There has been considerable financial pressure on most households in South Africa during the pandemic to date. The fuel price keeps climbing, making it worse on consumers’ pockets. All the more reason to start thinking of getting rid of that old fuel guzzler and look for affordable fuel-efficient cars in 2022.1
Rising fuel prices1
According to the Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA), all fuel prices began to peak in December 2021. The problem was domestic due to the weakening rand and not international oil price trends. Wheels24 searched the AutoTrader website for affordable fuel-efficient cars, and the following cars are shown below for you to consider.
The vehicles listed in this article are especially affordable if purchased second hand. There are also many budget cars that offer excellent fuel efficiency to consider that are not listed in this article.
Sports coupe–BMW 220i1
Those who love 2-door cars will undoubtedly be pleased with the BMW 2 Series. The entry-level 220i is striking because of its affordable price for some South African motorists. This sports coupe comes with a high-performance 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, consuming a claimed 5.5 litres/100 km and a 900-km range when driven gently. The 2.0-litre Audi TT would be a great alternative, and those full of adventure could choose an older depreciated Peugeot RCZ.
Sedan–Audi A4 2.0TDI1
For the ‘sedan’ enthusiasts, the manufacturer of the Audi A4 2.0TDI model claims diesel consumption at 4.1 litres/100 km. The 54-litre tank provides a 1300-km range. Other sedan alternatives to choose from are the much-admired BMW 320d and the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI.
Bakkie–Ford Ranger 2.2TDCi Double Cab Hi-Rider XLT Auto1
For those bakkie lovers that go for the tremendous torque provided by a 3.0-litre engine, preferably choose a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder TDCi Ranger that will save much diesel. This double cab with automatic transmission will be less than R500 000 and will be launched as a completely new version in 2022.
Ford Ranger is the most popular1
Ford Rangers with the XLT specification provide all the comfort you may need and have a claimed fuel consumption of 7.7 litres/100 km with a 1000-km range.
Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)–Kia Sportage 2.0CRDi EX1
Regarding the SUV section, the Kia Sportage is excellent, with the petrol version consuming possibly more than the diesel one. However, the diesel variant 2.0CRDi is first prize regarding fuel consumption, with a claimed 6.3 litres/100 km providing a 1000-km range. The Sportage comes with automatic transmission and is ideal for going on holiday due to its spacious interior and boot. Another model to try is the Hyundai Tucson.
Hatchback–Volkswagen Polo GTI1
Although the Volkswagen Polo GTI has a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, it provides a surprisingly reasonable fuel consumption of a claimed 5.9 litres/100 km, with a 700-km range. This is provided that the car is driven gently. This reliable 5-door car has excellent comfort and handling and comes in at less than R500 000.
Saving on fuel will make a difference to your monthly budget, but so will cost-effective car insurance. Does it make sense to buy a new car to save on your future fuel bills? That’s up to you to discuss with your certified financial advisor.
Either way, your car deserves excellent financial protection, and this is where Prime South Africa comes into play with their affordable car insurance products that come with unique benefits like fixed premiums* and a reduce to zero excess*. Contact them and find out more.
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