At a time when household budgets are stretched tighter than ever before, the “affordable” end of the market is where you will find some of the most popular cars in South Africa. Suzuki has dominated the Entry-Level Hatch category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards for many years, and continues to do so with the Swift 1.2 GLX.
The entry-level hatch segment is highly competitive and, even though budgets are tight and fuel prices keep rising, buying an affordable car doesn’t have to mean that you should compromise on safety, tech and quality. The 2024 Best Entry-Level Hatch represents “as much good car as possible for the money”.
The Entry-Level Hatch category
Value is very important, as are running costs and all other pertinent “common sense” considerations. The price cap for this category is set at R250 000.
This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors include a list price not exceeding R250 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023), an anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual front airbags and a service plan.
Pillars of success for this category include fuel economy, value for money (the standard features the better), practicality and brand strength.
2024 Best Entry-Level Hatch: CarsAwards WINNER
Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX
The Suzuki Swift is the Japanese firm’s most popular model in the new-vehicle market and the brand has notably won the Budget Car category of the #CarsAwards 5 times (4 times with a Swift derivative). Plus, in the 2021/21 programme, the Swift 1.2 GL was named the winner of the Entry-Level Car category.
The Swift is technically a B-segment hatchback (which makes it a more substantial car than most entry-level offerings) and in 1.2 GLX guise, the Swift offers a good spread of standard features while delivering a pleasing driving experience, nippy performance and miserly fuel consumption. The Swift represents excellent value; its 2-year service plan is a plus, but the 5-year/200 000 km warranty is the clincher.
Read our review of the Suzuki Swift GLX
Find a Suzuki Swift for sale on Cars.co.za
RUNNER-UP: Renault Kiger 1.0 Zen
Renault SA has shifted its product focus to crossovers, which has seen the Indian-made Kiger achieve remarkable sales success in the new-vehicle market. The keenly-priced Kiger offers attractive crossover-inspired looks, combined with a modern cabin and a healthy dose of practicality. The 1.0 Zen derivative is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine that delivers a good balance of performance and economy.
Read our review of the Renault Kiger
Find a Renault Kiger for sale on Cars.co.za
RUNNER-UP: Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL
Budget-car specialist Suzuki has 2 finalists in this category, the first of which is the Celerio. It ticks the boxes for a value-for-money model with surprising cabin spaciousness, a relatively long spec list and a fuel-efficient petrol engine. However, could it be positioned too close to its Swift sibling? The Celerio is backed by 2-time #CarsAwards Brand of the Year winner Suzuki SA’s excellent after-sales support.
Read our review of the Suzuki Celerio
Find a Suzuki Celerio 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.
Follow the #CarsAwards on Cars.co.za, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
