These were SA’s best selling cars and bakkies in May

Rising new-vehicle sales in South Africa continue to confound industry expectations, says the National Automobile Dealers Association (Nada).

According to Naamsa figures released on June 1, total industry sales reached 51,071 units last month, the highest May total since 2013 and representing a 12.8% increase over May 2025.

Sales for the first five months of 2026 reached 260,909 units — 12.5% ahead of the corresponding period in 2025, with all major vehicle segments recording growth.

Isuzu Motors South Africa has updated its D-Max bakkie range with styling, engine and feature enhancements and added six new models to the lineup. The seventh-generation D-Max debuted in 2022 and is built at the Isuzu plant in Struandale, Gqeberha. The design of the popular one-tonner has been updated with a bolder new look that improves aerodynamics and refinement. One of the main upgrades is to the entry-level 1.9 Ddi turbodiesel engine, which gains improved throttle response and low-down torque, matched to enhanced efficiency, reduced emissions and better cold-start performance. Though peak outputs of 110kW and 350Nm remain unchanged, the uprated 1.9 Ddi engine delivers an additional 130Nm of torque at 1,600rpm compared with the previous unit, to help address the engine’s prominent turbo lag. The full 350Nm torque output is available from 1,600rpm to 2,600rpm, significantly boosting low-down torque delivery for improved performance and acceleration. Cold start operation has been optimised with a change from metal to ceramic glow plugs that heat up faster. The range-topping 3.0 Ddi engine remains unchanged, producing 140kW and 450Nm of torque from 1,600rpm to 2,600rpm, and powers 10 models in the expanded 2026 D-Max range, including now the double cab X-Rider series. Facelifted to look more assertive, the updated D-Max gets a sculpted bonnet with a centre power bulge and a futuristic new headlight design. Standard on LS models and up, the LED daytime running lights are now positioned above the LED headlamps, in place of the underslung DRLs used previously. The low- and high-beam performance of the redesigned LED headlamps on the high-series models, as well as the redesigned halogen headlamps on the Base and L series, have improved illumination. The front of the D-Max is modernised with new triangular fog light bezels with air curtains that channel airflow to reduce aerodynamic drag and reduce wind noise. Refinement is further improved by a new front skid plate and bumper side skirts, which further enhance aerodynamics. High-spec models (LS, LSE, X-Rider, V-Cross and Arctic) gain new taillight clusters. The tailgate has been redesigned with a larger, more aerodynamic upper spoiler for a sportier look and reduced wind noise. Comfort, convenience and safety features have been implemented across the range, including a new Rough Terrain Mode on all 4x4 variants. It works in conjunction with the Traction Control System to provide greater off-road traction in tough conditions. Activated by a button on the gearshift console, Rough Terrain Mode limits the torque to any spinning wheels through stronger application of the brakes on that wheel, in combination with more aggressive throttle control. This effectively directs driving power to the individual wheels with more traction. It can also distribute more power from the front to the rear axle if required. The range has been expanded to 33 models across the single cab, extended cab and double cab body styles. New derivatives include an entry-level Low-Ride Base single cab workhorse, three new extended cab models that provide a greater choice of 4x4 and automatic variants, and the double cab X-Rider series, which is now also offered with the 3.0 Ddi engine in 4x2 and 4x4. All D-Max models are equipped with standard safety features such as ABS brakes, electronic stability control, hill start assist, and at least two airbags (the higher models have up to eight). A new 8″ touchscreen infotainment system is provided on the Base and L derivatives, incorporating Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and USB connectivity. The instrument cluster has also been modernised with a new 4.2″ TFT LCD multi-information display, refreshed instrument graphics and a black binnacle surround. Isuzu is building on the popularity of the lifestyle-orientated D-Max X-Rider 1.9 Ddi — with its distinctive black trim and contrasting red — by making this sporty series available with the more powerful 3.0 Ddi engine in two- and four-wheel drive versions. In the high-series LSE models, the updated cabins are garnished by premium-looking new “Hexa Pod” and “Miura-ori” patterned digital textures. A new 9″ infotainment system replaces the previous version, with improved user-friendliness and one-touch operation for primary functions. LSE models also gain heated front seats and steering wheel shift paddles in the automatic transmission. Luxury V-Cross models are updated with premium black chrome and dark grey metallic exterior finishes, 18″ dark grey alloy wheels and a more dynamic sports hoop. V-Cross models also gain advanced driver assist system upgrades, including intelligent adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and an improved stereo camera for the lane-keeping assist and traffic jam assist systems. The AT35 remains as the adventure flagship of the facelifted D-Max range. Based on the V-Cross, it has Arctic Trucks upgrades including large 35″ all-terrain BF Goodrich tyres and widened tracks for more off-road ability in extreme terrains. All D-Max variants are sold with a five-year/120,000km warranty and roadside assistance and a five-year/90,000km service plan. TimesLIVE

