Kinsey Report: Today, entry level and supermini’s

Kinsey Report: Today, entry level and supermini’s

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.
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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 PricePrice of parts basketAs a % of retail
FORD FIGO 1.4 AMBIENTER 135 900R 43 20032%
VW POLO VIVO 1.4R 139 900R 48 58235%
HONDA BRIO 1.2 TRENDR 127 800R 59 37646%
TOYOTA ETIOS 1.5 XSR 135 400R 59 55244%
HYUNDAI i10  1.1 MOTIONR 118 500R 69 50359%
KIA PICANTO 1.0 LXR 137 995R 71 60852%
CHEVROLET SPARK 1.2R 125 000R 73 08658%

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 PricePrice of parts basketAs a % of retail
CITROEN DS3 Vti DESIGNR 219 900R 58 20226%
PEUGEOT 208 1.6 ALLURER 231 700R 63 72528%
HYUNDAI i20  1.4 FLUIDR 187 900R 64 02334%
RENAULT CLIO TURBO EXPRESSIONR 185 900R 64 09434%
CHEVROLET SONIC 1.6 HATCH LSR 195 700R 73 09437%
VW POLO 1.2 TSi   COMFORTLINER 209 700R 75 65036%
TOYOTA YARIS 1.3 XSR 186 100R 80 50943%
KIA RIO 1.4 TEC HATCHR 202 995R 83 86541%
FORD FIESTA 1.4 TRENDR 204 500R 85 86742%

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