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Industry News • New Models • Safety: How to drive in fog/mist • Dozens of New, Demo and Pre-owned Vehicles

Welcome to one of Namwheels' more regular features - our list of top 5 car-related items.

Times are tough. You’re living on two minute noodles and your shoes have holes in them but you saved plenty of big notes (and a meaty deposit) for a shiny new car.

Of course you could always look at a more affordable second-hand car (which offers better value) but we are focussing on new cars only.

What to get, what to test-drive? We at Namwheels love to help with our list of cars you should consider.

Feel free to send us comments or feedback: info@namwheels.com

1 TATA Bolt 1.2T XMS

This was a very tough call but we put this cool new Indian hatchback first because of its good specifications and great turbo-petrol engine. It costs about 160 thousand and there’s an even posher model for ten grand more. Great value!

66kw, 140Nm • 2 Airbags • ABS, EBD • 210L boot • Radio/usb

2 SUZUKI Celerio 1.0 GA

If you want an affordable little runabout - look no further. It costs about N$143,000 while the Celerio GL with better specs is a bit more; and also available as an auto. Eager and frugal little engine but no service plan with this model.

50kw, 90Nm • 2 Airbags • ABS, EBD • 235L boot

3 VW Take up! 1.0

Brand reputation, dealer count and our love for this superb little car should’ve given it first spot but the entry-level “Take up!” is expensive (at least 170 grand) and low on specs. The better “Move up!” is above 180k.

55kw, 95Nm • 4 Airbags • ABS • 251L boot • Radio/aux

4 HYUNDAI Grand i10 1.25

We should’ve put the Hyundai i10 on this list but it lacks some essential safety features and “The Grand” is a much better car. Expect a very perky engine, more versatility and superior specifications for a budget of around N$200,000.

64kw, 120Nm • 2 Airbags • ABS, EBD • 256L boot • RADIO/CD/USB/BT

5 SUZUKI Swift 1.2 GA

You want value for money? The ageing but excellent Swift costs just N$162,900 for this GA entry-level model. Not very powerful but easy to drive and extremely fuel efficient! For more ride height, see our Ignis launch report in this issue...

63kw, 113Nm • 2 Airbags • ABS, EBD • 210L boot • Service plan