SA's top 20 best-selling cars in 2016 (in alphabetical order)
| Model | Body Type |
|---|---|
| BMW 3-Series | Sedan |
| CHEV Spark | Hatch (5-dr) |
| FORD EcoSport | SUV |
| FORD Fiesta | Hatch (5-dr) |
| FORD Figo | Hatch (5-dr) |
| HYUNDAI Grand i10 | Hatch (5-dr) |
| HYUNDAI i20 | Hatch (5-dr) |
| KIA Picanto | Hatch (5-dr) |
| KIA Rio | Hatch (5-dr) |
| MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class | Sedan |
| RENAULT Clio IV | Hatch (5-dr) |
| RENAULT Sandero II | Hatch (5-dr) |
| TOYOTA Corolla | Sedan |
| TOYOTA Corolla Quest | Sedan |
| TOYOTA Etios | Hatch (5-dr) |
| TOYOTA Fortuner | SUV |
| TOYOTA RAV | SUV |
| VW Polo | Hatch (5-dr) |
| VW Polo Vivo | Hatch (5-dr) |
| VW Polo Vivo Sedan | Sedan |
Three manufacturers feature prominently in the top 20: Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen. The majority of body types are 5-door hatches, which are perceived as modern and affordable by people entering the car market. The popularity of Toyota Corolla sedans could possibly be attributed to the rise of UberX in the country. It has also been the most popular selling sedan in the South African market for the last 25 years.
There are only three SUV models that made the top 20 list, the Toyota Rav, Fortuner and the Ford EcoSport. The Fortuner has been a firm favourite in the SUV market for several years now, and the addition of a new model earlier this year seems to have kept the car in demand. Hatches are far more affordable than SUVs, especially as there are a variety of entry level models available.
| Model | Recommended retail price |
|---|---|
| FERRARI F12 Berlinetta Coupe AT | R 9 942 000 |
| MERCEDES-BENZ S600L Guard AT | R 8 821 406 |
| FERRARI FF 6.3 AWD Coupe AT | R 6 086 000 |
| FERRARI 488 Spider AT | R 5 594 000 |
| FERRARI 488 GTB Coupe AT | R 4 990 000 |
| BENTLEY Continental GTC S 4.0 V8 Cabriolet AT | R 4 168 000 |
| BENTLEY Bentayga 6.0 W12 AWD SUV AT | R 3 987 000 |
| BENTLEY Continental GT 6.0 W12 Coupe AT | R 3 909 000 |
| BENTLEY Continental GTC 4.0 V8 Cabriolet AT | R 3 794 000 |
| BENTLEY Continental GT S 4.0 V8 Coupe AT | R 3 791 000 |
| BENTLEY Continental GT 4.0 V8 Coupe AT | R 3 562 000 |
| MERCEDES-BENZ AMG S 65 Cabriolet AT | R 3 517 228 |
| LAND ROVER Range Rover 4.4 SDV8 Dsl 4x4 Autobiography SV LWB AT | R 3 450 026 |
| LAND ROVER Range Rover 5.0 V8 Supercharger 4x4 Autobiography Black LWB AT | R 3 372 128 |
| LAND ROVER Range Rover 4.4 SDV8 Dsl 4x4 Autobiography Black LWB AT | R 3 307 526 |
| MERCEDES-BENZ AMG S 65 Coupe AT | R 3 307 426 |
| MERCEDES-BENZ GLE 500 Guard VR6 SUV 4MATIC AT | R 3 278 950 |
| MERCEDES-BENZ AMG S 65 L AT | R 3 185 126 |
| PORSCHE 911 Turbo S Cabriolet AT | R 3 153 000 |
| MERCEDES-BENZ AMG SL 65 Roadster AT | R 3 138 026 |
Ferrari and Bentley have the greatest variation of models on the list and comprise half of the top 20 most expensive cars. Ferrari takes the top spot with its F12 Berlinetta Coupe AT coming in at just under R10-million. The variations of the Bentley Continental form the bulk of the middle of the list with five different models to choose from, ranging from a much more modest R3.5 million to R4-million.
Those wishing to buy a car that offers great road-trip potential for the holidays, it seems luxury, comfort and practicality are the common factors that consumers consider. A top five list was put together from the best-selling cars of 2016, listed below in alphabetical order.
1. BMW 3 series
2. Ford EcoSport
3. Mercedes C class
4. Toyota RAV
5. Toyota Fortuner
Not surprisingly, there are three SUV models, offering off-road capability, space, some luxury (in the case of the Fortuner) and above all else, practicality in terms of fit for purpose and budget. The other two German cars offer a more luxurious trip to an ideal holiday destination, provided one doesn't venture off the beaten track.
