The Best Cars For Women

Jul 2025

Finding the best car as a woman in South Africa today is about more than just getting from A to B; it’s about safety, smart fuel consumption, lifestyle fit, and features that make every drive easier and more enjoyable. In this article, we break down the best options for women across the board, from fuel‑saving hatchbacks and NCAP top scorers to spacious family‑friendly SUVs and compact models that are easy to park and fun to drive. Whether it’s comfort, tech, practicality, or peace of mind you’re after, we highlight what matters most, plus why buying from Citton Cars means you’re getting more than just a great deal.

Key Takeaways

The best cars for women are the Abarth, Mazda CX‑30, Kia Sportage, Fiat 500, Kia Picanto 1.2 EX+, Volvo XC60, Lexus NX, Lexus RX, and Mercedes‑Benz GLC. The Suzuki Celerio, Hyundai i10, and Toyota Vitz are also great choices.

Citton’s Top Picks for Women Drivers

Safety credentials, fuel economy and driver comfort are non-negotiable when recommending cars for women. In South Africa, models like the Suzuki Celerio and Toyota Vitz stand out with sub‑4.3 L/100 km fuel usage and surprisingly spacious cabins for their size, ideal for city driving and tight budgets. Compact Europeans like the Fiat 500 offer distinctive style and approachable handling, while older Audi A1s deliver luxury in miniature, especially appreciated by shorter drivers. Family‑oriented buyers will find robust safety and space in vehicles such as the Mazda CX‑30—a small SUV that earned top marks from ANCAP and IIHS thanks to its structure, seven airbags, Isofix anchors, ABS and emergency braking systems.

Eco-conscious commuters will appreciate the Kia Picanto 1.2 EX+, which offers around 5.0 L/100 km in the manual trim and includes forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking, if from the facelifted 2024 range.

For more premium family SUVs with strong safety credentials, the Kia Sportage (especially hybrid or plug‑in variants) boasts five‑star Euro NCAP ratings in Europe, modern stability and driver‑assist systems like AEB, lane‑centering and adaptive cruise assist, even in sand or mud via Terrain Mode.

Among the smaller hatchbacks, there are worthy picks: the Renault Kwid provides SUV‑like visibility and economy around 4.7 L/100 km for buyers under R270k, while the Toyota Celerio and Vitz deliver unbeatable fuel economy below R300k.

However, if luxury is what you are after, consider the Volvo XC60, Lexus NX, Lexus RX, and Mercedes‑Benz GLC, which all deliver an impeccable blend of safety, comfort, and refined elegance.

Safety and Fuel Efficiency: What Women Should Expect

South African evaluations increasingly rely on Global NCAP’s Safer Cars For Africa results and Euro/ANCAP ratings. Vehicles like the Mazda CX‑30 and Sportage deliver genuine peace of mind with high scores for occupant and pedestrian protection, stability control and robust crash structures.

Fuel efficiency is no less critical. The Suzuki Celerio and Toyota Vitz lead the local market at around 4.2 L/100 km, offering substantial savings over time. The Kwid and Picanto follow closely, while small diesels or hybrid variants (like those in Sportage or Kia Niro models) can deliver long‑term value for frequent motorway or suburban driving.

Compact Choices for Solo Drivers

The best cars for women are often smaller cars which offer ease of entry, visibility, and less strain at the wheel, especially important for drivers under 1.60m. The Fiat 500 TwinAir is a national favourite thanks to its turbo engine, retro style, and fuel use around 4.8 L/100 km. Abarth variants add sporty excitement, while older Audi A1 models give a premium feel and a compact city package.

Newer Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10 models offer modern features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, height‑adjustable seats and steering, rear‑view cameras and lightweight dimensions, perfect for energetic urban lifestyles.

Spacious Family-Friendly SUVs and Practical City Crossovers

When kids, groceries or weekend adventures are in the mix, compact SUVs like Mazda CX‑30 or Kia Sportage offer the right balance. The CX‑30 impressed NCAP and IIHS testers with its suite of safety features and crash performance, while the latest Sportage brings hybrid powertrains, firm crash structure, AEB and even adventurous driving assist systems. These models adapt equally well to school runs, shopping trips and African road conditions.

Features That Truly Matter to Women Drivers

The most appreciated features go beyond numbers: intuitive infotainment systems with Apple or Android integration, keyless entry, push‑button start, heated seats and multi‑zone climate control all rise above in daily use. Rear parking sensors and cameras offer confidence in tight spaces, while adjustable seats and steering improve posture and reduce fatigue. Clever storage compartments, phone chargers, and ambient lighting add polish. Many newer Picanto, Sportage and CX‑30 models include lane‑keep assist, blind‑spot monitoring and autonomous braking systems, bringing premium safety to everyday motoring.

Why Citton Cars Is the Smart Choice

At Citton Cars, we know trust matters as much as features or ratings. Each of our vehicles undergoes:

• A rigorous 125+ Bosch point inspection and diagnostic check
• An average of 15 hours of reconditioning, including replacement of worn parts, machine‑polishing, chip touch‑ups and headlight restoration
• Complete interior valeting and restoration of discoloured trim due to oxidation or acid damage
• Full RWC and safety checks, and exhaustive history screening to exclude frame‑damaged or salvage vehicles—not sent to you, but off to auction

Only vehicles meeting our high standards make it into the showroom. When a woman buys from Citton Cars, she is choosing not just a car, but peace of mind, safety and a driving experience tailored to her lifestyle. View our quality used cars online, or visit us at Menlyn or Gezina.