Top 20 Tested New Cars in South Africa for 2025
2025 was a busy year for many OEMs in South Africa, with a number of new or updated vehicles making their way to our shores.
We tested a substantial amount of them, and have put together a list of our favourite 20 for 2025 voted by Ziyaad, Nabihah, and Isa Plaatjes.
To view all the vehicles which we tested this year visit our Motoring page, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow iloveza.com on Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, Threads, and Let's Torque ZA on Instagram, Facebook, X.
In alphabetical order of manufacturer here are our Top 20 Tested New Cars in South Africa for 2025:
1. Citroën C3 Max Turbo
One of two French vehicle manufacturers on our Top 20 this year. Citroën have chosen a new market segment to target and it's working out well for them. I'm not entirely happy that they still call this vehicle a C3 as it it nothing like the previous generation, but it has it's place here in the South African market. The neat little 1.2 litre Puretech Turbo in the C3 Max Turbo AT produces 81kW and 205Nm, and is packed with features like LED Lights, Leather Steering Wheel, Hill Hold, and Electric Folding Mirrors to name a few. This is all in addition to the 10" HD Touchscreen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and Roof Rails which are standard features in the entry level trim, and the 15" Alloy Wheels and Rearview Camera that are standard in the C3 Max Manual Transmission.
Pricing of the Citroën C3 starts from R254 500 for the Citroën C3 Plus MT (Manual Transmission),
R274 500 for the Citroën C3 Max MT,
and R305 500 for the top of the range Citroën C3 Max Turbo AT (Automatic Transmission) which we tested.
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Citroën C3 Max
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Citroën C3 Max
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Citroën C3 Max
2. Ford Territory Titanium
After not having any Ford's on test last year, we had a few this year from their bakkie range, but none of them really stood out against their competitors. The Ford Everest Sport also didn't have many visible changes since we last tested it in 2023. However, the Ford Territory was something refreshing from the American automaker. Overall the vehicle is a strong contender in the Compact/ Mid-Size SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) category, even though I felt the 1.8 litre EcoBoost engine needed a bit more power for the size of the vehicle.
Pricing starts from R594 500 for the Ford Territory Ambiente
R651 500 for the Ford Territory Trend,
and R734 000 for the Ford Territory Dark Edition.
The Ford Territory Titanium which we tested is no longer part of the line-up at the time of publishing this article, but the starting price was recorded at R725 500 when we reviewed it in March 2025.
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Ford Territory
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Ford Territory
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Ford Territory
3. GAC GS3 EMZOOM R-Style
GAC Motor is probably one of my favourite Chinese OEMs at the moment. It's such an unassuming, under-rated brand, and it's no surprise that the EMZOOM would be a 2025 SA Car of the Year Finalist. Both the EMZOOM and EMKOO which we attended the launch of last year and had the privilege of testing this year, are very capable, luxurious, and fuel efficient vehicles. GAC Motor's marketing hasn't been at the level as some of their other Chinese automaker counterparts currently in the country, but their vehicles speak for themselves. The GS3 EMZOOM R-Style makes it on to our Top 20 list this year because it's the full package: comfort, luxury, tech, fuel efficient, performance, and a solid player in the Compact Crossover SUV market, with slight hot-hatch tendencies when in sport mode and with the R-Style trim. I'm hoping we see more on the road of the EMZOOM and the EMKOO.
Pricing starts from R359 900 for the GAC GS3 EMZOOM Nova and Comfort Collection,
R449 900 for the GAC GS3 EMZOOM Executive,
and R499 900 for the GAC GS3 EMZOOM R-Style which we tested.
