Searching for 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 if you’re getting bang for you buck.
Our list of the most affordable new first cars is perfect for both learner drivers and new car buyers, looking to make their first vehicle purchase.
We’ve included information on each variant, making it easier for you to choose the best option.
Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto Sport Manual is the cheapest vehicle on our list, and the most affordable variant in the Picanto family.
Starting at $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.
It also has a 35L fuel tank. The Picanto Sport also uses 5.4L/100km, making it best for city driving.
The Korea-manufactured vehicle is also backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
| Kia Picanto | Price before on-roads |
|---|---|
| Kia Picanto Sport Manual | $17,890 |
| Kia Picanto Sport Auto | $19,490 |
| Kia Picanto GT-Line Manual | $19,690 |
| Kia Picanto GT-Line Auto | $21,290 |
BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Kia Picanto
MORE: Everything Kia Picanto
Mazda 2
The Mazda 2 is priced at $22,870 excluding on-road costs.
Under the bonnet is a 1.5L four-cylinder engine with 82 kW of power and 144 Nm of torque. The Mazda 2 also has a 44L fuel tank.
The base variant uses a claimed 5.4L/100km in the combined cycle, meaning it should travel 815km.
Not only is it backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, it also includes both wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.
| Mazda 2 | Price before on-roads |
|---|---|
| Mazda 2 G15 Pure | $22,870 |
| Mazda 2 G15 Pure SP | $25,670 |
| Mazda 2 G15 Evolve | $26,370 |
| Mazda 2 G15 GT | $28,070 |
BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about Mazda 2
MORE: Everything Mazda 2
MG 3
Starting at $24,990 drive-away, the new MG 3 Excite is a new take on what was once Australia’s cheapest new car.
Out of all the cars on our list, the Excite variant has the highest fuel efficiency rate of 6.0L/100km.
The MG 3 is powered by a 1.5L four-cylinder engine that has 81kW of power and 142Nm of torque, and has a 45L fuel tank.
The MG 3 comes with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and is equipped with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
| MG 3 | Pricing |
|---|---|
| 2024 MG 3 Excite | $24,990 (drive-away) |
| 2024 MG 3 Essence | $26,990 (drive-away) |
| 2024 MG 3 Hybrid+ | $27,990 (excluding on-road costs) |
| 2024 MG Hybrid+ Essence | $29,990 (excluding on-road costs) |
BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about MG 3
MORE: Everything MG 3
Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift Hybrid manual is the only hybrid vehicle on our list – although it’s only a mild-hybrid, with a 12V start/stop system.
Starting at $24,490 drive-away, it’s powered by a 1.2L three-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid tech. It has 60kW of power and 110Nm of torque, and has a fuel economy claim of 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle. The fuel tank holds 37 litres.
The five-speed manual is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, and is also backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
| Suzuki Swift Hybrid | Drive-away price |
|---|---|
| 2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid 5MT | $24,490 |
| 2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid CVT | $26,990 |
| 2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid Plus CVT | $28,490 |
| 2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid GLX CVT | $29,990 |
BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about Suzuki Swift
MORE: Everything Suzuki Swift
Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo Life is the final car on our list, priced at $29,490 excluding on-road costs.
The Polo Life is powered by a 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine that has 200Nm of torque and 85kW of power.
With a 40L fuel tank, the Polo has a claimed fuel consumption rate of 5.4L/100km.
The Polo is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
| Volkswagen Polo | Price before on-roads |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen Polo Life | $29,490 |
| Volkswagen Polo Style | $32,540 |
| Volkswagen Polo GTI | $40,390 |
BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about Volkswagen Polo
MORE: Everything Volkswagen Polo
