12 of the cheapest hatchbacks you can buy in South Africa – starting from R174,000

·18 Nov 2023

Hatchbacks have always been a popular choice among car buyers in South Africa, and the 12 cheapest models range from the R174,000 Suzuki S-Presso to the R307,100 Mazda2.

Hatchbacks are versatile vehicles that offer practicality, affordability, and excellent fuel efficiency, making them ideal for city driving and everyday use.

They are generally priced lower than other car types but offer similar features and performance. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable and efficient vehicle.

In addition to their affordability, hatchbacks are well-suited for the country’s narrow and congested roads. With their compact size, they are easy to manoeuvre through traffic and park in tight spaces, making them a practical choice for urban dwellers.

Another factor contributing to the popularity of hatchbacks in South Africa is their fuel efficiency. With rising fuel prices, many consumers are looking for vehicles that offer good mileage and lower fuel consumption. Hatchbacks typically have smaller engines, which means they use less fuel than larger vehicles.

However, despite being an entry-level body type, the cost of owning a car is becoming increasingly unaffordable – even for hatchbacks.

According to TransUnion’s latest Vehicle Pricing Index (VPI), the price of new vehicles, on average, increased by 6.7% alone in 2023 – with hatchbacks seeing the steepest increases at 7.4%.

As of November 2023, there are only four hatchbacks priced under R200,000 in South Africa – The Suzuki S-Presso, Suzuki Celerio, Toyota Vitz, and the Renault Kwid.

Those looking for the most fuel-efficient hatchback can consider the Sukuzi S-Presso, boasting a fuel consumption of 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres.

Other fuel-efficient options include the Renault Kwid and the Suzuki Swift, both with a fuel consumption of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

An interesting comparison is also between the Toyota Starlet and the Suzuki Baleno, which were released in the same timeframe, are similarly priced, and have identical drivetrains. This is the same for the Suzuki Celerio and Toyota’s Vitz.

The 12 cheapest hatchbacks in South Africa right now are listed below.

1. Suzuki S-Presso