Hippo Staff Writer · Published 14 October 2025 · 4 min read

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.

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.

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.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, medical or insurance advice. Hippo is a comparison site helping you evaluate quotes from trusted South African insurers. Always review policy details before making changes. Quotes are risk profile dependent and subject to annual review. No fees are charged for using Hippo’s comparison service. HAS (Pty) Ltd and HCS (Pty) Ltd are authorised FSPs. Terms and conditions apply.

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