Why does a list of the cheapest cars that are for sale in South Africa matter? South Africans are, generally, still short of disposable income, despite an improvement of the economic situation after President Ramaphosa’s recent election. Thus, most motorists are either exploring the second-hand car market for good deals or heading for the cheapest new cars on sale in South Africa in 2018. According to a February 2018 article by ‘Driveit’,1 the following 10 new cars are considered South Africa’s cheapest on sale in 2018.
1. Chery Qq3 0.8l Te (R99 995)
The Chery QQ3 TE has managed to claim the honour of being the cheapest car in South Africa in 2018. Despite this achievement, the car has a low power output of 38 kW and 70 Nm of torque, due to its small, 0.8-litre engine. 1 It covers the 100 km/h dash in 18.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 138 km/h. 2 The Chery is available as a 5-door hatchback, with its engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It lacks safety features such as airbags or ABS brakes.1 Fuel consumption is at 6.8 litres/100 km.
2. Datsun Go 1.2 Mid (R106 900)
Since its relaunch in South Africa in 2014, the Datsun Go has been quite a sought-after choice. However, it has no safety features.1 Its 1.2-litre engine provides 50 kW of power and 104 Nm of torque, and reaches 0-100 km/h in 13.3 seconds. Its top speed is 161 km/h. The engine is connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Its light weight and excellent fuel consumption of 5.2 litres/100 km makes the nippy Go, a great car for the city commuter. 3
3. FAW V2 1.3l Dlx (R114 995)
The Chinese FAW V2 has the standard safety features of two airbags and ABS brakes.1 The 1.3-litre engine provides 120 Nm of torque and 67 kW of power, which is the highest output of the top nine cars. The FAW V2 can reach a maximum of 166 km/h.
4. Tata Indica 1.4l Lgi (R118 995)
In contrast to the recent arrival of new Chinese brands onto the South African market, the Tata car has been in the country for quite some time. The car has only the minimum essentials to get you to your destination. Unfortunately, there are no airbags or ABS brakes. The 1.4-litre engine delivers 55 kW of power and a torque of 110 Nm. 1
5. Renault Kwid 1.0l Expression (R124 900)
Out of the top 10 cars, this smart-looking car is the only one from Europe. Although lacking ABS brakes, it does protect the driver with an airbag. 1 The power output of this 3-cylinder, 1-litre petrol engine is 50 kW, with a torque of 91 Nm. The claimed fuel consumption stands at a great 4.4 litres/100 km.4
6. Kia Picanto 1.0l (R129 995)
Although this popular car has a really small boot, the spacious interior compensates for it. It has an airbag for the driver, but lacks ABS brakes.1 The 1-litre engine pushes out 51 kW of power, with a torque of 94 Nm. The 0 – 100 km/h dash is accomplished in 14.3 seconds.
7. Suzuki Celerio 1.0l Ga (R132 900)
The Suzuki Celerio is the first car so far on the list that has ABS brakes and 2 airbags, thus setting the safety standard. With a power output of 50 kW, and 90 Nm of torque, this car can reach 100 km/h in 14.1 seconds.1
8. Chevrolet Spark 1.2l Curve (R140 700)
Besides the ABS brakes and two airbags, the Spark has EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution).1,5 Chevrolet made extra effort to enhance the safety of this car.
9. Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2l Gl (R149 900)
Since its entry onto the South African market in 2014, the Mirage has not enjoyed much popularity.1 Safety features include two airbags, and ABS brakes. Its 1.2-litre engine produces 57 kW, enabling it to reach a top speed of 180 km/h.
10. Baic D20 1.3 Comfort (R149 990)
This is car is new on the South African market, and looks like a Mercedes-Benz B-class. Of all the 10 cars mentioned, this is the most powerful, with its 1.3-litre engine delivering a 75 kW power output and 128 Nm of torque.1 Considering all 10 cars, it seems that safety is sacrificed in some cars to make them as affordable as possible. Understandably, South African motorists generally appear to be more concerned about the price of a car than its safety. This scenario could change, should safety features in cars become compulsory in South Africa one day.
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