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Cape Town - The ever-rising cost of fuel has pushed consumers to downsize significantly over the past few years, birthing the rise of the B-segment hatchback and crossover.
Wheels24 reported that price of fuel is set to decrease at the beginning of August 2016, thanks to a strong rand and Brexit.
Whether you're in need of a city-slicker or cheap family car, the price of fuel will affect your purchasing choice in South Africa.
Saving fuel
Fortunately, there are plenty of models to choose from locally.
If you’re limited to R200 000, consider one of the five models listed below, taking into account specification, performance, and most importantly, fuel efficiency.
Fiat 500 0.9 TwinAir Pop
Fuel consumption: 3.8 litres/100km
Ppower figures: 63kW/145Nm
Price: R179 900
Recently facelifted, the 500 continues to cater for the boutique crowd, and offers an impressive amount of standard features, such as seven airbags.
With the smallest engine, albeit turbocharged, the 500 is easily the most fuel-efficient of the group. Don’t write it off in terms of performance either, because the 500 is a hoot to drive. Space will be an issue as it's relatively tight confines and limited boot volume isn't ideal for small families.
2 Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi Ambiente
Fuel consumption: 4.0 litres/100km
Power figures: 74kW/215Nm
Price: R193 900
The Ford Figo is no longer just a stripped-out, previous-generation Fiesta, but now features its own unique styling, and cabin comforts (like a smartphone holder on top of the fascia).
READ: 4 Hybrid cars under R500 000 in SA
Unfortunately, in Ambiente guise it's not fitted with power windows but as the only diesel on this list it commands respect. It delivers a lot more power and torque without sacrificing frugality compared to its rivals.
3 Citroen C1 VTi 51kW Feel
Fuel consumption: 4.0 litres/100km
Power figures: 51kW/96Nm
Price: R149 900
The C1 and its distant-cousin, Toyota’s Aygo, make use of the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. For just R1000 more, the French offering boasts two more airbags and uses just under half a litre less fuel on average over 100km (4 L/100km).
READ: 11 ways to drive fuel efficiently in SA
The C1 is also quite stylish having a received a complete overhaul by Citroen. It has a less confrontational front than the Aygo.
4 Smart ForTwo coupé Base
Fuel consumption: 4.0 litres/100km
Power figures: 52kW/91Nm
Price: R174 900
While both the ForTwo and ForFour line-ups do reach over the R200 000 mark, at least four models can be had for under that benchmark. The Smart’s profile is instantly recognisable thanks to its prominent safety cell and short front- and rear overhangs.
Its miniscule size makes it perfect in cities, but it lacks decent luggage room, even if just for two people. You also need to be careful when ticking the options list; a few nice-to-haves will easily push the price over R200 000.
5 Volkswagen Take Up! 5-door
Fuel consumption: 4.60 litres/100km
Power figures: 55 kW/95Nm
Price: R156 300
The addition of two rear doors, means that the five-door Up! is slightly more fuel-efficient than the three-door original.
A well-constructed little hatchback that’s fun to drive thanks to a willing three-pot engine and slick gearbox. Its cabin, while minimalist, is more spacious than most people expect.
