Affordable entry-level or ‘base’ models remain one of the most important considerations for major manufacturers who are constantly trying to outdo the other with a more generous equipment list or cheaper price tags to win over buyers.
Buying a new car? We can save you time and money.
Get in touch with one of our Car Buying Specialists today.
Request a quoteWith that in mind, let’s take a look at ten of the best-value new cars on sale here in Australia in 2023 to help you out with your next purchase.
Hyundai i30
Hyundai is a manufacturer known for its compelling value-for-money propositions, and perhaps the car that illustrates this the best is the latest range of i30 hatchbacks and sedans.
Paired with very reasonable asking prices, the i30 hatch and sedan are a pleasure to drive thanks to their smooth and fuel-efficient powertrains, lightweight steering, and versatile suspension hardware that makes it feel comfortable on a wide range of Australian roads.
Standard equipment for the i30 includes a set of 16-inch alloys, LED running lamps, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
Zoom out and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than what’s on offer in the i30 range.
The Value Pick: Entry-level i30 Hatch or Sedan
Suzuki Jimny
If you’re a fan of the Outdoors and you don’t have a large family (yet), than the Suzuki Jimny is an outstanding value option for buyers in the market for a capable off-roader at an attractive price.
The Jimny range features a choice of two variants, the Lite and the GLX, both of which are priced under $30,000, even for the flagship variant with an automatic transmission.
It comes powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that kicks up 75kW and 130Nm of torque to all four wheels which doesn’t sound like much on paper, but beggars belief once you’ve hit the off-road trail.
Standard equipment for the entry-level Jimny includes a set of 15-inch alloys, cruise control, LED headlights, fog lights, a rear-view camera, climate control and a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
The Value Pick: Jimny Lite
MG HS
Since its introduction, undercutting its major rivals in the midsize SUV segment has been a top priority for the MG HS, which has seen it achieve some seriously impressive sales figures here in Australia.
In such a competitive segment, value is the name of the game, and the cheapest member of the HS family, the HS Vibe, comes swinging out of the gates with the help of a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder throwing 124kW/250Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Standard equipment for the base model HS includes 17-inch alloys, LED lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry & start, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay & Android Auto - a combination that is difficult to match at this price point.
The Value Pick: HS Vibe
Kia Sportage
One car that tries its best to outdo the MG HS is the latest-generation Kia Sportage, which has just received an updated platform, styling package and more equipment as standard for buyers.
The cheapest member of the Sportage family, the Sportage S, comes powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 115kW of power and 192Nm, with another two engines available for higher-spec variants.
The entry-level Sportage S comes fitted with 17-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights and daytime running lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
Better still, the Sportage range gains Kia’s outstanding seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty that add immensely to an owner’s confidence over time.
The Value Pick: Entry-level Sportage S
BYD Atto 3
The BYD Atto makes the cut in our list due to the simple fact that it’s one of the cheapest battery-electric vehicles you’ll find on sale in Australia in 2023.
The BYD Atto 3 has been quick to make an impression on the buying public, and comes fitted with a 49.92kWh that offers a decent real-world driving range of 345km, while the flagship Atto 3 Extended Range picks up 420km of WLTP-certified range thanks to its 60.48kWh battery pack.
The Atto 3 comes riding on 18-inch alloys and receives a set of LED lights, a panoramic sunroof, a powered boot lift, leatherette upholstery with heated seats, and a 12.8-inch infotainment system as standard, making for a well-equipped entry-point into the world of battery-electric vehicles.
The Value Pick: Atto 3 Extended Range
MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV is the Atto 3’s main rival, and they’re priced almost identically as they hope to win over buyers.
The ZS EV comes fitted with an identical 50kWh lithium battery pack with a WLTP-certified range of 320km, although there’s no extended range option like you’ll find in the BYD Atto 3.
To sweeten the deal, though, MG fits the entry-level ZS EV Excite variant with a generous amount of gear as standard, including 17-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, automatic LED headlights, vehicle-to-load charger, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 10-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
The Value Pick: ZS EV Excite
GWM Haval Jolion
Yet another Chinese entrant on our list comes in the form of the GWM Haval Jolion, which remains one of the most compelling value-for-money options within the compact SUV segment that offers a heap of interior space.
The Jolion lineup features five variants, including a petrol-electric hybrid flagship, while our best value pick goes to the entry-level Premium variant and the mid-spec Lux and Ultra variants if you’re looking for some added luxuries at a great price.
The majority of the range comes powered by the same 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit producing 110kW of power and 210Nm of torque, which powers the front wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission that feels great on the road.
The Value Pick: Jolion Premium
Mitsubishi ASX
Mitsubishi is no stranger to outstanding value, which is evidenced by its affordable entry-level models across the entire range.
One particular standout value pick goes to the company’s compact SUV, the ASX- Mitsubishi’s cheapest vehicle on offer, which comes powered by a perky 2.0-litre petrol producing 110kW of power and 197Nm of torque.
Standard equipment for the entry-level ASX GS includes a set of 16-inch wheels, LED headlights, cruise control, a rear-view camera and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, which really has you questioning what more you could want in such an affordable package.
Best of all, the ASX is covered by Mitsubishi’s outstanding ten-year warranty when serviced within the network.
The Value Pick: Base GS variant
Hyundai Venue
If you’re in the market for a cheap and cheerful compact SUV with a heap of personality, Hyundai has you covered with its value pick of the SUV bunch, the Venue.
While prices have begun to creep north, the Venue remains an attractive option thanks to its user-friendly and comfortable nature, sizable 355L boot, and Hyundai’s generous equipment lists- even for the base model.
Hyundai’s entry-level Venue comes riding on 15-inch alloys and receives cruise control, roof rails, a rear-view camera, heated door mirrors, and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support, making it a great deal for compact SUV buyers.
The Value Pick: Entry-level variant
Mazda 3
We’ll wrap up with one of the heavyweights of the industry that is famous for quality at a very reasonable asking price - the Mazda 3.
In particular, we’re talking about the entry-level G20 Pure, or the slightly more premium G20 Evolve hatch and sedan, both of which are extremely good value when you consider its perky, fuel-efficient engine, generous equipment lists, and Mazda’s quality interior designs and practicality.
Both the G20 Pure and Evolve come powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol that produces 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque and returns impressive fuel economy figures of 6.1L/100km.
Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloys, LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a head-up display, and an 8.8-inch infotainment system paired with an eight-speaker sound system.
The Value Pick: base G20 Pure or G20 Evolve
Request a Quote
If our list of the best value new cars on sale here in Australia has sparked your imagination, click here to get in touch with one of our car-buying specialists.
