13/02/2026
Warning for drivers of these 8 cars in South Africa
Following an increase in car theft incidents in South Africa last year, hijackers have already set their sights on eight models since the start of 2026.
According to Fidelity Services Group, which spoke to our sister publication, BusinessTech, hijacking trends tend to follow a cyclical pattern, as seen in 2025.
The group’s CEO, Wahl Bartmann, told BusinessTech that incidents of theft and hijackings increase throughout the year.
“Recorded hijackings are expected to continue following the cyclical pattern observed in 2025, characterised by short-term declines followed by renewed increases,” he said.
“Following the reduction recorded in January 2026, risk levels are likely to remain subdued through February. However, a gradual escalation is anticipated from March into April 2026.”
These fluctuations are part of the pattern and tie into the supply-and-demand dynamics within the local criminal economy.
Bartmann explained that lower economic activity at the start of the year suppresses incentives for organised crime, including hijacking syndicates.
Once the year is in full swing, an increase in movement of goods, people, and money later in the first quarter creates more opportunities for hijackers.
High-value, popular vehicles tend to feature heavily on the list of high-risk models, as they are easy to sell, do not draw too much attention, and blend seamlessly into traffic.
There can, however, be anomalies due to supply-and-demand, making different models more desirable at different times for any number of reasons.
Fidelity ADT’s data shows that there are eight vehicles that have been primarily targeted in recent incidents, these are:
VW Polo (all variants) Hyundai Grand i10 Nissan Almera Toyota Quantum Hyundai Venue Suzuki Ertiga, and Nissan NP200.
All of these are relatively popular models on South Africa’s roads, especially the VW Polo, which has been a mainstay for years.
The Suzuki Ertiga has become an increasingly popular feature in recent months, while the Hyundai Grand i10 and Nissan NP200 have been popular models for years, making them ideal targets for theft.
“These vehicles are widely available in the domestic market and are associated with strong demand for resale or stripping for parts, making them attractive targets for organised criminal groups,” Bartmann said.
South Africa’s most-targeted models
Throughout 2025, more than 50,000 cars were nicked, over 60% of which were stolen from owners in Gauteng.
According to a list compiled by MoneyToday, less than 30% of these were recovered.
It also noted that although high-end luxury models are targeted for export, the most stolen cars in South Africa are popular local sellers due to market demand for their spare parts.
The most-stolen vehicle in South Africa last year was, unsurprisingly, also the most-popular vehicle on our roads: the
Toyota Hilux
8,742 of these bakkies were stolen last year, at an average value of R450,000, and had a recovery rate of only 34%.
In second place for most-targeted vehicles throughout last year is the VW Polo Vivo, which appears on Fidelity’s list as well.
6,834 of the popular hatchbacks were stolen or hijacked in 2025, with an average value of R280,000, with a likelihood of recovery of merely 28%.
Rounding out the top three most often targeted vehicles in South Africa last year is the Ford Ranger.
5,923 of these were stolen or hijacked in 2025, with the highest average value of the three at R520,000 and a recovery rate of 31%.
Other cars that found their way onto the most-wanted list are:
Toyota Corolla – 4,756 stolen Hyundai Grand i10 – 4,234 stolen Isuzu KB Series – 3,892 stolen Nissan NP200 – 3,445 stolen BMW 3 Series – 2,987 stolen Renault Kwid – 2,756 stolen Kia Picanto – 2,534 stolen
While only three of the most-hijacked vehicles last year are still highly-targeted, they are all still high risk vehicles to own
