I recently spent some time behind the wheel of the new Honda Amaze and I figured it’s not a bad new car choice for those looking for a relatively affordable compact sedan.
My advice, however, to those in the market for a vehicle, is to almost always advise to go second hand - you just get better value in the used car market. But I also do understand the appeal of a new car.
Sometimes you just want something straight out of the box and all the benefits of that - a full maintenance and service plan, for example.
So, with the aim of bringing you some sound motoring advice, I’ve rounded up some of my top new vehicle picks that will cost less than R4 500/month (based on the recommended selling price with no deposit, a 13.25% interest rate, and 72 month repayment period).
| Remember, these instalment calculations are only indicative estimates
and the author cannot be held responsible should your financial institution
provide you with prices which differ to those quotes here. |
Honda Amaze
As mentioned above, I had this car on test for a few days and I enjoyed it as much as a practical, B-segment sedan can be enjoyed.
It’s light on fuel and it has all the features that a modern driver would want including Bluetooth handsfree phone connectivity. I also like how Honda has upgraded the looks - it’s looking much more stylish that its predecessor.
Price: Starts at R179 900
Monthly cost: R3 635 p/m
Suzuki Ignis
Easily one of my favourite new cars out there right now, the Suzuki Ignis is for those who prefer something a little bit out of the ordinary.
It’s chunky looks and small(ish) stature make it very funky looking vehicle. I have always loved Suzukis and I have always lusted over a Jimny. That has always been out of my price range though. The Ignis is a good compromise.
Price: Starts at R176 900
Monthly cost: R3 574 p/m
Renault Kwid
Out of the Kwid Range, the best value is, in my opinion, is the 1.0-litre Dynamique. This little Renault is packed with features such as Renault’s 7-inch multimedia touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity for audio and hands-free calls, navigation and more.
It’s also a funky looking little thing, don’t you think?
Price: Starts at R132 500, but the Dynamique is R143 500
Monthly cost: R2 677 p/m, but the Dynamique would be R2 900 p/m
Nissan Micra Active
It’s a cute car. Ok, so that’s not a great reason to recommend a car, but luckily, the Micra Active is also packed with many reasons to consider it.
For one, it is essentially the previous Micra, so we know that it’s sturdy and reliable. And secondly, it has a large amount of safety features including driver and passenger airbags ABD with EBD and brake assist and remote central locking. A radio is not standard though. Which is a bummer.
Price: Starts at R179 900
Monthly cost: R3 635 p/m
Datsun Go and Go+
Look, I am as surprised as you are with this choice. I didn’t think I’d have a new Datsun in my list of recommended buys, but thanks to a revitalisation of the range and local brand, this is where we find ourselves.
When it launched in SA a couple of years ago, the Go was initially criticised for not having enough in terms of standard safety. The company has fixed that and now all Datsun Go models come with dual airbags and ABS. If you decide on the Go+ which is a wagon form of the Go you can get vehicle dynamics control. The Go also comes with Android Auto & Apple Car Play so at least music is taken care of.
Price: Go Mid starts at R149 600; Go+ Mid starts at R159 600
Monthly cost: Go mid is R3 023 p/m, Go+ is R3 225 p/m
So, there you have it. My picks for this price range. Some of you may scoff and laugh at it, but hey, I’ve been playing this game long enough to know that these are top choices. Go check them out for yourselves.
