Cheapest Compact SUVs Under R300k
Are you looking for the cheapest Compact SUVs available in South Africa with a budget under R300k?
Do you have up to R300 000 to spend on one of South Africa’s cheapest compact SUVs?
The demand for affordable compact SUVs is surging in South Africa and car manufacturers are meeting that demand with a flurry of new products, giving consumers lots of choice across a broad price range.
Times are tough and many consumers will be eagerly eyeing out the lower end of the compact SUV market for an affordable and compact urban runabout. This list, therefore, focuses on the cheapest compact SUVs available for under R300k. Let’s take a look at what’s available!
Pricing is accurate as of January 2025.
Cheapest Compact SUVs under R300k in South Africa
1. Nissan Magnite – From R246 200
An updated Nissan Magnite came to market in November 2024. Two engines are offered including a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre petrol engine with 53 kW and 96 Nm of torque and a more powerful 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine delivering 74 kW and 152 Nm of torque when paired with a CVT or 160 Nm in conjunction with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Read our review of the Nissan Magnite
Buy a new Nissan Magnite on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Nissan Magnite on Cars.co.za
2. Renault Kiger – From R249 999
The new Renault Kiger is one of the cheapest compact SUVs you can buy right now and is offered with 2 engine choices including a naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine with 52 kW and 96 Nm as well as a more powerful turbocharged 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine with 74 kW and 160 Nm. A 5-speed manual transmission and a CVT are available for both engines.
Read our review of the Renault Kiger
Buy a used Renault Kiger on Cars.co.za
3. Mahindra XUV 3XO – From R254 999
Mahindra’s familiar XUV300 compact SUV recently received an update and has now come to market as the new XUV 3XO!
See also: Mahindra XUV 3XO (2024) Price & Specs
The Mahindra XUV 3XO features a bold design and is powered by the firm’s mStallion turbocharged petrol 1.2-litre motor with 82 kW and 200 Nm on offer and paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The XUV 3XO is available in base MX2 time, mid-spec MX3 guise or in range-topping AX5 (and AX5L) or AX7L guise.
Buy a new Mahindra XUV 3XO on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Mahindra XUV 3XO on Cars.co.za
4. Citroen C3 – From R259 900
Citroen has introduced the new C3 to market to woo local buyers and the C3 comes fitted with a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
A turbocharged C3 is also available from R299 900 and is offered with a 3-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 81 kW and 205 Nm in conjunction with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Read our Citroen (2023) C3 Launch Review
5. Hyundai Exter – From R269 900
The new Hyundai Exter recently came to market and it’s already proving to be popular in South Africa with strong opening sales.
The newcomer is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol that produces 61 kW and 114 Nm and comes paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). Trim grades include the base Premium, mid-spec Elite and top-spec Elite derivatives.
Buy a new Hyundai Exter on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Hyundai Exter on Cars.co.za
6. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – From R269 900
The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is proving to be quite popular in this segment and buyers shopping with a budget under R300k can consider the Tiggo 4 Pro LiT derivative. The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro range is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 83 kW and 138 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.
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
7. Suzuki Fronx – From R298 900
Suzuki recently introduced its new Fronx crossover to the market to complement its growing range of affordable cars. The Fronx is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque and can be had with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission in either GL or range-topping GLX guise.
Also see: What to Buy: Suzuki Fronx vs Chery Tiggo 4 Pro vs Nissan Magnite
Read our launch review of the new Suzuki Fronx!
Buy a new Suzuki Fronx on Cars.co.za
Buy a used Suzuki Fronx on Cars.co.za