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5 Popular Cars That Just Aren’t Making It In South Africa
Sherryn de Vos
2017-05-03
Despite car sales being on the increase this year, some big brands are still not selling. We look at what is just not cutting it in SA.
The unstable economy has seemed to have little to no effect on new car sales thus far this year. Car sales have increased somewhat from last year by 1.9%. New car sales in March topped 48 534 units, an increase of 2.1% from last year. This is somewhat surprising, based on the current state of the economy and the country being downgraded to junk status.There are a number of cars, that, despite being the biggest brands in the world, have simply failed to perk the interest of drivers.We took a look at the top five cars, how many they have sold, and what they are all about.
1. VW Golf SV
This has sold an underwhelming five units. It is one of two models on this list from the car giant, VW. This model has every feature to be labelled as simply practical. You can choose between three engines; the 81kW / 175Nm 1.2 TSI, and 92kW / 200Nm 1.4 TSI turbo petrol options, and an 81kW / 250Nm 2-litre TDI turbodiesel. Both petrol engines feature idle stop and a six-speed manual gearbox, while a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch 'box is optionally available with the 1.4. The diesel can be had with either a five-speed manual or DSG.Price: From R363 700.
2. Ford B-Max
Described as a mini-MPV, this car is a unique vehicle on the list. Its back doors slide open and closed, allowing for a 1.5m opening, so is perfect if you do a lot of running around. Despite being packed with unique features and tons of potential, it has only sold one unit. It comes standard with handy features like the Hill Launch Assist (HLA) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The engine is a nippy 998cc EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine, churning out 92Kw.Price: From R241 400.
3. Volvo V60
This Volvo has only managed to push two units. This is a shame, as the car is actually an impressive beast. Described as a sportswagon, it boasts a 2.5-litre turbo petro,l five-cylinder engine generating 187kW / 360Nm Torque. It can pull a 0-100 km/h race in under seven seconds. You can choose between the Polestar or the Cross-Country. The cross country is lifted higher off the ground, while the Polestar pushes out more horsepower.Price: From R556 000.
4. Lexus CT
This Lexus, which is the second car over the half-million mark, has only sold one unit. It is the only hybrid on the list and is the Lexus answer to the Prius. Boasting a 1.8-litre, quad-valve Atkinson cycle engine, it reaches a combined 100kW and reaches 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds. Lexus claims that the car can achieve 4.11 litres for every 100 km and 94g of carbon dioxide out of the exhaust every 100 km.Price: Around R516 500.
5. VW Scirocco
Despite the hype of this car, it has only managed to push four units. This is unlike its sister car, the Polo which is South Africa’s top selling car this year. Designed by Giorgio Giugiaro, this car was intended to be an affordable sports car with day-to-day drivability. In its third generation, it boasts a facelifted look that sets it aside from its VW kin. You can choose from a 147 kW 2.0 TSI engine or a 1.4 TSI 118-kW engine. Price: From R431 700.In the market for a car? Visit PriceCheck's car page to compare cars NOW!