Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Elidge Staff

Here Are the 10 Most Affordable Cars You Can Buy Right Now

In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 most affordable cars currently available in the market. Whether you are about to start a new job and need a car, a parent trying to surprise your kid who’s going to varsity or about to retire and looking for an affordable car to move around town, this article is for you. We will start from the most affordable cars and work our way up, so let’s get started!

Assumptions to keep in mind

Before we delve into the cars, there are some assumptions we want you to keep in mind as we go through the figures:

• We assume that a lot of people don’t have six-figure money to pay for the car outright, so we will also give you the expected monthly installment.
• We assume that the installment is subjective to your credit history, so for a more defined amount, we suggest visiting these branches or specific dealerships to see how much they’re willing to quote you.
• We assume there’s no deposit, no balloon payment, it’s manual transmission, and an entry-level car.
• We assume that you’ll pay for it over 72 months (six years), which is usually what banks will offer.
• We assume an interest rate of 13%.

Now let’s look at the top 10 most affordable cars:

Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid is currently the most affordable car in South Africa, with a starting price of R170,400. You can expect to pay around R3,500 per month.

The Renault Kwid is a compact hatchback car manufactured by the French automobile company, Renault. It was first launched in India in 2015, and since then, it has become one of the best-selling cars in the Indian market. The Kwid has also been introduced in several other countries, including South Africa.

In South Africa, the Kwid is the most affordable car in the market, with a starting price of R170,400. It is a budget-friendly car that offers great value for money. The Kwid is available in two engine options – a 1.0-litre and a 0.8-litre engine. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The 1.0-litre engine produces 50 kW of power and 91 Nm of torque, while the 0.8-litre engine produces 32 kW of power and 63 Nm of torque.

The Kwid comes with a range of features, including power steering, air conditioning, front power windows, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a digital instrument cluster. It also has a decent amount of boot space, with a capacity of 279 litres. Safety features on the Kwid include front airbags, ABS with EBD, and a rear parking sensor.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Kwid offers an impressive mileage of up to 22 km/litre, making it an economical car to run. With a monthly payment of around R3,500, the Kwid is an affordable car option for those on a tight budget. Overall, the Renault Kwid is a good choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable car in South Africa.

Datsun Go

The Datsun Go comes in second place, with a starting price of R182,000. You can expect to pay around R3,700 per month.

The Datsun Go is a budget car manufactured by the Japanese carmaker Nissan under its sub-brand Datsun. It was first introduced in India in 2014 and later launched in South Africa in 2019. The car is designed to be affordable and offers basic features and functions.

In terms of pricing, the Datsun Go is the second most affordable car in South Africa, after the Renault Kwid. The base model of the Datsun Go has a starting price of R182,000, which is slightly higher than the Renault Kwid. However, the Datsun Go offers more features and a slightly better build quality compared to the Kwid.

In terms of performance, the Datsun Go is powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine that produces 50 kW of power and 104 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, and an automatic transmission option is not available. The car offers a decent driving experience and is suitable for city driving.

Overall, the Datsun Go is a budget car that is designed to offer a reliable and affordable mode of transportation. While it may not offer the latest features or the most luxurious driving experience, it is a practical option for those on a tight budget who still want a decent car.

Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift is in third place, with a starting price of R184,900. You can expect to pay around R3,800 per month.

The Suzuki Swift is a popular compact hatchback that has been in production since 2000. It is known for its sporty styling, responsive handling, and good fuel economy. The latest model of the Suzuki Swift is available in South Africa with a starting price of R184,900, making it the third most affordable car in the country.

The Suzuki Swift is available in several trim levels, each with its own set of features and options. The entry-level model, the Swift GA, comes with standard features like air conditioning, power steering, and front electric windows. Higher-end models, such as the Swift GL and Swift GLX, offer additional features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rearview camera, and automatic climate control.

Under the hood, the Suzuki Swift is powered by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 61 kW of power and 113 Nm of torque. It comes with either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), depending on the trim level.

In terms of safety, the Suzuki Swift comes with standard features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. Higher-end models also offer additional safety features like a forward-facing camera and automatic emergency braking.

Overall, the Suzuki Swift is a popular choice for those looking for an affordable car and reliable compact hatchback that is fun to drive and offers good fuel economy.

Toyota Agya

The Toyota Agya comes in at fourth place, with a starting price of R186,700. You can expect to pay around R3,900 per month.

The Toyota Agya is a popular subcompact car that is known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and reliable performance. It was first introduced in 2012 and is marketed primarily in Asia and Africa, including in South Africa where it is sold through Toyota dealerships.

The Agya is powered by a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 49 kW of power and 89 Nm of torque. It is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission, depending on the model.

In terms of features, the Agya comes standard with power steering, air conditioning, front power windows, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims may offer additional features like alloy wheels, a rearview camera, and keyless entry.

While the Agya may not have the lowest starting price among its competitors in South Africa, it is known for its high levels of reliability and durability, which may make it a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto is in fifth place, with a starting price of R193,000. You can expect to pay around R4,000 per month.

The Kia Picanto is a popular and affordable car manufactured by the South Korean automaker Kia. It has been on the market since 2004 and is currently in its third generation, which was introduced in 2017.

The Kia Picanto has a starting price of R193,000 in South Africa, making it one of the most affordable cars in its class. The latest model is available in five different trim levels, with a range of features and options to choose from.

