March 2025 brought a significant upswing in South Africa’s vehicle sales, driven largely by the popularity of budget-friendly cars. According to the latest figures released by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), a total of 33,447 new passenger vehicles were sold during the month—an impressive 25.3% increase compared to March 2024. This uptick contributed to a broader 12.5% rise in total vehicle sales, with the monthly total reaching 49,493 units. Notably, these numbers may still climb higher as some Chinese automakers have yet to submit their final figures to the Business Council.
Budget Cars Dominate the Sales Charts
The key takeaway from March’s sales data is the growing dominance of budget vehicles in the passenger car market. South African consumers, many of whom are grappling with rising living costs, are clearly gravitating towards models that offer a balance of affordability, practicality, and reliability.
At the top of the list for March 2025 was the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, which sold 1,703 units. Although this was a drop from the 2,187 units sold in February, it was still enough for the Vivo to reclaim its spot as the best-selling passenger vehicle in the country. Its longstanding reputation for durability and low running costs makes it a go-to choice for budget-conscious drivers.
Following closely was the Suzuki Swift, with 1,608 units sold. Like the Polo Vivo, the Swift experienced a decline compared to February, but it remains a strong contender in the affordable hatchback segment. Its fuel-efficient engine, compact design, and accessible pricing continue to attract a wide range of buyers.
Crossovers and Hatchbacks Make Strong Impressions
Toyota’s Corolla Cross came in third, climbing from 1,435 sales in February to 1,570 in March. As a crossover, it offers a blend of SUV practicality and compact car efficiency, which has helped it carve out a significant niche in the South African market.
Volkswagen had another strong performer with the standard Polo, which sold 1,355 units. The Hyundai Grand i10 wasn’t far behind, posting sales of 1,344 units. Both vehicles are popular choices for urban commuters, offering easy handling, good fuel economy, and reasonable pricing.
Surprise Standouts and Rising Chinese Brands
One of the most notable developments in March was the rise of the Nissan Magnite, which jumped from just 177 units sold in February to a staggering 1,223 units in March. This surge indicates a growing interest in compact crossovers that deliver SUV-like features at a more accessible price point.
Chinese manufacturers also made a strong showing, with the Chery Tiggo 4 and Haval Jolion both recording 1,102 units sold. The Jolion’s appearance in the top 10 marks a significant milestone, suggesting that South African consumers are becoming more open to Chinese automotive brands, especially those offering stylish, feature-packed models at competitive prices.
Consistent Performers Round Out the Top 10
Toyota’s Starlet continued its steady performance with 1,075 units sold, while the Suzuki Fronx completed the list with 1,052 units. These models, like many others in the top 10, reflect a broader trend of consumers prioritizing vehicles that combine affordability with everyday usability.
The Future for Budget Buyers
In summary, March 2025’s sales figures highlight a growing preference for budget-friendly cars in South Africa. Whether buyers are opting for established favorites like the Polo Vivo and Swift or turning to newer entrants like the Magnite and Jolion, the message is clear: value is king. With competition heating up and more manufacturers entering the affordable vehicle space, South African drivers can look forward to an increasingly diverse and accessible automotive market in the months to come.
| Rank | Model | Units Sold | Segment | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VW Polo Vivo | 1,703 | Hatchback | Affordable servicing, local assembly, high resale value |
| 2 | Suzuki Swift | 1,608 | Hatchback | Excellent fuel economy, compact design, low maintenance |
| 3 | Toyota Corolla Cross | 1,570 | Crossover SUV | Hybrid option, spacious interior, strong resale value |
| 4 | VW Polo | 1,355 | Hatchback | Premium feel in a compact size, advanced infotainment |
| 5 | Hyundai Grand i10 | 1,344 | Hatchback | Competitive pricing, good warranty, reliable for city driving |
| 6 | Nissan Magnite | 1,223 | Compact SUV | Feature-rich for price, high ground clearance, aggressive styling |
| 7 | Chery Tiggo 4 | 1,102 | Compact SUV | Modern design, tech-loaded interior, growing service network |
| 7 | Haval Jolion | 1,102 | Compact SUV | Generous features, large infotainment, affordable running costs |
| 9 | Toyota Starlet | 1,075 | Hatchback | Reliable engine, wide service network, shared platform with Suzuki Baleno |
| 10 | Suzuki Fronx | 1,052 | Crossover Hatch | Futuristic design, compact SUV appeal, high value-for-money |
Related article: The 10 Cheapest New Cars in South Africa for 2025: Affordable Options for Budget Buyers
