My First Car

The Datsun GO is not only one of the most budget friendly new cars on the market, and therefore a good choice for first-time buyers, but also has a number of other good points: The hatch has a 1.2-litre engine which outshines smaller, 1.0-litre engines and rides on a robust chassis/suspension set-up, making it more suitable for longer distances than on highways.

It’s also backed by Nissan, which has an extensive dealership network across SA, so getting your GO serviced and repaired while under warranty will be easy.

The Datsun GO is also SA’s most affordable car to fix according to the Kinsey Report, with the cheapest parts basket of all cars on the market.

Datsun recently gave the GO an extensive make-over with the result that the hatch looks smarter inside and out, and boasts more features per derivative than before.

If you are looking to buy your first new car, then the GO must be on your shortlist. Visit the Datsun side at Motus Nissan Zululand and ask for a test drive.

Hyundai has become known for making some of the best passenger cars. Not only are they well-built, but also much more refined compared to rivals and always offer good value for money.

The Korean brand’s latest addition, the Atos, offers all these and more. A nippy 1.1-litre engine with 50kW of power and 99Nm of torque ensures brisk commuting while still saving at the pumps thanks to the engine’s frugal nature.

Safety is another one of the Atos’ strong points thanks to ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, driver and co-driver airbags, crumple zones and side-impact protection beams standard in all models.

The Hyundai will also suit those who keep abreast with the latest in infotainment tech because Apple CarPlay is part of the package, allowing for hands-free WhatsApp and navigation while on the go.

Visit Tangawizi Motors to test drive this newcomer.

With looks to kill and an exciting engine, the Nissan Micra is most first-time buyers’ dream car.

Those razor sharp lines, aggressive headlights and well-balanced stance make for a real ‘looker’ and you are guaranteed to turn heads when you arrive in the Micra.

This sophisticated hatch sports a modern 900cc turbo-charged engine under its sleek bonnet which is exciting to drive in town and on the open road.

Just like on the outside, the Micra sports a modern interior with loads of space right through. There’s also no shortage of gadgets but those, of course, depend solely on the model you choose.

Its exiting look, fine cabin, sporty drive and good fuel economy make the Micra an excellent choice. It’s also backed by one of SA’s biggest car brands with help and advice never too far away.

You can test drive the Micra at Motus Nissan Zululand in Empangeni.

When Renault launched the Kwid two years ago, it was an immediate success despite the little car not having all the safety features other small cars have. Well, Renault has reworked the Kwid extensively and not only gave it a more upmarket look, but also fitted all the necessary safety features.

The second version of the Kwid which now stands on the brand’s showrooms, come standard with  ABS and dual airbags across the range. Renault also improved the Kwid’s styling with a revised front-end which now features LED Daytime Running Light strips (standard across the range), integrated headlights and chrome grille inserts.

It’s definitely one of the more quirky and funky looking budget cars on the market. Another welcome change is that the Kwid now rides on larger 14-inch wheels and Renault has also replaced the rear axle in an effort to improve the ride and handling characteristics of the car.

The same 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine is found under the bonnet and it offers 50kW and 91Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) across all three derivatives including Expression, Dynamique and the range-topping Kwid Climber.

Test drive the Kwid at Tangawizi Motors.

Launched two weeks ago, the brand new Renault Triber is a 7-seater which is well-priced and thus in reach of first-time buyers who need more seats than what a normal hatch offers.

The Triber is very practical because the two rows of seats in the rear can be configurated in many ways, while the third row can even be removed completely to load big items. Lots of other storage options right through the cabin make the Triber a comfortable people mover.

Under the bonnet is Renault’s proven 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine which offers 52kW and 96Nm of torque and comes paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Claimed fuel economy is 5.5-litres to 100km.

To ensure the requisite comfort, Triber has a dedicated air-conditioning duct serving the second and third-row of seats and infotainment is serviced by an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system which plays nice with either Apple or Android smartphones and offers navigation.

Renault has given the Triber driver and passenger airbags across the range and on the Prestige model, a further two front side airbags. Rear parking sensors also feature on the Triber, making it slightly easier to park.

This new 7-seater is now available at Tangawizi Motors.