11 cheapest automatic cars in South Africa

·8 Jan 2025

Automatic cars have long been considered a luxury in South Africa, but there are now 11 models priced under R275,000, making them more accessible to drivers.

With the country’s diverse terrains and heavy traffic, these vehicles offer practical daily commuting and long-distance travel solutions.

The convenience of automatic transmissions is undeniable. Unlike manual cars, they eliminate the need to juggle a clutch and shift gears, making them ideal for navigating urban congestion or hilly landscapes.

This simplicity is particularly beneficial for new drivers, allowing them to concentrate on the road without the added stress of gear changes.

In stop-and-go traffic, common in South African cities, automatic cars help reduce driver fatigue by removing the constant need to engage gears.

The result is a more relaxed and comfortable driving experience, especially over long distances.

Modern automatic vehicles also boast improved fuel efficiency compared to older models. Technological advances enable manufacturers to design systems that optimize gear shifts based on driving conditions, leading to better fuel economy.

In a country where fuel prices continue to climb, these savings are a significant advantage, making automatic cars an economically attractive choice for many.

Despite the perception that automatic cars are associated with high-end models, the availability of affordable options has grown.

This shift is timely, as finance experts recommend spending no more than 25% of one’s monthly net income on vehicle-related expenses.

With the average salary in South Africa reported at R28,220 per month by Stats SA, many workers can allocate up to R7,055 monthly to car costs, putting these 11 automatic cars within reach for a substantial portion of the population.

Among the noteworthy options is Mahindra’s newly launched XUV 3XO, which entered the South African market on September 19, 2024.

As a replacement for the outgoing XUV300, this crossover starts at R254,999, making it R23,000 cheaper than its predecessor.

Buyers can choose from eight variants, with prices ranging up to R404,999, and select between a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The automatic models feature driving modes such as Zip, Zap, and Zoom, designed to enhance performance across various terrains.

WesBank’s vehicle finance calculator provides helpful estimates for prospective buyers considering financing.

Assuming no deposit and a 0% balloon payment over five years at an interest rate of 11.25%, monthly repayments for the automatic cars in this price range fall between R4,313 and R6,109.

These calculations make automatic vehicles not only practical but also financially attainable for many South Africans.

The 11 cheapest automatic cars that you can buy brand new in South Africa are listed below.

Suzuki S-Presso auto – starting from R192,900