Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel has conceded spending close to R1.1 million on a new vehicle.

Manuel made the admission while replying in writing to a question raised in Parliament.

The bill for the vehicle's extras, which Manuel describes as standard, came to just under R100 000.

In motivating the need for a new vehicle, Manuel replied the motor plan on his old vehicle expired, which meant it would not be cost-effective to keep it.

Tourism Minister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, meanwhile, revealed his deputy, Tokozile Xasa, bought two new vehicles at a cost of R1.5-million.

Deputy Police Minister Fikile Mbalula also bought two new vehicles for close to R1.6-million.

All these costs are being footed by the tax payer.

The topic of ministerial cars has been a subject of great debate in recent months and trade union federation Cosatu has again weighed in on the matter, saying ministers do not need expensive vehicles to do their job.

Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven says Manuel's choice of vehicle is in bad taste, especially in light of the global credit crunch.

"There's no reason why so much should have to be spent on cars for ministers, particularly at a time of an economic recession."