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the GAC GS3 EMZOOM R-Style
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the GAC GS3 EMZOOM R-Style
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the GAC GS3 EMZOOM R-Style
4. GWM Haval H6 HEV
While the GWM Haval H7 and Haval H6 GT PHEV were both vehicles which nearly made it on to the Top 20, the Haval H6 HEV was just that much better. The Chinese vehicle manufacturers are really refining their engines and I am pleasantly surprised with the increased efficiency in the fuel consumption especially in the Haval range. When we first tested the Haval Jolion PRO a few years ago, this was the biggest drawback for me, but Haval has come a long way since then and the H6 Hybrid is testament to this.
Pricing of the Haval H6 starts with the Haval H6 Luxury at R495 500,
Haval H6 Super Luxury at R542 500,
Haval H6 Luxury 4WD at R574 500,
Haval H6 Ultra Luxury 4WD at R614 500,
Haval H6 Luxury Hybrid and R641 500,
and the Haval Ultra Luxury Hybrid which we tested at R686 500.
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Haval H6 HEV
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Haval H6 HEV
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Haval H6 HEV
5. GWM TANK 500
It's a close race for the title of 2025 Adventure SUV of the Year for us in terms of the GWM Tank 500 and another vehicle on our Top 20. The GWM Tank 500 is not short of luxury and tech, and with a 2.0L turbo-charged hybrid engine which produces 255kW and 648Nm, performance is top-notch too. Unlike it's competitors who have a built up an extensive range for their models, for now the GWM Tank 500 is only available as an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
The GWM TANK 500 only comes in one trim which is the Ultra Luxury and it is priced at R1 228 950.
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the GWM TANK 500 HEV
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the GWM TANK 500 HEV
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the GWM TANK 500 HEV
6. Honda Amaze
A 2026 SA Car of the Year Semi-Finalist, and an all-round Amaze-ing vehicle. We might be a bit biased as we currently have it on long-term test for the month of December, but we couldn't have picked a better vehicle to test for a longer period. A budget family vehicle with all the creature comforts that you need for everyday driving or long distance trips.
The Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend Manual is priced at R254 900,
Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort Manual is R274 900,
and the pricing for the Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort CVT is R294 900.
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Honda Amaze
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Honda Amaze
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Honda Amaze
7. Hyundai Alcazar
Following our No.6 Top 20 vehicle, the Hyundai Alcazar has also been named a 2026 SA Car of the Year Semi-Finalist. The replacement for the Hyundai Grand Creta has notable elements of the Exter, Creta, and Tucson. The 7 seater diesel is a pleasure to drive both in the city and out of town.
The Hyundai Alcazar 2.0 Executive AT 7 Seater pricing starts at R499 900,
Hyundai Alcazar 1.5 Executive Diesel AT 7 Seater is R599 900,
and the top of range which we tested, the Hyundai Alcazar 1.5 Elite Diesel AT 7 Seater will cost you R669 900
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Hyundai Alcazar
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Hyundai Alcazar
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Hyundai Alcazar
8. Isuzu Arctic Trucks AT35
Isuzu has always been a strong contender in the bakkie segment and the Arctic Trucks AT35 just helps them maintain their place in the market. This is nothing short of a "beast" with a D-Max 3.0 DDI, but a full makeover of the exterior. The 35 inch tyres are an added bonus for the exceptional off-road presence.
Isuzu Arctic Trucks AT35 is priced at R1 194 000
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Isuzu Arctic Trucks AT35
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Isuzu Arctic Trucks AT35
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Isuzu Arctic Trucks AT35
9. Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
Nogwaja as it is affectionately known by South Africans, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross.
Isuzu D-Max 3.0 DDI V-Cross HR V-Cross A/T R885 100
Isuzu D-Max 3.0 DDI 4x4 V-Cross A/T which we tested is R934 900.
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
10. JAECOO J7
The elusive JAECOO J7. I say elusive as every time we were to receive this vehicle last year, the booking was cancelled, but it didn't stop me from having a chat about it on Ignition TV. Another 2025 SA Car of the Year Finalist, the JAECOO took the South African market by storm last year when it was launched.
