Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when buying a car but what cars should you consider if you are shopping for a compact SUV or crossover in the used car market with a budget of up to R300 000? Here are 10 budget-friendly fuel-efficient compact SUVs to take a closer look at!
The compact SUV segment is hugely popular in South Africa at the moment and new car buyers have so much choice over a wide price range.
However, it’s no secret that rapidly increasing fuel prices are putting tremendous strain on household budgets and many buyers are turning to the used car market in an effort to find a more affordable mobility solution.
Anyone that’s considering taking the leap to purchase a car will have to think about the operating costs (maintenance, insurance etc.) of that vehicle, including fuel costs. Fuel efficiency is therefore an important factor to consider whether you are buying a new or used car.
So, if fuel efficiency is important to you and you have a budget of up to R300 000 to spend on a used compact SUV, then this list will help you find one!
If you are unsure about how much you are able to afford to spend on a car then we suggest you use our new Car Affordability Calculator and you can also work our estimated monthly premiums using your Finance Calculator.
Fuel Efficient Used Compact SUVs Available in South Africa
1. Renault Captur 1.5 DCi Dynamique – From 3.6 L/100km
Renault introduced the Captur way back in 2015 and while it proved to be quite popular with local buyers, it was the diesel-powered Captur that impressed the most with its low fuel consumption. The 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine under the bonnet produces 66 kW and 220 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
The new Renault Captur arrived earlier in 2023, but a diesel engine is no longer on offer.
Buy a used Renault Duster 1.5 DCi Dynamique for under R300k on Cars.co.za
2. Peugeot 2008 1.6 HDi Active – From 4.0 L/100km
The new Peugeot 2008 has been available in South Africa since 2021 and it’s undoubtedly one of the best products in this segment. However, the previous generation 2008 also had much to offer and the diesel-powered 2008 returned impressive fuel economy. A 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine does service under bonnet with 68 kW and 230 Nm on offer and is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Buy a used Peugeot 2008 1.6 HDI on Cars.co.za for under R300k
3. Nissan Qashqai / Juke 1.5 dCi Acenta – From 4.2 L/100km
The new Nissan Qashqai arrived locally in 2022 but buyers can consider the outgoing generation diesel-powered Qashqai with 81 kW and 260 Nm of torque on offer which is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and claims to return just 4.2 L/100km. The Nissan Juke employs the same powertrain and thus offers buyers with some choice from the Nissan stable.
Buy a used Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi for under R300k on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Nissan Juke 1.6 dCi for under R300k on Cars.co.za
4. Opel Crossland X 1.6 TD Enjoy – From 4.4 L/100km
The Opel Crossland X is an often overlooked choice in this segment, but it shouldn’t be. The Crossland X 1.6 turbodiesel derivative is the most frugal in the range and it offers 68 kW and 230 Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Buy a used Opel Crossland X for under R300k on Cars.co.za
5. Ford EcoSport 1.5 TDCi Ambiente / Titanium – From 4.6 L/100km
The diesel Ford EcoSport is well-known for returning low fuel consumption figures. The 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine under the bonnet produces 74 kW and 205 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Note that the EcoSport is no longer in production.
Also see: Ford EcoSport (2013-2023) Buyer’s Guide
Buy a used Ford EcoSport 1.5 TDCi for under R300k on Cars.co.za
6. Jeep Renegade 1.6 MJet Limited – From 4.6 L/100km
Jeep isn’t often associated with fuel economy but the diesel-powered Renegade MJet Limited returns fair economy. The turbocharged 1.6-litre diesel engine delivers 88 kW and 320 Nm making it one of the more powerful options on this list and it combines with a 6-speed manual transmission to get the job done.
Buy a used Jeep Renegade 1.6 MJet for under R300k on Cars.co.za
7. Mahindra XUV300 1.5TD W8 – 4.8 L/100km
The updated Mahindra XUV300 arrived in South Africa earlier in 2022 and the diesel-powered W8 derivative claims fuel consumption at 4.8 L/100km. The 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine offers 86 kW and 300 Nm of torque and is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Buy used Mahindra XUV300 1.5TD for under R300k on Cars.co.za
8. Volkswagen T-Cross 70 kW Comfortline – From 4.8 L/100km
Volkswagen cracks a nod on this list with the T-Cross Comfortline. The turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine develops 70 kW and 175 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Buy a used Volkswagen T-Cross 70 kW Comfortline for under R300k on Cars.co.za
9. Renault Kiger Turbo Intens / Zen – 5.0 L/100km
Renault’s budget-friendly Kiger hits the fuel efficiency mark in Intens and Zen guise and it packs a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine offering 74 kW and 160 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Buy a used Renault Kiger Turbo for under R300k on Cars.co.za
10. Renault Duster 1.5 dCi Zen – 5.1 L/100km
Renault rounds out this list with the popular Duster in diesel guise offering good real-world fuel consumption returns. The 1.5-litre turbodiesel under the bonnet offers 80 kW and 240 Nm and comes paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
