South Africa’s best-selling ladder-frame SUVs of 2024

Which ladder-frame SUVs did South Africans buy in droves in 2024 and which ones proved a tougher sell? We’ve tallied up the local sales figures for body-on-frame SUVs…

While unibody crossovers (alongside budget hatchbacks) tend to dominate South Africa’s passenger-vehicle sales charts, there’s clearly still a place for rugged ladder-frame SUVs in our market. So, which models were most popular in Mzansi in 2024?

Well, we’ve sorted through the statistics and tallied up the sales figures to see exactly how well – or otherwise – the various body-on-frame SUVs that are available in SA sold last year (as an aside, likely new entrants to this segment in 2025 include the LDV D90, the Lexus GX and the latest Haval H9).

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado's ladder-frame set-up

As always, there are a few caveats. For instance, keep in mind that since Mercedes-Benz doesn’t report sales figures to Naamsa, we don’t know how many G-Class units were registered locally in 2024. And it’s a similar case with Ineos and its Grenadier.

That said, we picked out as many as 15 ladder-frame SUVs from Naamsa’s sales figures for 2024, each ostensibly offering extra ruggedness and loftier off-road abilities than the typical monocoque crossover. So, let’s see how well they sold…

It likely comes as no surprise that South Africa’s favourite body-on-frame SUV in 2024 was the Toyota Fortuner. With as many as 10 666 units registered (up 2.7%, year on year) locally, the Prospecton-built stalwart – which shares much with SA’s top-selling vehicle overall, the Hilux – was the only contender to breach the 5-figure mark in 2024, a feat that furthermore earned it 8th place on the list of Mzansi’s most popular passenger vehicles.

As the smallest and most affordable ladder-frame model here, the Suzuki Jimny – available locally in both 3- and 5-door guise – grabbed 2nd place. The diminutive Jimny ended 2024 on 3 753 units, representing an impressive year-on-year increase of 67.1%. And the vehicle to complete the podium? None other than the Thai-built Ford Everest, of which 3 109 units (down 0.1%, year on year) were sold in 2024.

Interestingly, 2 more Toyota models rounded out the top 5. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – which entered its latest J250 generation in mid-2024 – finished the year on 2 106 units (a 65.3% year-on-year improvement), while the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 wasn’t far behind on 1 547 units (down 34.8%, year on year).

No other ladder-frame SUVs cracked 4 figures in 2024. The Mahindra Scorpio-N, however, came close, grabbing 6th position with 977 units and finishing just ahead of the 7th-placed Isuzu MU-X on 912 units. The GWM Tank 300 – which is set to be offered in turbodiesel form this year – took 8th with 526 units, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (305 units, down 9.2%) and Jeep Wrangler (290 units, down 9.7%) completed the top 10.

Local registrations of the 11th-placed Toyota Land Cruiser 76 increased 13% year to year to 244 units (a figure that likely also includes a handful of 78 “Troopy” sales), while the Lexus LX ended in 12th position on 157 units (a 3.3% year-on-year increase). The 13th-placed BAIC B40 Plus (124 units) was the final body-on-frame SUV to reach 3 figures.

With the Y63-generation model tipped to reach Mzansi only in 2026, the long-running Y62-series Nissan Patrol finished in 14th place, with sales down 29.6% year on year to 81 units. The GWM Tank 500 – which launched locally only in the 3rd quarter of last year – closed out the table on 70 units.

Ladder-frame SUV sales in South Africa for 2024

1. Toyota Fortuner – 10 666 units

2. Suzuki Jimny – 3 753 units

3. Ford Everest – 3 109 units

4. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – 2 106 units

5. Toyota Land Cruiser 300 – 1 547 units

6. Mahindra Scorpio-N – 977 units

7. Isuzu MU-X – 912 units

8. GWM Tank 300 – 526 units

9. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – 305 units

10. Jeep Wrangler – 290 units

11. Toyota Land Cruiser 76 – 244 units

12. Lexus LX – 157 units

13. BAIC B40 Plus – 124 units

14. Nissan Patrol – 81 units

15. GWM Tank 500 – 70 units

#CarsAwards: BMW X5 vs Merc GLE vs Lexus RX450h – Comparison Review

There’s a mega battle going down in the #CarsAwards Premium SUV category where the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Lexus RX450h are vying for the category win. In this video, Ciro De Siena takes you on a full comparative review of these cars to help you make the best buying decision! Watch the video!

