Performance Cars
Hot hatches, sports sedans and performance SUVs: what makes them special, what they cost to own and how to choose responsibly.
Performance cars are about the way a car makes you feel: sharp steering, strong acceleration, a great sound and the sense that the engineering was done with enthusiasm. In South Africa the hot hatch is the entry point, followed by sports sedans and, increasingly, performance SUVs that combine family practicality with serious pace. A modern performance car is also a technology showcase, with advanced brakes, adaptive suspension and drive modes.
The costs follow the performance. Insurance is high, especially for younger drivers, tyres and brakes wear faster, fuel consumption climbs when you use the power, and the cars attract unwanted attention. Buy the car for how it drives every day, not just its headline figures, and keep it standard to protect the warranty and resale value.
Performance Cars — questions
The questions people ask about performance cars, answered plainly.
Are performance cars expensive to insure?
+
Usually, yes. Insurers price on the car's value, repair cost, theft attractiveness and claims history, and performance models score high on all of them. Younger drivers and those with short claim-free records pay the most. Secure off-street parking, a tracker and a clean record help. Get quotes on the exact variant before you fall in love with it.
Is a hot hatch practical for daily use?
+
Very. A hot hatch keeps the practicality of a normal hatchback, with a usable boot, folding rear seats and good visibility, while adding a more powerful engine, better brakes and sharper handling. Ride quality is firmer and fuel use higher, but as a single car that does everything with a smile, a hot hatch is one of the smartest performance choices.
Do performance cars hold their value?
+
Desirable models with a strong following can hold value well, particularly limited editions and cars from brands with a performance heritage. Ordinary performance variants depreciate like the standard car, sometimes faster because the buyer pool is smaller and insurance puts off some purchasers. Standard specification, low mileage and full service history matter more than for most cars.
Will modifications void my warranty?
+
Engine software changes, exhausts, suspension and wheel modifications can give the manufacturer grounds to reject warranty claims on affected components, and some dealers will not honour claims at all after tuning. If you want more performance, consider factory performance packs or accessories fitted and approved by the dealer, which keep the warranty and resale value intact.
Ready to find your car?
Browse over 1 318 new cars, every one below the manufacturer's retail price.