Beat fuel-price hikes with these popular HYBRIDS under R500k

September 2023 saw the implementation of massive fuel-price hikes – with motorists paying almost R25 per litre to fill up. Sadly, this is only going to get worse in October, according to the latest figures.

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Given this sorry state of affairs, these hybrids under R500k are more appealing than ever. But which hybrids under R500k are the top second-hand sellers right now? (Hint: one is built right here in South Africa).

HYBRIDS UNDER R500K

Before the most popular hybrids under R500k are revealed, a brief explanation of hybrid technology and the benefits it offers. A hybrid car, which comes in three main guises (full hybrid vehicle, a mild hybrid vehicle and plug-in hybrid vehicle), is a car that has two motors.

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A hybrid typically has an electric motor and a petrol-powered internal combustion engine (ICE). It also has a regeneration system used to produce electricity during braking. These cars generally offer a fuel saving of around 20 to 35% when compared to a regular ICE car. Bearing this in mind, which were the top three hybrids under R500K in South Africa?

JAPAN LEADS THE WAY

The champion in the used hybrid sales stakes is the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, which boasts a fuel consumption of just 4.3 l/100 km. The first Toyota hybrid built in South Africa, it is manufactured at the company’s plant in Prospecton, Durban. It is listed on AutoTrader for an average price of R468 358, with an average mileage of just 13 791 km and an average year of registration of 2022.

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“The price comes in at approximately R40 000 less than the average price of all SUVs sold in the first half of 2023 (R50 702), which is likely to make the idea of buying a hybrid vehicle, with all its fuel-saving perks, attractive to buyers,” says AutoTrader CEO, George Mienie.

SUV, SEDAN & COUPE

Another Toyota – the Corolla hybrid – occupies the number two spot on the sales podium. Its claimed 3.5 l/100 km and 43-litre fuel tank means it has an impressive range of 1 229 km. And how much does it cost? It is listed on AutoTrader for an average price of R406 633, with an average mileage of 20 557 km and an average year of registration of 2022.

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The third in the trio of hybrids under R500k is the Honda CR-Z, which was billed as ‘the world’s first hybrid sports coupe’. It is listed on AutoTrader for an average price of just R150 429, with an average mileage of 94 830 km and an average year of registration of 2013. This slick coupe has a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) electric system. It sips petrol at a rate of 5.0 l/100 km, so it will leave you smiling at the pumps.

TOP 3 HYBRIDS UNDER R500K

Most sold	Model	Selling price (ave)	Mileage (ave)	Year (ave)
1.	Toyota Corolla Cross	R468 358	13 791 km	2022
2.	Toyota Corolla Sedan	R406 633	20 557 km	2022
3.	Honda CR-Z	R150 429	94 830 km	2013

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What do you think of these popular hybrids under R500k? Would you consider one of these to beat the fuel price increases? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. Send an email to info@thesouthafrican.com.

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