Hatchbacks are still one of the most popular vehicle types in South Africa.
While crossovers and SUVs have seen growing interest from consumers over the last few years, hatchbacks continue to play a vital role in the country’s affordable car scene.
This is evidenced by the sales figures for November 2025, as the VW Polo Vivo was the best-selling passenger car in South Africa with 2,862 units.
This is according to a report by The Citizen, based on NAAMSA data.
Another highly successful model is the Suzuki Swift, which sold 2,364 last month.
This was followed by the Toyota Starlet in third place with 1,619 units, and the Hyundai Grand i10 with 1,486 units.
Rounding out the top five is the Toyota Vitz, which sent 899 examples out the showroom door.
Next up is the VW Polo in sixth place with 720 sales, and the Suzuki Baleno in seventh with 622.
The Renault Kwid, which is now South Africa’s cheapest car following a recent price cut, sold 570 units, and the Suzuki S-Presso finished ninth with 360 purchases.
Last up is the Hyundai i20, which landed the 10th spot thanks to 312 customers.
In total, the top 10 hatchbacks sold a combined 11,714 units, accounting for 21.3% of the 54,896 cars sold last month.
Best-selling hatchbacks in South Africa
These were the top 10 best-selling hatchbacks in South Africa in November 2025.
Note that the Hyundai Grand i10 is sold in both hatchback and sedan formats, but Hyundai does not report body-specific sales figures.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
1. VW Polo Vivo – 2,862 units
- Starting price – R271,900

2. Suzuki Swift – 2,364 units
- Starting price – R227,900

3. Toyota Starlet – 1,619 units
- Starting price – R268,300

4. Hyundai Grand i10 – 1,486 units
- Starting price – R224,900

5. Toyota Vitz – 899 units
- Starting price – R178,800

6. VW Polo – 720 units
- Starting price – R373,800

7. Suzuki Baleno – 622 units
- Starting price – R247,900

8. Renault Kwid – 570 units
- Starting price – R178,799

9. Suzuki S-Presso – 360 units
- Starting price – R178,900

10. Hyundai i20 – 312 units
- Starting price – R309,900
