For many people, our first automotive actually wasn’t something with that intoxicating new automotive odor.
Maybe it was a hand-me-down from the dad and mom or an older sibling, or an inexpensive beater bought with cash saved up by working at Coles or McDonald’s.
Some youngsters are privileged sufficient, nevertheless, to have one thing new for his or her first automotive. So, for these of us who could be inclined to splash out on a brand new automotive for his or her little one, listed below are the fashions the members of CarExpert’s Australian and New Zealand groups would advocate.
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Alborz Fallah, Founder
Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86
I’ve two boys that may quickly want a brand new automotive and, whereas I spend hours randomly wanting via Bangle-era BMWs pondering how cool an previous 5 Sequence could be, the perfect new automotive for them must be one thing compact and guide.
I instructed my youngsters their first automotive must be guide and so they agreed. I feel you’re doing all your youngsters a disservice by selecting an automated. Sure they might by no means want a guide licence however, really, studying to drive a guide provides them the information to know the mechanics of a automotive. The engine speeds, gearing and the right way to be a safer driver by paying way more consideration to driving than an automated requires.
With that in thoughts, it’s arduous to go previous a Toyota GR86 or Subaru BRZ for that motive, and if Mazda makes the MX-5 rather less female I might contemplate it too.
MORE: Discover the Subaru BRZ showroom
MORE: Discover the Toyota GR86 showroom
Marton Pettendy, Managing Editor
Kia K4 Hatch S with security pack
I had the identical three stipulations when it got here time for all three of my youngsters to hit the highway: security, reliability, and value of possession.
And a brand new or near-new small automotive from a Japanese or Korean auto model – slightly than a micro automotive or gentle automotive, not to mention an SUV or a ute – delivers the perfect mixture of them.
Of the numerous decisions within the mainstream small-car market, the brand new Kia K4 Hatch ticks probably the most containers, due to its sturdy security suite, pleasing effectivity, seven-year guarantee, and low circa-$32,000 beginning value.
However for a comparatively reasonably priced $34,190 plus on-road prices, you additionally get an awesome small hatch with a security pack that provides vital tools together with a digital instrument cluster and the most recent technology of autonomous emergency braking tech.
Earlier than any of my youngsters hit the highway, nevertheless, all of them rode dust bikes and drove a wide range of farm equipment off-road for a number of years, forcing them not solely to deal with a guide, however to observe car management and develop spatial consciousness earlier than coming into the minimize and thrust of defensive driving on public roads.
MORE: Discover the Kia K4 showroom
Matthew Hansen, Editor (New Zealand)
Suzuki Swift
My mind immediately went straight to a first-generation Nissan Leaf. Ideally one which’s been across the block. Gradual, so little or no probability of producing rushing tickets. A brief vary, so their potential drive loop is proscribed. Deeply uncool, so good for constructing a little bit of character into the little tyke.
However we’re speaking about new automobiles in fact. And no person does small, low cost automobiles higher than Suzuki.
A lovable Jimny is a splendid thought, and the Swift Sport can also be a superb funds efficiency automotive – whereas it stays on sale, that’s. The Swift Sport I owned as my first automotive actually served me very effectively.
However I reckon you don’t essentially even want the ‘huge block’ Sport to have enjoyable in a Swift. So as an alternative, I’d go for the bottom Swift Hybrid guide. It isn’t going to provide a Honda Civic Kind R a run for its cash, however mixed with the most recent light-weight and endlessly chuckable Swift platform it’s nonetheless a bundle of guffaws in order for you it to be.
Apart from nice chassis steadiness and steering really feel, the Swift can also be a really logical decide. Elements will likely be plentiful for when the child inevitably creases it on the neighbour’s fence too. And whereas it may be a really delicate hybrid, that system helps it obtain a super-economical 3.8L/100km. Insurance coverage ought to be as low cost as the rest on this weight division as effectively.
Some will contemplate the Swift’s three-star security score from ANCAP to be a little bit of a pink flag. However bear in mind, that score was achieved fairly lately. Most different automobiles on this class with a better score achieved it throughout much less stringent instances. In some circumstances these rankings have expired altogether.
MORE: Discover the Suzuki Swift showroom
William Stopford, Information Editor
Renault Duster
I’m glad my first automotive was a guide, and I by no means for a second thought of simply getting my auto licence.
That’s simply because I used to be given the previous household automotive, which had a guide transmission… together with light paint, lacking wheel covers and an enormous key scratch.
I feel studying to drive in a guide helps make you a greater driver and offers you a greater understanding of how a automotive works. So, whereas I’m a lot too younger to have a child of driving age in 2026, for this hypothetical I’d need this imaginary child to have a guide.
I’d additionally need the automotive to have what I contemplate to be the important security tech (autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert). It ought to be comparatively substantial in measurement, reasonably priced, and never so highly effective that they get any foolish concepts, but additionally not be so uninspiring that they’re turned off automobiles.
Wow, after including these standards, the variety of automobiles drops. The guide transmission requirement alone whittles the listing down dramatically.
