Best car under 1 million EGP

Our picks at a glance

If you're in a hurry and want to know which car to buy for a million pounds, here's our pick for each need. The reasons are below.

Our pick for each need

Need	Our pick	Model years	Price	Why, in one line
Best overall	MG 5	New	EGP 889,990 (Official distributor price · as of October 15)	Automatic, stability control on both trims and a 512-litre boot
Best new car for the money	Nissan Sunny	New	EGP 820,000 (Official distributor price · as of November 5)	Sells again easily, and parts are easy to find
Automatic	MG 5	New	EGP 889,990 (Official distributor price · as of October 15)	CVT and stability control on both trims
Family car	Fiat Tipo	New	EGP 795,000 (Official distributor price · as of October 20)	520-litre boot and 6 airbags, manual only
SUV	Nissan Magnite	New	EGP 860,000 (Official distributor price · as of November 4)	6 airbags and stability control on every trim, all automatic
Electric car	BYD Dolphin Surf	New	EGP 949,900 (Official distributor price · as of October 26)	6 airbags on its only trim, with a home charger included
Used	Hyundai Elantra	2017–2020	EGP 800,000–860,000 (Market range for the 2019 model year · Hatgebk market research · as of October 26)	Few faults, and in demand on the used market

If you're looking for cars for a million pounds, most of our picks are new, because many new car prices still sit within this budget, so you can buy at the official price for most needs. If you prefer used, our pick is in the used section.

New prices here are the distributors' official prices. If a dealer asks for an overprice or forced add-ons, compare with the distributor's price, and get the price and delivery date written into the booking contract. Remember that licensing and insurance come on top of the car's price.

Best overall

If you want a new automatic car you can keep for years with peace of mind, look for 3 things: stability control on every trim, not just the top one, a boot that takes the family's luggage, and a price that's genuinely within budget. In our review, the MG 5 was the sedan that best combined these 3, so it's our best overall pick.

Why we picked it

• Stability control (ESP) on both trims: it helps you keep control if the car slides in a bend or you brake suddenly, and it's on the cheapest trim.
• 512-litre boot and a roomy rear seat: one of the biggest boots among the new cars within this budget, so luggage fits, and rear passengers are comfortable on long trips.
• CVT automatic and 5.8 L/100 km by MG's declared figure: an economical car, and an automatic is far more comfortable than a manual in traffic.

Watch out for

• Weak sound insulation: if you travel a lot, expect loud road noise inside the car.
• The Comfort trim has only 2 airbags: the MG 5 price starts at EGP 889,990 (Official distributor price · as of October 15) for the Comfort, and if safety comes first, the Luxury trim has 6 airbags for EGP 989,990 (Official distributor price · as of October 15). But the Luxury is priced very close to a million, so once you add licensing and insurance you'll most likely go over budget.

Why we chose it over the rest

The Nissan Magnite is cheaper, at EGP 860,000 (Official distributor price · as of November 4), and has 6 airbags and stability control on every trim, but its boot is 336 litres against 512, and it has a 3-cylinder turbo with a CVT. The Nissan Sunny is cheaper than both and, like them, has stability control on every trim, but it's smaller, its generation is older, and no trim has more than 2 airbags. But in our review, the MG 5's cabin materials and build are clearly better than the Sunny's.

The Fiat Tipo has a bigger boot (520 litres), but it only comes as a manual. The MG 5 gives you an automatic, stability control and a big boot in one sedan, and that settled it.

If safety comes first, get the Nissan Magnite. If the lowest price is what matters, get the Nissan Sunny; it's also the safer bet if you plan to sell within a few years, because the MG 5 doesn't resell as easily.

Over budget by a little: if you can spend a little more, the new Hyundai Elantra price starts at EGP 1,060,000 (Official distributor price · as of November 6). It's our used pick too, because it has few faults.

Our pick: MG 5 Comfort. If safety comes first, the Nissan Magnite; for the lowest price, the Nissan Sunny.

Best new car for the money

If you want a new car for the least money, avoid a cheap car that loses you money when you sell it or leaves you hunting for a spare part for a week. In our review, we picked the new Nissan Sunny, because it's the cheapest new car that combines easy-to-find parts with easy resale.

Why we picked it

• The Nissan Sunny's official price starts at EGP 665,000 (Official distributor price · as of October 31) for the manual, and EGP 820,000 (Official distributor price · as of November 5) for the automatic: you can get a new automatic and still stay well below the top of your budget.
• Sells again quickly, with simple maintenance: when you replace it, you won't wait long for a buyer, and you won't have to hunt for parts.
• 490-litre boot and strong air conditioning in hot weather: suited to summer trips and travel.

