Smooth operators - the used cars leading South Africa’s shift to automatic driving

The local used vehicle market is undergoing a quiet but decisive transformation, as drivers increasingly favour confidence, comfort, and real-world usability over old-school habits.

Over the last two decades, automatic transmissions have shifted from being a luxury extra to the go-to choice for most South African drivers. Where automatics were once seen as convenient but expensive, modern systems (including CVTs and DCTs) now deliver smoother driving, better fuel efficiency and stronger everyday performance. This is especially noticeable in heavy traffic and urban commuting, where an automatic simply makes life easier. As a result, demand has grown across every part of the market.

Using AutoTrader South Africa’s latest sales data, we can take a closer look at the top-selling automatic models across all major body types. From compact hatchbacks and family SUVs to bakkies, coupes and convertibles, the data highlights which models South Africans prefer and what drives their choices. This snapshot offers a clear view of where the market is heading and the vehicles that continue to lead the way.

Why are automatics so popular? 

South Africans are embracing automatic transmissions for three key reasons: 

Ease of driving in traffic: With congestion at an all-time high in major metros—Cape Town has the ninth highest traffic delay times in the world in 2024 according to INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard—fewer drivers want the strain of constant shifting. 

Better gearbox technology: Modern automatics, especially DCT and torque-converter types, deliver smoother power, improved fuel efficiency, and superior acceleration. 

Wider availability in popular models: Previously the reserve of luxury cars (and optional on certain models), automatics are now offered across nearly every brand and segment, including bakkies. This shift is clearly reflected in the used market, where certain models stand out as runaway routines.

“If you strip away the nostalgia and look at real-world driving, the rise of automatics is logical,” commented George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader South Africa. “People want cars that keep up with modern traffic, stretch a tank of fuel, and don’t punish them in stop-start congestion. Manufacturers delivered better transmissions, buyers adapted, and the used market now reflects that shift. It’s a practical response to how South Africans actually use their cars.”

Hatchbacks: Urban convenience drives demand

Hatchbacks remain a favourite for city living because they’re compact, affordable and easy to park. With lower running costs, good fuel economy and practical layouts, it’s no surprise that models like the Volkswagen Polo, Polo Vivo, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Starlet and Hyundai Grand i10 consistently appear in South Africa’s top 10 used best-sellers.

It’s equally unsurprising that the Polo leads as the best-selling automatic hatchback, with 4,656 units sold between 1 January and 31 October. The larger Golf follows with 2,190 units, while the Starlet takes third place with 2,155 examples sold.

Sedans: Comfort and value in a shrinking market

While SUVs and crossovers are gradually edging out the traditional sedan, the classic family car still has a solid place in the market, especially among premium brands. Some mainstream models also continue to perform well, particularly in automatic form. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class leads the way, recording 3,946 units sold in the first ten months of the year. That means this prestige sedan even outsold more affordable models like the Starlet, largely because most C-Class buyers originally opted for an automatic gearbox.

Its closest competitor, the BMW 3 Series, follows with 3,686 units. This doesn’t necessarily indicate that the 3 Series is less popular overall, but rather that it has traditionally appealed to buyers who were more open to manual transmissions. Finally, the practical Toyota Corolla Quest, a favourite among ride-share drivers, rounds out the list with 1,020 units sold.

SUVs: The family favourite

SUVs are by far the most popular body type in South Africa, forming the backbone of the country’s used car market. AutoTrader’s 2025 Mid-Year Industry Report shows that 64,723 SUVs were sold in the first six months of the year, which is 17,753 more than the next most popular category, hatchbacks.

Unsurprisingly, the Toyota Fortuner (South Africa’s favourite used SUV) also leads as the best-selling used automatic SUV, with 6,332 units sold between January and October. This makes it the second-best-selling used automatic vehicle overall. It’s followed by the Toyota Corolla Cross with 4,871 units and the Volkswagen T-Cross with 3,050 units.

