When buying a new car today you’ll have a choice between choosing a model that’s front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD) – the latter of which is oftentimes used interchangeably with 4×4.
These drivetrains have different purposes, benefits, and drawbacks.
FWD cars are cheaper in the majority of cases, a pro in most people’s eyes, but they generally do not handle as well as RWD or AWD cars, which is a con.
Meanwhile, RWD cars can be more fun to pilot, but the design of the underlying components can affect cabin space and cost more to repair.
As for AWD cars, they tend to offer the best grip in most scenarios and are preferred for off-roading, yet they’re usually the most expensive option and the heaviest on fuel.
If you are looking for a vehicle with a particular one of these drivetrains, here are the cheapest options you have today.
FWD – Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL
As the most attainable vehicle in South Africa, it comes as no surprise that the Suzuki S-Presso made it to this list as the least costly FWD car on the market.
The base GL derivative brings electric front windows, central locking, electronically adjustable side mirrors, an engine auto stop-start function, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, a multifunction steering wheel, ABS, and two airbags.
Two speakers are also standard, but a radio must be installed for an additional cost.
Driving the S-Presso is a 1.0-litre petrol engine with 49kW and 89Nm, which links to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption for the setup is rated at 4.6l/100km.
Compact by most standards, the city car measures just 3,565mm long, 1,520mm wide, and 1,567mm tall.
The Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL is currently on sale for R178,900, which includes a 5-year/200,000km warranty and 2-year/30,000km service plan.
RWD – Mahindra Bolero 2.5Di Single Cab Maxitruck Plus
The Mahindra Bolero is technically not the absolute cheapest RWD vehicle on sale today – that accolade goes to Suzuki’s Eeco and Super Carry which are pitched squarely at commercial clients.
However, based on anecdotal evidence we’ve seen on public roads, the Bolero is the most affordable RWD model that someone looking for an everyday car on a budget would actually consider.
The single cab is rather barebones, with the breadth of its creature comforts covered by a cabin heater and cloth seating – as opposed to the harsher vinyl chair covers on its more spartan brothers.
No radio is installed in this version of the bakkie and those interested in it should probably also take into consideration that it doesn’t have safety fittings like ABS or airbags.
Its utility may therefore be considered more valuable to potential owners.
The Mahindra features a 2.5-litre, turbocharged diesel engine generating 46kW and 195Nm, matched with a five-speed manual gearbox for a combined fuel consumption of 7.0l/100km.
Maximum payload capacity is pegged at a generous 1,150kg and it is capable of towing up to 750kg.
In terms of its physical dimensions, the workhorse comes in at 4,925mm in length, 1,700mm in width, and 1,825mm in height.
The Mahindra Bolero Maxitruck Plus is currently on sale for R212,999, which includes a 3-year/100,000km warranty with service plans available as an option.
AWD – Mahindra Pik Up 2.2CRDe Single Cab 4×4 S4
Looking to spend as little as possible on an AWD ride? Mahindra has you covered again, this time with its Pik Up.
Like its Bolero-badged sibling the entry-level Pik Up S4 bakkie brings few amenities, the highlights of which are a cabin fan and heater, a 12V plug, vinyl upholstery, and a fuel-saving Start/Stop system.
Again, no radio, airbags, or ABS – you’ll need to spring for the S6 variants for that.
Propelling the Pik Up is a 2.2-litre, turbo-diesel mill good for 103kW and 230Nm.
A six-speed manual transmission with low range relays power to all four corners, and it boasts a rear mechanical locking differential for improved grip in various conditions. It can haul loads of up to 1,095kg and tow a maximum of 2,500kg.
Should you wish to take your Mahindra 4×4 off-roading, it’s helpful to know it boasts an approach angle of 34 degrees, breakover angle of 18 degrees, and departure angle of 15 degrees.
It also stretches 5,172mm from nose to tail, 1,820mm from left to right, and 1,860mm from top to bottom. Ground clearance is listed at 210mm and its wheelbase at 3,040mm.
The Mahindra Pik Up Single Cab 4×4 S4 is currently on sale for R321,999, which includes a 4-year/120,000km warranty with service plans available as an option.
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