Watch out for

• Slow acceleration and less stability at high speeds: if you do most of your driving on the motorway, test it there within the speed limit before you decide.
• The automatic is slow to engage from a stop: you'll feel it in traffic when you shift from P to D or R and pull away, so try it several times on your test drive.

Why we chose it over the rest

The Suzuki Alto is the cheapest new car in Egypt, at EGP 535,000 (Official distributor price · as of October 24), but it only comes as a manual and its boot is 214 litres, so it's a small, cheap car that suits city driving more than family use. The Proton Saga is an automatic at EGP 685,000 (Official distributor price · as of October 15), cheaper than the automatic Sunny, but its engine produces 95 hp, and its listed safety kit is two airbags plus ABS and EBD brakes.

The Sunny combines a low price with easy resale and maintenance, which is why we picked it.

If you want the cheapest new automatic car, get the Proton Saga, but expect cabin noises, one of its known faults.

Our pick: A new Nissan Sunny; the automatic is easier in traffic. If you want an automatic for the lowest price, the Proton Saga.

Best automatic under 1 million EGP

There are plenty of new automatic cars under 1m, but they differ in their gearboxes and the safety equipment on the trim you can afford. These are our picks for the best automatic car, in order, and what to check on each one.

1. MG 5 with a CVT: the gearbox and stability control come on both trims, and the Comfort costs EGP 889,990 (Official distributor price · as of October 15). Try the gearbox in traffic before you sign, because a CVT feels different from a conventional automatic.
2. Nissan Sunny with a four-speed automatic: priced at EGP 820,000 (Official distributor price · as of November 5), with simple maintenance. But it's slow to accelerate and its gearbox is slow to engage from a stop, which you'll feel in traffic.
3. Nissan Magnite with a CVT: its price starts at EGP 860,000 (Official distributor price · as of November 4), and every trim is an automatic with 6 airbags and stability control. But it has a 3-cylinder engine, so you'll feel vibration when it's standing in traffic, and its boot is only 336 litres.

If you're considering a used automatic, avoid these 2 gearboxes:

• A Ford Focus with the PowerShift gearbox (the 2016–2018 cars within this budget): this gearbox is known for shuddering at low speeds, its control unit (TCM) fails, and repairs are expensive. The problem affects all 2013–2018 models, so don't buy one unless it comes with a clear invoice for a gearbox repair.
• A used Nissan Sentra: its CVT judders when pulling away and loses power when it overheats. Test how it pulls away after a drive, with the gearbox hot, and ask for the gearbox service history.

Why we ranked them in this order

The MG 5 has stability control on both trims, 6 airbags on the Luxury trim and a bigger boot than the other 2. The Sunny is much cheaper than the MG 5 and has stability control on every trim, but it's slower to accelerate. The Magnite has 6 airbags and stability control on every trim, but it costs more than the Sunny, its boot is much smaller and you'll feel its 3-cylinder vibration in traffic, which is why it comes after the Sunny.

If you want the cheapest new automatic of all, the Proton Saga costs EGP 685,000 (Official distributor price · as of October 15), but expect cabin noises, one of its known faults.

If you're looking for the best used automatic car within this budget, our pick is a 2017–2020 Hyundai Elantra; the details are in the used section.

Our pick: MG 5. If your budget is tighter, an automatic Nissan Sunny. And avoid a Ford Focus with the PowerShift gearbox.

Best family car under 1 million EGP

If you're looking for a big car for the family, you need a large boot, a comfortable cabin and safety that gives you peace of mind for your passengers. In our review, we picked the new Fiat Tipo, because it has the biggest boot in our picks and 6 airbags. It's manual only, so if you drive in traffic a lot and want an automatic, get the Nissan Sunny or the MG 5.

Why we picked it

• 520-litre boot and a spacious cabin: luggage and a pushchair go in the boot, so you won't have to put anything on the rear seat.
• 6 airbags for EGP 795,000 (Official distributor price · as of October 20): more protection for everyone in the car, and much cheaper than the MG 5 Luxury, which has 6 airbags.
• A 1.4 engine with simple mechanics, and strong air conditioning in hot weather: easier maintenance, and comfortable summer trips with the family.

