Features / 17 August 2023 / Albert du Toit

VW Polo and Toyota Hilux – Huge price increases in South Africa from 2013 to 2023

In the last 10 years, the starting price of the Toyota Hilux has risen by over 88% to R356,600, and for the VW Polo, it went up by 108% to R343,100.

This dramatic rise in pricing can be attributed to many things, including but not limited to inflation, safety regulations, and new model introductions.

Over the last 10 years, the local currency has depreciated from an average of R9.65/dollar to now sitting at an average of R18.25/dollar for the first eight months of 2023, signifying a drop in value of 89%, negatively impacting the price of procuring materials and the cost of production and wages.

Compounding the problem is the fact that cars have become much more advanced over the last decade with the introduction of high-end technologies that have trickled down over the years, including things like safety features, infotainment systems, engine technologies, and exclusive materials.

Take, for example, the entry-level fifth-generation Polo in 2013 which had four airbags, halogen lights, three naturally-aspirated engine options comprising two petrols and one diesel, and a generous helping of plastic adorning its uncomplicated shell and interior since it was a budget-focused hatch after all.

This is compared to the facelifted version of the sixth-generation Polo that is currently on sale which has been steadily creeping toward the more premium end of the market.

As standard, the VW now boasts six airbags, all-round LED lights clusters, a selection of three petrol motors, two of which are both turbocharged for better power and efficiency with the sole naturally-aspirated unit reserved for the sedan body style, and less liberal use of black plastics with much more intricately-designed panels.

In a similar vein, while the Hilux’s underlying foundation hasn’t changed all that much over the years, it, too, has seen its fair share of upgrades and facelifts which have pushed up its value accordingly.

On the inside and outside, the bakkie is starkly different from before with newer bumpers, wheels, and lights; and this is paired with a cabin far more kitted with creature comforts than its predecessor from 2013, especially the pricier versions.

Of course, these technologies have also become cheaper to develop as time passed, but they nonetheless add to the end cost which must be shouldered by buyers.

Fortunately, one thing that has assisted in keeping price tags from ballooning even more than they did is the fact that both the Polo and Hilux are produced right here on South African soil. This negates much of the transport and associated costs that are worked into the price tags of locally-built models shipped overseas.

Hilux and Polo prices 2013 vs 2023

Using the power of the Wayback Machine, we found the prices of two of South Africa’s favourite cars from 10 years (give or take a month) ago, compared to what they cost today.