Which compact SUV/hatchback - R350k budget

[Lupus]

Yep, scooby flat four. Subaru being renowned for reliability.

After getting it back, I immediately traded it in for an 'unreliable' French Megane GT, which never gave me a single issue in 6 years. Not even a rattle. Was so impressed with the build quality and reliability that I traded that in last year for an RS, which also hasn't had an issue so far.

The point being that these stories about certain brands being more reliable are now just stories. You need to have yourself covered through a warranty. Buying Japanese/German because of reliability means squat when you're on the side of the road...

Exactly, the only reason that French cars got their reputation is due to the 60s and 70s when they were trying different things and trying to be more advanced, which lead to failures and the average mechanic not being able to fix it.
I mean even my step dads Laguna had electric seats and various other features that were pretty complex for the average 90s car so when those broke it was harder to fix, the actual engine and other things needed to keep a car running didn't give any issues.
I've known people with Peugots, Citroens and Renaults that are hitting 24 years old now and still going strong, with just services. Can't actually say the same for people with other brands as they traded them in when they started giving trouble. The only issue with Citroen is the wet belt on a few models, but that would be an issue on Fords as well.
So yeah same as the French are cheese eating surrender monkeys, French cars being more unreliable than any other brand is a myth .
But you'll have some users who will jump up and down that French sucks, then they point to Romanian or Indian versions of those cars.

 

[ChuckMeFarley]

Exactly, the only reason that French cars got their reputation is due to the 60s and 70s when they were trying different things and trying to be more advanced, which lead to failures and the average mechanic not being able to fix it.
I mean even my step dads Laguna had electric seats and various other features that were pretty complex for the average 90s car so when those broke it was harder to fix, the actual engine and other things needed to keep a car running didn't give any issues.
I've known people with Peugots, Citroens and Renaults that are hitting 24 years old now and still going strong, with just services. Can't actually say the same for people with other brands as they traded them in when they started giving trouble. The only issue with Citroen is the wet belt on a few models, but that would be an issue on Fords as well.
So yeah same as the French are cheese eating surrender monkeys, French cars being more unreliable than any other brand is a myth .
But you'll have some users who will jump up and down that French sucks, then they point to Romanian or Indian versions of those cars.

Yeah I loved my first Frenchie... genuinely , Clio 4 gen 1.
Every service they had to replace the thermostat housing cause it was plastic and kilo alpha kilo. Every second service they had to replace discs. All the left side speakers went dead intermittently. Other than that she went like a bat outta hell and handled beautifully. The only reason I sold her was the cost of first service out of maintenance plan.

 

[Lupus]

Yeah I loved my first Frenchie... genuinely , Clio 4 gen 1.
Every service they had to replace the thermostat housing cause it was plastic and kilo alpha kilo. Every second service they had to replace discs. All the left side speakers went dead intermittently. Other than that she went like a bat outta hell and handled beautifully. The only reason I sold her was the cost of first service out of maintenance plan.

That sounds like a dud sadly, though I had that issue with my Polo Type 9N the thermostat housing was also plastic. So far in 6 1/2 years of my Clio 4 facelift not a single issue, besides normal service, brakes and battery.

 

[ChuckMeFarley]

So I got my A into G and went to test drive the i20 yesterday. I opted to test the auto variant in 1.4 guise. For a B segment hatch I was really impressed and it really didn't feel like I was sitting in a budget vehicle. Ok it isn't my beemer but it also doesn't cost anywhere near either.

The ride was smooth and refined but something was off. The website indicates that this variant is a 6 speed auto but surprise surprise... it's actually a four speed. Next niggle... you will struggle to find the Executive spec vehicle as they brought too few in. So then your only option is the "poverty spec" manual in 1.2.
PS, there is not a whole lot of difference in Premium and Executive spec.

Will try and hash out test drives in the week on:

Starlet due to @acidrain comment on the Baleno (hopefully a bit lighter and therefore nippier than the bigger Fronx)

and Swift GLX... ugghhh CVT for my own curiosity after watching Juliet Mcguire's review on the GL+ CVT a month ago.

 

[epah]

So I got my A into G and went to test drive the i20 yesterday. I opted to test the auto variant in 1.4 guise. For a B segment hatch I was really impressed and it really didn't feel like I was sitting in a budget vehicle. Ok it isn't my beemer but it also doesn't cost anywhere near either.

The ride was smooth and refined but something was off. The website indicates that this variant is a 6 speed auto but surprise surprise... it's actually a four speed. Next niggle... you will struggle to find the Executive spec vehicle as they brought too few in. So then your only option is the "poverty spec" manual in 1.2.
PS, there is not a whole lot of difference in Premium and Executive spec.

Will try and hash out test drives in the week on:

Starlet due to @acidrain comment on the Baleno (hopefully a bit lighter and therefore nippier than the bigger Fronx)

and Swift GLX... ugghhh CVT for my own curiosity after watching Juliet Mcguire's review on the GL+ CVT a month ago.

Are you sure it is a 6 speed? As far as I am aware only the 1.2 Auto are 4 speed(Picanto/I10)
A friend has a Kia rio 1.4 auto and it is definitely a 6 speed, same drivetrain as the i20 you test drove.

