If you’re reading this and thinking the days of cheap and cheerful motoring are over, think again!
Although you’ll struggle to find a drive-away deal under £20,000 in 2024, there are still plenty of affordable new cars that offer functionality, the latest technology and a long warranty – what’s not to love?
That said, some models are cheap for a reason, and no one wants to be disappointed after ripping the covers off their brand new car.
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Whether you’re looking for a first car, a last car or something in between, the AutoExpert team has been busy comparing the value options in the current market.
Read on to find out which new cars we’d buy on a strict $30,000 budget.
Here are some of the contenders:
- Kia Picanto
- Suzuki Ignis
- Hyundai location
- Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
- Mitsubishi ASX
- Suzuki Swift hybrid
- Mazda2
- MG5
- Kia Stonic
- MG ZST
- Mazda CX-3
- GWM Haval Jolion
- Chery Omoda 5
- Toyota Yaris
- Kia Cerato
- Hyundai i30
- Skoda Kamiq Run Out
Marton Pettendy: Kia Cerato
The increasing lack of new cars under $20,000 and now even under $25,000 available in Australia today is well documented, but fortunately there are at least a dozen solid choices priced under $30,000 for drive away.
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Cerato S Sedan
Which one you choose obviously depends on your circumstances. Small families and empty nesters will love the Kia Stonic and Mazda CX-3, just as young people will rightly prefer the Suzuki Swift and Mazda 2.
With the old MG 3 finally sliding away (hurray!), the Kia Picanto remains the only available option under $20,000, and the Mazda 2 the choice under $25,000, in both manual and automatic form.
But if it were my money, I’d buy the bigger, better entry-level Kia Cerato S car hatch in any color I wanted – with a seven-year warranty – for just under £30,000 a year.
Interested in buying a Kia Cerato? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Kia Cerato
Josh Nevett: Skoda Kamiq Run-Out
Talk about timing!
Just this week, Skoda Australia announced it will be offering the remaining MY24 Kamiq Run-Out stock for a drive-away of $29,990, a $3000 discount that sneaks this small European SUV under the $30,000 mark – and then some a car it is for $30,000.
Under the bonnet you’ll find a small 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo that’s both characterful and efficient, paired with a DSG that shifts smoothly, if you can forgive its hesitation in heavy traffic.
Inside, the Kamiq is spacious and practical, with a decent luggage compartment and room for the whole family. It’s well equipped too, with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, tactile touch points, four USB outputs and a few ‘simply clever’ Skoda touches.
Moreover, despite the European badges, maintenance is not that expensive. So what’s the catch? There are only 250 left, so be quick before they’re all gone.
Interested in buying a Skoda Kamiq? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Skoda Kamiq
James Wong: Suzuki Swift hybrid
While other brands have moved away from affordable segments and cheaper entry-level variants, Suzuki has bucked the trend.
Yes, it’s not as cheap as it once was, but the Suzuki Swift Hybrid (actually mild-hybrid) starts from a competitive $24,490, making it Australia’s cheapest new hybrid car.
While the 24V MHEV system isn’t as advanced as electrified systems offered by rivals, the Swift will quite easily match its fuel claim of around 4.0L/100km and offers plenty of features and safety tech from even the base grade.
It also comes in a ton of fun colors and is the perfect size for city life. What’s not to love?
Interested in buying a Suzuki Swift Hybrid? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Suzuki Swift Hybrid
Paul Maric: Kia Stonic
We just helped my mother-in-law buy a new car in this price range and ended up with the Kia Stonic.
For someone switching from a Mazda 2, the Stonic isn’t a huge leap forward in size, and it has all the bells and whistles she needs to step into the modern age.
The warranty and non-outrageous service prices were also a bonus.
Interested in buying a Kia Stonic? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Kia Stonic
Jordan Mulach: Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto is in a rarity, as it is one of the few manuals available at such a relatively cheap price.
For a few dollars (about $23,000) you get a manual GT-Line in Sporty Blue, which you can drive away with. There aren’t many vehicles that can offer so much technology and safety equipment for so much money.
You can criticize the GT-Line for existing in a segment dedicated to cheap and cheerful offerings, but if you can do that, why not buy something that’s packed with features?
Moreover, the fact that there is still €7,000 left of €30,000 gives many opportunities to buy a second car…
Do you want to buy a Kia Picanto? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Kia Picanto
William Stopford: Mazda 2 and Hyundai i30 Sedan
There’s probably no objective reason to buy a Mazda 2 over the admittedly impressive new Suzuki Swift, but I still love the old girl.
It’s a little more expensive than the Swift, a little thirstier (if on the cheaper 91 RON regular unleaded), has older infotainment tech and, comparing apples to apples, doesn’t really have much extra equipment.
Nevertheless, I find the little tot quite charming, even if the base model got some bad Botox in its most recent facelift.
I hate choosing the same car two weeks in a row, but I should also point out that the base Hyundai i30 Sedan is currently listed for $29,990, which offers almost mid-size interior space to the Mazda 2 out the middle segment. money.
That’s a combination too tempting to ignore, and the Hyundai’s mid-life facelift brought a major powertrain update, making it much more enjoyable to drive.
Interested in buying a Mazda2? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
Interested in buying a Hyundai i30? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Mazda2
MORE: Everything Hyundai i30
Jack Snel: Mazda 2
While it may be on the older side and not nearly as affordable as it once was, I’d say one of the best small cars under $30,000 you can buy is still a Mazda 2 Hatch.
If you’re looking for a brand new first or perhaps last car, you can’t go wrong.
This car feels at home in the hustle and bustle of the city, but is also not completely out of its element on the highway. It really gives the feeling of a big car in a small package.
Of all the Mazda 2 variants currently on sale, I’d probably opt for the base Pure Automatic ($24,870 before on-roads) as it offers the biggest bang for your buck and for its ease of use.
Of course there’s the Pure manual which is $2000 cheaper and probably more fun to drive, but not everyone has the patience to deal with a manual anymore.
Interested in buying a Mazda 2? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Mazda 2
Max Davies: Suzuki Swift Hybrid
I enjoy many of the cars that could fit here, but there are a few things I would look for if I were in the market.
The first is a hatchback body. While seating capacity doesn’t change between these small sedans, SUVs and hatches, I think a hatch will give you the best of both worlds in terms of comfort, size and practicality.
The other is the option of a manual transmission. Cars under $30,000 often come with small engines mated to terrible continuously variable transmissions, so if I’m going for a car that isn’t powerful, I’d at least want to be able to row through the gears myself.
So there are few choices, but the Suzuki Swift Hybrid is my choice. With a driving range of $24,490 in base specification, it’s great value and still maintains impressive economy even with a manual gearbox.
I know manuals aren’t the favored option anymore, but why not have some fun with them if you can? You may miss things like heated seats and alloy wheels, but it still has wireless Apple CarPlay as standard.
If you must have an automatic, there are still a number of Swifts to choose from that add all that back.
Interested in buying a Suzuki Swift Hybrid? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Suzuki Swift Hybrid