The Cars.co.za Awards is back for 2024/25 and it’s bigger than ever. With 39 cars in 13 categories, our Awards programme aims to identify the best new cars in the South African market across major segments and price points.

In this video, our video journalist Ciro De Siena compares the finalists in the Best Premium SUV category, namely the BMW X5 xDrive 30d, the Mercedes Benz GLE 300d 4Matic mild hybrid and the Lexus RX450h+ hybrid.

We conducted back-to-back testing at the incredible Gerotek vehicle testing grounds which provided a unique and thorough opportunity for the cars to prove themselves.

Do note however that the winner of this category will be announced at our gala event at the end of February 2025, so stayed tune for that. In this video, Ciro will give his personal opinion on which one appeals to him the most.

Watch the video!

Buy a BMW X5 on Cars.co.za

Buy a Mercedes-Benz GLE on Cars.co.za

Buy a Lexus RX on Cars.co.za

SA’s single-digit sellers: the cars hardly anyone bought in 2024

Across the whole of 2024, as many as 21 models on South Africa’s new-vehicle market each sold fewer than 10 units. Meet Mzansi’s single-digit sellers: the cars hardly anyone bought last year…

We’ve already examined South Africa’s best-selling cars and crossovers for 2024, as well as identified the country’s most popular bakkies. Now it’s time to turn our attention to the other end of the market: yes, the new-vehicle market’s single-digit sellers from last year.

Before we dive into the figures, we should point out there are several potential reasons vehicles might have ended up on this list. For instance, some had technically not yet launched (with the handful of registered units arriving for homologation purposes), while others had been completely discontinued (therefore hardly any stock was available).

*The Fiat Tipo appears to have quietly left the local market.*

In addition, highly exclusive, multi-million-rand supercars tend to be low volume by design. However, for relevant models mentioned on this list (which, for the record, is based on figures reported to industry representative body Naamsa), we’ll try our best to provide some sort of context. Right, let’s take a closer look, from the top down…

Last year, just 9 units of the Fiat Tipo were sold in South Africa, falling from 87 examples in 2023. The last time a Tipo was registered new in Mzansi was August 2024, which leads us to believe this C-segment model – which was offered in both hatchback and sedan guise – has been quietly discontinued locally (in fact, it’s not currently listed on Fiat SA’s website).

*Jaguar SA registered 7 examples of the outgoing I-Pace in 2024.*

Another discontinued model to feature on the list was the V8-powered Audi R8 (production ended in the opening quarter of 2024), which likewise attracted 9 buyers last year. Interestingly, 8 units of the Mahindra XUV500 were registered locally in 2024, despite the fact this SUV was replaced by the XUV700 as long ago as November 2022.

Next we have the fully electric Jaguar I-Pace (7 units), which is due to ride off into the sunset at some point this year (it’s currently still listed on Jaguar SA’s website), followed by the Ferrari Roma with 6 units (we believe all local allocations for this Prancing Horse have long since been filled). As many as 6 nameplates reached just 4 registrations apiece in 2024, including a trio of axed models: the Honda WR-V, Hyundai Atos and Suzuki Vitara Brezza.

*4 units of the R2.9-million Audi S8 were registered locally last year.*

The other models to settle on 4 units each across the entirety of 2024 were the Ferrari 812 (set to be supplanted by the incoming 12Cilindri), along with the Audi A8 (well, technically the S8 as the Audi Sport variant is the only derivative available locally) and the fully electric Audi e-tron GT (currently available only in R3.5-million RS guise).

In addition, 2 examples of the BAIC X25 (a small Chinese crossover discontinued in SA back in early 2023) were registered as new last year, along with 2 units of the Hyundai Ioniq (a fully electric model not yet confirmed for Mzansi). Other yet-to-launch models likely brought in for homologation purposes include the imminent Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (2 units) and long-promised BAIC B80 (1 unit, though it was interestingly sold via the dealer channel).

*The Lexus LC500h hit the local market in early 2024 but soon disappeared.*

Most of the remaining single-unit sellers were discontinued models, such as the Ford EcoSport, Haval H9, Mahindra KUV100 and Lexus LC coupé. Similarly, just a solitary example of the Abarth 695 was registered in Mzansi last year, with this model having also been removed from Fiat SA’s website.

