Hyundai i10

Price: From R107 900

This unassuming yet solid contender within the budget category is well worth considering; it’s well built, it’s a great car to drive, and – assuming you don’t go for one of the base models, which lack ABS and airbags – it is safe too. Buy one of the 1,2-litre derivatives; this is an amazing little engine that has the power of some 1,3-litre motors, the torque of some 1,4-litre powerplants and yet it has a claimed fuel consumption of just 5,6 litres per 100 kilometres. A new Hyundai i10 is about to be launched.