If you’re reading this thinking the days of cheap and cheerful motoring are over, think again!
Although you’ll struggle to find a sub-$20,000 drive-away deal in 2024, there are still plenty of affordable new cars that offer practicality, the latest technology, and a long warranty – what’s not to love?
With that said, some models are cheap for a reason, and nobody wants to be disappointed after ripping the covers off on their brand new car.
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Suzuki Swift Hybrid 
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 
Kia Picanto 
Hyundai Venue
Whether you’re after a first car, last car, or something in between, the CarExpert team has been busy comparing the value options in today’s market.
Read on to find out what new cars we would buy with a strict budget of $30,000.
Here are some of the contenders:
- Kia Picanto
- Suzuki Ignis
- Hyundai Venue
- Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
- Mitsubishi ASX
- Suzuki Swift hybrid
- Mazda 2
- MG 5
- Kia Stonic
- MG ZST
- Mazda CX-3
- GWM Haval Jolion
- Chery Omoda 5
- Toyota Yaris
- Kia Cerato
- Hyundai i30
- Skoda Kamiq Run-Out
Marton Pettendy: Kia Cerato
The increasing lack of sub-$20K and now even sub-$25K new cars available in Australia today has been well documented, but thankfully there at least a dozen solid choices priced under $30,000 drive-away.
Cerato S Sedan
Of course, which one you choose will depend on your circumstances. Small families and empty nesters will love the Kia Stonic and Mazda CX-3, just as much as youngsters will rightly prefer the Suzuki Swift and Mazda 2.
With the old MG 3 now finally shuffling off (hurrah!), the Kia Picanto remains the only sub-$20K option available and the Mazda 2 the sub-$25K choice in both manual and auto form.
But if it was my money, I’d buy the bigger, better entry-level Kia Cerato S auto hatch in any colour you like – with a seven-year-warranty – for just under $30K D/A.
Interested in buying a Kia Cerato? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Kia Cerato
Josh Nevett: Skoda Kamiq Run-Out
Talk about timing!
Just this week, Skoda Australia announced it will offer remaining MY24 Kamiq Run-Out stock for $29,990 drive-away, a $3000 discount that sees this small European SUV sneak in under the $30k barrier – and what a car it is for $30,000.
Under the bonnet you get a little 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo that’s both characterful and efficient, paired with a DSG that’s slick-shifting if you can forgive its hesitance in heavy traffic.
Inside the Kamiq is spacious and practical, with a decent boot and room for the whole family. It’s also well-equipped, with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, tactile touch points, four USB outlets, and a few Skoda ‘simply clever’ touches.
What’s more, it’s not even that expensive to service despite the European badging. So what’s the catch? There’s only 250 left, so get in quick before they’re all gone.
Interested in buying a Skoda Kamiq? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Skoda Kamiq
James Wong: Suzuki Swift Hybrid
Where other brands have moved away from affordable segments and cheaper entry-level trim variants, Suzuki has bucked the trend.
Yes it’s not as cheap as it once was, but the Suzuki Swift Hybrid (mild-hybrid really) starts from a sharp $24,490 drive-away making it Australia’s cheapest new hybrid vehicle.
While the 24V MHEV system isn’t quite as sophisticated as electrified systems offered by rivals, the Swift will quite easily match its circa-4.0L/100km fuel claim and offers plenty of features and safety tech from even the base grade.
It also comes in a bunch of fun colours, and is perfectly sized for city life. What’s not to love?
Interested in buying a Suzuki Swift Hybrid? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Suzuki Swift Hybrid
Paul Maric: Kia Stonic
We just helped my mother-in-law buy a new car in this price point and landed on the Kia Stonic.
For somebody stepping up from a Mazda 2 the Stonic isn’t a huge leap forward in terms of size, and it has all the bells and whistles she needs to step into the modern age.
The warranty and non-outrageous service pricing was also a bonus.
Interested in buying a Kia Stonic? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Kia Stonic
Jordan Mulach: Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto is in rare air, being one of the few manuals available at such a comparatively cheap price point.
A few bucks about $23,000 will get you a manual GT-Line in Sporty Blue, drive-away. There’s not many vehicles out there that can offer so much tech and safety gear for that much.
You can criticise the GT-Line for existing in a segment dedicated to cheap and cheerful offerings, but if you can, why not get something packed with features?
Plus, having $7k left over from $30,000 gives a lot of options for buying a second car…
Interested in buying a Kia Picanto? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Kia Picanto
William Stopford: Mazda 2 and Hyundai i30 Sedan
There’s probably no objective reason to buy a Mazda 2 over the admittedly impressive new Suzuki Swift, but I’m still fond of the old girl.
It’s slightly more expensive than the Swift, slightly thirstier (if on cheaper 91 RON regular unleaded), has older infotainment tech, and comparing apples to apples it doesn’t really have much extra kit.
Nevertheless, I find the little tiddler quite charming even if the base model got some bad Botox with its most recent facelift.
I’m loathe to pick the same car two weeks in a row, but I also have to point out the base Hyundai i30 Sedan is currently being offered for $29,990 drive-away, offering virtually mid-sized interior space for mid-range Mazda 2 money.
That’s a combination too tempting to ignore, and the Hyundai’s mid-life facelift brought a major update to its powertrain that makes it much more pleasant to drive.
Interested in buying a Mazda 2? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
Interested in buying a Hyundai i30? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Mazda 2
MORE: Everything Hyundai i30
Jack Quick: Mazda 2
While it may be on the older side and nowhere near as affordable as it once was, I’d argue one of the best small cars under $30,000 you can buy is still a Mazda 2 Hatch.
If you’re looking for a brand-new first, or perhaps last car, you can’t go wrong.
This car feels at home in the hustle and bustle of the city, but also isn’t completely out of its element on the highway. It really does bring a big-car feel in a small package.
Out of all the Mazda 2 variants currently on sale I’d likely opt for the base Pure automatic ($24,870 before on-roads) due to it bringing the biggest bang for your buck and for ease of use.
Sure there’s the Pure manual that’s $2000 cheaper and would likely be more engaging to drive, but not everyone has the patience to deal with a manual anymore.
Interested in buying a Mazda 2? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
MORE: Everything Mazda 2
Max Davies: Suzuki Swift Hybrid
I enjoy a lot of the cars that could fit here, but there are a couple of things I’d be looking for if I was in the market.
The first is a hatchback body. While seating capacity doesn’t change between these small sedans, SUVs, and hatches, I think a hatch will give you the best of both worlds in terms of comfort, size, and practicality.
The other is the option of a manual transmission. Cars under $30,000 are often fitted with tiny engines mated to dreadful continuously variable transmissions, so if I’m going to be going for a car that isn’t powerful I’d want to at least be able to row through the gears myself.
That leaves few to choose from, but the Suzuki Swift Hybrid is my pick. At $24,490 drive-away in base spec, it’s great value and still maintains an impressive economy rating even with a manual transmission.
I know manuals aren’t the favoured option anymore, but why not have some fun if you can? You may miss out on things like heated seats and alloy wheels, but it still has wireless Apple CarPlay as standard.
If you must have an automatic, there are still a bunch of Swifts to choose from that add all of that back.
Interested in buying a Suzuki Swift Hybrid? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
