Article by Jameel Ismail
Main image - Freepik
Looking to spend around R250 000 on a brand-new set of wheels but not convinced that a VW Polo Vivo is the right car for you?
If you have a budget of between R200 000 and R250 000, chances are you’ve considered a VW Polo Vivo. Take a drive to your local grocer and you are almost certain to notice more than one on your commute there and back home, and there's a good reason for this. The Vivo was the best-selling passenger car in May with over 1800 sales recorded for the month. While this may seem like the obvious choice around the 250k price bracket due to its build quality, availability of parts, highly modifiable nature and of course South Africa’s love affair with Golfs and Polos - It surely isn’t the only option and I assure you that there are good alternatives that will attract a much lower insurance premium and be a lot less risky to drive and own.
Here are five alternatives to buying a Polo Vivo that are practical, stylish, safe, and economical.
Image: Suzuki
1. Suzuki Swift – This may be the obvious choice when looking for an alternative to a Vivo, the Swift is a compact, stylish hatchback that has an impressive fuel consumption to match. Priced from R199 900, the Suzuki Swift is offered in either a manual or automatic transmission. The vehicle is a sporty-looking little hatchback that feels light and compact to drive. Its 1.2l petrol engine offers great economy, just 4.9l per 100km. You can still fit 4/5 adults and a reasonable amount of luggage with ease. ISOFIX anchor points are standard in all trims and the Swift also boasts some impressive safety features like ESP, ABS, and EBD. (Select models even offer rear Park distance control and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen). All Suzuki models are covered by a promotional comprehensive manufacturer's warranty against any defects for 5 years / 200 000km and a 2-year/ 30 000km service plan. Every Swift also comes with a roadside assistance plan for extra peace of mind.
Image: Citroen
2. Citroen C3 - It appears Citroen has run out of model numbers as they repurposed the “C3” model designation for their new, entry-level B-segment vehicle. It’s clear to see that the Citroen C3 is aimed at the style-conscious consumer and proves that one need not compromise on style in the quest for affordability and economy. It is offered in no less than 14 colour options. The vehicle also sports the manufacturer's new lighting signature and its design lines and ride height mimics that of a crossover more than that of a hatchback. The drive in the C3 is extremely comfortable even on bumpy roads. Power comes from a 1.2L, 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 61kw of power and 115nm of torque. The C3 is currently only available with a manual transmission. If the bold exterior design didn't catch your eye, the interior with its massive class-leading 10” touch screen surely will. You will be happy to know that Apple Car Play and Android Auto are standard features. Like the Swift, the C3 also has a host of safety features like ABS, EBD, a seat belt reminder and rear PDC. Priced starting from R229 900. The C3 comes with a 2-year / 30 000km Service Plan and a 5-year / 100 000km Warranty.
Image: Kia
3. Kia Picanto. Kia recently teased us with pictures of their new soon-to-be Picanto. Although no dates have been confirmed regarding its launch. The images portrayed a very good-looking car but because of the uncertainty around its release date and pricing, the current model is still a great buy. R219 995 is Kias asking price for their entry-level Picanto 1.0 start model with manual transmission. The specific model in question comes with a 1l 3-cylinder engine that's good for 49kw and 95nm of torque - not a whole lot. In this trim though, you will need to make do without an infotainment system or alloy wheels, something that could seriously mess with your street cred but Kia's sporty design and decent resale could hopefully make up for it. On the plus side, driver and passenger airbags are standard, as well as ABS and ISOFIX anchors. The rear seats are foldable (60:40 split), allowing you to fit larger items. The Vehicle comes with a 2-year/ 30 000km service plan, a 5-year/ unlimited km warranty and 5-year/ unlimited km roadside assistance.
Image: Toyota
4. Toyota Starlet. At a starting price of R248 400 the Starlet just about makes the cut and although priced closer to our budget cap of 250k, it's justifiably so. Winner of the SAGMJ budget classification- The Toyota Starlet offers a lot more car than most budget hatchbacks. For starters, the Starlet has a 1.5l engine which is a lot more refined on open roads. The car feels stable around corners and proved very quiet and comfortable. The claimed fuel consumption of 5.4l per 100km also makes the Starlet incredibly economical. Taller drivers and passengers will also find the starlet more comfortable as the interior feels a lot more roomy. In terms of safety, ISOFIX mounts are standard across the range as well as rear park distance control, ABS, EBD, Hill assist control and Vehicle stability control. Apple car play and Android Auto both come as standard. The Starlet comes with a 3-year / 100 000km warranty.
Image: Mahindra
5. Mahindra XUV300 - if you are willing to stretch your budget ever so slightly, the Mahindra XUV300 is certainly worth every cent more. The Indian automaker's impressive new XUV300 is a combination of practicality, functionality and safety. With a starting price of R267 999 for the 1.2T, the XUV300 is of considerable value. It earned a 5-star rating in the Global NCAP for both child and adult safety and comes standard with all the usual driver assists. The Mahindra is also the first vehicle in its class to offer front parking sensors. Only the higher trim level has an infotainment system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration but navigation with regional maps is standard across the range. Available in either a 1.2l Turbo Petrol engine or a 1.5l Turbo Diesel engine, the latter produces a class-leading 300nm of torque. The Mahindra provides a comfortable drive with confident handling, a fuel consumption of 6.3L per 100km in its 1.2T petrol model and a 5-year/ 90 000km service plan and 5-year/ 150 000km warranty.
