Citroën is the latest manufacturer to spot the gap in the South African market for a passenger car-based panel van.
Share with friends
The new Citroën Hola panel van is purpose-built to serve South Africa's fast-growing need for sub-half-tonne vehicles. Designed with small business owners and urban operators in mind, the new Hola offers a smart, efficient solution to the everyday challenges of city logistics.
"South Africans made around 35 million more e-commerce purchases in 2024 than in 2019, and parcel volume is still compounding at double-digit rates. Courier operators and SME fulfilment partners urgently need compact, fuel-efficient vehicles that are built to tackle urban traffic and narrow parking spaces," says Mmathapelo Khumalo, Head of Citroën South Africa.
Powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder PureTech petrol engine delivering 60 kW and 115 Nm, the Hola achieves a combined fuel consumption of just 5.6 ℓ/100 km, connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
For those concerned about cargo safety and space, the Hola features a fully enclosed payload bay with a 386 kg capacity, integrated bulkhead and secure load tie-down points.
A 10-inch high-definition touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures intuitive access to navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, supported by power steering, full air conditioning, a 7-inch digital cluster, and a multifunction steering wheel. Dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors provide peace of mind in city driving conditions.
The Hola retails from R242 500.
Other competitors in the sub-half-tonne market available in South Africa include the Hyundai Venue Cargo Xtra (from around R321 500), Hyundai i10 Cargo (R249 500), Kia Sonet (from R284 955), Chery Tiggo Pro Panel Van (from around R309 900) and the VW Polo Vivo Express (R279 990).
A dispute over the payload ratings of Jetour’s T1 and T2 SUVs has developed further following weighbridge testing in Gauteng, with the Automobile Association (AA) questioning some of the results and Jetour South Africa maintaining that its revised figures have been independently verified.
Chinese vehicle manufacturers continued to record significantly stronger growth than established OEM brands in South Africa during the second quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Report.
The JMC Grand Avenue is a new double-cab bakkie aimed at buyers who need a vehicle that can serve as family transport, a leisure companion and a capable workhorse. As JMC's flagship bakkie, it enters one of South Africa's most competitive vehicle segments with an emphasis on space, technology and practicality.
JAC Motors South Africa has introduced two new derivatives to its T9 bakkie range, the Hunter Black Edition and Super Lux Black Edition. These additions form part of the company’s Decade campaign, marking nearly ten years of operations in the country.