Budget beaters for under R200 000
Interest rates have gone up and the focus is returning to affordability when it comes to buying a new car. Imperial Auto has done the research for new-car buyers, asking the many brands in its stable for advice on the best buys under R200 000.
Here’s what they found out…
Hop to it with a hot hatch…
There are a few options under R200,000 in this class, including the fabulously retro Fiat 500 and the Honda Brio. We love new kid on the block, the Opel Adam, because new car buyers are able to customise their car to match their style, taste and personality (although these customisations do add to the entry price of R191 800).
The Adam is petite enough to be perfect for playing about over the weekend, but is also sassy enough to deliver the perfect urban driving experience. It’s more than just super-sexy though – the Adam includes three airbag systems that protect drivers and passengers, as well as being one of the first cars in its class to offer dual seatbelt pre-tensioners on the front seats.
Fast facts about the Opel Adam:
· Power (kW@r/min) 74@6000
· Torque (Nm@r/min) 130@4000
· Transmission 5 speed manual
· Fuel consumption 5.3 l/100km (combined cycle)
· Fuel tank 35 litres
· Other features Daytime running lights, cruise control, speed limiter, electric windows, split folding rear seats
Super sedans under R200 000
There are a number of great choices in the sedan sector, including the Toyota Etios from R143 900, the Honda Brio sedan, the Chevrolet Aveo from R151 000 and the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, but the Nissan Almera, from R186 000 gets the edge on the others with its three year, 60 000km service plan and its spacious 490 litre boot.
The Almera offers generous legroom and headroom, providing the perfect balance of space for the driver, passengers and luggage, feeling like a big car but offering the economy of a small one. The vehicle’s four-speaker audio system features Bluetooth audio streaming, MP3 and USB connectivity – with compatible controls on the steering wheel keeping you in safe and complete control wherever you drive.
Fast facts about the Nissan Almera:
· Power (kW@r/min) 73@6000
· Torque (Nm@r/min) 134@4000
· Transmission 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic
· Fuel consumption 6.3 l/100km (combined cycle)
· Fuel tank 41 litres
· Other features Electric power steering, onboard computer, ABS, EBD
Perfect people movers under R200 000
There are some heavy-hitters in this class, including the Toyota Avanza which starts at R199 800, but the Honda Mobilio, at R188 000, is sexier, has a more modern design, better fuel consumption and a slightly stronger engine.
Unlike many other three-row seat designs, the Mobilio boasts full seating positions at the rear, with more than adequate leg and head room. Access is also more convenient thanks to a large rear-door aperture, and the one-touch, slide-and-fold action of the second row seats.
All models come standard with dual front driver and passenger air-bags.
Fast facts about the Honda Mobilio:
· Power (kW@r/min) 88@6600
· Torque (Nm@r/min) 145@4600
· Transmission 5 speed manual
· Fuel consumption 6.1 l/100km (combined cycle)
· Fuel tank 42 litres
· Other features ABS, EBD, ACE, central locking, dual front airbags
Bang-for-your-buck bakkies
If you’re looking for a robust utility vehicle under R200 000, there are several options to choose from, including the Chevrolet Utility (from R143 900) and the Nissan NP300 Hardbody (from R166 900).
However, our pick of this particular bunch is the Mitsubishi Triton, which starts at R179 990, and comes with a standard service and maintenance plan, along a Euro NCAP four star rating.
The one-tonne Triton SC Hi Rider comes standard with double-walled rear body, High Rider Suspension, and a tilt-adjustable and collapsible steering column.
Fast facts about the Mitsubishi Triton:
· Power (kW@r/min) 97@5250
· Torque (Nm@r/min) 202@4000
· Transmission 5 speed manual
· Fuel consumption 6.1 l/100km (combined cycle)
· Fuel tank 75 litres
· Other features ABS, EBD, dual front airbags, front door impact bars, 3 year / 100,000km manufacturer’s warranty and 5 year / 75,000km service plan
Get serious about SUVs and crossovers
There are no SUVs available on the South African market under R200 000, but if you’re willing to stretch just a little, the Renault Duster is within your reach for R213 900. However, if you’re sticking to you budget, there are a couple of crossover options that are well within your reach.
The Toyota Etios Cross starts at R168 000, but if you’re willing to pay a little more, the Renault Sandero Stepway offers slightly better value for money with its two year/30 000km service plan, and five year / 150 000km mechanical warranty. Its engine design is inspired by Formula 1 technology, giving you added oomph when you need it the most, along with a range of nice-to-have technologies included as standard.
Fast facts about the Renault Sandero Stepway:
· Power (kW@r/min) 66@5250
· Torque (Nm@r/min) 135@2500
· Transmission 5 speed manual
· Fuel consumption 5.4 l/100km (combined cycle)
· Fuel tank 50 litres
· Other features ABS, EBD, hill start assist, driver and passenger front and side airbags, electric windows, reverse parking sensors, eco mode.
With such a broad range of great new vehicles available under R200 000, there’s surely no time like the present to find the car of your dreams – or that meets all the needs of your family or business. Visit Imperial Auto to find out more.
For full reviews on any of these cars visit Women on Wheels Car Reviews page.