VW Golf 1 GTI – the original pocket rocket

Is the Volkswagen Golf 1 GTI – the original Golf GTI – the perfect attainable classic car? Johannesburg’s Stuart König believes it is!

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is arguably one of the most loved cars in South Africa. Consider the fact that more than half of the new Golfs sold in South Africa are GTI variants, then you realise just how successful this model was, and is. We’ve even got a nickname for the sound the (modern) GTIs make: Vrrr-pah!

Volkswagen Golf 1 GTI rear three-quarter tracking shot

Interestingly, the idea to develop a performance variant of the Golf 1 was not very high on the agenda back in the mid-‘70s. Instead, the concept was largely driven by 6 people at Volkswagen in Germany.

Originally named the “Sport Golf”, the idea was presented to the management board in March 1975, after which it officially became the development order EA195.

The world premiere occurred only a few months later, in September 1975 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. It went on sale the next year, and in Germany, it retailed for DM13 850.

Names considered for the sportiest iteration of the Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed Golf 1 included TS and even GTS, but VW eventually settled for GTI. The chief product designer, Herbert Schäfer, who was a keen golfer, got his way by changing the hatchback’s gearknob to what is now the legendary golf ball.

Specifications

Car: 1984 Volkswagen Golf 1 GTI
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder, petrol
Power: 82 kW at 5 800 rpm
Torque: 153 Nm at 3 500 rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Weight: 860 kg
0-100 kph: 9.3 sec (as tested by CAR magazine)
Top speed: 182 kph (as tested by CAR magazine)

Volkswagen planned (or, perhaps, hoped?) to sell 5 000 units to recoup the expense of the development and investment in this new compact model, but in the end, 461 690 units were manufactured.

It was several years later, near the end of 1982, that the Golf 1 GTI was finally launched in South Africa. The 1.8-litre 4-cylinder fuel-injected engine was good for 82 kW and 153 Nm at the time. CAR magazine South Africa tested it in January 1983 and achieved a top speed of 182 kph and a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 9.3 sec. What’s more, the car credited as the original hot hatch sprinted to a 1 km in 30.7 sec.

The König family of Johannesburg are all motoring enthusiasts, and Stuart explains how they ended up owning this special hot hatch: “My dad always had this goal of participating in motorsport with my brother and me. After teaching us how to drive, he got us Golf 1s that we raced for a few years.

“After a while, my brother said to me we needed to find an original Golf 1 GTI, just to experience it.”

Volkswagen Golf 1 GTI front tracking shot

Stuart, with his brother and father, finally found the Golf 1 GTI featured here and purchased it. Since then, they’ve tried to keep the car in as good a condition as possible, as well as entirely original.

Apart from participating in breakfast runs or meeting up with fellow enthusiasts, the longest trip they have done with the car was from Johannesburg to Durban.

“It was a very relaxed trip, as we drove down over the course of a weekend. We have really made some quality memories with both the car and people involved in the motoring world,” Stuart adds.

There was more to the 1st-gen Golf GTI than outright performance. It was a practical car with a punchy powertrain. Not only did it not cost too much, but it was just quick enough to thrill driving enthusiasts.

The Golf 1 GTI featured some notable styling differences from standard Golf variants, such as the now-iconic GTI badge, the red lining around the grille, the rubber front spoiler and wheel-arch extensions.

CAR magazine ended its January 1983 road test with the following statement: “It is a prince among the light cars and sure to cause a wide ripple of excitement.” Its legend lives on.

Search for new/used Volkswagen Golf GTI listed on Cars.co.za

Search for a new/used Volkswagen Polo GTI listed on Cars.co.za

BMW 530 MLE: South Africa’s “early M car”

Sometimes the resurrection of a car or the start of a collection can be attributed to a single individual or two. This was the case with BMW South Africa’s restored 530 MLE.

Speaking in 2019, Diederick Reitsma, the former head of BMW South Africa’s local communications team, told us: “A part of my role is to understand the brand’s heritage and these special cars (such as the BMW 530 MLE) play such a key role in how we look to the future”.

It is no secret that South Africa has delivered some unique performance cars through the years. This is particularly true of BMW Group SA, with its “special” E30 models, the 333i, 325is Evo “1” and Evo 2.

Reitsma continued: “The SA-spec E30s are part of the reason why BMW is so popular in South Africa and the 530 MLE is a very significant model in the global timeline of BMW Motorsport. It was during my first year in South Africa that I saw one of these road cars in a private collection in Johannesburg.

“Following talks with the local BMW clubs, and after a visit to the Franschhoek Motor Museum outside Cape Town, I realised that we as BMW South Africa needed to establish a heritage collection. With these cars in hand, we can keep them for a generation of enthusiasts to come,” he added.

