June 2025 saw South Africa’s new vehicle market roar back to life, with sales climbing an impressive 18.7% year-on-year, totaling 47,294 units. Even more exciting? The passenger car segment surged by 21.7%, selling 32,570 units. A big chunk of that came from the rental industry, which snapped up over 10% of all passenger vehicles.
So, who made the top of the charts? Let’s break down the top 10 best-selling passenger vehicles in South Africa this June and explore the trends driving these numbers.
1 – Toyota Corolla Cross
Toyota continues to dominate Mzansi’s roads, with the Corolla Cross claiming the top spot in June 2025. This Prospecton-built crossover sold a staggering 2,132 units, up 30.9% from May, making it its best sales month this year.
Out of those, 189 units were sold to rental companies, showing strong appeal not just to private buyers, but fleet owners too.
Whether you’re after the petrol version or leaning green with the hybrid, the Corolla Cross delivers an attractive mix of reliability, space, and affordability.
2 – Volkswagen Polo Vivo
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is a South African classic. Built in Kariega, this hatchback jumped to 2nd place with 1,962 units sold, an increase of 27.2% compared to May. It owes part of this boost to the 484 units purchased by rental companies.
Sleek, efficient, and affordable, the Polo Vivo is especially popular among first-time buyers and city drivers.
3 – Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
Here’s the headline-maker of the month: Chery’s Tiggo 4 Pro. This Chinese SUV just cracked the top 3 for the first time ever, moving 1,538 units, a 22.6% increase from May.
But wait — there’s a catch. Chery South Africa is now combining the sales of the Tiggo Cross into the Tiggo 4 Pro’s total. On its own, the Tiggo Cross averaged around 170 units monthly. So, if those figures had remained separate, the 4 Pro might have stayed at 4th place.
Regardless, it shows Chery’s growing footprint in South Africa’s budget-friendly SUV space.
4 – Suzuki Swift
In a surprising twist, the Suzuki Swift slipped from 1st to 4th, selling 1,466 units, a 20.4% drop from May. Around 290 units went to rental fleets.
Despite the slide, the Swift remains a darling among budget-conscious drivers. Compact, reliable, and peppy, it’s still one of the best city cars around.
5 – Hyundai Grand i10
The Hyundai Grand i10 claimed 5th place with 1,301 units sold — down 3.6% month on month. This number excludes the 183 panel van variants sold under light commercial vehicle stats.
The Grand i10 continues to charm with its value-for-money appeal and low running costs.
6 – Haval Jolion
Rising by one spot, the Haval Jolion moved 1,116 units in June, showing a marginal 0.3% increase. GWM’s Jolion continues to chip away at established rivals, offering a tech-packed SUV experience at an affordable price.
7 – Suzuki Fronx
The Suzuki Fronx dipped slightly to 7th, recording 1,112 units sold — an 8.8% decrease from May. Despite this drop, its futuristic styling and hybrid options keep it in the conversation among small SUV shoppers.
8 – Toyota Fortuner
The beloved Toyota Fortuner made its way back into the top 10 with 878 units sold in June. Its rugged build, ample space, and proven track record in local conditions make it a popular choice among families and long-distance travelers.
Being locally produced, it’s also a job creator — something worth celebrating.
9 – Toyota Starlet
With 852 units sold, the Toyota Starlet dropped to 9th place, down 18% compared to May. Despite the decline, the Starlet continues to perform decently thanks to its fuel efficiency and compact design.
10 – Suzuki Ertiga
Making a surprise entry into the top 10 is the Suzuki Ertiga, with 840 units sold. It’s one of the most spacious options in the budget MPV segment, making it ideal for large families or ride-share drivers.
Near Misses – Just Outside the Top 10
Several popular models just missed the cut in June:
- Volkswagen Polo Hatch – 756 units
- Kia Sonet – 735 units
- Toyota Vitz – 794 units
- Toyota Urban Cruiser – 720 units
- Nissan Magnite – 678 units
While they didn’t crack the top 10, these cars remain strong performers in their respective categories.
Insights from the Rankings
Chinese Brands are on the Rise
Chery and Haval are solidifying their place in the local market. With affordable pricing, modern styling, and tech features, they’re winning over value-conscious buyers.
The Power of the Rental Market
Many cars on this list owe part of their success to fleet sales. This boosts manufacturer visibility and contributes to residual value in the used car market.
Made in Mzansi: Local Builds Matter
Cars like the Corolla Cross, Polo Vivo, and Fortuner highlight the importance of local manufacturing in driving down costs and improving availability.
Where to Find These Models
If you’re eyeing any of these vehicles for your garage, you can check out listings at Auto24 South Africa. From the Toyota Corolla Cross to the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, there’s a wide range of new and second-hand models suited to every budget.
Want to learn more about local auto trends and car reviews? Head over to iMotoNews South Africa for fresh insights and updates.
Explore More Automotive News
Read more automotive market reports and reviews here. Stay updated on new releases, maintenance tips, and buying guides designed for South African drivers.
Conclusion
June 2025 has been a remarkable month for the South African auto industry, marked by strong growth, fierce competition, and the continued rise of Chinese manufacturers. Whether you’re in the market for a city hatchback, a spacious SUV, or a family-friendly MPV, this month’s top sellers offer a little something for everyone.
The key takeaway? Affordability, local availability, and fleet sales are still the biggest drivers of vehicle success in South Africa.
FAQs
1. What’s driving the sales of hybrid vehicles in South Africa?
Increasing fuel prices and growing environmental awareness are pushing more buyers toward hybrid options like the Toyota Corolla Cross.
2. Why are rental sales important in monthly rankings?
Rental fleet purchases can significantly boost a model’s sales figures and increase brand visibility across the country.
3. Is Chery becoming a major competitor?
Yes! With its aggressive pricing and growing dealer network, Chery is rapidly becoming a favorite among first-time SUV buyers.
4. How reliable is the Suzuki Swift?
The Swift is known for excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and solid build quality — especially for urban driving.
5. Where can I buy affordable used cars in South Africa?
Check out Auto24 South Africa for verified listings of second-hand vehicles across different categories and price ranges.