“Given the recent interest rate increase, ongoing cost-of-living pressures and concerns around consumer affordability, many expected vehicle demand to come under greater pressure,” said Brandon Cohen, national chair of Nada.

“Instead, the market continues to show surprising resilience, supported by replacement demand and consumers’ ongoing need for personal mobility.”

Cohen said dealers were seeing evidence of consumers becoming increasingly value-conscious rather than withdrawing from the market altogether.

Ryan Seele, an executive member of Nada, said dealers were also seeing growing interest in alternative propulsion technologies.

“We are seeing a noticeable increase in discussions around hybrid and electric vehicles. Consumers are asking more informed questions about fuel savings, operating costs and long-term ownership benefits. While new energy vehicles still account for a relatively small portion of overall sales, awareness and consideration levels have increased significantly,” he said.

Seele noted that demand remained strongest below the R500,000 price point, where affordability considerations are most acute.

“At the same time, the premium segment has remained surprisingly resilient, supported largely by cash buyers who are less exposed to interest rate movements and financing costs.”

Following its first public outing at the 2025 Festival of Motoring at Kyalami, iCaur has gone on sale in SA as the newest Chinese vehicle brand. Part of a growing Chery empire which includes Omoda, Jetour, Lepas and Jaecoo, iCaur (pronounced i-Car) was founded in 2023 as an adventure-focused brand aimed at younger, tech-savvy buyers and arrives as an electric-only brand with a funky image. It sells in two SUV model ranges: the V23 and the larger 03T, starting with the entry-level V23 two-wheel drive which retails for R519,900 and offers a claimed 360km range. A V27 flagship range will arrive later. After a slow start, South Africa’s EV market is starting to gain traction with the launch of more affordable models, and iCaur aims to capitalise on the trend with a range of zero-emission cars that offer competitive pricing and big charisma. In the boxy-car segment that is booming with models like the GWM Tank 300, Jetour T2 and Toyota FJ Cruiser, the iCaur 03T has a chunky, squared-off shape that gives off tough vibes while the smaller, retro-styled V23 looks like the love child of a Suzuki Jimny and a Mercedes G-Class. Supporting the brand is an initial network of 25 dealers that will grow to around 40 by year-end, said Hans Greyling, GM of iCaur SA at the brand’s official launch in Johannesburg earlier this week. All models come with an eight-year/200,000km warranty including roadside assistance, an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty for the first owner, and a five-year/100,000km service plan. I attended the launch and these are my driving impressions after driving both model ranges on a short urban/freeway route: 03T Positioned above the V23, the 03T is priced at R639,900 for the 2WD model and R699,900 for the AWD. With a weight-saving aluminium unibody and a 4,433mm length, the 03T is similarly sized to the Toyota Corolla Cross and has a generously-sized five-seat interior. It has 450l of boot space expandable to 1,238l with the rear seats folded, and a further 40l offered by a storage box attached to the side-opening tailgate. The cabin has an upmarket ambience with soft-touch surfaces and robust grab handles, and is fully digitised except for a pair of knobs on the steering wheel. All of the other functions are controlled via the 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system which has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, voice command functionality, four USB ports and an eight speaker iCaur-branded sound system. The 2WD offers a high level of standard features including automatic climate control, black leather upholstery, ambient lighting and electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. Safety-wise the 03T comes with six airbags and driver assistance systems such as stability control, adaptive cruise control, lane assist and blind spot detection among others. The 2WD is powered by a single electric