 

[Praemon]

Did another test drive today with the Fronx. They didn't have the manual though, so took the auto for a longer drive. It's no doubt lacking a bit of punch, but it's such a comfortable ride, and has all the features I want. Suzuki also offered a discount, but after adding vehicle reg and "on the road" fees, it comes to R339k all in (RRP R342,900 for GLX manual). So still a decent premium over the alternatives mainly for brand and resellability. Will likely do some more test drives of other vehicles this week, but the Suzuki is the one to beat.

 

[Sundancer]

Did another test drive today with the Fronx. They didn't have the manual though, so took the auto for a longer drive. It's no doubt lacking a bit of punch, but it's such a comfortable ride, and has all the features I want. Suzuki also offered a discount, but after adding vehicle reg and "on the road" fees, it comes to R339k all in (RRP R342,900 for GLX manual). So still a decent premium over the alternatives mainly for brand and resellability. Will likely do some more test drives of other vehicles this week, but the Suzuki is the one to beat.

Following with interest, that's currently my front runner (manual GLX) if getting a new car. Suspect the price will be higher by the time I'm looking to buy at the end of the year.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

Did another test drive today with the Fronx. They didn't have the manual though, so took the auto for a longer drive. It's no doubt lacking a bit of punch, but it's such a comfortable ride, and has all the features I want. Suzuki also offered a discount, but after adding vehicle reg and "on the road" fees, it comes to R339k all in (RRP R342,900 for GLX manual). So still a decent premium over the alternatives mainly for brand and resellability. Will likely do some more test drives of other vehicles this week, but the Suzuki is the one to beat.

You should check out the Renault Kiger, you can get the top spec within your budget and they do have a manual option. It's also better spec'd and better looking IMO. Our local dealership is running a special with a further R50k discount...

 

[Lupus]

You should check out the Renault Kiger, you can get the top spec within your budget and they do have a manual option. It's also better spec'd and better looking IMO. Our local dealership is running a special with a further R50k discount...

Or the Nissan Magnite which is the same car. Make sure it's the turbo not the standard 1l. As that motor sucks

 

[ChuckMeFarley]

Are you sure it is a 6 speed? As far as I am aware only the 1.2 Auto are 4 speed(Picanto/I10)
A friend has a Kia rio 1.4 auto and it is definitely a 6 speed, same drivetrain as the i20 you test drove.

I asked the salesman he said 4 speed. I stopped at another dealer and they also confirmed 4 speed. It's not a deal breaker for me though, I think I am going to pull the trigger.

Stopped at Suzuki earlier, they didn't have any cars available to test drive of the Swift or Baleno. Salesman said here's my card call me to see if the car is in like he's doing me a favour. That lost him my interest and any possible sale and this is the second time Suzuki staff have lost my interest in the product. Still waiting on them to phone me back from December '23.

 

[epah]

I asked the salesman he said 4 speed. I stopped at another dealer and they also confirmed 4 speed. It's not a deal breaker for me though, I think I am going to pull the trigger.

Stopped at Suzuki earlier, they didn't have any cars available to test drive of the Swift or Baleno. Salesman said here's my card call me to see if the car is in like he's doing me a favour. That lost him my interest and any possible sale and this is the second time Suzuki staff have lost my interest in the product. Still waiting on them to phone me back from December '23.

Hmmm, That is interesting. Really thought it was a 6 speed, I will confirm myself someday.

The suzuki dealer is doing you a favour, dont buy their cars, Not great products.

 

[epah]

I asked the salesman he said 4 speed. I stopped at another dealer and they also confirmed 4 speed. It's not a deal breaker for me though, I think I am going to pull the trigger.

Stopped at Suzuki earlier, they didn't have any cars available to test drive of the Swift or Baleno. Salesman said here's my card call me to see if the car is in like he's doing me a favour. That lost him my interest and any possible sale and this is the second time Suzuki staff have lost my interest in the product. Still waiting on them to phone me back from December '23.

So i found this video, it is in Germany and it has a 6speed auto, I am not sure why the SA version would have a 4speed, doesnt make sense, Also the drivetrain has been available for many years and brochures Only state 6 speed. Surely it wouldve been fixed by now if it was a 4speed.

 

[epah]

You should check out the Renault Kiger, you can get the top spec within your budget and they do have a manual option. It's also better spec'd and better looking IMO. Our local dealership is running a special with a further R50k discount...

Or the Nissan Magnite which is the same car. Make sure it's the turbo not the standard 1l. As that motor sucks

Both horrible and most unreliable cars in this decade.

 

[Dolby]

well has to be to get going given the 70KW it delivers. Yes its a hell of an adjustment coming from a 140kw

But you manage

I went 245kw > 155kw > 110kw - 108kw - but all force fed. I may battle with a 70kw n/a car at altitude.

Once the affect of altitude and transmission losses kick in, you’re close to the power of one of those sitting lawnmower

 

[Dolby]

Just after I got my Tiggo, I got an opportunity to join one of those online marketing events with 9 or 10 others.

