The price of residing in Australia solely retains rising, however relaxation assured there are nonetheless loads of inexpensive avenues into new automobile possession.
In truth, an inflow of latest Chinese language automakers within the native market has positioned downward strain on automobile costs, and there are bargains available consequently.
We final lined the ten least expensive new automobiles you could possibly purchase in April final 12 months – not so way back. However three new fashions have arrived even since then to assert a spot on the record, and several other extra are nipping on the heels of famend worth heroes.
As such, now is a good time to revisit Australia’s least expensive new automobile rankings.
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| Make/mannequin | Base drive-away value (NSW) | Base value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Picanto | $22,140 | $19,190 |
| MG 3 | $23,250 | $20,990 |
| Chery Tiggo 4 | $23,990 | – |
| Mahindra XUV 3XO | $23,990 | – |
| GWM Haval Jolion | $23,990 | – |
| Suzuki Swift Hybrid | $25,490 | $24,990 |
| MG ZS | $25,888 | $25,990 |
| BYD Atto 1 | $26,531 | $23,990 |
| Hyundai Venue | $26,862 | $23,000 |
| GAC Emzoom | – | $25,590 |
Generally, manufacturers record a separate value that excludes on-road prices, which isn’t consultant of what the typical Australian motorist pays. For that motive, we’ve ranked this record by estimated drive-away costs for a purchaser residing in New South Wales, because it’s Australia’s inhabitants state.
We’ve additionally chosen to exclude the Suzuki Ignis, as a result of it’s not accessible to order however can nonetheless be bought from remaining supplier inventory.
Kia Picanto
Australia’s new-car market has seen important change over the previous few years, however Kia’s little micro-hatch nonetheless stays the most cost effective new automobile cash should purchase.
Ranging from simply $19,190 earlier than on-road prices, the bottom Picanto Sport brings a ‘much less is extra’ ethos to budget-friendly motoring.
For instance, it’s the smallest automobile on this record, measuring in at simply 3.6 metres lengthy. It’s additionally just a little missing within the efficiency division, with energy coming from a 1.2-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 62kW of energy and 122Nm of torque. As for the transmission, properly it’s a do-it-yourself handbook – very old-school.
That’s to not say the Picanto is just a little bucket of bolts – removed from it. You continue to get trendy options together with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and leatherette inside accents. The Picanto additionally comes with the backing of Kia’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
As such, the Korean micro-car stays an affordable and cheerful entry level into the new-car market.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away value |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Kia Picanto Sport handbook | $19,190 | $22,140 |
| 2026 Kia Picanto Sport auto | $20,790 | $23,240 |
| 2026 Kia Picanto GT-Line handbook | $20,990 | $23,940 |
| 2026 Kia Picanto GT-Line auto | $22,590 | $25,040 |
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MORE: Discover the Kia Picanto showroom
MG 3
It mightn’t be fairly as low cost because the Picanto, however China’s MG 3 additionally guarantees worth as a sub-$25k hatch, albeit with some security considerations.
MG Motor Australiahas recalled greater than 10,000 examples of the current-generation MG 3 to deal with a problem recognized by security authority Euro NCAP throughout crash-testing – in what was described as a “vital security failure”, the driving force’s seat slid ahead by 111.5mm on the facet closest to the centre console upon affect.
However, the MG 3 nonetheless acquired a four-star security score total, which has additionally been utilized to Australia’s model of the sunshine hatch by native security authority ANCAP.
And should you can look previous the crash check failure, MG’s mild hatch comes normal with security gear together with a reversing digital camera, rear parking sensors, and semi-autonomous driving functionality.
Underneath the bonnet of the bottom Excite is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder non-turbo petrol engine producing 81kW and 142Nm, teamed to a repeatedly variable computerized transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive – not fairly as thrilling because the identify suggests, however that’s par for the course.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away value |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 MG 3 Vibe | $20,990 | $23,250 |
| 2026 MG 3 Excite | $22,990 | $25,310 |
| 2026 MG 3 Essence | $24,990 | $27,370 |
| 2026 MG 3 Hybrid+ Excite | $29,430 | $29,430 |
| 2026 MG 3 Hybrid+ Essence | $32,520 | $32,520 |
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Chery Tiggo 4
Australians love an SUV and the Tiggo 4 is one in all six on this record.
Priced from $23,990 drive-away, Chery’s compact city-SUV has turn into a top-seller since hitting the native market in 2024, and north of 1 million models have been delivered worldwide.