Finally, only 1 unit of the Alfa Romeo Giulia – a sedan that is interestingly still listed as available on the Italian firm’s local website – was sold new in South Africa in 2024. That sale was reported way back in January 2024 (yes, an entire year ago) as a so-called “single” registration rather than through a dealer, meaning Stellantis SA kept and licensed it for its own use…

2025 CarsAwards: Best Executive SUV in SA

Many car buyers who achieve reasonable success in their careers desire an Executive SUV, which combines luxury, performance, status and a degree of family-friendly practicality. These are the 3 finalists in this category of the 2025 CarsAwards.

Most premium brands offer road-biased SUVs that combine prestige and practicality in superbly refined packages. The Executive SUV category winner of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) has a refined drivetrain performance and -road manners, while its cabin is comfortable, trimmed in upmarket materials and features the most up-to-date technology.

2025 CarsAwards Premium SUV finalists: Mercedes-Benz GLC and Lexus NX

The Executive SUV category

The Executive SUV 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 R1 000 000 and R1 300 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting to ensure both exclusivity and status. Eligible vehicles in this category had to be medium-sized (Audi Q5/Mercedes-Benz GLC size), including their “coupe” variants.

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:

BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport

The previous-gen BMW X3 was still a strong contender in the Executive SUV category of 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, in which it was narrowly pipped by the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Expectations were high that the all-new, locally-built X3 would take the win in 2024/25 and, well, it didn’t disappoint.

Powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine with plug-in hybrid assistance, the BMW X3 30e is a powerful offering with 220 kW, enough for a claimed 0-100 kph time of 6.2 sec.

2025 BMW X3: All You Need To Know, presented by David Taylor:

It also promises good efficiency, with BMW claiming an average consumption of only 1.1 L/100 km (with the batteries fully charged) and 7.9 L/100 km with them discharged.

The X3, which achieved a combined score of 79%, is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty (with an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty) and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

View the Price & Specs of the BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport

Find a BMW X3 for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

2025 CarsAwards Premium SUV finalist Lexus NX (front view)

Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport

The recently launched 2nd-gen Lexus NX finished tantalisingly close to the summit of the Executive SUV category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa. Its flagship 450h+ F Sport variant’s combined score was only 9 tenths of a per cent lower than that of the BMW X3 (78.1% versus 79%).

The strikingly styled newcomer features a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine as its base. The 450h+ F Sport’s total power output is 227 kW and Lexus claims an average consumption of 1.3 L/100 km (with the batteries charged) for this derivative.

2025 CarsAwards Premium SUV finalist Lexus NX (rear view)

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

View the Price & Specs of the Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport

Read a Launch Review of the Lexus NX

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

2025 CarsAwards Premium SUV finalist Mercedes-Benz GLC

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d 4Matic AMG Line

The 2nd-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC underwent a facelift in 2023 to keep it competitive in the Executive SUV segment. ‘Benz’s update succeeded, as it went on to win this category of the 2023/24 CarsAwards.

Watch Ash Oldfield’s video review of the Mercedes-Benz GLC:

The GLC 300d 4Matic AMG Line, which achieved a combined score of 73.5%, has a great turbodiesel engine under the bonnet, giving the ‘Benz ample performance that doesn’t come at the expense of fuel consumption.

The variant’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivers 215 kW and a meaty 550 Nm of torque, plus Mercedes-Benz claims an average consumption figure of 5.5 L/100 km.

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

View the Price & Specs of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d 4Matic AMG Line

Read a review of the Mercedes-Benz GLC

Find a Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 EV in SA

Although the rate of EV adoption in South Africa won’t depend solely on the products on offer, it’s likely to be driven by more affordable models, such as the finalists of the 2025 CarsAwards EV category, of which the Mini Countryman SE ALL4 is our winner.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered as future mobility solutions in an evolving motoring landscape. While they are expensive in our market, due to high material costs and additional taxes levied by the Government, demand for these types of vehicles is increasing gradually. Plus, as brands increase the number of EVs in their line-ups, consumers have an ever-growing number of models to choose from.

2025 CarsAwards EV category finalists Mini Countryman and BMW iX1

The Electric Vehicle (EV) category

The winner of the Electric Vehicle (EV) category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) represents the best value EV in this rarefied segment, with enough range to confidently complete the average daily commute, while providing a blend of modern design, interior practicality, adequate performance and up-to-date tech and connectivity features.

This category was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors for this category included a list price below R1 300 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting. Eligible vehicles had to be all-electric (which is to say battery-electric vehicles) and offer a minimum range of 300 km when fully charged. This category excluded hybrids and plug-in EVs.

Pillars of success for this category included power and range, luxury and technology, value for money, design and quality appeal.

