Here are the five biggest culprits:
Kia Sportage – from R585 995
One of the first models that Kia used to introduce itself to the South African market in 1998, the Sportage has in turn evolved alongside its Korean maker to become a household name in this part of the world.
Currently in its fifth generation, the modern Sportage is larger and more luxurious than ever, offering interior fit, finish and equipment – including a large, curved infotainment screen – to rival the traditional German establishment.
Kia is also suitably proud of its continued success in the US-based J.D. Power consumer quality survey, this focus on both initial- as well as long-term build quality allows the South African office to offer a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty on all its products, including the Sportage.
The impressively sophisticated modern Sportage range introduces Kia’s latest design language and is available with a choice of either turbodiesel or turbopetrol performance. The range features eight derivatives, the flagship model being the GT-Line Plus S.
Hyundai Tucson – from R572 900
Like its Kia cousin, the modern, fourth-generation Hyundai Tucson has grown in terms of its size and versatility compared with the first example yet, significantly, also in terms of overall refinement and sophistication.
Not likely to be lost in the crowd, the modern Tucson package offers distinct styling throughout its five-model local line-up, while the recently introduced N-Line flagship derivative turns things up a notch with its standard body kit. That said, and in keeping with this car’s sense of occasion, 19-inch alloy wheels are standard fitment on three of the five available specifications.
The modern Tucson is available with a choice of either 2.0-litre petrol or 2.0-litre turbodiesel performance, the latter mated with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The new top-of-the-range N-Line derivative is the only model that offers all-wheel drive and retails from R790 900.
Hyundai South Africa offers a standard 7-year/200 000 km warranty throughout its product portfolio.
Mazda CX-5 – from R524 600
Still the most popular model in the modern local Mazda line-up, this Japanese brand continues to find new ways to keep its CX-5 range fresh, despite its relative age compared with its competition in this segment.
Striking exterior styling and an upmarket interior aside, the CX-5 impresses with its versatile cabin and an emphasis on simplicity in design. That said, at a time when modern infotainment systems, touchscreen displays and their associated technologies are at the fore, CX-5 is showing its age. The Mazda is also the smallest in terms of interior space compared with its rivals listed here.
Expect an all-new CX-5 to go into production towards the end of 2025, arriving in South Africa in early 2026.
The current CX-5 range is available with the choice of a 2.0-litre petrol engine, a 2.5-litre turbopetrol in Individual, all-wheel drive specification and is fitted with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel motor and all-wheel drive in the flagship DE Akera model.
The CX-5 is sold with a 3-year unlimited kilometre “Mazda Care” Service plan.
Toyota RAV4 – from R698 600
Did you know that in 2021, the Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling vehicle in the world? Buoyed by sales in significant markets like the US and UK, this SUV with humble origins is now in its fifth generation and continues to fly the flag for its Japanese maker.
Spacious and impressively versatile, the significant news in terms of the modern RAV4 range in South Africa is that it is available with a choice of either petrol performance or, indeed, either a traditional hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrain, the latter allowing for impressive overall efficiency and the ability to drive a distance using only the car’s battery and electric motor. This model can then be plugged into either a home- or public charging facility in order to recharge the battery.
Backed by an enviable reputation for both reliability and resale values, via a comprehensive nationwide dealership network it’s easy to see why the RAV4 remains a favourite, despite this model no longer being especially affordable compared with its modern rivals.
Volkswagen Tiguan – from R614 600
As flagship models in this traditionally family-focused segment go, few can match the outright pace and performance of the 235 kW Tiguan R, a vehicle that aims to welcome the boy-racer in its owners into adulthood and a modicum of responsibility.
The R derivative aside, the Tiguan remains one of Volkswagen’s best-selling models globally, a package that by all accounts is a Golf with a raised ride height and improved visibility.
With a forthcoming all-new model about to be unveiled on the global stage, the current Tiguan package still offers impressive perceived build quality and class-competitive versatility, including a large luggage compartment.
The modern range is made up of a base model, a mid-spec Life derivative and then the ever-popular R-Line specification. Not to be confused with the full-fat R model, R-Line trim nevertheless adds an enticing amount of sporty body styling enhancement compared with the standard car and is available with a choice of 2.0 TDI, 1.4 TSI or 2.0 TSI turbopetrol that offers a respectable 162 kW of performance. The Tiguan range is also offered with the brand’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
