South Africa’s car market just had its best August in almost a decade. According to the latest numbers, 51,880 new vehicles rolled out of dealerships last month, a massive 18.7% jump compared to the same period last year. The last time we saw this kind of energy was back in September 2015.
So what’s behind the surge? A mix of rental fleet demand, strong local manufacturing, and a few fan-favourite models that continue to punch above their weight.
Rental Industry Keeps the Wheels Turning
One of the less glamorous but hugely influential drivers of growth is the rental sector. In August, rental companies snapped up around 15% of all passenger cars sold—that’s more than 5,500 vehicles in just one month.
Suzuki led the charge with 1,662 cars sold to rental fleets, followed closely by Toyota with 1,603. That means if you’ve picked up a hire car lately, chances are pretty high it had a Suzuki or Toyota badge on the bonnet.
The Corolla Cross Story: Local Hero Goes Big
At the very top of the sales chart is the Toyota Corolla Cross, built at Toyota’s Prospecton plant in Durban. It racked up 2,743 sales in August, its best month ever since launching in 2021.
Local manufacturing can still dominate when the product ticks the right boxes: affordability, reliability, and that crucial SUV appeal. For many South Africans, the Corolla Cross has become the go-to car that feels aspirational without being out of reach.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo Holds Strong
In second place sits the Volkswagen Polo Vivo with 2,314 units sold. Even though it was knocked off the top spot, the Vivo remains a South African icon. Volkswagen even marked the model’s 15th anniversary with a special “15 Edition” a subtle reminder that this hatchback is as woven into local car culture as bunny chow and braais.
Suzuki’s Double Punch
The Suzuki Swift took third with 2,101 sales, nearly half of which went straight into rental fleets. The little hatch is proving to be a fleet favourite thanks to its low running costs and wide appeal.
Meanwhile, the Suzuki Fronx cracked the top 10 at number six, showing how Suzuki has gone from being a niche brand a decade ago to one of the fastest-growing names in the country.
China Keeps Chipping Away
Fourth place went to the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro with 1,339 sales, holding onto its spot as the most popular Chinese nameplate. Haval wasn’t far behind with the Jolion in eighth place at 1,123 units.
The fact that both brands are consistently in the top 10 shows that Chinese automakers are no longer “newcomers”—they’re now regular players in a market once dominated by the German, Japanese, and Korean giants.
Other Movers and Shakers
- Hyundai Grand i10 kept fifth place with 1,270 units, proving small hatchbacks still have a place in a market obsessed with SUVs.
- Toyota Starlet dropped to seventh at 1,160 sales, down 12% from July.
- The Suzuki Ertiga surprised everyone by breaking into ninth with 1,055 sales, its best month ever.
- Rounding out the top 10 was the Toyota Vitz with 885 units, boosted by strong rental demand.
The Bigger Picture
What makes August’s numbers so interesting isn’t just who’s on top, but what it says about the state of the South African market.
- Rental fleets are back in full swing after a tough pandemic stretch, and they’re buying big.
- Locally built models like the Corolla Cross show that homegrown production can still dominate when the product is right.
- Chinese brands have carved out permanent space in the market, no longer seen as outsiders but as real competitors.
- And perhaps most importantly: despite economic headwinds, South Africans are still buying cars in big numbers—SUVs, hatches, and everything in between.
August 2025: Top 10 Passenger Cars
- Toyota Corolla Cross – 2,743
- Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2,314
- Suzuki Swift – 2,101
- Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 1,339
- Hyundai Grand i10 – 1,270
- Suzuki Fronx – 1,210
- Toyota Starlet – 1,160
- Haval Jolion – 1,123
- Suzuki Ertiga – 1,055
- Toyota Vitz – 885
