Several brand-new SUVs in South Africa now cost roughly the same as a used Toyota Corolla Cross, giving buyers plenty of alternatives in the competitive sub-R400,000 segment. Picture Credit: Wikipedia
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa — South Africa’s SUV market has become incredibly competitive, with several brand-new crossovers now priced similarly to a second-hand Toyota Corolla Cross.
The Corolla Cross remains one of the country’s most popular vehicles, regularly selling more than 1,000 units per month. However, buying one brand-new comes at a premium.
Following its most recent update, the SUV now costs between R414,800 and R569,700, pushing many motorists to consider the used market instead.
According to recent industry data, the average price of a pre-owned Corolla Cross is around R384,163.
Vehicles selling at this price point are typically about three years old and have travelled around 29,463km.
This is important because most vehicles from Toyota in South Africa include a three-year warranty, meaning the coverage will likely have expired by the time the vehicle is purchased second-hand.
The Corolla Cross does still include a six-service/90,000km service plan, so depending on mileage there could still be some remaining coverage for new owners.
While buying used can still make financial sense, the reality is that South Africa’s sub-R400,000 crossover segment is one of the most crowded parts of the market.
For roughly the same price as a used Corolla Cross, buyers can purchase a brand-new SUV complete with a full warranty, service plan, and zero mileage.
This is particularly notable as several newer manufacturers in the local market offer longer after-sales support packages than many traditional brands.
For instance, GAC Motor provides a lifetime engine warranty for first owners on some models, although this benefit does not transfer if the vehicle is sold.
Likewise, brands such as Omoda and Jaecoo offer engine warranties of up to 10 years or 1 million kilometres on certain vehicles.
New SUVs priced close to a used Corolla Cross: Below are several crossovers and SUVs currently on sale in South Africa with starting prices similar to the average cost of a second-hand Toyota Corolla Cross.
Tata Curvv 1.2T Pure+
Starting price – R349,900
Power – 88kW / 170Nm
Fuel consumption – 5.7L/100km
Warranty – 5-year / 125,000km
Service plan – 3-year / 45,000km
GAC GS3 Emzoom 1.5T Nova
Starting price – R359,900
Power – 130kW / 270Nm
Fuel consumption – 6.2L/100km
Warranty – 5-year / 150,000km + lifetime engine warranty
Service plan – 2-year / 30,000km
Honda Elevate 1.5 Comfort
Starting price – R371,000
Power – 89kW / 145Nm
Fuel consumption – 6.7L/100km
Warranty – 5-year / 200,000km
Service plan – 4-year / 60,000km
Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Style X
Starting price – R374,900
Power – 115kW / 230Nm
Fuel consumption – 6.9L/100km
Warranty – 5-year / 150,000km + 10-year / 1-million km engine warranty
Service plan – 2-year / 25,000km
Jaecoo J5 1.5T Vortex
Starting price – R379,900
Power – 115kW / 230Nm
Fuel consumption – 7.5L/100km
Warranty – 5-year / 150,000km + 10-year / 1-million km engine warranty
Service plan – 2-year / 25,000km
Citroen Aircross 1.2T Max (7-seater)
Starting price – R388,900
Power – 81kW / 205Nm
Fuel consumption – 6.3L/100km
Warranty – 5-year / 100,000km
Service plan – 4-year / 60,000km
Kia Seltos 1.5 LS
Starting price – R379,995
Power – 84kW / 144Nm
Fuel consumption – 6.7L/100km
Warranty – 5-year / unlimited km
Service plan – 4-year / 60,000km
Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 GL Auto
Starting price – R381,900
Haval Jolion Pro 1.5T Premium
Starting price – R392,150
Power – 105kW / 210Nm
Fuel consumption – 8.1L/100km
Warranty – 7-year / 200,000km
Service plan – 7-year / 75,000km
Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI
Starting price – R399,900
Power – 70kW / 175Nm
Fuel consumption – 5.9L/100km
Warranty – 3-year / 120,000km
Service plan – 3-year / 45,000km
