Best first premium car
Those who have the money for something a little more exciting than the average first-car budget allows, will find some excellent used options that don’t cost the earth (anymore). As for the select few who can afford new or nearly-new premium cars, the world is your oyster.
New premium sedan: Lexus IS
The recently-refreshed IS competes with the Teutonic Trio, namely the A4, C-Class and 3 Series. If you like to stand out and be seen in a dynamic, beautifully designed, hand-crafted car with an excellent after-sales reputation, the IS is the one. All models now feature hybrid powertrains for excellent fuel economy. Pricing for new Lexus IS models start from R871 000.
Used: Previous-generation, used IS models, with less than 70 000 km on the odometer, can be found on AutoTrader from as little as R339 900. Search for them here.
Also consider: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A4 / A3 sedan, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, A-Class sedan, CLA, BMW 3 Series/2 Series Coupé/Gran Coupé.
New premium hatchback: Audi A3
I’m opting for the A3 because the A1, albeit extremely attractive, is quite expensive. The A3 offers much more in terms of space for not that much more money. Pricing starts from R561 000 for the handsome Audi A3 Sportback 35TFSI (this means it has a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission.)
Read our latest Audi A3 (2021) launch report
Used: Audi A3 models are generally smiled upon because Audi has been recognized time and time again for their excellent customer service. We still don’t suggest older models, 2017 and onwards will do just fine, and we’re still capping mileage 70 000 km, because you don’t want to worry about mechanical problems just yet. Pricing for models in this age/km bracket cost from R224 995 on our site. Search for these used Audi A3 models here. Audi A3s are also known for being inexpensive to repair, and parts are well-priced, according to the 2020 AA Kinsey Report. Feel free to opt for an Audi A3 sedan as well, if you need the boot space.
Also consider: Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Alfa Romeo Giulietta, VW Golf, BMW 1 Series.
New premium compact SUV: Volvo XC40
Apart from being drop-dead gorgeous, the XC40 is equipped with the best in semi-autonomous safety equipment which is oh-so user-friendly, and its interior is sublime! The entry-level XC40 T3 Momentum (1.5-litre turbo with 110kW) is not too badly priced at R635 500.
Read all our latest Volvo XC40 reviews, here.
Used: If you’re looking for a used Volvo XC40 model, they’re still pretty pricey because they’re all relatively new. If you’re looking for a bargain, we suggest you look for a used Q3, as Audi also has a larger dealer footprint in SA than Volvo does. Prices start at around R360 000 for 2017 models with less than 70 000 km. Have a look at these used Q3 models here. Its styling is on point, and it offers enough space for your closest friends, plus luggage space for plenty of necessities. Audi is well-known for excellent customer service, and parts and servicing are comparatively affordable too.
Read all our latest Audi Q3 reviews, here.
Also consider: The smaller Audi Q2, BMW X1/X2, Jaguar E-Pace, Volkswagen T-Roc, Lexus UX/NX, Mercedes-Benz GLA/GLB/GLC
New premium mid-size SUV: Audi Q5
Filled with beautifully designed, minimalist tech and all the luxury you need, the Q5 makes a serious style statement. The Audi Q5 40TDI quattro (with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine) starts from R852 000. (The sophisticated Audi Q5 Sportback is launching locally in November 2021 if you’re keen on something a bit more sporty-looking than the family-orientated Q5.)
Used: Also the Audi Q5. Look for used Q5s on AutoTrader here no older than 5 years.
Read our Top 5 Audi Q5 articles on AutoTrader, here.
Also consider: Volvo XC60, BMW X3/X5/X4, Jaguar F-Pace, Porsche Cayenne.
New premium large SUV: Land Cruiser Prado
The recently-refreshed Land Cruiser Prado, from R997 500 for the 2.8GD TX model, offers excellent value for money along with serious off-road prowess. The newly-launched Land Cruiser 300 is also an excellent choice, but it’s much pricier than the Prado.
Read our latest Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (2021) review, here.
Used: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado models (from 2017 and up) with low mileage can be picked up at around R730 000 and up, which isn’t bad, considering how much car you get for your money. Search for these models as well as Land Cruiser 200 models here.
Also consider: Volvo XC90, BMW X5/X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, G-wagon.
