New vehicles are hitting the market all the time so which is the best small car in Australia? There are many players looking for a share of this lucrative market.
Buying well now will mean that you will get the benefit of good resale further down the track. New small cars aren’t so small anymore. These cars are definitely more well equipped than years ago with luxury trimmings and advanced drivetrains and are well suited for those who want the luxury and technical advancements but don’t need the space of a bigger car.
It’s a category made up of some of our favourite brands of the new-car market, familiar names providing more features and better value than before.
While manual transmissions still exist, technology has pushed manual transmissions down the order and Autos are now the most popular because of the driving ease. For that reason, let’s focus on the Auto’s here.
Diamond Award goes to –
Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid Sedan
It is the Brand and model that is one of the best-known vehicles on the road, one that’s been blazing away for a dozen generations and more than 50 years. It is the Hybrid version that is the best value of the Corolla line-up.
A relatively fresh addition to the range – the first Corolla hybrid arrived in 2015 – the Hybrid is now a more popular choice. Our numbers demonstrate why. Yes, you’ll pay more to get into a Corolla Hybrid compared with a petrol-only version – it’s a $1480 increase, the Hybrid starting at $27,400 – but the Hybrid is marginally cheaper to insure and uses a lot less fuel.
The fuel equation changes between hatch and sedan, as well. In sedan form the Corolla Hybrid uses around an amazing 3.5 litres per 100km, 17 per cent less than the identical drivetrain in the Hybrid hatchback. That’s because the sedan gets skinnier 15-inch tyres versus the bigger 16-inch tyres on the Corolla Hybrid hatch.
The hatch however is a more drivers car compared to the sedan, very much on rails, but it will save you money when it comes time to fill up. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the safety of autonomous emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, it’s a lot of small car for not much outlay.
But key to the Corolla’s success here is its 64 per cent future value. It’s an impressive number and one that means it won’t cost you too much in the long run.
Safire Award –
Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hatch
Corollas have always been the leader of reliability and ticks all the boxes for sure and have generally been very enticing to drive since way back to 2013. However, they have stepped up to the plate again with this latest version.
While the Corolla hatch has a useable interior and boot area, it is the sporty 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an innovative CVT transmission that loads the fun up. It is the traditional first gear with a CVT that delivers a smooth and lively take off when driving off the line. Also, it is competent through the corners, the focus on driving enjoyment during the vehicle’s development is clear in the finished product. Throw in a generous list of equipment – including good smartphone connectivity and an 8.0-inch touchscreen and the Corolla continues to impress.
Instead of rubber focused on reducing fuel use, the regular Corolla hatch gets more grip for sharper driving and handling for a more engaging experience overall. The Corolla Ascent Sport hatch is nicer than the Hybrid to drive but the fuel economy is second to the Hybrid.
All of the Corolla range is terrific value, even with a price model increases, as again there is good resale value when the time comes.
The Ruby award goes to –
Honda Civic VTI Hatch.
At around $23000, the Honda Civic VTI Hatch is also great value for money. It’s one of those small cars that is always worth looking at and test drive.
The more expensive 1.5-litre turbo models are terrific to drive, the 1.8-litre four-cylinder is more affordable and better value for money. Key to the Civic is again the forecast future value.
The Honda Civic has good interior space with excellent presentation, and refinement that makes it look and feel nicer than most small cars in its price range. It has plenty of cabin storage including a large lidded compartment complete with a slide able armrest. The Civics boot capacity of 519-litres shames many larger cars and is substantially more voluminous than many of the cars in its class.
This Car has a bump-absorbing and quiet suspension via the MacPherson strut-style front and multi-link rear suspension. The set-ups work together superbly, soaking up bumps and creating a comfy and refined ride.
The Honda has a smaller 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine producing 104kW/174Nm but is less fuel efficient, drinking 6.5L/100km despite being around 25kg lighter.
The CVT feels much like an auto gearbox and operates smoothly and quietly during the drive.
CoolWheels suggests that these three vehicles are well worth a look.
