The Top 20 Cheapest New Cars in SA 2019

Despite the Rand continuing to strengthen and the economy looking slightly less bleak since Ramaphosa took over the reins, South Africans are still cash strapped in general and the situation will probably remain throughout 2019.

Due to the fact that households inevitably have less disposable income, the majority of car buyers look for good second-hand options, or the very bottom end of the new car market. For those who can still afford a new car in this economic climate, we’ve compiled list of SA’s Top 20 cheapest new cars your hard-earned cash can buy your in South Africa in 2019.

The Chery QQ3 remains the only new car in SA that you can get for a cool R100k… Actually, the price is R99,995, but what can you do with R5 these days anyway? (Even car guards seem to turn up their noses at a R5 tip lately!) The Chery QQ3 offers a 3 Cylinder 0.8L engine which kicks out 38kW (70Nm torque) of tyre spinning power coupled to a 5-speed gearbox and a 35-litre petrol tank. Unfortunately, you don’t get any airbags, but aircon comes standard to keep you from breaking out in a sweat!

The top ten cheapest cars quickly go up from R100k to R150k with offerings from China & Japan mostly dominating the scene, whereas the subsequent ten cars (position 11-20) are from more established brands and range from about R150k to R180k.

The average power output of the top twenty cheapest cars is about 57kW and the first 5 on the list does not offer any safety features except for the FAW, which offers 2 airbags & ABS as standard. At the top end of the list, the Fiat 500 Pop offers 7 airbags and a power output of 63kW and 145nm torque.

SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP 20 CHEAPEST NEW CARS 2019:

(Only the cheapest model(s) from each marque is listed.)

1 – CHERY QQ3 0.8L TE – R99,995

The little Chery claims the sought-after title of the ‘Cheapest Car in SA’ – Unfortunately no safety features, and limited power output. In our opinion an ideal offering for the ‘penny wise dollar foolish’.

2 – DATSUN GO 1.2 MID – R106,900

The Datsun brand was relaunched in SA back in 2014 and the Go has proven to be quite a popular budget choice. The cheapest of the bunch is this one, the Go hatch Mid spec. There is A/C but unfortunately no safety features on offer.

3 – FAW V2 1.3L DLX – R114,995

Although not very good-looking, the Chinese FAW V2 offers quite a lot. There are 2 airbags as well as ABS as standard. Other luxuries such as electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, and a sound system including a USB port makes this car a pretty good offering at this price point! The FAW also has the highest power output of the top 9 cars.

4 – TATA INDICA 1.4L LGi – R118,995

With so many new budget options from China over the last few years, Tata is one of the more established brands on this list. Not a whole lot on offer here, a bare-basics car that will get you from point A to B in relative comfort, but without airbags or ABS.

5 – RENAULT KWID 1.0L EXPRESSION – R124,900

A looker indeed, and the only brand on the top 10 list which originates from Europe. Even though it might resonate well with heritage-snobs, it still lacks safety features such as ABS, but at least the driver is protected with an airbag. Also, a digital instrument cluster with large colour touchscreen is offered together with Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

6 – KIA PICANTO 1.0L LS – R129,995

This car has a lot of character and has proven to be a popular choice. What the Kia lacks in the boot department (extremely small) it makes up with a rather nice cabin, especially at this price! Still no ABS brakes, and only one airbag, but features a 5-year unlimited warranty.

7 – SUZUKI CELERIO 1,0L GA – R132,900

From this position onwards, all the cars on the list features ABS and 2 airbags, so you can say the Celerio sets the benchmark for safety here. Other than this fact, there is not much to say here – You get A/C, but no radio or any other ‘luxuries’.

8 – CHEVROLET SPARK 1,2L CURVE 140,700

The Chevy Spark is rather well specced, has some safety features in the form of ABS and two airbags, niceties such as A/C, central locking, radio and lots and well… lots of charm!

9 – MITSUBISHI MIRAGE 1,2L GL – R149,900

Despite its advanced age the Mirage still looks relevant compared to the newer models here. The car has been around since 2014, but seemingly hasn’t proven to be very popular in SA. It has 2 airbags, ABS brakes, A/C, central locking and a radio.

