South Africa’s top 5 selling cars in June and what they’ll cost you to run

The South African car market doesn’t generally have big overtaking moments — but in June, one brand threw one up the inside and made it stick. According to NAAMSA’s latest sales data, Ford dropped to fifth spot overall, letting Hyundai sneak into fourth. Proving Mzansi is a bit more Seoul than Country and Western. Toyota, Suzuki, and Volkswagen held steady in the top three positions, proving once again that reputation, reliability and affordability rule the local roads.

But which models are people actually buying — and more importantly, quoting for on hippo.co.za? We looked at the top-selling brands according to NAAMSA and matched each to the most quoted model on our platform for the same month.

Here’s what South Africans are driving, insuring, and fueling this winter:

1. Toyota Corolla Cross — Reliable and Popular Compact SUV

Steady as she goes. A by-word for reliability, everything keeps going right as Toyota continues to dominate the charts, with the Corolla Cross topping both the sales and Hippo’s quote lists. From the wild 80s and 90s years of the TwinCam RSi’s, the Corolla has grown up (and got a bit plumper) as it retired to the ‘burbs. The Corolla Cross however is a bit more frisky, bringing compact SUV vibes to the original Corolla concept.

• Fuel Cost: R1,090

• Average Insurance Premium: R1,141

• Price: R554,800

• Monthly Repayment Estimate: R12,088

Fun fact: The Corolla name has been around since 1966 and has sold over 50 million units worldwide — that’s just about one Corolla per South African.

2. Suzuki Swift — Affordable and Fuel-Efficient Hatchback

Small price, big vibes. Suzuki is absolutely smashing the SA market. The Swift is quickly making them one of the best-selling cars in SA. Hippo users confirmed that, by the vast number of comparable insurance quotes Hippo gets on the Swift.

• Fuel Cost: R806

• Average Insurance Premium: R1,314

• Price: R219,900

• Monthly Repayment Estimate: R4,848

Pro tip: Suzuki pulled out of MotoGP because of the costs, but at the rate they’re selling Swifts and Jimnys, surely they can make a return to the top echelon of bike racing.

3. Volkswagen Polo Vivo — South Africa’s Beloved Local Classic

Mzansi’s love affair continues. The Polo Vivo remains the people’s champ on Hippo and in terms of sales in SA. Having been built locally since 2010, a Polo isn’t just a car, it’s an entire culture — even though it was a tough act to follow, replacing the beloved Golf and CitiGolfs.

• Fuel Cost: R981

• Average Insurance Premium: R1,256

• Price: R271,900

• Monthly Repayment Estimate: R5,973

Read more from our complete automotive guide; from insurance to renting and purchasing, you can find all the information on the car you want right here.

4. Hyundai i20 — Compact, Connected, and Tech-Savvy

Hyundai overtakes Ford in June rankings. The model that’s getting the most quotes on Hippo? The i20. Compact, feature‑packed and connected, with competitive warranties to back it up.

• Fuel Cost: R806

• Average Insurance Premium: R1,282

• Price: R309,900

• Monthly Repayment Estimate: R6,794

Fun to know: Hyundai has come a long way in SA — from budget outsider to a real player in the hatchback and SUV game. The i20’s sporty styling and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto make it especially popular among younger drivers.

5. Ford Ranger — South Africa’s Favourite Bakkie

From workhorse to lifestyle icon. The Ranger remains Hippo’s most quoted and Ford’s best seller. It’s a proper do‑it‑all bakkie: part tow rig, part weekend warrior, part school run taxi.

• Fuel Cost: R1,548

• Average Insurance Premium: R1,588

• Price: R600,000

• Monthly Repayment Estimate: R13,065

Bakkie trivia: The Ford Ranger remains the most quoted bakkie on Hippo but with rising prices and serious competition, it’s got work to do to stay on top.

June 2025 at a Glance: South Africa’s Top 5 Selling Cars and Their Running Costs

Here’s the full snapshot of South Africa’s top 5 selling car brands in June, with the most quoted model for each on hippo.co.za :

Final Thoughts on Buying and Insuring Your Next Car in South Africa

There may not have been a major shake‑up in the car market this month, but even a small shift — like Hyundai leapfrogging Ford — hints at evolving consumer preferences. More South Africans are looking for efficient, well‑specced compact cars over big, thirsty SUVs and bakkies.

Whatever you’re driving (or thinking of buying), don’t forget to compare Car Insurance quotes on hippo.co.za. You could save hundreds a month — and use that extra cash to, you know, fill the tank.

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.