There are not any guide Mazda 3s anymore, or non-N Hyundai i30s or non-GR Toyota Corollas. Even the guide Kia Sportage that clung to life for therefore lengthy, towards all odds, is now lifeless. It is a disgrace, as a result of that will have been a sensible choice given it’s gradual and stable.
So right here I’m left to compromise on my guide requirement, or shell out $36,490 earlier than on-road prices on a Renault Duster Techno 4×4.
Fortunate child.
MORE: Discover the Renault Duster showroom
James Wong, Market Editor
Kia Picanto guide
We’re very privileged to drive a whole lot of automobiles on this line of labor, however even after hopping out of one thing that instructions six figures, there’s quite a bit to be stated about back-to-basics motoring, particularly relating to shopping for your very first automotive.
I’ve all the time been an advocate for getting the most recent and most secure automotive you possibly can afford, not only for the niceties however to guard you with guarantee and roadside help in case issues go fallacious; visibility on service prices over the primary few years of possession; and making certain you will have as a lot lively security tech on-board that will help you in that one second you really want it – once more, one thing that new drivers could not realise they want.
The Kia Picanto guide stays one of many most cost-effective new automobiles on sale, and presents a easy and cost-effective drivetrain that teaches the fundamentals of driving whereas additionally providing the entire model’s newest infotainment and security tech so that you don’t really feel out-of-date.
Even when your youngsters enterprise out of the town usually, the Picanto is greater than able to a highway journey – I used to be being overtaken in Spain at 130km/h by many of those, typically with two little one seats within the again. And whereas it doesn’t have a whole lot of grunt, it’ll train you to merge or overtake when it’s secure, and never simply depend on a turbo or an automated transmission cheat code to get you out of bother.
The one factor that may make me store elsewhere – ie: spend more cash – is the actual fact the Picanto’s four-star ANCAP security score is now old-fashioned. Maybe an entry-level Toyota Yaris, VW Polo or Kia K4 (with Security Pack) may very well be the go should you should have a present five-star ANCAP score.
MORE: Discover the Kia Picanto showroom
Ben Zachariah, Highway Take a look at Editor
Renault Duster
There are some people who find themselves automotive nerds, and there are some people who find themselves driving nerds. In a Venn diagram, there’s a reasonably large crossover between the 2, and possibly most of us right here at CarExpert land smack bang within the center.
That’s why most of us worth the flexibility to drive a guide – making the Kia Picanto simply probably the most logical alternative. It’s enjoyable, respected, cheap, and guide.
However one of many issues I liked doing most as a freshly minted younger driver – and I nonetheless love doing – is leaping into my automotive and heading away. Generally with individuals, typically alone, usually with none explicit vacation spot in thoughts. And that sense of freedom and journey is one thing I might need to cross on to the following technology. It’s, for my part, one of many true joys of driving.
Which has me giving my child a Renault Duster. A rad little soft-roader with all-wheel drive, mild-hybrid expertise, and a guide transmission – with a design that wouldn’t embarrass them in the event that they went to choose up their date. It could solely have a three-star security score from ANCAP, however that’s nonetheless lots secure, and possibly the equal of a 15-star score from after I was their age.
Whereas I worth ADAS and all-wheel drive from a security perspective – and love that AWD will get them into the bush or to a distant seashore – I firmly consider the driving force is crucial security function. Which implies complete driver training, each at residence and with professionals on the observe, should accompany any automotive with a bow on prime.
MORE: Discover the Renault Duster showroom
Josh Nevett, Deputy Market Editor
Kia Picanto guide
I’d have three priorities when shopping for a primary automotive for my theoretical little one: security, worth, and a guide transmission.
The primary two standards are comparatively self-explanatory, however the third most likely requires slightly extra rationalization. In spite of everything, there aren’t many new guide automobiles to select from today, nor are there many younger drivers with the flexibility to drive them.
Nonetheless, I keep that three-pedal proficiency is a vital life ability, and the method of studying to drive guide encourages the learner to concentrate on the duty at hand, slightly than their TikTok feed. It teaches the artwork of mechanical sympathy, too.
So, with that as a non-negotiable, the shortlist shrinks to incorporate simply three fashions: the Kia Picanto, Hyundai Venue, and Suzuki Swift. And, of these three, the Picanto is my clear winner.
Not solely is Kia’s micro-hatch the most cost effective of the bunch, but it surely additionally comes with loads of trendy security package and an extended guarantee. There isn’t a lot room within the cabin for teenage shenanigans, both.
To sweeten the deal, I’m blissful to stretch to the top-spec GT-Line for an extra $1800 – some dad I’m!
MORE: Discover the Kia Picanto showroom
Damion Smy, Deputy Information Editor
Toyota Hilux guide cab/chassis
It’s rear-drive, comparatively gradual, will assist construct expertise – parking and persistence – and will likely be value one thing irrespective of how badly it’s handled afterwards.
It could additionally imply they don’t have any excuse to stay residing at residence, as they will use it to maneuver out.
MORE: Discover the Toyota HiLux showroom
Dave Kavermann, Motoring Journalist (New Zealand)
Suzuki Swift Sport
“Again in my day we had three pedals and pure nervousness at each intersection,” is what I’d say to little Dave or Davina as I throw them the keys to a brand-new Suzuki Swift Sport guide.
