Citroën is the latest manufacturer to spot the gap in the South African market for a passenger car-based panel van.
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The new Citroën Hola panel van is purpose-built to serve South Africa's fast-growing need for sub-half-tonne vehicles. Designed with small business owners and urban operators in mind, the new Hola offers a smart, efficient solution to the everyday challenges of city logistics.
"South Africans made around 35 million more e-commerce purchases in 2024 than in 2019, and parcel volume is still compounding at double-digit rates. Courier operators and SME fulfilment partners urgently need compact, fuel-efficient vehicles that are built to tackle urban traffic and narrow parking spaces," says Mmathapelo Khumalo, Head of Citroën South Africa.
Powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder PureTech petrol engine delivering 60 kW and 115 Nm, the Hola achieves a combined fuel consumption of just 5.6 ℓ/100 km, connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
For those concerned about cargo safety and space, the Hola features a fully enclosed payload bay with a 386 kg capacity, integrated bulkhead and secure load tie-down points.
A 10-inch high-definition touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures intuitive access to navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, supported by power steering, full air conditioning, a 7-inch digital cluster, and a multifunction steering wheel. Dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors provide peace of mind in city driving conditions.
The Hola retails from R242 500.
Other competitors in the sub-half-tonne market available in South Africa include the Hyundai Venue Cargo Xtra (from around R321 500), Hyundai i10 Cargo (R249 500), Kia Sonet (from R284 955), Chery Tiggo Pro Panel Van (from around R309 900) and the VW Polo Vivo Express (R279 990).
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