Six different body types dominate the car market in South Africa: sedans, hatchbacks, coupes, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), single and double cab bakkies.
What makes for interesting reading are the models in each category that consumers will buy in 2022? AutoTrader’s data analysis provides the answer to this question.
“Our inquiry data reveals which cars consumers are most likely to buy based on the number of inquiries made to car dealers,” AutoTrader CEO George Mienie explained.
“This can be useful for consumers who want to navigate the various options available on the market – in other words, fish where the fish are”
Toyota Hilux rules the roost
Taking that data – and analyzing the questions merchants receive in 2022 – is what they do Citizen Motoring find?
Unsurprisingly, the Toyota Hilux was the most asked about the bakkie model (both double and single cab), while the Volkswagen Polo was the most asked about the hatch model. The different findings, frankly, will be surprising – Hilux and Polo / Polo Vivo are the kings of the sector.
The BMW 3 Series ranks as South Africa’s most likely sedan to buy. When looking at the best-selling new cars in Mzansi in 2021, the 3 Series comes in at number 42 – and many sedans outpace the BMW. This may be due to the popularity of the brand. Historically, BMW has been the most sought after brand although, most recently, it has been sent to this post by Volkswagen.
Also read: Reports claim the all-new Toyota Hilux will debut only in 2025
3 Series favorite history
The BMW 3 Series is listed on AutoTrader with an average price of R375 374, with an average mileage of 99,909 km and an average registration year of 2015.
The strength of the brand may be the reason behind the Porsche 911’s ranking in the coupe rankings. It remains a very aspirational brand so it is not surprising that the 911 is the coupe South Africa is most likely to buy. It is listed on AutoTrader with an average price of R2 065 371, with an average mileage of 42 629 km and an average registration year of 2011.
The Toyota Fortuner is one of the best-selling new SUVs in South Africa. It’s also no slouch in new vehicle sales; The Fortuner was the ninth best-selling new car in South Africa last year.
The Fortuner is listed on AutoTrader for an average price of R478 553, with an average mileage of 110,217 km and an average registration year of 2017.
Most ask about models by body type
Sedan: BMW 3 Series (R375 374, 99 909 km, 2015)
Hatchback: VW Polo (R284 179, 54 502 km, 2019)
Coupe: Porsche 911 (R2 065 371, 42 629 km, 2011)
SUVs: Toyota Fortuner (R478 553, 110,217 km, 2017)
Double cab: Toyota Hilux (R549 214, 91,916 km, 2018)
Single cabin: Toyota Hilux (R303 499, 108,513 km, 2017)
*Average price, mileage and year of registration.
For more information on the 2022 pre-owned market, read AutoTrader’s 2022 Annual Auto Industry Report.