Every Compact Crossover in SA for Under R300 k – Updated
Looking for a pocket‑friendly crossover? CAR Magazine has combed the South African market to list all the compact crossovers that start at R300 000 or less in October 2025.
1. Renault Kiger – from R219 999
Renault has given the Kiger a fresh look and a new price tag, trimming R30 000 off the entry‑level model. Built on the same platform as the Nissan Magnite, the Kiger comes with the same 1.0‑litre, 3‑cylinder petrol unit and an automatic or manual gearbox. A turbocharged engine will arrive later in 2026, but the current base engine is a good fit for city and short‑haul driving.
2. Tata Punch – from R244 900
After a six‑year break, Tata has re‑entered South Africa this September with the Punch, a low‑priced, top‑down‑crossover. It sits on a 1.2‑litre naturally aspirated engine that delivers 65 kW and 115 Nm, and sits in a trim lineup of four grades that swap the manual or AMT. Price starts at R244 900, with a five‑year/125 000 km warranty and a 3‑year/45 000 km service plan.
3. Nissan Magnite – from R246 200
The Magnite, first launched in 2021 and refreshed in 2024, now earns a stellar five‑star Global NCAP safety rating (up from two stars). The SA range offers 10 trims, including a panel‑van variant, and uses two 1.0‑litre engines: a 53 kW naturally aspirated unit or a 74 kW turbocharged one that pushes 152 Nm. A five‑speed manual, an AMT or a CVT give you driving choice. Entry price: R246 200.
4. Citroën C3 – from R254 500
Citroën’s compact C3 comes in three trims, the cheapest from R254 500. It’s powered by a 60 kW, 115 Nm 1.2‑litre naturally aspirated engine with a 5‑speed manual. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the turbocharged 81 kW, 2025 Nm version costs R305 500 and adds a 6‑speed automatic. All C3s carry the same high‑way‑ready chassis.
5. Mahindra XUV 3XO – from R259 999
Mahindra’s XUV 3XO is a value‑packed family crossover but its flagship AX7L starts at an eye‑watering R404 999 – well outside the R300 000 ceiling. For those staying under that limit, pick the MX2 (manual) or MX3 (manual) starting at R259 999. Every XUV 3XO shares the same 1.2‑litre turbo 82 kW, 200 Nm engine, available in a six‑speed manual (except the AX7L) or six‑speed automatic.
6. Hyundai Exter – from R269 900
Hyundai offers the Exter in five trims, ranging from R269 900 to R334 900. All use a 61 kW, 114 Nm 1.2‑litre, four‑cylinder petrol engine, coupled to either a 5‑speed manual or an AMT. The lowest‑priced manual premium or executive models fall under R300 000. Hyundai backs the car with a seven‑year/200 000 km warranty.
7. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – from R269 900
The Tiggo 4 portfolio has eight trims, starting at R269 900. It offers two 1.5‑litre, four‑cylinder engines: a naturally aspirated 83 kW, 138 Nm version or a turbocharged 108 kW, 210 Nm unit. The former rides a 5‑speed manual or CVT, while the turbo gets a 7‑speed dual‑clutch gearbox.
8. Citroën C3 Aircross – from R281 500
The Aircross, the family‑focused sibling of the C3, opens at R279 900. The entry‑level “Plus” comes with a 1.2‑litre, 115 Nm naturally aspirated engine and a manual gearbox. The five‑seater “Max” and the seven‑seater “Max Plus” use a turbo 1.2‑litre engine and a 6‑speed automatic, but they push the price to R369 900 and R379 900 respectively.
9. MG ZS – from R289 900
MG’s new ZS debuted in South Africa in February 2025. The two‑trim lineup starts at R289 900. Only one engine is available – a 1.5‑litre, 84 kW, 150 Nm naturally aspirated unit that powers the 4‑speed automatic. The value‑first ZS is a solid entry into MG’s local SUV range.
10. Suzuki Fronx – from R298 900
The Fronx is powered by Suzuki’s 1.5‑litre, 77 kW, 138 Nm 4‑cylinder engine, paired with a 5‑speed manual or a 4‑speed automatic. The manual version runs about 5.5 L/100 km, the auto about 5.7 L/100 km. Its price of R298 900 keeps it just inside the budget bracket.
11. Kia Sonet – from R299 995
Kia’s cheapest Sonet, the LS with a 5‑speed manual, starts at R299 995. It is fitted with a 1.5‑litre, 85 kW, 144 Nm naturally aspirated engine. A CVT‑equipped LS costs R24 995 more, pushing it just above R300 000.
That leaves you with a full menu of compact crossovers to choose from, all priced at R300 000 or less. Whether you want the newly priced Renault Kiger, the budget‑friendly Tata Punch, or the family‑core Citroën C3 Aircross, South Africa’s market offers plenty of options for the price‑sensible driver.
