The Colombian automotive market is continuing to grow, and halfway through the year, it is already showing encouraging figures. By May 2022, approximately 100,526 new vehicles had been sold, which is 10% more compared to the same period last year.
However, there has been a sustained increase in the prices of automobiles recently. What used to be considered cheap no longer exists, and the new parameters require spending a little more to get new models.
If you want to find more affordable options, the solution is to look for small cars. This segment is becoming increasingly scarce as many brands focus on the SUV market. Nevertheless, a few options with competitive prices and features still exist.
When we talk about small cars, we are referring to models that are reduced in dimensions, engine size, and price. These three aspects usually go hand in hand and serve as a guide for this ranking, which showcases the most convenient alternatives to date.
Advantages of Driving Small Cars
Why is it a good idea to prefer small cars? Apart from offering financial benefits, this type of vehicle comes with a plethora of advantages, such as:
- Lower prices.
- Easier to drive and maneuver.
- Diverse range of brands and models.
- New technologies applied to small models.
- Comply with safety standards.
- Cost-effective repairs and spare parts.
- Cheaper permits and taxes.
- Can be parked in small spaces.
- High performance and fuel efficiency.
- Ideal for navigating in the city.
10 Small and Affordable Cars You Should Know
According to Andemos, the top brands in Colombia so far this year are Renault, Chevrolet, Toyota, Kia, and Suzuki. These are among the few brands that still offer options for small cars.
Let’s take a look at this ranking, which gathers the most outstanding small cars based on their low prices. The prices range from 45 to 62 million pesos, and we have arranged them from the highest to the lowest, culminating with the most economical option of all: the Suzuki S-Presso.
10. Citroën C-Elysée
The Citroën C-Elysée is a modern, spacious, and robust sedan. It stands out among small cars primarily due to its price, which earned it the 10th position in this ranking, despite its average dimensions and power.
Equipped with a 1.6 L engine, this car can generate a power of 115 HP. It comes with a manual transmission, although an automatic version with 6 speeds is also available.
Another strong feature is its design, characterized by the elegance that the French brand usually incorporates into each of its models. The front has been redesigned, and this year it comes with improved aerodynamics, providing better stability and fuel efficiency.
- Reference price: $62,490,000.
9. Nissan March
The new Nissan March is a hatchback that can handle anything. Its engine has a displacement of 1.6 L, making it one of the larger small car options. It offers a maximum power of 106 HP at 5,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 142 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
With a capacity for 5 passengers and 4 access doors, the new Nissan March provides all the safety features required, including ABS, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle dynamic control, and 6 airbags (2 front, 2 side, and 2 curtain type).
In terms of dimensions, it has a total length of 3,826 mm, a width of 1,666 mm, and a height of 1,528 mm. The gross vehicle weight is 1,377 kg in its MT Sense version, which is the most economical option for this model in 2022.
- Reference price: $61,990,000.
8. Suzuki Swift Sedán
Another car that combines the best of small cars in terms of dimensions, engine, performance, and price is the Suzuki Swift Sedán MT GL. It is the successor to the Swift hatchback, the classic and economical model that has been replaced by its sedan version and another hybrid version with smaller dimensions.
The design stands out for its modern and aerodynamic look, with updated lights, mirrors with integrated turn signals, and aluminum rims that give it an elegant touch. It is a car designed for families and urban mobility.
The Swift Sedán is equipped with a 1.2 L engine that delivers a maximum power of 85 HP. Combined with a weight that does not exceed 880 kg, it becomes one of the most fuel-efficient options, offering a smooth, fluid, and quick ride.
- Reference price: $60,170,000.
7. Fiat Mobi Like
Entering the realm of the smallest cars in the ranking, we have the Fiat Mobi Like, a small, practical, and modern car with all the technology you need to move around the city. It has a youthful look that adds personality and presence to this Italian model.
This Brazilian-made model can accommodate 5 people and has 4 access doors plus a rear door with factory-tinted black glass. Its engine is one of the smallest you will find on the market, with a displacement of 1.0 L, a maximum power of 69.3 CV at 6,250 rpm, and a maximum torque of 92.2 Nm at 3,850 rpm.
The Mobi Like is equipped with air conditioning, adjustable steering wheel height, central locking, multimedia controls on the steering wheel, 2 airbags, ABS brakes, and EBD. In terms of dimensions, its empty weight is 939 kg, with a length of 3,596 mm, width of 1,666 mm, and height of 1,521 mm.
- Reference price: $55,990,000.
