The 5 most affordable passenger cars in SA
We’ve rounded up the five most affordable passenger cars you can buy in South Africa in 2025. See the list below.
The sub-compact hatchback segment remains an important segment in the South African market. Affordable hatchbacks in the sub-R200k market have been a staple on South African roads for decades. Today, various automakers still offer these affordable hatchbacks – popular among first-time drivers and e-hailing services.
Car Magazine compiled a list of the top 5 most affordable passenger cars in South Africa:
5. Suzuki Celerio – from R188 900
The Suzuki Celerio. Image: Suzuki
Starting off this list is the Suzuki Celerio, which is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 49 kW and 89 N.m. the Japanese marque first introduced the Celerio to South Africa in 2014, while the current generation was launched locally in 2022.
4. Tata Tiago – from R184 900
The Tata Tiago. Image: Tata Motors
The Tata Tiago is the newest sub-R200 000 hatchback on the list. The Indian automaker recently re-entered the South African passenger-car market after a six-year hiatus, introducing the Tiago as its entry-level model. The Tiago is propelled by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine producing 63 kW and 113 N.m, making it the most powerful vehicle on the list.
3. Suzuki S-Presso – from R178 900
The Suzuki S-Presso. Image: Suzuki
Since it was initially introduced to the South African market in 2022, the S-Presso has become a popular choice as one of the most affordable hatchbacks in SA. The S-Presso employs the same 49 kW/89 N.m 1.0-litre mill as the Celerio.
2. Toyota Vitz – from R178 800
The Toyota Vitz. Image: Toyota
Based on the Celerio, the Vitz shares its Suzuki step-sibling’s 49 kW/89 N.m 1.0-litre mill. While the Vitz is nearly identical to the Celerio, the Toyota costs R10 000 less.
1. Renault Kwid – from R178 799
The Renault Kwid. Image: Renault
The Renault Kwid holds the title of being the most affordable passenger car in South Africa…by R1. The Kwid was introduced in November 2016, and is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine endowed with 50 kW and 91 N.m .
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