rear-mounted motor with a 65.69kWh battery pack, delivering 135kW of power and 220Nm of torque. It offers four drive modes and an estimated range of up to 431km, with a battery that can be replenished from 10% to 80% in about half an hour at a DC fast charger. I drove the AWD model which offers feistier outputs of 205kW and 385Nm courtesy of an extra electric motor up front and a larger 69.77kWh battery, with a claimed 436km driving range. The AWD accelerates in the typically silent, swift style of an EV and offers some excitement with its hot-hatch-like 0-100km/h sprint of 6.5 seconds (the 2WD is quoted at 10.5 secs). Overtaking is spirited and lag-free, while top speed in both models is limited to 150km/h. The 03T felt impressively refined with minimal wind or road noise, and delivered a comfortable ride on various road surfaces. While the 2WD model has four drive modes, the AWD adds an additional five including Slippery, Muddy and Bumpy settings to enhance its off-road capability, though both variants have a fairly generous 195mm ground clearance. The AWD also ups the luxury ante with additional features such as massaging front seats and a 12-speaker Infinity audio system. V23 The compact electric SUV brings a sense of fun and individuality to the segment. Similar in size to a Volkswagen T-Cross, the 4,220mm long V23 is a compact EV available in 2WD guise for R519,900 and an AWD model for R669,900. Its chunky, retro design is sure to divide opinion but it attracted plenty of (apparently positive) interest wherever we drove it on the launch, and its edgy styling will be a drawcard to customers who don’t wish to move anonymously through traffic. The car is highly personalisable with optional equipment that includes side ladders, auxiliary lighting and removable fender flares to accommodate all-terrain tyres. Also optionally available at iCaur dealers are customised vehicle wraps, in-cabin device holders and even an instrument cluster. The standard V23 comes without a traditional speedometer and odometer in front of the driver, and those functions are housed in the central infotainment screen. The cabin is a pleasant setting with high-quality materials. Unlike the 03T, the V23 has several physical buttons to complement its digital interface, including quick-access controls for the climate system in order to help reduce driving distraction. Both variants are highly specced with leather upholstery, electric front seats, a seven-speaker audio system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The safety spec includes six airbags, stability control and parking camera, with the AWD model in addition getting adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and blind spot detection. Despite its compact size, the V23 offers enough room for four adults and a useful 372l boot capacity, expandable to 994l. Neither the V23 nor the 03T have spare wheels, relying instead on puncture repair kits. At the launch I drove the 2WD V23 model which has a single rear motor mustering 100kW and 180Nm. With a quoted 0-100km/h time of 11 seconds and a 140km/h top speed, this baseline variant has satisfying urban urge and enough voema to tackle the open road. The 59.93kWh battery provides an estimated 360km range and should take around 36 minutes to charge from 20-80% on a DC charger. With its shorter wheelbase the V23 has a choppier ride than the 03T and there’s a little more wind noise, but the car seems solidly built and suitably refined. It has good visibility and light steering, making for a pleasant urban commuting experience. The AWD V23, with an additional motor at the front and a larger 81.8kWh battery, packs a more spirited 155kW and 292Nm. Its 0-100km/h time is reduced to 7.5 seconds and it has a range of up to 430km.

Looking ahead, Nada said the coming months would provide a clearer indication of how higher borrowing costs affect consumer behaviour.

“The challenge for the remainder of the year will be whether consumers can continue to absorb higher financing costs and rising living expenses. For now, however, the market’s performance demonstrates that South Africans continue to prioritise mobility, even in a demanding economic environment,” said Cohen.

