Record Start to 2026: Suzuki Swift Soars as Toyota Hilux Holds Top Spot in SA Sales

South Africa’s new vehicle market has kicked off 2026 with a bang, recording its 16th consecutive month of growth and a new January sales record of 50,073 units. While familiar workhorses like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger dominated the podium, the real story of the month was the stunning performance of imported models, led by the Suzuki Swift and the continued rise of Chinese brand Jetour.

According to Naamsa data, overall sales jumped 7.5% year-on-year. Toyota maintained its commanding lead, selling 11,786 vehicles. However, the battle for second place saw Suzuki reclaim the spot from Volkswagen, selling an impressive 6,410 units, buoyed by the runaway success of its Swift hatchback.

The Model Race: Imports Gain Ground

The Toyota Hilux led individual model sales with 2,475 units, followed by the Ford Ranger (2,071) and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2,060). But in a significant shift, the fourth-place Suzuki Swift (2,029) was the best-selling imported vehicle and the only other model to breach the 2,000-unit mark.

This highlights a growing trend: imported vehicles now make up six of the top ten best-sellers, challenging the traditional dominance of locally assembled models. The Chery Tiggo 4 (1,625) and Toyota Vitz (1,514) also posted strong numbers.

Jetour’s Meteoric Ascent

Further down the brand rankings, Jetour continued its remarkable climb. The Chery-owned brand sold 1,550 vehicles, securing 11th place overall and outselling established names like Renault and Nissan. Its T2 SUV was a key contributor, with 665 units sold, outperforming many legacy models.

The Big Picture: A Market in Flux

The January figures paint a picture of a dynamic and evolving market. While trust in established bakkies and entry-level sedans remains rock-solid, consumer appetite is clearly expanding toward affordable, feature-packed imported models from Suzuki, Chery, and GWM. The sustained sales streak suggests underlying demand is robust, but the shifting rankings signal that brand loyalty is being tested like never before. As affordability remains paramount, the brands that best balance price, specification, and value are racing aheadand the traditional order is being reshuffled one sales record at a time.