Top 10 best-selling imported cars in South Africa
Naamsa has revealed the top ten most popular imported cars among South African motorists, and it’s no surprise that the best-selling vehicle is an affordable hatchback – the Suzuki Swift.
The Naamsa New Vehicle Sales stats for September 2023 show a year-on-year decline of 4.1% – representing a cumulative decline of 13% since July – due to fluctuations in the exchange rate, rising fuel prices, and increased energy costs.
Notably, passenger cars continued to lose market share as September sales in the segment were down 8.4% to 29,669 units.
“The fact that there are now two consecutive months of strain, September seemingly bigger than August, provides some measure of concern for new vehicle sales,” said Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank.
Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank, said this is a sign that several economic pressures, such as fuel prices, inflation, restricted income growth, and the energy crisis, have caught up with consumer and business confidence, pressuring sentiment to make new vehicle purchase decisions.
When looking at Naamsa’s list of the top imported cars, it’s noticeable that many of them are budget-friendly crossover and hatchback options.
This is unsurprising given the rising cost of living – noted in new car sales – as well as TransUnion’s latest Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI), which showed prices for new vehicles are outstripping inflation.
According to TransUnion’s VPI, the price of new vehicles, on average, increased by 6.7% in Q2 2023.
Although this is already slightly above inflation (CPI), TransUnion noted that this is forecasted to increase further in the upcoming months.
Five vehicle body types exceeded CPI. On average, the price of all body types increased over the period; however, medium SUVs and hatchbacks saw the steepest increases at 7.4% in Q2 2023 compared to Q2 2022. Other YoY price increases included: Small SUVs (6.8%), premium and hybrids (6.6%), Crossovers (6.4%), and Electric (3.1%).
According to the report, the percentage of cars – both new and used – being financed below R200,000 declined to 19% in Q2 2023 from 21% in Q2 2022, likely due to the increased average purchase price of new vehicles, leaving little choice for prospective buyers in this price band.
The under R200,000 band is the lowest it has been since TransUnion started the VPI in 2011.
The data further found that 28% of vehicle financing deals were for cars between R200,000 and R300,000, and 53% shopped for cars over R300,000. The report noted that this is a result of rising vehicle prices, with consumers forced to spend more for a reliable vehicle, while those in the used vehicle market moved to older cars to meet their needs.
“The average loan size for Q2 2023 increased from R370,000 to R390,000 YoY, reflecting shifts in both new and used vehicle pricing and changes in buying preferences. In the search for value, consumers have turned to SUVs — which make up more than 30% of new and used financed vehicles.
The best-selling imported cars
Sales data from Naamsa indicates that Suzuki’s small hatchback is the most imported vehicle in South Africa, with over 13,000 units brought in so far this year.
Toyota’s entry-level Urban Cruiser follows closely behind as the second most popular import, with around 1,800 units sold every month and a total of more than 12,800 units imported in 2022. The third spot goes to another Toyota model – the Starlet, which has sold nearly 10,000 units as of September 2022.
VW’s T-Cross is in fourth place with 8,000 units sold, while Renault’s Kwid holds fifth place with 7,600 units sold this year. Hyundai also has two popular imported models on the list – the Venue crossover and the Atos hatchback.
Other imported models that have gained popularity among local car buyers include the Haval Jolion, Mahindra Scorpio, and Kia Picanto.
The top 10 best-selling imported cars on the South African market are listed below.
1. Suzuki Swift – 13,032 units
- Starting price – R189,900
2. Toyota Urban Cruiser – 12,893 units
- Starting price – R280,400
3. Toyota Starlet – 9,724 units
- Starting price – R226,200
4. VW T-Cross – 8,006 units
- Starting price – R387,600
5. Renault Kwid – 7,672 units
- Starting price – R177,999
6. Haval Jolion – 6,607 units
- Starting price – R342,950
7. Mahindra Scorpio – 6,623 units
- Starting price – R389,999
8. Hyundai Atos – 6,204 units
- Starting price – R196,900
9. Hyundai Venue – 5,836 units
- Starting price – R294,900
10. Kia Picanto – 5,750 units
- Starting price – R202,995
Read: 3 of the best entry-level, budget, and compact hatchbacks in South Africa in 2023
Loading ...