In a country where Toyota vehicles dominate the roads — from the rugged Hilux to the compact Vitz — there’s one model that stands apart not for its popularity, but for its scarcity. Enter the Toyota Crown, one of the rarest models the Japanese automaker has ever released in South Africa.
Recently, a 2024 Toyota Crown with just 10,000km on the clock was spotted for sale on AutoTrader, priced at R839,900. Given its limited availability, this listing is nothing short of a unicorn in South Africa’s used car market.
A Quiet but Historic Comeback
The Crown made an unexpected return to the local market during Toyota South Africa’s State of the Motoring Industry Address (SOMI) in January 2023. SOMI is Toyota’s annual event showcasing its plans for the year ahead, including vehicle launches ranging from entry-level hatchbacks to special-edition bakkies.
What made the Crown’s appearance at SOMI so significant is that the nameplate hadn’t been seen in South Africa since 1995. Naturally, its return turned heads and stirred excitement — but then, Toyota went silent.
For four months after SOMI, there was no official update on the Crown’s availability. Surprisingly, confirmation of its quiet rollout came not from Toyota itself, but from Naamsa’s April 2023 sales report, which listed a single Crown unit sold. This pattern continued, with one or two units appearing sporadically in monthly sales data throughout the year.
There was no formal media launch, no marketing campaign, and no dealership spotlight — just a trickle of Crowns quietly finding new homes. Toyota has remained tight-lipped about the limited release, but public speculation suggests the car was intended as a niche offering, with only a handful of models imported and sold to select buyers.
What Makes the Crown Special?
The Toyota Crown lives up to its regal name, standing at the top end of Toyota’s lineup, just below the luxury-oriented Lexus brand. Unlike previous generations, which were traditional sedans, the current iteration takes the form of a crossover sedan, blending a sleek body style with slightly elevated ride height for improved practicality.
Under the bonnet lies a 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain, featuring four small electric motors—one on each wheel—that work in unison with the engine to deliver 176kW of power. Fuel efficiency is equally impressive, rated at just 4.4 litres/100km.
Thanks to the distributed electric motors, the Crown offers all-wheel drive, paired with a CVT transmission for smooth acceleration and refined cruising.
A Premium Toyota Experience
Inside and out, the Crown is loaded with features that provide both luxury and safety. Below is a summary of its key highlights:
| Category | Feature |
|---|---|
| Performance | 2.5L petrol-hybrid engine producing 176kW |
| Electric motors on each wheel (AWD) | |
| CVT automatic transmission | |
| Fuel economy of 4.4L/100km | |
| Interior | Heated, electronically adjustable leather seats |
| Keyless entry and push-button start | |
| Automatic climate control | |
| Digital instrument cluster | |
| Touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | |
| Sunroof | |
| Safety & Tech | Adaptive cruise control |
| Lane-keep assist | |
| Blind-spot monitoring | |
| 360-degree camera system | |
| Front and rear parking sensors | |
| Seven airbags | |
| Exterior | 19-inch alloy wheels |
| Automatic LED headlights with high-beam assist | |
| Rain-sensing wipers |
Originally launched with a price tag of R918,900, the pre-owned example listed at R839,900 offers a compelling deal for a nearly new vehicle.
A Collector’s Dream
With so few units brought into the country and no official sales campaign to speak of, the Toyota Crown has become one of the most elusive vehicles on South African roads. For those lucky enough to spot one — let alone own one — it’s a unique piece of Toyota history and a rare gem in the local motoring landscape.
If you ever come across one for sale, don’t hesitate too long. In a market where Hilux bakkies and Corolla sedans are a dime a dozen, the Toyota Crown is a true automotive rarity.
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