Top 5 Vehicles to Watch in Barbados in 2021

Only 5 cars out of dozens to choose from

There are dozens of cars to choose from.

Here are our 5 favourites.

None of us planned for the events of 2020, including Barbados car dealers and car buyers.

Each year, Barbados car companies and dealerships compete for a rather small market. Each year, about 6,000 vehicles are imported into Barbados. This is fairly evenly split between new and used. While the exact number of cars sold in 2020 is currently unknown, some people in the industry estimate a 20-30% drop in sales compared to 2019. This can give buyers the upper-hand to negotiate a vehicle’s price, interest rate, or added accessories. In short, it’s a good time to buy a vehicle.

If you’re looking to buy but aren’t sure which model is right for you, have a look at this list.

best-car-brands-in-barbados

What we considered for this list

  • Popularity (measured by sales and market appeal)

  • Price and fuel efficiency – miles/gallon (according to list prices)

  • Reliability (as perceived by consumers)

  • Ease and cost of repairs (as perceived by consumers)

  • Ease to re-sell (as perceived by consumers)

Before we created this list, we spoke with a number of Bajan car buyers to understand what they’re looking for, plus gathered information from the folks at Simpson Motors, Ansa Motors and Pioneer Motors. They helped us to determine the 5 most popular vehicles amongst Barbadians in the past year. After careful analysis, here is our list of the most popular sought-after wheels on the island.

Some respected brands such as Toyota and Honda did not make it onto the list. This was mainly due to cost. The pandemic has taken a toll on many Bajans, and vehicle value is a crucial deciding factor now more than ever, so prioritized car prices and fuel efficiency as a main deciding factor for buying a car.

After all that, here is the list!

5. Hyundai Creta.

Starting our list and coming in at number five is the Hyundai Creta. This 1,600cc SUV comes decked with 5 seats. It is well priced, spacious and it also comes with user-friendly interiors and smooth competent gearboxes. Although it is spacious, some may say the backseats are not suitable for three adults, so this may be a good choice if you’ll be transporting two adults and a child instead. The Hyundai Creta made its debut into the market in 2014 and still stands strong.

  • KEY INFO

  • Price: $75,000 BBD (for base model)
  • Number of seats: 5
  • Engine power: 122 hp
  • Engine size: 1,600 cc
  • Fuel efficiency: 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on highway
  • Cargo space: 15.3 cubic feet
  • Dealers: Courtesy Garage Barbados
Hyundai Creta Barbados
Hyundai Creta Interior
Hyundai Accent Barbados

4. Hyundai Accent.

Our number four spot goes to the Hyundai Accent. This sedan makes it an ideal car for the average working individual. With its 5 seats, it is also capable for a small family of 3 or 4 with enough ccs to get you from work and back in a timely fashion. All models come with a 120-horsepower four-cylinder engine and are front-wheel drive. The Hyundai accent is also great on gas, has good ride stability and standout safety features. This model car is sold by Courtesy Garage.

  • KEY INFO

  • Price: $45,000 BBD (for base model)
  • Number of seats: 5
  • Engine power: 120 hp
  • Engine size: 1,500 cc
  • Fuel efficiency: 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on highway
  • Cargo space: 13.7 cubic feet
  • Dealers: Courtesy Garage Barbados

4. Hyundai Accent.

Our number four spot goes to the Hyundai Accent. This sedan is an ideal car for the average working individual. With its 5 seats, it is also capable for a small family of 3 or 4 with enough ccs to get you from work and back on time and in comfort. All models come with a 120-horsepower four-cylinder engine and are front-wheel drive. The Hyundai accent is also great on fuel, has good ride stability and standout safety features. This model car is sold by Courtesy Garage.

