Navigating the market for a small SUV in SA that fits your budget just got easier. This article cuts through the clutter to present a selection of 2024’s top models that stand out for their value, performance, and features. Whether you’re concerned about price, efficiency, or luxury, find out which Small SUV South Africa could be your ideal match without the sales fluff.
Key Takeaways
- Mitsubishi offers a competitive range of compact SUVs in South Africa, including notable models like ASX and Eclipse Cross, combining practicality and style suitable for varied needs and budgets.
- Compact SUVs are popular in South Africa due to their blend of practicality and design, offering family-friendly cargo space, better driving views for safety, and convenient features such as automatic transmissions.
- Mitsubishi vehicles stand out for their fuel efficiency, safety features including a 7 airbag system and RISE body construction, affordable pricing with finance options starting from R4,850 per month, and value-added after-sales support with warranties and roadside assistance.
Mitsubishi ASX: Urban Adventurer
Designed with the bustling city life in mind, the Mitsubishi ASX is a compact SUV that offers a convenient and adaptable driving experience. With a starting price of R409 990, the ASX offers competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for urban adventures and daily commutes.
Equipped with a 2.0L MIVEC engine, the ASX strikes a balance between fuel economy and performance, delivering a 0 – 100km time of 9.6 seconds with manual transmission. This makes it an ideal vehicle for timely urban navigation.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Style Meets Substance
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers a dynamic driving experience with a choice of engines, including the robust 2.0L MIVEC DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine and the efficient 1.5L direct injection turbocharged engine. For those considering other options in the market, the Volkswagen T Cross could be an alternative to explore.
This stylish compact SUV truly embodies the phrase ‘style meets substance’.
The Allure of Small SUV South Africa: Why Mzansi Chooses Them
The combination of practicality and stylish design makes a small SUVs South Africa a popular choice. They appeal to families who prioritize both functionality and aesthetics in their vehicles. With their high driving position, drivers are offered a better view of the road, which enhances safety and boosts driver confidence.
Despite their modest exterior dimensions, small SUVs provide sufficient interior space for up to five or seven passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride. Furthermore, compact SUVs with automatic transmissions cater to South Africans who prioritize convenience and ease of use in their driving experience, making a small SUV an ideal choice.
Mitsubishi’s Competitive Edge in Fuel Efficiency
Mitsubishi models, renowned for their impressive fuel efficiency, include vehicles such as the Outlander with an Eco Mode for enhanced fuel efficiency, and the Eclipse Cross, which features an advanced CVT designed to strike a balance between performance and fuel economy. In comparison, the Ford EcoSport also offers competitive fuel efficiency, making it a viable option given South Africa’s fuel costs.
Take for instance the Mitsubishi ASX, equipped with a 1998cc 4 Cylinder MPI MIVEC petrol engine and efficient CVT, it optimizes fuel economy with consumption figures of 7.5L per 100km for the manual version and 7.4L per 100km for the CVT. Similarly, the Eclipse Cross features a 2.0-liter MIVEC engine, with fuel consumptions rates of 7.9 L/100km and 7.7 L/100km for the 2.0-liter and turbocharged 1.5-liter versions respectively. This focus on fuel efficiency makes Mitsubishi’s line-up cost-effective for families.
Safety Innovations in Mitsubishi Compact SUVs
Mitsubishi prioritizes safety in their compact SUVs. They are equipped with:
- A 7 airbag system to offer protection from every side, including the driver, passenger, sides, driver’s knees, and curtain airbags
- Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction for enhanced safety during collisions
- Advanced all-direction collision body construction
- Side impact bars
These safety features ensure that Mitsubishi small SUVs provide excellent safety for drivers and passengers.
Mitsubishi also integrates advanced technologies for vehicle stability and accident avoidance, such as Mitsubishi Motors Intuitive Technology (Mi-TEC), Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), and Active Yaw Control (AYC) Braking system. Additionally, for safe parking and reversing manoeuvers, features such as rear view cameras, rear parking sensors, and additional systems like Rear Cross Traffic Alert are available. Daytime running lights are also a part of the safety features offered.
Financing Your Mitsubishi SUV
In South Africa, Mitsubishi provides competitive financing options for their SUV range, featuring monthly payments starting from just R4,850 for the Xpander, R5,950 for the ASX, and R7,390 for the Eclipse Cross. Mitsubishi Finance provides flexible finance solutions, allowing customers to tailor their vehicle purchase to suit their individual needs and budget.
Customers can benefit from competitive interest rates and select from various financing options, including Installment Sale Agreements with fixed monthly payments and ownership at the end of the term, or Lease Agreements for lower monthly payments with flexible end-of-term options.
For those preferring lower monthly payments during the term, Mitsubishi Finance offers balloon payment options, resulting in a larger final payment at the end of the finance period.
Tackling the Terrain: Off-Road Capabilities
Renowned for their versatility, Mitsubishi vehicles like the Pajero Sport can adeptly handle both urban and off-road conditions. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport combines decades of off-road expertise with modern technology to deliver impressive off-road capability alongside on-road comfort.
With dimensions allowing easy maneuverability and a ground clearance of 205mm, the Mitsubishi ASX is designed to perform adequately in both city driving and light off-road conditions. Mitsubishi’s commitment to off-road adventure extends to their customer engagement, exemplified through initiatives like the Explorers Club for Mitsubishi vehicle owners in South Africa.
After-Sales Support: Warranty and Roadside Assistance
In South Africa, Mitsubishi vehicles come with a warranty, providing a 3-year or 100,000km coverage, depending on which limit is reached first. Owners of new Mitsubishi vehicles enjoy 5 years of unlimited mileage roadside assistance, ensuring extensive after-sales support.
For roadside assistance, vehicle owners can contact a toll-free number (086 113 3355) available 24/7, and benefit from a comprehensive range of services at no extra charge. In addition, the roadside assistance service provides practical solutions such as car hire or accommodation if necessary, which is part of the complimentary service for up to five years from the vehicle’s registration date.
Summary
In conclusion, Mitsubishi’s range of small SUVs in South Africa offers diversity, innovation, and affordability. Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring off-road terrains, Mitsubishi has a vehicle tailored to your needs. With their commitment to safety, fuel efficiency, and environmental sustainability, Mitsubishi stands as a strong contender in the South African automotive market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What small SUV has the highest rating?
The small SUV with the highest rating is the one featured in the “Best Compact SUVs for 2024 and 2025, Tested” by Car and Driver. That publication provides comprehensive ratings and evaluations to help you make an informed decision.
What is the starting price for Mitsubishi vehicles?
The starting price for Mitsubishi vehicles can be as low as R5,950 per month for the Mitsubishi ASX.
What safety features are available in Mitsubishi small SUVs?
Mitsubishi’s compact SUVs come with a 7 airbag system, RISE body construction, and advanced stability and traction control systems to ensure safety on the road.
What financing options are available for Mitsubishi vehicles?
You can finance a Mitsubishi vehicle through their competitive financing options, with monthly payments starting from R4,850 per month. They also offer flexible finance solutions tailored to individual needs and budgets.
What are the off-road capabilities of Mitsubishi vehicles?
Mitsubishi vehicles, including the Pajero Sport, are versatile and capable of handling both urban and off-road conditions, making them a reliable choice for adventurous journeys.