We look at 5 of the most popular SUVs in SA

While the automotive sector has seen a slight slump recently due to current economic and global situations, the South African buying public still has a need and desire for that new car smell. Overall, out of the total reported industry sales of 43 593 vehicles, an estimated 36 420 units, or 83.6%, represented dealer sales, an estimated 10.4% represented sales to the vehicle rental industry, 5.0% to industry corporate fleets, and 1.0% sales to the government.

The July 2022 new passenger car market at 31,455 units had registered an increase of 10,517 cars, or a gain of 50,2%, compared to the 20,938 new cars sold in July 2021. That being said, we have gone over the figures to find the most popular SUVs on sale right now.

Toyota Urban Cruiser

The Toyota Urban Cruiser, a dynamic and well-specified SUV is another one that should be on your list. A big part of the global success of this compact SUV is its design and dimensions, which make it a nimble urban runabout with the ground clearance, ride height and interior space of a true SUV.

From the front, you will notice a striking design creating a near-solid chrome grille that stretches from end-to-end between the front lights and visually underlines the vehicle’s wide stance. The front lights are finished with a chrome brow and LED daytime running lights.

The first item to catch your eye when you get behind the steering wheel of the Urban Cruiser is the large 7” touch screen infotainment system, which is standard across the range and which forms the centerpiece of the dashboard.

The system is fitted as standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and it will display the image from the reverse camera, when engaged. Bluetooth, an auxiliary input and a USB port are also standard, while all models allow the driver hands-free control of the system and the phone interface from the steering wheel buttons or voice command system.

The little Toyota is fitted with a 1.5-litre motor that develops 77kW and 138Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or new four-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota has recently moved into a very good spot where their cars are looking great, sporty and angular. The Corolla sedan is an eye-catching thing and the Cross retains that appeal. The front features a large trapezoidal grille, flanked by long headlights with DRL technology. The vehicle appears tall and long, in fact, its dimensions make the newcomer one of the biggest offerings in the segment; with a wheelbase of 2 640mm and an overall length of 4 460mm.

Step inside and you are greeted by a familiar looking interior that echoes that of its Corolla Hatch and Sedan siblings. It is not just visually appealing but also offers decent quality. My test unit featured a tan leather interior which I really liked. I also like the large infotainment screen which offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the climate control is housed just below the screen and it all looks neat, uncluttered and is ergonomically placed.

The partially digital instrument cluster is also a nice touch as is the fact that the Corolla Cross offers around 440-liters of luggage capacity with a 60/40 split rear bench setup, making it one of the most versatile in the segment.

Under the bonnet of this Corolla Cross Hybrid is a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated motor that develops 72kW and 142Nm. While it might not sound like a lot the Hybrid system does add to the mix and you can expect a total output of around 90kW and 163Nm.

Renault Kiger

The Kiger is slightly bigger, slightly more spacious and luxurious than the Kwid and since its launch towards the end of last year, the Kiger has grown in popularity. We were handed the keys to the top-spec model, which features a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol motor that develops 74kW and makes use of a 5-step CVT gearbox. The combination is actually not bad however the car is happier within city limits than out on the highway. It does however handle highway speeds better than the Kwid.

The Kiger's styling is actually on point. It looks muscular, edgy and eye-catching. It’s high ground-clearance also plays to its advantage giving it more practical usage over a conventional hatchback.

We found the interior to also be visually appealing, however when you start interacting with the plastics you can feel that they are cheap. This however is not a problem because the Kiger is not a luxury, German made executive saloon. It’s a budget sensitive compact hatchback that is built in India. There are undoubtedly going to be some plastic bits. Most noticeable is the driver focused 8-inch touchscreen which is simple to use. It offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Intens trim model which we tested also incorporates an 8-speaker Arkamys audio system that produces good sound volume and clarity.

Volkswagen T-Cross

Like the Corolla Cross, Volkswagen has taken its most popular model, the Polo and turned it into an SUV. The T-Cross was an instant hit when it launched a few years ago and it remains a leader in the sales charts. The T-Cross is the smallest compact family crossover in Volkswagen’s local lineup – it slots in beneath the Taigo and T-Roc.

Let’s take a closer look at the Volkswagen T-Cross Comfortline R-Line. The Volkswagen’s 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine punches well above its weight and, with peak outputs of 70kW and 175Nm, this T-Cross offers enough shove for the daily commute, plus we found it to be adequately competent at maintaining highway speeds. As far as fuel consumption is concerned, the T-Cross returned good fuel consumption figures with Volkswagen claiming 4.8L/100km. We however only managed an average of 5.8L/100km, still a decent figure though.

When you step inside the Comfortline R-Line T-Cross, you are met with a basic – but appealing – cabin design. The Composition Media infotainment system was a highlight; not only is it user-friendly and easy to navigate, it supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone screen-mirroring technology. This test unit was also equipped with a wireless smartphone charging pad, which is a great feature, as well as the optional Park Assist and a reverse-view camera.

The claimed load-bay capacity is 455-litres, which expands to 1 281 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats folded down. The rear bench can also slide fore and aft, depending on whether you wish to prioritise legroom or luggage space

Haval Jolion

The current crop of Haval SUVs have taken the local market by storm. Not only do these vehicles offer decent bang-for-your-buck, they are visually appealing as well. One of the most popular models in the Haval stable is the Jolion.

Externally, the Jolion makes a good first impression. The design is modern, classy and compact, muscular even. We like the LED Day-Time Running lights on the far edges of the front bumper however would have liked to see more drama at the rear.

First impressions of the interior are overwhelmingly positive. This is a very classy cabin that would not look out of place on a car charging twice the Jolion. It is clean, uncluttered and packed with technology. The materials all exude high quality, from the soft etched leatherette covering the lower dashboard, to the knurled chrome transmission dial. A big 12.5-inch touchscreen dominates an otherwise minimalist cabin.

The boot is a decent 430L with the back seats in place, expanding to 1133L with the 60/40 split fully folded – although they don’t fold down far enough to present a flat load space. The boot has a hard cargo blind that doubles as a parcel shelf, and there’s a space-saver spare tyre under the floor.

Powering all models locally is a 110kW and 210Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Credit: Justin Jacobs