WINNER:

2025 CarsAwards EV category finalist Mini Countryman on Gerotek skid pan (front view)

Mini Countryman SE ALL4

The latest-gen Mini Countryman has grown significantly and the SE ALL4 shares many components (particularly its EV drivetrain) with its BMW iX1 cousin, which it narrowly defeated in the EV category of the 2025 CarsAwards. The Mini’s combined score (78.6%) pipped that of the BMW (77.5%).

Power comes from a 66.45 kW/h battery pack and the Mini’s electric motor delivers 230 kW and 494 Nm of torque. Consequently, the Countryman performs impressively, with a claimed 0-100 kph time of 5.6 sec and a top speed of 180 kph. More importantly, Mini claims a range of between 399 and 432 km.

2025 CarsAwards EV category finalist Mini Countryman on Gerotek skid pan (front three-quarter view)

The Countryman SE is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty, an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Mini Countryman SE ALL4

Read a review of the Mini Countryman

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

RUNNERS UP:

BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport

Our outgoing category champion (the EV winner of the 2023/24 CarsAwards) still offers an alluring combination of traditional compact SUV packaging, luxury, good dynamics and an efficient drivetrain.

The iX1 xDrive30 M Sport (230 kW/494 Nm) has a 64.7 kW/h battery pack and a claimed range of up to 440 km. It’s also a strong performer, with a claimed 0-100 kph time of 5.6 sec and a 180-kph top speed.

The iX1 is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/100 000 km battery pack warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

View the Price & Specs of the BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport

Find a BMW iX1 for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards EV category finalist Volvo EX30

Volvo EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance

Designed from the ground up to be an electric vehicle, the Volvo EX30 is a well-priced offering, even in flagship Plus Twin Motor Performance specification. This variant achieved a combined score of 69.3%.

Watch Ash Oldfield’s video review of the Volvo EX30:

With 315 kW and 543 Nm of torque on tap, the EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance packs a strong punch, with a supercar-rivalling claimed 0-100 kph time of 3.6 sec and a top speed limited to 180 kph. Power comes from a 64kW/h battery pack, and the EX30 has a claimed range of up to 450 km.

The EX30 is backed with a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Volvo EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance

Find a Volvo EX30 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 Performance Car in SA

Finding a hardcore performance car priced under R2 million is increasingly tough, but these 3 CarsAwards finalists certainly got the blood pumping. After intense test days at Gerotek, the 2025 CarsAwards judges selected the BMW M2 as the champion.

While owning supercars and other “exotics” is bound to remain a pipedream for most car buyers, there are new cars priced under R2 million that offer near-supercar driving thrills. German brands dominated the Performance Car category of 2023/24 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards).

2025 CarsAwards Performance Car finalists Mercedes-AMG A45S, BMW M3 and Audi RS3 Sportback

The Performance Car category

In this category, we weren’t only looking for sizzling performance but also driver engagement, whether driven on the track or the road. This category was guided by eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors for the Performance Car category of the 2025 CarsAwards included a list price below R2 000 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting. As in previous #CarsAwards programmes, we instituted a price cap to ensure the category didn’t become dominated by extravagant and unattainable exotics.

Pillars of success for this category included drivetrain engagement, handling, sensory appeal and standard features.

WINNER:

2025 CarsAwards Performance Car finalist BMW M2 front three-quarter view

BMW M2 Auto

Widely regarded as one of the most exciting sportscars on the market, the BMW M2 combines muscular styling, engaging rear-wheel drive dynamics and a sizzling turbocharged 3.0-line inline-6 turbopetrol motor mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission to deliver a thrilling driving experience.

2025 CarsAwards Performance Car finalist BMW M2 on Gerotek skid pan

The engine pumps out 353 kW and 600 Nm of torque, which is enough grunt to get the M2 to 100 kph in 4 sec (claimed) and a 285-kph top speed. BMW claims an average consumption figure of 9.7 L/100 km.

The BMW M2 Auto, which achieved the highest combined score in this category (76.2%), 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 M2 Auto

Read a review of the BMW M2

Find a BMW M2 for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

Audi RS3 Sportback quattro

Audi’s fire-breathing RS3 has always been a frontrunner in South Africa’s hot hatch segment, and the latest version remains a highly desirable offering, particularly because of its crackling 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbopetrol engine that delivers a whopping 294 kW and 500 Nm of torque.

