Top four best-buy budget options for October 2022

Each month we recommend four best-buy budget options limited by a fixed price and year of production. This month we have the Renault Kwid, Datsun Go, Hyundai Grand i10 and Suzuki Celerio pitted against each other. With a budget of R120 000 and a production date no earlier than 2019, these may be the best bang-for-buck used budget options in SA. 

First up on our budget best-buy list, we have the Renault Kwid, which showed so much enthusiasm when it was released, with its funky looks, standard kit and low price tag of between R120 000 and R130 000. Appealing to young, first-time buyers, it was an instant hit. The Kwid is perfectly suited for South African motorists who put fuel economy first when purchasing a vehicle. With efficiency in mind, its performance of  50 kW of power and 91 N.m of torque won’t set the world alight. It will sprint from a dead stop to 100 km/h in 13,67 seconds and continue onto 152 km/h.

Image: Renault

The Kwid embodies a simple modern design, with a bold structured grille that highlights the Renault diamond logo, it is one of the most affordable pieces of French automotive machinery you could find. The cabin has useful features such as an excellent 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, electric front windows and mirrors. What was originally omitted from the model is one of the most important safety features: an ABS system. A facelift was introduced in late 2019 with redesigned front, ABS and dual airbags as standard with larger 14-inch wheels. If you need to spend less, lower than R80 000, you will have to settle for the earlier version. With our R120 000 budget, you can purchase the much improved new model.

Fast Facts:

• Price: R119 900 
• Year: 2020
• Engine: 0,9-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine
• Gearbox: 5-speed manual 
• Fuel Consumption: 5,64 L/100 km 
• Power/Torque: 50 kW/91 N.m

Placing second on our best-buy list is the Datsun Go. The first generation of Go was introduced in 2014 with the follow-up model arriving in 2019 with a raft of improvements in feel, safety equipment and the infotainment system. The safety improvement of the Go mimics that of the Kwid. In 2019, both airbags and ABS were added and the wheel size increased from 13 to 14-inch. LED lighting made an appearance as well.  The touch infotainment has Apple and Android capabilities, all aimed at appealing to a new, younger generation of drivers.

Image: Datsun

Offering a naturally aspirated 1,2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine with 50 kW of power and 104 N.m of torque, power is sent to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. The torque puts it above others for better acceleration while overtaking.

Fast Facts:

• Price: R119 990
• Year:  2019
• Engine: 1,2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine
• Power/Torque: 50 kW/104 N.m
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Fuel Consumption: 6,24 L/100km 

The Hyundai Grand i10 was originally launched in 2014 with a facelifted version appearing in 2017. The Latest Grand i10 arrived in 2021, further raising the bar with improved looks but with the same choice of engines from before. The Hyundai i10 has long been one of this country’s best-selling city cars. This Korean contender achieved that distinction in its original guise by being affordable and fuel efficient. Owing to the popularity of this small Hyundai and its impressive build quality, the prices are higher than some of its rivals. 

Image: Hyundai

While the large 4-Cylinder, 1,2 -litre powering the larger model with greater power and smoothness, you may have to lower your expectations and opt for the 3-Cylinder 1,0-litre to save money and fit within the tight budget. Producing an output of 48 kW of power and 94 N.m of torque, it can propel the Korean model onto a top speed of 155 km/h. The budget option will not come with a touchscreen infotainment system but does receive dual airbags, ABS, steering wheel-mounted controls, including phone functionality all come as standard. The ride quality on the i10 is commendable for its segment, with a decent-sized interior as well. 

Fast Facts:

• Price: R119 900
• Year:  2019
• Engine: 1,0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine
• Power/Torque: 48 kW/94 N.m
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Fuel consumption: 6,50 L/100km 

Lastly, we have the Suzuki Celerio, which won the Top 12 budget category in 2017 and 2018. The 2020 model offers a mild cosmetic facelift that was introduced in 2018. Suzuki has become a small, affordable mobility expert and the Celerio has retained its trademark. While the compact Japanese model might look small and unsteady on its wheels, it is much more impressive on the road. It’s easy to manoeuvre courtesy of a light body which offers a tight turning circle of just 9,4 metres.

Image: Suzuki

The Suzuki Celerio features a high-mount gear shift and high-hip points that produce good all-round visibility to further enhance ease of driving. The high seating position and large side door opening also facilitate entry and exit. The exterior styling of the Celerio is as conservative as the interior but the ride quality is good, with 165 mm ground clearance providing more space for tackling bumps and curbs. The engine has the same power as the Kwid and the Datsun, producing 50 kW but dropping in pulling effort against its competitors, torque output is a meagre 90 N.m.

If possible, look at the GL spec, which includes several added features such as Bluetooth audio, electric mirrors and windows, a rev counter and remote locking.

Fast Facts:

•  Price: R119 900
• Year:  2020
• Engine: 1,0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine
• Power/Torque: 50 kW/90N.m
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Fuel consumption: 5,60 L/100 km

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