South Africa January 2025: Suzuki Swift topples Toyota Hilux

The Suzuki Swift is the best-selling vehicle in South Africa in January.

New vehicle sales in South Africa start the year on the right foot with a sturdy 10.4% year-on-year improvement in January to 46,398 units. Toyota (+11.9%) holds onto the manufacturers top spot with 26.2% share vs. 24.9% over the Full Year 2024. The surprise of the month is the 2nd place of Suzuki (+22.2%) overtaking the VW Group (+2.8%) with 13.8% share vs. 12.2%. Hyundai (+26.3%) is at a distant 4th place but shines nonetheless. Mahindra (+66.6%), Chery (+34.2%) and GWM (+20%) also impress below. We welcome Jetour at #15 and 1% share.

We have another surprise atop the models ranking: the Suzuki Swift surges 68.9% to topple the Toyota Hilux (-4.1%) for the title of best-selling car in the country. This is the Swift’s first win in South Africa since June 2022. The VW Polo Vivo (+25.3%) continues to impress at #3, followed by the Toyota Starlet (+47.4%) up four spots on last month to #4. Excellent scores also by the GWM Haval Jolion (+93.8%), Hyundai Grand i10 (+54.8%) and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (+22.8%). Notice also the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 up to #22 and the Jetour Dashing landing directly at #44.

Previous post: South Africa Full Year 2024: Toyota Hilux and VW Polo Vivo most popular

One year ago: South Africa January 2024: Chery hits record ranking, BAIC appears

Full January 2025 Top 40 All manufacturers and Top 50 models below.