Are you looking for a budget car that is both reliable and frugal? Perhaps it's time to change cars or maybe your child now needs to spread their wings and drive themselves to school or university. We did a quick search on the CHANGECARS website and found a few standouts. Here are our top three budget car picks that you need to consider.
Suzuki Celerio
The latest Suzuki Celerio is a brand-new model from the ground up and as such it features a newly fledged exterior. Suzuki’s designers have replaced the bold and angular style of the previous Celerio with a new, more rounded and more deeply sculpted body. The new Celerio has a deep oval grill with large S-emblem and chrome highlights that stretch beyond the grille to the teardrop headlamps. This brightwork also disguises the fit lines of the lower moulded bumper, which help to create a bold and unified look. The lower black and body colour bumper houses the fog lights.
The Celerio is fitted with a new-generation version of its touch-screen infotainment system. This system is equipped with a USB port, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. It also features a host of smart vehicle notifications, alerts and information, such as instantaneous and average fuel consumption, fuel range and information from its integrated rear parking sensors.
The impressive fuel efficiency of just under 5l/100km of the 1 litre DualJet engine does not come at the expense of power delivery. The motor develops 49kW and 89Nm which we found to be adequate for the vehicle's intended purpose. The motor is eager to rev out, it's nippy and zippy and quite fun to drive.
Renault Kwid
The most popular offering within the segment, the Renault Kwid. The latest Renault Kwid overturns the established entry segment design cues thanks to its robust, stylish exterior plus a modern and inviting interior equipped with generous cabin space as well as features and fitments normally unattainable in its class. Not only is the latest Renault Kwid hatchback specifically designed to meet the needs of anyone looking to buy an affordable car, but also to make driving simpler.
The Renault Kwid boasts a surprising level of advanced technology – including standard aircon, electric front and rear windows and electrical adjustable door mirrors.
The bold and confidence-inspiring interior of the Kwid offers both style and practicality, featuring intuitive technology to ensure that driver and passengers stay connected, including a new MediaNav /multimedia system complete with a larger 8” touchscreen display, radio and Bluetooth connectivity, and the convenience of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Furthermore the Kwid features a reverse camera and park distance sensors.
Under the bonnet is a compact 1.0- litre 3-cylinder Smart Control efficiency engine powering the Kwid. It pushes out 50kW and maximum torque of 91Nm. This motor is paired to a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox, the best automatic entry offered in the South African market. The Kwid delivers an incredible 4.7 litres/100km and class leading 4.4 litres/100km with the AMT transmission.
Kia Picanto
One of the standout features of the Kia Picanto is its modern and sporty design. The car has a distinctive grille and sharp lines that give it a bold and athletic look. The Picanto is available in a variety of vibrant colours, including Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, and Pop Orange, which further adds to its youthful and fun image.
Despite its small size, the Kia Picanto has an impressive amount of interior space. It can comfortably seat up to four adults, with plenty of legroom and headroom. The car's seats are also designed to be comfortable, with soft-touch materials that provide a luxurious feel. The Picanto's trunk is also surprisingly spacious, with enough room to accommodate luggage and other belongings.
Powering the Picanto is a 1-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor that develops 61kW and 122Nm. In a car this small, it’s a perfect companion, providing adequate acceleration, decent overtaking ability and low fuel consumption figures.
Browse more options on the CHANGECARS website and find your next car form one of our many reputable dealers.
