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Best bang-for-your-buck cars launched in 2021

We are just over halfway through 2021, and thus far many new cars have been introduced.

To see which ones offer the best value for money in South Africa, we compiled the list below.


Kia Pegas

The Kia Pegas is a new entry into South Africa.

It provides one of the longer wheelbases in its class, resulting in a generous cargo capacity of 475 litres.

Standout features in the Kia Pegas include:

  • Rear-view camera
  • Automatic headlights
  • Multifunction steering wheel
  • All-round electric windows
  • 7-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The entire Pegas line-up is fitted with a 1.4-litre, petrol motor paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission – depending on the trim.

The powertrain develops 69kW and 132Nm, and achieves a combined fuel consumption of 5.7l/100km.

The Kia Pegas has a South African starting price of R225,995 – which includes a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty with roadside assistance, and a prepaid 4-year/60,000km service plan.


Nissan Magnite

The crossover segment has seen the most new releases in 2021, meaning the new Nissan Magnite had to make a big splash to get noticed.

Standout features in the Nissan Magnite include:

  • Hill start assist
  • Around-view monitor
  • NissanConnect Apps
  • 7-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

It also scores a 4-star Asean NCAP safety rating.

Across the range, the compact SUV is driven by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine paired with either a five-speed manual or X-Tronic CVT transmission.

The setup delivers 74kW and 160Nm to the front wheels, while fuel consumption is rated at 5.3l/100km.

The Nissan Magnite has a South African starting price of R256,999.

This gets you a 6-year/150,000km warranty, a 3-year/30,000km service plan, and 6-year/150,000km roadside assistance.


Hyundai i20

The Hyundai i20 is a popular hatchback in South Africa, and the new model offers more rear legroom and shoulder room than the outgoing generation.

Standout features in the Hyundai i20 include:

  • Keyless entry
  • Reverse camera
  • Automatic headlights with DRL
  • 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Buyers of the new i20 will have a choice between three engines – a 1.2-litre or 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, or a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor.

Outputs for the range start at 61kW and 115Nm, while the top-of-the-line turbo variant delivers 90kW and 172Nm.

A five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission can then be fitted.

The Hyundai i20 has a South African starting price of R275,900.

Each model is sold with a 5-year/150,000km mechanical warranty with an additional 2-year/50,000km powertrain warranty, a 4-year/60,000km service plan, and 7-year/150,000km roadside assistance.


Mitsubishi Xpander

The Mitsubishi Xpander is the latest entry into the local MPV segment.

It takes on its competitors by offering one of the more powerful engines in the category, as well as providing modern equipment at a competitive starting price.

Standout features in the Mitsubishi Xpander include:

  • Seven seats
  • Rear-view camera
  • Bluetooth support
  • Automatic air-conditioning
  • Multifunction steering wheel

It also scores a 4-star Asean NCAP safety rating.

The new Xpander comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 77kW and 141Nm – paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.

The Mitsubishi Xpander has a South African starting price of R299,995.

Each model offers a 3-year/100,000km warranty, a 2-year/30,000km service plan, and 5-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance.


Nissan Navara

The new Nissan Navara is now available in South Africa.

It comes in both single and double cab models – with 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, and a petrol or diesel engine.

It also boasts class-leading capabilities, like a maximum payload capacity of 1,172kg and maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500kg in the range-topping specification.

Standout features in the Nissan Navara include:

  • NissanConnect Apps
  • Blind spot warning
  • Lane departure warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • 8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

In terms of safety, it scores a 5-star Australasian NCAP safety rating.

The majority of the new Navaras are powered by a 2.5-litre, turbo-diesel motor that generates 120kW and 403Nm of torque.

The entry-level model comes with a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, however, producing 118kW and 233Nm.

Depending on the chosen model, a seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission is fitted.

The Nissan Navara has a South African starting price of R311,000.

Included in the price is a 6-year/150,000km warranty and a 6-year/90,000km service plan.


Haval H6

The third-generation Haval H6 was recently launched in South Africa, and is the most luxurious SUV the brand makes.

Standout features in the Haval H6 include:

  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Electrically-adjustable leather seats
  • 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
  • Lane keep and departure assist with 360-degree camera
  • 12.3-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

At the front, the range is fitted with a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine that produces 150kW and 320Nm.

The motor pairs with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission – and a choice between a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive specification is available.

The Haval H6 has a South African starting price of R419,900.

Along with this you get a 5-year/100,000km warranty and a 5-year/60,000km service plan.


Audi RS6 Avant

The new Audi RS6 Avant provides exceptional performance and unique looks that set it apart from the sea of similarly-priced sports cars.

Its closest price competitors launched this year include the BMW M3 and M4 Competition.

Standout features in the Audi RS6 Avant are:

  • Four-zone climate control
  • Seat heating and ventilation
  • 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster
  • Audi pre-sense basic driver assistance programme
  • 10.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Under the hood of the RS6 Avant there is a 4.0-litre TFSI, twin-turbo, mild hybrid V8 engine that generates 441kW and 800Nm.

The quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system then provides exceptional traction, while drive is managed by an 8-speed tiptronic transmission.

As a result, 0-100km/h is done in 3.6 seconds.

The Audi RS6 Avant has a South African starting price of R2,070,000 – which includes a 5-year/100,000km Freeway Plan.


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