The JAECOO J7 Vortex pricing starts at R519 900,
with the JAECOO J7 Glacier at a price of R579 900,
and the JAECOO J7 Inferno which we tested is priced at R679 900
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the JAECOO J7
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the JAECOO J7
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the JAECOO J7
11. Mahindra XUV 3XO
One of the most deserving 2025 SA Car of the Year Finalists was the Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Pricing for the Mahindra XUV 3XO is as follows:
Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2 MX2 MT R259 999
Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 AT R279 999
Mahindra XUV 3XO MX3 MT R279 999
Mahindra XUV 3XO MX3 AT R300 899
Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 MT R319 999
Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 AT R344 999
Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5L AT R374 999
Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L AT R404 999
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Mahindra XUV 3XO
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Mahindra XUV 3XO
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Mahindra XUV 3XO
12. Nissan Navara Stealth
Nissan is back with another special edition Navara, the Stealth.
The Nissan Navara Stealth is priced at R695 200
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Nissan Navara Stealth
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Nissan Navara Stealth
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Nissan Navara Stealth
13. OMODA C9 PHEV
OMODA did well to introduce the PHEV. Although this was not part of the line-up when it was nominated as a 2025 SA Car of the Year Finalist
The price of the OMODA C9 PHEV is R999 900
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the OMODA C9 PHEV
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the OMODA C9 PHEV
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the OMODA C9 PHEV
14. Opel Grandland
Finally Opel remembered it's German heritage, and pulled out all the stops with the new Grandland. Premium German finishes from illuminated front-logo and rear individual lettering has landed them a spot as a 2026 SA Car of the Year Semi-Finalist and on our Top 20 list for 2025.
Pricing for the Opel Grandland Edition is R739 900,
and the Opel Grandland GS Line which we tested is priced at R789 900
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Opel Grandland
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Opel Grandland
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Opel Grandland
15. Renault Duster
The 2026 SA Car of the Year Semi-Finalist, and the vehicle that surprised us the most, the All-New Renault Duster. Probably one of our most memorable moments this year, was that all three of us were able to attend the launch of the Renault Duster in the Western Cape. Witnessing the tremendous capabilities first-hand including how it effortlessly took on the Atlantis Dunes.
The Renault Duster has 3 models with the pricing as follows:
Renault Duster Zen EDC 4x2 R489 999
Renault Duster Intens 4x2 R519 999
Renault Duster Zen 6MT 4WD Mild Hybrid R549 999
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Renault Duster
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Renault Duster
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Renault Duster
16. Suzuki Dzire
You are my fire, the one Dzire! Another 2026 SA Car of the Year Semi-Finalist and Suzuki has done it again in the budget sedan segment with the new Suzuki Dzire. Refined look, some might even say it has a certain premium German sedan look in the front. Once you get over the fact that the interior only comes in the lightest cloth they like find, you start to enjoy the vehicle.
Suzuki Dzire GA 5MT R229 900
Suzuki Dzire GL+ 5MT R252 900
Suzuki Dzire GL+ CVT R272 900
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Suzuki Dzire
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Suzuki Dzire
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Suzuki Dzire
17. Suzuki Swift
We had the priviledge of attending the Suzuki Swift launch last year in the Western Cape, but also the pleasure of testing the little hatch back's CVT transmission in Gauteng, and the manual version in Cape Town for a short while earlier this year. While the CVT was not our preferred choice, the Cape Town experience with the manual transmission won our hearts, and it was clear that it would be one of our Top 20 for 2025. Also making the 2025 SA Car of the Year Finalist list, the Suzuki Swift has slowly moved up the ranks of South Africa's most popular vehicle, with the number one spot in sight. The new generation Swift has all the right ingredients for a Car of the Year.
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL MT R227 900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ MT R249 900
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+ CVT R269 900
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Suzuki Swift
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Suzuki Swift
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Suzuki Swift
18. Toyota Corolla Cross HEV
South Africa's favourite Crossover SUV, the Toyota Corrolla Cross, had a face-lift.