Probably the most inexpensive variants are powered by the identical 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 108kW/210Nm. Drive is distributed by way of a CVT to the entrance wheels solely.
Hybrid variations of the Tiggo 4 have been made accessible final 12 months, though each carry a $6000 premium over the turbo-petrol equal.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are normal throughout the vary, together with a single-screen panel comprising two 10.25-inch media shows. Different key promoting factors for the small Chinese language SUV embody a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee and a five-star ANCAP security score.
| Mannequin | Drive-away value |
|---|---|
| 2026 Chery Tiggo 4 City | $23,990 |
| 2026 Chery Tiggo 4 Final | $26,990 |
| 2026 Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid City | $29,990 |
| 2026 Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid Final | $32,990 |
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Mahindra XUV 3XO
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the one Indian-made mannequin on this record and one in all three new entrants for 2026, slotting in with a beginning value of $23,990 drive-away.
Categorised as a lightweight SUV, the XUV 3XO is small in stature however massive on worth. Energy comes from a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 82kW and 200Nm, with drive despatched to the entrance wheels by way of a six-speed computerized transmission.
Commonplace gear throughout the vary contains alloy wheels, LED headlights and entrance fog lamps, a sunroof, keyless entry and engine begin, and a surround-view digital camera with rear parking sensors.
Inside, there’s a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a ten.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The XUV 3XO is backed by a seven-year, 150,000km guarantee – lengthy by most requirements – though it has not been rated by ANCAP and doesn’t have an official unbiased security score.
| Mannequin | Drive-away value |
|---|---|
| 2026 Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5L | $23,990 |
| 2026 Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L | $26,990 |
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GWM Haval Jolion
The Jolion stays one in all Australia’s hottest small SUVs, and that’s in no small half right down to its inexpensive pricing.
The bottom Premium begins from $23,990 drive-away, hundreds cheaper than the equal Toyota or Mazda, and encompasses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 105kW and 210Nm.
Energy is distributed to the entrance wheels by way of a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission, whereas gas consumption is rated at 8.1L/100km.
Inside, the Chinese language-made Jolion Premium will get a ten.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with wi-fi smartphone mirroring, a 3.5-inch instrument cluster display, fabric upholstery, and a four-speaker sound system.
All variations of the Jolion put on a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on testing performed in 2022, and GWM Australia backs its vary with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Mannequin | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
| 2026 GWM Haval Jolion Premium | $23,990 |
| 2026 GWM Haval Jolion Lux | $27,990 |
| 2026 GWM Haval Jolion Premium Hybrid | $29,990 |
| 2026 GWM Haval Jolion Vanta | $32,990 |
| 2026 GWM Haval Jolion Lux Hybrid | $33,990 |
| 2026 GWM Haval Jolion Vanta Hybrid | $37,990 |
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Suzuki Swift Hybrid
You possibly can’t discuss low cost runabouts with out mentioning the Suzuki Swift, an iconic mild hatch that’s now in its fourth technology.
Whereas not as low cost because the Picanto or MG 3, the Swift guarantees Japanese reliability and cute styling, in addition to the extra advantages of a 12V mild-hybrid system.
The latter pairs with a 1.2-litre non-turbo three-cylinder petrol engine to present the Swift Hybrid outputs of 61kW and 112Nm, whereas mixed gas consumption is a powerful 4.0L/100km. The most cost effective new Swift is served with a handbook transmission, however you may get behind the wheel of an auto for an additional $2500.
No matter transmission, all base Swifts include computerized LED headlights, a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wi-fi smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay solely), native satellite tv for pc navigation, DAB+ digital radio, and conventional analogue gauges.
Nevertheless, the Swift leaves a bit to be desired within the security division – it arrived in 2024 with a one-star ANCAP score, though that was upgraded to 3 stars final 12 months because of front-end reinforcements.
Suzuki Australia backs its automobiles with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away value |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Suzuki Swift Hybrid handbook | $24,990 | $25,490 |
| 2026 Suzuki Swift Hybrid auto | $25,990 | $27,990 |
| 2026 Suzuki Swift Hybrid Plus auto | $27,490 | $29,490 |
| 2026 Suzuki Swift Hybrid GLX auto | $29,490 | $31,490 |
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MORE: Discover the Suzuki Swift showroom
MG ZS
China’s MG is the one automaker to boast two fashions on this top-10 record, with the ZS small SUV becoming a member of the MG 3 hatch among the many least expensive new automobiles at the moment accessible in Australia.
