As expected, given the broader economic performance in recent years, the vehicle industry has been slow to recover to its pre-pandemic levels. The 2024 outlook followed suit, with the new vehicle market falling 3% year-on-year, to a total of 515,712 units across all categories (including light commercial vehicles). New passenger vehicle sales performed slightly better, showing marginal year-on-year growth of just over 1% with total sales reaching 351,302 units.

If you're thinking of buying a new car, affordability and safety will loom large in your mind. We consider these factors in our review of South Africa's favourite car models of 2024.

Top 5 best-selling cars of 2024

All top 5 passenger vehicles were petrol-driven internal combustion engine (ICE) models, though some hybrid and electric vehicles are gaining ground. The top 2 models were both manufactured locally, while the others were imported from India.

1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo

The locally made hatchback continued its strong sales growth and was once again South Africa's best-selling passenger car in 2024.

2. Toyota Corolla Cross

Also manufactured locally (in Prospecton), the Corolla Cross blends some of the advantages of an SUV with a sedan-like, budget-friendly driving experience. It also held second place in 2023.

3. Suzuki Swift

The nippy, affordable hatchback from India maintained its third-place position despite a 1.3% year-on-year sales dip (partly due to the transition to the new-generation Swift).

4. Toyota Starlet

This imported model flew under the radar to climb to fourth place, even though local registrations dropped by 10%.

5. Hyundai Grand i10 

Available in both hatchback and sedan versions, this Indian-made import showed the strongest sales growth among the top 10, thanks to a strategic mid-year price cut that boosted sales by more than 38% year-on-year.

Top-selling car brands of 2024

1. Toyota – 124,435 units sold

2. Volkswagen – 60,975 units sold

3. Suzuki Auto – 59,574 units sold

4. Ford – 32,766 units sold

5. Hyundai – 30,797 units sold

Brand performance largely mirrored individual model trends, but the broader market picture offers some insights. Toyota remained the top-selling brand in SA, though its total sales dropped year-on-year, as did Volkswagen's. Suzuki, riding on the Swift's popularity, saw a significant increase from 49,436 units in 2023 to 59,574 in 2024, reflecting its growing appeal among budget-conscious buyers.

Although Ford didn’t feature in the top 5 models, its diverse range and strong brand reputation helped it maintain an upward trajectory in the local market. A standout trend in 2024 was the rise of affordable entry-level brands like China's Chery, which led the growth of Chinese vehicles in the local sector. Could a Chinese brand challenge Toyota's dominance in the coming years?

Looking for an affordable car, whether it's an entry-level sedan, SUV, hybrid, or electric vehicle? Browse dealerships and a wide range of vehicles on Avo Auto. Make financing easier with MFC vehicle finance, a division of Nedbank.

Apply for finance online or email avoautoinfo@avo.africa, and 1 of our expert team members will guide you through the process.