  • KEY INFO

  • Price: $45,000 BBD (for base model)
  • Number of seats: 5
  • Engine power: 120 hp
  • Engine size: 1,500 cc
  • Fuel efficiency: 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on highway
  • Cargo space: 13.7 cubic feet
  • Dealers: Courtesy Garage Barbados

3. Suzuki Baleno.

The number three spot goes to the Suzuki Baleno. This sleek hatchback vehicle comes with a spacious interior equipped with many added design features. It is affordable, yet elegant. This vehicle is sold by Simpson Motors. Some drivers have found the back seats to be cramped, and have reported being able to feel the motions while travelling. The Suzuki Balenos made its debut in 2015.

  • KEY INFO

  • Price: $54,975 BBD (for base model)
  • Number of seats: 5
  • Engine power: 83 hp
  • Engine size: 1,400 cc
  • Fuel efficiency: 50 mpg in the city and 62.7 mpg on highway
  • Cargo space: 11.3 cubic feet
  • Dealers: Simpson Motors
Suzuki Baleno Barbados
suzuki_baleno_interior
Suzuki Vitara Barbados
Suzuki Vitara Interior

2. Suzuki Vitara.

Close behind our Number one winner placing second was the Suzuki Vitara. This 4-seater SUV has been on the market since 1988 and has been making its mark ever since. This edgy and classy vehicle is also sold by Simpson Motors. With its luxurious interior design and numerous interior features, it is no wonder it made its way up the charts to place in at number 2. Let’s not forget about its excellent ride quality. However, for some, the price point of the Vitara is another reason why it comes in at number two. The monthly payments are very high, and the parts are just as expensive, but she is still a beauty!

  • KEY INFO

  • Price: $79,975 BBD (for base model)
  • Number of seats: 5
  • Engine power: 138 hp
  • Engine size: 1,600 cc
  • Fuel efficiency: 40 mpg in the city and 48.7 mpg on highway
  • Cargo space: 13.24 cubic feet
  • Dealers: Simpson Motors Barbados
Suzuki Vitara Barbados
Suzuki Vitara Interior

2. Suzuki Vitara.

Number two on our list is the Suzuki Vitara. This 4-seat SUV has been on the market since 1988. With its luxurious interior design, numerous interior features and excellent ride quality make it an excellent and reliable vehicle, but it’s slightly higher-than-average price point kept it from the number one spot on the list. This vehicle comes with high monthly payments and repairs can be quite expensive, but it sure is a great vehicle!

  • KEY INFO

  • Price: $79,975 BBD (for base model)
  • Number of seats: 5
  • Engine power: 138 hp
  • Engine size: 1,600 cc
  • Fuel efficiency: 40 mpg in the city and 48.7 mpg on highway
  • Cargo space: 13.24 cubic feet
  • Dealers: Simpson Motors Barbados

1. Suzuki Swift.

Our top pick for Bajan drivers is the Suzuki Swift, sold mostly by Simpson Motors. This classic hatchback entered the market in 2004 and has been dominating the roads ever since. This five-seater car is ideal for the average individual because it’s easy to handle, it can be purchased with convenient, low monthly payments and it’s known as one of the fastest cars on the road. Although it may have be Barbados’ go-to car for many, some may say it is too small, complain that repair parts are expensive and hard to come by. However, it still made its way to our number one spot!

  • KEY INFO

  • Price: $54,975 BBD (for base model)
  • Number of seats: 5
  • Engine power: 83 hp
  • Engine size: 1,200 cc
  • Fuel efficiency: 48 mpg in the city and 57.2 mpg on highway
  • Cargo space: 9.32 cubic feet
  • Dealers: Simpson Motors Barbados, Pioneer Motors Barbados
Suzuki Swift Barbados
Suzuki Swift Interior

Drive away happy!

You’ve probably noticed that Suzuki and Hyundai were the most dominant brands on the list. That’s because they are reliable, reasonably priced, fun to drive and do well in the local re-sale market.

So now you know our options on the top five vehicles on the island – leave a comment and tell us which vehicles you like best and why!

Oh, and by the way, my personal favourite is the Suzuki Vitara! I can’t wait to get my hands on one.

About the author:

Jalisa is a Customer Experience Officer and blog contributor at Almi. She is passionate about customer service and helping Barbadians achieve financial prosperity.