The list of South Africa's top 10 cheapest cars in 2026 keeps evolving as manufacturers try to bring their prices down for local buyers whose wallets ultimately dictate what they'll be driving.
But, how many of these cars are any good? Are some best avoided? Our list will reveal all.
SA's 10 cheapest cars (March 2026)
| Model | Starting price (R) | Engine | Power (kW) | Torque (Nm) | Transmission | Fuel cons. (L/100 km, claimed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Renault Kwid 1.0 Evolution | 178 799 | 1.0‑litre 3‑cyl petrol | 50 | 91 | 5‑speed manual | 4.7 |
| 2. Toyota Vitz 1.0 | 178 800 | 1.0‑litre 3‑cyl petrol | 49 | 89 | 5‑speed manual | 4.4 |
| 3.Suzuki S‑Presso 1.0 GL | 178 900 | 1.0‑litre 3‑cyl petrol | 49 | 89 | 5‑speed manual | 4.6 |
| 4. Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GA | 188 900 | 1.0‑litre 3‑cyl petrol | 49 | 89 | 5‑speed manual | 4.2 |
| 5. Tata Tiago 1.2 | 189 900 | 1.2‑litre 3‑cyl petrol | 63 | 112 | 5‑speed manual | 4.0 |
| 6. Proton Saga 1.3 | 209 900 | 1.3‑litre 4‑cyl petrol | 70 | 120 | 5‑speed manual | 6.3 |
| 7. Renault Triber 1.0 Evolution | 218 999 | 1.0‑litre 3‑cyl petrol | 53 | 96 | 5‑speed manual | 5.5 |
| 8. Renault Kiger 1.0 Evolution | 219 999 | 1.0‑litre 3‑cyl petrol | 52 | 96 | 5‑speed manual | 5.4 |
| 9. Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 | 224 900 | 1.0‑litre 3‑cyl petrol | 49 | 94 | 5‑speed manual | 5.5 |
| 10. Suzuki Swift 1.2 | 227 900 | 1.2‑litre 4‑cyl petrol | 61 | 113 | 5‑speed manual | 4.9 |
These are my top three choices:
1. Suzuki Celerio
It's the car the Toyota Vitz is based on, and if you're a Suzuki fan, you'll love it. It trumps the Vitz because of the better warranty. It is well-equipped with safety kit, fun to drive, good for small families, with a good standard spec in general, and quite big inside for its size. Your petrol will last and last.
2. Toyota Vitz
The same car as the Celerio, but with a Toyota badge, which should translate to better resale value, though it may be marginal after about 3 years. Other niceties like Toyota's optional on-board wifi (higher up in the range), are nice to have in this segment. Plus, there's that massive dealer footprint. Read our Vitz review.
3. Suzuki Swift
If I had to use cool looks and great driving dynamics as my no. 1 criterion, the Swift would win, but unfortunately, it's also the most expensive car on the Top-10 list at the moment. (Just buy a used one, then.) It's a car for young and old! Read our review.
My list of 'maybe?' cars
1. The Tata Tiago
What counts in the Tiago's favour is that it's a 1.2, which means it has a bit more grunt. Overseas owners have good things to say about this little hatch. Read our review here and make up your own mind.
2. The latest Renault Triber
It looks pretty cool, is very fuel-efficient, and there isn't a seven-seater that's cheaper. There is a 1.0T on the way, too. Read our launch review of the naturally aspirated 1.0.
3. The Proton Saga
The Saga offers good value and is quite spacious, too. However, the dealer network is small, and Proton's future in SA is uncertain. Lawrence reviews it here.
4. The Hyundai Grand i10
The Grand i10's latest safety rating is a bit of a dealbreaker, even though I like its styling and enjoy driving it, but I still prefer the previous generation. Read Grand i10 reviews here.
5. Suzuki S-Presso
It is very small, although it offers good space on row two, but the driving position is a little odd; it's as though you're seated too high. I wouldn't say no if someone gave me one for free, though.
Cars I won't consider
1. The Renault Kwid
I don't have much faith in the Kwid, and it doesn't feel like a quality product. It's okay to go cheap, but no car should feel like the bottom of the bargain bin in 2026. Renault builds good cars, but since the Sandero range was discontinued, I have not been a fan of its entry-level lineup.
2. The Renault Kiger
Not on nearly the same level as its Suzuki and Toyota counterparts in terms of build quality. Useful ride height and ground clearance, though, and a nice big boot. (I'd still buy a used, previous-gen Renault Duster instead!)
