South Africa’s rudest drivers revealed – based on your opinions

Creating an accurate list of South Africa’s rudest drivers by brand is only possible with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). So, we compared a host of AI platforms and ultimately decided on Claude by Anthropic for what is, in our opinion, the most perceptive interpretation of South Africa’s driving etiquette. We asked Claude to assign ‘rudeness’ out of 100.

Now, at this point, we must note that while the list of 20 brands below is AI generated, this article certainly is not. With Claude able to scrape all recesses of the internet and millions social media discussions, we merely wanted to tap into perceptions. Of course, AI is fed by commonly held and communicated beliefs and there will always be exceptions to the rule and individual behaviour that varies greatly from the norm.

SOUTH AFRICA’S RUDEST DRIVERS BY BRAND

Having said that, before your write in to complain because you drive or represent one of the brands below, note that this list is merely a bit of fun:

• 1. Toyota – 98. Minibus taxi drivers typically in Toyota Quantums and HiAces are considered in a category all of their own. Tailgating, excessive speeding, driving on the hard shoulder and off the road to get ahead. Alternatively, uber drivers in Corollas and Quests dawdle, drive erratically and clog the roads.
• 2. BMW – 95. Notorious for aggressive driving, speeding, wheel-spinning in public, tailgating, and not using indicators.
• 3. Mercedes-Benz – 90. Less aggressive than BMWs but often perceived as entitled.  
• 4. Audi – 88. Prone to tailgating and with a similar reputation to BMW and Mercedes drivers.
• 5. Volkswagen – 82. Especially related to GTIs or modified Golfs and Polos, prone to speeding and aggression.
• 6. Ford – 80.  Specifically Ranger bakkies and Mustangs which can be associated with aggressive overtaking and tailgating.  
• 7. Lexus – 75. Typical luxury-car stereotype of entitlement but less rude than German brands.
• 8. Nissan – 65. Varies by model with GT-R, Z and Navara drivers rated as aggressive. Likewise, NP200 half-tonners are prevalent on the roads as courier vehicles.
• 9. Volvo – 60. Mostly cautious and courteous drivers.  
• 10. Hyundai – 55. Generally moderate drivers.

THE BETTER GUYS

• 11. Honda – 50. Quite literally slow, middle of the road cars driven by pensioners, so likely to hold you up.
• 12. Mazda – 48. Cars with a neutral, almost forgettable reputation.  
• 13. Kia – 45. Generally considered courteous and inoffensive.  
• 14. Renault – 43. Mostly affordable family vehicles.
• 15. Suzuki – 40. Typically seen as humble, well-mannered drivers.  
• 16. Mahindra – 38. Slow and utility focused transport.
• 17. Isuzu – 35. Mostly commercial vehicles.
• 18. Chery – 33. Newer to market so still establishing a reputation.
• 19. GWM/Haval – 30. Newer to market so still establishing a reputation.
• 20. Mitsubishi – 30. Limited presence, perceived as neutral.

TOWNSHIPS AND SUPERCARS

Claude notes that these perceptions are drawn from major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Likewise, drivers and owners of expensive models in townships and informal areas often get a lower rudeness rating. That’s because they are usually perceived as respected community members. Do you agree with that assertion?

Also, are there any brands missing from this list? Interestingly, exotic marques like Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren and Lamborghini did not make the list because the overall number of cars on the road is so small. Where does your car rank and do you agree with the overall perception?