Need a smaller, cheaper car? Here are five options

If you’re in such a position, you needn’t despair. There are a handful of fun-to-drive options out there, each bursting at the seams with character despite likely being smaller and more affordable than your current ride.

Besides, what better way to head into the spring and summer months than behind the wheel of something that’ll put a smile on your face as well as lighten the load on your wallet? Let’s take a look at five cheerful options.

It’s pretty difficult not to be charmed by the Fiat Panda. While the likeable little city car is unfortunately no longer part of the Italian firm’s local new-vehicle range, there are a number of examples on the used market.

According to AutoTrader data covering the first eight months of 2021, the Panda’s average list price is a shade over R130,000, which suggests it offers a heady mix of affordability and fun. Consider the 4×4 variant for mild off-roading amusement or the Cross derivative for an extra dash of (quirky) personality.

Like the Panda, the Volkswagen up! can no longer be purchased new in South Africa (it incidentally also has the same average registration year of 2017). But that needn’t stop you from experiencing what is still one of the most upmarket options in the A-segment. With an average listed price of around R140,000, it’s fairly affordable enough, too. While most feature a five-door body style, early models were available with three portals.

Though the GTI derivative regrettably didn’t ever make it to local shores, the standard model still offers bags of driving enjoyment.

If you’re a fan of retro styling and legendary badges, you’d do well to consider either the Fiat 500 or the three-door Mini Cooper Hatch.

The former will make less of a dent in your bank account with an average list price of less than R160,000, while average figures for the latter are in the mid-R200,000s. With a peppy engine and a short wheelbase, the Mini in particular offers a grin-inducing driving experience.

For those who are prepared to spend a touch more for something a little newer, the Suzuki Jimny is a delightful option, with an average list price of nearly R290,000 and an average registration year of 2018 (incidentally, the year when the current, fourth-generation model made local landfall).

Though the plucky little off-roader is more at home off tarmac than on a highway (it runs on a ladder-frame chassis, after all), it’ll likely have you smiling from ear to ear regardless of the terrain. Third-gen models are just as capable yet even more affordable.

Source: Nikki Chennells / AutoTrader – 1 January 2021 to 31 August 2021 

Photos are for illustration purposes only.