Most Fuel Efficient Compact SUVs Under R300k
What are the most fuel-efficient Compact SUVs currently on sale in South Africa for under R300k? Take a look at the list below!
Compact SUVs account for significant sales every month and if you’re shopping in the lower end of the segment (under R300 000) you’d be wise to know what the most fuel-efficient cars are in this popular segment.
The cost of fuel is something that you must plan for as it has a direct impact on your overall cost of ownership, which also includes car insurance and regular maintenance. It’s therefore in your best interest to factor fuel efficiency into your buying process!
This list highlights the most fuel-efficient new compact SUVs available on the market for under R300 000.
Note that claimed manufacturer fuel efficiency figures are used to generate this list but real-world fuel consumption is likely to vary depending on a variety of factors including driving habits, location, road conditions, weather, load and so forth. This list should therefore only be used as a guide.
Pricing is accurate as of July 2024.
Most Fuel Efficient Compact SUVs Under R300k
1. Renault Kiger – 5.2 L/100km
The naturally-aspirated Renault Kiger Zen automatic claims 5.2 L/100km and offers 52 kW and 96 Nm of torque while it’s manual counterparts claim 5.3 L/100km. The Kiger Zen automatic is priced from R274 999 while pricing for the Kiger Life manual starts from R249 999.
The turbocharged Kiger Zen and Intens is even more fuel efficient, claiming 5 L/100km but pricing starts from R319 999.
Read our review of the Renault Kiger
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2. Suzuki Fronx – 5.5 L/100km
The new Suzuki Fronx is selling strongly in Mzansi and for under R300k you can step into the Fronz 1.5 GL manual priced from R297 900. With a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine under bonnet offering 77 kW and 138 Nm, Suzuki claims 5.5 L/100km for the Fronx and buyers can also opt for an automatic transmission offered in in both GL (R317 900) or top-spec GLX guise (R354 900), but pricing will then exceed the R300k barrier set for this particular list. Note that the automatic derivatives are slightly thirstier with Suzuki claiming 5.7 L/100km.
Also see: What to Buy: Suzuki Fronx vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro vs Nissan Magnite
Buy a new Suzuki Fronx on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Suzuki Fronx on Cars.co.za
3. Citroen C3 – 5.6 L/100km
Citroen introduced the new C3 in 2023 and it’s available with a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. Citroen claims 5.6 L/100km for the C3. Note that the C3 is currently not offered with an automatic transmission but the range is expected to gain a turbocharged engine in 2024.
Buy a new Citroen C3 on Cars.co.za
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4. Nissan Magnite – 5.2 L/100km
The naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre Nissan Magnite derivatives with 53 kW and 96 Nm on offer can be had with both manual and automatic transmissions and fuel consumption for these derivatives are claimed at 5.9 L/100km. Pricing for the Nissan Magnite starts from R240 000.
The pricier Nissan Magnite Turbo, in manual guise, is considered to be one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs on the market. Nissan claims 5.2 L/100km for the Magnite Turbo Visia derivative which is now priced above the R300k barrier from R302 800 and is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that develops 74 kW and 160 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Read our review of the Nissan Magnite
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5. Mahindra XUV300 – 6.3 L/100km
The XUV300 is offered with 2 engines including a 81 kW /200 Nm 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine with a claimed fuel consumption of 6.3 L/100km and a 86 kW / 300 Nm 1.5-litre turbodiesel with an impressive claim of 5.0 L/100km, but the latter is priced from R319 099.
Pricing for the XUV300 1.2T starts from R271 099 and this derivative can also be purchased in the form of the #Xprez Panel Van.
Buy a new Mahindra XUV300 on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Mahindra XUV300 on Cars.co.za
6. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 7.0 L/100km
The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Manual is the only derivative priced below R300k with a price of R279 900. It’s powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with 83 kW and 138 Nm of torque and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Tiggo 4 Pro claims 7 L/100km.
Read our review of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
Buy a new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Chery Tiggo 4 Pro on Cars.co.za