2025 CarsAwards Performance Car finalist Audi RS3 Sportback on a skid pan

That power and torque go to all 4 wheels via Audi’s trademark quattro all-wheel drive system, ensuring excellent traction and blistering acceleration. Audi claims a 0-100 kph time of 3.8 sec and a top speed limited to 250 kph. Efficiency is also impressive, with a claimed average consumption of 9 L/100 km.

2025 CarsAwards Performance Car finalist Audi RS3 rear view

The RS3 Sportback, which achieved a combined score of 74.1% in the 2025 CarsAwards, is backed with a 1-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Audi RS3 Sportback quattro

Read a review of the Audi RS3

Find an Audi RS3 for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards Performance Car finalist Mercedes-AMG A45 S

Mercedes-AMG A45 S Hatch 4Matic+

Not so long ago the thought of squeezing 310 kW and 500 Nm out of a production-spec 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine would have been thought of as impossible. And yet that’s what has been on offer from Mercedes-AMG for some time. The A45 S Hatch 4Matic+ achieved a combined score of 73.2%.

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the pre-facelift Mercedes-AMG A45 S:

Packaged into the compact A-Class body, the engine delivers explosive performance, with Mercedes-AMG claiming a 0-100 kph time of 3.9 sec for the A45 S, as well as a 270-kph top speed.

Equipped with an 8-speed auto transmission (with drive modes) and a clever all-wheel drive system, the A45 S is not only fast in a straight line, but also around the twisties. And when you’re in a more “chilled” mood, it is also relatively economical, with a claimed average consumption of 8.9 L/100 km.

The A45 S 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-AMG A45 S Hatch 4Matic+

Find a Mercedes-AMG A45 S 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: Ultimate Double Cab in SA

With double-cab bakkies regarded as desirable lifestyle vehicles in South Africa, the very best of them have become dream machines for many consumers. In the Ultimate Double Cab category of the 2025 CarsAwards, the Ford Ranger Raptor nailed the brief.

From luxurious touring vehicle to hardcore off-roader, capable carry-all, family do-all and lifestyle activity machine, the winner of the Ultimate Double Cab Bakkie category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) isn’t too utilitarian and/or rough around the edges. In fact, it is a highly sophisticated offering with the performance and design that discerning customers demand.

2025 CarsAwards Ultimate Double Cab finalists: Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota Hilux GR Sport

The Ultimate Double Cab Bakkie category

The Ultimate Double Cab category of the 2025 CarsAwards was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.

Eligibility factors for this category included a list price above R750 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting. The vehicle had to be a double-cab (four-door) pick-up/bakkie with 4-wheel drive, an automatic transmission and a ground clearance of at least 200 mm.

Pillars of success for this category included performance, space & practicality, in-car entertainment, comfort, performance, all-surface ability and safety. Towing ability was also tested.

WINNER:

2025 CarsAwards Ultimate Double Cab finalist Ranger Raptor sliding on a gravel road

Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 Raptor 4WD

If you’re looking for the new-vehicle market’s most performance-oriented double cab, look no further than the Ford Ranger Raptor, which won the Leisure Double Cab category in the 2023/24 programme and won the Ultimate Double Cab category of the 2025 CarsAwards with a combined score of 73.7%.

2025 CarsAwards Ultimate Double Cab finalist Ranger Raptor wading through a water obstacle

With a bespoke off-road racing suspension, muscular looks and a howling twin-turbo V6, the 2nd-gen Ranger Raptor makes an unequivocal statement. Inside, the Raptor boasts comprehensive safety tech and connectivity, and an appropriately themed cabin.

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the Ford Ranger Raptor and Wildtrak variants:

Delivering all that performance is a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that delivers 292 kW and 583 Nm of torque, which is unrivalled in this segment. Its claimed average fuel consumption is 11.5 L/100 km.

The Ford Ranger Raptor is backed with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty and optional service or maintenance plans of up to 8 years or 165 000 km are available.

View the Price & Specs of the Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 Raptor 4WD

Read a review of the Ford Ranger Raptor

Find a Ford Ranger Raptor for sale on Cars.co.za

RUNNERS UP:

2025 CarsAwards Ultimate Double Cab finalist Toyota Hilux GR Sport

Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 GR-Sport 4×4 Auto

There are few predictable slam-dunks in the automotive industry, but a Hilux GR-Sport is one of them. The Hilux is already one of the most desirable double cabs on the market, and adding a muscular, wide-body variant with some Dakar “fizz” was always going to have enthusiasts queuing.

