- Hatchback – Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL Manual
- Sedan – Suzuki DZire 1.2 GA
- MPV – Renault Triber 1.0 Life
- Crossover – Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GL
- Double-cab bakkie – JAC T6 2.0VVT Double Cab Lux
- SUV – Mahindra Scorpio-N 2.2D Z4
The most affordable car currently in South Africa is the Suzuki S-Presso which sells from a starting price of R169,900.
In the sedan category, it’s the Suzuki DZire at R198,900; and in the MPV segment, the Renault Triber at R210,999.
For crossovers, this position is given to the Suzuki Ignis which retails from R217,900; for double-cab bakkies, it goes to the JAC T6 at R354,900; and for SUVs, the new Mahindra Scorpio-N is awarded the crown thanks to its window sticker of R465,000.
If you have your eye on one of these models, or you’re looking to get into a new type of car, here is what you can expect to get with the cheapest new vehicle in every major category.
Hatchback – Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL Manual
Suzuki’s S-Presso “micro-SUV” has the honour of being South Africa’s most affordable car despite recently seeing a price increase of R7,000.
The entry-level GL model brings electric front windows, central locking, electronically-adjustable side mirrors, an engine auto stop-start function, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, a multifunction steering wheel, ABS, two airbags, and 239 litres of cargo space.
Two speakers are also standard, but a radio must be installed for an additional cost.
Driving the Suzuki is a 1.0-litre, petrol engine with 49kW and 89Nm, which links to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission that results in an average fuel consumption of 4.6l/100km.
The S-Presso has a starting price of R169,900 which includes a 5-year/200,000km warranty and a 2-year/30,000km service plan.
Sedan – Suzuki DZire 1.2 GA
The DZire’s spec sheet looks similar to the S-Presso’s, the sedan offering all-round electric windows, electronically-adjustable side mirrors, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a trip computer, manual airconditioning, central locking, ABS with brake assist, two airbags, an immobiliser, and a 378-litre boot.
Four speakers are on offer this time around, though a radio is an optional extra once again.
The sedan gets a larger powerplant than its hatchback sibling, taking the form of a 1.2-litre unit that puts out 61kW and 113Nm.
A five-speed manual shifter channels power to the front wheels and average fuel usage is pegged at 4.9l/100km
The DZire has a starting price of R198,900 which includes a 5-year/200,000km warranty and a 2-year/30,000km service plan.
MPV – Renault Triber 1.0 Life
The Triber is the cheapest way to transport seven passengers in South Africa.
The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) provides three rows of seating, roof rails with a load capacity of 50kg, and 625 litres of cargo room with the rear row folded up.
Front electric windows, a manual aircon with second and third-row vents, central locking, two speakers, a radio with Bluetooth, rear parking sensors, ABS, and two airbags are also standard.
A 1.0-litre engine does duty under the bonnet and delivers 52kW and 96Nm to the front wheels via a five-speed manual box, resulting in a petrol expenditure of 5.5l/100km.
The Triber has a starting price of R210,999 which includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 2-year/30,000km service plan.
Crossover – Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GL
Another Suzuki, the Ignis is the most affordable mini-SUV in the country and offers noticeable improvements over the S-Presso.
Standard on all models are all-round electric windows, a multifunction steering wheel, a multi-info driver’s display, electric wing mirrors, central locking, and a radio with Bluetooth and two speakers.
Practicality is also upped thanks to the slightly larger 260-litre cargo hold, and it brings ABS with brake assist, two speakers, and an immobiliser.
The Ignis then utilises the same 1.2-litre, petrol motor as the DZire, churning out 61kW and 113Nm. With a five-speed manual transmission, the crossover burns through fuel at a rate of 5.1l/100km.
The Ignis has a starting price of R217,900 which includes a 5-year/200,000km warranty and a 2-year/30,000km service plan.
Double-cab bakkie – JAC T6 2.0VVT Double Cab Lux
Leisure-focused double cabs are one of South Africa’s favourite vehicle types, with the JAC T6 being the most attainable option in this segment.
The base model is equipped with a leather multifunction steering wheel, synthetic leather seats, a trip computer, electric windows at the front and rear, a manual airconditioner, central locking, a reverse camera, six speakers, a radio, ABS, and two airbags.
Powering this version of the bakkie is a 2.0-litre, petrol engine with 108kW and 190Nm, mated to a five-speed cog changer. This lends the JAC a fuel consumption of 10.0l/100km, a towing capacity of 2,000kg, and a payload capacity of 820kg.
The T6 has a starting price of R354,900 which includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 5-year/60,000km service plan.
SUV – Mahindra Scorpio-N 2.2D Z4
The seven-seater Mahindra Scorpio-N boasts an impressive amount of kit despite being classified as the cheapest full-size SUV in South Africa.
Potential owners can look forward to a cooled glove box, 8-inch infotainment display with Android Auto, 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, electric mirrors, all-round electric windows, airconditioning with second-row vents and controls, roof rails, skid plates, hill-hold and descent control, rear parking sensors, ABS, and two airbags.
Turning the Mahindra’s rear wheels is a 2.2-litre, turbo-diesel mill generating 129kW and 400Nm. Power is handled by a six-speed automatic gearbox and fuel usage is listed at 6.9l/100km, with a respectable towing capacity of 2,500kg on offer and a boot of 460 litres.
The Scorpio-N has a starting price of R465,000 which includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 5-year/100,000km service plan.
Keyword: Most affordable car in South Africa