Cheapest vs most expensive crossover in South Africa – The R2 million difference

Crossover SUVs at both ends of the affordability spectrum are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa, though the cheapest and most expensive options differ in price by R2 million.

The cheapest crossover SUV in our market is the R219,999 Renault Kiger, while at the top of the range, motorists will find the R2,156,000 Porsche Macan GTS.

In terms of price difference, shoppers can buy nearly 10 Kigers for the price of a single Porsche, with R1,936,001 separating the two crossovers.

Of course, this is not where their differences end, as these two vehicles serve opposite customer bases.

The Indian-built Renault caters for South Africa’s daily commuters in need of a budget-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicle, while Macan GTS owners are likely not worried about either, or even driving the crossover every day.

In terms of performance, the two vehicles are also worlds apart. The Kiger is fitted with a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre inline-3 petrol motor, while the Macan GTS sports a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 petrol block.

These respective engines produce 53kW and 96Nm, and 324kW and 550Nm, with no points for guessing which output belongs to which crossover.

Renault mated the 1.0-litre motor to a five-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels, whereas Porsche opted for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that distributes power to all four wheels.

Its configuration enables the Kiger to accelerate to 100km/h in a little over 20 seconds and reach a top speed of around 150km/h. It maintains an average fuel consumption of 5.3l/100km.

By contrast, the Macan GTS gets up to 100km/h in as little as 4.3 seconds, and reaches a maximum speed of 272km/h. The Porsche burns through petrol at a rate of 9.9l/100km.

The size difference between the two crossovers is also substantial. The Renault measures 3,991mm long and 1,750mm wide, with a respectable 2,500mm wheelbase and 205mm ground clearance thanks to 16-inch wheels.

The Porsche, on the other hand, is 4,726mm long, 1,927mm wide, and houses an expansive 2,807mm wheelbase. It rides on 20-inch, or optional 21-inch, wheels and boasts ground clearance up to 230mm thanks to air suspension.

Inside, the Macan GTS features partial suede and leather finishes, a 10.9-inch infotainment system next to a 4.8-inch digital driver’s cluster, and a suite of driver comforts and assistance systems.

The Kiger is fitted with cloth seats and an 8-inch floating infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

What sets them apart

A lot sets these two crossovers apart, but at the end of the day, they represent the two extremes of a single car segment.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the two. Click on their underlined prices for more information about either model.

Renault Kiger

• Starting price – R219,999
• Power – 53kW/96Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.3l/100km
• Warranty – 5-year/150,000km
• Service plan – 2-year/30,000km

Porsche Macan GTS

• Starting price – R2,156,000
• Power – 324kW/550Nm
• Fuel consumption – 9.9l/100km
• Warranty – 2-year/unlimited km
• Maintenance plan – 5-year/100,000km