13 most affordable automatic compact SUVs in SA

Looking for a budget-friendly compact SUV but don’t want to row cogs yourself? Well, we have compiled a list of the most affordable compact crossovers equipped with automatic transmissions in South Africa. 

12=. Jaecoo J5 1.5T Core – from R339 900

Image: Jaecoo

The Jaecoo J5, which we sampled over the 2025/2026 festive season, employs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 115 kW and 230 N.m. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a CVT transmission. This drivetrain is employed across the four-strong local J5 model range, which is priced from R339 900 for the entry-level Core model.

12=. Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Street + – from R339 900

Image: Omoda

The Omoda C5 is powered by a 115kW/230 N.m 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which, in Street + spec is paired with a CVT transmission. However, unlike its Jaecoo J5 sibling, the C5 can also be had with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (from C5 X guise). It is worth noting that the models equipped with a dual-clutch is more expensive, with pricing for the latter starting from R374 900.

11. Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 XS auto – from R339 500

Image: Peet Mocke

Sharing a drivetrain with the Suzuki Fronx, the Toyota Starlet Cross, which gained safety upgrades and an extended service plan towards the end of 2025, is priced from R304 900 for the five-speed manual XS derivative. However, if you’re looking for the added on-road comfort provided by an automatic, especially in start-stop traffic, the four-speed automatic XS-spec model is available from R339 500, with the range-topping, XR auto derivative (pictured here) priced from R380 000.

10. Kia Sonet 1.5 LS CVT – from R324 995

Image: Kia

The Kia Sonet is available with the choice of two petrol powertrains, with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder, which produces 85 kW and 144 N.m of torque, employed by most models in the range. A 1.0-litre turbo-triple, endowed with 88 kW and 172 N.m, is also available with EX spec, and is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The latter model will set you back R436 995. So, if you’re on a tighter budget, the CVT-equipped models are priced from R324 995 for LS trim grade.

9. Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL auto – R324 900

Image: Suzuki

If you’re in the market for a Suzuki Fronx and want a derivative that shifts cogs by itself, you have the option of two trim grades – GL and GLX (pictured here). While both spec levels can be had with a five-speed manual transmission, a four-speed auto ‘box is also on offer. Equipped with the latter unit, the Fronx is priced from R324 900 for the GL and R368 900 for the GLX.

8. Citroen C3 1.2T Max auto – R305 500

Image: Citroën

The sole Citroën C3 equipped with an automatic gearbox in SA, the C3 Max 1.2T is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine developing 81 kW and 205 N.m. Power is exclusively delivered to the front axle via a six-speed auto ‘box.

7. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT CVT – R299 900

Image: Chery

One of the crossovers available in SA from under R300k, while the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro can also be had with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which features on turbocharged models, it’s the CVT-equipped variant that’s the most attainable if you’re in the market for a self-shifting Tiggo 4 Pro. This derivative’s naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine produces 83 kW and 138 N.m.

6. Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium AMT – R294 900

Image: Hyundai

The most affordable Hyundai Exter equipped with a self-shifting transmission is the 1.2 Premium AMT (automated manual transmission). This model’s five-speed AMT is coupled with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine developing 61 kW and 114 N.m.

5. MG ZS 1.5 Comfort auto – R289 900

Image: MG

Introduced to the SA market in January 2025, as part of MG’s re-entry into the local automotive industry, the ZS, which we evaluated (in range-topping, Luxury spec) for a road test in the April 2025 issue of CAR magazine, is available from R289 900. The ZS lineup employs a 1.5-litre four-pot, which drives the front wheels via a four-speed auto transmission. The atmospheric unit produces 84 kW and 150 N.m.

4. Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure+ S AMT – R288 900

Image: Tata Motors

The Punch was one of Tata’s initial local offerings upon its re-entry into the SA passenger-car segment. This also included the Tiago budget-oriented hatchback, Curvv compact crossover/SUV and Harrier flagship SUV. (The firm is also set to introduce the Nexon and Sierra to our shores in 2026.) The five-speed AMT-equipped Punch is priced from R288 900, making it the fourth most affordable automatic compact SUV in SA. The gearbox is paired with a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine, which produces 65 kW and 115 N.m.

3. Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T MX2 auto – R279 999

Image: CAR Magazine

The Mahindra XUV 3XO, which featured in our 2025 SUV shootout, is exclusively available with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol powertrain, which produces 82 kW and a healthy 200 N.m of torque. The most affordable model equipped with an automatic transmission (six-speed) is the MX2-spec derivative, which will set you back R279 999.

2. Nissan Magnite 1.0 Visia AMT – R269 200

Image: Nissan

Built at Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Chennai plant in India, where the updated Renault Duster and SA-bound Nissan Tekton are assembled, the Nissan Magnite 1.0 Visia five-speed AMT is powered by a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine, which produces 53 kW and 96 N.m.

1. Renault Kiger 1.0 Techno AMT – R254 999

Image: Renault

Topping the list is the updated Renault Kiger, which is currently exclusively available with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 53 kW and 96 N.m. The flagship, Techno model is the sole derivative featuring a self-shifter, in the form of a five-speed AMT.

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