To buy local is the South African preference
Preference for locally built cars is a recurring thread. Small wonder given their value offering, affordability and readily available parts.
Some locally manufactured cars, like the Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Toyota Corolla Quest, are unique to South Africa. It is these cars, together with the Nissan NP200, a popular, small, single-cab bakkie with a rich local heritage, that we explore this Heritage Month.
All are cars that offer real bang for one’s buck. Above all, their unique South African flavour gives locals what they want and need.
Underpinned by their proven reliability and robustness and rich local heritage, the hatchback, compact sedan and smaller bakkie are singled out by consumers for their affordability, value for money offering, fuel efficiency and economical parts basket.
Manufactured at Volkswagen’s Kariega (Uitenhage) plant, the VW Polo Vivo is built specifically for the local market. Since its introduction in 2010, the Vivo has consistently been the country’s top-selling passenger car.
The hatch is offered in several variants and engines. The popular 1.4-litre derivative lists for prices of between R103 000 (2012 model) to around R251 000 for a 2021 model on the used car market, according to AutoTrader data.
One of the country’s most popular sedans, the Toyota Corolla Quest, is another car unique to South Africa. Built at Toyota’s Prospecton plant in Durban, the comfortable, roomy sedan boasts an impressive list of features at its price point.
While still a family favourite, much of the Quest’s work is as a ride-hailer where its cabin and boot space are mostly unrivalled. According to AutoTrader the sedan lists from R167 000-odd for a manual 1.6-litre 2017 model to around R317 000 for a 1.8-litre Prestige Auto 2021 model.
The single-cab, half-tonne Nissan NP200 bakkie is a genuine workhorse. And being the only small bakkie currently on offer locally, it has no rival.
Built in Rosslyn, Pretoria, only one model, a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre eight valve, is available new, although the discontinued 1.6-litre 16 valve and 1.5dci are available on the used market. The popular half-tonner boasts an 800kg payload and 650kg braked towing capacity.
The most affordable NP200 lists for around R105 000 (2013 model), while a 2021 model lists on average for around R203 000, according to AutoTrader.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo*
Listed from the most affordable
