By Prashirwin Naidu
With a healthy budget of R750,000, you’re in a great position to find a balance of fun, style, and practicality. It is a sweet spot in the market, but making the right choice requires careful thought. Take your time, test drive your options, and compare to ensure you get the best deal. In today’s feature, we’re exploring the best options for this budget, balancing value for money with a memorable driving experience.
Polo GTI
The Polo GTI is a fiery pocket rocket, in high demand but also sought after by
criminals. Its speed, agility, and signature “Vrrpah” sound make it a standout. If the
Golf 8 GTI is out of reach, the Polo GTI is a great alternative. Starting at R567 600,
it’s perfect for those who enjoy a fun drive. Having tested Mzansi’s hottest hatch, I
can confirm it’s a blast – a detuned version of the Golf 8 GTI, still packing plenty of
Voooma! The Polo GTI retains the 2.0-litre TSI engine, which sends power to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG). The vehicle feels light and nimble, yet solid and stable on the road.
The Polo GTI boasts an attractive exterior with new matrix LED headlights as
standard and an illuminated bar across the radiator grille. The Polo GTI comes in five colour options: Deep Black Pearl, Smoke Grey, Pure White, King’s Red, and Reef Blue. It has 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, with an option for 18-inch wheels. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and the digital instrument cluster offers various displays controlled via the steering wheel. The interior quality is typical of Volkswagen, with red accents adding a sporty touch. While optional extras can significantly increase the price, the Polo GTI offers an exciting mix of speed, agility, and lively character.
Haval Jolion Pro
There are also many options from Chinese automakers, each offering plenty of features for a reasonable price, like the new Haval Jolion Pro. The range-topping S
Ultra Luxury model stands out with its stylish design, black 18-inch wheels, and an
unnecessary spoiler for a family SUV. It’s sporty. The S Ultra Luxury model impresses with its bold design, featuring black 18-inch wheels and an unnecessary spoiler for a family SUV. It’s sporty.
The cabin is impressive, boasting a solid build quality, a sleek 12.3″ touchscreen and
comfortable heated leatherette seats. The Jolion Pro S Ultra Luxury comes packed with features like wireless charging, automatic parking with advanced sensors, a 360º camera system, and a head-up display. The model also offers advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, intelligent cruise assist, and automatic emergency braking, for a secure and tech- savvy drive. With six airbags and impressive in-house speakers, it ensures both safety and an excellent audio experience. The Jolion Pro feels lively and smooth, with gear shifts that are less harsh compared to rivals like the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. If you’re after a dynamic drive, this one hits the mark. Fuel consumption averaged 9.7L/100km with moderate and conservative driving.
Priced at a reasonable R495,000, it offers great value.
Honda FIT
If you’re after something practical, fuel-efficient, and stylish with a touch of charm,
the refreshed Honda FIT is a great choice. It’s transformed from plain to fab, and its
design immediately brings to mind a cute, compact ladybird.
The Honda FIT, formerly known as the Jazz, has undergone a full transformation
with the new FIT e.HEV variant, featuring a refreshed design. As a hybrid, it’s light
on fuel and highly efficient, delivering impressive economy with ease. I achieved a
low of 4L/100km, while the claimed consumption is an even more remarkable
3.7L/100km. I appreciated its blend of efficiency, style, and practicality in one package. The interior is spacious, and the everyday tech is perfectly suited to modern needs, featuring a responsive and user-friendly 9-inch infotainment system.
Priced at R544 900, the e.HEV variant may seem steep for a Honda FIT, but the
long-term savings make it well worth the investment.
Volvo EX30
Electric vehicles are gradually becoming mainstream, but are we truly ready? I’m still
on the fence. The Volvo EX30 stands out as one of the more affordable luxury EVs in its class. Prices start at R775 900 for the Single Motor Core variant, while the flagship Twin Motor Ultra is priced at R915 900. Although it’s slightly above the R750 000 mark, the EX30’s performance and brand reputation make it a strong contender.
When it comes to range anxiety, the Twin Motor setup offers a range of 420km. I
charged it in nearly 40 minutes at Mall of Africa, which has the fastest station in the
country. With Volvo’s supplied cards, a full charge costs under R500. Driving aggressively can quickly drain the range, so it’s best to take it easy. However,
the time spent with the EX30 was enjoyable and thrilling, with a quoted 0-100km/h
time of just 3.6 seconds – it is madness. The minimalist interior design may be a matter of personal taste that divide opinions, but the tech-packed cockpit certainly showcases Volvo’s signature style, even if it feels a bit lost. Features like the large central touchscreen, Google-based operating system, and advanced driver aids enhance the driving experience. For those xploring EVs, the EX30 offers a balance of speed and decent range, as long as you’re prepared to adjust to its charging and range quirks.
