Top Chinese Cars in South Africa – Best Value Vehicles for 2025
There’s a quiet revolution taking place on South African roads – and Chinese carmakers are leading it. Over the last few years, they’ve evolved from fringe options to serious contenders, and 2025 shows just how firmly they’ve established themselves in the local market.
We take a look at the SA trend towards Chinese cars…
Why South Africans Are Turning To Chinese Cars
Once overlooked by buyers who favoured more traditional brands, Chinese cars are now winning over South Africans with a simple formula: more features, lower prices and longer warranties.
It’s a compelling mix, especially in a country where affordability is top of mind for most. Thanks to economic improvements in late 2024 – including interest rate cuts, reduced inflation and a stronger rand – South Africans were finally in a better position to make big purchases again. But even with more confidence, value for money still drives most buying decisions – and this is where Chinese brands shine.
Chery and Suzuki, for example, sold fewer than 8,000 units between them in 2014. By 2024, that number had soared to over 76,000. It’s a staggering 887% increase and proof that South African drivers are more open than ever to considering Chinese vehicles.
In fact, by mid-2025, more than 40 Chinese passenger car models will be available locally, most of them SUVs. There’s also a growing selection of bakkies and even some standout EVs entering the premium market.
Standout Models Offering Unbeatable Value
Leading the charge is the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, now available from around R269,900. It’s the most affordable Chinese SUV on the market and a strong favourite among first-time buyers.
The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro offers a stylish design, decent performance, and a generous list of features that would usually cost far more from other manufacturers. Its popularity isn’t surprising – for many, it’s the gateway to exploring what the rest of the Chinese motoring scene has to offer.
Another top performer is the Haval Jolion, with pricing starting just under R350,000. It’s quickly earned a reputation as a reliable all-rounder that balances refinement, practicality and value. It’s also helped cement Haval’s status as one of the most trusted Chinese brands in the country.
OMODA, a youth-focused sub-brand from Chery, has also made an impressive debut with its C5 model. Priced from R329,900, it’s aimed at younger drivers who want a bold design, tech-savvy interior and dynamic driving experience – all without crossing the half-million mark.
More Space, More Tech, More Choice
Mid-size SUVs like the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Jetour X70 Plus have carved out their space in the market as ideal options for families. They offer premium finishes, space and the kind of features you’d typically expect in far more expensive vehicles.
Haval’s H6 also deserves mention as one of the more refined offerings in the Chinese stable. It rivals established favourites like the VW Tiguan and Mazda CX-5, both in terms of feel and functionality, but at a more accessible price point.
What’s striking is how much variety there is within this segment. From electric vehicles like the BYD Atto 3 and MG Cyberster to rugged off-roaders like the GWM Tank 300, the Chinese car category has expanded to include nearly every type of driver and lifestyle.
There are now at least 12 Chinese models priced under R400,000 – and 20 models under R500,000 – making them some of the most accessible new vehicles in South Africa.
Ready To Browse? Start With Group1
If you’re in the market for a new ride, now might be the perfect time to explore your options. The Chinese car offering is no longer a gamble – it’s a smart, feature-packed choice backed by growing local support and strong aftersales service.
To browse a wide selection of new and used Chinese vehicles, visit Group1 Cars.
