Interest rate hikes seem to be a never-ending trend in the Australian economy. So much so that many new-car buyers are using price as the sole deciding factor when choosing a new vehicle to own.
But believe it or not, if you’re strapped for cash, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your car ownership vision completely. There are a number of affordable car options available that offer a high standard of equipment, safety, functionality, and design.
Don’t pigeonhole yourself into small or second-hand cars. If you want to drive your dollar further, here are our choices for the Top 10 Budget-Friendly Car Releases in Australia.
2024 Toyota Corolla Cross : $23,860 - $29,385
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross has a number of notable features that make it an ideal budget-friendly purchase. Boasting tuned suspension, a 2.0-L engine, and an impressive fuel efficacy rating - it's clear why this release is on our list. With the Carolla Cross, you’ll enjoy stability and ride comfort via multi-link rear suspension, as well as extra traction for rough roads via All-Wheel Drive (AWD). By selecting this model you could also save even further with the opportunity to minimise your fuel consumption thanks to a four-cylinder engine, delivering a combined 32 mpg. For further details visit 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap | Noisy engine under load |
| Comfortable ride quality | Less rear legroom than most rivals |
| Solid advanced driver assist tech | No significant changes |
| Roomy cargo area | Interior design |
2024 Mitsubishi ASX GS (2WD) : $24,490 - $35,240
Rocking its fourth face lift since it was first released in 2019, the 2024 Mitsubishi ASX GS (2WD) is a front wheel drive, 4-door wagon. It is regarded as a small SUV built in Japan with prices starting from $24,490 before on-road costs. Powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, this unleaded-petrol release has 197 Nm of torque via a 5 speed manual. For further details, visit 2024 Mitsubishi ASX GS (2WD).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value for money | Interior feels dated compared to rivals |
| Cheap to run and spacious interior | First released in 2019 |
| Long warranty (10 years) | Front seats not good for long-drive |
| Fuel efficient and 2.4 litre engine | Lacks latest driver assist functions |
2024 Hyundai Kona : $25,625 - $33,175
Featuring a more modern appearance, the 2024 Hyundai Kona looks more rugged than it is. A subcompact soft-roader made for the urban jungle, this release is powered by one of two gas-fed four-cylinder engines, with an extra powerful 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-litre available. The 2024 Kona is more spacious than the last-generation model thanks to its longer wheelbase and slimmer front seat backs that free up more space for rear-seat riders. For further details, visit 2024 Hyundai Kona.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cabin area has more room than previous-generation model | Poky acceleration |
| More refined and practical | Driving demeanour isn’t as good as previous-generation model |
| Strong value for money | More expensive than 2023 |
2024 Toyota Hilux WorkMate : $26,475 - $46,665
Modernised with a new look and features - the 2024 Toyota Hilux WorkMate is now on sale in Australia with 48-volt technology in select samples. Powered by a 2.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 122kW/245 Nm and matched to a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. When driving this release, the standard safety features you will enjoy include autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, brake-based lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition. For more information, visit Toyota Hilux WorkMate.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One of the best off-road traction-control systems | No increase in tyre diameter, no off-road improvement |
| Increased ride height and track width beneficial for off-roaders | Payload is lacking, especially when towing at the limit |
| Solid all-rounder | Updated model is around the corner |
2024 GWM Haval Jolion Premium : $28,490
A unique blend of style, space, and technology - the Haval Jolion Premium stands out. Boasting a dynamic driving experience for both urban explorers and weekend adventurers, the compact SUV is available in petrol and hybrid versions. Focusing on comfort and practicality, this release is a great option for those long drives. The design of the Jolion has a comprehensive array of safety technologies including multiple airbags and driver-assist technologies to ensure a secure and protected driving experience. For further details, visit GWM Haval Jolion Premium.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Attractive, roomy interior | Interior built to the price |
| Punchy, efficient hybrid | Driver-assists touchy and can be invasive |
| Seven-year warranty |
2024 Toyota RAV4 LE : $28,675
The 2024 release of the Toyota RAV4 LE is designed to provide you with the confidence to go further. Tackle the trails or tame the pavement with the multi-link rear suspension and All-Wheel Drive. Designed with premium materials and a focus on comfort, the level of refinement in this vehicle has been increased for both on and off-road travelling. RAV4 LE boasts dynamic torque vectoring AWD, offering great enhancement to the responsiveness and stability of the vehicle. For further details, visit Toyota RAV4 LE.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quiet interior and comfortable ride quality | Lacklustre acceleration |
| Abundant cargo and passenger space | Vague steering |
| Easy-to-use controls | No changes in the 2024 release |
| Great resale value making it a very sensible purchase | High demand - delivery times can be extended |
| 1 year free roadside assistance |
2024 Kia Seltos S 2.0 FWD : $29,500
For a small SUV, the 2024 Kia Seltos S offers a nice degree of roominess and versatility. Coupled with excellent fuel economy and an affordable price - this base model is functional and well-equipped. With solid fundamentals for an affordable car, both driver and passenger seats are well-padded and offer a good range of adjustment. The more expensive models of the Kia Seltos S have flashier graphics and bigger screens, but aside from that the only thing you’ll miss out on in this budget-friendly model is the factory satellite navigation. For further details, visit Kia Seltos.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Refined 1.6 or 2L engine | Interior built to budget |
| Spacious interior for price | Overly active safety equipment |
| Rear air vents and USB-C Ports | Stiff ride and loud cabin |
2024 Volkswagen Polo : $29,490
Squeezing in just under the $30k mark, the 2024 Volkswagen Polo has a classy interior with a nice feel about it. Despite an old-school tech experience (no Apple CarPlay) and a smaller screen compared to its 2024 rivals, you still get what you would expect from a modern day vehicle. With a speedometer front and centre and useful driver information on the screen, there’s a lot to like about this little car. When it comes to boot space, with this release you will enjoy a larger-than-expected 351L of cargo space. For further details, visit 2024 Volkswagen Polo.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good feel compared to rivals | Missing some handy safety items |
| Sophistication | Can be expensive to service |
| Relatively spacious | Fewer features such as rear split seats, LED lights, driver armrest etc. |
2024 Skoda Kamiq Runout : $32,990
If you’re wondering what makes a 2024 Kamiq Runout, the answer is in the keyless start, smartphone connection, side assist with rear traffic alerts, and LED headlights. If you were thinking this more affordable model of the Style would involve some stripped-out budget grade, you’d be pleasantly surprised. The interior of this model, particularly the seats, are pretty much the same as the Style. Boasting good comfort and support, as well as a wide range of adjustment, Skoda has maintained its quality touch. For further details, visit Skoda Kamiq Runout.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pleasant to drive | High pay-as-you-go servicing costs |
| Spacious interior | Adaptive cruise control removed |
| Handy, practical touches | Design is a basic model |
| Punchy turbo three-cylinder engine | An upgrade is just months away |
2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve : $31,050
Offering a city-sized package and reasonable fuel economy, the 2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Evolve doesn’t stray too far from its hatchback sibling, the Mazda 2. Although the CX3 model is an older player in the car market, it's still a top selling favourite. The Evolve has a unique leatherette and suede interior, with an all-black centre console. Powered by a 2L naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, this release develops 195 Nm of torque at 2800 rpm. It is now available exclusively with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. For further details, visit Mazda CX-3.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Benchmark interior presentation | Tight rear seats and boot |
| Solid value for money | No wireless CarPlay |
| Fun to drive | Rivals have more torque and efficiency |
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