The most fuel-efficient budget cars in South Africa in 2022

South African household budgets are struggling with increasing fuel prices. If your car is your only form of transport, it makes sense to consider buying a fuel-efficient car. The money you save daily adds up quickly. Unfortunately, because of the poor economy, most motorists won’t be able to afford expensive cars. That’s why fuel-efficient cars under R300,000 are listed below, in order of increasing fuel consumption. Please note that the fuel consumption figures provided are those claimed by the manufacturers and not actual consumption figures.¹

Fiat 500 Dolcevita – 3.8 L/100 km (starting at R223,900)

Fiat in South Africa launched a new range of Fiat 500 models in 2021. These include the entry-level Cult, Connect, Sport, and Dolcevita. Of all four derivatives, the Fiat 500 Dolcevita is the most fuel-efficient at 3.8 L/100 km, while the remaining three models consume fuel at 4 L/100 km. All derivatives have an 0.9-litre, TwinAir turbo petrol engine generating 63 kW power and 145 Nm torque and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Manual Transmission Automatic (MTA) is only available in the 500C Dolcevita cabriolet and 500 Dolcevita hardtop.¹

Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL Automatic – 4.2 L/100 km (R209,900)

Suzuki recently launched the brand-new Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL in South Africa with a fuel consumption of 4.2 L/100 km. The automatic has a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, producing 49 kW and 89 Nm and is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automated manual transmission.¹

Mahindra KUV100 Nxt 1.2 D75 K6+/K8 – 4.3 L/100 km (K6+ at R254,999)

The Indian manufacturer has provided South Africa with the spritely Mahindra KUV100 Nxt. The K6+ and K8 guise have a fuel consumption of 4.3 L/100 km. A 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine provides 61 kW of power and 115 Nm torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.¹

Toyota Agya 1.0 Manual – 4.8 L/100 km (starting at R196,100)

Toyota has introduced the new Agya as their entry-level budget car. It has a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine generating 49 kW power and 89 Nm torque. This is coupled to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The manual models have a fuel consumption of 4.8 L/100 km.¹

Suzuki DZire / Suzuki S-Presso / Suzuki Ignis / Suzuki Swift – 4.9 L/100 km (starting at R156,900)

The Suzuki Dzire, Swift, and Ignis share a 1,2-litre petrol engine producing 61 kW power and 113 Nm torque coupled to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automated manual transmission. The Suzuki S-Presso uses a 1.0-litre petrol engine that delivers 50 kW and 90 Nm. Fuel consumption stands at 4.9 L/100 km.¹

Renault Kwid – 4.9 L/100 km (starts from R177,999)

The manual and automatic derivatives share the same fuel consumption of 4.9 L/100 km. They both have a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine generating 50 kW power and 91 Nm torque and paired to a 5-speed manual or automated manual transmission. The three automatic derivatives are called Life, Zen, and Climber.¹

Kia Picanto 1.0 Manual / 1.2 Style / X-Line Manual – 5.0 L/100 km (starts from R202,995)

The new crossover-inspired Picanto X-Line range provides buyers with a choice of either a 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 49 kW / 90 Nm or a 1.25-litre petrol engine generating 61 kW / 122 Nm. The manual transmission models have the best fuel consumption at 5.0 L/100 km.¹

Disclaimer

The purpose of this article is to show the fantastic fuel efficiency of several budget cars selling under R300,000 in South Africa in 2022.¹

Before buying a financial services product, protect yourself by consulting a certified financial advisor for professional advice.

Sources:

1. 1. Most Fuel Efficient Budget Cars in SA