What SA’s singles drive…or might like to drive
What you drive speaks volumes about you…especially if you’re single with no partner to influence the choice.
In a nod to Singles Day, celebrated on 11 November, the unofficial Chinese holiday and shopping season, which was conceived to celebrate those who are not in relationships, here are the cars that SA’s singles drive or might like to drive.
Eco-conscious singletons might be seen driving around in a smaller electric vehicle (EV) like the 3-door MINI Cooper SE hatch or an all-electric compact SUV like the Volvo XC40. These EVs retail for around R700,000 and R1.2 million respectively.
The forever-bachelor or bachelorette may not be interested in long-term relationships, but a cabriolet with some flash like the BMW M4 is likely to appeal. This dynamic 2-door luxury open-top high-performance sports car ticks the fun and recognition requirement boxes. But the price does not come cheap. Even a 2019 model with mileage around 20,000km averages R1.5 million*.
A single-cab bakkie brings to mind a farmer with livestock in the back and a dog occupying the bakkie’s only other seat. This hardworking and practical singleton is likely to be seen in SA’s most popular bakkie, the tough, dependable and locally-built Toyota Hilux, or another homegrown rival, the Ford Ranger. These high-riding single-cabs retail from around R330,000. Used prices are not much cheaper.
Driving a Suzuki Jimny or Renault Duster? These smaller and capable off-roaders retailing in the mid-R300,000 range, best reflect the SUV adventurer looking to spend his or her time in the outdoors. For the unattached with the means to afford it, a compact SUV like the Range Rover Evoque brings added luxury for around R1.1 million.
A supercar is just the ticket to display one’s status. But cars that portray wealth and success generally require a spend well north of R1 million. For the successful businessman or woman, the legendary Porsche 911 is probably on the radar…or even in the garage. Depending on the variant, new car prices for this exceptional and luxury everyday driving sports car can reach over R5 million. And used, this iconic supercar still commands an eye watering price; around R2.3 million for 2011 models with 35,000km-odd on the clock, according to AutoTrader.
According to statista.com, 23.3% of South African households were classified as single person households in 2021. That’s a lot of single people stamping their personality traits on their car choices.
*Source: AutoTrader 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2022.
Source: Nikki Chennells