The seed was planted, and Reitsma quickly learned about the existence of the locally developed E12-series 530 MLE (Motorsport Limited Edition).

The 530 MLE enjoyed a highly successful racing career on local tracks in the late ’70s, but before it could be raced, a limited run of road-spec cars (110 Type 1 models in 1976 and 117 of Type 2 in 1977) had to be created for homologation purposes – though fewer than 10 of these are rumoured to have survived!

An established relationship with respected BMW owner and restorer Luis Malhou of Custom Restorations in Vereeniging (the presenter of this video) led to the discovery of the 100th car of the MLE Series 1.

Malhou explained: “I chased car number 100 for a number of years and, fortuitously, just before BMW SA made enquiries, the car’s owner allowed me to come and collect it.

“I knew of the car, but only thought of it as a useful donor car. It stood outside for close to 20 years. The previous owner always wanted the car restored, but he has several cars, and this just wasn’t at the top of his priority list. When he started to scale down, he contacted me as he knew we’d do a proper job.”

Keeping in mind that only 110 of the Series 1 cars were ever produced, one quickly realises that this was quite a find. As a homologation special (only one race car remains and, fortunately, it’s still in South Africa), these road cars were made lighter for improved performance.

Various panels, such as the C-pillars, parcel shelf and even the clutch pedal, were drilled to lower overall mass. In fact, so many panels were drilled that a naked 530 MLE looks like a slice of Swiss cheese…

Combined with other weight-saving measures such as manual windows, lighter hinges and seat cushions, marginally thinner glass, pedals and the deletion of air-conditioning, up to 50 kg was saved.

Reitsma recalled with a smile the day Luis informed him of car number 100 (chassis number 770100): “I remember the day very well. He explained that it was a numbers-matching car and that the owner was Peter Kaye Eddie, an ex-racer who played a vital role in the brand’s local motor sport history.

Once BMW Group South Africa stopped managing the racing team, Peter took it over. This, of course, added to the significance of MLE number 100.”

“When I finally got the car in my workshop, I initially didn’t know if it was restorable – it was in a terrible state. There was not much left of the interior,” explained Malhou. “Money and time, however, can fix a lot of things, and fortunately, BMW Group South Africa set aside a decent budget for this project.”

Himself the owner of MLE numbers 21 and 13 (Series 1 cars), Malhou was also grateful for the assistance of BMW Classic during the restoration of number 100. It is at this point that we should mention that apart from owning two 530 MLEs, Luis has restored 2 more of these cars and has also sourced more than 5 of them over the years. He is undoubtedly the “go-to-guy” when it comes to these rare sedans. One of his cars is also totally original, so it could be used as a reference for the restoration project.

After less than a year (in late 2019), the car was completed and made its appearance at BMW South Africa’s M Festival. Watch Cars.co.za’s Gero Lilleike’s Classic BMW 530 MLE: Track Drive [w/Video]

Today, it forms part of the company’s heritage fleet and is proudly parked at the welcome centre at BMW’s plant in Rosslyn, outside Pretoria.

Find a classic BMW listed for sale on Cars.co.za

Firenza Can Am – The Little Chev with big muscle

South Africa’s car history, especially racing history, runs deeper than many of us realise. Combine that with homologation specials, such as the Chevrolet Firenza Can Am, and some truly remarkable cars have graced our racetracks and roads.

We headed to Bloemfontein, where Frikkie Esterhuizen opened his garage doors for us. Frikkie has not one, but 3 Chevrolet Firenza Can Ams.

It was racing legend Basil van Rooyen (who at the time raced a Ford Capri Perana) who understood the value of working with rival General Motors when it came to local motorsport. To convince the company of his idea, he took 2 Firenza GT coupes and fitted each of them with a 307 ci (5.0-litre) V8 engine.

Bear in mind that Chevrolet Firenzas came standard with modest 2.5-litre, inline-4 petrol engines…

General Motors enthusiastically approved the project, and the plan to build 100 cars for homologation purposes started in 1972. Ultimately, however, a 302 ci (4.94-litre) V8 was used to comply with racing regulations. Fitted with Holley carburettors, the engine delivered a healthy 216 kW (290 bhp) and around 400 Nm of torque.

Although the Firenza Can Am was lightened further for racing, in road trim, these small muscle cars tipped the scales at only 1 100 kg anyway. The black fibre-glass bonnet shaved some weight, while also allowing additional airflow into the engine compartment through its bonnet vents. Possibly the most recognisable body addition was the American Racing Equipment wing on the boot lid.

The Firenza Can Am was seriously fast. The 0-100 kph dash was blitzed in around 5.4 seconds, which was an astounding level of performance for the era. Power went to the rear axle (where there was a Borg-Warner limited slip differential) through a 4-speed manual gearbox.