Watch Jacob Moshokoa’s video review of the Toyota Hilux GR-Sport:

Power comes from the proven 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, developing 165 kW and 550 Nm in this instance. Toyota claims an average consumption figure of 8.7L/100 km for this model, but the Hilux is not so much about performance figures – it prioritises high-speed off-road work.

The Toyota Hilux GR-Sport, which achieved a combined score of 72.9% in the 2025 CarsAwards (only 8 tenths of a per cent behind the Ranger Raptor), is backed with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and the first 9 services are included. Note, however, that service intervals are only 10 000 km apart.

View the Price & Specs of the Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 GR-Sport 4×4 Auto

Read a launch review of the Toyota Hilux GR-Sport

Find a Toyota Hilux for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards Ultimate Double Cab finalist Ineos Grenadier

Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster Trialmaster Edition

The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is the most expensive double-cab you can buy in South Africa and not a vehicle one can easily ignore. It achieved a combined score of 62.3% in the 2025 CarsAwards.

Conceived to be a no-nonsense and extremely capable off-road machine, but with a luxurious cabin and strong power, the Ineos Quartermaster oozes desirability.

This variant is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol that develops 210 kW and 450 Nm, enough to propel this juggernaut to 100 kph in 8.8 sec. Ineos claims an average consumption of 12.8 L/100 km.

The Quartermaster is backed with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and optional 5-year/75 000 km service or maintenance plans.

View the Price & Specs of the Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster Trialmaster Edition

Read a Launch Review of the Ineos Grenadier

Find an Ineos Grenadier 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: Brand of the Year

By winning the most prestigious #CarsAwards title for the 3rd consecutive time at the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, Toyota now has 5 Brand of the Year wins – the most in the history of our awards programme, followed by Suzuki (2) and Volkswagen (1).

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) received the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa Brand of the Year trophy from naamsa | The Automotive Business Council (of South Africa) CEO Mikel Mabasa and Cars.co.za Managing Director Amasi Mwela at the annual automotive awards programme’s gala event at Waterfall City Park at Mall of Africa on the evening of 27 February 2025.

*The Toyota South Africa Motors team received the 2024/25 Brand of the Year trophy at the Mall of Africa gala event.*

The Prospecton-based manufacturer also bagged three 2024/25 #CarsAwards category wins with the Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Auto (Budget Crossover), Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XR (Compact Family Car) and Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4GD-6 Raider 4×4 Auto (Leisure Double Cab).

As opposed to the category winners, which are determined by a combination of judges’ scores and consumer feedback, the recipient of the #CarsAwards Brand of the Year title was determined solely by market data and the findings of the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey – how owners rated the dealer sales-, after-sales service- and product experience of their vehicles’ brands – and the percentages of purchase-price value the brands’ finalists retained after 3 years of ownership.

Toyota, which won the 1st #CarsAwards Brand of the Year title in 2015/16 and again in 2018/19, is now on a run of 3 consecutive Brand of the Year victories. This year, TSAM again achieved the highest brand score (77.2%) to back up its Brand of the Year title wins in the 2020/21 and 2023/24 programmes.

But whereas TSAM was a significant 9.2% ahead of the runner-up in 2023/24 (2-time Brand of the Year winner Suzuki), Toyota finished only 0.6% ahead of Mini (76.6%), which had moved up 4 places in the past year to take 2nd spot. Isuzu, which improved by 5 places in 2024/25, finished 3rd with 75.3%.

Still, winning the Brand of the Year title for the 5th time out of 8 iterations of the #CarsAwards was an immense achievement by TSAM. “The Brand of the Year trophy is the ultimate accolade in the local automotive industry and represents validation from the people who matter most: car owners,” said Hannes Oosthuizen, the manager of the Cars.co.za Awards’ scoring process.

“By providing consistently superior after-sales support through the most extensive dealer network in the country, Toyota has put South African consumers first and – based on the feedback by thousands of vehicle owners – they appreciate that,” he added.

“We are incredibly honoured to once again be recognised as South Africa’s leading automotive brand, said Glenn Crompton, the Vice President of Marketing at TSAM.

“This award is a testament to the trust and loyalty of our customers, as well as the dedication of our employees and dealer network. Thank you for making Toyota the brand of choice in South Africa.”

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

2025 CarsAwards: Best Compact Hatch in SA

Looking for a light hatchback that is slightly more sophisticated and upmarket than a budget crossover? If so, a Compact Hatch still holds much appeal and, as it has since 2018/19, the Volkswagen Polo topped this category in the 2025 CarsAwards.