Under the hood, the Picanto is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 49 kW of power and 96 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission, depending on the model.

In terms of fuel economy, the Picanto is rated at around 5.0 to 5.9 liters per 100 km, depending on the model and transmission type. This makes it a very economical car to run, with low running costs and low emissions.

Inside, the Picanto is well-designed and features a range of modern features and technologies, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. It also has a spacious and comfortable cabin, with enough room for four adults to sit comfortably.

Overall, the Kia Picanto is a reliable, practical, and affordable car that is perfect for those who are looking for a low-cost vehicle that is easy to drive and maintain. Its compact size and maneuverability make it ideal for driving in the city, while its fuel economy and low emissions make it an eco-friendly choice.

Hyundai Grand i10

The Hyundai Grand i10 comes in sixth place, with a starting price of R201,000. You can expect to pay around R4,100 per month.

The Hyundai Grand i10 is a popular compact car that has been in production since 2007. The latest version of the Grand i10 was launched in 2020, and it is available in several countries around the world, including South Africa.

In terms of size, the Grand i10 sits between the i10 and the i20 in Hyundai’s lineup. It has a sporty and modern design with sharp lines and a bold front grille. The interior is well-designed and spacious, with comfortable seating and a range of features to enhance the driving experience.

The Grand i10 is available in two engine options: a 1.0-liter petrol engine and a 1.2-liter petrol engine. The 1.0-liter engine produces 49 kW of power and 94 Nm of torque, while the 1.2-liter engine produces 61 kW of power and 114 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, but the 1.2-liter engine is also available with a four-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of safety, the Grand i10 comes with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors as standard. Higher-spec models also come with additional safety features such as a reverse camera, a driver’s seatbelt reminder, and a speed-sensing door lock system.

The starting price for the Hyundai Grand i10 in South Africa is R201,000, and you can expect to pay around R4,100 per month.

Ford Figo

The Ford Figo is in seventh place, with a starting price of R216,000. You can expect to pay around R4,400 per month.

The Ford Figo is a popular hatchback car that offers good value for money. It has a starting price of R216,000, making it one of the more affordable options in its class. The Figo comes with a choice of two engines, a 1.5-liter petrol engine and a 1.5-liter diesel engine, both of which are paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The petrol engine produces 88 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque, while the diesel engine produces 99 horsepower and 215 Nm of torque.

In terms of features, the Figo offers a decent list of standard equipment, including air conditioning, power windows, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trim levels add features such as a rearview camera, automatic climate control, and a larger touchscreen display. Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors.

With a monthly payment of around R4,400, the Ford Figo is a good option for those looking for an affordable car and reliable hatchback car with a decent list of features.

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is in eighth place, with a starting price of R236,000. You can expect to pay around R4,800 per month.

The Ford Fiesta is a popular and well-regarded compact car that has been in production since 1976. It is available in both hatchback and sedan models, with a starting price of R236,000 in South Africa. The Fiesta is known for its sporty handling and stylish design, as well as its efficient engines and modern features.

The latest model of the Fiesta, which was introduced in 2018, offers a range of engine options including a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers up to 92 kW of power and 170 Nm of torque. The car also comes with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, as well as features like Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and advanced safety features like lane departure warning and forward collision warning.

Overall, the Ford Fiesta is a solid choice for those looking for a compact car that is fun to drive, efficient, and packed with modern features.

Renault Clio

The Renault Clio is in ninth place, with a starting price of R228,000. You can expect to pay around R4,700 per month.

The Renault Clio is a popular compact car that comes in ninth place on the list of most affordable cars in South Africa. The car is known for its stylish design and fuel efficiency. The starting price of the Renault Clio is R228,000, making it slightly more expensive than some of its competitors. However, with a range of features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, and automatic climate control, it is a great value for money.

If you are looking to purchase a Renault Clio, you can expect to pay around R4,700 per month, depending on factors such as the deposit you are able to put down and the interest rate offered by the dealership or bank.

Toyota Starlet

The Toyota Starlet is in tenth place, with a starting price of R225,000. You can expect to pay around R4,600 per month.

The Toyota Starlet is a popular subcompact car in South Africa, known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordability. It has a starting price of R225,000, which makes it the tenth most affordable car in the country. The Starlet is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 68 kW of power and 130 Nm of torque. It comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, but a 4-speed automatic transmission is also available as an option.

In terms of features, the Toyota Starlet is equipped with a range of amenities that enhance comfort, convenience, and safety. Some of the standard features include air conditioning, power steering, electric windows, central locking, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, and a multifunction steering wheel. Higher-spec models come with additional features such as a rearview camera, automatic climate control, and leather seats.

In terms of safety, the Toyota Starlet is equipped with a range of active and passive safety features that help keep occupants protected in the event of an accident. These include anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), traction control (TRC), hill-start assist control (HAC), and six airbags. The Starlet also received a 4-star safety rating from the Global NCAP crash test, which makes it one of the safest cars in its class.

While buying a car can be a significant financial decision, it doesn’t have to break the bank. We hope this list helps you find the most affordable car that meets your needs. Keep in mind that while we have made some assumptions, there are other factors to consider when buying a car. It’s always best to do thorough research and consult with professionals before making a purchase.

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