Specifications

Model: 1973 Chevrolet Firenza Can Am
Number made: 106 (including 6 race cars)
Engine: 4.94-litre V8, petrol
Power: 216 kW at 5 800 rpm
Torque: 393 Nm at 4 200 rpm
Gearbox: 4-speed manual
Weight: 1 100 kg
0-100 km/h: 5.4 sec (claimed)
Top speed: 225 kph (claimed)

Additional performance parts for the Firenza Can Am included the updated braking system, while the cabin was fitted with sports seats, as well as a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel. Apart from the 100 road cars made, another 6 race cars were built for local racing.

The most notable racing success of these cars came in 1972 at the 9-Hour Endurance race when Van Rooyen and Geoff Mortimer claimed 11th place while Van Rooyen achieved no fewer than 11 wins in a row (!) in 1973.

Frikkie explains when his interest in this car started: “The car arrived in 1973 when I was 22. This car was just, and still is, different to other cars – the driving experience is wild!

“The first time you plant the accelerator pedal, you realise the car is sliding left, and then right, and you struggle to keep it in a straight line. It is then that you realise you need to feather the throttle in first gear. The car even pulls strongly once you’ve slotted it into 3rd or 4th gear.

“It is unlike today’s cars that do everything for you – here you must keep the car on the road yourself.

“I was so impressed with the car when I bought it and with the condition it was in, that I decided that if I were to find another one in such a condition, I would buy it.”

One of the 3 Can Ams that Frikkie owns is not a matching numbers car (where the engine and chassis numbers correspond), but is fitted with a race engine that delivers an even more exhilarating experience.

“From the age of 6, I’ve been interested in cars and have collected Dinky Toys. Today, I have over a thousand little models.

“My late father used to work for Ford in Bloemfontein, and he used to bring newly released models home, pick me up and then we would go for a test drive – that’s where I developed my love for cars.

“Through the years, I’ve realised I like cars that have been manufactured here in South Africa, and secondly, I like numbered cars, meaning cars of which only a certain, limited number were made.

“If I find another Can Am in a good condition, I’ll add number four to the collection, that is how passionate I am about these cars,” Frikkie concludes.

Search for a classic car listed on Cars.co.za

Mazda CX-60 Updated for 2025

The Mazda CX-60 updates are primarily focused around the ride quality, handling and refinement. Here’s pricing and details.

The Mazda CX-60 is the Japanese brand’s foray into the premium segment. There are three derivatives on offer, starting off with the Dynamic which is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. There’s 141 kW and 265 Nm driving the rear wheels. The Individual offers additional content plus the same engine paired to an all-wheel-drive setup.

The flagship Takumi offers an incredible engine. Its a 3.3-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel with mild-hybrid technology. It too is all-wheel drive and thanks to 187 kW and 550 Nm, it pretty brisk with Mazda claiming a 0-100 kph time of 7.3 seconds. We managed 7.41 – yes, it is that brisk!

Read our review of the Mazda CX-60 Takumi

But, if there was one dynamic element holding the CX-60 back, it was the ride quality, handling and refinement, something which Mazda Southern Africa has addressed. The Mazda CX-60 updates stem from global driver feedback and aim to make the car more comfortable and refined.

On the suspension side of things, the springs are softened and there’s increased damping force. The front knuckle on the steering setup has been adjusted which Mazda reckons gives the car ‘greater precision and confidence.’

The all-wheel drive calibration has been revised with the software ensuring smoother power delivery and optimised traction. Finally, the gearbox noise has been reduced for a quieter drive. Visually, Mazda SA has added a new colour, called Zircon Sand to the palette.

How much does the Mazda CX-60 update cost in South Africa?

The Mazda CX-60 is backed is sold with a 5-year unlimited kilometre service and warranty plan, along with 5-year Roadside Assistance.

CX-60 2.5 Dynamic	R778 500
CX-60 2.5 AWD Individual	R888 700
CX-60 3.3 AWD Takumi	R1 085 100

Want to purchase a new or used Mazda? Browse vehicles for sale

Read the latest Mazda news and reviews

Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X (2025) Price & Specs

The Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X has launched in South Africa, bringing high levels of standard equipment and luxury trim to the range.

The Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X is the flagship of the Blue Oval’s MPV portfolio. When the Tourneo Custom landed in SA in 2024, Ford confirmed further models would be on their way.

The range previously comprised the Active and Trend derivatives, but this has increased to four with the arrival of the Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X and the Sport. The latter are offered in short wheelbase setups, while the entry-levels make do with a long wheelbase for additional cargo carrying capability.

