If you’re in the market for a new vehicle these days, you’re facing a brutal double-whammy: the price of new vehicles and the price of fuel are both through the roof, and seemingly only increasing.
And that means the market for pre-owned is growing.
Requirement: You crave a B-segment hatchback quicker than average (with somewhere in the region of 100 kW), but without the sky-high fuel bills and back-breaking ride. Since you have a maximum of R180 000 to spend, you turn your attention to the second-hand market.
As always, when considering a used vehicle, it’s well worth investigating the cost of maintenance of that particular model before signing on the dotted line.
Here are five examples we found after having a look around Gumtree (click the vehicle name to see the posting in question):
Often overlooked, the MiTo makes for a tempting buy on the second-hand market, with fairly recent models available at attractive prices. Thanks to its 1,4-litre turbocharged mill, the Italian hatchback is credited with 100 kW and 206 N.m, which is enough for an 8,4-second sprint to three figures. If you desire a smidgen more oomph, there’s always the Quadrifoglio Verde version…
The Sonic RS also employs a 1,4-litre turbocharged heart, but this four-pot is worth 103 kW and 200 N.m. The obligatory sprint to three figures, however, is somewhat slower, taking a full 9,5 seconds. Still, the Sonic RS delivers an admirable blend of comfort and everyday chuckability, which is exactly what buyers in this segment appreciate.
Another under-appreciated warm hatch, the DS3 mixes distinctive style with surprising poke, completing the sprint to 100 km/h in a claimed 7,3 seconds. The prefacelift model features a 1,6-litre turbo-petrol mill (closely related to the engine used in the second-generation Mini Cooper S) providing the front wheels with 115 kW and 240 N.m (the latest version gains a little more poke, but is weighed down by extra kit). This powerplant can also be had with a pseudo-drop-top, if that’s what you’re into.
The Suzuki Swift Sport can’t quite match the punch of its newer, turbocharged rivals, but it’s still an absolute hoot to drive. It’s the only naturally aspirated model on this list, making use of a 1,6-litre four-cylinder mill that delivers 100 kW and 160N.m to the front rubber. The dash from zero to 100 km/h takes a claimed 8,7 seconds.
If the badge on the bonnet is as important to you as the performance on offer, the Audi A1 may well be worth considering. This little German hatchack – available in either three-door or Sportback flavour – is powered by a 1,4-litre turbocharged engine worth 92 kW and 200 N.m, which translates into an 8,8-second sprint to three figures.
