The South African car market has become increasingly expensive in recent years. More than 70% of new vehicles now cost over R500,000, leaving buyers with limited options in the affordable range. Even models once considered budget-friendly, such as the VW Polo Vivo, are now priced between R271,900 and R363,100.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!For those who can’t spend more than R200,000, the choices are slim but not gone. Thanks to the re-entry of Tata into South Africa with the launch of the Tiago, there are now five cars available below the R200k mark. Here’s a look at the most affordable new cars you can buy right now.
1. Toyota Vitz 1.0 – R178,800
The Toyota Vitz, essentially a rebadged Suzuki Celerio, currently holds the crown as the cheapest car in South Africa by just R100. Toyota deliberately dropped the price to undercut the Suzuki S-Presso and claim the title.
- Power: 49kW / 89Nm
- Fuel consumption: 4.4l/100km
- Warranty: 3-year / 100,000km
- Service plan: 4 services / 60,000km
2. Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL – R178,900
Previously South Africa’s most affordable car, the Suzuki S-Presso was overtaken by the Vitz’s price cut. Still, it remains a top contender with its compact design, efficiency, and extended warranty.
- Power: 49kW / 89Nm
- Fuel consumption: 4.6l/100km
- Warranty: 5-year / 200,000km
- Service plan: 2-year / 30,000km
3. Tata Tiago 1.2 XM – R184,900
The Tata Tiago marks the brand’s return to South Africa with a strong value-for-money offering. With more power than its closest rivals, it’s an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Power: 63kW / 113Nm
- Fuel consumption: 5.0l/100km
- Warranty: 5-year / 125,000km
- Service plan: 2-year / 30,000km
4. Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GA – R188,900
Although more expensive than its twin (the Toyota Vitz), the Suzuki Celerio still offers a compelling package. It’s efficient, lightweight, and comes with a longer service plan than many of its competitors.
- Power: 49kW / 89Nm
- Fuel consumption: 4.4l/100km
- Warranty: 5-year / 200,000km
- Service plan: 4-year / 60,000km
5. Renault Kwid 1.0 Life – R196,999
Just under the R200k threshold, the Renault Kwid rounds out the list. It’s stylish for its price bracket and remains a popular choice among first-time buyers.
- Power: 50kW / 91Nm
- Fuel consumption: 4.9l/100km
- Warranty: 5-year / 150,000km
- Service plan: 2-year / 30,000km
The Last of Their Kind
These five vehicles represent the last remaining new cars in South Africa priced below R200,000. With rising manufacturing costs and currency pressures, they may not hold their affordability crown for long. For now, however, they offer vital options for motorists who need a new set of wheels without breaking the bank.
Related article: Top 5 Cheapest Cars in South Africa
