Finding your first car can be a daunting experience.
The Australian market is packed with options, which can make it difficult to know where to start – or whether you’ll make a lot of money.
Our list of the most affordable first new cars is perfect for both new drivers and new car buyers looking to buy their first car.
We’ve included information about each variant to help you easily choose the best option.
Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto Sport Manual is the cheapest model on our list and the most affordable version of the Picanto range.
Starting from $17,890 excluding on-road costs, the Picanto is powered by a 1.2L four-cylinder engine with 62kW of power and 122Nm of torque.
The vehicle also has a 35L fuel tank. The Picanto Sport also uses 5.4L/100km, which is best suited for city driving.
The Korean-made car also comes with a seven-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
| Kia Picanto | Price before rolling |
|---|---|
| Kia Picanto Sport Manual | $17,890 |
| Kia Picanto Sport Auto | $19,490 |
| Kia Picanto GT-Line Owner’s Manual | $19,690 |
| Kia Picanto GT-Line Auto | $21,290 |
BUY: Contact a dealer about a Kia Picanto
THAN: Everything Kia Picanto
Mazda2
The Mazda 2 costs $22,870 excluding on-road costs.
Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 82 kW of power and 144 Nm of torque. Mazda 2 also has a 44-liter fuel tank.
The base version has a combined fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km, meaning the car can travel 815km.
Not only is it backed by a 5-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, but it also includes wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.
| Mazda2 | Price before on road |
|---|---|
| Pure Mazda 2 G15 | $22,870 |
| Mazda 2 G15 Pure SP | $25,670 |
| Mazda 2 G15 Evolve | $26,370 |
| Mazda 2 G15 GT | $28,070 |
BUY: Contact dealer about Mazda 2
THAN: Everything Mazda2
MG 3
Starting from $23,990 before on-roads Machine gun 3 Excite is a new version of the car model that was once considered the cheapest in Australia.
Of all the cars on our list, the Excite version has the highest fuel economy at 6.0L/100km.
The MG 3 is equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 81kW of power and 142Nm of torque, and a 45L fuel tank.
The MG 3 comes with a seven-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and comes with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
| Machine gun 3 | Price before rolling |
|---|---|
| 2024 MG 3 stimulation | $23,990 |
| Essence MG 3 2024 | $25,990 |
| 2024 MG 3 Hybrid+ | $27,990 |
| 2024 MG Hybrid+ Essence | $29,990 |
BUY: Contact dealer about MG 3
THAN: Everything MG 3
Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift Hybrid Owner’s Manual is the only hybrid on our list – although it’s only a mild hybrid with a 12V start/stop system.
With a starting price of $24,490, the car is equipped with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The vehicle has 60kW of power and 110Nm of torque, and has fuel economy of 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle. The fuel tank holds 37 liters.
The 5-speed manual comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, and is backed by a 5-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
| Suzuki Swift Hybrid | Price to drive away |
|---|---|
| Suzuki Swift Hybrid 5MT 2024 | $24,490 |
| Suzuki Swift Hybrid CVT 2024 | $26,990 |
| Suzuki Swift Hybrid Plus CVT 2024 | $28,490 |
| Suzuki Swift Hybrid GLX CVT 2024 | $29,990 |
BUY: Contact your dealer about Suzuki Swift
THAN: Everything about Suzuki Swift
Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo The Life is the last car on our list, priced at $29,490 before on-road costs.
Polo Life is equipped with a 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 200Nm of torque and 85kW of power.
With a 40L fuel tank, the Polo has a claimed fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km.
The Polo comes with a five-year, unlimited kilometer warranty and is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
| Volkswagen Polo | Price before running on the road |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen Polo Life | $29,490 |
| Volkswagen Polo style | $32,540 |
| Volkswagen Polo GTI | $40,390 |
BUY: Contact your dealer about the Volkswagen Polo
THAN: Everything Volkswagen Polo
