South Africa’s top-selling cars of 2020

In 2020, the South African motor retail industry registered its lowest aggregate new-vehicle sales total in almost 2 decades. Suffice to say last year was an annus horribilis, but the statistics nonetheless provide some fascinating insights into local buying patterns.

Where do South Africans spend their money when times are tough? Which segments are in decline? Which models are rising stars? Details sales statistics provided by Lightstone Auto provides the answers.

The overall Top 20

Refreshed in 2020, the Toyota Hilux continues to be the most popular new vehicle in South Africa.

With 31 263 units sold in 2020, the Toyota Hilux remains the dominant player in the local market, with a gap of more than 10 000 units to the 2nd-placed Volkswagen Polo Vivo (19 750 units). The presence of no fewer than 8 compact cars in the Top 20 makes it clear that affordability is key to sustained sales volumes. Whereas in previous years one would see the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the Top 20, that’s no longer the case. The most expensive volume-selling vehicle is now South Africa’s top-selling SUV, the Toyota Fortuner (9 635 units). It’s also worth noting the presence of the Haval H2 compact family car in the Top 20. With 4 465 units sold, the Chinese model’s not far off the numbers posted by the Hyundai Venue and Volkswagen T-Cross.