Top 3 cheapest new cars for students

By Ané Theron

If money is tight (like when you're studying), you're probably tempted to buy the cheapest new car you can lay your hands on. However, being a freshly-licensed driver, there are two things that are non-negotiable:  ABS brakes and airbags. This is why you won't see any Cherys QQ3s, Datsun Gos or Renault Kwids on our list.

Safe cars that won't break Dad's budget

In this range of 135k to 165k, you will find cars with at least two airbags and ABS brakes with EBD (electronic brake force distribution). Brake assist is another desirable feature which helps you brake harder when you need to, and some cars on this list has this feature as well.

While we'd certainly recommend a car with traction/stability control, you'll have to spend a little more for this specification - at least R166 800, which will buy you a new Toyota Aygo 1.0 - the safest car under 170k. All new Aygos offer ABS and EBD, brake assist and vehicle stability control (VSC). It has four airbags, and from a reliability/re-sale perspective, you can't go wrong. Power output is 53 kW and 93 Nm.

Our top 3 safest, most affordable new cars are...

1. The Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GA (R138 500). It has ABS, EBD, and 2 airbags. The safest and best that money can buy at this price. (50kW, 90Nm)

2. The entry-level Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Motion MT (R159 900) is a star buy. Not only is its build quality excellent, but it is surprisingly big on rear legroom. It is equipped with 2 airbags, ABS and EBD. (48kW, 94Nm)

3. The recently-launched Suzuki Swift 1.2 GA (R 159 900) is as much fun to drive as ever, and now also offers a larger boot. It has ABS, EBD, BA (brake assist) and 2 airbags.

Other great buys that are big on convenience spec and safety features

• The Renault Sandero 66kW Turbo Expression (R171 900) is spacious for its price, but its safety features are what set it apart. It has ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, traction control and 2 airbags. The way to go if you want to save on fuel! (66kW, 135Nm)
• The Volkswagen Take Up! (R171 200) may be on the small side, but comes with everything that the Renault Sandero has, as well as additional curtain airbags to keep rear passengers safe. (55kW, 95Nm)
• The bigger Toyota Etios Xi (R171 000) has ABS, EBD, 2 airbags, and a four-star NCAP safety rating. It has the most power of all the cars on this list and a decently-sized boot. (66kW, 132Nm)
• The Honda Brio Amaze Sedan (R175 700) has 2 airbags and ABS with EBD. (65kW, 109Nm)
• The Volkswagen Polo Vivo Hatch 1.4 Trendline (R179 900) has ABS, EBD and 2 airbags, but traction control is optional. (55kW, 130Nm) Read our launch report here.