Which compact SUV/hatchback - R350k budget

Praemon said:
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.
Click to expand...

That is just DCT for you and will vary a little from one car to the next and their drive by wire throttle input sensitivity but also somewhat with age as it adapts to how you drive somewhat.

I’ve even found it different from one car to the next across the same models.
 
Praemon said:
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.
Click to expand...
I'll throw a tiny spanner in the works for you, lol, Kia Sonet LX has a R40k deal assist putting it at R368k at the moment or R25k cheaper on the manual. Drove the CVT on Saturday. You still won't get all the bells and whistles from the Chery though. For that you will need to fork out closer to R500k for the SX.
 
ChuckMeFarley said:
I'll throw a tiny spanner in the works for you, lol, Kia Sonet LX has a R40k deal assist putting it at R368k at the moment or R25k cheaper on the manual. Drove the CVT on Saturday. You still won't get all the bells and whistles from the Chery though. For that you will need to fork out closer to R500k for the SX.
Click to expand...

The Kia Sonet looks like a great car. Unfortunately an absolute requirement for me is 6 airbags, and you only seem to get that on the top of the range models which pushes it outside my budget.
 
PhireSide said:
Any update OP?
Click to expand...

So I ended up getting the Suzuki Fronx GLX manual. It has everything I wanted in terms of features and safety. I was very close to getting the Chery Tiggo Pro 4 Elite DCT version, but it was quite a bit more expensive (around R50k), and they didn't have a colour I wanted in stock. The Fronx lacks some of the gadgets and style of the Chery, but I felt it was the more sensible purchase.

I took it for a weekend to the Ceres mountains where I had to drive muddy dirt roads with potholes, and it performed really well. The lack of power only really surfaced when the aircon was on, but I never felt it was a major problem. So, happy with the purchase so far.
 
Praemon said:
So I ended up getting the Suzuki Fronx GLX manual. It has everything I wanted in terms of features and safety. I was very close to getting the Chery Tiggo Pro 4 Elite DCT version, but it was quite a bit more expensive (around R50k), and they didn't have a colour I wanted in stock. The Fronx lacks some of the gadgets and style of the Chery, but I felt it was the more sensible purchase.

I took it for a weekend to the Ceres mountains where I had to drive muddy dirt roads with potholes, and it performed really well. The lack of power only really surfaced when the aircon was on, but I never felt it was a major problem. So, happy with the purchase so far.
Click to expand...
Congrats, good choice! If I could have dared to drive manual again I’d have gone for this too, it is unbeatable value. Once you go auto though, that 4-speed auto gearbox in the Fronx and its sibling Toyota Starlet Cross is out of the question.
 
So many options in this price range/class. I had the same issue last week. Trying to decide on what to get. This is not for me, but someone very dear to me going through a hell of a rough time and just needs a break. One less thing in her life to worry about.

I usually do a deep dive and lose myself along the way in doing research and reading up on the different cars.

So I just decided fsck it, a Jolion City+ Demo will do. Sent her to a dealership close to her and told her to go and speak with Mr Salesman X and tell him I sent you. So she test drove the thing and was impressed and moerse confused at the same time.

She left, and I concluded the deal from my side. She will take delivery over the next few days.
Looks like a decent car. Got bigger wheels, 17", than some of the other options. I just couldn't get myself to buy her a 70-odd kw automatic.

She is over the moon, to say the least. Hoping she will get plenty of trouble-free miles out of it.
 
mr_smithh said:
@Praemon
Hi, how are you finding the car so far?
I am thinking of getting one too.
Click to expand...

