If you’re in the market for a new car but have a budget of under R250 000, you’ll find a range of affordable options to choose from. Here’s a list of the 10 cheapest new cars available in South Africa in 2025, offering reliability, efficiency, and great value for money.
Cheapest New Cars Comparison Table
| Model | Engine | Power | Fuel Consumption | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Vitz 1.0 | 1.0L, 3-cylinder petrol | 51kW | 5.1 L/100 km | R178 800 |
| Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GA | 1.0L, 3-cylinder petrol | 50kW | 4.6 L/100 km | R188 900 |
| Suzuki S-Presso GL+ | 1.0L, 3-cylinder petrol | 50kW | 4.9 L/100 km | R189 900 |
| Renault Kwid 1.0 Life | 1.0L, 3-cylinder petrol | 50kW | 4.7 L/100 km | R196 999 |
| Proton Saga 1.3 Standard | 1.3L, 4-cylinder petrol | 70kW | 6.3 L/100 km | R209 900 |
| Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GA | 1.2L, 4-cylinder petrol | 61kW | 4.9 L/100 km | R217 900 |
| Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL | 1.2L, 3-cylinder petrol | 60kW | 4.9 L/100 km | R219 900 |
| Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Premium | 1.0L, 3-cylinder petrol (1.2L available) | 49kW (61kW in 1.2) | 5.5–5.9 L/100 km | R224 900 |
| Renault Triber 1.0 Life | 1.0L, 3-cylinder petrol | 52kW | 5.5 L/100 km | R228 999 |
| Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GL | 1.2L, 4-cylinder petrol | 61kW | 4.9 L/100 km | R237 900 |
The 10 Cheapest New Cars in South Africa
1. Toyota Vitz 1.0 – Starting at R178 800
The Toyota Vitz is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers, offering a spacious cabin, reliable performance, and impressive safety features. Toyota also provides a subscription option via Kinto One for added affordability.
2. Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GA – Starting at R188 900
Perfect for city driving, the Suzuki Celerio boasts excellent fuel efficiency and reliability. Since the Toyota Vitz is based on this model, you can expect similar performance and quality.
3. Suzuki S-Presso GL+ – Starting at R189 900
A small car with SUV-inspired styling, the Suzuki S-Presso is practical and fuel-efficient. With enhanced stability control, it now offers improved safety as well.
4. Renault Kwid 1.0 Life – Starting at R196 999
The Renault Kwid remains a top choice for first-time buyers thanks to its digital dashboard, affordability, and fuel efficiency.
5. Proton Saga 1.3 Standard Manual – Starting at R209 900
A compact sedan offering good fuel efficiency and a larger engine than most of the cars on this list. Although it’s relatively new to the market, early reviews suggest it’s a solid choice for budget buyers.
6. Suzuki Dzire 1.2 GA – Starting at R217 900
Essentially a sedan version of the Swift, the Dzire is an affordable and practical choice, offering good space and efficiency.
7. Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL – Starting at R219 900
The Swift remains a favorite among budget car buyers, offering an enjoyable drive, stylish looks, and excellent fuel efficiency.
8. Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Premium Hatch – Starting at R224 900
A refined city car with modern features and a sporty drive. The Grand i10 is also available as a sedan for those needing more space.
9. Renault Triber 1.0 Life – Starting at R228 999
A seven-seater that’s budget-friendly, making it ideal for larger families looking for an affordable yet practical vehicle.
10. Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GL – Starting at R237 900
The Suzuki Ignis is a compact crossover that’s fun to drive, with a stylish design and decent interior space.
Whether you’re looking for a compact city car, a fuel-efficient hatchback, or an affordable sedan, there are plenty of options under R250 000 in South Africa. These 10 models offer great value, ensuring you get reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality without breaking the bank.
Also Read: Smooth Rides, Small Budgets: The 10 Cheapest Automatic Cars in South Africa
Great Value Without Compromise
Choosing a budget-friendly car doesn’t mean compromising on quality. With a range of options available under R250 000, these 10 cheapest new cars offer the perfect balance of affordability, reliability, and practicality for South African drivers.
Whether you need a city runabout, a family-friendly option, or a stylish compact, you’ll find a model that suits your needs and budget. Make sure to consider your preferences for features, fuel efficiency, and space when making your decision—after all, great value is key when shopping for a new car.
