The year of 2012 has been an exciting year for the South African automotive industry. Despite global and local economic woes, the automotive industry experienced moderate growth in 2012 and according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), the industry is on track to achieve approximately 10% growth in 2012.

A total of 603642 new vehicles have been sold in South Africa up to the end of November 2012 which is an increase of 8.5% compared to 2011. Here are the top 5 best selling vehicles in South Africa for 2012. The results exclude sales figures for December 2012 and the best selling vehicles in the passenger and Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segments are considered.

South Africa’s best selling new cars for 2012

1. Volkswagen Polo Vivo – 32726 units



The VW Polo Vivo is South Africa’s most popular new car for 2012. The VW Polo Vivo has sold consistently well throughout 2012 with its best selling month being August 2012 with 3714 units sold. The Polo Vivo’s success can be largely attributed to consumer confidence in the Volkswagen brand and because the Polo Vivo is a well rounded, well priced offering aimed at the entry-level car market. 



The VW Polo Vivo is available as either a hatchback or sedan with a variety of engine options ranging from between 55kW and 77kW. Depending on the model, prices range from R108300 for the 1.4-litre 2-door hatchback and R154 700 for the 1.6 Trendline sedan.
 


2. Toyota Hilux – 31687 units



Close on the heels of the Polo Vivo is the ever popular Toyota Hilux which like the Vivo, has sold considerably well throughout 2012, with its best selling month being February 2012 with 3384 units sold. Not only is the Hilux one of South Africa’s best selling cars for 2012, it’s also the biggest seller in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment, making it South Africa’s most popular bakkie. 



The Toyota Hilux is available in three body styles namely Single Cab, Xtra Cab and Double Cab. A wide variety of engine options are available and prices range from R182800 to R466300, depending on the model. 



3. Volkswagen Polo – 26360 units



The VW Polo is one of South Africa’s best selling passenger cars for 2012 with its best selling month being October 2012 with 2883 units sold. Like the Vivo, the Polo is a well equipped and reasonably priced option for new car buyers in South Africa. The VW Polo is also offered as either a hatchback or sedan and prices start from R157000 for the 1.4-litre Trendline to the top-of-the-range Polo GTI which is priced at R274900.

4. Chevrolet Utility – 17 927 units



Much further down the pecking order is Chevrolet’s prize fighter, the Utility, which sold relatively well throughout 2012 with its best month being May 2012 with 1898 units sold. Not only is the Chevrolet Utility one of the top sellers in the LCV segment, it’s also Chevrolet’s best selling vehicle in South Africa.



The Chevrolet Utility is available in three well equipped models offering both petrol and diesel options. Prices range from R119900 for the Utility Base model to R142700 for the Utility Club and R166500 for the higher spec Utility Sport model.



5. Nissan NP200 – 16990 units



Like the Chevrolet Utility, Nissan’s most popular workhorse, the NP200, has sold relatively well for the duration of 2012 with its best selling month being March 2012 with 1829 units sold. The NP200 is also Nissan’s best selling vehicle in South Africa for 2012.



The Nissan NP200 is available with a choice of five petrol variants powered by either an 8-valve 1.6-litre engine (64kW) or a 16-valve 1.6-litre petrol engine (77kW). Prices for the NP200 start at R119450 for the 8V 1.6 Base model and R168050 for the 16V 1.6 High model.