Best Budget Cars in SA in 2015

What are the best cars to buy when you are on a budget? Here are the five best value for money offerings in SA for 2015.

You may have seen that we are running a Cars Awards campaign to evaluate the best cars on sale in SA. We have sorted the cars in to proper categories so the buyer has a better idea of where to look in each segment. We’re focusing on Budget cars today where the buyer is looking for the absolute best car they can get for their money.

Don’t forget to take the owner satisfaction survey here and win prizes. It’s your chance to give feedback on the cars you bought.

In a budget car we looked at features fitted as well as safety aspects and value for money. It’s also important the car is fuel efficient and have decent backup from the manufacturer should it have any issues. Price is an obvious consideration so we set the bar at R150 000 including some form of service plan – even if it’s an optional extra.

Other key components that need to be installed are ABS and dual front airbags. Without further adieu and in no specific order, here’s our best budget buys.

Best Budget Cars in SA

Renault Sandero Expression R129 900

The Renault Sandero offers up excellent value, space and kit. It’s built in Romania now instead of India, and apparently that has improved its build quality. It has USB and Aux support for the techies and to keep you safe there’s dual airbags and stability control – quite rare in this segment. Read More

Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL R126 900

The Suzuki Celerio is all about space. It’s a small car that’s particularly big on the inside with excellent pricing. Electric windows all round are standard as is a decent audio system with USB and Aux. Fuel consumption is claimed at 4.7L/100km so you won’t be diving into fuel stations every day. Read more

Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL R146 400

The Suzuki Swift is an excellent drive with good road holding dynamics. It’s a fun car and doesn’t lack features. The interior is well put together and covers all the basics to connect your phone or MP3 devices. It has near bulletproof reliability but the boot is a little on the small side. Read more

Toyota Etios 1.5 Xs R146 500

The Toyota Etios is a much improved vehicle from the first model we tested back in 2012. Improvements to the interior have steadily improved the car whilst the 1.5-Litre petrol engine remains a strong selling point. If you have any problems with your Toyota, there is no shortage of places to take it with its vast dealer network. Read More

Volkswagen Take up! R137 600

Whilst the Take up! is the lower specced up! if you add the right extras you can get it at less than the more expensive Move up! The up! is a funky three-door that’s cool to drive and feels upmarket inside. The options however, can be costly and VW’s tend to be pricier than the competition. Read More