HYUNDAI ATOS
Hyundai’s baseline model is attractive and well-equipped in this segment, carrying a small 1.0-litre engine (50kW, 99Nm) and a 5-speed manual. While interior room is expectedly compact, the Atos is suitable for first-time car buyers like students or new couples.
Price: from R183 500
RENAULT CLIO
The new Clio follows its predecessor’s design language, but is more refined. It takes much of its interior look from the bigger Megane, with a large centrally-located touch screen infotainment system. In addition the Clio comes with refined turbo engines that are said to be highly fuel efficient.
Price: from R309 900
RENAULT KWID
Renault’s entry-level hatch keeps getting updated to our local tastes, having had a rough initial introduction due to lack of safety items. Today, most of those qualms have been dispelled and Kwid remains as popular as ever, powered by a 50kW, 91Nm engine.
Price: from R170 400
SUZUKI BALENO
A new Suzuki Baleno came into our market recently, fitted with all sorts of updates from the previous-generation model. The sizable hatchback has been redesigned to European tastes and comes with an improved interior, safety features and frugal engine.
Price From R221 900
SUZUKI CELERIO
Suzuki markets the new Celerio as “SA’s most fuel efficient 5-door petrol hatch”, a bold claim considering how many hatches we have in this market. Nevertheless their claim of 4.2 litres per 100km from its 1.0-litre engine (49kW, 89Nm) is certainly one to catch the the eye.
Price: from R174 900
SUZUKI S-PRESSO
One of the most awkward cars on the market is making a noise as the most affordable crossover/ SUV and certainly one of the most affordable cars across the board in the country today.
Price: from R156 900
SUZUKI SWIFT
Swift recently became the best-selling Passenger Car in the country, which is a really big feather in the local Suzuki team’s cap, considering the two manufacturing giants they are competing against. Compact, fun to drive, packed with useful tech and easy to maintain, the Swift (up to 103kW) is a big value for money proposition.
Price: from R189 900
TOYOTA AGYA
The Agya came into a market segment that Toyota was not successful in with the Aygo. Since then Agya has captured thousands of hearts and is selling well over 800 units each month. The package is compact but solid, with simple features, and a fuel efficient engine (49kW, 89Nm).
Price: from R192 300
TOYOTA STARLET
One of the best-selling hatches in the country, Starlet offers calm looks and a spacious interior. Of course it is built to last a long time and is happy to reach 180km/h, thanks to its 1.4-litre petrol engine (68kW, 130Nm). Average fuel consumption is around 6 litres per 100km driven, which is really great.
Price: from R225 200
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
The reigning king of the hatch segment keeps delivering to its fans, month after month, generation after generation. The new model is exclusively run by turbocharged petrol engines (up to 147kW), which are notable fuel sippers with ranges of around 750km each. Yes, Polo is known for hi-tech features too, attracting the go-getters.
Price: from R315 000
VOLKSWAGEN POLO VIVO
Those who cannot afford the Polo go for the Polo Vivo, a Polo from the previous generation with fewer features and engine choices. But because it is still based on a Polo, buyers flock to dealerships for it anyway.
Price: from R235 200
