Hatchbacks continue to be one of South Africa’s most popular vehicle types, owing to their versatility, ease of use, and the wide array of models on the market.
Units like the Suzuki S-Presso continue to set the bar as the country’s most affordable cars, while the opposite end is dominated by hot hatches like the VW Golf R and Toyota GR Corolla that can hold their own at any track day.
However, in the middle of these two extremes is the supermini, a colloquial term referring to B-segment hatchbacks that, in theory, have a bit of something for everybody with decent looks, performance, practicality, and equipment sheets for a well-rounded set of wheels.
While they don’t have the same punch as their more expensive hot hatch counterparts, a supermini should be able to provide enough power for your day-to-day trips and then some, all while retailing for a much more affordable price.
A good example of this is the VW Polo R-Line, which advertises the brand’s sporty R credentials with its dynamic styling, and while it may not be on the same level as its GTI brother, it is a good R80,000 cheaper.
Another case is the Hyundai i20 N Line which one could describe as a “lukewarm hatchback” compared to its athletic i20 N sibling, though unfortunately, we don’t get this second option in South Africa.
Performance on a budget
These are the superminis that you can currently purchase in South Africa.
Click on the underlined links to visit TopAuto Car Prices for information on pricing and new models on offer from the various manufacturers.
Renault Clio 1.0 Turbo Intens
- Starting price – R367,999
- Power – 74kW/160Nm
- 0-100km/h – 11.8 seconds
- Top speed – 187km/h
- Fuel consumption – 5.7l/100km
Mazda 2 1.5 Individual
- Starting price – R398,700
- Power – 85kW/148Nm
- 0-100km/h – 10.4 seconds
- Top speed – 184km/h
- Fuel consumption – 6.0l/100km
Kia Rio 1.4 Tec
- Starting price – R414,995
- Power – 73kW/135Nm
- 0-100km/h – 12.9 seconds
- Top speed – 175km/h
- Fuel consumption – 6.2l/100km
Suzuki Swift 1.4T Sport
- Starting price – R432,900
- Power – 103kW/230Nm
- 0-100km/h – 8.0 seconds
- Top speed – 205km/h
- Fuel consumption – 6.1l/100km
Opel Corsa 1.2T Elegance
- Starting price – R436,900
- Power – 96kW/230Nm
- 0-100km/h – 8.7 seconds
- Top speed – 208km/h
- Fuel consumption – 6.3l/100km
Hyundai i20 1.0T N Line
- Starting price – R455,900
- Power – 90kW/172Nm
- 0-100km/h – 9.9 seconds
- Top speed – 187km/h
- Fuel consumption – 6.9l/100km
VW Polo 1.0TSI R-Line
- Starting price – R456,800
- Power – 85kW/200Nm
- 0-100km/h – 11.3 seconds
- Top speed – 200km/h
- Fuel consumption – 5.4l/100km
Peugeot 208 1.2T GT
- Starting price – R469,900
- Power – 96kW/230Nm
- 0-100km/h – 8.8 seconds
- Top speed – 198km/h
- Fuel consumption – 6.3l/100km
Toyota Corolla 2.0 XR
- Starting price – R561,200
- Power – 126kW/203Nm
- 0-100km/h – 8.6 seconds
- Top speed – 210km/h
- Fuel consumption – 6.0l/100km
Audi A1 Sportback 35TFSI S Line
- Starting price – R566,500
- Power – 110kW/250Nm
- 0-100km/h – 7.7 seconds
- Top speed – 222km/h
- Fuel consumption – 5.1l/100km
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