SUV’s are becoming the most popular car of choice amongst consumers in recent years. Most car manufacturers are meeting this demand by providing a vast range of SUV’s in different categories that suit every pocket.
Unfortunately, sometimes we can’t afford the higher range SUV’s as they are very costly, but there are several awesome SUV’s that are much more affordable and give you great bang for your buck.
What is an SUV?
An SUV is a Sports Utility Vehicle. But what does that mean exactly? In the past, they were large, rugged, four-wheel drive vehicles – meaning they could drive off-road as well. They were built tough with a big interior and ample boot space. 1
But as popularity grew manufacturers started taking them off the dirt roads and into the cities, making them more stylish, modern and refined, thus curbing their off-road capability. 1
Some SUV’s are hatchback cars that have become more crossovers than SUV’s. They are a bit higher off the ground, but don’t necessarily have off-road capabilities. Some of them are four-wheel drive, but most of them are two-wheel drive. In South Africa, they have been categorised as small SUV’s.
How can you determine if it’s an SUV? 1
- They have a large interior space.
- They have up to seven seats.
- You have a higher driving position.
- SUV’s can handle slippery terrain and water.
- SUV’s either come in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Benefits of having an SUV.
- Practical: SUV’s are larger than your average car, making them more practical and ideal for families. They have plenty of leg space, headroom and boot space for luggage and grocery shopping.
- Safer: SUV’s are built a lot sturdier than your average car. They have a higher driving position making your visibility while driving much better.
- Fuel Efficient: With crossovers being introduced into the SUV market as small SUV’s, they brought their fuel efficiency with them, making them more of a practical family car.
- Towing: SUV’s are not just practical family cars, but they are quite versatile and strong. They can also tow trailers, sometimes even with heavy goods. But before you make a choice on which SUV is for you make sure to check how much extra weight it can tow or if it is able to.
10 most affordable SUV’s in South Africa 2019 2
- Mahindra KUV: 2L (either diesel or petrol) from R137,999.
- GWM M4: 5L VVT-I from R172,400.
- Renault Captur: 0L Turbo Blaze 66KW from R246,900.
- Renault Duster:6L Expression 4X2 from R255,900.
- Ford EcoSport:5L Ambient from R258,200.
- Suzuki Jimny:5L 4WD from R269,900.
- Suzuki Vitara:6L (either diesel or petrol) from R284,900.
- Toyota Rush:5L VVT-I from R312,000.
- Mazda CX-3: 0L from R316,900.
- Toyota CH-R: 2L 4WD from R346,200.
Why wouldn’t you buy and SUV?
- They are not always fuel efficient. The bigger the SUV, the bigger the engine capacity.
- They are bigger and more difficult to move around tight spaces.
- Some of them can be very expensive.
- Tyres usually cost more on an SUV. They use multi-terrain tyres as they are capable of going on and off the road.
- It could also be very impractical as a daily commute to work and back.
Before venturing out and buying your new SUV, make sure to have a budget on how much you can afford monthly and be sure to factor in an insurance premium too. Do all the research necessary on the vehicle and take them for test drives as well.
Car insurance is important when buying a new vehicle, whichever one you decide to buy. You could get affordable car insurance with PMD.
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Sources:
1 https://www.buyacar.co.uk/cars/family-cars/suvs/360/what-is-an-suv
2 https://briefly.co.za/29650-these-small-suv-south-africa-2019.html
Also view:
Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety
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The Online Vehicle Retail Market and Safely Selling Vehicles Online