So far so good, and no major complaints. Just a few small things that I've found:
  • I find the steering never finds a comfortable center. You're always making slight micro adjustments over long distances both ways. I raised it with Suzuki and they say it's expected (not an align issue). I did find a similar thing with other cars I test drove, including other brands, so wasn't unexpected, and I must emphasis it's very slight, but find it a bit annoying.
  • Car play wireless sometimes loses connection. I found whenever I visit a certain shop it goes, so maybe some kind of interference at that particular spot. I also found it disconnected once while driving in the City, but came back a minute or two later. I am running the iOS 26 beta, so potentially just a bug with the OS. Otherwise works well.
  • For the most part the drive is smooth and comfortable, but you do "feel" the road more when on rougher or worse roads, and similarly with noise. I'd say more so than something like when I test drove the Chery, which felt like it had better noise dampening and smoother ride. It's marginal, but there is a difference.
  • 360 camera is super helpful, but the quality is low. So at night it isn't the best, but does that job.
  • I knew this coming in, but it would really help if Suzuki added automatic locking when you leave the car or start driving. It's always manually activated.
Otherwise it's been driving well, and I'm doing around 6.3L / 100km (haven't been very economical in my driving, so could be better). Will have to see what the experience is like long term, but overall still very happy and would recommend giving it a test drive.
 
Praemon said:
So far so good, and no major complaints. Just a few small things that I've found:
  • I find the steering never finds a comfortable center. You're always making slight micro adjustments over long distances both ways. I raised it with Suzuki and they say it's expected (not an align issue). I did find a similar thing with other cars I test drove, including other brands, so wasn't unexpected, and I must emphasis it's very slight, but find it a bit annoying.
  • Car play wireless sometimes loses connection. I found whenever I visit a certain shop it goes, so maybe some kind of interference at that particular spot. I also found it disconnected once while driving in the City, but came back a minute or two later. I am running the iOS 26 beta, so potentially just a bug with the OS. Otherwise works well.
  • For the most part the drive is smooth and comfortable, but you do "feel" the road more when on rougher or worse roads, and similarly with noise. I'd say more so than something like when I test drove the Chery, which felt like it had better noise dampening and smoother ride. It's marginal, but there is a difference.
  • 360 camera is super helpful, but the quality is low. So at night it isn't the best, but does that job.
  • I knew this coming in, but it would really help if Suzuki added automatic locking when you leave the car or start driving. It's always manually activated.
Otherwise it's been driving well, and I'm doing around 6.3L / 100km (haven't been very economical in my driving, so could be better). Will have to see what the experience is like long term, but overall still very happy and would recommend giving it a test drive.
Click to expand...
Thanks
 
So my Megane GT (which is the same model that was mentioned by Mike Hoxbig in this thread, we bought at the same time) is almost 8 years old and I'm thinking of getting a new car. I test drove the RS and even though it's absolutely incredible, I can't justify buying it because I don't drive much. I only have 30 000 km on the Megane.

I'm looking for something around R350 000. With the idea of buying a sports car in around 5 to 6 years when my house is paid off.

I took quite a few cars for test drives. In fact most of the ones mentioned in this thread.

At this price point it feels like every car has at least one thing I don't like.

Currently I'm leaning towards the Omoda C5. The car feels much bigger than what I'm used to but I can get used to it. The brand is also seemingly doing well which is good for after sales support. But it's still Chinese and it's still pretty much unknown how long these cars will last. But hey, I drove a Renault for almost 8 years with no problems.

I just need to find out about the safety features. Will do so on Monday. Cars.co.za shows the C5 Style as having ABS and all kinds of safety features but the Omoda site disagrees. In fact I can't find any info on airbags and such on the Omoda site.

Of all the cars I tested it just comes with so many features and I love the look inside and out (my wife disagrees). And I found the driving to better than some of the others I tested. I'm going to miss the acceleration and handling of the Megane though.
 
Solitude said:
So my Megane GT (which is the same model that was mentioned by Mike Hoxbig in this thread, we bought at the same time) is almost 8 years old and I'm thinking of getting a new car. I test drove the RS and even though it's absolutely incredible, I can't justify buying it because I don't drive much. I only have 30 000 km on the Megane.

I'm looking for something around R350 000. With the idea of buying a sports car in around 5 to 6 years when my house is paid off.

I took quite a few cars for test drives. In fact most of the ones mentioned in this thread.

At this price point it feels like every car has at least one thing I don't like.

