This week BizNews Motoring is running through the Kinsey Report on car parts pricing. Today we take a closer look at the ‘City Cars and Entry Level’ category, comprised of cars South African’s on a budget might consider as a next purchase.
Included are:
- Ford Figo
- VW Polo Vivo
- Honda Brio
- Toyota Etios
- Hyundai i10
- Kia Picanto, and
- Chevrolet Spark
Our pick of the bunch is the Kia Picanto; from a completely unscientific standpoint. We haven’t considered price, value for money, or the cost of parts here. Just good old fashioned opinion. The Kia looks great, drives well, comes with nice features that aren’t always offered in a cheap car and above all has a little bit of spunk. Better still is that it isn’t just a budget reincarnation of an outgoing model (see Figo and Vivo).
From the Kinsey Report – City cars and entry level
This combined section consists of small modern cars, – several built out east – or “older” stalwarts which have stood the test of time. Leader here is the Ford Figo 1.4 (built in India) which wins hands down in least expensive service, repair and crash parts. The Polo Vivo follows with affordable repair and crash parts, but pricey rear brake shoes push the servicing section up somewhat – the good news being that they should last for 50,000km. Third spot goes to the Honda Brio 1.2, some R10,000 more expensive than the first two, and just pipping the Toyota Etios by less than R200.
| Retail Price | Price of parts basket | As a % of retail | |
| FORD FIGO 1.4 AMBIENTE | R 135 900 | R 43 200 | 32% |
| VW POLO VIVO 1.4 | R 139 900 | R 48 582 | 35% |
| HONDA BRIO 1.2 TREND | R 127 800 | R 59 376 | 46% |
| TOYOTA ETIOS 1.5 XS | R 135 400 | R 59 552 | 44% |
| HYUNDAI i10Â 1.1 MOTION | R 118 500 | R 69 503 | 59% |
| KIA PICANTO 1.0 LX | R 137 995 | R 71 608 | 52% |
| CHEVROLET SPARK 1.2 | R 125 000 | R 73 086 | 58% |
Lets also take a look at the Supermini category while we’re at it. One rung up on the food chain, supermini’s encompass the vehicles you’d probably look at as a young professional who spends time bustling around the city. It’s a popular segment; dominating vehicle sales. So this is a biggy.
Included are:
- Citroen DS3
- Peugeot 208
- Hyundai i20
- Renault Clio
- Chevrolet Sonic
- VW Polo
- Toyota Yaris
- Kia Rio
- Ford Fiesta
Out of this lot we’re torn between the Peugeot 208, with it’s 5 year maintenance plan and great price, and the Renault Clio, which boasts a revolutionary little turbo motor and a great set of standard equipment. Both look funky – probably because both are French – and both arguably don’t get the attention they deserve from prospective buyers.
From the Kinsey Report – Superminis
These modern high tech cars, a blend of European and Eastern styling, have pretty robust sales figures and plenty of support from the young, appearance-conscious market segment. Top honours go to Citroen’s DS3 VTi, helped in no small degree by having the least expensive crash parts. Peugeot 208 comes in 2nd with good pricing for servicing (second to Renault) and crash parts (second to Citroen). Third place race is narrowly won by the Hyundai, just R71 less expensive overall than the Renault Clio, which has the distinction of having the most affordable servicing basket.
| Retail Price | Price of parts basket | As a % of retail | |
| CITROEN DS3 Vti DESIGN | R 219 900 | R 58 202 | 26% |
| PEUGEOT 208 1.6 ALLURE | R 231 700 | R 63 725 | 28% |
| HYUNDAI i20Â 1.4 FLUID | R 187 900 | R 64 023 | 34% |
| RENAULT CLIO TURBO EXPRESSION | R 185 900 | R 64 094 | 34% |
| CHEVROLET SONIC 1.6 HATCH LS | R 195 700 | R 73 094 | 37% |
| VW POLO 1.2 TSi  COMFORTLINE | R 209 700 | R 75 650 | 36% |
| TOYOTA YARIS 1.3 XS | R 186 100 | R 80 509 | 43% |
| KIA RIO 1.4 TEC HATCH | R 202 995 | R 83 865 | 41% |
| FORD FIESTA 1.4 TREND | R 204 500 | R 85 867 | 42% |
