The salary you need to afford the cheapest hybrid SUV in South Africa

Motorists will need to earn at least R48,000 per month to afford the cheapest hybrid SUV on a finance plan, according to a calculation by TopAuto.

Chery recently launched the new Tiggo Cross CSH in South Africa, which is available in two specifications – Comfort and Elite – with prices starting at R439,900.

This makes it the most affordable hybrid in the country, undercutting the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV by R54,500.

At its core is a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which normally produces 71kW and 118Nm.

However, the CSH (Chery Super Hybrid) also has a small electric motor powered by a 1.83kWh battery, which raises the total output to 150kW and 310Nm.

The e-motor greatly improves the crossover’s efficiency at low speeds, leading to an average fuel consumption of 5.4l/100km.

As a result, the Tiggo Cross can travel 1,000km on a single tank.

It is also front-wheel-drive, and features a dedicated hybrid transmission and an engine Stop/Start system.

Looking at its equipment sheet, both models come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, a tailgate spoiler, a chrome-plated dual exhaust, and a studded front grille.

It also features black leather upholstery, a soft-touch dashboard, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, a wireless phone charger, four speakers, a multifunction steering wheel, keyless start, two 10.25-inch screens for the driver and infotainment systems, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Regarding safety inclusions, the Chery offers cruise control, traction control, emergency brake assist, hill descent control, brake assist, parking sensors, a rearview camera with guidelines, and dual front, front side, and side curtain airbags.

Anyone who grabs the top-end Elite can also expect red brake calipers, an electric sunroof, a leather steering wheel, a six-way electronically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, two more speakers, adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, blind-spot detection, door opening warning, front collision warning, high beam control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree camera.

Every purchase includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty, a 5-year/60,000km service plan, and a 10-year/unlimited-kilometre hybrid battery warranty valid for the first owner,

What you need to earn

We can use the following formula to work out the monthly payments on the new Chery:

• Car price – R439,900/R469,900
• Payment term – 60 terms (5 years)
• Interest – 10.75%
• Deposit – 0%
• Balloon – No balloon payment
• Extras – No optional extras

According to this, you’ll need to pay at least R9,605 per month for the Comfort, and up to R10,253 per month for the Elite.

Financial experts then recommend that you do not spend more than 20% of your gross monthly salary on vehicle payments.

This means you’ll need to earn anywhere from R48,025 per month to R51,265 per month to afford the Tiggo Cross CSH on a finance plan.

Note that this figure does not account for insurance, fuel, and maintenance, which must all be factored into your budget.