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Travelling to South Africa is a fantastic idea, whether it’s your first time or your annual visit. And, while you’re here, the most convenient way to get around is in a compact rental car. There are plenty of options to choose from, and thanks to South Africa’s excellent road infrastructure, you can go pretty much anywhere with these nippy, fuel-efficient vehicles.
However, the cars on offer here might differ from those you’ll find in your home country. Even if the brands are the same, the exact models are often unique to certain markets, and because South Africa manufactures a whole range of vehicles, you might even come across something you’ve never seen before!
With that in mind, let’s take a look at our top 10 picks for compact rental cars in South Africa so you can make an easy decision ahead of your vacation. Read on to learn more.
Photo: Volkswagen
These cars cater to budget travellers and people who only really need two or three seats – plus a little luggage space. They are incredibly popular in South Africa thanks to their combination of low pricing and fuel efficiency, and the same applies to the rental market.
Undoubtedly South Africa’s most popular passenger vehicle, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo is a proudly South African vehicle built right here in Kariega in the Eastern Cape. You’ll spot them virtually everywhere you go – locals love them because they’re affordable, well-built, and surprisingly comfortable.
The standard Polo Vivo comes with room for five adults, Bluetooth connectivity, and the option of an automatic transmission. Just make sure you request an automatic model when you book with us!
One of South Africa’s rising stars in the passenger vehicle market, the Toyota Vitz is gaining popularity for its reliability, modern design, and affordable running costs. This compact yet versatile car is designed with local driving conditions in mind, making it an excellent choice for urban and longer journeys.
The Toyota Vitz comfortably seats five adults and offers a range of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, a touchscreen infotainment system, air conditioning, and advanced safety features like ABS and multiple airbags. Its efficient fuel consumption and easy handling make it a standout on South African roads.
The Suzuki S-Presso offers a compact yet versatile design, making it ideal for navigating both urban streets and occasional rougher terrains. With a high ground clearance and nimble handling, it brings added confidence to a variety of driving conditions. It might be small, but it certainly punches above its weight!
The interior comfortably seats four adults and includes a digital dashboard, Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, and essential safety features like dual airbags and ABS. Its fuel efficiency makes the S-Presso a practical choice for drivers seeking an economical and smooth driving experience, especially for stop-start inner-city driving.
The Kia Picanto benefits from the South Korean brand’s reputation for reliability and quality, offering a compact yet stylish option for both city and longer drives. Known for smooth handling and comfort, the Picanto can tackle South Africa’s varied road conditions with ease, whether you’re cruising along the coast in Cape Town or navigating the urban jungle in Johannesburg.
Inside, it seats five, featuring a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, and convenient storage options. Safety features like ABS, airbags, and stability control add peace of mind. And, like other vehicles in this category, it’s extremely light on fuel.
Photo: Toyota
If budget wheels don’t tick all your boxes and you need something that can absolutely seat five people, you might want to consider these mid-range options. They’re still affordable and fuel efficient, but they come with more space – and often more features – than budget compact cars.
The Volkswagen Polo TSI is a dynamic and efficient hatchback that embodies performance and style. Like its more affordable Polo Vivo sibling, it’s extremely popular here in South Africa, largely thanks to a sleek design and turbocharged engine. That means you get a car that offers a spirited driving experience while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for both urban commuting and open-road adventures.
Inside, the Polo TSI boasts a well-appointed cabin that comfortably seats five. It comes equipped with a premium infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, touchscreen controls, and advanced driver-assistance features. Safety is a top priority, with multiple airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control ensuring a secure ride.
The Toyota Starlet is a stylish compact hatchback that embodies the brand’s reputation for reliability and quality in the South African market. Built to meet the demands of local driving conditions, the Starlet is ideal for navigating both busy urban streets and open highways.
This hatchback comfortably seats five, with a well-designed interior featuring a modern infotainment system that includes Bluetooth connectivity and intuitive controls. Practicality is at the forefront, offering generous cargo space and storage options. Safety features such as multiple airbags, ABS, and a robust chassis provide added reassurance for drivers and passengers alike. With its impressive fuel efficiency and engaging driving dynamics, the Toyota Starlet stands out as a versatile and dependable choice for those seeking a compact vehicle.
Introducing the Hyundai i20: a compact hatchback that perfectly balances style, comfort, and efficiency. Renowned for its dynamic design, especially relative to its competitors, the i20 is tailored for modern driving, making it an excellent companion for navigating city streets or embarking on weekend adventures. With its peppy engine and fuel-efficient performance, the Hyundai i20 delivers a lively drive while keeping running costs low.
The spacious interior comfortably seats five passengers and offers ample legroom, ensuring a pleasant ride for everyone. It features an advanced infotainment system with a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and seamless smartphone integration. Safety is a priority with multiple airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control, providing a secure driving experience.
For a long time, the Suzuki Swift was severely underrated here in South Africa. Today, however, it’s one of the most popular hatchbacks in the country, and a brand-new model is on its way. Its 1.2 l engine offers fuel consumption of about 5.1 l/100 km and it includes a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and comfortable seating, with safety features such as ABS, stability control, and multiple airbags.
There’s nothing fancy or pretentious about this car. Instead, it does everything it needs to – and does it well. No wonder you see them all over the place!
Photo: BMW
Not every traveller to South Africa is on a tight budget. After all, it’s a destination that offers incredible value for money, especially for visitors from Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and East Asia. If you’re looking for something with a bit more class, take a look at these luxury compact rental car options from Drive South Africa.
The BMW M135i is a striking hot hatch that expertly blends luxury with exhilarating performance. Its aggressive design is complemented by sleek lines and bold contours, giving it an unmistakable presence on the road. Inside, the cabin boasts high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology, including a digital cockpit, a premium sound system, and intuitive infotainment options.
Under the hood, the M135i packs a powerful punch with its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, delivering an impressive output that allows for rapid acceleration and dynamic handling. With BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, this hatchback provides exceptional traction and stability, enhancing its performance in various driving conditions. The finely-tuned suspension and responsive steering create a thrilling driving experience. It’s not just a car – it’s a statement of performance and style, perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life while craving the excitement of the open road.
The latest MINI Cooper is a charming and dynamic hatchback that perfectly encapsulates the brand’s signature blend of style and performance. With its iconic design, featuring round headlights and a distinctive grille, the MINI Cooper stands out on the road while exuding a sense of fun and character. Inside, the cabin is a delightful mix of retro-inspired elements and modern technology, boasting premium materials, a stylish infotainment system, and customizable ambient lighting, ensuring that every drive feels special and engaging.
Performance-wise, the MINI Cooper delivers an exhilarating experience with its peppy engine options, offering a responsive and spirited drive. The precise steering and nimble handling make it a joy to navigate through tight corners and urban landscapes, while the available sport-tuned suspension enhances its dynamic capabilities. This makes it ideal for a summer escape in Cape Town!
Photo: Unsplash
Whether you prioritise economy, advanced technology, or practicality, these top models provide a range of benefits to suit your needs. Plus, you can rest assured that they’re low-mileage, well-maintained, and ready to take on South Africa’s epic roadways.
Ready to choose your compact rental car? For more personalised advice and to explore the best options, book with us and take advantage of our industry experience and world-class customer service. Safe travels!