Features / 7 January 2026 / Michael Taylor

The only cars in South Africa that cost less than R200,000

There are five passenger cars in South Africa that can be bought for less than R200,000.

Over the last few years, there has been a marked increase in vehicle prices, to the extent that more than 70% of new models now retail for over half a million rand.

Cars and brands that are normally regarded as being affordable have not been spared this troubling trend, either.

Models such as the VW Polo Vivo, generally associated with affordability, now go for prices ranging from R271,900 to R363,100.

Unfortunately, this has led to the list of cars available to the public that are still actually affordable to the average South African growing thinner each year.

Currently, there are only five hatchbacks that are offered to South Africans for less than R200,000.

This list was augmented by the arrival of the Tata Tiago, a small hatchback going for just R184,900, and the slashing of prices for the Renault Kwid, which now holds the title of the cheapest car in South Africa.

The Tiago currently occupies the fourth spot on the list, coming out ahead of the Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GA, which is going for R188,900.

The second and third places are held by the Toyota Vitz 1.0 and the Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL, selling for R178,800 and R178,900, respectively.