The expansive compact SUV market is constantly diversifying, with new and exciting models to choose from. This evolution is fueled by the ever-increasing demand for versatile vehicles. With good reason, consumers are on the quest for functionality that fits in with all aspects of their lives. 

Many are looking for a balance between work and leisure, with these compact companions perfectly heeding the call to deliver. Three ideal contenders stand out: the Kia Sonet for sale, the Hyundai Venue, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. 

These personality-packed, pocket-friendly, nimble-sized SUVs will navigate the busiest of intersections to the serene coastal towns with ease. Each offers a compelling range of strengths, from features to fuel efficiency, we explore these SUVs below. 

Dynamism Dynamo: The Kia Sonet 

The Kia Sonet is a firm favourite on our roads due to how well the brand is perceived in the South African market. This crossover compact SUV range carries six variants, fitted with varying petrol engines and transmission options like manual and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). 

A top selling point is the Kia Sonet’s fuel consumption rate of an astoundingly low 7.0 litres per 100 km for its 45-litre fuel tank. Manual models can go from 0 to 100km in 11.3 seconds, which is reasonable for the overall segment. 

From a feature perspective, the latest generation Sonet is fitted with smartphone integration, an 8-inch touch-screen display, and 16-inch alloy wheels for a finishing touch. The car also boasts safety systems such as its ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), rearview camera, and parking distance warning sensor. 

Standout design and advanced features are highlights of the Kia Sonet for sale. It offers South Africans an all-in-one compact SUV that will deliver on efficiency and economy. 

Ingenious Innovator: The Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue is steadily growing in popularity because of how much it offers the everyday consumer seeking space, comfort, and economy on a budget. It is a subcompact SUV, if we’re getting technical, but it competes exceptionally well with its bigger counterparts. 

The range is distinguished by six variants, fitted with either a 1.0L or 1.2L petrol engine. It also comes in manual and DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) gearbox options. Base cars in the latest generation produce an incredible 115 Nm at 4000 r/min torque. 

The higher-spec models from the newest offering have distinctive smart safety systems. These include keyless entry, a rear-view monitor, impact-sensing door unlocking, and a parking distance warning. The instrumentation cluster is also a highlight of the Venue, with its 4.2-inch LCD cluster screen, onboard computer, ambient temperature display, and digital clock—all of which are supportive aids for easy handling and improved responsiveness.

With Hyundai, there’s more than just exceptional economic efficiency to consider. The Venue is proof of this with its modern exteriors, contemporary design, and smart driving features, intended to elevate every drive. 

Versatility Vanguard: The Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a bold SUV that deserves its praise, in our opinion. A formidable competitor in the compact segment, it gives consumers affordable practicality. The latest range consists of five variants, fitted with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and manual and automated transmission options. 

The Grand Vitara is also offered in a 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrain for those in need of a more powerful vehicle off-road. Its impressively low fuel economy rate of 5.6 litres per 100 km makes it vastly superior to others in the segment. 

Further, the features are a real value-add for the price tag, such as its LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, an incredible 210mm ground clearance, a reverse camera, and keyless entry with push start. Interior highlights include an infotainment touchscreen display, wireless smartphone compatibility, USB functionality, and voice recognition. 

Suzuki has asserted itself as a brand for budget-bound consumers, but that in no way detracts from their high-quality vehicles. Their compact SUV lineup is highly capable, and their off-road prowess is worth considering. 

Making the Right Purchase Decision

From the colosseum of compact SUVs, you are presented with a dilemma of the ages. Dynamic, innovative, or versatile? Rest assured, with these SUVs, no matter your choice, you are buying quality you can trust. 

The reality of choosing between these three compact SUV champions is that you really can’t go wrong with any of them. With our low prices and these high-quality brands, your choice comes down to your personal preference. From the Kia Sonet to the Hyundai Venue and the Suzuki Grand Vitara, you are guaranteed style, agility, and value for your money. 

Motus Select offers the best prices on luxury compact SUVs like the Kia Sonet for sale—no matter your pick, you walk away a winner.

The best practice is to plan ahead and fuel up at the start of your journey with enough fuel for how far you plan to drive and by doing so avoid any risk to your person, vehicle or safety.

With the rising cost of fuel prices many motorists are pushing their cars to the limit in terms of trying to get the most out of a tank at the risk of running out of fuel.

However running out of fuel is a dangerous situation for a variety of reasons. Firstly, in terms of your personal safety you place your self and passengers at risk by running out of fuel. Being stranded on the side of the road in one of the most dangerous countries in the world could make you vulnerable to criminals. Running out of fuel could also put you at an additional risk of being involved in an accident, especially if you run out in a dangerous place like in the middle of an intersection or on a busy road with no shoulder.

By running out of fuel you also risk damaging your vehicles fuel system or contaminating it. As a car gets older it builds up debris at the bottom of the tank, which is usually blocked by fuel filters, but when you run your car nearly empty or completely empty this debris could move through the system and clog up sensitive components like the carburettor or fuel injection system. This could prevent the car from starting again and result in a costly repair bill.

In addition vehicles with sensitive fuel injection systems like modern direct injection vehicles and many diesel vehicles require a certain amount of pressure before they will start. Running out of fuel could mean that these cars will need to be towed to a service centre in order to purge the system of any air, before it can be started again.

What do you do if you run out of fuel?

If you do suspect that your car is about to run out of fuel, such as if it starts spluttering, turn on your hazards as soon as possible and move to the left of the road or into the emergency lane as soon as possible so that you come to stop out of harms way.

