SA’s September new-car sales figures have been released and SUVs and crossovers continued to be among the most popular segments, alongside bakkies and budget hatchbacks.
With their raised ride heights and good practicality, these versatile family cars continue to attract large numbers of buyers. We take a look at the top seven best selling crossovers/SUVs in September and what they offer:
1. Toyota Corolla Crosss — 2,259 sales in September
The mass consumer move away from midsized hatchbacks has seen local sales of formerly popular cars like the Renault Megane and Volkswagen Golf reduced to a trickle. Even the beloved Toyota Corolla hatch didn’t survive the trend — until they put it on stilts. The resultant Corolla Cross became an instant best seller and it continues to fly out of Toyota dealers; in September it sold 2,259 units compared to just 23 sales for the Corolla hatch.
The locally produced Corolla Cross has a range of seven models priced from R408,400 to R543,700, in 1.8 petrol and hybrid guises. Part of the reason for its success is that the fuel-efficient petrol-electric models — claimed to sip just 4.3l/100km — are the most affordable hybrids in SA.
2. Toyota Fortuner — 893 sales in September
The second-most popular seller in the segment bucks the trend by being a large, seven-seat SUV with real off-road ability (4x4 versions) in a league dominated by small, budget-focused crossovers.
The seven-year-old Toyota was recently the subject of a midlife refresh with an edgier new external design and subtle cabin upgrades. The Fortuner has aged well in the face of newer rivals like the Isuzu MU-X and Ford Everest and retains a solid feel with good drivability and refinement.
The turbo diesel engine line up is unchanged with a choice of 2.4 GD-6 and more powerful 2.8 GD-6, in 4x2 and 4x4 guises. There are 11 models priced from R653,500 to R925,600.
3. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro — 858 sales in September
Once shunned by SA motorists for their cheap and nasty image, Chinese cars have come to the fore in recent times with greatly improved build quality at still-affordable prices.
Chery has shot the lights out since returning to the country in 2021 and sold 20,000 units in 18 months. The sales milestone follows the breakthrough of the Chinese brand into the top 10 best-selling vehicle brands in SA, with the Tiggo 4 Pro its most popular model (the larger Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro are also available).
Boasting the latest technology with good refinement and safety, the Tiggo 4 Pro compact crossover is sold in seven petrol models with a choice of a normally-aspirated 1.5l or turbocharged 1.5l petrol engines. Pricing is very competitive at R279,900-R408,900 which includes a market leading 1-million-kilometre/10-year engine warranty (provided the vehicle is still with the original owner).
4. Nissan Magnite — 797 sales in September
Nissan’s smallest crossover has been a success for the brand since its local launch in 2021, in a very competitive segment. With snappy styling that attracts youthful buyers, the Magnite is right on point with the latest technology and connectivity and offers good value for money.
The nine-model range is priced from R227,900-R358,800, offered in two three-cylinder 1.0l engines: a normally aspirated 53kW version and a turbocharged unit with 74kW.
With just two airbags the Magnite falls short of some rivals that have up to six, but its safety is otherwise pretty comprehensive with ABS brakes, a tyre pressure monitoring system and stability control.
5. Kia Sonet — 743 sales in September
Introduced here in 2021, the Sonet (pronounced “Sonnet”) was launched as a smaller and more affordable alternative to Kia’s Seltos crossover.
Its eye-catching styling made it a hit with buyers and in 2022 the range was expanded with a punchier 1.0l petrol turbo engine alongside the normally aspirated 1.5 petrol, and new models with premium specification including the option of an automatic seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT).
Refined and frugal, the Sonet has one of the segment’s largest boots and offers a full-sized spare wheel.
The six-model range is priced from R349,995 to R442,995
6. Hyundai Venue — 699 sales in September
The Venue has been one of Hyundai’s most popular sellers since entering SA’s compact crossover segment in 2019. It was given a midlife refresh in October 2022 with a larger and more prominent grille, and an updated infotainment system.
A sunroof and seven-speed DCT gearbox are standard fitments in the new N Line range-topper.
The two petrol engine options are a normally aspirated 1.2l four-cylinder and a more powerful turbocharged 1.0l three-cylinder, in a choice of auto or manual.
The six-model range is priced from R320,900 to R493,500.
7. Renault Kiger — 675 sales in September
In 2021 the snappy-styled Kiger replaced the Sandero as Renault’s smallest SUV, and the front-wheel drive vehicle shares its underpinnings with Renault’s seven-seater Triber and the Nissan Magnite.
It is one of the more affordably priced cars in the segment and the mid- and top-spec Kiger models offer a decent level of features including an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired (USB) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
Buyers have a choice of two petrol 1.0l engines, in normally-aspirated or turbo guise and a choice of manuals and autos.
It sells in six derivatives priced from R229,999-R339,999.
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