Hatchbacks have proven they still have what it takes to earn a decent market share in South Africa even as SUVs and crossovers continue to take up more attention from automakers and consumers alike.
The biggest advantage of the small body type is that it is still by and large the most affordable vehicle option for road users, as evidenced by the fact most manufacturers that still offer at least one hatchback usually have it as their entry-level model.
There are still 18 carmakers that have a minimum of one hatchback in their catalogues, and many of these offer a varied selection of powertrains, from high-performance petrol units to battery-electrics and fuel-conscious diesel and hybrid systems.
This variety, combined with more budget-friendly price tags, has helped the compact car type stay competitive in today’s market, as the cheapest hatch in South Africa starts at R174,900 while the cheapest crossover goes for a headier R224,900.
Big deals in a small package
These are the cheapest hatchbacks from every car brand in South Africa. If a brand is not listed, it does not have a hatchback in its local selection.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
Abarth 500
- Starting price – R579,900
- Number of models – 4
Audi A1 Sportback
- Starting price – R487,300
- Number of models – 5
BMW 1 Series
- Starting price – R691,072
- Number of models – 9
Citroen C3
- Starting price – R374,900
- Number of models – 1
Fiat 500
- Starting price – R265,900
- Number of models – 4
GWM Ora 03
- Starting price – R686,950
- Number of models – 4
Honda Fit
- Starting price – R355,600
- Number of models – 4
Hyundai Grand i10
- Starting price – R234,500
- Number of models – 6
Kia Picanto
- Starting price – R227,995
- Number of models – 15
Mazda 2
- Starting price – R307,100
- Number of models – 4
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
- Starting price –R796,559
- Number of models – 2
Mini One Hatch
- Starting price – R474,009
- Number of models – 11
Opel Corsa
- Starting price – R325,900
- Number of models – 4
Peugeot 208
- Starting price – R334,900
- Number of models – 4
Renault Kwid
- Starting price – R192,999
- Number of models – 5
Suzuki S-Presso
- Starting price – R174,900
- Number of models – 6
Toyota Vitz
- Starting price – R189,900
- Number of models – 5
VW Polo Vivo
- Starting price – R259,400
- Number of models – 5
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