April 2025’s Top 5 Car Brands in South Africa
April brought a welcome breeze of optimism to South Africa’s car market, and no, it’s not just because fuel prices are dropping again (though we’ll take that win too).
Passenger vehicle sales are up year-on-year, inflation’s dipped to its lowest level since 2020, and with the MPC meeting at the end of May, all eyes are on a potential interest rate cut. It’s not champagne-popping territory just yet, but it’sdefinitely worth a fist pump.
According to Naamsa’s latest data, the Top 5 car brands in South Africa haven’t changed position since March. Toyota, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Ford are still holding it down. So without further ado, here’s the April breakdown: the top-selling brands (thanks, Naamsa), the top models quoted (based on Hippo data), and what it costs to run them.
1. Toyota
Top quoted model: Corolla – The leader of the pack
Toyota continues its winning streak, and it’s no mystery why. The Corolla remains one of the most popular quoted cars on Hippo, and it benefits directly from this month’s lower fuel prices and slightly trimmed insurance premiums.
Key costs:
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Average Hippo insurance premium: R1,156
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Cost to fill the tank: R1,076
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Monthly repayment: R12,158
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Purchase price: R554,800
Still solid, still dependable. The Mark Ruffalo of sedans.
2. Suzuki
Top quoted model: Swift – Wonderful for every wallet
Budget-conscious buyers continue to gravitate toward the Swift, and with inflation easing and petrol prices heading south, it’s an even more attractive option this month.
Key costs:
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Average Hippo insurance premium: R1,307
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Cost to fill the tank: R796
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Monthly repayment: R4,876
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Purchase price: R219,900
Affordable, peppy, and easy on the pocket. No wonder the Swift has such a loyal fan base.
3. Volkswagen
Top quoted model: Polo Vivo – Mzansi’s favourite German
No movement here, and no surprises either. The Polo Vivo remains a reliable quote magnet thanks to its blend of badge appeal and relative affordability.
Key costs:
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Average Hippo insurance premium: R1,273
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Cost to fill the tank: R968
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Monthly repayment: R6,007
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Purchase price: R271,900
It’s a familiar face on SA roads for a reason - solid build, decent resale, and that distinctive VW feel.
4. Hyundai
Top quoted model: i20 – Old faithful
Hyundai holds its ground this month, with the i20 proving a popular choice among Hippo users. We understand why they like it: it’s practical, stylish, and now even cheaper to run.
Key costs:
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Average Hippo insurance premium: R1,289
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Cost to fill the tank: R796
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Monthly repayment: R6,833
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Purchase price: R309,900
Nothing wrong with an i20. A solid daily driver for those who like a smooth ride without a flashy fuss.
5. Ford
Top quoted model: Ranger – The bakkie with backbone
South Africans love a Ranger, and that hasn’t changed one bit. Even with the highest running costs on the list, it's still a top quote-getter for Ford.
Key costs:
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Average Hippo insurance premium: R1,606
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Cost to fill the tank: R1,546
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Monthly repayment: R13,140
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Purchase price: R600,000
It drinks like a bakkie and drives like one too, but for many, it’s still the dream machine.
A quick April roundup:
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Fuel prices are heading lower again
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Insurance premiums dipped slightly (we’re talking a few rands, but hey, we’ll take it)
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Inflation fell to 2.7% in March – the lowest in years
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Passenger vehicle sales are up YoY
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Interest rates? Watch this space on May 29
All things considered? April gave your wheels and your wallet a bit of breathing room. And if you’re shopping around for car insurance, hippo.co.za is still the smartest place to start.
| MAKE (NAAMSA'S TOP SELLING) | MODEL (HIPPO'S TOP QUOTED) | AVE. HIPPO INSURANCE PREMIUM | TANK FUEL COST | MONTHLY REPAYMENT BASED ON PRIME (11%, 60 MONTHS, NO DEPOSIT) | PURCHASE PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA | COROLLA | R 1,156 | R 1,076 | R 12,158 | R 554,800 |
| SUZUKI | SWIFT | R 1,307 | R 796 | R 4,876 | R 219,900 |
| VOLKSWAGEN | POLO VIVO | R 1,273 | R 968 | R 6,007 | R 271,900 |
| HYUNDAI | I20 | R 1,289 | R 796 | R 6,833 | R 309,900 |
| FORD | RANGER | R 1,606 | R 1,546 | R 13,140 | R 600,000 |
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