Citroën C3 - from R229 900
The stylish 2023 Citroën C3 has never been cheap, but the brand has now introduced a truly affordable entry-level variant that will do exceptionally well in the starter-car segment. Enter the new C3 1.2 Feel (with 61kW and 115Nm) at R229 900, with an SUV look, a wide central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a practical boot, and a price tag that suits new-car budget buyers. The French take safety seriously so you can be assured that all the necessary features are on board the C3.
Search the latest New and Used Citroën C3 deals in South Africa
Ride quality is good, and driving up Sir Lowry's Pass, the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre C3 had no problem keeping up with the faster traffic, and stayed surefooted in the howling South-Easter - not something that can be said for many cars in the segment. Another strong point of the C3 is its deep, spacious boot, making it ideal for young families on the go.
The Citroën C3 could potentially be the entry-level hatchback that has the best ride quality and handling. It's no surprise considering that this is Citroën we're talking about with what they dub, "The Flying Carpet Effect". The C3 doesn't wallow, it's surefooted, takes bumpy roads in stride and laps up open roads. It's quite comfortable indeed. The suspension setup is simple even with MacPherson struts with coil springs in the front and a rear twist beam with coil springs in the rear. - Taye Mbiri
Read Taye's full first drive review of the 2023 Citroën C3 here.
Also consider: Suzuki Ignis, Nissan Magnite
Renault Captur - from R454 999
The previous-generation was a huge hit and it felt like forever until Renault introduced a new version - but it was worth the wait.
The new Captur is even more practical than before, with a nice big boot and a split centre console up front that allows you to store more of your loose stuff underneath, which saves you plenty of space. The French definitely have a knack for useful design.
Mercedes-Benz' 1.3-litre turbocharged engine also does duty in the Captur so you'll have ample power to overtake slower traffic, and ride quality can't be faulted. It's no wonder that the AutoTrader team reckons the Captur is currently one of the best Renault models on sale in SA.
The Captur 1.3 Turbo is currently available in Zen (R454 999) and Intens (R499 999) trims.
We found the ride to be supply and supportive without crashing into bumps and undulations and returning a quiet ride with minimal road or wind noise. The supportive seats are comfortable and the overall impression is that the Captur is built to a point far higher than what its price tag would suggest. - Chad Luckhoff, AutoTrader
Read Sean's review of the new Captur here.
Also consider: Toyota Corolla Cross, Mitsubishi ASX, Kia Sonet
Honda Civic 1.5T RS - from R699 000
Because most South Africans are looking to buy SUVs, the humble sedan remains on the shelf, and it's such a shame, really, because a mid-size sedan is the family's best friend, especially in the case of the Honda Civic sedan which was released last year. So, instead of casting your eye on used C-Class or 3 Series models, why not look into buying a brand new Honda Civic 1.5T RS? It has all the premium technology built in - no need to specify anything extra. For example, every time you indicate, the view to the side and rear of the car will appear in the screen in front of you, to ensure it's safe to turn into the direction selected.
Related: Everything that you need to know about the Honda Civic RS
The Civic's ergonomic interior is of a high quality too, and there is plenty of room for rear passengers' legs (which is a winner on road-trips) and the sound system is very decent. A charging pad for your smartphone is also part of the deal.
The ride quality is exemplary, and if you stick to Eco mode, you'll save plenty of fuel too - but when you need power, it's there.
Watch Taye's video review of the 2023 Honda Civic 1.5T RS model here.
Also consider: Volkswagen Polo sedan
Volvo XC 60 T8 Recharge AWD R-Design - from R 1 284 000
What if you could have the convenience and performance of an ultra-powerful ICE engine but the efficiency of an EV all rolled into one? With the Volvo XC60 Recharge, it's possible.
You can drive on electric power alone (Pure mode) when you're in the congested city, but you also have a supercharged 2.0-litre engine and a 71-litre fuel tank to get you to your favourite holiday destination. You also have the option of plugging in your car at home or at an EV charging point, or letting kinetic energy from the braking process charge your car.
And you can choose how you spend that energy - in tandem with the petrol engine you always get the best of both worlds; hybrid mode is the default setting for the XC60 T8 Recharge. In this mode, the XC60 cleverly switches between the petrol engine and the electric motor to optimize fuel efficiency and performance, of which the latter is exhilarating. It was quite entertaining when aggressive drivers in sporty cars tried to give the XC60 a run for its money.
The XC50 T8 Recharge will cost you from R1 284 000.
Buying used? Read 5 Reasons why the Volvo XC60 deserves a place in your garage.
As the flagship variant in the strong-selling XC60 range, the plug-in hybrid T8 AWD boasts lofty combined peak outputs of 340 kW and 709 Nm, courtesy of the turbo- and supercharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, and an uprated electric motor positioned on the rear axle. That makes it the most powerful XC60 yet. - Lawrence Minnie
Read his full review of the XC60 T8 Recharge here.
Also consider: Ford Everest Wildtrak, BMW X3
Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S - R3 405 844
Did you just come into big money? We won't ask any questions, except for this one: why not go all out and buy something that showcases your newfound status?
This Mercedes-AMG GLE 63S Coupé 4MATIC (search AutoTrader for one here) was re-introduced a year ago already but recently spent some time in the Western Cape media fleet. I had the opportunity to enjoy some quality time on board this track-ready SUV.
If image is important to you, and you tend to be a little flashy with your cash, this ultra-glamorous, sporty SAV (or sports activity coupé) is just what you'll feel comfortable in. Just remember to carry spare cash for the car guard because driving one of these may attract the wrong crowd - but the GLE 63 S is able to look after itself the best, thanks to Mercedes' built in anti-theft and anti-damage security system, aka Guard 360, that will protect your AMG Benz like no other.
And with power figures of 466 kW (combined) and 850 Nm, you also happen to be in the ultimate getaway car - but beware those racing tyres - they don't like anything but smooth tar; hitting a sidewalk can result in a flat tyre in seconds - so it's probably best that you stick to smooth surfaces. Whatever you end up using the GLE for, you'll be the envy of everyone - especially when you turn off that monstrous twin-turbo V8-engine that sounds like a werewolf on steroids, loud enough to make little children cry.
If you can't quite stretch to the flagship model's hefty price tag, the Mercedes-AMG GLE53 4MATIC+ range kicks off at R2 180 414.
Read Chad's review of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupé 4MATIC here.
Also consider: Audi RS Q8, Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupé
