3 smallest cars you can buy in South Africa

Nowadays, headlines are dominated by big, bold, expensive cars, but what if you want something to zip around tight city streets and park in small spaces?

If this sounds like you, your best options are the Suzuki S-Presso, Kia Picanto, and Renault Kwid – in that order.

While they may be slightly longer, wider, or taller than other vehicles in their class, in terms of volume (length x width x height), these are the three smallest cars you can currently buy in South Africa.

Suzuki S-Presso

The Suzuki S-Press is sold in six flavours spanning GL, GL+, and S-Edition trim levels.

All derivatives are driven by a 1.0-litre petrol mill good for 49kW and 89Nm, which can be matched with either a five-speed manual or automated manual gearbox.

Fuel usage ranges from 4.4l/100km to 4.6l/100km, depending on which setup you go for.

Standard amenities on the base GL variant include a multifunction steering wheel, front electric windows, central locking, manual airconditioning, and rear parking sensors.

The GL+ throws in niceties such as a 7-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.

The flagship S-Edition adds a bit of cosmetic flair with an exclusive exterior design, in addition to a 9-inch infotainment system and a reverse camera.

The dimensions of the S-Presso are detailed below:

Buyers looking to purchase one of these Suzukis can expect to pay anywhere from R178,900 to R219,900.

This includes a 5-year/200,000km warranty and a 2-year/30,000km service plan.

Kia Picanto

Kia’s recently updated Picanto can be had in as many as eight specifications, two of which are the workhorse Runner Panel Vans.

Based on which model you go for, the hatchback will either be equipped with a 1.0-litre petrol block churning out 49kW and 95Nm or a 1.2-litre developing 62kW and 122Nm.

Both powerplants can be paired with a manual transmission with five cogs or an automatic with four, which returns a fuel usage of anywhere from 5.0-5.8l/100km.

The most attainable Picanto LX is delivered from the factory with remote central locking, a multifunction leather steering wheel, all-electric windows, manual aircon, a digital instrument cluster, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a reverse camera.

If you buy the mid-spec EX, you’ll also receive automatic headlights, two more speakers for a total of six, and hill-start assist.

Finally, the priciest EX+ units add automatic climate control, two-tone black-and-grey artificial leather upholstery, push-button start, and rear parking sensors.

The dimensions of the Picanto are detailed below:

Pricing for the Picanto ranges from R260,995 to R325,995, which entails a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 2-year/30,000km service plan.

Renault Kwid

If a small French ride is more your jam, consider picking up one of the five Renault Kwid entries on the market.

Each one of these hatchbacks sports a petrol-burning 1.0-litre motor that puts out 50kW and 91Nm, which connects to either a five-speed manual or automated manual shifter.

Second only to the S-Presso in terms of frugality, the Kwid reports an average fuel usage of 4.9l/100km across the line-up.

In the entry-level Life guise, the Kwid comes with a multi-information driver’s display, front power windows, manual aircon, a radio with Bluetooth, two front speakers, and rear parking sensors.

Upgrading to the Zen derivative adds an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear electric windows, and a smattering of chrome finishes.

The range-topping Climber models then feature crossover-inspired exterior styling as well as orange, white, and black seat covers, alongside the same nice-to-haves as the Zen.

The dimensions of the Kwid are detailed below:

The Renault can be yours for a minimum of R196,999, up to a maximum of R227,999.

These prices carry a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 2-year/30,000km service plan.