While hatchbacks may be losing market share to their taller and more utilitarian SUV counterparts, our small car winner remains South Africa’s best-selling passenger car. Here is why the Volkswagen Polo reigned supreme.
Criteria
This category covers city cars such as the Mazda2 and Renault Clio, all the way to practical fare like the Honda Fit – as well as premium entries from Audi and Mini.
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Winner: Volkswagen Polo
A perennial overachiever in our market, the locally assembled Polo continues in its winning ways, both in these awards and on the monthly sales charts. The sixth-generation Polo is a polished entrant and remains South Africa’s best-selling passenger car (complemented by its sibling the Polo Vivo). Including an extensive range of variants – with 70 kW or 85 kW engine options and two transmission alternatives, as well as the 147 kW GTI derivative – this VW strikes a compelling balance between value, efficiency, substance and that touch of German quality that its owners appreciate. The 70 kW 1,0 TSI Life is sitting pretty in the middle of the range and comes furnished with all the necessary mod cons and a touch of flair.
Our favourite variant:
Polo 1,0 TSI 70 kW Life – from R385 300
Runner-up: Honda Fit
The Honda Fit is a high-quality item with generous rear legroom and clever space utilisation. The naturally aspirated 1,5-litre engine/CVT combination provides class-competitive refinement and efficiency.
Runner-up: Renault Clio
The fact that it’s only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox is one of the few gripes we have with what is otherwise a fantastic car. All Renault Clios come with a 5-year/150 000km warranty and a 2-year 30 000km service plan.
