Can R1M Still Get You a Thrill? A Look at South Africa’s Top Cars Under R1
Million
By Prashirwin Naidu
No doubt, R1M doesn’t go as far as it once did. Back in 2013, for instance, you could snap up the wild, roaring Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG for R669 900 — a V8 beast with a 6.2L engine that packed both power and thrill. Fast forward to today, R1M might get you a GLA200, which I recently drove and found underwhelming. It has a 1.3-litre turbo engine, the same as the Renault Clio, and at R999,900, it feels like you’re mainly paying for the badge. The interior build quality is also disappointing, hinting that the brand’s entry-level models are losing their prestige. But let’s get back to the point—we’re here to xplore a variety of cars under R1M, from sports cars and hot hatches to SUVs and sedans.
BMW 220d Coupe
You might be set on the BMW M240i Coupe—a true Bavarian beast with its 3.0L
inline-six TwinPower Turbo, all-wheel drive, and a 0-100 km/h sprint of 4.3 seconds.
But for a big price cut of about R600 000, the 220d still holds its own. While it doesn’t quite have the M’s looks or exhaust notes, it’s spacious, comfortable, and
respectably quick, reaching 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds with a top speed of 237 km/h.
Proudly carrying the BMW badge, it’s a solid choice for any bold personality at R900000.
Hyundai i30 N
For hot hatches, the Hyundai i30 N is hard to ignore. Though I haven’t driven one
myself, it’s often praised for its handling, going head-to-head with the Golf 8 GTI,
Polo GTI, and even the Honda Civic Type R. With a 2.0L turbo engine that hits 0-100km/h in about 6.1 seconds, and priced at R749 900, it offers serious performance
with driving modes, including a fierce “N Mode” for extra punch. While it is priced at way more than the average hatchback considering its offering, it still comes in at much less than the R1 million mark, leaving you substantial change to play around with.
Toyota Fortuner
For those eyeing mid-sized SUVs, the 2024 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 4×4 VX
remains a top pick in South Africa’s market. Known for its rugged off-road capability
and practicality, it’s priced between R915 400 and R950 900. Its 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine is built for tough terrain, while the spacious interior with seven seats, leather upholstery, and back USB-C ports make it family-friendly. With extras like adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, and a solid infotainment system, it’s great for both family trips and off-road adventures.
Audi A4 40 TFSI
Sedans may not be as popular these days, but the 2024 Audi A4 40 TFSI S Line
remains a classy luxury option. At around R790 000, it packs a 2.0-litre turbo engine
that’s smooth for daily drives and longer trips. The S Line trim adds sport suspension and 19-inch alloys for better handling and style. Inside, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and a 10.1-inch touchscreen boost the premium feel, while fuel consumption of around 6.4 L/100 km keeps it practical too. At the end of the day, if you’re in this league, the bells and whistles come as standard.
