What are the most fuel-efficient Compact SUVs currently on sale in South Africa for under R300k? Take a look at the list below!
Compact SUVs account for significant sales every month and if you’re shopping in the lower end of the segment (under R300 000) you’d be wise to know what the most fuel-efficient cars are in this popular segment.
The cost of fuel is something that you must plan for as it has a direct impact on your overall cost of ownership, which also includes car insurance and regular maintenance. It’s therefore in your best interest to factor fuel efficiency into your buying process!
This list highlights the most fuel-efficient new compact SUVs available on the market for under R300 000.
Note that claimed manufacturer fuel efficiency figures are used to generate this list but real-world fuel consumption is likely to vary depending on a variety of factors including driving habits, location, road conditions, weather, load and so forth. This list should therefore only be used as a guide.
Pricing is accurate as of November 2024.
Most Fuel Efficient Compact SUVs Under R300k
1. Renault Kiger 1.0 Zen Automatic – 5.2 L/100km
The naturally-aspirated Renault Kiger Zen automatic claims 5.2 L/100km and offers 52 kW and 96 Nm of torque while it’s manual counterparts claim 5.3 L/100km. The Kiger Zen automatic is priced from R274 999 while pricing for the Kiger Life manual starts from R249 999 but fuel consumption for this derivative is claimed at 5.3 L/100km/
The turbocharged Kiger Zen and Intens is even more fuel efficient, claiming 5.0 L/100km but pricing starts from R319 999.
Read our review of the Renault Kiger
Buy a new Renault Kiger on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Renault Kiger on Cars.co.za
2. Mahindra 3XO 1.2T MX2 / MX3 Manual – 5.3 L/100km
The new Mahindra 3XO recently arrived in South Africa and it’s already selling strongly thanks to an appealing combination of performance and fuel economy. Mahindra claims 5.3 L/100km for the 3XO manual derivatives paired with a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine.
The Mahindra 3XO is priced from R254 999 for the MX2 derivative while the higher specced MX3 manual derivative is priced from R274 999.
Buy a new Mahindra 3XO on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Mahindra 3XO on Cars.co.za
3. Suzuki Fronx GL Manual – 5.5 L/100km
The new Suzuki Fronx is selling strongly in Mzansi and for under R300k you can step into the Fronz 1.5 GL manual priced from R298 900. With a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine under bonnet offering 77 kW and 138 Nm, Suzuki claims 5.5 L/100km for the Fronx and buyers can also opt for an automatic transmission offered in in both GL (R317 900) or top-spec GLX guise (R354 900), but pricing will then exceed the R300k barrier set for this particular list. Note that the automatic derivatives are slightly thirstier with Suzuki claiming 5.7 L/100km.
Also see: What to Buy: Suzuki Fronx vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro vs Nissan Magnite
Buy a new Suzuki Fronx on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Suzuki Fronx on Cars.co.za
4. Renault Triber – 5.5 L/100km
The Renault Triber offers seating for 7 and is equipped with Renault’s proven 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine, which produces 52 kW and 96 Nm of torque is paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT. All Triber derivatives claim 5.5 L/100km and all derivatives are priced under R300k!
Pricing for the Renault Triber starts from R228 999.
Buy a new Renault Triber on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Renault Triber on Cars.co.za
5. Citroen C3 – 5.6 L/100km
Citroen introduced the new C3 in 2023 and it’s available with a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. Citroen claims 5.6 L/100km for the C3. Note that the C3 is currently not offered with an automatic transmission.
Pricing for the Citroen C3 1.2 Feel starts from R242 900 while the C3 1.2 Max is priced from R255 900.
Buy a new Citroen C3 on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Citroen C3 on Cars.co.za
