Looking for a chilled drive on a shoestring? We list the new, affordable automatic cars available in South Africa for under R200k.
Sit back, relax and let the car do the work! Automatic cars have much to offer, especially if you live and travel within the confines of the city. Not only are automatic cars easier to drive but they also take the stress out of changing gears continuously, particularly if you crawl through traffic jams on a regular basis. Advances in transmission technology have also led to improvements in fuel efficiency, to the point where some small automatic cars are actually more efficient than their manual siblings.
To make your life easier, we have created a list of the cheapest small automatic cars currently on sale in South Africa, all of which are currently priced under R200k.
Please note that the BAIC D20 has not been tested by Cars.co.za and we are therefore can’t include it in this list or recommend it.
Pricing is accurate as of September 2021.
Cheap Automatic Cars in SA for Under R200k
Suzuki S-Presso GL+ Automatic / S-Edition – From R175 900
Since its local arrival in early 2020, the Suzuki S-Presso is now a common sight on our roads. Buyers looking for an automatic S-Presso can choose between the GL+ (R175 900) or the range-topping S-Edition (R184 900). Under the bonnet you will find a naturally-aspirated, 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine offering 50 kW and 90 Nm and comes mated with a 5-speed automated manual transmission. In terms of fuel efficiency, The S-Presso is hard to beat with a claimed figure of 4.9 L/100km.
Key features:
- Safety: Driver and passenger airbag, ABS with EBD
- Interior: 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth and USB support
- Space: Load bay measures 239 litres (claimed)
- Service and warranty: The S-Presso is sold with a 2-year/30 000km service plan and a 5-year/200 000 km warranty.
- Estimated monthly payment: From R3 363 over 60 months with 10% deposit and 10% interest
Suzuki dealerships regularly offer specials. View new car specials here!
Verdict: The quirky Suzuki S-Presso offers a charming mix of standard features and practicality. Due to its low kerb weight, it feels nippy and agile to drive but owners at higher altitudes are likely to experience a significant reduction in performance when fully loaded with passengers and luggage. Note that overtaking will also require some forward planning to execute safely. Suzuki is also well-known for its reliability and generally delivers excellent after-sales service. The notable 5-year/200 000 km warranty should also give buyers some added peace of mind.
Buy a new or used Suzuki S-Presso on Cars.co.za
Renault Kwid 1.0 Dynamique Auto – From R190 400
Renault introduced a revamped Kwid to market in 2019 and buyers seeking an affordable small automatic car for under R200k have the Kwid Dynamique automatic to consider from R190 400. The Kwid is powered by the familiar 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine that offers 50 kW and 91 Nm of torque and is equipped with an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). Renault claims that the AMT version is more fuel-efficient than the manual with a claimed consumption figure of 4.4 L/100 km, making it the most fuel-efficient (claimed) car on this list.
Key features
- Safety: Driver and passenger airbag, ABS
- Interior: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth and USB support
- Space: Boot space measures 279 litres
- Service and warranty: 5-year/150 000km warranty
- Estimated monthly payment: From R3 641 over 60 months with 10% deposit and 10% interest
Renault dealerships regularly offer specials. View new car specials here!
Verdict: We previously tested the Kwid automatic and found its AMT to be lurchy and too compromised. To drive the Kwid AMT smoothly takes as much concentration as it would in a manual car, so why bother? Furthermore, the integral hill-hold function of a normal (torque-converter-type) automatic is also missing in the Kwid, so when pulling away on upward slopes you have to use the handbrake or brakes to avoid rolling back (again, similar to driving a manual car).
Buy a new or used Renault Kwid on Cars.co.za
Hyundai Atos 1.1 Motion Automatic – From 194 900
It’s almost been 3 years since Hyundai reintroduced the Atos nameplate in South Africa as a standalone manual derivative which was followed by the Atos Cargo in 2021. Many consumers, however, prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission and as such, the Atos can now be had with a 5-speed Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT).
The engine under the bonnet is the familiar 1.1-litre, 4-cylinder unit mustering outputs of 50 kW and 99 Nm. The AMT-equipped Atos carries a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.9 L/100km which will appeal to buyers who are looking to save money at the pumps.
Key features:
- Safety: 2 airbags, ABS with EBD
- Interior: 7-inch touchscreen infotainment, air conditioning, mounted steering wheel controls, multi-information display, Bluetooth, USB/Aux ports and electric windows.
- Space: Load capacity at 235 litres
- Service and warranty: 5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty, 7-year/200 000 drivetrain warranty and 1-year/15 000km service plan.
- Estimated monthly payment: R3 727 over 60 months with 10% deposit and 10% interest
Hyundai dealerships regularly offer specials: View new car specials here!
Verdict: The Hyundai Atos represents decent value for money and is backed by a strong brand reputation while also offering good levels of refinement in this segment. Hyundai’s comprehensive warranty will also add further peace of mind.
Search for a new / used Hyundai Atos on Cars.co.za
