Cars are incredibly expensive in South Africa, but there is one nameplate that is more committed to the affordable end of the market than any other.
Suzuki is the only automaker in the country to offer 11 different models for less than R300,000 – far more than any other brand.
In comparison, Chery, Citroen, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Proton, and VW only have a single option that falls under this price point.
Mahindra, Renault, and Toyota all fare a bit better, as each of these nameplates has at least three affordable units
However, it’s worth highlighting that all three of Toyota’s choices – the Vitz, Starlet, and Starlet Cross – are all based on Suzuki models, namely the Celerio, Baleno, and Fronx, respectively.
Suzuki’s selection is also quite diverse, including a single-cab bakkie, a panel van, four hatchbacks, two sedans, an MPV, and two crossovers.
The Japanese carmaker also happens to provide the cheapest car in South Africa with the S-Presso hatchback, which sets the market entry point at a starting price of R178,900.
The two sedans are also noteworthy as the body type has nearly disappeared from the affordable scene, making the Dzire and Ciaz an important option for those who prefer the style.
Suzuki’s prioritization of wallet-friendly models has been met with positive reception by local buyers, as it has achieved several sales milestones in the last few years.
In January 2024, the brand hit a new record with 5,235 purchases in a single month, and in April Suzuki managed to become the second-best-selling automaker in South Africa.
Volkswagen comfortably held this title for years, yet the German auto firm has started to lose market share in modern times as the rising cost of living is forcing motorists to downscale and search for more affordable options, consequently funneling many of them to Suzuki.
The most budget-friendly brand
These are all of the Suzuki models that you can buy for less than R300,000 in South Africa
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
Suzuki S-Presso
- Starting price – R178,900
- Power – 49kW/89Nm
- Fuel consumption – 4.6l/100km
Suzuki Super Carry
- Starting price – R182,900
- Power – 59kW/104Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.9l/100km
Suzuki Celerio
- Starting price – R188,900
- Power – 49kW/89Nm
- Fuel consumption – 4.4l/100km
Suzuki DZire
- Starting price – R211,900
- Power – 61kW113Nm
- Fuel consumption – 4.9l/100km
Suzuki Eeco
- Starting price – R212,900
- Power – 59kW/104Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.4l/100km
Suzuki Swift
- Starting price – R213,900
- Power – 61kW/113Nm
- Fuel consumption – 4.9l/100km
Suzuki Ignis
- Starting price – R230,900
- Power – 61kW/113Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.1l/100km
Suzuki Baleno
- Starting price – R255,900
- Power – 77kW/138Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.4l/100km
Suzuki Ciaz
- Starting price – R278,900
- Power – 77kW/138Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.5l/100km
Suzuki Ertiga
- Starting price – R281,900
- Power – 77kW/138Nm
- Fuel consumption – 6.2l/100km
Suzuki Fronx
- Starting price – R297,900
- Power – 77kW/138Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.5l/100km
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