The winner of the Compact Hatch category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) had to be a well-balanced car that reflected what is best about modern automotive design and engineering, but present it in a distilled, reasonably affordable form.

Cars in this segment appeal to a diverse audience – from young professionals to family-car buyers trading up from entry-level vehicles and pensioners buying down from something larger and expensive.

2025 CarsAwards Compact Hatch category finalists: Volkswagen Polo and Honda Fit.

The Compact Hatch category

Eligibility factors for the Compact Hatch category of the 2025 CarsAwards included a list price between R300 000 and R500 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting, an anti-lock braking system, a minimum of 4 airbags, aircon, USB support, Bluetooth connectivity and a service plan.

Pillars of success for this category included a balance of fuel economy and power/performance, value for money, practicality, brand strength, design and quality appeal, ride and handling and safety.

WINNER:

2025 CarsAwards Compact Hatch finalist Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI (85kW) R-Line Auto

The locally assembled Volkswagen Polo helped to establish South Africa’s compact car segment and remains a frontrunner – and benchmark – in the segment. Although it had stiff competition from the Honda Fit and Suzuki Baleno (both of which achieved combined scores of 72.3%), the Polo edged them by 0.1%. It was the 5th straight time that a 1.0-litre turbopetrol variant of the model won this category.

Watch Ciro De Siena’s video review of the 2022 1.0 TSI Life:

The facelifted 6th-gen model is the biggest and most advanced Polo yet and comes with an array of engines suited to our market. The 1.0 TSI R-Line Auto has a claimed fuel consumption of 5.4 L/100 km.

We’d argue that it is the most modern-looking car in the segment, but all of this excellence comes at a price premium. A 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan are included.

View the Price & Specs of the VW Polo 1.0 TSI R-Line Auto

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

RUNNERS UP:

2025 CarsAwards Compact Hatch finalist Honda Fit

Honda Fit 1.5 Elegance Auto

The Honda’s Fit – previously known as the Jazz – is very solidly-built compact Japanese hatchback retains its cute city looks and incredibly practical setup, replete with those legendary “magic seats”.

Watch Ciro de Siena’s video review of the (pre-facelift) Honda fit:

A 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine offers decent performance and fair economy (a claimed 5.5 L/100km).

The Fit, which achieved a combined score of 72.3%, has a strong reputation for reliability, and locally the car is backed with a 5-year/200 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 service plan.

View the Price & Specs of the Honda Fit 1.5 Elegance Auto

Find a Honda Fit for sale on Cars.co.za

2025 CarsAwards Compact Hatch finalist Suzuki Baleno

Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX Auto

With the reshuffling of our categories, the 2023/24 Budget Car winner, the Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX found itself among more sophisticated rivals in the Compact Hatch segment of the 2025 CarsAwards.

Significantly more affordable than its competitors, the Baleno is a spacious, well-thought-out and generously equipped budget hatchback that doesn’t cost a fortune to buy or own.

Watch our “Toyota Starlet vs Suzuki Baleno – Which one should you buy?” video:

Although it still utilises the underpinnings of its predecessor, the 2nd-gen Baleno, which achieved a combined score of 72.3%, is one of very few “oversized” small hatchbacks that offer good rear legroom.

The Suzuki’s well-made, suitably comfortable, has a proven, fuel-frugal powertrain and is renowned for its reliability. A 5-year/200 000 km warranty and 4-year/60 000 km service plan are included in its price.

View the Price & Specs of the Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX

Find a Suzuki Baleno 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.

GWM SA introduces 7-year warranty for all models (except 1)…

GWM South Africa has announced the introduction of an extended 7-year/200 000 km warranty for all but 1 of the several models in its local range…

GWM South Africa has introduced an extended 7-year/200 000 km warranty for all models across its line-up – except one, that is.

Yes, the Chinese firm has ditched its previously standard 5-year/100 000 km arrangement in favour of a new 7-year/200 000 km warranty, applying the latter to the Haval Jolion, H6 and new H7 as well as the P-Series, Tank 300, Tank 500 and Ora 03 – but interestingly not to the long-in-the-tooth Steed bakkie.

GWM Steed 5 — *The Steed misses out on GWM SA’s new extended warranty.*

GWM SA describes this new extended warranty as “comprehensive and transferable”, seemingly in a thinly veiled swipe at rival firm Chery, which offers a 10-year/1-million km engine-specific warranty that is “exclusive to the original owner” (and is thus not transferable should the vehicle subsequently be sold).

