Those seeking a car under R230 000 have plenty to choose from, but if you were curious, these 10 models are currently the most affordable in SA. Whatever your new car budget, you'll find something that works for you on this list!
Fast Facts
| Toyota Vitz 1.0 | R178,800 | 1.0-litre, 3-cyl petrol | 49 kW / 89 Nm | 5-speed MT |
| Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL | R178,900 | 1.0-litre, 3-cyl petrol | 49 kW / 89 Nm | 5-speed MT |
| Tata Tiago 1.2 XM | R184,900 | 1.2-litre, 3-cyl petrol | 63 kW / 113 Nm | 5-speed MT |
| Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GA | R188,900 | 1.0-litre, 3-cyl petrol | 49 kW / 89 Nm | 5-speed MT |
| Renault Kwid 1.0 Life | R196,999 | 1.0-litre, 3-cyl petrol | 50 kW / 91 Nm | 5-speed MT |
| Proton Saga 1.3 Standard | R209,900 | 1.3-litre, 4-cyl petrol | 70 kW / 120 Nm | 5-speed MT/AT |
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL | R224,900 | 1.2-litre, 3-cyl petrol | 60 kW / 112 Nm | 5-speed MT |
| Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GA | R224,900 | 1.2-litre, 3-cyl petrol | 60 kW / 112 Nm | 5-speed MT |
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 | R224,900 | 1.0-litre, 3-cyl petrol | 49 kW / 96 Nm | 5-speed MT |
| Renault Triber 1.0 Life | R228,999 | 1.0-litre, 3-cyl petrol | 52 kW / 96 Nm | 5-speed MT |
1. Toyota Vitz 1.0 – Starting at R178 800
The Toyota Vitz tops this year’s list as the go-to option for budget-conscious buyers. Known for its reliability, space, and efficiency, the Vitz offers a spacious cabin and top-notch safety features for the price. You can also subscribe to the Vitz via Kinto One, making it more accessible for cash-strapped drivers. Read our Vitz review here!
- Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol
- Power: 51kW
- Torque: 95Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or (automated manual in upper-spec Vitz models)
- Fuel Consumption: 5.1 L/100 km
How does Kinto One work? Find out here.
2. Suzuki S-Presso GL+ – Starting at R189 900
The S-Presso GL+ combines SUV styling with budget pricing and now features enhanced stability control for improved safety. A funky little runabout that will save you plenty of fuel! It was SA's cheapest car in 2024. Read our Suzuki S-Presso reviews here.
- Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol
- Power: 50kW
- Torque: 90Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (or automated manual in higher-spec variants)
- Fuel Consumption: 4.9 L/100 km
3. Tata Tiago 1.2 XM, from R184 900
- Engine: 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol
- Power: 63kW
- Torque: 90Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (or automated manual in higher-spec variants)
- Fuel Consumption: 5.0 L/100 km
4. Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GA – Starting at R188 900
This compact model is perfect for city driving, delivering excellent fuel efficiency and reliability. The Toyota Vitz is based on the Celerio (and offers similar specs), so you know it has to be good. Find out how well it does for a new driver here.
- Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol
- Power: 50kW
- Torque: 90Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (or automated manual in higher-spec models)
- Fuel Consumption: 4.6 L/100 km
Search for used S-Presso models here.
5. Renault Kwid 1.0 Life – Starting at R196 999
With its 'digital' dashboard and practical features, the Kwid remains a popular choice for new drivers and is one of the brand's hottest sellers. (Please note that it's the top-spec Climber model in the image above.)
- Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol
- Power: 50kW
- Torque: 91Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (or AMT in higher-spec variants)
- Fuel Consumption: 4.7 L/100 km
Search AutoTrader for used Renault Kwids here.
6. Proton Saga 1.3 Standard Manual – Starting at R209 900
The Proton Saga, a compact sedan, is relatively new to the market, so it may take some time before we can confidently recommend it. Customer feedback, whether positive or negative, will eventually reveal its reliability. A colleague who tested the Saga described it as suitable for budget-conscious drivers, mainly because it's so light on petrol, returning a figure even lower than the claimed figure below. Read his review here.
- Engine: 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol
- Power: 70kW
- Torque: 120Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (or 4-speed automatic)
- Fuel Consumption: 6.3 L/100 km
Search AutoTrader for Proton Saga models here.
7. Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GA – Starting at R224 900
The Suzuki Dzire is essentially a sedan version of the Swift hatchback. It shares the same platform and many mechanical components but has a distinct body style and a focus on practicality and space. This sedan provides ample cargo space and is affordable, making it an appealing option for those needing extra room. It still has the 4-cylinder engine from the previous Swift.
- Engine: 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol
- Power: 61kW
- Torque: 113Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (or 4-speed auto)
- Fuel Consumption: 4.9 L/100 km
Search here for used Suzuki Dzire models.
8. Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL – Starting at R224 900
You can't go wrong with the evergreen Swift, a fun-to-drive hatchback that combines style and impressive fuel efficiency, ensuring it remains a top contender in the budget category. (It's the first car I recommend to people if they're shopping in this market segment.)
- Engine: 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol
- Power: 60kW
- Torque: 112Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (or 4-speed auto in higher-spec models)
- Fuel Consumption: 4.9 L/100 km
Find used Swift models on AutoTrader here.
9. Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Premium hatch - Starting at R224 900
The Grand i10 is a modern little city slicker that boasts excellent user-friendliness and sporty driving dynamics that will put a smile on your face, especially if you can buy a 1.2-litre model. It is now also available as a sedan for those needing a bit more packing space.
- Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol (1.2, 4-cylinder on higher-spec models)
- Power: 49kW (or 61kW in the 1.2)
- Torque: 94N m (or 114 Nm in the 1.2)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, or auto in the sedan
- Fuel Consumption: 5.5 or 5.9 l/100 km
10. Renault Triber 1.0 Life – Starting at R228 999
Ideal for cash-strapped families, the seven-seater Triber offers versatility and space for seven without a hefty price tag.
- Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol
- Power: 52kW
- Torque: 96Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual only
- Fuel Consumption: 5.5 L/100 km
Search AutoTrader for used Renault Tribers here.
Are you curious to know which model just narrowly misses the Top 10? Actually, it misses it very narrowly because the Swift and Swift Dzire are the same price. It would be the Kia Picanto 1.0 LS manual, priced at R236 995.
