SUVs you could get for R750K or less in South Africa

January 30, 2023

Sports Utility vehicles, in previous years, were often seen as overly-large, thirsty behemoths for the road. More recently, they have emerged as a more common sight on the streets of South Africa and have replaced the likes of hatchbacks and estates as the go-to family car for many. Here are our best picks for new SUVs available for under R750 000.

Many of the world’s automotive manufacturers have subsequently entered the SUV market with their own offerings, meaning there’s no better time to be in the market for the pumped-up models. While the entry-level SUV segment is booming with new entrants arriving almost monthly, we decided to dabble in more premium options. From the popular Audi Q3 to the high-tech Kia Sportage and the ever stylish Alfa Romeo Tonale, the options are vast.

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Distinction: R496 900

The Chery comes equipped with a 1,6-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that produces 145 kW of power and 290 N.m of torque. This is paired with a 7-speed automated dual-clutch transmission that sends power to the front wheels. For a car its size, it carries its weight well with the eager motor ready to propel the mass forwards with the push of the accelerator pedal. Thanks to the soft steering wheel, the sizable Tiggo is also very easy to manoeuvre. For its asking price, it offers an impressive value-for-money proposition, further accentuated when stepping inside with an executive level of comfort and high-end tech.

Image: Chery

Haval H6 GT: R629 950

Second on the list from a Chinese manufacture is the Haval H6 GT. Fitted exclusively with a tuned 2,0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 155 kW and 325 N.m which offers five more kW of power and 5 more N.m of torque compared to the standard derivative. Power is delivered through a 7-speed DCT and the model comes standard with a torque-on-demand 4WD system. The Haval H6 GT is not only a performance SUV but it is also practical with a commodious interior and sufficient boot space, 392 litres to be exact. Tech filled, the H6 GT is also equipped with the latest safety tech and driver assistance features, including Automatic Emergency Braking, with pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. A 360-degree surround-view camera system also comes as standard in sporty SUV.

Image: Haval

Volvo XC40 B4 Essential: R718 900

A young member of the XC family that boasts a 2,0-litre petrol engine that produces 145 kW of power and a max torque of 300 N.m. Power is sent to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The XC40 has expressive styling, including textile and vinyl interior upholstery and the option of contrast-coloured white roof and door mirrors, along with white and black alloy wheels. In terms of technology, the XC40 brings the award-winning safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies known from the new 90- and 60 models to the small SUV segment. Like its larger siblings, the XC40 highlights the transformational effect of these new, in-house developed technologies on brand and profitability.

Image: Volvo

Kia Sportage 1,6 GT Line S: R734 995

The past success of the Sportage is deeply rooted in a mindset of constant reinvention. Under the new Kia brand, the fifth-generation Sportage once again brings an innovation that elevates the brand to the next level. Offering a 1,6-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 132 kW of power and 265 N.m of torque paired to a 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. The all-new Kia Sportage provides an impressive array of safety technology featuring both passive and active high-tech systems, including Kia’s world-renowned comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Image: Kia

Alfa Romeo Tonale: R739 900

Intended for a young, metropolitan and dynamic customer, the Alfa Romeo Tonale offers a distinctive, sensual and forward-looking design. Its exterior retains a familiar three-headlamp design while the iconic Alfa shield sits proudly in the centre of the front fascia for the marques first foray into the world of electrification. A broad air intake in the apron complemented the cooling for the engine and battery pack. Powering the Tonale Hybrid is a 1,5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 48-volt battery. It produces a combined power of 118 kW and 240 N.m of torque.

Inspired by Alfa Romeo’s racing history, the interior is strongly focused on the driver, with easy access to all controls for a safe, unparalleled driving experience. As standard, Tonale comes with a built-in and all-new infotainment system. This system includes a fully digital 12,3-inch screen, the main 10,25-inch touchscreen unit, and a smooth, sophisticated multitasking interface, keeping everything at a glance without distracting your attention from the road.

Image: Alfa Romeo

Audi Q3 40 TFSI Quattro Advanced: R741 900

The new Audi Q3 looks bears more sporty presence than the model it replaces, producing 140 kW of power and a maximum torque of 320 N.m of torque, power is transmitted to all the wheels through a 7-speed Dualclutch Automatic gearbox. With a sporty character, taut lines, and three-dimensionally styled elements. The Singleframe in octagon design and large side air inlets characterize the masculine front end. Eight vertical bars divide up the radiator grille with its striking frame and reflect the SUV character, the interior continues the design of the exterior and echoes in many ways the brand’s full-size models.