Despite having a car with an automatic gearbox often being considered a luxury, there are nine automatic vehicles priced under R250,000 in South Africa.

Driving in South Africa can be challenging due to the varying terrains and traffic conditions. Automatic transmissions offer several benefits that make them a preferred choice for many drivers. They simplify the driving experience, making it easier for both experienced and new drivers.

With no need to constantly manage a clutch and shift gears, navigating through congested urban areas or tackling hilly landscapes becomes more effortless. In stop-and-go traffic, automatic transmissions reduce driver fatigue and enhance efficiency.

The seamless gear changes of automatic transmissions offer a smoother ride, making long-distance travel more comfortable.

Moreover, modern automatic systems are designed to optimise gear shifts based on driving conditions, leading to potential fuel efficiency gains. This makes automatic cars an economically appealing option in South Africa, where fuel costs are rising.

Overall, automatic cars are a popular choice for their user-friendly nature, adaptability to various terrains, and potential fuel efficiency gains.

These cars are affordable for the average salary earner in South Africa despite being often associated with high-end models and brands.

According to Stats SA’s latest quarterly employment survey (QES), the average salary in South Africa is now R25,994 a month, up 5.4% from the previous quarter.

Considering most finance experts recommend spending no more than 25% of your monthly net income, those who are non-agricultural formally employed workers could spend up to R6,499 per month on vehicle-related costs.

This puts all nine of the vehicles on this list in the average worker’s price range.

Using WesBank’s vehicle finance calculator, assuming no deposit and a 0% balloon payment over five years (60 months) at an interest rate of 11.75%, the estimated monthly repayment for these automatic cars ranges from R4,850 to R5,512 per month.

All the automatic cars you can buy for under R250,000 in South Africa right now are listed below.

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Proton Saga 1.3 Premium – R244,900

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Nissan Magnite 1.0 Visia EZ-Shift – R243,900

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Kia Picanto 1.0 Start auto – R241,995

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Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL auto – R240,900

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Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR auto – R239,900

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Suzuki DZire 1.2 GL auto – R239,900

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Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL auto – R225,900

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Renault Kwid 1.0 Climber auto – R223,999

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Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 S-Edition auto – R214,900

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Read: 12 of the cheapest hatchbacks you can buy in South Africa – starting from R174,000