Dubai: Buying a car in the UAE can be an expensive process and with the vast variety of brands and ranges, it’s hard to choose a good budget car. Now with VAT being applied to your auto-purchases, finding a car that stays within your budget includes that as well.
We chose Dh50,000 as our limit to make down-payment and monthly instalments bearable for all income bands. All of these cars refer to 2017 or 2018 models unless mentioned otherwise.
Note: These prices are indicative starting prices and may differ based on model and chosen dealer, model year, other privileges, features etc. Starting prices taken as non-inclusive of VAT unless specified otherwise.
Nissan Sunny
The 2017/2018 model of the Nissan Sunny has basic options that fit well within the budget of Dh50,000. The mid-option of the 2018 model is slightly over our budget at Dh51,900 (without VAT) as per showroom prices, so with VAT it would be around Dh53,500,
The Sunny has good resale value which is an important factor for expats. It features anti-lock braking system (ABS) technology, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. For our price range, this sedan ticks all the right boxes.
Price From Dh43,000 without VAT and from Dh45,150 with VAT Passengers 5 Engine 1.5 litres Mileage 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres Website
Chevrolet Spark
With a colour choice that beats rivals, this hatchback comes with features including enhanced safety, device connectivity with Apple CarPlay, rear-park assist and a tire pressure monitoring system. The company boasts that it costs less than your daily burger and fries to own the Spark, on a per day basis.
If hatchbacks didn’t make it on to your list, this is one you should check out before your final decision.
Price Starts at Dh35,700 (inclusive of VAT as per show room prices) Passengers 4 Engine 1.4 litres Mileage 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres Website
Hyundai Grand I10
The Hyundai Grand I10 may be one of the cheapest choices on here but that does not underplay the practicality of this car. With spacious boot space for all the shopping we love to do in the UAE, this is a great choice for a family sedan. Safety features are important in the design with the 4-channel ABS, a rear defogger, rear camera display system and a rigid safety structure. It features a second generation diesel engine.
Price From Dh37,000 without VAT and from Dh38,850 with VAT Passengers 4 Engine 1.2 litre Mileage Around 5.6 litres per kilometer Website
Suzuki Celerio
Another one of our most affordable cars on this list, you can get the Celerio for much lesser during various promotions in the UAE. The 2016 Celerio is designed for tight city driving and its luggage space is phenomenal in this segment as you can fold you entire rear seat to accommodate all of your shopping and luggage.
Price From Dh32,000 without VAT and from Dh33,600 with VAT Passengers 5 Engine 1.0 litres Mileage Around 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres Website
Mitsubishi Attrage/Mirage
With a lightweight design, the Attrage is all about fuel economy and easy driving. This sub-compact sedan may not be your best friend if you are into flashy cars and roaring engines. It’s right up your alley if you are looking for a simple and practical city car at a budget, which works well for couples or small families. The website features some nice colour choices as well, so check with your dealer as to what is available.
Price Attrage From Dh38,900 without VAT and from Dh40,845 with VAT Mirage From Dh36,900 without VAT and from Dh38,745 with VAT Passengers 5 Engine 1.2 litres Mileage Around 6 litres per 100 kilometres Website
Kia Rio
The Kia Rio comes in sedan and hatchback options, earlier models of both of which are well within our cap limit. The latest models, however, could fall slightly outside our range. Combined with stylish exteriors and comfortable interiors, both options look like reliable investments with decent mileage, good safety features and the Kia brand value.
The 2018 models start at around Dh49,900 without VAT, which brings the total up to around Dh52,395.
Price 2017 From Dh42,000 without VAT and from Dh44,100 with VAT 2018 From Dh49,900 without VAT and from Dh52,395 with VAT Passengers 5 Engine 1.4 litres Mileage Around 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres Website
Mitsubishi Lancer EX
The Lancer EX is a popular budget-friendly option for UAE expats due its amazing features as a family sedan, while having good resale value in the UAE. For its price range, this model has great interior and exterior design, remarkable mileage and above all, durable performance.
The basic and mid-options fall within our cap, but higher options can go over Dh60,000 before VAT.
Price From Dh40,000 without VAT and from Dh42,000 with VAT Passengers 5 Engine 2.0 (higher priced) and 1.6 litres Mileage Around 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres Website
Chevrolet Aveo
For a budget car that also looks good, the Aveo is an apt choice. The focus of its build is fun driving and its features match the design. With smart fuel efficiency and reliable engine power, this car offers value for your money.
Price From Dh45,960 (inclusive of VAT as per show room prices) Passengers 5 Engine 1.6 litres Mileage 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres Website
These prices are just guidelines and average ranges; Gulf News is in no way responsible for queries or complaints arising out of any price change, difference or hike enforced by individual dealers or companies.
