Omari Gates
Australia has seen a rise in new car prices in recent years, with factors such as inflation, market forces, and the switch to hybrid or electric powertrains contributing to the increase. As a result, finding a brand-new car within a used-car budget is becoming more challenging. However, there are still some affordable options available for those looking for the best value. This paragraph will explore the topic of car affordability in Australia, discussing the cheapest cars on the market, the impact of rising costs, and the features that buyers can expect within their budgets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Car prices in Australia | Increasing over time |
| Cars under $15,000 | Kia Picanto, Holden Spark, Mitsubishi Mirage, Suzuki Celerio, Mazda2 |
| Cheapest car in 2023 | Kia Picanto ($17,890-$21,290) |
| Cheapest car in 2024 | MG 3 ($18,990-$19,990) |
| Cheapest car in 2025 | Kia Picanto ($18,290-$23,990) |
| Cheapest SUV in 2024 | Suzuki Ignis ($21,490) |
| Cheapest hybrid in 2025 | Suzuki Swift Hybrid ($24,490) |
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What You'll Learn
Cheapest cars in Australia in 2024
As of April 2024, the cheapest car in Australia was the MG 3, which costs $18,990 drive-away. The car comes with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 82kW of power and 150Nm of torque. The MG 3 is mated with a four-speed automatic transmission and has a fuel efficiency of 6.7L/100km.
The second cheapest car in Australia is the Kia Picanto, which costs between $16,000 and $18,290, excluding on-road costs. The Picanto is a small hatchback that offers affordability and reliability.
Other cheap cars in Australia include the Kia Rio, which starts at just over $19,000, the Hyundai Venue, priced from $21,240, and the Mazda 2, starting from $21,390.
In addition, the Kia Stonic is a compact SUV that offers solid performance and a range of standard features for a starting price of $21,990. The 2024 Volkswagen Polo is another budget-friendly option, offering a classy interior and modern features, despite lacking Apple CarPlay.
For those looking for a small SUV, the 2024 Kia Seltos S offers excellent fuel economy and an affordable price, just under $30,000.
While the options under $20,000 are declining, there are still some affordable models available in Australia, with prices expected to rise in the coming years.
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Cheapest hybrid cars in Australia
Car prices in Australia have been rising due to inflation and other market forces, and hybrid cars are no exception. However, hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, as they offer lower fuel consumption and reduced vehicle ownership costs compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. As of 2025, the cheapest hybrid cars in Australia include:
MG 3
The MG 3 is the cheapest hybrid car you can buy new in Australia, with a starting price of $27,990 plus on-road costs. The Hybrid+ Essence model is also available for under $30,000 before on-road costs. The MG 3 is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 100kW electric motor, offering a combined fuel consumption of 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres.
GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid
While the GWM Haval Jolion was initially launched as a non-hybrid SUV in 2021, it now offers a hybrid variant that is the most affordable hybrid SUV in Australia. The entry-level Jolion Premium has a starting price of $28,490.
BYD Sealion 6
The BYD Sealion 6 is a medium SUV that offers a fuel economy of 1.1 litres per 100 kilometres and an electric vehicle (EV) range of 92 kilometres. It is priced at $45,684.45.
Leapmotor C10
The Leapmotor C10 is a medium SUV with a fuel economy of 0.9 litres per 100 kilometres and an EV range of 145 kilometres. It is available for $46,890.
Jaecoo J7 SHS
The Jaecoo J7 SHS is a medium SUV with a fuel economy of 1.0 litre per 100 kilometres and an EV range of 90 kilometres. It is priced at $47,990.
Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid
As of mid-2022, the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid was the cheapest hybrid car available in Australia, with a fuel economy of 3.6 litres per 100 kilometres. However, its price at the time is not known.
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Affordable cars with modern features
The price of new cars in Australia has been on the rise in recent years, with fewer options available under $20,000. However, there are still some affordable cars with modern features available in the Australian market. Here are some options to consider:
Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto is a popular choice for those seeking an affordable car with modern features. With prices starting as low as $17,890 plus on-road costs, it offers excellent value for money. The Picanto received a recent upgrade, enhancing its safety equipment, and the top-quality GT-Line model is available for $21,290 plus on-road costs. It is a compact car with a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, offering fuel efficiency of 5.4L/100km for the manual and 6.0L/100km for the automatic version. The Picanto comes equipped with modern features such as cruise control, a reversing camera, a large touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
MG ZS
The MG ZS is a compact SUV that has quickly become a top choice in Australia for those seeking an affordable car with modern amenities. With prices starting at $23,990, it offers exceptional value, quality, and driving comfort. The MG ZS is well-equipped, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. It also boasts impressive fuel efficiency, with a rating of 6.6 litres per 100km on a combined cycle.
Hyundai i30
The Hyundai i30 is a relatively affordable city car that offers a blend of safety and technology. After a facelift in 2021, the i30 now includes Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite, which includes autonomous emergency braking and active cruise control on automatic models. The manual i30 hatch starts at $24,000 before on-road costs, making it a good option for those seeking a budget-friendly car with modern features.
Suzuki Ignis
The Suzuki Ignis is a compact SUV that offers good value for money. While the price was not explicitly mentioned, it is known for its safety features, including cruise control, a reverse camera, a large touchscreen, and comprehensive autonomous emergency braking.
