What are the fastest affordable cars in South Africa?

A ‘fast car’ is enjoyable while obeying all road laws, including speed limits. Are you looking to buy a new car? Please drive safely and always follow the rules that govern using a car on South Africa’s public roads. See below which car make, and model is the fastest in South Africa at under R500 000 (July 2021 prices).1 The seconds shown involve the time it takes for the car in question to reach 0 – 100 km/hr.

1. Volkswagen Polo GTI (R453 700, 6.7 seconds)

This Volkswagen Polo is currently the car that can accelerate the fastest in South Africa. This is due to a turbocharged, 2-litre petrol engine generating 147 kW power and 320 Nm torque, and mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission. What is even more exciting is that a new and faster Polo GTI will be released in 2022, with a time of 6.5 seconds.

2. Abarth 500 595 Turismo 1.4T (R402 569; 7.3 seconds)

They say that dynamite comes in small packets, and the Abarth 500 595 Turismo 1.4T is no exception. This small, perky car has a 1.4-litre, turbocharged petrol engine producing 121 kW of power and 206 Nm torque. It is connected to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a slower 5-speed automatic.

3. Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4T (R451 900; 7.7 seconds)

Although still up for sale in South Africa, the Giulietta has nonetheless come to the end of its production cycle. Its turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine generates 125 kW power and 250 Nm torque via a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.

4. Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4T (R349 900 manual; 8 seconds)

This thrifty Swift Sport produces 103 kW power and 230 Nm with a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine mated to either a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission. This hatchback is still the best performer in the market at this price.

5. Toyota Corolla 2.0 XR (R446 300 manual; 8 seconds)

The sedan is equipped with a naturally aspirated, 2-litre petrol engine delivering 125 kW power and 200 Nm torque via a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT derivative.

6. Mini Cooper Hatch 3-door (R489 654; 8.1 seconds)

A 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine of this 3-door hatchback delivers 100 kW of power and 220 Nm of torque and is married to 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

7. Volkswagen T-Roc 1.4 TSI 100kW Design (R489 400; 8.4 seconds)

The Volkswagen T-Roc is the fastest SUV available under R500k. Powered by a 1.4-litre, turbocharged petrol engine, it generates 110 kW power and 250 Nm torque via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

8. Volkswagen T-Cross 1.5 TSI 110kW R-Line (R458 000; 8.5 seconds)

Compared to the T-Roc, this smaller T-Cross has a 1.5-litre, turbocharged petrol engine with identical outputs of 110 kW and 250 Nm, but uses a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission instead.

9. Opel Corsa 1.2T Elegance (R386 900; 8.7 seconds)

Launched early in 2021, the new Corsa came with a 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 96 kW power and 230 Nm torque via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

10. Peugeot 208 1.2T Allure auto / GT (R379 900; 8.8 Seconds)

The Peugeot 208 hatchback, newly introduced in 2021, is powered by a turbocharged 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine. The top-of-the-range 208 GT (R424 900) generates 96 kW and 230 Nm.

Disclaimer

Because car insurance is complicated, this article can only provide information. If you want to buy a car insurance product, first consult a certified, financial adviser for professional advice.

Sources:

1. Fastest New Cars Under R500k in SA (2021)
2. Disclaimer