Revealed: SA’s 10 best-selling SUVs/crossovers in November

Out of the 50 best-selling vehicles in November, 20 were either SUVs or crossovers.

Toyota Corolla Cross sitting pretty in top spot

Locally-made Corolla Cross remains at the top

Judging by the figures released last week by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) South Africans’ ongoing challenges with various stages of load shedding, the fluctuating prices of fuel and rising cost of living have failed to have an effect on the sales of new vehicles.

In total, 49 413 new vehicles were sold in November, an increase 18.2% from the 41 795 moved twelve months ago.

What’s more, the uptake also represented the eleventh straight month of vehicle sales increasing in a year, something that hasn’t happened in a while.

How they fared

While the Toyota Hilux kept its position as the country’s bestselling vehicle with sales of 3 048, its Durban assembled stablemate, the Toyota Corolla Cross, ranked second with 2 109, with another model assembled at the Prospecton Plant, the Toyota HiAce, coming in third with sales of 1 981 unit.

In line with global trends, the uptake of crossovers and SUVs is noteworthy as a total of 20 can be found amongst November’s 50 bestsellers.

All-paw Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max in need of a bit more fermentation

ALSO READ: Another Toyota lock-out as new vehicle sales hit record in November

With the exception of the Toyota Land Cruiser 70-series (whose sales take into combined consideration those of the the 76-series station wagon, the 78-series Troop Carrier and the 79 single and double cab bakkies), South African’s appetite for SUVs, regardless of the category or size, are growing as the country’s roads continue to be decidedly unfriendly for normal cars.

Here is a look at how South Africa’s ten best-selling SUV/crossovers stacked up in November.

Toyota Corolla Cross: 2 109: R360 000 – R461 700

An ambitious target of wanting the Corolla Cross to eventually topple the Hilux seems unlikely, but with operations at Prospecton resumed after the April floods, it comfortably holds the position of the country’s top-selling faux off-roader.

Toyota Urban Cruiser staying strong till the end — *_{Urban Cruiser finished second behind the Corolla Cross in November, but is on the way out.}*

Toyota Urban Cruiser: 1 344: R280 400 – R353 600

Another Toyota, albeit of Suzuki origin, the Urban Cruiser has been a smash hit since being introduced last year, but will soon to discontinued as production in India ended last month with no replacement planned.

Volkswagen T-Cross South Africa vehicle sales — *_{T-Cross represents the premium small SUV with November seeing it finishing third.}*

Volkswagen T-Cross: 1 046: R387 600 – R511 100

Envisioned as more of a premium small crossover/SUV, the T-Cross has been al success story for Wolfsburg despite its price and buyers still favouring the locally assembled Polo it shares its platform with.

Toyota Fortuner South Africa price — *_{Aging but still strong seller Fortuner tops the list of traditional SUVs}*

Toyota Fortuner: 937: R623 200 – R870 900

The bestselling traditional SUV for the years, the Fortuner is on track to be replaced next year by a model set to preview the next generation Hilux. It is, therefore, also set to get more expensive and potentially in the firing line of the all-new Ford Everest.

Nissan Magnite South Africa sales — *_{Magnite came out top in November ahead of its sibling, the Renault Kiger.}*

Nissan Magnite – 888: R290 500 – R346 500

Priced as a more premium product compared to its sibling, the Renault Kiger, the Magnite remains a success for the Japanese brand as evident by recent sales performances placing it above the cheaper Kiger.

Haval Jolion a SUV favourite in South Africa — *_{Jolion remains a serious threat to the SUV staple}*

Haval Jolion – 860: R342 950 – R446 950

Good looks, a specification sheet packed with features and a price undercutting almost of all of its rivals have been the key to the Jolion success as sales have breached the 1 000 mark a few times this year already. While a sporty S model is set to arrive next year, its high fuel consumption remains a worry.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro South Africa sales — *_{Tiggo 4 Pro has been a runaway success since bowing last year}*

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 836: R299 900 – R399 900

Since its return to South Africa last year, Chery has been coining it with the Tiggo 4 Pro leading the charge. Following the same principle as the Jolion, it also has the same pitfall of not being the most fuel-efficient option available.

Outgoing Suzuki Vitara Brezza still a capable SUV — *_{Vitara Brezza’s popularity remains, but its successor has not been confirmed for South Africa.}*

Suzuki Vitara Brezza – 598: R262 900 – R329 900

The reason for the existence of the Toyota Urban Cruiser, the Brezza once topped the list of bestselling cars in India, but has since been succeeded by newer models, including being replaced outright by a model without the Vitara prefix. For now, it continues in South Africa.

Haval H6 South Africa sales numbers — *_{Haval H6 is proving ever popular, especially after a line-up rejig and inclusion of a hybrid model.}*

Haval H6 – 555: R479 950 – R669 950

Another offering from Haval, the H6 has seen sales climb in recent months now that it tops Haval’s SUV range. Bolstered by the recent inclusion of a hybrid model, its success has been a deserved one.

facelift Hyundai Venue South Africa — *_{Facelifted earlier this year, the Venue looks more imposing than ever before.}*

Hyundai Venue – 446: R294 900 – R449 900

Also a vehicle with origins in the India, the Venue earlier this year received a midlife update to bring it in line with Hyundai’s current styling language. Popular for a reason, its performance in November is noteworthy as it managed to outperform its sibling, the Kia Sonet and the soon to depart Ford EcoSport.

More details about the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa can be found here.