Every Compact Crossover in SA for Under R300k in 2025
In the market for a pocket-friendly compact crossover? We’ve rounded up all the models available for under R300 000 in South Africa in 2025.
The South African compact-crossover segment is booming, with not only several established automakers introducing new models to our market, but box-fresh crossovers from newcomer brands joining the fray. Noteworthy, an array of these are positioned as more value-based offerings. We’ve rounded up the most affordable (up to R300 000) compact crossovers in South Africa as of August 2025.
1. Nissan Magnite – from R246 200
Image: Nissan
The Magnite was introduced to South Africa in 2021 and received a mid-cycle refresh in 2024. Noteworthy, the updated model recently received a full five-star safety rating at the Global NCAP vehicle safety assessment programme – a significant step up on the two stars achieved by the pre-facelifted model.
The local Magnite range comprises 10 models, which includes a panel van derivative, and is available with the choice of two 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine options: a naturally aspirated unit producing 53 kW/96 N.m and a turbocharged unit endowed with 74 kW and 152 N.m of torque. Depending on the powertrain, this India-built crossover sends drive to its front axle via either a five-speed manual, automated manual (AMT) with the same number of cogs, or CVT.
2. Renault Kiger – from R249 999
Image: Renault
Short on the heels of the Magnite is its Renault step-cousin, the Kiger. Sharing its underpinnings with the former compact crossover, the Kiger is available with the same engine and transmission options. In fact, the most affordable of the seven-strong Kiger lineup’s drivetrain specifications are similar to the cheapest Magnite’s. However, the turbocharged Kiger, which is priced from R319 999, churns out a touch more torque (160 N.m).
3. Citroën C3 – from R252 900
Image: Citroën
A trio of C3s are available in our market, with the least expensive costing R252 900. This model employs a 60 kW/115 N.m 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-pot and is equipped with a five-speed manual cog swapper.
However, if you’re willing to stretch beyond your R300 000 budget, you can have the 81 kW/2025 N.m 1.2-litre turbo-triple model for R302 900. In addition, this derivative is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
4. Mahindra XUV 3XO – from R259 999
Image: CAR magazine
The XUV 3XO impressed the CAR team in its December 2024 road test. However, the model we tested was the range-topping, AX7L derivative, which is priced from R404 999. So, if your budget can’t stretch that far, for under R300 000 you can still have the MX2 in manual or auto guise, or MX3 manual. The most affordable of the trio, the MX2 manual, is priced from R259 999.
Noteworthy, the only real difference between the XUV 3XO models is the number of standard equipment they ship with. All models employ a punchy 1.2-litre turbo-triple, which produces 82 kW and 200 N.m of torque, and can be had with either a six-speed manual (bar the flagship variant) or automatic transmission with the same number of cogs.
5. Hyundai Exter – from R269 900
Image: Hyundai
The Exter lineup comprises five derivatives, priced from R269 900 to R334 900. All models employ a 61 kW/114 N.m 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which can be had with either a five-speed manual or AMT. For under R300 000, you can have the manual-equipped Premium or Executive variant, or the AMT Premium. Sweetening the deal is Hyundai South Africa’s seven-year/200 000 km warranty.
6. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – from R269 900
Image: Chery
In June 2025, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro claimed the top spot as South Africa’s best-selling Chinese car. The local Tiggo 4 range comprises eight derivatives, priced from R269 900 to R386 900.
Two 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine options are on offer: a naturally aspirated unit producing 83 kW/138 N.m and a turbocharged variant churning out 108 kW/210 N.m. While the former is available with a five-speed manual or CVT, the latter can also be had with a seven-speed dual-clutch ’box.
7. Citroen C3 Aircross – from R279 900
Image: CAR magazine
The more family-focused of the C3 family, the Aircross derivative can be had from R279 900. The entry-level, Plus model is exclusively available with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-pot and a manual transmission, while the five- and seven-seater Max derivatives are powered by a turbo-triple, coupled with a six-speed auto ’box. The latter models are considerably more expensive, though – R369 900 and R379 900, respectively.
8. MG ZS – from R289 900
Image: CAR magazine
The MG ZS launched in South Africa in February 2025. Serving as the opening gambit to the automaker’s local crossover/SUV portfolio, the two-strong lineup is priced from R289 900. A single engine option is employed across the range and is exclusively equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-pot produces 84 kW and 150 N.m.
9. Suzuki Fronx – from R298 900
Image: CAR magazine
The Fronx was the seventh best-selling passenger car in South Africa in June 2025, with 1 112 customers putting pen to paper for Suzuki’s popular compact crossover. The Fronx is powered by the Japanese marque’s familiar (K15B) 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol powertrain, coupled with either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto. The naturally aspirated unit produces 77 kW and 138 N.m of torque, and sips a claimed 5.5 L/100 km in the manual variant and 5.7 L/100 km in the automatic model.
10. Toyota Starlet Cross – from R299 900
Image: Toyota
The Starlet Cross is based on the Suzuki you’ve just read about, and is available with the same engine and transmission options. While the Fronx is sold with a five-year/200 000 km warranty (the Toyota features a three-year/100 000 km item), the Toyota counters with a more expansive dealership network and badge appeal.
11. Kia Sonet – from R299 995
Image: Kia
The least expensive Sonet in Kia South Africa’s product portfolio, the LS six-speed manual derivative is exclusively equipped with a 85 kW/144 N.m 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. LS spec is also available with a CVT, though this variant is priced R24 995 more than R300 000.
Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!
Related
The post Every Compact Crossover in SA for Under R300k in 2025 appeared first on CAR Magazine.
The Car Guide
Comments
Post a Comment