Preparing to get your first car can get stressful.
It gets even more stressful when you are car shopping alone.
The pertinent question in this experience is: what specifications do you want to prioritise?
The last thing one wants to do is to buy a car they will either outgrow quickly or not like within the first five years of ownership.
How much space do you need? Which brand do you like? Do you want an interior that’s to die-for? What is your budget? How fuel efficient should it be?
These are the questions a car salesperson might ask you in your search.
Your answers might be too ambitious for your reality, especially because there has been rising inflation, fuel costs and currency fluctuations altogether.
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Last year’s Transunion report shows an 8.5% decrease in financed vehicles and a 9.1% drop in new passenger vehicle sales as consumers opt for cheaper, older, used vehicles and alternative financing.
However, experts warn that just because things have gotten more expensive, buying an affordable car doesn’t have to mean that you should compromise on safety, technology and quality.
Usually, the price cap for the entry-level category is R250 000 and even this is guided by eligibility factors that include an anti-lock braking system, dual front airbags and a service plan.
According to cars.ca.za, the pillars of success for this category include fuel economy, value for money (the standard features the better), practicality and brand strength.
Motoring expert, Juliet Mcquire tells Drum at the recent cars.co.za awards ceremony that sales and experts have listed Suzuki swift as the number one entry-level hatch, scooping an award in this category with Suzuki Celerio, Renault Kiger as runners-up.
“It looks really cool, and it drives so beautifully because there’s also the swift sport. It’s fun, it has everything you need. Budget wise, it’s definitely my number one.”
- Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX
The Suzuki Swift is the Japanese firm’s most popular model in the new-vehicle market and the brand has notably won the Budget Car category of the #CarsAwards 4 times (3 times with a Swift derivative). Plus, in the 2021/21 programme, the Swift 1.2 GL was named the winner of the entry-level car category.
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The Swift is technically a B-segment hatchback (which makes it a more substantial car than most entry-level offerings) and in 1.2 GLX guise, the Swift offers a good spread of standard features while delivering a pleasing driving experience, nippy performance and miserly fuel consumption. The Swift represents excellent value; its 2-year service plan is a plus, but the 5-year/200 000 km warranty is the clincher.
- Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL
It ticks the boxes for a value-for-money model with surprising cabin spaciousness, a relatively long spec list and a fuel-efficient petrol engine. The Celerio is backed by 2-time #CarsAwards brand of the year winner Suzuki SA’s excellent after-sales support.
- Renault Kiger 1.0 Zen
Renault SA has shifted its product focus to crossovers, which has seen the Indian-made Kiger achieve remarkable sales success in the new-vehicle market.
The Kiger offers attractive crossover-inspired looks, combined with a modern cabin and a healthy dose of practicality. The 1.0 Zen derivative is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine that delivers a good balance of performance and economy.
