The reasons for wanting a new car as opposed to a used car varies from person to person. Some like the idea that they're getting a brand new vehicle, seemingly free of defects and backed by a warranty, while others just detest the idea of having to sit on flatulence-infused upholstery and several years of back sweat. Whatever your reason, you'll be steering clear of the used car section of our site and looking for something brand new.
Related: What are the cheapest automatic cars in South Africa?
While we would all love to be able to walk into the nearest purveyor of luxury automobiles and simply pick a nice one off the showroom floor, it's a privilege not afforded most. Instead, we have to be wise with our money and opt for something on the cheaper end of the scale. So where do you start? What is the cheapest car you can buy in 2022?
Cheapest in SA
At the time of compiling this article, the cheapest new car in South Africa was the BAIC D20 hatch 1.3 Comfort. The BAIC (pronounced 'Bike' locally, or 'Bye-Chi' if you want to be a little more authentic) D20 hatchback was released a few years ago, launched at the South African Festival of Motoring. The Chinese firm was relatively unknown locally at the time but has since shown that it's committed to servicing the local automotive landscape. They've released more than just the D20 and you'll find the X25 and B40 Plus in their portfolio too.
The D20 hatch 1.3 Comfort is powered by a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine. This unit produces 75 kW at 6 000 RPM and 128 Nm torque from 3 800 to 4 800 RPM. Mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, the D20 hatch is claimed to return a combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.7 l/100 km. This gives the D20 a theoretical range of 672 km from its 45-litre fuel tank.
In Comfort trim level, the D20 is offered with ABS brakes, driver and passenger airbags, electric windows front and rear, remote central locking, and park distance control at the rear, amongst other features.
You will be covered by a 5-year/120 000 km warranty but the service plan is an optional extra that costs additionally. This service plan can cover 3-years/45 000 km.
Expect to pay R149 900 for the BAIC D20 hatch 1.3 Comfort.
