The top 12 vehicles South Africans are buying right now

·5 Aug 2023

Although new passenger vehicle sales experienced a significant year-on-year decline of 9.7% in July 2023, certain brands and models remain popular among those who bought a new car last month.

Aggregate domestic new vehicle sales recorded at 43,389 units reflected a sombre increase of 567 vehicles from the 42,822 new cars sold in July 2022.

This was mainly due to the notable decline in the July 2023 new passenger car market at 27,839 units, which fell by 9,7% or a loss of 2,985 car sales, compared to the 30,824 new cars sold in July 2022.

Naamsa noted that this is a result of the effects of ten consecutive hike rates totalling 475 cumulative basis points of hikes that filtered through the economy, resulting in distressed borrowing patterns among households as debt service costs share of disposable income remain high at 8,4%, on average.

Interestingly, light commercial vehicles, bakkies and minibuses contributed significantly to overall sales in July, showing a year-on-year increase of 32.6% or 3,114 units.

A major contributor to this is the continued popularity of the Toyota Hilux; the Toyota brand remained the most popular in South Africa – with combined sales of 10,812.

Volkswagen (VW) also continued as the second most popular brand, with 5,797 units sold, while Suzuki is third, with 4,361 units sold.

Toyota comprised 25% of all vehicles sold last month. This is above the combined sales of VW (13%) and Suzuki (10%).

The top 10 brands that sold the most cars locally in July 2023 were:

Toyota – 10,812 units
Volkswagen Group – 5,797 units
Suzuki – 4,361 units
Hyundai – 2,878 units
Ford – 2,500 units
Nissan – 2,308 units
Haval – 2,030 units
Isuzu – 1,903 units
Renault – 1,707 units
Chery – 1,375 units

The 12 cars South Africans are buying right now

The Toyota Hilux remained firmly on top in July 2023, selling 2,982 units across South Africa.

Additionally, Toyota boasted four models in the top 12 best-selling cars – which included the Hilux (1st), Toyota Corolla Cross (5th), the Toyota Hi-Ace (7th), and the Toyota Starlet (8th),

Following its one-month reign at the top in April and second in May, the new Ford Ranger ranked 3rd once again in June and July, selling 2,089 units.

The second and third most popular brands, VW and Suzuki, also featured models in the top ten – the VW Polo Vivo (2nd) and the Suzuki Swift (4th), with the latter moving up six places since May 2023.

The top 12 best-selling models, including the abovementioned models, and how many units were sold in July 2023 are listed below.

1. Toyota Hilux – 2,982 units sold