Watch out for

• Manual only: if you drive in traffic a lot, an automatic is far more comfortable, so get the automatic Sunny or the MG 5.
• The 1.4 engine is known to burn oil: check the oil level between changes, and if it drops quickly, have the car checked promptly at a service centre.

Why we chose it over the rest

The MG 5 is an automatic, has stability control and a 512-litre boot, but its 6 airbags come only on the Luxury trim, at EGP 989,990 (Official distributor price · as of October 15). The Nissan Sunny has a roomy rear seat, a cheaper automatic and stability control on every trim, but its boot is 490 litres and every trim has only 2 airbags.

The Tipo gives you a bigger boot, 6 airbags and electronic stability control for much less than an MG 5 Luxury. In our review, the Fiat Tipo's cabin materials and build are clearly better than the Sunny's.

If you're looking for a 7-seater family car, there isn't a new one under 1m.

The nearest 7-seater above the budget: the Suzuki Ertiga is an automatic, starting at EGP 1,185,000 (Official distributor price · as of July 12), well over the budget.

Our pick: The Fiat Tipo, with 6 airbags and manual only. If you need an automatic, the Nissan Sunny or the MG 5.

Best SUV under 1 million EGP

If you're looking for an SUV or a high-riding car to cope with speed bumps and broken roads, bear in mind that most under 1m are small, and the main differences are safety and ground clearance. In our review, we picked the new Nissan Magnite as the best SUV within this budget, because it has 6 airbags and stability control on every trim, and 205 mm of ground clearance.

Why we picked it

• 6 airbags and stability control on every trim: even the cheapest trim has the same safety features, so you don't have to pay for a higher trim to get them.
• Every trim is a CVT automatic: the Nissan Magnite price starts at EGP 860,000 (Official distributor price · as of November 4) for the Visia, and whichever trim you choose is an automatic within budget, so you won't have to take a manual to save money.
• 205 mm of ground clearance and a small, economical turbo engine: speed bumps and broken roads won't worry you, and city driving won't bring a high fuel bill.

Watch out for

• Engine vibration at idle: it has a 3-cylinder engine, so when it's standing still you'll feel vibration and hear a sound unlike a 4-cylinder, which comes with this type of engine. Stop with the engine running on your test drive, and see whether you can live with it in traffic.
• Engine noise rises under hard acceleration: the speed builds gradually and the noise rises with it. If you overtake a lot on the motorway, try overtaking before you decide.
• Wind and road noise above 120 km/h: the insulation is average, so if you travel a lot, you'll hear wind and road noise inside the car at those speeds.
• A small boot, at 336 litres: it reaches 690 litres with the rear seat folded, but with passengers in the back it won't take much luggage.

Why we chose it over the rest

The Kaiyi X3 Pro has 4 airbags, and the Flagship trim has a 156 hp turbo, but its ground clearance is no more than 158 mm, and its service and parts network is still growing. The JAC JS2 is cheaper, at EGP 810,000 (Official distributor price · as of November 3), has a bigger boot (450 litres) and 200 mm of ground clearance, but it has only 2 airbags and somewhat weak pulling power.

The Geely Coolray has a strong turbo engine and quick, smooth gear changes, but the only trim within budget (the Comfort, at EGP 999,000 (Official distributor price · as of November 4)) has 2 airbags, its boot is 330 litres, and its price is so close to a million that licensing and insurance will push it over. The Magnite is the only one of them with 6 airbags and stability control on every trim plus good ground clearance.

If you need a bigger boot for travelling than the Magnite's 336 litres, get the JAC JS2. If you want a more powerful engine, get the Kaiyi X3 Pro Flagship, at EGP 960,000 (Official distributor price · as of November 5).

Our pick: Nissan Magnite. If you need a bigger boot, the JAC JS2.

Best electric car under 1 million EGP

If you're looking for electric cars under 1m, the first questions to ask are where you'll charge and how far you drive in a day. In our review, we picked the new BYD Dolphin Surf for city driving, because its only trim has 6 airbags, the home charger comes with it, and its range lets you get by charging at home.

Why we picked it

• 6 airbags on its only trim, at EGP 949,900 (Official distributor price · as of October 26): there's only one trim, so you won't pay extra to get all the safety kit.
• Home charger, portable cable and V2L unit included: you can charge at home from day one without buying a charger, and V2L runs a coffee machine or lights from the car's battery.
• Up to 300 km of range in normal driving: enough for several days of commuting between charges, and you charge overnight at home.