The more prestigious derivatives are offered with punchier engines. The 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine makes 125 kW and 390 Nm, which is up from the Active and Trend’s 100 kW and 360 Nm. All models in the range are front-wheel driven and have an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Trim Gradewalk

Tourneo Custom Sport

Sport honeycomb-style grille & body-colour front bumper
Rear spoiler
Black and blue sport stripes & side decals
17-inch sport alloy wheels (19-inch optional)
Blue accent stripes on the seats with partial leather trim
Leather-trimmed steering wheel
13-inch landscape touchscreen with SYNC 4, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
10-speaker audio system
Mobile office package (optional)
Front/reverse parking aids
ADAS package: Adaptive Cruise Control, Reverse Brake Assist, Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Information System

Tourneo Custom Titanium X

Unique front grille
Matrix LED headlamps
19-inch alloy wheels
Front and second row heated seats
360-degree camera
Luxe Pack optional (14-speaker B&O audio, panoramic roof, ambient lighting)
Mobile office package (optional)

How much does the Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X cost in South Africa?

The price includes a six-year/90 000 km Ford Service Plan, four-year/120 000 km Ford warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. In addition, over the counter (OTC) parts and service parts warranty (SPW) are covered for two-year/unlimited distance. The recommended service interval is 15 000 km or annually, whichever occurs first.

Customers can extend their plans with the Ford Protect Service or Maintenance Plan upgrades which can extend to 8 years or 165 000 km. The warranty can be extended by up to 7 years or 200 000 km and Roadside Assistance extended for an additional one or two years.

Tourneo Custom 2.0L Active LWB 8AT	R1 063 000
Tourneo Custom 2.0L Trend LWB 8AT	R1 104 500
Tourneo Custom 2.0L SWB Bus Sport 8AT	R1 218 000
Tourneo Custom 2.0L SWB Titanium X 8AT	R1 264 000

Want to purchase a new or used Ford? Browse vehicles for sale

Read the latest Ford news and reviews

Recalls Issued: Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz

The NCC has sent out another recall bulletin, this time affecting the Range Rover Evoque and a few Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Here’s the latest.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) issued a recall to owners of the Range Rover Evoque and a number of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Range Rover Evoque

Jaguar Land Rover confirmed a recall of the Range Rover Evoque from the 2021-2024 model years as well as specific derivatives of the 2025 Evoque. The recall centers around the passenger airbag. The supplier says, “he airbag may tear during deployment as a result of improper folding during the airbag assembly process. A torn airbag may reduce occupant protection and increase the risk of injury in a crash. Additionally, a torn airbag could allow hot gases to escape, potentially causing burns to occupants.”

Mercedes-Benz Models

There are a number of Mercedes-Benz vehicles due for recall. The W232 SL cabriolet, all-electric W297 EQS, W254-generation GLC SUV, W223 S-Class limousine and W206 C-Class sedan sold in 2023 are affected by a fuse box. The supplier says “the fuse box might not have been reworked as intended; as a result, systems connected to the fuse might fail. The vehicle might lose power without prior warning, restraint functions or the instrument cluster might be impaired, increasing the risk of an accident. In addition, the risk of a thermal event cannot be ruled out”

What’s Next?

“Affected consumers are urged to immediately contact any nearest authorised dealership of these motor vehicles to have the defect repaired at no charge”, said Acting Commissioner, Mr. Hardin Ratshisusu.

Want to purchase a new or used vehicle? Browse cars for sale

Read the latest news and reviews

Best BMW M Sedans and Coupes Available in SA

In the market for a full-fat BMW M product but aren’t keen on a crossover or SUV? Here are the 5 bona fide M sedans and coupes you can buy new in South Africa…

The “M” in BMW M stands for “motorsport”, as this high-performance division was conceived to facilitate the German firm’s racing programme. Today, of course, the brand’s road-car range includes all manner of full-fat BMW M derivatives.

While the local line-up of performance variants includes SUVs in the form of the X4 M Competition, X5 M Competition, X6 M Competition and XM (as well as convertible versions of the M4 Competition and M8 Competition plus an estate car in the M3 Competition Touring), we’re going to focus on sedans and coupes here.

Browse for a new BMW on Cars.co.za here!

We’ve also excluded M Performance derivatives (such as the M240i, Z40 M40i and i5 M50i) from this exercise, instead concentrating on locally available full-fat BMW M products. Note that all pricing is correct at the time of writing (July 2025).

BMW M Sedans and Coupes Available in SA

1. BMW M2

Priced from R1 570 988, the BMW M2 effectively serves as the entry point to full-fat BMW M ownership. The turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-6 engine delivers 353 kW and 600 Nm to the rear wheels, allowing a 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 4.0 seconds.

