The Suzuki Swift is widely known for its low running costs and fuel efficiency.
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Turning 18 or heading to further studies after school often brings the reality of buying a first car. For many South African students, having their own vehicle makes commuting easier and allows greater independence, but safety remains a key consideration.
Young drivers face higher risks on the road, making vehicle choice an important decision for both students and their parents.
Pre-owned vehicles are often the most practical option. They typically cost less to buy, insure and maintain than new cars, while still offering modern safety equipment such as multiple airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
This makes them accessible without compromising on essential safety features.
“When choosing a car for a young driver, parents should prioritise models with strong crash-test ratings from organisations like Global NCAP or Euro NCAP, looking for at least four or five-star ratings where available, multiple airbags, ABS and electronic stability programme,” says Sam Ghisleni, head of marketing at Weelee.
“Reliability and low running costs are valuable bonuses as you want a vehicle that won’t leave your children stranded.”
Safety features should be the starting point. Multiple airbags, stability control and good crash-test performance provide important protection. Running costs also matter, particularly fuel consumption, insurance premiums and service pricing.
Vehicles from the past five to 10 years often provide a balance between affordability and modern safety technology. These cars also benefit from improved structural safety compared with older entry-level models.
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is one of the country’s top-selling passenger cars.
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Several compact hatchbacks and small crossovers remain popular among first-time buyers in South Africa due to their affordability, safety features and ease of driving.
VW Polo Vivo
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo remains one of the country’s top-selling passenger cars, offering strong safety performance, solid build quality and good resale value. However, insurance and parts costs can be slightly higher than those of some rivals.
Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift is widely known for its low running costs and fuel efficiency. Its compact size makes it easy to drive in urban areas, although interior space is more limited than that of larger hatchbacks.
Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto provides a budget-friendly option with modern features such as touchscreen infotainment and reverse cameras in newer versions. Its smaller engine and interior space make it more suited to urban driving.
Nissan Magnite
The Nissan Magnite offers a higher driving position and additional practicality compared with traditional hatchbacks. Newer used examples may still command higher prices due to demand.
The Toyota Starlet is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.
Image: Supplied
Toyota Starlet
The Toyota Starlet is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency and relatively low ownership costs, although entry-level versions may have fewer features.
Hyundai i20
The Hyundai i20 offers more interior space and comfort than smaller city cars, along with multiple airbags and stability control, making it a practical option for longer trips.
Used vehicles generally depreciate less than new ones, which helps preserve their resale value. Lower purchase prices also make them more accessible to first-time buyers, while modern safety systems ensure they remain suitable for everyday driving.
For students and parents alike, choosing a well-maintained used vehicle with strong safety credentials and reasonable running costs can provide a practical and cost-effective entry point into car ownership.