The legend is back - VW introduces updated Golf GTI
Volkswagen will introduce the updated Golf GTI to the South African market in the last quarter of 2025. Well over 2.3 million GTIs have been sold worldwide.
- Product News
- 2 September 2025
Toyota continues unabated to be the king of sales in South Africa.
With 10 812 units retailed in July, Toyota was once again South Africa’s best-selling brand powered by a strong demand across its line-up.
As the only manufacturer to breach 10 000 units a month (and accomplish this six months out of seven for 2023), Toyota’s market share for July was a commanding 24.9%.
Hilux realised 2 982 sales in July, contributing to its dominance in the LCV space – YTD racking up cumulative sales numbers close to 22 000 units for a 25.2% segment market share. An improved inventory flow for this model also helped Toyota’s exports for the month, with Hilux accounting for 7 273 of the 7 437 units shipped out in July. Other LCV highlights include the HiAce, which ticked over with sales of 1 347 units, and the Land Cruiser 79 pickup, a consistent performer with a solid 312 registrations.
Mirroring its LCV performance, Toyota also leads in passenger car sales with three of its models featuring in the top ten. It was another podium finish for Corolla Cross with 1 801 units retailed, followed by the Starlet on 1 187 units, while Fortuner snuck into ninth place with 730 sales registered. Year-to-date, Corolla Cross is SA’s most popular passenger vehicle with nearly 12 500 units finding new owners – this single model reflecting a 6.1% share of the total passenger market.
Other notables for Toyota in the passenger arena include Quest (455) and Land Cruiser 300 – the latter garnering 214 sales, a remarkable achievement considering most of the sales come from the ZX and GR-S models, which retail for more than R2 million.
On the Lexus front, NX is the sales frontrunner with 28 units retailed, while the rarefied LX attained a laudable 13 sales.
Worth mentioning are the bespoke GR models, which are beginning to make a blip on the niche sports radar: the freshly launched GR Corolla notched up seven sales, followed by the GR Supra on six units, with the GR 86 and Yaris registering four and three units respectively.
Parts supply for the month came in at close to 1.4 million items distributed locally and a further 246 000 items exported to foreign markets.
Volkswagen will introduce the updated Golf GTI to the South African market in the last quarter of 2025. Well over 2.3 million GTIs have been sold worldwide.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles is back in the country and has just introduced its all-new Tiago.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) notes that August continued the positive trend for new-vehicle sales in South Africa, reflecting strong consumer demand and activity across the market.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) notes that August continued the positive trend for new-vehicle sales in South Africa, reflecting strong consumer demand and activity across the market.
Although the tariff clouds are gathering over the South African economy with serious implications for the local automotive export industry, local sales of new vehicles are soldiering on at a decent pace.
Automechanika Johannesburg successfully hosted its final CEO Breakfast for 2025 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, bringing together senior automotive industry leaders for strategic discussions as the co-located Festival of Motoring roared into life.