The pricing of the Toyota Corrolla Cross is:
Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi R414 800
Toyota Corolla 1.8 XS R452 200
Toyota Corolla 1.8 HEV XS R494 400
Toyota Corolla 1.8 XR R501 500
Toyota Corolla 1.8 HEV XR R545 200 - which we tested
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV
19. Toyota Fortuner GR-S
The most popular adventure SUV on South African roads with a bit of Dakar essence sprinkled over it. In our opinion the Toyota Fortuner GR-S is definitely the best in it's class. The minimalist tech, ample storage, fuel economy, comfort, and GR-S performance all combined in a family-sized SUV are some of the features which scored high with our team this year. Isa's favourite feature which he thought was the best use of space, was the design of the 3rd row of seats and how it would clip up when not in use.
The Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4x4 GR-S 6AT is currently priced at R1 009 000 with the rest the Fortuner priced as follows:
Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 4x4 6AT R746 500
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 RB 6AT R834 700
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 RB VX 6AT R879 600
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4x4 6AT 48V R927 800
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4x4 VX 6AT R960 400
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4x4 VX 6AT 48V R971 400
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Toyota Fortuner GR-S
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Toyota Fortuner GR-S
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Toyota Fortuner GR-S
20. Volvo XC90 Recharge
Besides the launch of the Volvo EX90 that we attended earlier in the year, this was the only Volvo we tested the whole year, which incidentally was also in the first quarter of 2025. Although the testing period was for a short time as two tyres had bubbles on them, resulting in one bursting, we still managed to enjoy our time with the Volvo XC90 recharge. The Recharge range from Volvo is definitely a good stepping stone for those who are afraid to take the leap into full electric. All of the luxury, comfort, and performance that we see in Volvo's ICE range now have a welcoming upgraded with electric motors which can either be charged via cable or recharged while driving. The extended range from the hybrid system and the increased fuel economy, makes it one of our favourites this year.
Volvo has a new range of Recharge vehicles which they launched during the year, and the one which we tested was priced as follows when we tested it:
Volvo XC90 Recharge Plus from R1 807 300
Volvo XC90 Recharge Ultra (in the video above) from R1 907 500
CLICK HERE for more Pictures of the Volvo XC90 Recharge
CLICK HERE for the First Impressions Video of the Volvo XC90 Recharge
CLICK HERE for the Video Review of the Volvo XC90 Recharge
Ziyaad Plaatjes is the Co-Founder of iloveza.com & Let's Torque ZA, the Founder of the After Fajr Grind Academy, a Radio Co-Host for a youth focussed programme, Level Up, on Radio Islam International, previously a Radio Host for the longest running award-winning Motoring show in South Africa - Bumper2Bumper on Cii Radio, and a Brand South Africa Play Your Part Ambassador, who was named one of Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans in the Arts, Entertainment, Film & Media Category.
He is a Bachelor of Commerce Honours graduate and has been running businesses since the age of 13. Ziyaad is a social media fundi and content creator, but has taken on many roles in various industries over the years. With his entrepreneurial skills and vast knowledge he assists individuals and businesses to grow and achieve their goals.
Find him at: Instagram: @ziyaad_86 / @ilovezacom / @letstorqueza / @b2bcii X: @ziyaad86 / @ilovezacom / @letstorqueza / @b2bcii Facebook: iloveza.com / Let's Torque ZA LinkedIn: Ziyaad Plaatjes / iloveza.com YouTube: iloveza.com SoundCloud: iloveza.com / Radio Islam International TikTok: @ilovezacom / @b2bcii Threads: @ilovezacom iono.fm: Bumper2Bumper Hashtags: #AfterFajrGrind #iloveza❤️🇿🇦 #LetsTorqueZA #LevelUp #B2BCii #WheresDaddyZA E-mail: ziyaad@iloveza.com