Toyota retained its market leadership in May with 10,667 sales ahead of

• Suzuki (5,546);
• Volkswagen group (5,295);
• Hyundai (3,054); and
• Ford (2,932).

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has welcomed a high court judgment in a car repair dispute that clarifies when the three-year prescription period begins to run for consumer complaints under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). The ruling is expected to strengthen the enforcement of consumer rights. The judgment, handed down by the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, overturned a decision by the National Consumer Tribunal that had dismissed a complaint against Car Care Clinic Wilrogate, trading as Car Care Clinic Service Centre, on the grounds that it had been filed outside the statutory time limit. The dispute arose after a consumer took a vehicle to the workshop in June 2020 for the installation of a second-hand engine. After collecting the vehicle in July 2020, the consumer experienced a series of defects and returned it for repairs. According to the NCC, the vehicle later displayed a “restricted performance” warning light. The supplier allegedly advised the consumer to ignore the warning, attributing it to a faulty sensor. In September 2020, the vehicle’s engine caught fire while being driven. The car was towed back to the workshop, which conducted an assessment and, on November 13 2020, concluded that a fuel leak had caused the fire. The workshop denied responsibility and refused to repair the damage or provide a remedy. The consumer subsequently approached several dispute-resolution bodies, including the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (Miosa), before lodging a complaint with the NCC in May 2021. Following an investigation, the NCC concluded that the supplier had contravened section 54(2) of the CPA, which deals with consumers’ rights to quality service. The matter was referred to the National Consumer Tribunal. However, the tribunal ruled that the complaint had prescribed because more than three years had elapsed since the engine replacement was completed in July 2020. The NCC appealed the ruling, arguing that the cause of complaint only arose when the supplier refused to provide a remedy. The high court agreed, finding that the relevant date was November 13 2020, when the supplier formally rejected liability. As a result, the NCC’s referral of the matter to the tribunal on September 15 2023 fell within the three-year period prescribed by the CPA. The court set aside the tribunal’s decision and referred the matter back for a hearing on its merits. Acting NCC commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu said the ruling provided much-needed clarity on the enforcement of consumer rights and reinforced suppliers’ obligations to properly address complaints relating to defective goods and poor service. “The judgment strengthens consumer protection enforcement and provides much-needed clarity on the enforcement of consumer rights in line with the objectives of the CPA,” he said. The NCC said it would continue to hold suppliers accountable for violations of the act.

The locally built Toyota Hilux, which is due to be replaced this month by the latest model, continued to be the country’s most popular seller. The locally assembled VW Polo Vivo retook the lead from the imported Chery Tiggo 4 as the best selling passenger car.

Chinese brands continue to gain in popularity with six models in May’s top 30 sellers, including the Jetour T2 which was recently voted South Africa’s 2026 Car of the Year.

TOP 30 SELLING VEHICLES - MAY

1. Toyota Hilux - 2,488;
2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo - 2,335;
3. Ford Ranger - 2,073;
4. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro - 2,059;
5. Hyundai Grand i10 - 1,796;
6. Suzuki Swift - 1,588;
7. Haval Jolion - 1,345;
8. Toyota Corolla Cross - 1,210;
9. Suzuki Fronx - 1,177;
10. Jetour T2 - 1,090;
11. Isuzu D-Max - 1,009;
12. Toyota Starlet - 992;
13. Toyota Urban Cruiser - 944;
14. Toyota Vitz - 881;
15. Omoda C5 - 858;
16. Suzuki Ertiga - 841;
17. VW Polo - 713;
18. GWM P-Series - 689;
19. Kia Sonet - 684;
20. Toyota Rumion - 665;
21. Mahindra XUV 3XO - 636;
22. Toyota Fortuner - 570;
23. VW T-Cross - 541;
24. Toyota Hiace - 518;
25. Ford Territory - 495;
26. Toyota Land Cruiser Pick Up - 466;
27. Jetour T1 - 448;
28. Renault Kwid - 444;
29. Hyundai i20 - 432; and
30. Toyota Starlet Cross - 431.

Source: Lightstone/Naamsa

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