Watch out for

• Long trips take planning: range falls to 220 km on the motorway in cold weather, and fast charging peaks at 40 kW. If you travel a lot, work out your charging stops before you set off.
• The price has risen since launch: ask for a written quote and add licensing and insurance to it, because it's close to the top of the budget.

Why we chose it over the rest

Within the same budget you'll find the Chevrolet Spark at almost the same price, with a much bigger boot (428 litres against 230) and a stronger motor (101 hp against 75), but it has 4 airbags against the Surf's 6, and its range drops when heat, speed and air conditioning combine, which is what you'll face in summer.

The Geely Galaxy EX2 is cheaper than the Surf: the PRO at EGP 789,900 (Official distributor price · as of October 20) has 4 airbags and the MAX at EGP 899,900 (Official distributor price · as of October 20) has 6, with a 375-litre boot and a 115 hp motor.

The Surf is shorter than both (3.78 metres against 4 metres for the Spark and 4.1 for the EX2), so it's easier to park in city traffic, which settled it for a car that will live in the city. It also comes with the home charger and the portable cable.

If you'll carry a family or luggage, get the Geely Galaxy EX2 MAX. If you have nowhere to charge at home, stay with petrol, like the automatic Nissan Sunny at EGP 820,000 (Official distributor price · as of November 5).

The Fiat Topolino is cheaper, but it's a two-seat microcar with no airbags, suited to getting around a compound, and it's no replacement for a car you take on the road every day.

Our pick: The BYD Dolphin Surf for city driving. If you need more space, the Geely Galaxy EX2 MAX.

Best used car under 1 million EGP

If you're looking at used cars, dependability comes first: a car that won't keep you in workshops, and one that's in demand when you come to sell it. In our review, we picked the Hyundai Elantra AD generation, 2017–2020 models, because it has a conventional automatic that's simpler than a CVT, its service parts are easy to find, and it's in demand when you come to sell it.

The AD generation is the Elantra's new shape, launched in 2017, and we stopped at 2020 because it's the last year we have a market price for within the budget.

Why we picked it

• Few faults in daily use: fewer trips to the workshop, and less money spent on repairs.
• Easy-to-find parts, and in demand on the used market: you won't have to hunt for parts, and when you sell it, it sells quickly.
• A conventional six-speed automatic, well known in Egypt and simpler than a CVT: you won't have to worry about the CVT judder you find in cars like the Nissan Sentra.

Watch out for

• It feels less settled at high speeds: if you do most of your driving on the motorway, test it there within the speed limit before you decide.
• Make sure it's an AD, and have it inspected: in 2017 both the old-shape Elantra HD and the AD were on the market, so check that the car in front of you is an AD, and have a mechanic inspect it before you pay, because the condition of each car matters more than the model itself.

Why we chose it over the rest

The Kia Cerato YD generation (2013–2018) has reasonable maintenance costs, sells again easily and has a bigger boot (482 litres against 407), but its air conditioning weakens when the car is stationary, which is tiring in the summer heat. From this generation we recommend the 2016–2018 models, so the car is no more than 10 years old.

The Nissan Sentra has a 510-litre boot and is easy to sell, but its CVT judders and loses power when it overheats. The Elantra is more dependable than both, and its price is within budget: going by current used car prices in Egypt, the 2019 model costs EGP 800,000–860,000 (Market range for the 2019 model year · Hatgebk market research · as of October 26).

If the boot matters most to you, get a 2016–2018 Kia Cerato. If your budget is lower, see the best used car under 500K. You can see used cars for sale within this budget through the link below.

Our pick: Hyundai Elantra 2017–2020. If the boot matters most, a 2016–2018 Kia Cerato.

Before you pay

Before you pay for the car you've chosen, go through these checks.

If it's new:

• Write the price, trim and delivery date into the booking contract, so the price doesn't change on you at delivery.
• Refuse an overprice and forced add-ons, and compare with the distributor's official price.
• Match the chassis and engine numbers on the car with the papers before you take delivery.
• Budget for licensing and insurance on top of the car's price.

If it's used:

• Have a mechanic inspect it, and test the gearbox hot after a drive, because gearbox problems show more when it's hot.
• Ask for the maintenance invoices, especially for the gearbox.
• Check the car's violations and ownership at the traffic department before you pay.
• Make sure the licence is the original, and complete the sale at the real estate and notary office (Shahr al-Aqari) or with a proper contract.

See the cars currently listed on Hatgebk: Cars for sale under 1 million · Automatic cars under 1 million

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