10 – BAIC D20 1,3 COMFORT – R149,990

The unproven newcomer, but with a shape slightly resembling a Mercedes B-class and Baic’s slogan ‘happiness can be easy’, it sure looks promising. :-p Quite well specced – and with 75kW / 128Nn on tap, it is the most powerful car you can buy for below R150k in SA at the moment.

11 – HONDA BRIO HATCH 1.2 TREND – R151,600

Recently refreshed, the Brio boasts a 1.2 i-VTEC engine delivering 65kW at 6000rpm and 109Nm torque with a choice of either 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS and EBD and the Brio comes standard with a not too shabby 2 year/30 000km service plan.

12 – HYUNDAI I10 1.1 MOTION – R154,900

The i10 is ever-so-popular for a good reason. It comes with a good amount of ‘bells-and-whistles’ at this price point and the 1,1L engine only consumes 5.7litres/100km. Couple this with Hyundai’s Automotive SA standard five-year/150 000km warranty, as well as a five-year/150 000km roadside assistance and you have a winner!

13 – TOYOTA AYGO 1.0 – R157,600

Dramatically styled and futuristic looking Aygo offers buyers more opportunities for personalisation than its rivals. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is nippy and frugal but this entry-level Aygo does not offer a lot in terms of technology. At least it comes with AUX and USB connections and two speaker radio system… and remember it’s a Toyota!

14 – NISSAN MICRA 1.2 VISIA+ – R159,900

The Micra Active offers great value for money with an extended standard spec list and a variety of safety features such as ABS, EBD, remote central locking and 4 airbags. The 1.2-litre engine, offers a respectable 54 kW / 105 Newton metres of torque. Nissan’s also offers a very respectable 3 year / 90 000km service plan and 6 year / 150 000km warranty!

15 – TOYOTA ETIOS HATCH 1.5 XI – R163,900

A very sensible option from Toyota. Together with the Ford Figo, it offers the biggest engine capacity on this list with a good amount of torque. Fuel consumption is 6.0 l/100km. In terms of features and safety, it comes with everything that you might expect in this price range as well as a good service plan.

16 – VOLKSWAGEN TAKE UP! 1.0 5-DR – R166,800

Volkswagen’s Up! offers impressive build quality and great driving traits in an affordable package, albeit a little pricey compared to rivals. Interior fit is good but VW offers no standard service plan on the Up adding to the cost if you would like to have it included. The Up! is a great little package, but for a few thousand rand more, the Polo is a better package.

17 – VOLKSWAGEN POLO VIVO 1.4 CONCEPTLINE – R173,800

The Polo Vivo is also well thought out and sensible little everyday car. When it comes to transporting luggage, the practicality is easily seen. The standard 270L boot and can be expanded to 635L by folding down the rear bench. The1.4 litre 55kW/132Nm engine accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 12.9 seconds and has a top speed of 171km/h.

18 – PEUGEOT 208 1.0 POP ART – R174,900

The little Frenchman’s interior features good quality materials and creature comforts. The engine has been replaced in the new model with a more efficient 1.2-litre three-cylinder with 50kW and a claimed, but impressive consumption figure of only 4.4 litres/100km.

19 – FORD FIGO HATCH 1.5 AMBIENTE – R175,700

The Figo, which is essentially a toned-down Fiesta is Ford’s ever-popular budget hatchback entry. That stands to reason, because it offers most of the bells and whistles without the much more expensive price-tag of a Fiesta. Couple this with a very lively engine and good service plan, and it is clear to see why this little hatchback is so popular.

20 – FIAT 500 0.9 TWINAIR POP – R179,900

With its innovative two-cylinder petrol engine, Fiat’s 500 TwinAir is notably frugal kicking out 63kW and 145nm torque! (The highest on this list) This trendy little Italian city car has retro charm in buckets, and with 7 airbags and ABS brakes with EBD, the 500 scores a 5-star EuroNCAP rating. If you just have to have a super-mini for below R180k, this is it!