Four cars for young professionals who’ve outgrown their first rides

The VW Polo R-Line is a sought-after car for young professionals. Picture: Supplied Whether it was a scruffy hatchback or an ancient family sedan, every first-time driver’s ride served its purpose as a functional car. But there comes a time when motorists outgrow their first cars, especially when earning properly.

Young professionals need the right car to strike a careful balance. It must look good in the office parking lot and should also feel modern and well-equipped. Perhaps most important, it absolutely cannot wreck your finances.

The sweet spot sits somewhere between aspirational and sensible. But which vehicles fulfil all these roles?The Citizen Motoringtakes a look at four contenders that tick the boxes. The Polo has become somewhat synonymous with the young professional.

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It has become something of a status symbol, especially in R-Line andrange-topping GTI guise. The Polo is powered by VW’s familiar 1.0-litre TSI engine which delivers impressive refinement for a three-cylinder. Opt for the DSG, and you get a slick-shifting gearbox that prioritises fuel economy.

The hatch rides well, offers adequate space, and certainly looks the part of an up-and-coming corporate ladder climber. The R373 800 starting price is a tough pill to swallow, especially when the base model comes with limited luxury features. The R-Line derivative starts at a hefty R499 100.

Just because you’re climbing the corporate ladder doesn’t mean you have to abandon your inner racer. The compact Suzuki Swift Sport is an ideal way to satisfy both sides. The Suzuki Swift Sport features a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol mill producing 110kW/230Nm.

With a featherweight kerb mass of just 970kg, those numbers are more they might seem on paper. The Swift Sport reaches 100km/h from a standstill in eight seconds flat and tops out at 205km/h. Handling is its real party trick.

Through the bends, the sharp steering and responsive chassis will put a grin on your face. Unlike many sports cars, it manages this without sacrificing comfort. It remains practical and easy to live with.

Its R469 000 price tag is a lot of money for what is essentially an ageing hatch based on the previous generation Swift. Still, if performance is high on your priority list, it deserves a spot on your shortlist.

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