The days of buying a new car for under R 80 000 are long gone as the cost of an entry-level car has climbed steadily. The average new car in the entry-level segment is now hovering around R200k, but there is hope for cash-strapped consumers.
Related: Which brand new car is the cheapest in SA?
As of early 2026, the title for the cheapest car in South Africa is a neck-and-neck race between three main contenders, all priced within R100 of each other. Currently, the Renault Kwid holds the top spot by the narrowest of margins.
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Top 5 most affordable new cars (2026)
| Rank | Model | Starting Price | Key Highlight |
| 1 | Renault Kwid 1.0 Evolution | R178 799 | Includes 1 year of insurance. |
| 2 | Toyota Vitz 1.0 MT | R178 800 | Best-in-class fuel efficiency. |
| 3 | Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL | R178 900 | High ground clearance (mini-SUV style). |
| 4 | Tata Tiago 1.2 XM | R184 900 | Most powerful engine in the budget bracket. |
| 5 | Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GA | R188 900 | Very spacious for a small hatchback. |
A closer look at the Top 3
Renault Kwid: Renault recently "slashed" the price of the Evolution trim to specifically undercut its rivals by R1. It remains a popular choice because it often comes bundled with a year of free comprehensive insurance, which is a massive win for first-time buyers.
Toyota Vitz: If you are looking for long-term reliability and the best fuel economy, the Vitz is arguably the smarter buy. It's essentially a rebadged Suzuki Celerio but sold through Toyota's massive dealer network.
Suzuki S-Presso: This is the "funky" choice. Its SUV-like seating position makes it great for navigating South Africa's potholes and provides better visibility than the lower-slung Kwid or Vitz.
Important note on "on-the-road" costs
Keep in mind that the prices above are list prices. When you actually go to buy, you’ll likely need to budget an extra R4 000 to R6 000 for "on-the-road" costs (registration, plates, and delivery fees).