Interestingly, while an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard, local buyers can order a 6-speed manual gearbox instead for an extra R10 346. Though peak torque drops by 50 Nm, that makes this coupe the only manual derivative in BMW’s entire local line-up.

New M2 Specs & Prices in South Africa

Find a new/used M2 listed for sale on Cars.co.za

2. M3 Competition

Keen on a full-fat BMW M sedan? Well, you’ll have to part with at least R2 198 002 for the privilege. In this latest iteration, the turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 motor has been tuned to deliver 390 kW and 650 Nm. However, drive is sent to all 4 corners as standard, with an 8-speed auto doing duty. The obligatory sprint to 3 figures, meanwhile, takes a listed 3.5 seconds.

New M3 Specs & Prices in South Africa

Find a new/used M3 listed for sale on Cars.co.za

3. M4 Competition

Effectively the coupe version of the M3, the M4 Competition kicks off at R2 238 002. The powertrain is precisely the same as that of the all-paw M3 Competition, as is the coupe’s claimed 0-100 kph time.

Of course, while the M3 is also available as an estate (badged as the “Touring”), the M4 can be specified in convertible form. However, opting for the soft-top sees the 0-100 kph time slow slightly to a claimed 3.7 seconds.

New M4 Specs & Prices in South Africa

Find a new/used M4 listed for sale on Cars.co.za

4. BMW M5

Need a sedan larger than the M3? Well, the BMW M5 starts at R2 745 000 and offers whopping peak outputs courtesy of its electrified 8-cylinder heart. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain is built around a turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine, with the electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission drawing its urge from an 18.6 kWh battery pack.

The all-wheel-drive M5 generates staggering maximums of 535 kW and 1 000 Nm. However, thanks to the added weight of the PHEV set-up, this performance sedan’s listed 0-100 kph time of 3.5 seconds is slightly slower than that of its 460 kW predecessor. Still, at least it offers an all-electric range of up to 69 km.

New M5 Specs & Prices in South Africa

Find a new/used M5 listed for sale on Cars.co.za

5. BMW M8 Competition

The priciest full-fat BMW M car that isn’t an SUV is the M8 Competition. The gran coupé version – which is essentially a 4-door fastback – starts at R3 374 849. The 2-door iteration is priced from R3 424 178, while the Bavarian automaker also offers a convertible.

In each case, a turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 mill sends 460 kW and 750 Nm to all 4 corners via an 8-speed automatic cog-swapper. The hard-top derivatives take a claimed 3.2 seconds to reach 100 kph, making them the fastest accelerating variants in the current M line-up.

New M8 Specs & Prices in South Africa

Find a new/used M8 listed for sale on Cars.co.za

Find a used BMW on Cars.co.za!

More Recalls: VW Golf, Volvo, Toyota

The National Consumer Commission has issued recall notices for Volkswagen, Volvo and Toyota. Here’s which cars are affected.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has sent out notices regarding the Volkswagen Golf 8, Volvo XC90 PHEV and on the commercial side of things, the Toyota Hino 500.

Volkswagen Golf 8 Recall

Volkswagen has announced a recall of 159 Golf 8 R and Golf 8 GTI sold between 16th April 2025 and 30 June 2025. The reason behind the recall is due to the front passenger seat belt being defected. The brand said the belt is not properly attached to the lower anchoring point due to a fault in the sewing process. In the event of an accident, the seat belt’s functionality is affected.

Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid

Volvo South Africa has confirmed that 26 XC90 PHEV in the model year 2025-2026 are affected by a braking issue when the vehicle is in its brake regeneration mode / one pedal drive after coasting downhill for a period of time. According to the NCC, ‘this could lead to a collision with potentially serious safety consequences.’

Toyota Hino 500

Toyota SA has confirmed the recall of 6 662 Hino SKD and 77 Hino 55 CBU vehicles, assembled between 11 May 2017 and 14 December 2023 and 31 May 2018 to December 2024 respectively. Toyota says ‘an incorrect cage bolt spanner was supplied in the Hino 500 SKD vehicles, while the Hino 500 CBU came without the cage bolt spanner.’ The parking brake will continue to operate during a vehicle failure, but it won’t be possible to release the parking brake as the tool is incorrect.

Comment from the National Consumer Commission: “The NCC has noted the recent rise of recalls of motor vehicles or related components of such motor vehicles and is engaging affected suppliers for further information to determine the required steps to address this. In the meantime, consumers with affected vehicles are urged to urgently book their vehicles with their nearest approved dealerships for a thorough vehicle check, at no cost”, said Acting Commissioner, Mr. Hardin Ratshisusu.

