Your complete automotive guide

Style above all else, that’s what this brand is all about, and their customers love them for it. Alfa Romeo offers five models in South Africa and hosts one of the biggest car supporters groups in the country, with the annual Alfa Romeo owners club taking time to share their passion for their cars. Owned and managed by Fiat Group, Alfa Romeo has a long history in South Africa, with plans to grow even further.

‘’Vorsprung Durch Technik’’ is more than a slogan; it’s a lifestyle. This iconic car brand has been made cool by playing starring roles in a number of films, including the Transporter and Iron Man, rallying through the forests of Europe. The Audi A4 is their best-selling vehicle in South Africa, out of a range of 14 models and variants. Audis feature state-of-the-art technology, presented in an elegant design, with their flagship model – the A8 – showcasing the way forward for the brand.

The innovative Chinese marque that’s redefining the everyday drive, Chery is the smart choice for those who value style, technology, and unbeatable value, all wrapped in a package that’s as dynamic as it is dependable. Offering a growing range of SUVs and crossovers in South Africa, Chery is focused on giving drivers modern design, advanced features, and peace of mind, with every model engineered for comfort and reliability. Practical, well-equipped, and exciting to drive, Chery could be the ideal car brand for you.

The French brand might be known for building smaller hatchbacks, arched sedans and highly creative SUV's, but the company has a rich history of pushing itself into various automotive categories, and in many cases, become innovators. From building the quirky 2CV to manufacturing the famous DS range, Citroën have always been able to deliver something unique. And their racing history success is remarkable after winning eight World Rally Championships with French driver Sebastian Loeb. Citroën departed South Africa in 2016 after the decision was taken to focus on other countries and economies. If you want to buy a Citroën, you will be able to find a few models available on the pre-owned market.

Loved around the world for their fast cars, striking designs, and prestigious racing pedigree, Ferrari is a pioneer in the automotive world. Ferrari offers 10 models (two of which are concepts) to the South African market and all of them are aimed at wealthier clientele. Hand-built in Italy and shipped across the world, the Modena-based outfit has kept to the promise made by founder, Enzo Ferrari – to build astonishing race cars for the road.

Ford was founded by one of the most popular businessman in history, Henry Ford. An American automotive powerhouse, Ford is an iconic brand with a rich and successful history in production and racing.  Their current range offers various models in almost all market segments in South Africa. From small city runners to pocket rocket-performance hatchbacks, Fords are beloved by many. They also boast two of the most iconic vehicles in history, namely the Mustang and GT40. The Ford Ranger is one of South Africa’s best-selling vehicles, regularly competing for best-selling car in the country.

New to the South African market, Haval is the giant SUV brand from China, which is owned and backed by Great Wall Motors (GWM), a brand familiar in the country for building budget-friendly vehicles. Haval South Africa has five models on offer with each aimed at a specific SUV segment. They offer an array of features at a competitive price. Has the new SUV brand lived up to its own statement of being an SUV leader?

A rising force in the South African automotive market, Hyundai is a South Korean brand that has made great strides locally. Like its affiliate, Kia, Hyundai is relatively new to South Africa, but it didn't take long to become a strong competitor in the automotive market. The i10 (pictured) might be their current best-selling model, but it's their old Getz model that helped cement Hyundai's success in South Africa. Their current range might be lean but each model packs a punch. Hyundai models are priced competitively in relation to their market segment, with each model boasting numerous segment-leading features.

A small commercial brand with a giant hold on the local automotive scene, Isuzu is a serious contender in the bakkie segment. Offering four models in South Africa, including a surprising new SUV, Isuzu aims to build on the success of the KB bakkie after the departure of its parent company, General Motors. The South African market is ideal for this Japanese brand; their models are regular contenders in the top three spots in the NAAMSA sales reports for bakkies.

If you want to get there, use a Jeep. That's the general sentiment that Jeep fans have for this brand. Built to go where other cars can't, Jeep South Africa ensures customers have a choice between six highly capable off-roaders and urban prowlers. Made for military use, the Wrangler remains a favourite for many and continues to venture off the beaten track.

Kia is a South Korean automotive brand with a noticeable presence in South Africa. After settling into the country, Kia established a strong and loyal customer base with their funky, reliable, and affordable vehicles. The compact Picanto is their best-selling model, with thousands sold each year in South Africa. They also compete in several segments with their SUV and sedan models. Kia also has a commercial offering in the K2700, a sturdy and affordable solution for businesses.

