We compare the GWM C20R to its competitors: Our winner will surprise you!

Small cars are becoming very popular with many buyers these days as economic belts get ever tighter. The segment is however full of options and choosing one might be difficult, especially if you live an active lifestyle and want something that will compliment your day-to-day motoring needs.

Browsing the nearly 74 000 vehicles on  AutoTrader we have narrowed our selection down to three options in the form of the GWM C20R,  Renault Sandero Stepway and the Polo Vivo Maxx. These three vehicles offer an active lifestyle ready character, they are economical and relatively easy on the pocket to maintain. Which is best?

 

Related: GWM C30 – Spacious B-segment sedan now available in South Africa

 

GWM C20R

Coming in at R159 900 for a 2014 model as seen on AutoTrader the GWM C20R features raised suspension to help you tackle the odd gravel road. A couple of black plastic bits and pieces around scuff areas give it a tougher look when compared to that of standard hatchbacks. The only engine available for this vehicle is a 1.5 litre non-turbo petrol, with 77kW and 138Nm. While the kilowatts give it a decent amount of zest in an urban environment, the low torque figure might dampen the experience out on the open road. The GWM also offers the most amount of features such electric windows all round, electric mirrors, USB/Aux media input and park distance control when compared to the below alternatives.

Renault Sandero Stepway

The Stepway which we found on AutoTrader to use as an example for this article is a 2018 model and it carries a price tag of R169 900. For that you get a 1.6 litre engine that develops 64kW at with peak torque of 128Nm. The Stepway offers 175mm, 20mm more ground clearance than the standard Sandero which helps the car handle some mild off road conditions. Feature wise the Stepway is fitted with all the basic creature comforts from its hachback sibling. Power windows (with manual stalks at the rear), air-conditioning , airbags and power-assisted steering should make those trips around town much easier.

 

Related: Renault Sandero vs Suzuki Swift vs Polo Vivo: here's our winner.

 

Polo Vivo Maxx

The Polo Vivo Maxx offers customers a ride height of 141mm, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, colour-coded exterior mirrors, aluminium roof rails, sporty decals along the bottom of the doors and dual exhaust tailpipes. Inside, the Maxx gets a titanium-look facia. The Vivo Maxx offers customers an MP3-compatible audio system with USB and SD connections as well as Bluetooth connectivity. The 1,6-litre engine delivers 77kW and 155Nm making it the most powerful in our selection. Prices for the Vivo Maxx sit at around R169 900 for a 2016 model.

 

Related: Volkswagen Polo Vivo vs Ford Figo vs Toyota Etios: which one has the lowest running costs?

 

Crunching the numbers

	GWM C20R	Renault Stepway	Polo Vivo Maxx
Engine	1.5l 77kW/135Nm	1.6l 64kW/128Nm	1.6l 77kW/155Nm
Fuel consumption	7,7 /100km	7,5 /100km	6.6l/100km
Fuel range	520 km	667 km	682 km
Price used	R159 900	R169 900	R169 900
*Monthly instalment	R 2 435.86	R2 609.97	R2 609.97

 

*Based on the AutoTrader Finance calculator with recommended settings over 72 months

 

Verdict

Based on the above information and looking at the value propositions the Volkswagen Polo Vivo Maxx is our winner. It offers a host of standard features, sure not as much as the GWM but it also offers more power than the GWM and Renault. It is also the most popular making it desirable when selling and, being a Volkswagen service parts are much more easily attainable which will ensure lower maintenance costs.

 

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