Every automatic car you can buy under R300,000 in South Africa

There are 19 different cars in South Africa with an automatic gearbox that can be bought for less than R300,000.

Self-shifters are quickly becoming the most popular type of transmission in the country owing to how much more convenient they are to use.

An auto box ensures a smooth driving experience, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic, as users no longer have to keep their foot on the clutch and make constant shifts from neutral to first or second.

There’s also a cost-saving aspect to automatics, as the improved gear selections can reduce unnecessary engine revving leading to less wasted fuel, though this does vary from model to model.

Auto-shifts are therefore on their way ot being the default for most cars, but this is only true for higher-end purchases, while nearly every entry-level option still comes with a manual.

The good news is that there are 19 different budget models in South Africa offering this sought-after gearbox, including six crossovers, three sedans, nine hatchbacks, and an MPV.

The cheapest option is the Suzuki S-Presso, which clocks in at just R192,900, making it the only automatic in the country that costs less than R200,000.

Anyone who prefers a sedan will need to start with the R224,900 Proton Saga, whereas the R263,200 Nissan Magnite is your entry point if you want a crossover.

There’s also a single people-carrier option with the R264,999 Renault Triber, which is very useful for individuals who plan on transporting more than four passengers.

Affordable automatics

Below is a list of every automatic car you can buy in South Africa for less than R300,000.

Click on the underlined prices for more information.

Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL

• Starting price – R192,900
• Gearbox – Five-speed
• Power – 49kW/89Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.4l/100km

Renault Kwid 1.0 Zen

• Starting price – R216,999
• Gearbox – Five-speed
• Power – 50kW/91Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.9l/100km

Proton Saga 1.3 Standard

• Starting price – R224,900
• Gearbox – Four-speed
• Power – 70kW/120Nm
• Fuel consumption – 7.0l/100km

Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL

• Starting price – R225,900
• Gearbox – Five-speed
• Power – 49kW/89Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.2l/100km

Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR

• Starting price – R239,900
• Gearbox – Five-speed
• Power – 49kW/89Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.2l/100km

Suzuki DZire 1.2 GL

• Starting price – R254,900
• Gearbox – Five-speed
• Power – 61kW/113Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.9l/100km

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL+

• Starting price – R259,900
• Gearbox – CVT
• Power – 60kW/112Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.6l/100km

Nissan Magnite 1.0 Visia

• Starting price – R263,200
• Gearbox – Five-speed
• Power – 53kW/96Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.9l/100km

Renault Triber 1.0 Intens

• Starting price – R264,999
• Gearbox – Five-speed
• Power – 52kW/96Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.5l/100km

Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Premium Hatch

• Starting price – R269,900
• Gearbox – Four-speed
• Power – 61kW/114Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.9l/100km

Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T MX2

• Starting price – R274,999
• Gearbox – Six-speed
• Power – 82kW/200Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.6l/100km

Renault Kiger 1.0 Zen

• Starting price – R274,999
• Gearbox – Five-speed
• Power – 52kW/96Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.2l/100km

Kia Picanto 1.0 LX

• Starting price – R278,995
• Gearbox – Four-speed
• Power – 49kW/95Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.3l/100km

Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL

• Starting price – R284,900
• Gearbox – Four-speed
• Power – 77kW/138Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.7l/100km

Toyota Starlet 1.5 XS

• Starting price – R290,900
• Gearbox – Four-speed
• Power – 77kW/138Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.7l/100km

Honda Amaze 1.2 Comfort

• Starting price – R292,400
• Gearbox – CVT
• Power – 66kW/110Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.7l/100km

Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX auto

• Starting price – R293,900
• Gearbox – Five-speed
• Power – 61kW/113Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.9l/100km

Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium

• Starting price – R294,900
• Gearbox – Five-speed
• Power – 61kW/114Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.9l/100km

Citroen C3 1.2T Max

• Starting price – R299,900
• Gearbox – Six-speed
• Power – 81kW/205Nm
• Fuel consumption – 6.3l/100km