Cheap Fuel-efficient cars in South Africa
In the face of escalating fuel prices in South Africa, budget-conscious car buyers increasingly prioritise fuel efficiency to alleviate the strain on household budgets. Choosing a car with excellent fuel economy contributes to environmental sustainability and translates to substantial annual savings. To aid consumers in making informed decisions, we’ve compiled a comprehensive and diverse list of the most fuel-efficient budget cars, all priced under R300,000 as of September 2023. 1
Before delving into the details, it’s crucial to note that the fuel consumption figures mentioned are based on manufacturers’ claims. Real-world consumption may vary due to driving style and road conditions. 1
1. Fiat 500 Cult – 4.0 L/100 km
The Fiat 500, a staple for the brand in South Africa, received a refreshed range in 2021, featuring three trim lines: Cult, Club, and Dolcevita. The entry-level Cult, priced under the R300,000 mark, boasts a claimed fuel efficiency of 4.0 L/100 km. Powering the Cult is a 63 kW/145 Nm 0.9-litre TwinAir turbo-petrol engine, mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a Manual Transmission Automatic (MTA). With pricing starting at R265,900, the Fiat 500 combines style and efficiency. 1
2. Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL Automatic – 4.2 L/100 km
The all-new Suzuki Celerio has become a popular choice in the budget car segment, offering improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The Celerio 1.0 GL automatic claims 4.2 L/100 km, utilising a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine with 49 kW and 89 Nm. With pricing at R219,900, the Celerio strikes a balance between affordability and fuel efficiency. 1
3. Toyota Vitz XR Automatic – 4.2 L/100 km
Introducing the Toyota Vitz, the successor to the outgoing Agya as Toyota’s budget car offering in South Africa. Sharing its platform with the Suzuki Celerio, the Vitz boasts a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine with 49 kW and 89 Nm, offering a claimed fuel efficiency of 4.2 L/100 km for the automatic variant. Priced from R239,900, the Vitz provides a reliable and economical option for budget-conscious buyers. 1
4. Suzuki DZire / S-Presso / Ignis / Swift – 4.9 L/100 km
Suzuki’s reputation for delivering low real-world fuel consumption continues with the Dzire, S-Presso, Ignis, and Swift. All powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 113 Nm, these models claim a fuel efficiency of 4.9 L/100 km. The S-Presso adds to the diverse line up with its 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine. With pricing starting from R169,900, Suzuki offers an array of fuel-efficient options. 1
5. Renault Kwid – 4.9 L/100 km
The Renault Kwid boasts a claimed fuel efficiency of 4.9 L/100 km for manual and automatic variants, a popular choice in the budget car segment. Powered by a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine with 50 kW and 91 Nm, the Kwid offers three trim levels – Life, Zen, and Climber, with pricing starting from R188,999. 1
6. Kia Picanto 1.0 Start/Street/Runner / 1.2 Street/Style / 1.2 X-Line Manual – 5.0 L/100 km
Kia’s Picanto range, enriched in 2021 with the addition of the Picanto X-Line, offers a choice between a 49 kW / 96 Nm 1.0-litre engine and a 1.25-litre engine with 61 kW and 122 Nm. The manual variants claim a fuel efficiency of 5.0 L/100 km, with pricing starting from R219,995 for the Picanto 1.0 Start and R269,995 for the Picanto 1.2 X-Line. 1
7. Renault Kiger 1.0 Turbo Zen – 5.0 L/100 km
Renault’s compact crossover, the Kiger, introduced in 2021, impresses with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.0 L/100 km for the 1.0 Turbo Zen variant. Equipped with a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine delivering 74 kW and 160 Nm, the Kiger provides an optimal balance between fuel efficiency and affordability, priced at R299,999. 1
So, navigating the landscape of fuel-efficient, budget-friendly cars in South Africa requires careful consideration of cost and efficiency. The models listed here offer a spectrum of choices, allowing consumers to make informed decisions that align with their financial priorities while minimising their environmental footprint. As fuel prices fluctuate, investing in a fuel-efficient car is prudent for the discerning South African consumer. 1
Disclaimer
The article aims to provide South African motorists with information on cheap fuel-efficient cars.
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This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