The all-terrain SUV made for aristocrats, Land Rover models are highly capable machines that will easily venture onto the toughest tracks while keeping occupants basked in absolute comfort. Land Rover offers 6 models in South Africa, all of which are dedicated to their respective SUV segments. Now owned by steel and car manufacturing giant TATA, Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles have the financial backing to expend beyond their limitations.

Created from steel and Jeep, Mahindra is focused on delivering durable and capable off-road vehicles that are affordable and practical. It's not all work and no play. The Mahindra range also include some luxurious SUV and compact crossover vehicles aimed at modern, urban families. The Indian automotive giant is securing its future by acquiring stakes in Peugeot, SsangYong, and Pininfarina.

Few brands in South Africa have as loyal a following as Mazda does. Internationally known for producing the rotary engine, Mazda cars are as unique as their engines. Their current range features just six vehicles, but each has a tempting value-for-money price point. From the nimble MX-5 Convertible, to the compact Mazda2 and robust BT-50, a Mazda car makes a bold statement. In 2018, the dynamic CX-5 model finished in the top three for the World Car for the Year Award, issued by cars.co.za.

Among the German automotive giants stands Mercedes-Benz, a brand with a rich history dating back to the creation of, arguably, the first internal combustion-engine automobile. The C-Class is the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model in South Africa, out of a range of an impressive 26 models. Mercedes-Benz South Africa also offers heavy-duty commercial vehicles alongside their passenger range and performance-focused AMG series.

Forged on the back roads of forests located in Europe and South America, Mitsubishi is a Japanese brand with a rich history in building excellent rally vehicles, which won on the international stage. Mitsubishi South Africa offers seven models to the local market, with most focused on being quality alternatives to the rivals in their segments. Sturdy, durable, and simplistic with a unique design, Mitsubishi certainly made a cosy little corner for itself in the market.

OMODA, a new global sub-brand of Chery, focuses on futuristic design, cutting-edge technology, and safety innovations. Positioned as a premium offering, OMODA’s bold styling and sleek lines set it apart from traditional compact SUVs. The OMODA C5, introduced to South Africa in 2023, quickly gained attention thanks to its coupe-inspired silhouette, advanced driver-assistance features, and fully connected digital cabin. It reflects Chery’s ambition to move upmarket and target tech-savvy drivers looking for standout vehicles. OMODA is now firmly part of the South African automotive landscape, with local dealerships offering sales, servicing, and warranty support. As the brand expands its lineup, expect to see more OMODA models on local roads in both the new and pre-owned markets.

Known for building sensible hatchbacks and compact SUVs, Peugeot might not appear to be the most adventurous manufacturer. Delve into their history, however, and you'll find a pioneering brand. Peugeot continues to dominate parts of the automotive world, having won the 2017 European Car of the Year trophy for the 3008 SUV. Peugeot South Africa offers six models, from a budget-friendly hatchback to an innovative SUV. The French manufacturer has come a long way since its days of building sewing machines, strongly competing to be one of Europe's leading automotive manufacturers.

Renault was founded in 1898 in France by Louis Renault and his brothers. After years of success with new production lines, Renault was nationalised in 1945 to become Régie Nationale des Usines Renault (RNUR). Today, the French brand is a leading international automaker with several models in South Africa, including the extremely popular Clio. Their budget-friendly SUVs come standard with some great practical features and are considered good value for money.

Famous for building rally cars that took Colin McRae to consecutive World Rally Championships, Subaru has a great history and legacy behind its name. Subaru offers six models to the South African market with most aimed at the SUV and sedan segments. All the models keep with their tradition of building solid and sturdy vehicles with great driving capability. The new Subaru Legacy SUV already started impressing with advanced technology and features highlighting it in a competitive segment.

This brand might seem small to onlookers as they are relatively unknown in the automotive world, but Tata is certainly not what it seems. The steel manufacturing giant from India is using its financial power to enter the auto market and already have names such as Land Rover and Aston Martin on their portfolio. Tata offers two models in South Africa with each focused on being budget-friendly alternatives in their respective segments. Will the brand succeed in becoming an automotive giant?

Toyota South Africa has enjoyed years of success with a large and extremely loyal customer base. Offering highly affordable and durable vehicles, Toyota can regularly be found at the top of various lists and rankings measuring South Africa’s best-selling cars and customer satisfaction surveys. Their Hilux bakkie and Etios compact hatchback models do well in our local market.

Safety and sound: two words that sum up the Volvo brand. Designed in Sweden, this unique car company has grown to dominate the headlines and award ceremonies. Volvo South Africa has 10 models in their range, with the award-winning XC90 considered to be their flagship model. Each Volvo vehicle is fitted with an array of safety and technologically advanced features.