If you were able to come to a stop in a safe location, the best practice is to remain in your car and call for help. If you belong to a roadside assistance programme or if your vehicle’s service plan includes roadside assistance you can give them a call. If not make contact with a friend or family member who could come to your aid.

Plan ahead

If your cars fuel light comes on it generally means that you can drive between 30 and 50km, but it is a good idea to fuel up as soon as possible once this light comes on.

In addition while fuel is generally readily available, fuel stations can run out especially ahead of fuel price increases. It is a good idea to keep your tank topped up as much as possible to give yourself a buffer should fuel not be available.

The best practice is to plan ahead and fuel up at the start of your journey with enough fuel for how far you plan to drive and by doing so avoid any risk to your person, vehicle or safety.

Your credit record refers to your entire credit history, including all the credit transactions you have ever concluded with a registered financial services provider.

Buying a car, especially your first car is an awesome experience. In addition to being a status symbol for many South Africans a reliable car is a vital mobility tool in South Africa, where public transport is very often erratic and unsafe.

This makes owning a car a necessity for many South Africans, from students to those starting a career as well as anybody who needs to travel to work or transport their children to school. Buying a car is a significant financial commitment and one of the biggest purchases that people will ever make, which is why most South Africans will rely on the services of a financial services provider to finance their vehicle.

Banks and financial service providers use a variety of methods to determine whether individuals qualify for vehicle financing assistance. These methods are based on risk and affordability and an individual’s credit record and credit score are one of the most popular barometers of these factors.

Your credit record refers to your entire credit history, including all the credit transactions you have ever concluded with a registered financial services provider.

Your credit score is affected by your credit record and your reliability when it comes to paying back loans on time.

These two factors will be used by banks to determine how much credit you can be given and the related interest rate that will be charged.

Establishing a credit record or credit score can only be done by applying for credit. One of the most popular ways of starting out on this journey is via an account at a retail store. However, poor finance management can very easily see this account turn into a source of bad credit and do more harm than good for those looking to establish a good credit score.

Establishing a relationship with a financial institution is always a good starting point and the opening of a credit card can be a useful first step towards establishing a credit record. Credit cards allow you to buy now and pay later and when used responsibly by meeting the required monthly payments, a credit card can be a useful tool in building a positive credit record.

Once established, there are a number of ways to maintain your credit score or improve it. These include paying on time every month, as even paying a few days late can have an effect on your credit score. Reducing the amount you owe is a great way to improve your credit score and that is best done by paying off the loans with the highest interest rate first. Where possible avoid revolving debt such as credit cards and avoid applying for unnecessary additional loans or extra credit cards as this could lower your credit score.

Remember that outstanding debt will stay on your record, so if an account is overdue it will negatively affect your score and making some payments or paying it off won’t clear your credit record but will improve it. Information about your payment profile can stay on your record for up to five years.

When thinking about buying a car it is important to be honest with yourself and only shop for a car that suits your needs and budget. Saving up for a deposit will also assist greatly in reducing your monthly premiums and getting finance approval.

A well-managed vehicle loan agreement will also count as a valuable reference in future when you need to finance other big-ticket items like a new car or a house so it is best to buy what you can afford rather than over extend yourself and end up in a bad credit situation.

When calculating your monthly budget, it is important to keep other running costs associated with owning a car in mind. Apart from the monthly repayments you will need to budget for insurance, fuel and maintenance.

Car finance calculators are a great way of finding out exactly how much a particular car will cost on a monthly basis allowing shoppers to refine their search to cars that meet their budget.

With the launch of the H6 GT, Haval are reaffirming their commitment to their South African customers, by offering a robust line up of SUVs at various price points.

As part of the continual expansion of their SUV offering, Haval has added the Haval H6 GT to their model range. This model takes up the position as the flagship of the range as Haval believe it appeals perfectly to their typical customer.

The striking SUV is visually in sync with the power it offers. The H6 GT blends a coupe inspired design with the practical accolades of a modern SUV. Standout styling combines with the latest features such as semi autonomous driver assistance and a powerful engine, resulting in a vehicle that ticks every box.

The design of the H6 GT includes a more streamlined body, wheel arch cladding as well as a variety of black accent and carbon fibre touches. The fastback rear is enhanced by a roof mounted spoiler and a lip spoiler. A sloping roof that incorporates a panoramic sunroof is a cornerstone of the sportier design.

19-inch alloys in a black finish, gloss black roof rails and exterior mirrors and a subtle yet noticeable aerodynamic kit with aero side skirts and a sporty rear diffuser bolster the sporty look and feel.

Under the bonnet

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that features a mighty 155kW at 6000rpm and 325Nm at 1500rpm. Drivers are able to tailor the power delivery via various modes with race mode for example unlocking a sportier exhaust tone as well as more aggressive throttle and transmission response.

Power is transferred to the road via a seven-speed DCT gearbox to a torque-on-demand four-wheel drive system. 

Inside story

The H6 GT is built around a beautifully crafted interior that offers sophisticated comfort with sporty green trimming and stitching along with Alcantara inserts. Generous interior space ensures room for up to five adults and their accompanying luggage.

Branded and heated seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging and a 12.3-inch central display ensure comfort and convenience in operation. An advanced camera system is in place and facilitates functionality such as a 360-degree camera, Adaptive Cruise Control with intelligent cruise, Intelligent cornering, traffic jam assist, pre-collision warning with automatic emergency braking for pedestrian and cyclists, lane departure alert, lane keeping assist and blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert.

Model 

With the launch of the H6 GT, Haval are reaffirming their commitment to their South African customers, by offering a robust line up of SUVs at various price points. Includes a five-year/100 000km warranty and a five-year/60 000km service plan.