South Africa currently has 11 different hatchbacks that can still be bought for less than R300,000 going into 2024.
The last few years have seen the price of cars surge at an alarming rate, with the affordable end of the market naturally being hurt the most.
Hatchbacks are still the cheapest vehicle body type on offer, but their support has diminished in recent times as companies pivot towards SUVs and electric cars, leaving far fewer options for motorists in need of a budget-friendly set of wheels.
The title of the most affordable car in the country is currently held by the Suzuki S-Presso, but even this has seen its price tag climb noticeably higher owing to inflation, costing R174,900 now compared to R162,900 a year ago.
Suzuki is clearly doing the most to cater to the price-conscious motorist in South Africa, as it has another three cars on the list besides the S-Presso, namely the Celerio, Swift, and Baleno.
The Celerio is the second-cheapest hatch in the country at R188,900, which is joined by its half-sibling – the Toyota Vitz – in third place at R189,900.
There’s also the Renault Kwid, Kia Picanto, and Hyundai Grand i10, as well as the popular Suzuki Swift that reliably places in each month’s best-seller lists.
The last four entries consist of the Toyota Starlet and Suzuki Baleno twins, the locally-made VW Polo Vivo, and the distinctive Fiat 500.
Taking stock
These are all of the most affordable hatchbacks in South Africa that can be bought for less than R300,000 as of the start of 2024.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL
- Starting price – R174,900
- Power – 49kW/89Nm
- Fuel consumption – 4.6l/100km
Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GA
- Starting price – R188,900
- Power – 49kW/89Nm
- Fuel consumption – 4.4l/100km
Toyota Vitz 1.0
- Starting price – R189,900
- Power – 49kW/89Nm
- Fuel consumption – 4.4l/100km
Renault Kwid 1.0 Life
- Starting price – R196,999
- Power – 50kW/91Nm
- Fuel consumption – 4.9l/100km
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GA
- Starting price – R205,900
- Power – 61kW/113Nm
- Fuel consumption – 4.9l/100km
Kia Picanto 1.0 Start
- Starting price – R235,995
- Power – 49kW/95Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.0l/100km
Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Motion
- Starting price – R239,500
- Power – 49kW/94Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.5l/100km
Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL manual
- Starting price – R247,900
- Power – 77kW/138Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.4l/100km
Toyota Starlet 1.5 Xi
- Starting price – R252,100
- Power – 77kW/138Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.4l/100km
VW Polo Vivo hatch 1.4 Trendline
- Starting price – R259,400
- Power – 55kW/130Nm
- Fuel consumption – 5.7l/100km
Fiat 500 TwinAir Cult
- Starting price – R265,900
- Power – 63kW/145Nm
- Fuel consumption – 4.0l/100km
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