Kia Stonic
The Kia Stonic is a light SUV that offers a unique driving experience at a budget-friendly price. With prices ranging from $22,290 to $30,790 before on-road costs, it provides a spacious cabin, impressive ground clearance, and modern conveniences. The Stonic features cruise control, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, an 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay. It has a five-star ANCAP rating and includes safety features such as lane-keep assist and lane departure warning.
These options showcase that while car prices in Australia are on the rise, there are still some affordable vehicles with modern features available for budget-conscious buyers.
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Cheapest car brands in Australia
Australia has seen a rise in new car prices due to inflation and other market forces, with a decline in the number of options under $20,000 and even $30,000. However, there are still some affordable new vehicles available. Here are some of the cheapest car brands and models in Australia:
Kia
Kia offers a range of affordable options in Australia. The Kia Picanto, a compact city car, is priced from $17,890 to $21,290 before on-road costs, depending on the transmission and trim level. The Picanto received a recent facelift, improving its safety equipment but also increasing its price. The Kia Stonic, a light SUV, starts at an impressively low $22,290 plus on-road costs for the entry-level model with manual transmission, offering more cabin space and ground clearance than a hatchback.
MG
MG, a relatively new brand in Australia, has gained attention for its sharp pricing. The MG 3, a compact car, starts at $18,990 drive-away and offers features like satellite navigation. The MG ZS small SUV was Australia's top-selling 'cheap' car in 2023, with almost 30,000 sales.
Suzuki
While Chinese brands are often known for their affordability, Suzuki has maintained its commitment to value with two models under $25,000. The Suzuki Swift, a small car, now includes more safety technology and a hybrid powertrain while remaining affordable. Its compact SUV sibling, the Suzuki Ignis, is another good value option for budget-conscious buyers.
Hyundai
Hyundai, once known for its 'cheap and cheerful' models, has repositioned itself in the market, but still offers relatively affordable options. The Hyundai i30, a city car, starts at $24,000 before on-road costs for the manual hatch and includes features like autonomous emergency braking and active cruise control. The Hyundai Venue small SUV is another affordable option from the brand.
GWM
GWM, or Great Wall Motors, was one of the first Chinese brands to enter the Australian market. They offer a range of vehicles, including the Haval Jolion small SUV, which starts at $28,490 drive-away for the entry-level Premium model. GWM has also introduced comprehensive driveaway pricing for select EV ranges, reducing the on-road price of vehicles by up to $10,000.
Other notable mentions include the Mitsubishi ASX small SUV, which starts at $24,490 before on-road costs for the manual transmission, and the Mazda2, which is priced at $14,990 plus on-road costs.
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Cars under $20,000 in Australia
Car prices in Australia have been rising due to inflation, market forces, and the switch to hybrid or electric powertrains to cut emissions. This has resulted in a decline in the number of options under $20,000, with most new cars starting at around $30,000 before on-road costs. However, there are still some options available for those looking for a vehicle in this price range.
One of the few cars priced under $20,000 in Australia is the Kia Picanto, a Korean city car known for its safety equipment and elegant design. The base trim starts at just over $15,000, with the recommended retail price closer to $20,000, and the automatic version scraping in under $20,000 before on-road costs. The Picanto offers a 1.2L petrol engine, a spacious boot, and modern features like a touchscreen, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity.
Another option is the MG 3, which has been Australia's cheapest new car, with a drive-away price of $19,990. The latest models have a price cut to $18,990, and even the flagship Excite model is priced at $19,990 drive-away. The MG 3 features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and satellite navigation on higher-end models.
The Suzuki Ignis, claimed to be Australia's cheapest SUV, is another option just over the $20,000 mark. For $20,990, you get a compact SUV that's easy to manoeuvre in the city and spacious enough for family outings. The Ignis is also extremely economical, using only 4.9L/100km.
Other cars that have been mentioned as budget options under $20,000 include the Mitsubishi Mirage, Suzuki Celerio, and Mazda2, although their prices are closer to $15,000. The Holden Spark and the Chery J1, which retailed for $9990 in 2013, are also worth considering, but the quality and safety may not meet modern expectations.
While the options under $20,000 are limited, it's important to consider that these cars still offer excellent value, with features like reversing cameras, lane assist, and improved safety equipment that were once reserved for deluxe models.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, car prices in Australia have been rising in recent years due to inflation and other market forces, such as the switch to hybrid or electric powertrains to cut emissions. While in the past there were a variety of options under $20,000, now there are very few options under $30,000.
Some of the cheapest cars in Australia include the Kia Picanto, MG 3, Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki Swift Hybrid, and the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. The Picanto is the cheapest, with a price range of $17,890 to $21,290 before on-road costs, depending on the model and transmission. The MG 3 is another strong contender for the cheapest car, with prices starting at $18,990.
The MG ZS small SUV was Australia's top-selling 'cheap' SUV in 2023. The Kia Stonic is another affordable SUV option, with prices starting at $22,290. The Suzuki Ignis is also one of the cheapest SUVs available in Australia, with prices starting at $21,490 plus on-road costs.
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