The Toyota Corolla Cross has set a new record in South Africa’s passenger car market, taking the crown as the country’s best-seller in August 2025. Locally built at Toyota’s Prospecton plant, the Corolla Cross has become a household name, showing strong demand across both private and rental markets.
But Toyota isn’t the only winner. Volkswagen, Suzuki, Chery, Hyundai, and Haval all made significant showings on the sales charts. Let’s take a closer look at South Africa’s top 10 passenger cars in August 2025, the trends behind the numbers, and what this means for car buyers.
Market Overview – August 2025
South Africa’s new-vehicle market surged in August 2025, recording 18.7% year-on-year growth with a total of 51,880 units sold.
- Passenger car sales rose 22.5% year-on-year, reaching 36,914 units – the highest level since September 2015.
- Rental fleets played a major role, contributing 15% of passenger sales (5,523 units).
- Suzuki and Toyota led the way in supplying cars to the rental industry.
This combination of strong consumer demand and a thriving rental market helped push several models into record territory.
1. Toyota Corolla Cross – 2,743 Units
The Toyota Corolla Cross smashed its previous sales record with 2,743 registrations, including 372 through the rental channel. This marks the highest-ever monthly sales for the model since its 2021 launch.
Why it leads:
- Locally built with affordable parts and servicing
- Compact SUV appeal with Toyota reliability
- Balanced demand from both private buyers and rental fleets
Car care tip: If you own a Corolla Cross, regular oil changes (every 10,000 km) and tire rotations will help maintain its strong resale value.
2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 2,314 Units
South Africa’s long-standing best-seller, the VW Polo Vivo, slipped to second place in August. With 2,314 units sold, including 527 to rental fleets, the Kariega-built hatchback remains a solid favorite.
Why it’s popular:
- Affordability and trusted brand image
- Availability of spare parts nationwide
- New “15 Edition” celebrating 15 years of local production
3. Suzuki Swift – 2,101 Units
The Suzuki Swift held onto third place, recording 2,101 sales – a 12.2% jump from July. Nearly half of these (46.5%) came from rental sales.
What makes it stand out:
- Fuel-efficient 1.2-litre engine
- Compact size for city driving
- Aggressive pricing compared to rivals
👉 For more car news and model comparisons, check Imoto News.
4. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 1,339 Units
Chery’s Tiggo 4 Pro continues to shine, holding onto 4th place with 1,339 sales. It’s the best-selling Chinese vehicle in South Africa.
Highlights:
- Packed with tech features at an affordable price
- Backed by a strong warranty plan
- Growing dealer network improving buyer confidence
5. Hyundai Grand i10 – 1,270 Units
The Indian-built Hyundai Grand i10 remains a trusted urban runabout. Despite a small dip (8.8% down from July), it secured 1,270 sales.
Strengths:
- Compact yet spacious
- Low running costs
- Reliable aftersales support
6. Suzuki Fronx – 1,210 Units
The Suzuki Fronx climbed one spot to 6th place with 1,210 units sold. While sales dipped slightly, its strong presence shows growing acceptance among buyers.
Why it’s gaining traction:
- Stylish crossover design
- Competitive pricing against Toyota Starlet and Hyundai i20
- Shared platforms helping parts availability
7. Toyota Starlet – 1,160 Units
Toyota’s Starlet slipped to 7th place with 1,160 units sold, down 12.3% month-on-month.
Reasons for popularity:
- Spacious cabin for its price bracket
- Toyota’s service network advantage
- Affordable entry-level trims
8. Haval Jolion – 1,123 Units
The Haval Jolion retained 8th position with 1,123 sales, proving that Chinese SUVs are making serious waves in SA.
Why it appeals:
- Competitive pricing for a compact SUV
- Strong styling and road presence
- Backed by Haval’s growing reputation locally
9. Suzuki Ertiga – 1,055 Units
For the first time ever, the Suzuki Ertiga MPV cracked 1,000 sales in a single month, reaching 1,055 units.
Key highlights:
- Budget-friendly 7-seater for families
- Fuel-efficient for its size
- Gaining traction among taxi operators and larger households
10. Toyota Vitz – 885 Units
The Toyota Vitz re-entered the top 10 with 885 sales, thanks in part to strong rental demand (349 units).
Why it matters:
- Affordable small hatchback
- Targeted at first-time buyers and students
- Competitive against Suzuki Celerio
Cars That Dropped Out
Two big names slipped out of the top 10 in August:
- Toyota Fortuner – Down to 11th with 789 sales
- Kia Sonet – Fell sharply to 15th place with just 752 sales
Both models remain important players but lost ground to more budget-friendly options.
Full Top 10 Passenger Cars – August 2025
| Rank | Model | Units Sold |
| 1 | Toyota Corolla Cross | 2,743 |
| 2 | VW Polo Vivo | 2,314 |
| 3 | Suzuki Swift | 2,101 |
| 4 | Chery Tiggo 4 Pro | 1,339 |
| 5 | Hyundai Grand i10 | 1,270 |
| 6 | Suzuki Fronx | 1,210 |
| 7 | Toyota Starlet | 1,160 |
| 8 | Haval Jolion | 1,123 |
| 9 | Suzuki Ertiga | 1,055 |
| 10 | Toyota Vitz | 885 |
Practical Buying Tip
If you’re considering a vehicle from this list, always weigh ownership costs (insurance, servicing, and fuel) alongside the purchase price. For budget-friendly alternatives, explore listings on Auto24 – you’ll find pre-owned Corolla Cross, Polo Vivo, and Suzuki models that deliver excellent value for money.
Conclusion
August 2025 was a landmark month for South Africa’s passenger car market, with the Toyota Corolla Cross breaking records and Suzuki strengthening its rental fleet presence. The top 10 list highlights a mix of trusted local favorites, affordable imports, and rising Chinese brands.
For buyers, this means more choice than ever – whether you’re after a reliable hatchback, a compact SUV, or a family-friendly MPV.
