The Cheapest and Efficient Cars for Sale in South Africa in 2023

Fuel prices are ever on the increase, placing household budgets under much pressure. So, if you are looking to buy a new car in South Africa in 2023, there are even more reasons why you should choose a fuel-efficient and  cost-effective car. It can save you thousands of Rands annually. To guide you with your decisions, consult the below list of fuel-efficient cars selling for under R300,000. Fuel consumption figures, shown only as claimed and not tested, are listed in order of increasing amounts. Prices indicated are of June 2023. ¹

In 2021, Fiat launched an updated range of the Fiat 500 on the South African market. Three trim lines include the entry-level Cult, Club and Dolcevita. The well-known engine is the 0.9-litre TwinAir Turbopetrol, producing 63 kW of power and 145 Nm of torque, and connecting to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Fiat 500 starts at R260,900, and only the Cult and Club derivatives sell for less than R300,000. ¹

The completely new Suzuki Celerio is more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. At 4.2 litres/100 km, the automatic beats the 4.4 litres/100 km generated by the manual Celerio GA and Celerio GL. The Celerio engine, comprising a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine and producing 49 kW and 89 Nm, connects to either a 5-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automated manual transmission. The entry-level Celerio GA begins at R183,900, but the Celerio Automatic sells for R219,900. ¹

The Toyota Viz has landed on South Africa’s shores to replace Toyota’s first budget car, the Agya. The Viz and the Suzuki Celerio share a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine delivering 49 kW and 89 Nm and mated to either 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual transmission. Toyota claims 4.4 litres/100 km for the manual trim lines.  Price of the Vitz begins at R189,900. ¹

Suzuki is famous for manufacturing fuel-efficient cars. The Suzuki Dzire, Swift and Ignis all share a 1.2-litre petrol engine generating 61 kW and 113 Nm. It’s mated to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual transmission. But, the Suzuki S-Presso has a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine, producing 50 kW and 90 Nm.  The price range is S-presso (from R169,900): Celerio (from R183,900); Dzire sedan (from R198,900), Swift (from R199,900); and Ignis (from R217,900). ¹

The Renault Kwid has a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine delivering 50 kW of power and 91 Nm of torque. It’s mated to a 5-speed manual or automated manual (AMT) transmission that drives the front wheels. The three automatic derivatives across three trim levels include the Life, Zen, and Climber. ¹ Pricing of the Kwid begins at R184,999.

Kia introduced the crossover-based Picanto X-Line in 2021. This range includes two engines: a 1.0-litre engine generating 9 kW and 96 Nm and a 1.25-litre engine producing 61 kW and 122 Nm. Both engines connect to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The most fuel-efficient are the manual derivatives, with Kia claiming 5.0 L/100km. The price for the Picanto 1.0 Start is from R216,995, but the Picanto 1.2 X-Line sells for R266,995. ¹

Renault launched the new compact crossover, the Kriger, in 2021. It has a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine producing 74 kW and 160 Nm and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Kriger is also available with a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre petrol engine delivering 52 kW and 96 Nm. Renault Kiger 1.0 Turbo Zen is priced at R299 999. ¹

The article describes the most cheap and efficient cars for sale in South Africa in 2023. ¹

If you intend to buy one of these new fuel-efficient cars with bank finance, the law requires you to buy comprehensive car insurance. This is where we at PMD can come to your aid with our world-class client service. We’ll inform you about our affordable car insurance products. These include comprehensive and customised car insurance with fixed premiums* and reducing excess*. Both Comprehensive and customised car insurance apply only to cars under the age of 15 years, but age is no issue with our third-party PLUS car insurance. T’s and C’s apply.