MORE FUN FOR THE MONEY '18

YOU DON’T BUCKS HAVE TO TO DROP A BIG GREAT TIME.

A FORD KUGA TDCI

Great driving position, modest rough-road ability and a long list of standard specs when you choose the right package makes this one of the most desirable compact family SUVS out there. Get a diesel variant to be just a little bit kinder on your pocket in the long-term.

B SUBARU OUTBACK R-S

One of the cheapest six-cylinder cars on the market is pretty handy off the line, and can handle itself well on unpaved roads. Bundled in is a full Android Auto- and Apple Carplay-ready Harman Kardon audio system, and its Eyesight semi-autonomous smarts to boot.

C NISSAN QASHQAI DCI

Easily the most fuel-efficient car we’ve tested in the past 12 months. The Qashqai is also the original sub-compact SUV, and it only narrowly missed out on a spot in our three-car garage as the daily runabout of choice. Mispronunciation of its name aside, this one’s a solid option.

D FORD MUSTANG GT

While not the head-turner it was at the launch, this is still one of the cheapest ways to get noticed on South African roads. There’s a facelift coming and, if you pray hard enough to the car gods, maybe a Shelby alongside it.

E VW GOLF GTI

More than half of all Golfs sold in South Africa carry the GTI badge, but the latest version is the first one we can actually recommend. All those optional extras of GTIS past are now standard equipment, making this an almost unbeatable package from the get-go.

F NISSAN NAVARA 4X2

Another point for Renault-nissan alliance engines. The 2,3 L diesel mill is a brilliant balance of power and fuel efficiency, and the Navara still remains one of the most comfortable bakkies to drive on gravel unladen.

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