Three stylish crossovers for less than R300,000

While South Africa’s new car sales dropped 3.5% in December 2021 compared to the same month a year ago, the popularity of SUVs and crossovers increased. When it comes to crossovers, South African consumers are spoiled for choice. In this blog post we look at three crossovers for less than R300,000: The Nissan Magnite, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Hyundai Venue.The priciest model on this list, the new Nissan Magnite boasts a bold design, spacious and quality interior, and advanced tech & safety features. The urban crossover is accessible in two variants: Acenta and Acenta Plus, both having the same 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine yielding 74kW and 160Nm of torque. The mill mates to either a 5-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Salient features include:

• Keyless entry and push start
• Cruise control
• A reverse camera
• Rear parking sensors
• 336 litres of boot space
• 360-degree bird’s eye view
• Tyre pressure monitor
• Automatic air conditioning
• An 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

The compact crossover has earned 4-star ASEAN NCAP safety ranking for its front driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control system, brake assist, hill start assist, and other safety systems.

Nissan claims a fuel economy of 5.0l/100km, a 0-100km/h acceleration in 11.7s, and a top speed of 173km/h (base variant).

Every Magnite comes with a 6-year/150,000km warranty, a 3-year/30,000km service plan, and 6-year/150,000km roadside assistance.The rebadged version of the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the Toyota Urban Cruiser is the closest rival to the Magnite in terms of price, power, and interior facilities.

Available in mainly three variants - Xi, Xs, and Xr - all the models are powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine generating 77kW and 138Nm. The powerplant pairs with either a five-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. However, the base Xi trim level comes with a manual gearbox only.

The standard features:

• Keyless entry and push start,
• Manual air conditioning (auto in high-end variants),
• Electric windows,
• Toyota Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Toyota Connect
• Reverse camera
• Sun visor

Toyota ensures the safety of passengers through child lock, child restraint system (ISOFIX), ABS with EBD, parking distance control, and two airbags.

In the fuel economy department, it is thirstier than the Magnite, delivering 6.2l/100km with a top speed of 170 km/h. All variants come with a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 3-services/45,000km service plan.

What makes the new Hyundai Venue one of the best compact SUVs in the South African market are its low price tag, abundant trim levels, two engine choices, the best-in-class 7-year/200,000 manufacture warranty, and R20,000 cashback offer.

The two mills include a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol with 61 kW and 114 Nm of torque mating to a 5-speed manual transmission and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with 88 kW and 172 Nm of torque.

The notable facilities include:

• An 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Multifunction steering wheel
• Rearview camera
• Rear park assist sensors
• Electrically adjustable side mirrors, Electric windows
• Manual air conditioning  

Hyundai armed the SUV with the essential safety features, including:

• Driver and passenger airbags
• Side and curtain airbags – specific to Fluid and Glide variants
• ABS with EBD braking systems
• Central locking with remote
• Remote keyless entry
• Auto-locking and unlocking door
• Front and rear crumple zones
• Side impact protection beams

With a fuel economy rating of 6.5l/100km and a class-leading warranty of 7 years, the 2022 Hyundai Venue is one of the best compact crossovers you can buy this year.

(Prices correct at time of publication.)