Buying a new car is rather an expensive affair, but it can be done on a budget. You might think that there aren’t options and you’ll have to buy second hand, but that’s not the case. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with buying previously owned cars (we just want to make that clear) but for various reasons, it can be better to buy new.
And if you’re shopping around for a new car, but you’re on a budget, then you’re in luck. We’ve got a bona fide updated list of the cheapest cars currently available in South Africa… And they all start from under R160k!
Here are some of the absolute cheapest cars in South Africa:
R142,900: Suzuki Celerio
This passenger car offers a 5-speed manual transmission (available in automatic, too) and is powered by a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre engine that offers 50 kW and 90 Nm of torque. You can get the base-spec Celerio 1.0 GA from R142,900 or the higher-spec Celerio 1.0 GL from R159,900.
R142,999: Mahindra KUV100 Nxt 1.2 G80 K2+
The KUV100 Nxt performs very well, powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine with 61 kW and 115 Nm. Like the Celerio, you get a 5-speed manual transmission. Oh, and importantly, this car offers great safety features, including 2 airbags and ABS with EBD.
R144,900: Renault Kwid
The Kwid is popular for a reason! Powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine with 50 kW and 91 Nm of torque, you’ll enjoy its handling as well as its safety features, which include 2 airbags and ABS. We reckon you won’t do too badly with this 1, with the Kwid 1.0 Expression priced at R144,900 and the higher-spec Kwid Dynamique priced from R154,900.
R149,990: BAIC D20
Relatively unknown but gaining traction is BAIC, 1 of the largest automakers in China. The D20 is a lovely hatchback powered by a 1.3-litre petrol engine with outputs of 75 kW and 128 Nm of torque for the basic model and a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque for the higher spec option. The base-spec D20 1.3 Comfort starts at R149,990 and the 1.5-litre models start from R169,990.
R159,900: Hyundai Atos 1.1 Motion
The Atos 1.1 Motion slots in right under the Grand i10 and offers 5-speed manual transmission, with drive directed to the front wheels. This car is powered by a long-stroke 1.1-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, which produces peak outputs of 50 kW and 99 Nm. Nifty and nimble.
Something to consider when making your choice
If you’re still struggling to make a choice, then consider the insurance aspect. Most cars financed by the bank will require comprehensive cover, so it’s worth your time getting a quote to insure your top 3 picks. The reason we think this is a good idea is because some cars cost more to insure than others and knowing how much insurance will cost you on a monthly basis will help you decide which car is affordable in the long-term.
If you’d like to get a few estimates for each of these cars, then click here to get quick, commitment-free quotes from an insurer who actually decreases your insurance every month in line with the depreciation of your new car!
