BusinessTech
Crossovers have become hugely popular among South African motorists over the years, partly because they provide a higher clearance than standard hatchbacks, which gives their drivers the ability to handle the demanding terrain and pothole-riddled roads South Africa has to offer.
Another thing to like about crossovers is that they offer more space than a hatchback while remaining relatively compact compared to traditional SUVs – making them easier to manoeuvre around parking bays and in rush-hour traffic.
This may be why three crossover SUVs made the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa’s (Naamsa) top 10 best-selling cars in November 2022.
According to their new vehicle sales report, Toyota reigned as the best-selling car brand in South Africa in November, selling 13,903 units in total, while Volkswagen Group (VWSA) came in second with 6,406 units sold.
The three crossovers in Naamsa’s top 10 best-selling cars list are from these two brands, which were the Toyota Corolla Cross, the Toyota Urban Cruiser, and the VW T-Cross – selling 2,109, 1,334 and 1,046 units, respectively.
VWSA also noted that their sales performance in South Africa in the first 11 months of 2022 was bolstered by a growing affinity for the T SUV model range, which accounted for 30% of all Volkswagen vehicles sold in South Africa.
“Volkswagen’s T SUV range, which consists of the T-Cross, Taigo, T-Roc, Tiguan (including Allspace and R) and the Touareg, has continued to grow in popularity in the local market,” said VWSA.
VWSA gave a special mention to the T-Cross, which in the first 11 months of 2022, saw a significant increase of 44% in year-on-year sales, with 9,695 units sold over the period – making it Volkswagen’s best-selling imported vehicle.
A more exciting addition to the crossover SUV market is the Beijing X55, BAIC’s new luxury crossover offering, which launched on 16 November 2022 with a competitive starting price of R394,900. The all-new X55 crossover is impressively specced for its bracket while boasting one of the more powerful engines.
Standard fitment for the most affordable Dynamic variant comprises artificial leather upholstery, dual-zone manual air conditioning, keyless entry and start, driver drowsiness warnings, cruise control, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, auto brake hold, hill-start and descent assist, and two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels.
Each variant is also kitted with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and a 10.1-inch media screen that supports smartphone mirroring for iOS and Android through the CarbitLink app. Powering the Beijing is a 1.5-litre, turbocharged petrol motor producing 130kW and 305Nm, mated with a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox.
The X55 is competitively priced in South Africa, but it also has to deal with tried-and-tested vehicles in the same price class South Africans have come to know and love.
With this in mind, the best crossover SUVs you can buy in South Africa right now for under R400,000 are listed below.
Nissan Magnite
Honda Venue
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
Kia Sonet
Ford EcoSport
Opel Crossland 
Sukuzi Jimny
Haval Jolion
Renault Duster 
Toyota Corolla Cross
Honda BR-V
Mitsubishi ASX
Mazda CX-3
VW T-Cross
BAIC Beijing X55
Read: What to expect from car prices in South Africa over the next few months
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