http://motoring.iafrica.com/features/775560.html?p=110 cheapest new cars in SAArticle By: Ryan Bubear
Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:43
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So, you've finally managed to scrape together a few handfuls of cash, and you're in the market for a brand new car. The cheaper, the better, you say. What are your options in the budget-beater segment?
Don't fret. We've put together a list of the ten cheapest cars on the South African market, with basic (before extras, but including VAT and emissions tax) prices ranging from R69 900 to R106 900 (all figures correct on 1 February 2012).
Although there are obviously a number of similarities between the contenders (all are five-speed manuals, and all are petrol-powered, for example), there are also a few marked differences. But always remember: you get what you pay for. Don't expect supercar performance or barge luxury from an entry-level, no-frills compact runabout.
For the record, the list is made up of one German, one Italian, one American, one Indian, one Japanese, two Chinese and three South Korean vehicles.
1. Chery QQ3 0.8 TE
Price: R69 900
This Chinese five-door is known for one thing, and one thing only: its rock-bottom price. The tiny three-cylinder 812cc powerplant churns out an embarra**ing maximum power figure of 38kW, and tops out at a not-so-lofty 138km/h, returning a claimed combined fuel consumption of 6.8 litres per 100km. Nothing impressive about any of those figures, then. Oh, and don't expect niceties such as radio, air-con or airbags. But, as they say, you get what you pay for, and you just can't beat the QQ3's pricetag.
*Joint lowest power output
*Cheapest
2. Chevrolet Spark Lite 0.8L
Price: R82 300The bottom-of-the-range Spark is similar to the Chery QQ3 in many ways. So similar, in fact, that General Motors once accused the Chinese manufacturer of copyright infringement, pointing out that even the doors of the two vehicles were interchangeable. However, the 795cc engine in the Spark returns a far better fuel consumption and higher top speed than its so-called clone. So, of the two, which should you buy? Our advice: save for a bit longer and spring for the Spark.
*Joint lowest power output
3. Geely LC 1.3 GS
Price: R84 990
The third-cheapest runabout in our list is surprisingly well-specced. Yip, for your 85 large, you get a radio, air-conditioning, front and rear electric windows, remote central locking, electric side mirrors, ABS, power steering, adjustable steering wheel and height adjustable front seats. Phew. But the question is: how much of that will fall off in the first year? Doing duty under the bonnet is a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine with a maximum power output of 63kW — the highest on this list.
*Highest power output
4. Tata Indica B-line 1.4 LE
Price: R89 995
The Tata brand has gathered a fair amount of support in SA, and the Indica started it all for the pa**enger segment back in 2004. And, it's still going strong today. So, what do you get for your R90k? In terms of specifications, pretty much nothing. But the B-line's most alluring feature is perhaps the fact that it comes standard with a two-year or 45 000km service plan (one of only two vehicles in the top ten with a plan as standard). You could do worse, in all honesty.
*Worst fuel economy
5. Hyundai Atos Prime 1.1 GLS
Price: R94 900In most markets around the world, the Atos has been replaced by the i10. But not here. No, for some unfathomable reason the Atos is still offered new, despite the fact that the i10 costs just a few thousand more and is quite a bit better in every respect. They both make use of 1.1-litre powerplants, but the Atos lags behind in terms of power, top speed and fuel economy. Do yourself a favour and go for the fresh-faced i10 over the ageing Atos.
6. Kia Picanto 1.0
Price: R99 995
The entry-level Picanto comes with a tiny three-cylinder 1-litre engine, but still manages to pump out 51kW while keeping the combined fuel economy figure under five. It's bright, bold (aimed squarely at the young folk) and has that big-car-in-a-small-car-skin feeling. And it comes standard with luxuries such as air-conditioning, radio/CD/MP3, Aux/USB/iPod compatibility and remote central locking. Definitely worth a look if you're in the market for a new, sub-R100 000 (just about, anyway) vehicle.
7. Hyundai i10 1.1 GLS
Price: R102 900
As mentioned above, the i10 is Hyundai's best bargain offering by rather a large margin. It may make only 50kW, but its claimed fuel consumption figure of just 4.8 litres per 100km is truly remarkable. Add to that an interior that is right up there in terms of quality in this cla**, and a specification list including air-con, radio/CD/MP3, electric side mirrors, electric windows and central locking, and you have a strong contender for your hard-earned. A popular choice, and rightly so.
*Best fuel economy
8. Fiat Panda 1.2 Young
Price: R103 000
The first of just two Europeans in our top ten, the Panda Young is another well-specced option. Highlights include follow-me-home lighting, central locking, climate control, electric front windows, dual front airbags and ABS with EBD. What do the numbers say? Well, the 1.2-litre eight-valve produces 44kW and the combined fuel cycle figure sits at 5.6. Good, reliable stuff from the Italians. And for what it's worth, a favourite of Top Gear's James "Captain Slow" May. But it's worth keeping in mind that the new Panda will be launched later in 2012.
9. Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 3-door
Price: R106 100
Without doubt the most popular vehicle here, the high-selling entry-level Vivo is the only three-door to make our list, which counts against it in terms of practicality, but does lend it an almost sporty feel. Almost. The Vivo (available in just two colours) employs a tried and tested 1.4-litre VW powerplant, which makes 55kW. It has the biggest boot, biggest fuel tank, and highest top speed in this list. And — probably even more important to South Africa's sometimes blindly brand-conscious buyers — it is German. However, air-con, radio and electric windows are conspicuous by their absence.
*Biggest boot
10. Suzuki Alto 1.0 GLS
Price: R106 900Just the second vehicle in this list to boast a service plan as standard, the three-cylinder Alto rounds out the top ten. It features air-con, power steering and a pair of airbags, and returns a 5.7-litre per 100km average fuel consumption figure. The Alto is a cheerful little thing that serves as a decent stepping stone to the hugely underrated Suzuki Swift – its bigger brother.
Which do you think is the best buy on the list? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
