CarExpert Choice winner: Best Affordable Small Car

The Hyundai i30 Sedan has been named Australia’s best affordable small car in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards.

It fended off two finalists: its corporate cousin, the newer Kia K4 sedan, and the Mazda 3 hatch/sedan.

We’ve awarded the i30 Sedan specifically. Known as the Elantra and Avante overseas, it rides on newer underpinnings than the i30 Hatch, and features completely different styling inside and out.

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It also offers a much wider model range than the hatchback, with both naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines, including a hot N version that offers a compelling alternative to hot hatches.

It’s not only the spicy N flagship but also the available hybrid powertrain that gives the i30 Sedan a further leg-up on its rivals from Kia, Mazda and other brands, with the electrified 1.6-litre delivering a smooth driving experience and thrifty fuel economy.

But if you’re just looking for an affordable small car, the entry-level i30 Sedan should be on your list – and not just because it offers interior dimensions comparable to (or even exceeding) some so-called mid-sizers.

The variety on offer with the i30 Sedan is unmatched. There’s something for everyone here, from track racers to rideshare operators to families on a budget. Regardless of the variant, the i30 Sedan is an extremely well-balanced package.

2025 CarExpert Choice: Best Affordable Small Car

• Winner – Hyundai i30 Sedan
• Finalist – Kia K4
• Finalist – Mazda 3

To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here.

MORE: Explore the Hyundai i30 showroom