South Africa’s new-vehicle market recorded its strongest monthly sales of 2026 in October, with the Chery Q making its mark in the electric vehicle segment and the Kia Sonet achieving a record-breaking sales performance
South Africa’s new-car market continued its upward trajectory in October, with total sales climbing 10.4% year on year to 61 890 units. Passenger-car registrations outpaced the broader market, rising 13.6% to 45 084 units. Within this context, two developments stood out: the Chery Q emerged as the country’s best-selling fully electric vehicle among manufacturers reporting to Naamsa, while the Kia Sonet achieved its highest monthly sales to date.
Chery Q takes the EV lead
Launched only two months ago, the Chery Q has quickly established itself in South Africa’s electric vehicle segment. With 438 units sold in October, more than double its September debut, the Q has become the best-selling fully electric vehicle among brands that report individual model sales to Naamsa.
This performance is notable for a newcomer in a market where electric vehicle adoption remains in its early stages. The Q accounted for 15.9% of Chery South Africa’s 2 754 October sales, making it the brand’s second-most-popular model after the Tiggo 4 Cross and outselling the Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 combined.
Chery’s success happened during a busy month for electric vehicles. BYD sold 248 Dolphin Surf units, plus 25 Dolphins, 16 Atto 3s, 11 Sealion 7s and four Seals. BAIC’s Arcfox T1 sold 43 units in its first month, while Volvo added 23 EX30s, seven EX30 Cross Country models, four EC40s and one ES90.
With a starting price of R349 900, the Chery Q is helping to lower the entry point for electric vehicles in South Africa. It ranks as the country’s fourth-most affordable EV, following the Geely E2 Aspire, BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort and Dongfeng Box E2 430. According to Alan Quinn, Chief Innovation and Product Officer at Cars.co.za, the Q’s strong sales performance highlights how affordability and accessibility are driving broader EV adoption locally.
Kia Sonet reaches a new peak
The Kia Sonet delivered one of the standout performances in October, re-entering the national top 10 in eighth position with 1 317 units sold. This represents a 58.7% increase over the previous month and marks the highest monthly sales total for the Sonet in South Africa to date.
While 545 units were delivered to rental companies, the Sonet’s broad appeal among private and fleet buyers remains central to its success. Its return to the top 10 underscores the sustained demand for affordable, well-equipped compact SUVs in the local market.
Quinn thinks the Sonet’s success shows what buyers want: “The Kia Sonet’s record month reminds us that the compact SUV market is very competitive. Buyers choose vehicles that offer the right mix of value, usefulness and trusted brands.”
October’s passenger-car leaders
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo maintained its top position in the passenger-car market, posting its best month of 2026 with 2 580 units sold. The Suzuki Swift reclaimed second place with 2 344 units, while the Chery Tiggo 4 Cross held steady in third with 1 924 units.
The Toyota Starlet Cross climbed two positions to fifth with 1 611 units, and the Suzuki Fronx re-entered the top 10 with 1 118 sales. Notably, six of the 10 best-selling passenger vehicles were manufactured in India, reflecting South African buyers’ continued preference for imported small cars and compact SUVs
A market gaining pace
Rental demand continued to play a significant role in October, accounting for 21.4% of passenger-car sales, or 9 665 units. Government procurement contributed 966 units, while manufacturers’ own-use registrations added a further 1 056 units.
The broader market continued its recovery, with Naamsa reporting that October was the strongest sales month of 2026 to date. Year-to-date sales reached 554 081 units, up 12.3% from the previous year.
What October tells us
October’s figures point to a market that is becoming increasingly diverse and active. Established petrol and hybrid models continue to dominate the sales charts, yet the rapid growth of the Chery Q suggests that affordable electric vehicles are beginning to carve out a meaningful presence.
At the same time, the Kia Sonet’s record performance shows how value, practical design, and strong fleet support remain key drivers of success in South Africa’s highly competitive vehicle market.