Petrol prices in South Africa are a huge burden for the average household right now, and it doesn’t look like things are going to get much better for some time.
Combined with an uncertain economic outlook for the foreseeable future in this election year, a relatively affordable and fuel-efficient car is a smart investment for anyone in need of a new set of wheels.
Luckily, there are still 17 different brands in South Africa that have hatchbacks for sale with a good economy claim, making those trips to the pump less frequent and less of a drain on your wallet.
Unsurprisingly, the most efficient small car in the country is also a hybrid, namely the Honda Fit HEV, which uses just 3.7 litres for every 100km.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Abarth 500 hot hatchback, which still manages to average 5.8l/100km despite its sporty leanings.
Economy run
These are the most fuel-efficient hatchbacks from every brand in South Africa.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
Abarth 500 695 competizione 1.4T auto – 5.8l/100km
- Starting price – R599,900
- Power – 125kW/250Nm
Audi A1 Sportback 30TFSI Advanced – 4.8l/100km
- Starting price – R492,200
- Power – 85kW/200Nm
BMW 1 Series 118d – 4.7l/100km
- Starting price – R704,250
- Power – 110kW/350Nm
Citroen C3 1.2T Shine – 6.0l/100km
- Starting price – R378,900
- Power – 81kW/205Nm
Fiat 500 TwinAir Cult – 4.0l/100km
- Starting price – R268,900
- Power – 63kW/145Nm
Honda Fit 1.5 Hybrid e.HEV – 3.7l/100km
- Starting price – R544,900
- Power – 90kW/253Nm
Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Motion manual – 5.5l/100km
- Starting price – R239,500
- Power – 49kW/94Nm
Kia Picanto 1.0 Start – 5.0l/100km
- Starting price – R235,995
- Power – 49kW/95Nm
Mazda 2 1.5 Active – 5.7l/100km
- Starting price – R307,100
- Power – 85kW/148Nm
Mercedes-Benz A200 Progressive – 5.6l/100km
- Starting price – R820,959
- Power – 130kW/270Nm
Mini One 3-door – 5.6l/100km
- Starting price – R474,009
- Power – 75kW/190Nm
Opel Corsa 1.2T Lite – 5.7l/100km
- Starting price – R354,900
- Power – 74kW/205Nm
Peugeot 208 1.2 Active – 5.8l/100km
- Starting price – R337,900
- Power – 55kW/118Nm
Renault Kwid 1.0 Life – 4.9l/100km
- Starting price – R196,999
- Power – 50kW/91Nm
Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL auto – 4.2l/100km
- Starting price – R225,900
- Power – 49kW/89Nm
Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid XS – 4.0l/100km
- Starting price – R536,500
- Power – 100kW/142+e Nm
VW Polo Vivo hatch 1.0TSI GT – 4.6l/100km
- Starting price – R350,400
- Power – 81kW/200Nm
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