As they’re mine, I hope these hypothetical youngsters would have been using dust bikes for a couple of years earlier than reaching driving age, so that they’ll know the way a gearbox works. And even earlier than that, I’d wish to spend time serving to them get acquainted with a steering wheel, identical to I skilled sitting on my dad’s lap whereas he drove me round an empty carpark at 10km/h.
That’s nonetheless my fondest reminiscence behind the wheel. It makes me smile way over driving a McLaren, Ferrari or Lamborghini for the primary time. It proves automobiles aren’t about spec sheets – they’re concerning the tales and recollections that may solely be created by spending time in a automotive with different individuals.
So why a Suzuki Swift Sport? Effectively, I feel it’s the right automotive to introduce them to on-road driving, create these recollections and hopefully spark an enjoyment of motoring. In the event that they’re having a foul day and I’m not there, I hope some turbo noises cheer them up (an airbox improve would occur in a short time – although the inventory exhaust would keep, in fact).
It additionally has the correct amount of security tech to maintain mum blissful. It’s economical sufficient for them to pay for their very own gas and has simply sufficient efficiency to excite with out breaking each pace restrict within the nation.
In the event that they’re heading away on an journey, they’ve sufficient area for mates and a few gear. By no means underestimate how a lot you possibly can slot in a Swift. Till you’ve tried it, you gained’t perceive. I moved home twice with my previous Swift and it stays one in every of my greatest purchases.
And in the event that they didn’t prefer it? They’ll purchase their very own automotive – most likely some automated SUV factor – and I’ll have a Suzuki Swift Sport once more.
Win-win.
MORE: Discover the Suzuki Swift showroom
Max Davies, Market Journalist
Mazda 3 G20 Pure hatch
I’m the youngest member of the CarExpert editorial staff, and whereas that disqualifies me from providing any authentic parenting recommendation, I can vividly bear in mind the method of discovering my first automotive.
My solely two standards have been (a), it needed to be guide and (b), it needed to be a hatchback. That landed me in a six-year-old Subaru Impreza hatch, which we picked up for a stonking deal and went on to serve me faultlessly within the years that adopted.
Sadly, nothing like that basically exists today. The Impreza has misplaced its guide and now prices greater than $33,000, and whereas the Picanto guide is a good contender in its personal proper, it’s slightly too small and never very highly effective. I subsequently couldn’t confidently ship my little one into battle on Australia’s highways in a single.
In order that leaves me looking inside the requisite standards: secure (clearly), reasonably priced (I’m not wealthy), and dependable (I’m not a mechanic). That leaves me to decide on the bottom Mazda 3 G20 Pure hatch, which is sensible sufficient for a P-plater, not fully boring to drive, and has been round lengthy sufficient to have shaken out any main mechanical gremlins.
The one hang-ups are that it’s auto-only and prices $31,610 earlier than on-roads, however insurance coverage isn’t terrible at $2353 yearly with a $1000 extra – that’s with a dad-aged individual as the primary driver, in fact.
This technology of Mazda 3 additionally had a five-star ANCAP score earlier than it expired on the finish of 2025, and I wouldn’t be upset driving it from time to time. If it needed to be a brand new automotive, that’s adequate for me.
MORE: Discover the Mazda 3 showroom
Sean Lander, Video Producer
Skoda Kamiq
So far as I do know, I don’t have any little Seans operating round on the market, but when my adolescence did ship a shock, it might be getting near the time the place they’re on the brink of begin driving.
I used to be lucky sufficient to start out my driving journey in Falcons, and that fairly actually saved my life after I rolled a automotive on the tender age of 17.
To that finish, and given I grew up within the nation and that’s precisely the place I might need my youngsters rising up, I might not be shopping for some small hatchback for them to run round in. I would like one thing that’s SUV-like, or as near a Falcon as potential.
I initially checked out a Subaru Impreza, however with an insurance coverage common of almost $3000 per 12 months (with myself as the primary driver and my imaginary little one because the secondary driver), it was dominated out fairly shortly.
I then shuffled to a Subaru Crosstrek, which got here with a way more palatable quote nearer to $2200. That sounded fairly good. The Crosstrek is gradual, secure and has loads of area for youngsters to do teenage issues in with out breaking the sound barrier. Each of those quotes have been at agreed worth and a $1000 extra for me (extra for Junior).
However I wasn’t carried out but. I enter a Skoda Kamiq into the calculator, which returned a equally priced quote, inside $200 relying on the insurer. So I’m left with two fairly good choices.
I then labored on the service pricing. The Subaru is available in at round $2442 over 5 years with capped-price servicing. The Skoda is $2590. Once more, very comparable.
The Skoda, nevertheless, is considerably higher on gas, has a nicer inside and, personally, I feel seems higher. So right here we’re.
My cash, my little one, I might be placing them in a Skoda Kamiq 85TSI. It’s not very quick but it surely’s not super-expensive at $33,990 drive-away. I might be blissful to drive it and, most significantly, it’s a well-built, secure automotive that I might be snug sending my little one off into the world in.
If all else fails, I’ll purchase a low-mileage Falcon.