Want to purchase a new or used vehicle? Browse cars for sale

Read the latest news and reviews

VW Polo Vivo: 5 Good Alternatives to Consider

Is the pricing of the facelifted Volkswagen Polo Vivo out of your reach? What other cars should you be looking at before laying down your cash? Here are 5 budget-friendly hatchbacks that you should consider before making your final decision.

So, the facelifted VW Polo Vivo came to market in 2024 and it’s based on the fifth-generation Polo which is a good thing when it comes to build quality and ride quality. The interior is also more upmarket with some big car features, all good reasons for Volkswagen to charge a premium for a product that now sits in the upper reaches of the budget car tree.

Read our launch review of the Volkswagen Polo Vivo here!

The Polo Vivo offers 3 engine options including a 1.4 (55 kW/130 Nm), 1.6 (63 kW/132 Nm – 77 kW/153 Nm) and a turbocharged, 3-cylinder 1.0-litre engine (81 kW/200 Nm). Buyers also have the choice of 3 trim levels including the base Polo Vivo, Vivo Life, Vivo Style and range-topping Polo Vivo GT.

As for Polo Vivo pricing, the range starts at R271 900 and goes all the way up to R363 100 for the range-topping Polo Vivo GT model. Budget? Who said budget? For price-sensitive buyers, pricing of the Vivo may very well be a push too far and if that’s the case, what’s the next best thing?

Here are 5 alternative budget cars that you should consider…

5 Hatchbacks to Consider Instead of a VW Polo Vivo

Suzuki Swift

There’s an all-new Swift in South Africa and the Swift 1.2 GL is still a great buy in this segment. The Swift is a reliable and frugal daily runner that’s powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine with 60 kW and 112 Nm of torque. It is offered with a 5-speed manual transmission or in automatic guise (we’d stick to the manual).

However, the Swift does fall short when it comes to loading space, its load bay at 265 litres is much smaller than that of the Polo Vivo’s at 280 litres.

The Suzuki Swift manual is priced from R224 900.

Look at specification of the Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL

Buy a used Suzuki Swift on Cars.co.za

Read our Suzuki Swift (2018-2024) Buyer’s Guide

Toyota Starlet

The Toyota Starlet is a solid value offering and is equipped with a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is available as well as a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Starlet is offered in either Xi, Xs and XR trim lines. Pricing for the Starlet starts from R258 000.

Note that the Toyota Starlet is a rebadged Suzuki Baleno, which is equally worth consideration with a starting price of R266 900.

Look at the specification for the Toyota Starlet

Buy a used Toyota Starlet on Cars.co.za

Kia Picanto

Kia’s facelifted Picanto came to market in 2024 and its styling is funkier than most. The Picanto is available with a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine with 49 kW and 95 Nm or a 4-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 122 Nm of torque and can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission (we’d opt for the manual).

The Picanto is not as big as the Polo Vivo but it makes up for this shortfall in the style stakes. The Picanto still offers a reasonably-sized load bay at 255 litres, expanding to 1 010 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The Kia Picanto is priced from R236 995.

Look at specification for the Kia Picanto

Buy a used Kia Picanto on Cars.co.za

Renault Clio

Priced in the same ballpark as the VW Polo Vivo is the Renault Clio, a stylish alternative to the locally made Vivo.

A turbocharged, 3-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine does duty under the bonnet with 74 kW and 160 Nm of torque available and comes exclusively paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Note that the Clio is not sold with an automatic transmission in South Africa.

Note that the Clio has a larger load bay than the Polo Vivo at 391 litres.

Pricing starts from R312 999.

Look at specification for the Renault Clio

Buy a used Renault Clio on Cars.co.za

Hyundai Grand i10

In 2024, Hyundai updated its Grand i10 range, featuring a revised hatchback and sedan range with improved specification. A 1.25-litre petrol engine with 64 kW and 114Nm of torque is the engine to have and it drives the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission. Note that a base 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine with 49 kW and 94 Nm is also available.

The Hyundai Grand i10 is priced from R224 900.

Look at specification for the Hyundai Grand i10

Buy a used Hyundai Grand i10 on Cars.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo a good car to buy in South Africa?

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo has a strong reputation in South Africa and is a consistent top-seller. It is often considered a reliable, affordable, and practical choice for everyday driving, with a strong focus on build quality. Its popularity also means there is a good market for used models and parts are readily available.

Where is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo manufactured?

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is proudly manufactured in South Africa at Volkswagen’s plant in Kariega (formerly Uitenhage), Eastern Cape.

What are the engine options for the Volkswagen Polo Vivo in South Africa?

The Polo Vivo range in South Africa is available with several engine options, including naturally aspirated 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines. The top-of-the-range GT model features a 1.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine.

What is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo’s safety rating?

