Buying an inexpensive car often enforces some compromises, and especially so when shopping in the new-car market. A cheap new car will mean that you’ll have to settle for something small, or lacking in power, or with shoddy build quality – or even all 3 downsides in one car!
But there are some exceptions to this problem, and, if you’re prepared to consider a used car, you can definitely get a cheap used car with a very large boot. We looked at new and used cars with practicality as a priority, to bring you this list of affordable cars that can also haul a decent amount of cargo.
To compile our list, we first set some limits regarding budget, age, and mileage. We capped the budget at R 250 000, because that’s where many entry-level new cars’ list prices are heading, and decided that we won’t consider something older than 4 years (2018 model year), or with more than 60 000 km on the odo.
New cars
Renault Triber (From R 193 400)
We have to open this list with the least-expensive 7-seater on the market. While there is precious little cargo space with all the seats in use (only 84 litres), this expands to a fairly cavernous 625 litres in 5-seater mode. It also has extremely clever space utilisation elsewhere in the cabin, with plenty of storage boxes and even (in high-end variants) a refrigerated centre console.
If you have to buy new and primarily need cheap space, this is the car for you. Just be prepared for hit-or-miss build quality, a trembling and rather underpowered engine, and questionable handling dynamics if you do opt for a Triber.
Related: Get all the details about the 2021 Renault Triber in this review.
Renault Kiger (From R 204 900)
Sharing the Triber’s underpinnings and (in entry-level spec) engine, the Kiger is an attractively-styled compact SUV-crossover with similarly strong practical attributes. It can’t quite match its MPV-styled sibling on boot space, but the 405 litres on offer with all seats in use is still surprisingly commodious for the price.
Similar caveats to those of the Triber also apply to the Kiger, however. It’s not great to drive, doesn’t feel at home on the freeway, and the base (non-turbo) engine is gutless, rough and noisy. At least it looks nice, and its practical attributes may help potential buyers to overlook the obvious downsides in their quest for space.
Related: This review of the Renault Kiger highlights its strong suits (and some weaknesses).
Honda Amaze (From R 209 100)
Do not be deceived by the Amaze’s small stature, because it packs a surprising amount of cabin space, as well as a comparatively huge luggage volume of 420 litres. It’s also pretty well-equipped across the range, so anyone shopping purely for practicality and value will be well-served.
There are some downsides to the Amaze, however. Its 1.2-litre engine gets the job done but nothing more, and it’s clear that the cabin’s material quality isn’t quite up to the standards we’ve come to expect from Honda. Don’t look for a folding rear seat to extend the cargo volume, either – this is a 4- or 5-seater with a fairly generous boot, with no added loading flexibility.
Related: Our review of the latest Honda Amaze has all the details you need to know.
Suzuki Baleno (From R 221 900)
If you want hatchback versatility along with folding rear seats, your best bet would be the Suzuki Baleno. This is the first “normal” hatchback to make this list, because its boot space of 355 litres is pretty generous for its size class, and can be extended to 1085 litres with the rear seats folded away.
The Baleno is also the strongest performer thus far in our list, thanks to its torquey and efficient 1.4-litre non-turbo engine. And, if you like these attributes but attach some value to brand names, you can also get the same car at a Toyota dealership, branded as a Starlet.
Related: We couldn’t find much to criticise in this review of the latest Suzuki Baleno.
Ford Figo sedan (From R 223 300)
Hurry up and get your Figo now, before stock runs out. The Figo is due to be discontinued soon, because Ford has ended their production operations in India (where the Figo was built). Pity, because the Figo really is a well-appointed, capable and high-value product.
Unlike the Figo hatchback, the sedan version has a comparatively massive boot of 455 litres, and its 1.5-litre engine delivers rather peppy performance as well. And, because the Figo sedan is larger than the hatchback, it also offers pretty generous cabin space.
Related: The Ford Figo 1.5 sedan proved to be remarkably frugal in this review.
Kia Pegas (From R 230 995)
Here’s another small saloon with a very generous boot: 475 litres, to be exact. That’s a remarkable feat for a car that measures only 4.3-meter in length, and comes without any noticeable interior space penalty as well.
