September 2025’s Top 5 Car Brands in South Africa: fuel gives a flicker of relief, rates refuse to budge
What changed this month?
September 2025 at a glance
Market size: The big five (Toyota, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Ford) again dominated local demand.
Rates & fuel: Repo 10.5% (no change to repayments). Petrol down 4c/litre, diesel down 56–57c/litre — a small but welcome breather.
Consumer trend: Efficient hatchbacks (Swift, Polo Vivo, i20) vs do-it-all crossovers/bakkies (Corolla Cross, Ranger) remain the split.
What to do: Don’t wait for a tiny rate cut — compare insurance now and bank the bigger monthly saving.
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September results: Who led and why
September was the month of “almost”. Almost a rate cut. Almost a real fuel saving. Almost good news all around. The repo rate stayed put at 10.5%, so car repayments didn’t budge. Fuel prices edged lower — petrol by 4c/litre and diesel by 56–57c/litre — offering a modest bit of relief.
Meanwhile, the Naamsa rankings looked steady. Toyota kept its grip on first, Suzuki continued to win on value, VW remained a household favourite, Hyundai held fourth, and Ford rounded out the five on Ranger demand. With repayments flat and fuel slightly lower, here’s how September’s top five stack up — and what it means for your pocket.
1. Toyota: South Africa’s most popular SUV choice
Top quoted model: Corolla Cross – solid as a rock
Toyota keeps its iron grip on first place, and the Corolla Cross remains a top pick among Hippo users. With fuel slightly cheaper and repayments steady, it’s business as usual for SA’s go-to car brand.
Key costs:
- Average Hippo insurance premium: R1,160
- Cost to fill the tank: R1,074
- Monthly repayment: R10,874
- Purchase price: R501,500
Still South Africa’s quiet overachiever — the car that simply gets it right, every time. Looking to save on your Toyota insurance? Compare car insurance and find the best deal for your vehicle.
2. Suzuki Swift: Affordable hatchback with low running costs
Top quoted model: Swift – A to B, fuss-free
The Swift continues its strong run, proving that small really can be mighty. Even if the petrol price drop was more symbolic than significant, the Swift’s low running costs keep it one of the smartest buys in the top five.
Key costs:
- Average Hippo insurance premium: R1,387
- Cost to fill the tank: R794
- Monthly repayment: R4,928
- Purchase price: R224,900
A compact hatch with a big heart and an even bigger knack for saving you money.
3. Volkswagen Polo Vivo: The local legend
Top quoted model: Polo Vivo – for the movers and shakers
VW holds steady in third, with the Polo Vivo continuing its reign as South Africa’s comfort choice. The slight dip in fuel prices makes running this local legend just a bit easier on the pocket.
Key costs:
- Average Hippo insurance premium: R1,368
- Cost to fill the tank: R966
- Monthly repayment: R5,939
- Purchase price: R271,900
Like a favourite child, this one never tries too hard because it never needs to.
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4. Hyundai i20: Compact, efficient, and stylish
Top quoted model: i20 – the practical pick
Hyundai is holding the fort at fourth, keeping its lead over Ford this month. The i20’s fuel efficiency means the pump price cut stretches even further, making it one of the more cost-effective options for everyday drivers.
Key costs:
- Average Hippo insurance premium: R1,450
- Cost to fill the tank: R794
- Monthly repayment: R6,756
- Purchase price: R309,900
A car for realists — spacious enough for the school run, efficient enough for the commute.
5. Ford Ranger: South Africa’s favourite bakkie still holds strong
Top quoted model: Ranger – up for anything
Ford rounds out the top five, with the Ranger holding strong despite having the biggest fuel bill of the bunch. The diesel price drop offers some relief here, but its running costs still tower above the rest.
Key costs:
- Average Hippo insurance premium: R1,634
- Cost to fill the tank: R1,555
- Monthly repayment: R12,432
- Purchase price: R574,000
Drinks less this month (especially if you’ve got the diesel), but it’s still built for those who like their cars bold, brawny, and a little bit brag-worthy. Protect your investment with motor warranty cover to keep your Ranger running smoothly.
Quick September takeaways
- Repo rate holds steady at 10.5% → no change to repayments
- Fuel prices dipped: petrol down 4c/litre, diesel down 56–57c/litre → small but welcome breather
- Insurance premiums steady across the board
- Smartest move right now: Compare insurance — that’s where the real savings might be hiding
Fuel prices may have taken a baby step down, but your insurance could still be the bigger win. Head to hippo.co.za to compare quotes and see if your same car could cost you less this month.
Top 5 Cars Comparison Table
| Make | Average Insurance Premium | Cost to Fill Tank | Monthly Repayment | Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla Cross | R1,134 | R1,074 | R12,020 | R554,800 |
| Suzuki Swift | R1,240 | R794 | R4,821 | R219,900 |
| Volkswagen Polo Vivo | R1,270 | R966 | R5,939 | R271,900 |
| Hyundai i20 | R1,249 | R794 | R6,756 | R309,900 |
| Ford Ranger | R1,588 | R1,555 | R12,991 | R600,000 |
Repayment estimates assume a 10.5% prime rate over 60 months with no deposit. Actual costs may vary. For personalised quotes, visit hippo.co.za.
Learn More About South Africa's Top Car Brands
Want to dive deeper into the cars that dominate South African roads? Explore our comprehensive South African Car Guide for detailed information on insurance costs, specifications, and expert insights on every major brand available locally.
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