Features / 30 August 2026 / Warren Hawkins

The top entry-level car in South Africa – costing R4,400 per month

Of all of South Africa’s entry-level vehicles, young people have chosen the VW Polo Vivo as their favourite, financing purchases of the German hatchback more than any other option.

This is according to the latest Standard Bank vehicle finance data, which analysed financed purchases made by retail clients between 2021 and 2026.

According to the financier, these purchases totalled R89.2 billion, with 34.9% of all purchases made by under-35s, accounting for 30.1% of the total financed value.

“Car buying by under-35s rose strongly to a peak in 2022, before easing slightly in the years that followed,” explained the bank.

“Even as interest rates increased sharply from that year, youth remained a significant and consistent part of vehicles financed by Standard Bank.”

Despite their average loan sizes being around 20% lower than those of older customers, vehicles financed by under-35s reflect a more practical, affordability-driven approach to vehicle choices.

The bank noted that while some customers make aspirational choices, most purchases are practical, with a majority of under-35s opting for second-hand vehicles.

Used vehicles account for 70.5% of originations for under-35s, compared with 64.1% for clients aged 35 and older, while the average financed value was R287,000 for used vehicles and R365,000 for new vehicles.

Among entry-level models financed by under-35s, VW remains dominant, with Polo and Polo Vivo deals accounting for more originations than Toyota’s entire portfolio.

The Japanese badge ranks second among under-35 buyers, followed by Suzuki, which recorded some of the strongest growth during the analysis period.

Hyundai and Ford remain important contributors within the youth market, while, among premium brands, BMW ranked sixth.

Despite being the smallest segment, entry-level vehicle finance deals recorded incredible growth over the last five years, increasing by 339% between 2021 and 2025, heavily concentrated in affordable Chinese SUVs.

According to Standard Bank, the most prominent structural shift was the growth of Chinese manufacturers, particularly Chery and Haval, which transformed the entry-level and mid-market segments.

Chinese brands are the fastest-growing market portion, surging by more than 423% between 2021 and 2025, said the bank.

By April 2026, Chinese manufacturers accounted for 16.7% of all retail vehicle finance originations, representing the third-largest manufacturer country, with adoption among under-35s growing from 3.1% to 11% between 2021 and 2025.

The Tiggo 4 Pro drives Chery’s rapid rise, while Haval has seen steady growth with the Jolion and H6 models. 67.9% of youth who finance Chinese cars also buy them brand new, compared to only 29.5% for all other brands.

The 15 cars South Africa’s young people are buying

According to Standard Bank’s Youth Barometer, the Polo and Polo Vivo lead the way for youth-financed vehicles in South Africa, with very few upmarket models making the list.

Below is a list of the top 15 new and used cars South Africa’s under-35s are financing more than any other options, and what they’re paying