We often field questions related to what vehicles consumers should purchase, particularly in a year like 2022 when new vehicle supply is both constrained and increasing in price. We will be recommending vehicles across a variety of price points and body styles.
By Sean Nurse
Published: 1 June 2022, 08:00
We have compiled a list of the most popular vehicle types sold locally and have come up with one example from each segment that should be considered when looking to add a new car to your garage. For our purposes today, we have set our maximum price at around R1.5-million mark, meaning that many luxurious and sporty vehicle segments may be excluded.
Budget hatchback
Kia Picanto- As one of the most popular vehicle segments locally, the budget hatchback caters for new drivers, those on a low budget, those looking to retire, and indeed, those that drive predominantly in an urban area. The Picanto has been a stalwart in this segment, representing good quality, safety and low running costs, making it our recommendation at this price point.
Budget sedan
Kia Pegus- While the Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze are competent entrants in this segment, we feel that the Kia Pegus should get your vote as it is more spacious and has the best service plan and warranty combination.
Compact MPV
Suzuki Ertiga- The Ertiga and its Toyota Rumion twin are certainly the picks among the compact MPV brigade, with the smaller and indeed, more affordable Renault Triber offering a more compact offering.
Budget C-segment sedan
Toyota Corolla Quest- Often referred to as the 'Uber' segment, these mid-size sedans offer basic mobility, space, and efficiency, with the Toyota Corolla Quest establishing itself as the product to beat.
Budget B-segment hatch
Suzuki Baleno- Along with its Toyota Starlet Twin, the recently updated Baleno has gained in popularity in recent years, closing the gap to the segment sales leader, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo.
B-segment hatchback
Volkswagen Polo- The B-segment hatchback has evolved over the past decade, now featuring the latest in-car technologies, a massive improvement in refinement, and indeed, impressive efficiency. The recently updated Volkswagen Polo is certainly the car to beat in this segment locally.
C-segment sedan
Toyota Corolla- Despite featuring competent entrants such as the Honda Civic, the Fiat Tipo sedan, and Subaru Imprezza, the latest generation Toyota corolla is still the pick of the bunch in the
Compact crossover
Kia Sonet- As one of the fastest-growing vehicle segments globally, the compact crossover is quickly replacing the humble hatchback as the consumers' vehicle of choice. There are many choices in this category, including the Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo4 Pro, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, and the Hyundai Venus, among others, however, the Kia Sonet gets our vote as an exception all-round package.
Crossover
Peugeot 2008- Another hotly contested segment is the larger crossover niche, with models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Setos, Toyota Corolla Cross, Chery Tiggo7 Pro, Volkswagen T-Cross, and the Mazda CX-3. Our choice in this segment is the Pegiet 2008, which was one of the most surprising packages we drove in 2021.
Off-road ready 7-seater
New Ford Everest- At the time of writing, the latest Ford Everest was yet to be released, but having been exposed to the details surrounding the newcomer, it will be worth the wait, even for those with their heart set on a Toyota Fortuner.
Large MPV
Hyundai Staria- The large MPV segment has gained popularity of late, and products such as the futuristic-looking Hyundai Staria have made these products desirable, which is why the Staria gets our vote.
Premium C-segment hatchback
BMW 1 Series- The latest 1 Series is more practical, more efficient, and has a more mass-market appeal than its predecessors, making it the one to recommend versus its Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Premium compact SUV
Volvo XC40- Volvo has updated its entire model range, now including some form of electrification in every model, including the soon-to-be-introduced XC40 facelift. The Swedish product comes highly recommended, narrowly beating out the Audi Q3, BMW X2, Mini Countryman, and the Volkswagen T-Roc.
Premium medium SUV
Audi Q5- In the medium premium SUV segment, the Audi Q5 just about sees off the likes of the BMW X3, Porsche Macan, Volvo XC60, Jaguar E-Pace, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Premium large SUV
Porsche Cayenne- With rivals as competent as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Volkswagen Touareg, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Jaguar F-Pace, the fact that the Porsche Cayenne is our choice should tell you what a great package it is.
Single cab bakkie
Toyota Hilux- The Hilux is South Africa's best-selling bakkie, mostly because of its reliability, resale value, and the brand's immense presence locally, making the Hilux the obvious choice in the workhouse single cab segment.
Extended cab bakkie
Isuzu D-Max- The latest D-Max appears to be a well-executed product, and since the current Ford Ranger is soon-to-be-discontinued and the Toyota Hilux is now well-aged, the D-Max Extended cab becomes a great option.
Double cab bakkie
New Ford Ranger- The upcoming Ford Ranger appears to be a game-changer for the lifestyle double cab bakkie segment and is certainly worth waiting for.