Currently I'm leaning towards the Omoda C5. The car feels much bigger than what I'm used to but I can get used to it. The brand is also seemingly doing well which is good for after sales support. But it's still Chinese and it's still pretty much unknown how long these cars will last. But hey, I drove a Renault for almost 8 years with no problems.

I just need to find out about the safety features. Will do so on Monday. Cars.co.za shows the C5 Style as having ABS and all kinds of safety features but the Omoda site disagrees. In fact I can't find any info on airbags and such on the Omoda site.

Of all the cars I tested it just comes with so many features and I love the look inside and out (my wife disagrees). And I found the driving to better than some of the others I tested. I'm going to miss the acceleration and handling of the Megane though.
Click to expand...


It’s right there on the website.

OMODA C5 Safety Features:
6 Airbags
ABS and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Isofix Attachments
Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Auto Speed Locking
Keyless Entry and Push-Button Star
 
SauRoNZA said:
It’s right there on the website.

OMODA C5 Safety Features:
6 Airbags
ABS and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
Electronic Power Steering (EPS)
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Isofix Attachments
Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Auto Speed Locking
Keyless Entry and Push-Button Star
Click to expand...

Where did you see that?

On this page it says no:
www.omoda.co.za

Introducing the OMODA C5

Explore the OMODA C5—a fusion of modern design, advanced technology, and premium comfort. Experience innovation in motion with features tailored for style, efficiency, and a dynamic driving experience.
www.omoda.co.za www.omoda.co.za

1755960875857.png
 
Solitude said:
Where did you see that?

On this page it says no:
www.omoda.co.za

Introducing the OMODA C5

Explore the OMODA C5—a fusion of modern design, advanced technology, and premium comfort. Experience innovation in motion with features tailored for style, efficiency, and a dynamic driving experience.
www.omoda.co.za www.omoda.co.za

View attachment 1842855
Click to expand...

There isn’t a new car the roads without ABS, it’s illegal not to have it.

www.group1omoda.co.za

OMODA C5: Discover Its Specs, Price And More

Explore the features, specs and price of the OMODA C5, the epitome of automotive innovation. Pull up in style with this cutting-edge model from OMODA.
www.group1omoda.co.za www.group1omoda.co.za

Scroll down to the middle somewhere.

Also…

IMG_1866.png
 
You can also get the entire brochure here always the best way to compare.


This is Chery’s luxury brand. Like Lexus is to Toyota it will have everything the Chery has or more.

But don’t buy anything less than the Lux. Not only will it be much nicer to live with but also much easier to sell down the line.
 
Solitude said:
So my Megane GT (which is the same model that was mentioned by Mike Hoxbig in this thread, we bought at the same time) is almost 8 years old and I'm thinking of getting a new car. I test drove the RS and even though it's absolutely incredible, I can't justify buying it because I don't drive much. I only have 30 000 km on the Megane.

I'm looking for something around R350 000. With the idea of buying a sports car in around 5 to 6 years when my house is paid off.

I took quite a few cars for test drives. In fact most of the ones mentioned in this thread.

At this price point it feels like every car has at least one thing I don't like.

Currently I'm leaning towards the Omoda C5. The car feels much bigger than what I'm used to but I can get used to it. The brand is also seemingly doing well which is good for after sales support. But it's still Chinese and it's still pretty much unknown how long these cars will last. But hey, I drove a Renault for almost 8 years with no problems.

I just need to find out about the safety features. Will do so on Monday. Cars.co.za shows the C5 Style as having ABS and all kinds of safety features but the Omoda site disagrees. In fact I can't find any info on airbags and such on the Omoda site.

Of all the cars I tested it just comes with so many features and I love the look inside and out (my wife disagrees). And I found the driving to better than some of the others I tested. I'm going to miss the acceleration and handling of the Megane though.
Click to expand...
Told you, Civic RS. If you can get past the CVT, you get Bose, which is way more awesome than anything you get in this price range. Still haven't decided myself if I'm replacing mine, lots of things around the house that needs fixing...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X