The SUV crossover segment has flourished in recent years, taking over from hatchbacks as SA’s most popular type of car.
Though they are not off-roaders and don’t have all-wheel drive, their raised ground clearances provide a higher driving position that buyers seem to prefer. For those on a budget, there are low-priced compact crossovers that offer good practicality and eye-catching designs without necessarily skimping on modern features and safety.
Here’s a look at the six most affordable crossovers in SA in ascending order of price:
Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL — R174,900
The S-Presso is Mzansi’s most affordable crossover, and though its humble 1.0l three-cylinder engine with outputs of 49kW and 89Nm won’t take you anywhere in a hurry, it will get you there without draining your fuel budget by sipping an economical 4.6l / 100km.
The baseline S-Presso 1.0 GL comes with essential conveniences such as air conditioning, rear park distance control, front electric windows and remote central locking, while safety is provided by dual front airbags, ABS brakes and stability control.
- Ground clearance — 180mm
- Boot size — 239l
- Warranty — five years/200,000km
- Service plan — two years/30,000km
Suzuki Ignis 1.2 GL — R224,900
If you can stretch the budget, the Ignis brings a little more power to the Suzuki game with a 1.2 four-cylinder that makes 61kW and 113Nm and burns fuel at the frugal rate of 5.1l/100km. The Ignis is slightly bigger than the S-Presso with a larger boot and a folding rear seat, and comes with extra features such as an adjustable steering column, rear screen wiper, Bluetooth connectivity and USB port. Safety-wise it comes with the same dual airbags, ABS and stability control.
- Ground clearance — 180mm
- Boot size — 260-469l
- Warranty — five years/200,000km
- Service plan — two years/30,000km
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Visia — R235,300
Since its launch in 2021 the Magnite has been one of the most popular sellers in the compact crossover ranks.
It’s attractively priced and on point with the latest technology and connectivity. The entry-level 1.0 Visia has air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, remote central locking, front and rear electric windows and rear park distance control. The Magnite lacks stability control but comes with two airbags and ABS brakes, and it rides higher than most rivals.
With 53kW and 96Nm the three-cylinder 1.0l engine delivers city-hopping pace and is claimed to sip 5.9l/100km.
- Ground clearance — 205mm
- Boot size — 336l
- Warranty — six years/150,000km
- Service plan — three years/30,000km
Citroën C3 1.2 Feel — R239,900
The previous generation C3 was a hatchback, but the newest version has been reborn as a budget crossover.
It has chic styling with daytime running lights and optional two-tone paint, and reasonably perky power from a 61kW/115Nm 1.2l petrol engine.
The infotainment system can wirelessly mirror Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while other comforts comprise air conditioning, three USB ports, front and rear electric windows, remote central locking and rear park distance control.
There is no stability control but safety comprises dual front airbags and ABS brakes.
- Ground clearance — 180mm
- Boot size — 315l
- Warranty — five years/100,000km
- Service plan — two years/30,000km
Renault Kiger 1.0 Life — R249,999
The Kiger replaced the Sandero as Renault’s smallest crossover and shares its platform with the Nissan Magnite.
The baseline Kiger Life has a three-cylinder 1.0l engine with outputs of 52kW and 96Nm, which make it more suited to urban confines than open roads. Fuel economy is a claimed 5.3l/100km.
It has the largest boot in the category and standard gadgets include air conditioning, a USB port, daytime running lights, rear park distance control, remote central locking and front electric windows. ABS brakes and dual airbags are included but stability control is not
- Ground clearance — 205mm
- Boot size — 405l
- Warranty — five years/150,000km
- Service plan — two years/30,000km
Mahindra XUV 300 1.2T W4 — R271,099
The Mahindra XUV 300 (pronounced “three-double-oh”) is the most powerful car in this list. The 1.2l petrol turbo delivers a feisty 81kW and 200Nm while delivering acceptable economy of 6.3l/100km.
Cabin space is reasonably roomy but at the cost of a tiny boot (Mahindra doesn’t reveal how many litres it holds).
Stability control, ABS brakes and two airbags comprise the safety while comforts include touchscreen infotainment (without Android Auto or Apple Carplay), USB port, Bluetooth, remote central locking, rear park distance control, front and rear electric windows, and air conditioning.
- Ground clearance — 200mm
- Boot size — n/a
- Warranty — five years/150,000km
- Service plan — three years/50,000km
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.