Priced from $26,990 drive-away, the ZS is larger than the likes of the Tiggo 4 and XUV 3XO however not considerably dearer.
Nevertheless, it’s down on grunt in comparison with the previous, as decrease grades use a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making simply 81kW and 140Nm. Energy is distributed to the entrance wheels by way of a CVT auto, with common gas financial system rated at 6.7L/100km.
In base Excite guise, the ZS additionally comes with a ten.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 3.5-inch instrument cluster display, wired smartphone mirroring, halogen headlights, satellite tv for pc navigation, and a four-speaker sound system.
All variants constructed from December 4, 2025 put on a five-star ANCAP security score because of the addition of a front-centre airbag, whereas the guarantee extends as much as an industry-leading 10 years and 250,000km in case your automobile is serviced solely at MG dealerships.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away value |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 MG ZS Excite | $25,990 | $25,888 |
| 2026 MG ZS Essence | $28,990 | $29,990 |
| 2026 MG ZS Essence Turbo | $30,990 | $31,990 |
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BYD Atto 1
BYD broke new floor final 12 months by launching the all-electric Atto 1 metropolis hatch as one of many least expensive automobiles out there.
Electrical automobiles have traditionally commanded a sizeable value premium over their inner combustion counterparts, however the arrival of the Atto 1 proves that EV value parity mightn’t be so far-off in any case.
There are two single-motor electrical powertrains accessible for the Atto 1, the extra attainable of which produces 65kW and 175Nm. The bottom Important can journey a claimed 220km on a single cost – insufficient for lengthy street journeys however appropriate for city commuting.
The record of normal gear is headlined by a ten.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, wi-fi smartphone mirroring and leatherette upholstery, whereas the Premium variant provides a wi-fi cellphone charger, LED headlights, and power-adjustable entrance seats with heating.
Regardless of its tiny footprint, the Atto 1 wears a five-star ANCAP security score, and house owners additionally stand to learn from a six-year, 150,000km guarantee, in addition to a separate eight-year, 160,000km battery guarantee.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away value |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 BYD Atto 1 Important | $23,990 | $26,531 |
| 2026 BYD Atto 1 Premium | $27,990 | $30,651 |
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Hyundai Venue
The Venue serves as additional proof that probably the greatest methods to economize on a brand new automobile is to purchase a handbook.
Priced from $23,000 earlier than on-roads, the Venue handbook is powered by a non-turbo 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 90kW and 151Nm. It’s not the punchiest mild SUV in its class, neither is it essentially the most frugal, with common gas consumption rated at 7.0L/100km.
The Venue can also be just a little older than alternate options on this record, though it nonetheless presents a contemporary picture courtesy of an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, 4.2-inch instrument display, and wi-fi smartphone mirroring compatibility. Different normal options embody a four-speaker sound system, wi-fi cellphone charger, space-saver spare wheel, and halogen headlights.
Security gear can also be in first rate provide, though the Venue’s earlier four-star ANCAP score expired final 12 months.
Like the remainder of the Korean automaker’s vary, the Venue is roofed by a just lately prolonged seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee and ‘lifetime’ capped-price servicing.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away value |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Hyundai Venue handbook | $23,000 | $26,862 |
| 2026 Hyundai Venue auto | $25,000 | $28,922 |
| 2026 Hyundai Venue Lively | $27,250 | $31,241 |
| 2026 Hyundai Venue Elite | $29,750 | $33,816 |
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GAC Emzoom
The GAC Emzoom is the most recent contender within the sub-$30,000 small SUV section, and it brings some distinctive attributes to the battle.
For one, the brand new Chinese language mannequin affords superior efficiency to most rivals courtesy of a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 125kW/270Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission.
Then there’s the usual gear record, which is each lengthy and plagued by premium options. Only for a style, you get a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, 7.0-inch instrument show, wi-fi smartphone mirroring, power-adjustable entrance seats, leatherette upholstery, six-speaker sound system, and a panoramic sunroof.
Neither the Australasian New Automotive Evaluation Program (ANCAP) nor Euro NCAP have examined the GAC Emzoom simply but, so we’ll reserve judgement on its security credentials for now.
On the guarantee entrance, the GAC Emzoom comes with seven years of protection.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 GAC Emzoom Luxurious | $25,590 |
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Which one in all Australia’s least expensive new automobiles would you purchase? Tell us within the feedback under!
