While the sedan market has dwindled from previous years with the demise of cars such as the VW Jetta, Ford Focus and Nissan Almera, it is far from dead.
Despite SUVs and crossovers being all the rage, the three-box cars have fans, with families and fleets continuing to rely on their space and practicality.
Here’s what’s on offer in SA at an affordable price of not more than R400,000.
Proton Saga
The Malaysian alternative starts off the blocks with the lowest starting price in the niche, but with a length of 4,335mm it is sized similarly to pricier rivals.
The Saga is available in three models powered by a 1.3l petrol engine developing 70kW and 120Nm. Transmissions are a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Convenience and safety items can include ABS brakes, dual front airbags, traction control, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and a seven-inch touchscreen system, depending on the model.
- Prices: R209,900 to R244,900
- Warranty: Five years/150,000km
- Service plan: Optional (two years/30,000km; three years/45,000km; four years/60,000km and five years/75,000km)
Suzuki DZire
Suzuki’s sedan options begin with the stocky Dzire that’s available in three grades and two transmission choices of a manual or an automated manual, both equipped with five gears. The compact sedan is 3,995mm long and power comes from a 1.2l four-cylinder petrol engine with 61kW and 113Nm.
Stability control, driver and passenger airbags, Bluetooth and remote central locking are possible.
- Prices: R217,900 to R254,900
- Warranty: Five years/200,000km
- Service plan: Two years/30,000km
Honda Amaze
Honda’s take on the niche is a little more stylish, with interesting two-tone faux leather seat covers in the top model.
The brand’s good ride and build quality is extended to the 3,995mm long Amaze, with segment-matching specifications such as remote central locking, electric windows, multifunction steering wheel, USB port, air-conditioning, Bluetooth, two airbags, ABS brakes, front fog lamps, electric folding mirrors and power steering.
The three-car range is powered by a 1.2l petrol engine with 66kW and 110Nm paired to a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT).
- Prices: R253,600 to R292,400
- Warranty: Five years/200,000km
- Service plan: Two years/30,000km
Suzuki Ciaz
Another Suzuki model in the segment is the Ciaz. At 4,490mm in length it offers a larger cabin than the Dzire and a sizeable 480l boot. The four model range s priced from below R300k has two GL and GLX specifications all powered by a 1.5I four-cylinder petrol engine with 77kW and 138Nm.
Transmission choices are a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Cruise control, multifunction and leather-clad steering wheel, touch control screens, leather upholstery and keyless start form part of possible amenities.
- Prices: R286,900 to R347,900
- Warranty: Five years/200,000km
- Service plan: Three years/60,000km
Hyundai Grand i10
Typical Hyundai build quality meets wireless and plug-in Android Auto and CarPlay, Bluetooth, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, rear and front parking sensors and camera and LED daytime driving lights in the Grand i10 sedan.
It has a 3,995mm length and two models are on offer, both as Executive grades, and powered by a 1.2l four-cylinder with 61kW/ 114Nm mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
- Prices: R279,900 to R309,900
- Warranty: Five years/150,000km vehicle, seven years/200,000km drivetrain
- Service plan: One year/15,000km
Kia Pegas
When Kia retired the Rio sedan, the 4,300mm long Pegas arrived to fill the gap. Three derivatives are on sale: a single LX model and two EX guises, all powered by a 1.4l four-cylinder motor producing 69kW/132Nm.
The entry models get a five-speed manual and the top range EX has a four-speed auto. Expect two airbags, touch screen display, remote central locking, leather upholstery and a 475l boot.
- Prices: R292,995 to R318,995
- Warranty: Five years/unlimited km
- Service plan: Four years/60,000km
Honda Ballade
The Honda Ballade 1.5 Comfort is priced below R400,000, while two other sedan models are available at higher prices. Amenities are plentiful even in the entry-level Comfort model and include start/stop button, gearshift paddles, six airbags, cruise control and keyless access among more. The engine’s a 1.5l four-cylinder petrol with 89kW and 145Nm paired with a CVT exclusively.
At 4,593mm in length it is one of the largest sedans in its category.
- Prices: R390,500
- Warranty: Five years/200,000km
- Service plan: Four years/60,000km
Toyota Corolla Quest
The iconic Toyota Corolla is on sale 58 years and 12 generations later. The model that sells below R400K is the Corolla Quest, an SA-only continuation of the 11th generation model.
Six versions of the 4,620mm long sedan are on sale, four of which fall under R400k. They are all powered by a 103kW/173Nm 1.8l four-cylinder engine. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual and a CVT. A large cabin, a 452l boot and a solid reputation for quality and reliability are standard fare. Amenities can include touchscreens, and side airbags in pricier models.
- Prices: R336,000 to R394,000
- Warranty: Three years/100,000km
- Service plan: Three years/45,000km
VW Polo Sedan
Despite the dwindled action in the sector, Volkswagen has kept its Polo Sedan fresh and relevant. Early in the year new Life and Style derivatives were introduced to the five-car line up.
Two derivatives meet the sub-R400k criteria, and both are powered by a 1.6l four-cylinder petrol engine producing 81kW/152Nm connected to either a five-speed manual or six-speed tiptronic auto. Both come standard with cloth upholstery, touchscreen displays, stability control, tyre pressure sensors, electric-adjust mirrors and more. The Polo is 4,561mm long.
- Prices: R371,400 to R394,500
- Warranty: Three years/120,000km
- Service plan: Three years/45,000km.
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