written by Mabuyane Mabuza
The world as we knew it has shifted and continues to do so right before our eyes.
These days one can’t finish a conversation without the mention of Covid or even the Russia/Ukraine conflict. We did not choose to be affected by these world events but are affected, nonetheless. As result, many of us have had to make changes to reduce the escalating living costs.
Often because humans are animals of habit, we refuse to make changes where it matters for it’ll cause discomfort in our lives. We go for things we think we need.
One of the best cutting measures one could make must or rather should be the car. Why? Well, because you have many options to change to. The word downgrade is what often scares many people, but it need not be like that. I have selected a few downgrades that should keep you happy and fulfilled. Whether you buy them as a downgrade or a secondary runaround car or even buying for a child leaving for varsity, it doesn’t matter.
Toyota’s Starlet is a new addition to the stable and has that modern touch and feel to it. It is already in the facelift stage. Under the bonnet lies a 1.5-litre engine (either in auto or manual transmission) pumping 77kW of power, not too shabby if you’re not in a hurry.
The Starlet has a big car feel to it, it is spacious enough to fulfill the needs of a young family and singles alike. There is a touchscreen infotainment system linked to the Apple CarPlay and Android functionality. Safety is also taken seriously, the Starlet comes fitted with ABS (anti-braking system) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and vehicle stability control, rear parking sensors to name but a few. Budget anything between R226 200 right up to R313 300.
Peugeot 208 is an impressive little dynamite jam-packed with lots of modern technology and safety. Not only does it look great but drives like a dream, the 1.2 turbo petrol mated to either the six-speed manual or auto is agile and rewarding to drive. The manual produces 74kW of power while the auto shines with 96kW. I’d recommend this one for the singles because it is not generous with rear seat space. Apart from the futuristic interior, the 208 comes fitted with a 180-degree parking camera (Allure model), cruise control, auto headlights, rear parking sensors, and more. To acquire this piece of engineering piece of metal you will need R366 000 right up to R444 000.
Hyundai Grand i10/i20 are also some of the smaller cars you could look at. I have deliberately chosen both these two cars from Hyundai because both have the potential to make you happy. Hyundai likes playing it safe in terms of design. If you are looking for something that would age slowly then this is the brand. The Grand i10 is my favourite of the two. I have yet to drive a car that has this low fuel consumption. At just between 4,5-litres per 100km, it is easy to forget to fill up. The i20 is powered by the 1.0 Turbo engine, this already elevates the i20 from the back of the classroom right to the front where the Volkswagen Polo is playing and dominating. Anything between R290 000 to R360 000, you will get the i20 that is suitable for you. Back in the day when cars were not as technologically advanced, it would be easy to pick up an i10 for just R150 000 but these days you must budget almost R260 000 for a new Grand i10.
