Angola's Favorite Car: What's The Most Popular Model?

Angola's car market is small and underdeveloped, with sales of only a few thousand passenger cars in most years. The market suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has since recovered, with sales increasing in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, Suzuki overtook Toyota to become the market leader. In previous years, the best-selling cars in Angola have included the Suzuki Alto 800, Suzuki Jimny, Fiat Doblo, Fiat Panda, Toyota Land Cruiser 70, Hyundai i10, Mitsubishi L200, and Honda Civic.

Angola's most popular car in 2019 was the Toyota Land Cruiser 70

The Toyota Land Cruiser 70's popularity in Angola can be attributed to its reputation for durability and off-road capabilities, which are essential features for navigating the country's varied terrain. Angola boasts tropical Atlantic beaches, a labyrinthine system of rivers, and a Sub-Saharan desert that extends across the border into Namibia. As such, a vehicle with higher ground clearance or a 4x4 is often necessary for exploring remote areas.

The Toyota Land Cruiser 70's success in Angola also reflects the country's economic situation. With the average price of a passenger car in Angola sitting at around $20,000, many Angolans opt for cheaper options, which start at approximately $10,000. This price point is more accessible for a larger portion of the population, especially with the growth of the middle class and the increasing availability of credit for car purchases.

In addition, Angola's economic fortunes have been tied to global oil demand, resulting in volatile growth and high levels of poverty and inequality. As one of Africa's largest oil producers, Angola benefits from relatively low gasoline prices, which can encourage car ownership. However, the automotive industry in Angola experienced a deep crisis between 2015 and 2022, with sales plummeting to near zero in 2020, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 took the top spot in 2019, other car models have also enjoyed popularity in Angola. In 2018, the previous-generation Suzuki Jimny was the best-selling light vehicle, and in 2017, the Suzuki Alto 800 claimed the top spot. Overall, the Angolan car market is expected to grow in the coming years, providing more options and accessibility for car buyers in the country.

In 2018, the Suzuki Jimny was the best-selling car

The Suzuki Jimny has a rich history, with several generations of the model being released over the years. The first-generation Jimny, introduced in 1970, was a compact 4WD vehicle in the minicar segment. The second generation, released in 1981, featured a solid-square shape and a roomy interior, making it popular with both genders and suitable for urban and off-road settings. The third generation, introduced in 1998, offered a higher level of comfort with its smooth aerodynamic body, longer wheelbase, and refined suspension.

The fourth-generation Jimny, launched in 2018, features a modern design while retaining the traditional ladder-frame chassis and part-time four-wheel-drive system. It is equipped with a robust 1.5-litre engine, generating strong torque and delivering excellent fuel efficiency. The Jimny also features advanced safety features, such as the Suzuki Safety Support system, which includes collision prevention technologies, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking.

The popularity of the Suzuki Jimny in Angola can be attributed to its combination of rugged capabilities and compact design, making it a versatile and reliable choice for consumers in the region. Its off-road features, such as superior grip, high ground clearance, and all-weather capabilities, make it well-suited for navigating the diverse terrain and road conditions found in Angola.

The Suzuki Jimny has established itself as a trusted and dependable vehicle, not only in Angola but also worldwide. With its strong performance, versatility, and safety features, it continues to be a popular choice for individuals seeking a capable and adventurous driving experience.

The Suzuki Alto 800 was Angola's most popular car in 2017

The Suzuki Alto is a kei car that has been produced by Suzuki since 1979 and is currently in its ninth generation. The model has been built in many countries worldwide and is considered a city car in export markets.

The popularity of the Suzuki Alto 800 in Angola can be attributed to its affordability, fuel efficiency, and reliability. It is a good choice for city rides and commutes, offering a refined driving experience and improved fuel economy.

The Alto 800 received a minor design update in 2019, including tweaks to the front bumper, grille, and headlamps. The car continues to be one of India's highest-selling cars, known for its efficiency, reliability, and vast servicing and repair network.

The Fiat Doblo was the best-selling car in Angola in 2016

In 2016, the Fiat Doblo was the best-selling car in Angola. The Brazilian-made vehicle topped the sales charts in a year when the new vehicle market in Angola took a beating. The Fiat Doblo's success in Angola can be attributed to its practicality, robustness, and functionality, offering a flexible and spacious cargo capacity. Its popularity in 2016 is a testament to its ability to meet the diverse needs of Angolan drivers.

While the Fiat Doblo reigned in 2016, Angola's automotive landscape has been dynamic over the years, with various models and brands taking the top spot. For instance, in 2015, the Suzuki Alto 800 and Chevrolet N300 were the best-selling models, showcasing the fluctuating preferences of Angolan consumers.

The Angolan car market has experienced significant fluctuations, with sales peaking in 2014 at 40,000 units before plummeting to near zero by 2020, with only 2,200 sales. This volatility is reflected in the diverse range of best-selling cars over the years, with different brands taking the lead.

In the past, European OEMs like Fiat, Renault, Peugeot, and Volkswagen dominated the Angolan market. However, more recently, Japanese manufacturers like Suzuki and Toyota have emerged as leaders, with several Chinese OEMs also experiencing rapid growth. This shift in market dynamics has contributed to the diverse range of popular cars in Angola, with different brands and models catering to the evolving preferences and needs of Angolan drivers.

While the data specifically mentions the Fiat Doblo's dominance in 2016, it's worth noting that Fiat, as a brand, has had a strong presence in Angola. With their professional line of vehicles, including the Doblò Furgão Carga, Fiat has established itself as a trusted and reliable automotive brand in the country. The availability of Fiat's commercial vehicles in Angola suggests that the brand has catered to the practical needs of businesses and professionals in the country.

In 2015, the Suzuki Alto 800 was the most popular car

The Suzuki Alto 800 is a compact car that seats four people. It has a 796 cc engine and a manual transmission. The car is known for its fuel efficiency and compact size, making it easy to drive and park in tight spaces. However, it lacks modern features and has limited boot space.

The popularity of the Suzuki Alto 800 in Angola can be attributed to its affordability, fuel efficiency, and compact design, making it a practical choice for urban driving.

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