The Volkswagen Polo Vivo has a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating for Adult Occupancy Protection and a 3-star rating for Child Occupancy Protection. Key safety features include driver and passenger airbags, ISOFIX mounting points, and in some models, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and side airbags.

Why Younger Drivers Pay More for Car Insurance

Why do younger drivers pay more for car insurance, and more importantly, what can they do about it? Budget Insurance sheds some light on the matter…

You’re fresh out of driving school with your shiny new licence and ready to hit the road. Then comes the insurance quote that makes your jaw drop… Young drivers in South Africa face premiums that are 2 to 3 times higher than those paid by their parents. But this isn’t just insurance companies being greedy – it’s cold, hard data at work. We need to understand why younger drivers pay more for car insurance.

According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, drivers under 25 are involved in 35% of all fatal accidents despite making up only 15% of licensed drivers. That statistic alone explains why young drivers’ car insurance premiums can feel more like mortgage payments. But there’s a bit more to this matter than meets the eye, as this article, brought to you by Budget Insurance, will explain.

Why Inexperience Costs More

Do insurers really have data to back up higher premiums for young drivers?

Yes, actuarial data consistently shows drivers under 25 are statistically more likely to be involved in car accidents and, therefore, make claims against their insurance policies.

Insurance companies aren’t guessing about risk – they’re number crunchers with decades of data. Every time you get behind the wheel as a young driver, you’re statistically more likely to have an accident than someone who’s been driving for 20 years. It’s not personal; it’s probability.

Think about it this way: would you lend money to someone with no credit history at the same rate as someone with a perfect 10-year track record? Insurance companies face the same dilemma.

They’re essentially betting on your ability to drive safely, and without a proven history, you’re considered a higher risk. This is the foundational reason why younger drivers pay more for car insurance.

The numbers tell a stark story. Young drivers are 4 times more likely to be in a serious accident during their first year of driving compared to experienced drivers. That’s not just bad luck; it’s inexperience showing up in real-world consequences.

Risky Driving Habits

Are young male drivers truly riskier than young female drivers?

Yes, statistics show young male drivers have significantly higher accident rates and engage in more risky driving behaviours than their female counterparts. Insurance companies have the data to prove it.

Young drivers – especially young men – have a reputation for taking risks. Speeding, aggressive overtaking, and that feeling of invincibility that comes with youth all contribute to higher accident rates.

Night driving adds another layer of risk. Young drivers are more likely to be out after dark, when visibility is poor and the chances of encountering impaired drivers increase. Add passengers into the mix, and the distraction factor multiplies. Your friends might be fun, but they’re not helping your insurance premium.

Indeed, male drivers under 25 are involved in 60% more accidents than female drivers in the same age group. That’s why your brother might pay more than your sister for the same coverage.

Building Your Driving History

How long does it take to build a good driving history that lowers premiums?

Most insurers begin offering meaningful discounts after 3-5 years of clean driving, with the most significant reductions coming after 10 years of claims-free driving.

The thing about trust is that it takes time to build. Insurers want to see that you can drive for years without making a claim. Every clean year on your record is money in the bank for future premium reductions.

Your driving history is like a financial credit score. Fines, accidents, and claims all work against you. But there is good news! Time heals all wounds in the insurance world. A clean record over several years can dramatically reduce your premiums.

Most insurers offer their first meaningful discount after 3 years of claims-free driving. By year 5, you’ll notice a significant difference. After a decade of clean driving, you’ll wonder why you ever paid those sky-high premiums.

Vehicle Choice Matters

Are certain car brands always more expensive to insure for young drivers?

To an extent, yes, but it largely depends on the model: high-performance vehicles, premium models, and cars with poor safety ratings consistently carry higher insurance premiums regardless of the driver’s age.

That sportscar might look amazing, but it’s also expensive to repair and attractive to thieves. What’s more, insurance companies are all too aware which cars are accident magnets and which ones are targets for crime. Your choice of car can add zeros to your insurance premium.

For example, for a young driver, a BMW 3 Series might cost 3 times more to insure than a Toyota Corolla. The difference isn’t just about the car’s value – it’s about repair costs, theft rates, and the driving behaviour these vehicles tend to encourage.

Savvy young drivers choose their first car with insurance costs in mind. A reliable sedan with good safety ratings will serve you better than a flashy coupe that eats into your slim budget.

Geographic Risk Factors

Can moving to a safer area actually lower car insurance premiums?

Yes, your residential address significantly impacts your premium, with high-crime areas carrying surcharges of 20-50% compared to low-risk neighbourhoods.

Where you park your car at night matters more than you might think. Johannesburg’s crime hotspots carry different risk profiles than quiet suburbs in Cape Town, for example. Insurers factor in theft rates, hijacking statistics, and accident frequency for different areas.

