Motorists are facing a steep rise in fuel costs after hefty increases to both petrol and diesel prices from April 1.
The department of mineral resources and energy has confirmed that both grades of petrol have increased by R3.06/litre. Diesel has risen more sharply, with 50ppm up by R7.51/l and 500ppm by R7.37/l.
With prices climbing across the board, we calculated what it now costs to fill the tanks of some of SA’s most popular vehicles. The list spans a mix of bakkies, people carriers, hatchbacks and SUVs to give a broad picture of the impact.*
Toyota Hilux
A consistent top seller locally, the Hilux (above) has an 80l fuel tank. Petrol variants require R1,869 to fill inland and R1,802 at the coast, while diesel models come to R2,088 and R2,028 respectively.
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
The Corolla Cross has been a strong performer since its launch in 2021, with the hybrid derivative gaining particular traction. Its 36l tank translates to R841 inland and R811 at the coast to fill up.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
The locally built and recently face-lifted Polo Vivo remains a popular budget option. Filling its 45l petrol tank now costs R1,051 inland and R1,013 at the coast.
Toyota Hiace Ses’fikile
Widely used in the public transport sector, the Ses’fikile is equipped with a 70l tank. 2.7l petrol models require R1,635 inland and R1,577 at the coast, while 2.5l diesel versions come to R1,827 and R1,774 respectively.
Isuzu D-Max
Built in Gqeberha, the D-Max is offered with hard-working diesel engines across the range. Its 76l tank results in a fill cost of R1,984 inland and R1,923 at the coast.
Suzuki Swift
The fourth-generation Suzuki Swift offers a compact footprint with impressive efficiency thanks to the marque’s new 1.2l three-cylinder petrol engine. With a 37l tank, a full fill comes to R864 inland and R833 at the coast.
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger has just received a mid-life update, including the introduction of a 2.3l EcoBoost petrol engine and revised model derivatives. The existing 2.0l SiT and 3.0l V6 turbodiesel engines remain available. All derivatives are equipped with 80-litre fuel tanks. Filling the EcoBoost costs R1,868 inland and R1,802 at the coast, while diesel models come to R2,088 and R2,028 respectively.
Renault Kwid
Positioned at the entry level of the market, the Kwid has a 28l petrol tank. It remains the cheapest vehicle on this list to fill, at R654 inland and R630 at the coast.
Haval Jolion
The Jolion offers a lot of bang for your buck with ample interior space, a turbocharged petrol engine and plenty of standard features to broaden its appeal. Its 55l tank costs R1,285 to fill inland and R1,239 at the coast.
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
One of the best-selling Chinese passenger vehicles locally, the Tiggo 4 Pro has a turbocharged petrol engine fuelled by a 51l tank. Filling up costs R1,191 inland and R1,149 at the coast.
Hyundai Grand i10
Despite scoring a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection in a recent Global NCAP crash test, the Hyundai Grand i10 is still the marque’s best local sales performer. Filling its 37l petrol tank will set you back R864 inland and R834 at the coast.
Toyota Starlet
A rebadged Suzuki Baleno, the Starlet remains a popular choice in the budget hatch segment. Its 37l petrol tank costs R864 inland and R834 at the coast to fill.
Suzuki Fronx
The Fronx is an affordable crossover SUV that ticks many boxes. It’s good to look at, reasonably fun to drive and fitted with a simple 1.5l petrol engine that should provide years of hassle-free service. A full tank (37l) of petrol comes to R864 inland and R834 at the coast.
Mahindra Scorpio Pik-Up
The rugged Scorpio Pik-Up is aimed at buyers prioritising utility. Powered by a 2.2l four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, its 80l tank requires R2,088 inland and R2,028 at the coast.
Omoda C5
The handsome and well-equipped Omoda C5 has gained considerable market traction in the compact crossover segment since its introduction in 2023. Its 51l petrol tank translates to R1,191 inland and R1,149 at the coast.
*Calculations are based on April 1 fuel prices: 95 ULP at R23.36/l inland and R22.53/l at the coast, and wholesale diesel (50ppm) at R26.11/l inland and R25.35/l at the coast.
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