EARLIER this year, the Automotive Business Council-Naamsa made a prediction that the South African new car market may return to pre-pandemic levels.
And already that is proving true with January car sales figures revealed.
According to Naamsa, 46 398 units were sold in South Africa last month.
And the new Suzuki Swift was the biggest seller with a record uptake of 2 628 units dethroning the Toyota Hilux which came as second, selling 2 557 units.
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo was number three selling 2 549 units followed by Ford Ranger at number four with 1 858 units.
Number five was the Isuzu D-Max which sold 1 413 units.
Naamsa said the units sold in SA last month reflected a 10.4% gain over January 2024.
“Though the overall market was up due to an 18.3% increase in passenger car sales to 34,530 units, commercial vehicle sales remained depressed as per the recent trend. Light commercial vehicles, including bakkies and minibuses, decreased 9.1% compared with January 2024,” said the industry umbrella.
We look at the new Suzuki Swift to see what made it stand out.
The new-generation Swift hatchback, which is the mainstream derivatives of which are sourced from Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar facility in India, hit the local market in the final quarter of 2024.
The range comprises 5 derivatives, all powered by Suzuki’s latest naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine (Z12E), which drives the front wheels via either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Pricing could be what made it stand out as they start from just R219 900 to R284 900, excluding the Swift Sport.
The looks are another beneficial factor.
It has an eye-catching appearance inside and out. It has an agile handling and cutting-edge safety systems.
This legendary hatchback has the performance, style and innovation to enhance every time spent behind the wheel, whether you’re cruising the freeway or negotiating city streets.
Naamsa said the positive start to the year, marked by higher new vehicle sales, a further interest rate cut of 25 basis points during the month, and well-controlled inflation, along with promising prospects for a significantly improved domestic economic outlook, all contribute to a sense of optimism as we embark on 2025.
Here are the January Top 50 Best-Sellers.
Suzuki Swift – 2 628
Toyota Hilux – 2 557
Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2 549
Ford Ranger – 1 858
Isuzu D-Max – 1 413
Toyota Corolla Cross – 1 226
Hyundai Grand i10 – 1 212
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 1 122
GWM Haval Jolion – 1 099
Toyota Starlet Cross – 1 050
Toyota Urban Cruiser – 890
Kia Sonet – 831
Toyota Vitz – 825
Mahindra Pik Up – 801
Suzuki Fronx – 774
Volkswagen Polo – 754
Nissan Magnite – 744
Toyota Fortuner – 652
Suzuki Ertiga – 637
Toyota HiAce – 601
Toyota Land Cruiser 70-series – 560
Volkswagen T-Cross – 555
Omoda C5 – 517
Mahindra XUV 3X0 – 496
Renault Triber – 484
Renault Kwid – 477
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro – 413
Suzuki Baleno – 406
Renault Kiger – 396
Volkswagen Polo Sedan – 375
Volkswagen Tiguan – 349
Suzuki Jimny – 344
Hyundai i20 – 336
Suzuki Celerio – 330
Hyundai Exter – 329
GWM Haval H6 – 321
Toyota Rumion – 320
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – 311
Hyundai Venue – 308
Nissan Navara – 298
Ford Territory – 291
Suzuki S-Presso – 291
Jetour Dashing – 290
Suzuki Ciaz – 240
Volkswagen Amarok – 245
Suzuki DZire – 220
Suzuki Grand Vitara – 209
Hyundai H100 – 207
Ford Everest – 202
Chery Tiggo Cross – 191
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