However, the Pegas definitely places function above form, inside and out. It looks like a distorted Cerato sedan at first glance, but manages to miss the tippy-toe, narrow-track appearance inherent to most small sedans. The 1.4-litre engine’s outputs are quite competitive at 69 kW and 132 Nm, so it even performs reasonably well on the road, too.
Related: The Kia Pegas offers a lot of space and spec for the asking price.
Suzuki Ciaz (From R 245 900)
We’re skipping over the Suzuki Ertiga 1.5 GA and recommending its similarly-priced Ciaz sedan stablemate instead, because a base Ertiga is rather barren inside, and only really becomes a high-value proposition in its higher trim levels. However, the base Ertiga offers 550 litres in 5-seater mode and has folding seats, so it is ultimately more versatile than the Ciaz sedan.
As for the Ciaz, there’s plenty of standard equipment even in base 1.5 GL trim, which still falls within our budget parameters. Its boot is again comparatively huge (for its body style), measuring 480 litres, and it’s styled like a more-upmarket car as well. If you need cabin- and boot space on a budget but want good looks as well, the Ciaz will serve you really well.
Related: This review shows that the Suzuki Ciaz definitely deserves your consideration.
Used cars
If this list of new (relatively) cheap cars with big boots doesn’t really set your heart aflutter, the used-car market offers a much wider variety. Here are some affordable and practical alternatives.
Toyota Corolla Quest
Early examples of the current-generation Corolla Quest (E180) can be found in significant numbers on the used market already, and many of them comfortably fit below our budget limit. You’ll get a spacious cabin to go with 470 litres of boot space, along with fairly comprehensive standard equipment and a choice between 6-speed manual or CVT power transfer to the front wheels.
First-generation Quests (chassis code E140) are obviously even more plentiful, although many of them have racked-up intergalactic mileages by now. This model’s boot is slightly smaller at 450 litres, but it’s still pretty spacious nonetheless. Added benefits include affordable running costs and a reputation for durability, so the Corolla Quest certainly warrants attention for its comparatively low price and large luggage volume.
Related: The 2020 Toyota Corolla Quest offers great value and space for the money.
Volkswagen Polo sedan
While this generation of Polo sedan is about to be phased out, there are numerous reasons to consider one if you need a big boot on a budget. It offers 454 litres of boot space, along with a relatively spacious cabin.
There are plenty of used examples listed here on AutoTrader, with the least-expensive ones (that still meets our criteria) starting just north of the R 150 000 mark. Most of them retail around R 200 000, though, giving a wider selection of trim levels and engines to go with its practical body.
Related: Is the Volkswagen Polo good for families?
Toyota Etios sedan
The Etios sedan will most assuredly not thrill you with its driving dynamics or stylish body shape, but it take your breath away with its massive boot of 595 litres. Once again, the rear seats don’t fold down, but with a luggage compartment this massive, you may never need more cargo space anyway.
Expect to pay around R 230 000 for a very late-model, high-spec Etios sedan with about 30 000 km on the clock, by which time it will just barely be run in. These cars have an excellent reputation for durability and affordable running costs, making them a smart choice. You simply won’t find a larger boot for less money in any other sedan.
Related: Which Toyota Etios trim holds its value better?
Hyundai Accent sedan
It was recently discontinued in our market, but that doesn’t change the fact that a Hyundai Accent sedan offers a very commodious luggage volume of 465 litres. And, seeing as we set our age limit at 4 years, that means that newer examples should still have some of Hyundai’s excellent warranty (for 5 years) in place.
It's not the most exciting car to drive, but there’s plenty of cabin space as well, and the basic modern conveniences are present. The best bit is the pricetag: While prices start as low as R 170 000, you should be able to get a pristine example with less than 40 000 km for around R 200 000.
Related: Is the Hyundai Accent a good car for new drivers?
Renault Duster
Even within our tight budget requirements, you’ll be able to find a Renault Duster without much hassle. It’s a popular model, which means that there are plenty of examples floating about in the used-car market.
However, less than R 250 000 will get you behind the wheel of a very late-model (2020) Duster Expression (petrol), although diesels are scarce around these price/age/mileage limits. Nonetheless, you’ll enjoy a solid 478 litres of luggage space, as well as interior equipment that stretches far beyond its modest pricetag.
Related: This review showed that the Renault Duster is very popular for very good reasons.
* Prices were accurate at the time of publication, but are subject to change without prior notice.
