Shopping for an affordable car, but don’t want a traditional hatchback? There is plenty of competition in the Entry-Level Crossovers market, with new entrants announced almost every month! The winner in the Entry-Level Crossover category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa, is the Suzuki Grand Vitara.
South African new-vehicle buyers now prefer crossovers over hatchbacks, sedans and MPVs. This category represents the entry point to SUV-inspired vehicles with a modicum of raised ride height.
Besides having additional body cladding and ground clearance (‘kerb-hopping capability’), the 2024 Best Entry-Level Crossover of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa needs to offer the best combination of practicality, spaciousness, safety, technology, fuel efficiency and flexibility.
The Entry-Level Crossover category
This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for this category include a list price between R300 000 and R400 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023), ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), a minimum of 4 airbags, split-folding rear seats, air conditioning and a service plan.
Pillars of success for this category include engine flexibility, fuel economy, space and practicality, comfort and safety.
2024 Best Entry-Level Crossover: CarsAwards WINNER
Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 GLX manual
Suzuki is renowned for offering great value for money at the budget end of the market. While some may feel that the Grand Vitara name was better suited to the last model that wore it (which had notable off-road ability), the 2023 Grand Vitara is undeniably a much more accomplished offering than its successor, the good – if rather basic – Vitara Brezza. It has a “bulletproof” engine that balances willing performance with admirable efficiency, a spacious cabin and, in GLX trim, comes generously specced with features.
Watch a Video Review of the Suzuki Grand Vitara
Find a Suzuki Grand Vitara for sale on Cars.co.za
RUNNER-UP: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Elite Auto
Chery hopes to emulate fellow Chinese brand Haval’s rapid ascent up the new-vehicle sales charts and, based on the strengths of its Tiggo lineup and sales figures, it’s well on the way to doing that. The distinctively styled Tiggo 4 Pro comes well-appointed at the price, features a punchy 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine and quality materials abound in the cabin. The Chery is positioned as an affordable car, but it doesn’t feel like one.
Read a review of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
Find a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro for sale on Cars.co.za
RUNNER-UP: Haval Jolion 1.5T Premium
When the Haval brand arrived in South Africa in 2017, it made an immediate impact with the feature-packed H2 compact family car and its successor – the Jolion – ticks even more boxes as a modern, connected, practical and well-thought-out entry-level crossover. The 1.5T Premium offers a plethora of features at the price, stands out in a segment known for cars that lack a bit of flair, and feels upmarket.
Read a review of the Haval Jolion
Find a Haval Jolion for sale on Cars.co.za
More about the #CarsAwards
The winners of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) were named on 29 February 2024.
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