We all bought the same class car within a few months - and the owners of the Fronx all loved theirs BUT all mentioned the power issue..

Everyone was faulty happy with what they bought though

 

[sandwitch]

...the only reason that French cars got their reputation is due to the 60s and 70s when they were trying different things and trying to be more advanced, which lead to failures and the average mechanic not being able to fix it.
I've known people with Peugots, Citroens and Renaults that are hitting 24 years old now and still going strong, with just services.
So yeah same as the French are cheese eating surrender monkeys, French cars being more unreliable than any other brand is a myth .

I liked how you put this. It's amazing how many people get sucked into mythical stereotypes and how pervasively they stick.
Meanwhile an article was posted today about major brands needing to do a recall. Another car brand had cars burst into flames all over the world at some point a couple of years ago but that's been forgotten about. I think it's unfair everyone is out to tar and feather Citroen. All brands go through phases. Juat think of some beloved tool brands as well.

The latest C3 models shouldn't have a wet belt issue because they changed them:

THE ICONIC CITROEN C3 GETS BETTER IN EVERY WAY WITH MORE SPACE, TECHNOLOGIES, AND HYBRID POWERTRAIN.

After shaking up the market by introducing the all-new ë-C3 starting from €23,300, Citroën continues its momentum by opening orders of the all-new C3. All-new C3 replaces an iconic model that built its success on an expressive style as well as unique comfort. It retains its qualities...

www.media.stellantis.com

 

[Lupus]

I liked how you put this. It's amazing how many people get sucked into mythical stereotypes and how pervasively they stick.
Meanwhile an article was posted today about major brands needing to do a recall. Another car brand had cars burst into flames all over the world at some point a couple of years ago but that's been forgotten about. I think it's unfair everyone is out to tar and feather Citroen. All brands go through phases. Juat think of some beloved tool brands as well.

The latest C3 models shouldn't have a wet belt issue because they changed them:

THE ICONIC CITROEN C3 GETS BETTER IN EVERY WAY WITH MORE SPACE, TECHNOLOGIES, AND HYBRID POWERTRAIN.

After shaking up the market by introducing the all-new ë-C3 starting from €23,300, Citroën continues its momentum by opening orders of the all-new C3. All-new C3 replaces an iconic model that built its success on an expressive style as well as unique comfort. It retains its qualities...

www.media.stellantis.com

I think the C3 we get here in SA is the Indian version not the English one so not sure if it carries over.

 

[PhireSide]

Another car brand had cars burst into flames all over the world at some point a couple of years ago but that's been forgotten about

We had one do just that yesterday at a nearby mall.

 

[Praemon]

So did another test drive in the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro yesterday, but in the Elite DCT version, as well as the Havel Jolion Pro Premium.

The Elite DCT has a bigger engine than the Comfort I tried last time, as well as DCT vs CVT. The gearbox and extra power definitely helped, and found it a better match with expectations when putting my foot down. It does have a jerkiness when going from stand still though, where initially accelerating nothing really happens and then suddenly it lurches into action. But I suspect you will get used to this and control it better over time. The sales person had much better knowledge than the last one, and they gave a good run down of all the features and showed them off while driving. There's no doubt you're getting a lot of tech for your money and it feels like you're driving a high tech car. I suppose the main thing is that it actually works as intended over time and isn't too intrusive, but from what I've Google'd it seems to do a decent job.

The Haval Jolion drove very well. Seems to be a similar engine (1.5T) with DCT, however, it didn't have the same jerkiness at all. It drove extremely smoothly, and really enjoyed the test drive. However, other than that, it didn't really wow much. Lacks a number of features the Chery had, including less airbags, fabric seats instead of synthetic leather, and no 360 degree camera. The interior also felt a bit plain. Considering the price, it doesn't really stand up to what the Chery offers, so at least on the entry models and what I'm looking for, I've decided against the Haval.

So after the latest test drives, my decision is now down to the Suzuki Fronx manual and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Elite DCT. Obviously one is manual and the other is auto, so pricing will be different, but there's probably a R55k difference (all in) when comparing to the Fronx (or around R35k to the Fronx auto). So I need to consider whether the automatic transmission, synthetic leather seats, some extra driver-assistant technologies (ADAS), more powerful engine, and slightly larger vehicle, makes that difference worthwhile. However, it doesn't come without its cons, such as higher fuel consumption, higher monthly insurance and a brand recognition that is arguably less than that of Suzuki for longevity and resale. It's a tough one, and waiting hearing back from the Chery sales person on final offers and possible demos for sale to make my decision.

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

so its between a Chinese car and a Japanese made but Indian built Suzuki,
Id stick with the Suzuki, the Chinese always worry me when you hear about the horror stories after a few years

people buy them, but saffers like cheap but flashy, and the Chinese deliver that in spades. kind of an ideal place
give it a few years, and see how the first Chinese cars are faring in SA.

see the resale values, see what they go for on the used market.

still not convinced, check in Russia where they are FORCED to drive these after western car companies left,
and this is Russia with its Lada's and Copied cars from the Soviet union.