10 automatic hatchbacks you can buy under R300,000 in South Africa

South Africans wanting the ease of use of an automatic gearbox paired with the popular hatchback body style have several wallet-friendly options to choose from, among them some of the country’s most popular models.

Suzuki is the leader when it comes to affordable automatic hatchbacks, as the Japanese brand has four options available for less than R300,000 comprising the Baleno, Celerio, Swift, and S-Presso – the latter of which is, in fact, the most attainable automatic ride in South Africa.

Toyota has a worthy presence at this price point as well with its Starlet and Vitz, though it’s worth noting that these hatchbacks are simply badge-engineered versions of Suzuki’s Baleno and Celerio, respectively, offering the same powertrains and mostly identical features.

Another best-seller, Renault’s Kwid can be had with an automatic shifter for well under R300,000, as can Fiat’s iconic 500 if you’re after something with more Italian flair.

Sister brands Hyundai and Kia also have competitors in this bracket, these being the sought-after Grand i10 and Picanto city cars.

Those interested in the Kia may find it best to wait a couple of months, however, as the thoroughly updated Picanto is scheduled to arrive on our shores before the end of June 2024 with a new look and enhanced features to boot, following in the footsteps of the Grand i10 that was overhauled in September last year.

Affordable auto-shifters

The list below details the most affordable automatic hatchbacks that are currently available in South Africa.

Click on the underlined prices for more information.

Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL

• Starting price – R188,900
• Power – 49kW/89Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.4l/100km

Renault Kwid 1.0 Zen

• Starting price – R216,999
• Power – 50kW/91Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.9l/100km

Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL

• Starting price – R225,900
• Power – 49kW/89Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.2l/100km

Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR

• Starting price – R239,900
• Power – 49kW/89Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.2l/100km

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL

• Starting price – R240,900
• Power – 61kW/113Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.9l/100km

Kia Picanto 1.0 Start

• Starting price – R249,995
• Power – 49kW/95Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.3l/100km

Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL

• Starting price – R267,900
• Power – 77kW/138Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.7l/100km

Fiat 500 TwinAir Cult

• Starting price – R268,900
• Power – 63kW/145Nm
• Fuel consumption – 4.0l/100km

Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Motion

• Starting price – R282,500
• Power – 61kW/114Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.9l/100km

Toyota Starlet 1.5 XS

• Starting price – R290,900
• Power – 77kW/138Nm
• Fuel consumption – 5.7l/100km