If you’re living in a high-crime area, your premium reflects that reality. Moving to a safer neighbourhood can literally save you thousands of rand per year on insurance.

It’s one of the most immediate ways to impact your premium, and a good idea all round.

How Defensive Driving Protects You on South African Roads

Smart Money-Saving Strategies

Young drivers aren’t helpless against high premiums. Here are some proven ways to reduce your costs:

Vehicle Security: Install an approved tracking device and immobiliser. These can reduce your premium by 10-15% immediately.
Driving Courses: Complete an advanced driving course through the AA or a similar organisation. Many insurers offer discounts for certified defensive driving training.
Policy Comparison: Shop around annually. Different insurers weigh risk factors differently, and what’s expensive with 1 company might be affordable with another.
Excess Management: Choose a higher excess to lower your monthly premium. Just make sure you can afford the excess if you need to claim.

Take Control of Your Premiums

Now that you understand why younger drivers pay more for car insurance, there’s the good news: those alarming insurance quotes don’t have to be permanent. Indeed, young drivers in South Africa face higher premiums because the data supports it, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with sky-high costs forever.

Every year of safe driving, every smart vehicle choice, and every proactive step you take builds toward more affordable coverage. Insurance premiums reflect risk, not bias.

By addressing the factors that make you a higher-risk insurance client – through careful driving, smart vehicle choices, and proactive safety measures – you can start bringing those costs down.

Get a quote from Budget Insurance

If you want to learn more about car insurance or review your car insurance requirements with the help of experts, Budget Insurance‘s team is always ready to assist. Contact them on 086 1600 120 or leave your details and they’ll call you back at no expense to you! You can also request an online quote.

VW Golf 1 GTI – the original pocket rocket

Is the Volkswagen Golf 1 GTI – the original Golf GTI – the perfect attainable classic car? Johannesburg’s Stuart König believes it is!

Specifications

Related content:

BMW 530 MLE: South Africa’s “early M car”

Sometimes the resurrection of a car or the start of a collection can be attributed to a single individual or two. This was the case with BMW South Africa’s restored 530 MLE.

Related content:

Firenza Can Am – The Little Chev with big muscle

South Africa’s car history, especially racing history, runs deeper than many of us realise. Combine that with homologation specials, such as the Chevrolet Firenza Can Am, and some truly remarkable cars have graced our racetracks and roads.

Specifications

Related content:

Mazda CX-60 Updated for 2025

The Mazda CX-60 updates are primarily focused around the ride quality, handling and refinement. Here’s pricing and details.

How much does the Mazda CX-60 update cost in South Africa?

Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X (2025) Price & Specs

The Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X has launched in South Africa, bringing high levels of standard equipment and luxury trim to the range.

Trim Gradewalk

How much does the Ford Tourneo Custom Titanium X cost in South Africa?

Recalls Issued: Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz

The NCC has sent out another recall bulletin, this time affecting the Range Rover Evoque and a few Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Here’s the latest.

Range Rover Evoque

Mercedes-Benz Models

What’s Next?

Best BMW M Sedans and Coupes Available in SA

In the market for a full-fat BMW M product but aren’t keen on a crossover or SUV? Here are the 5 bona fide M sedans and coupes you can buy new in South Africa…

BMW M Sedans and Coupes Available in SA

1. BMW M2

2. M3 Competition

3. M4 Competition

4. BMW M5

5. BMW M8 Competition

Related content

More Recalls: VW Golf, Volvo, Toyota

The National Consumer Commission has issued recall notices for Volkswagen, Volvo and Toyota. Here’s which cars are affected.

Volkswagen Golf 8 Recall

Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid

Toyota Hino 500

VW Polo Vivo: 5 Good Alternatives to Consider

Is the pricing of the facelifted Volkswagen Polo Vivo out of your reach? What other cars should you be looking at before laying down your cash? Here are 5 budget-friendly hatchbacks that you should consider before making your final decision.

5 Hatchbacks to Consider Instead of a VW Polo Vivo

Suzuki Swift

Toyota Starlet

Kia Picanto

Renault Clio

Hyundai Grand i10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo a good car to buy in South Africa?

Where is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo manufactured?

What are the engine options for the Volkswagen Polo Vivo in South Africa?

What is the Volkswagen Polo Vivo’s safety rating?

Related Content

Why Younger Drivers Pay More for Car Insurance

Why do younger drivers pay more for car insurance, and more importantly, what can they do about it? Budget Insurance sheds some light on the matter…

Why Inexperience Costs More

Risky Driving Habits

Building Your Driving History

Vehicle Choice Matters

Geographic Risk Factors

Smart Money-Saving Strategies

Take Control of Your Premiums

Get a quote from Budget Insurance