we chose for our annual sashay from Cape Town to Knysna was the exact opposite. It was surprising and delightful at a time when the world seems to have gone to pot.
Why the Kia Carnival? Space, comfort & practicality, that’s why
The Carnival is excels at both moving people and engendering a sense of wellbeing via its luxurious, solid and refined cabin.
Now, it may be excessive to pick a R1.3-million luxury minivan for a mere 500 km jaunt. However, 7-seat SUVs simply lack the space to swallow beach chairs for four, bodyboards and, among others, a week’s worth of braai wood and accompanying potential behaviour-changing beverages. And for all their payload power, double-cab bakkies drive like bricks in the wind. Trailers, meanwhile – if for no other reason than that they slow you down and are a pain to park – are the equivalent of automotive chastity belts. So no. A van, if you can call it that, it had to be.
Packing perfection: Cargo capacity unleashed
Fold the third row and there’s still enough room for 4 people and a veritable mountain of luggage.
Come departure day, depending on one’s choice of life partner, the moments before luggage gets loaded are either characterised by a lack of anxiety … or the complete opposite at the sight of the ever-growing cargo consignment (mine’s the latter). Still, with the rear seats flattened, the cargo bay opens up like that of a Boeing. It reveals a level loading area able to stretch all the way to the first-row seatbacks, should you choose to remove the second row of seats, too. Like a punishment enthusiast, whatever was shoved into the Carnival’s circus tent-sized luggage hold was swallowed with a smile: packing turned into a painless party.
On the open road: Effortless cruising
Once in Knysna, the Carnival’s updated design drew appreciative glances.
Open road. Eighth gear. 120 kph. 1 900 rpm. David Ogilvy’s anthemic line in 1958 about ticking timepieces might have inadvertently brought fame to Rolls Royce’s NVH engineers, yet the Carnival’s turbodiesel engine, when treated civilly, is just as restrained. (Although the euphonic 12-speaker Bose system may have something to say about the former.)
Even a full-size mountain bike can be loaded upright into the Kia’s hold without removing a wheel.
Reaching Knysna from Cape Town is appreciably more scenic and relaxed when approached via Worcester and Robertson before rejoining the N2 at Swellendam. Most of the road is dual carriageway, although in peak holiday traffic, the section from Swellendam to Mossel Bay is not relaxing. Along with constant media pings about South African roads turning into death traps owed to ill-considered overtaking moves, this section feels like running the gauntlet.
Performance with purpose: Power when it counts
Thanks to 440 Nm of twist, the Kia made light work of the journey to Knysna.
It was on the N2 that the usually family-friendly, 7-seater Carnival showed a different side. With 440 Nm underfoot between 1 750 and 2 750 rpm, each ankle-twist turned the Kia into a cutlass, dispatching obstructive traffic (trailer-towers and caravan-pullers in particular). It comfortably conquered the Overberg’s hills and dales. Its table-top-flat torque curve belied the Kia’s capability as a low-flying cruise missile to disbelieving challengers.
Apart from Death Star-destroying torque at usable revs, the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine’s secondary benefit is exceptional fuel economy. We averaged a combined 7.4 L/100 km (comprising mainly highway driving, then short-hop urban driving in and around Knysna). With its 72-litre tank, a four-digit range is possible.
First-class Carnival: The passenger experience
The best seats in the house.
In another nod to Rolls-Royce, the best seats in the house belong to the passengers – specifically, the middle row. The two captain’s chairs (slideable, rotatable, removable – your choice) recline to a zen-like angle. Along with the pair of electric sliding doors, they continuously hogged the limelight.
The infotainment system’s a doddle to master, but a USB-A port or 2 would have been welcome to accompany the USB-C sockets.
The abundance of USB ports (and a wireless pad) immediately snuffed any FOMO fears, although admittedly at least one USB-A port would have been welcome instead of all of them being latest-gen USB-C. Oh, and the steering wheel-heating button is on the wrong side of the centre console, if that matters to anyone.
Fully loaded tech: Safety and personalisation
The Carnival SXL comes fully loaded.
As the range-topper, the SXL really does come fully loaded, and apart from a more contemporary exterior introduced during the Carnival range’s 2025 facelift, it’s worth knowing that behind the sophistication of the minimalist interior, a full active safety suite lurks in the background.
Even the tailgate opening speed can be adjusted.
Yet almost even more noteworthy is the available depth for personalisation. How fast would you like the electric tailgate to open or close? Your preferred number of lane change flashes: 3, 5, 7, or none? Or how about a reminder that the kids fiddled with the electric seat settings? What other car even offers such detailed configurability?
Conclusion: The ultimate life hack
Is there a more balanced family vehicle currently on sale in South Africa? The Carnival’s hard to beat…
It’s, uhm, über-geeky, we know. Yet in a time when many of the world’s super-rich happen to be hyper-nerds heading up tech disruptors headlining the nascent new world order, that’s hardly what one would define as bad company. And that’s the thing about the Kia Carnival SXL. Occupying a segment of one, it refuses to identify as either SUV or station wagon. Defying definition, from rands-per-feature to rands-per-kilowatt spent, there’s nothing else like it at the price: tech-heavy and driver-friendly, amidst a world that has gone off-script. It’s the ultimate life hack for what will most certainly be another year of algorithmic anarchy that awaits in 2026. And beyond.
