5 cheapest automatics on South Africa’s new car market…

By: CAR magazine

While we’re big fans of the manual gearbox here at CARmag.co.za, we’re also acutely aware it’s no fun sitting in heavy traffic with three pedals. So, we decided to take a look at South Africa’s five least expensive new vehicles with automatic transmissions. Bear in mind, of course, there are plenty of options on the used market if the idea of a budget hatch doesn’t quite appeal to you (you get what you pay for, after all)…

5. BAIC D20 hatch 1,5 Fashion auto: R189 990

The self-shifting version of BAIC’s D20 hatchback sneaks onto the list ahead of the likes of Suzuki’s Swift and Hyundai’s Grand i10, coming in at a shade below R190 000. The naturally aspirated 1,5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine offers the front wheels 85 kW and 148 N.m via a four-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

4. Datsun Go 1,2 Lux CVT: R188 300

Datsun’s Go is next on the list, with the range-topping 1,2 Lux available with a continuously variable transmission (the only model here using this type). Interestingly, the CVT-equipped Go has a mite more oomph than the manual version (as well as vehicle stability control), with its naturally aspirated 1,2-litre, three-cylinder heart offering 57 kW and 104 N.m to the front axle.

3. Kia Picanto 1,0 Start auto: R181 995

At the end of January 2020, Kia Motors South Africa rejigged its Picanto range, finally handing its base-spec Start variants a front passenger airbag and ABS. The Picanto 1,0 Start auto is the cheapest two-pedal model in the line-up; there’s also a higher-spec Street variant at R193 995 and a couple more that employ a 1,2-litre unit. The free-breathing 1,0-litre three-pot generates 49 kW and 96 N.m, delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed torque-converter automatic.

2. Suzuki Celerio 1,0 GL AMT: R176 400

While the models mentioned above employ traditional automatic transmissions (and a CVT in the case of the Datsun), Suzuki has opted for an automated manual for its little Celerio, which draws 55 kW and 90 N.m from its 1,0-litre three-pot. This type of cog-swapper uses a proprietary electro-hydraulic actuator to automatically operate the mechanical clutch and allow the automated up- and down-shifting of the five-speed gearbox.

1. Renault Kwid 1,0 Expression AMT: R154 900

The cheapest automatic vehicle in the country (by a country mile) is Renault’s facelifted Kwid in base Expression guise, which can be specified with a five-speed automated manual transmission (as can the higher-spec Dynamique and Climber models). As a reminder, the Indian-built Kwid’s naturally aspirated 1,0-litre, three-cylinder petrol mill makes 50 kW and 91 N.m.

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