Many buyers prefer the convenience that an automatic transmission offers but if you are in the market for a new automatic mini SUV with a budget of no more than R300k, what are your options? Take a look at the cheapest automatic compact SUVs currently available in South Africa!
If you’re looking for the cheapest automatic compact SUVs on sale in South Africa for under R300k, this list is for you!
The small SUV is a hugely popular car in South Africa as they offer higher levels of practicality while also offering improved gravel-travel ability. The popularity of automatic transmissions is evident and while self-shifting offerings are generally pricier than their manual counterparts, there are some automatic compact SUVs on the market that will strike a chord with buyers looking for value and convenience at an attractive price.
Prices are accurate as of March 2025.
Cheapest Automatic Compact SUVs Under R300k in South Africa
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Visia Automatic – R263 200
The Nissan Magnite is the cheapest automatic compact SUV in South Africa! A mildly facelifted Magnite arrived in South Africa in 2024. The base Magnite derivatives are powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine with 53 kW and 96 Nm of torque and paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission.
Of course, you can still opt for the more powerful 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine delivering 74 kW and 152 Nm of torque. Buyers have the choice between a 5-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Two trim levels, Accenta and Accenta Plus are available to buyers. The range-topping Magnite Acenta Plus Automatic is priced from R410 700.
Read our review of the Nissan Magnite
See specification and pricing details for the Nissan Magnite
Buy a Nissan Magnite on Cars.co.za
Renault Kiger 1.0 Zen Automatic – R274 999
The Renault Kiger is offered with 2 automatic derivatives, with the Zen derivative being the cheapest at R274 999. The Kiger 1.0 Zen CVT automatic is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine with 52 kW and 96 Nm of torque. A more powerful turbocharged Kiger 1.0 Intens CVT automatic, priced from R359 999, is also available with outputs of 74 kW and 160 Nm.
See specification details for the Renault Kiger range
Read our review of the Renault Kiger
Buy a used Renault Kiger on Cars.co.za
Mahindra 3XO 1.2T MX2 Automatic – From R274 999
The new Mahindra 3XO is a popular choice for compact SUV buyers looking for value-for-money and the 3XO MX2 automatic is the cheapest automatic in the range with a price of R279 999.
The Mahindra 3XO is powered by a 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine that produces 82 kW and 200 Nm of torque and is paired with a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission. In addition to the base MX2 derivative, buyers can also opt for trim grades such as MX3, AX5, AX5L and the range-topping AX7L.
It’s worth mentioning that the Mahindra 3XO 1.2T MX2 was a finalist in the Budget Car category 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards.
See specification details for the Mahindra 3XO
Buy a used Mahindra 3XO on Cars.co.za
Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX Automatic – R293 900
The Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GLX automatic slips in under the R300k mark but its truly compact dimensions make it one of the smaller cars on this list.
The Ignis makes use of a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 61 kW and 113 Nm of torque and comes paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, or a 5-speed manual if you prefer.
See specification details for the Suzuki Ignis
Buy a used Suzuki Ignis on Cars.co.za
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT Automatic – R299 900
Chery bolstered its local Tiggo 4 range with a new entry-level automatic derivative, the Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT automatic! It’s powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with 83 kW and 138 Nm of torque and is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). You can also opt for the higher-specced Tiggo 4 Comfort automatic which is priced from R359 900.
Read our review of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
See specification details for the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
Buy a used Chery Tiggo 4 Pro on Cars.co.za