Fully electric and hybrid derivatives in GWM’s range, meanwhile, still feature an additional 8-year/150 000 km warranty specific to the battery pack. As a reminder, the hybrid versions of the Jolion and H6 gained the 7-year/200 000 km new-vehicle warranty coverage back in February 2024.

*The soon-to-be-facelifted P-Series has seemingly had its service plan downgraded.*

Furthermore, GWM SA has now standardised its service-plan offering, meaning all models – again, bar the Steed – now ship with a 7-year/75 000 km service plan. Before this change, certain variants in GWM’s stable (such as petrol-powered versions of the Jolion and H6) featured a 5-year/100 000 km service plan, while the P-Series upgraded to a 10-year/100 000 km service plan about a year back. But the 7-year/75 000 km service plan now seemingly replaces these.

Having just launched the new H7 locally, GWM SA will soon roll out facelifted versions of the H6 and P-Series (the latter switching to the P300 badge), while a 2.4-litre turbodiesel version of the Tank 300 is also scheduled for a local introduction.

South Africa’s best-selling ladder-frame SUVs of 2024

Which ladder-frame SUVs did South Africans buy in droves in 2024 and which ones proved a tougher sell? We’ve tallied up the local sales figures for body-on-frame SUVs…

Ladder-frame SUV sales in South Africa for 2024

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SA’s single-digit sellers: the cars hardly anyone bought in 2024

Across the whole of 2024, as many as 21 models on South Africa’s new-vehicle market each sold fewer than 10 units. Meet Mzansi’s single-digit sellers: the cars hardly anyone bought last year…

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2025 CarsAwards: Best Executive SUV in SA

Many car buyers who achieve reasonable success in their careers desire an Executive SUV, which combines luxury, performance, status and a degree of family-friendly practicality. These are the 3 finalists in this category of the 2025 CarsAwards.

The Executive SUV category

WINNER:

BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport

RUNNERS UP:

Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d 4Matic AMG Line

More about the #CarsAwards

2025 CarsAwards: Best EV in SA

Although the rate of EV adoption in South Africa won’t depend solely on the products on offer, it’s likely to be driven by more affordable models, such as the finalists of the 2025 CarsAwards EV category, of which the Mini Countryman SE ALL4 is our winner.

The Electric Vehicle (EV) category

WINNER:

Mini Countryman SE ALL4

RUNNERS UP:

BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport

Volvo EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance

More about the #CarsAwards

2025 CarsAwards: Best Performance Car in SA

Finding a hardcore performance car priced under R2 million is increasingly tough, but these 3 CarsAwards finalists certainly got the blood pumping. After intense test days at Gerotek, the 2025 CarsAwards judges selected the BMW M2 as the champion.

The Performance Car category

WINNER:

BMW M2 Auto

RUNNERS UP:

Audi RS3 Sportback quattro

Mercedes-AMG A45 S Hatch 4Matic+

More about the #CarsAwards

2025 CarsAwards: Ultimate Double Cab in SA

With double-cab bakkies regarded as desirable lifestyle vehicles in South Africa, the very best of them have become dream machines for many consumers. In the Ultimate Double Cab category of the 2025 CarsAwards, the Ford Ranger Raptor nailed the brief.

The Ultimate Double Cab Bakkie category

WINNER:

Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 Raptor 4WD

RUNNERS UP:

Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.8GD-6 GR-Sport 4×4 Auto

Ineos Grenadier 3.0T Quartermaster Trialmaster Edition

More about the #CarsAwards

2025 CarsAwards: Brand of the Year

By winning the most prestigious #CarsAwards title for the 3rd consecutive time at the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, Toyota now has 5 Brand of the Year wins – the most in the history of our awards programme, followed by Suzuki (2) and Volkswagen (1).

Related content:

2025 CarsAwards: Best Compact Hatch in SA

Looking for a light hatchback that is slightly more sophisticated and upmarket than a budget crossover? If so, a Compact Hatch still holds much appeal and, as it has since 2018/19, the Volkswagen Polo topped this category in the 2025 CarsAwards.

The Compact Hatch category

WINNER:

Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI (85kW) R-Line Auto

RUNNERS UP:

Honda Fit 1.5 Elegance Auto

Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX Auto

More about the #CarsAwards

GWM SA introduces 7-year warranty for all models (except 1)…

GWM South Africa has announced the introduction of an extended 7-year/200 000 km warranty for all but 1 of the several models in its local range…

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