Bakkies: Automatics gain big momentum

In July 1993, new car buyers could choose from 84 bakkies and pickup trucks, and not one of them offered an automatic transmission1. Fast-forward to November 2025, and the landscape looks completely different. Today, shoppers can pick from 158 double-cab bakkies alone, and many of them are available with automatic gearboxes. It’s a clear sign of how buyer preferences have evolved and how the bakkie has shifted from a purely rugged workhorse to a popular lifestyle choice.

That shift is reflected in the fact that the best-selling automatic vehicle in South Africa is the Ford Ranger. This isn’t surprising, as the Ranger consistently tops the used-vehicle charts month after month. With 11,990 units sold between 1 January and 31 October, it is fast becoming the most common automatic vehicle on local roads. It also outsells its closest rival, the Toyota Hilux, by more than double (5,749 units), while the Volkswagen Amarok takes third place with 2,159 units sold.

Coupés: Who said sporty cars can’t be automatics?

There was a time when fitting an automatic transmission to a sports car was unthinkable, but things have changed. Modern DCTs and advanced automatics actually make performance cars quicker. A good example is the 911 GT3: the PDK version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, while the manual takes 3.9 seconds, and that’s assuming the driver can shift as quickly as a Porsche test driver.

The most popular coupé is a bit more accessible, with the BMW 2 Series leading the way at 668 units sold. In second place is the world’s best-selling sports car2, the Ford Mustang, with 519 units over the same period. And despite its average selling price of R2,456,968 (the highest price on the list), the Porsche 911 still manages an impressive third place with 481 units sold.

Convertibles: Drop-top driving is well-suited to an auto ‘box

Convertibles have always been a niche segment, and they remain a lower-volume category today. Although most buyers now prefer SUVs or something practical, such as a bakkie or hatchback, there are still people who value the charm of a roadster or open-top cruiser.

AutoTrader data shows that the best-selling automatic convertibles tend to be older in terms of registration year, but with relatively low mileage. This suggests they’re often second or third cars in a household, used occasionally or for enjoyment rather than daily commuting. Despite being discontinued in 2016, the Mercedes-Benz SLK remains the top-selling automatic convertible, with 229 units sold during this period. While the 200 variant was available with a manual, the higher-powered 350 and AMG models were automatic only.

Its closest competitor, the BMW Z4, recorded 113 units, while the high-end Mercedes-Benz SL-Class averaged 114 units. This points to strong demand for the SL, especially as many examples are considered collectable depending on their age and engine.

MPVs: Space and comfort for bigger families

While MPVs aren’t as popular as SUVs, they remain a go-to choice for larger families who need seven or more seats along with proper luggage space. They’re also widely used by shuttle and tour operators. In both cases, an automatic transmission makes day-to-day driving far easier, especially for drivers who manage long hours, frequent stops or multiple responsibilities.

As with convertibles, this is another segment where Mercedes-Benz stands out. The premium V-Class and the more practical Vito both appear in the top three. The V-Class leads with 978 units sold, despite an average used price of R1,465,380. The Vito follows with 464 units. Sitting between the two is the Hyundai Staria, a relative newcomer introduced in late 2021. Even so, it achieved an impressive 730 sales between 1 January and 31 October, showing just how quickly it has gained traction with South African buyers.

What do the trends tell us?

South Africa’s used car market is clearly moving in one direction. Automatics are no longer a luxury choice or something for a small group of buyers. They have become the normal pick across almost every type of vehicle. Brands like Toyota, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz continue to earn trust among automatic buyers, who are focusing more on comfort, ease of use, and real-world efficiency. With modern gearboxes getting better every year, the shift away from manuals feels natural rather than forced, although the three-pedal option is becoming endangered, especially as electric vehicles continue to be more popular. The market has already changed, and the preference for automatics is now simply how most people choose to drive. 

Sources:

AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data: 1 January - 31 October 2025

July 1993, CAR, pages 154 - 156.https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/img/za/en/news/2023/04/Mustang-Celebrates-60th-Anniversary-Best-Selling-Sports-Car-Globally-for-10-Years.html