6. Chevrolet Joy
The Chevrolet Joy has been climbing the rankings of best-selling cars and, as of May 2022, it ranked second with 3,852 new units registered, only surpassed by the Onix, another Chevrolet model.
The Joy is a small hatchback with a powerful 1.4 L gasoline engine that produces up to 97 HP of power at 5,800 rpm and a torque of 126 Nm at 2,800 rpm.
One of its strong points is its dimensions. With a length of 3,933 mm, width of 1,964 mm, and height of 1,477 mm, it offers extra interior space for you and up to 4 passengers to move comfortably in the city.
- Reference price: $51,990,000 (standard version, without accessories).
5. Volkswagen Gol
Another classic model that falls into the category of small cars is the Volkswagen Gol, a hatchback that offers good performance and excellent maneuverability in urban areas.
This model runs on gasoline and has a 1,598 cc engine that can deliver up to 99 HP of power at 5,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 143 Nm at 2,500 rpm. It is controlled by a 5-speed manual transmission, although an automatic version is also available.
Its dimensions make it an ideal car for the city, measuring 3,897 mm in length, 1,656 mm in width, and 1,467 mm in height. These proportions, combined with limited fuel consumption, are exactly what you need for your daily commutes, considering the rising fuel prices globally.
- Reference price: $51,490,000.
4. Chevrolet Joy Sedán
A special mention goes to the sedan version of the Chevrolet Joy. It may be less known and less popular, but it falls into the category of small cars due to its price and engine characteristics.
This sedan is equipped with a 1.4 L gasoline engine that delivers a maximum power of 97 HP at 5,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 126 Nm at 2,800 rpm. It comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, hydraulic steering, and a 54-liter fuel tank.
In terms of dimensions, it is slightly larger than the mentioned hatchback models, with a length of 4,275 mm, width (including mirrors) of 1,964 mm, and height of 1,477 mm. It also has a 500-liter cargo capacity in the trunk.
- Reference price: $51,490,000 (standard version). If you want to include a reverse camera and a touchscreen radio, the price increases to $54,450,000.
3. Renault Kwid Zen
The new Renault Kwid is another small and affordable car that you must know. Considered the “SUV among small cars”, this model takes the category to the next level.
It is no surprise that the Kwid ranks 8th among the best-selling cars in Colombia as of May 2022, with a 74% growth compared to the results from the previous year.
Despite its SUV-like appearance, the Kwid has a small engine with a displacement of 1.0 L, capable of reaching 66 HP of power at 5,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 92 Nm at 4,000 rpm. It comes with a 5-speed manual transmission.
It measures 3,731 mm in length, 1,759 mm in width, and 1,481 mm in height. The fuel tank has a capacity of 38 liters.
- Reference price: $48,500,000.
2. Kia Picanto
Almost reaching the top of the list of the most convenient small cars you can find in Colombia is the Kia Picanto. It is a well-known model in the country and has been among the best-selling cars for a long time. As of now, it ranks third in popularity, with 3,802 new units registered in 2022.
The smallest and most economical version is the Picanto Emotion MT, a city car that offers everything you need in the right amount of space. It features a 1.0 L engine that delivers 66 horsepower and 95 Nm of maximum torque. Its transmission is manual with 5 speeds.
With its ultra-high-strength steel body, it measures 3,595 mm in length, 1,595 mm in width, and 1,495 mm in height. The trunk can hold up to 255 liters of cargo.
- Reference price: $47,690,000.
1. Suzuki S-Presso
Lastly, at the top of the list of small and affordable cars, we have the Suzuki S-Presso. It combines the best of SUVs and city cars to offer a compact and energetically efficient option without compromising its design, inspired by the classic off-road vehicles of the Japanese brand.
Powered by a 1.0 L engine with 3 cylinders and 4 valves per cylinder, this model has a maximum power of 67 HP at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 90 Nm at 3,500 rpm. These specifications provide excellent performance in urban areas.
One of its strengths is its ground clearance of 18 cm, which is unusual for most cars on this list. It aims to bring back the advantages of classic Suzukis. The S-Presso has a length of 3,525 mm, width of 1,520 mm, and height of 1,550 mm in its gasoline version.
- Reference price: $45,150,000.
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Conclusion
If you’re looking for a small and affordable car in Colombia, this ranking provides you with a selection of the top options currently available in the market. From sedans to hatchbacks, each vehicle offers unique features and benefits, making it easier for you to find the perfect car that fits your budget and needs. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, maneuverability, or stylish design, these small cars are sure to provide an enjoyable driving experience while saving you money in the long run. So, start exploring your options and find your ideal small car today!