Cars under $10,000
2007-2013 Toyota Corolla
Why:
The Camry is one of best-selling cars worldwide and still in high demand today. It is renowned for being one of the most reliable and durable cars on the market. For those with a tight budget, the Camry is very affordable in terms of running costs including repairs and maintenance. It also has a strong resale value which speaks to the quality of the build.
Shop Toyota Corolla.
2015 Hyundai i30
Why?
The updated 2015 model comes with an improved diesel engine boasting an impressive fuel economy of just 4.6L/100km. New cars come with a 5-year warranty which is transferable to new owners. It's small and compact yet roomy enough with some boot space although the back seats may be a little tight for adults it’s adequate for short trips.
Shop Hyundai i30.
2012 Suzuki Swift
Why?
The compact nature of this car makes it ideal for parking and small, tight roads. It is easy to drive, handles well and is fuel-efficient. Thanks to clever engineering, the engine runs well and if serviced regularly will last and last and last. It was also given a 5-star safety rating by ANCAP.
Shop Suzuki Swift.
2013 Volkswagen Golf
Why?
Just coming in under the 10k budget, the Golf is one of more luxurious cars in this category. It offers a superior ride and drive experience thanks to German engineering. It is surprisingly agile, hugs the road when cornering and the cabin is quiet due to the inclusion of noise deafening technology.
Shop Volkswagen Golf.
Other cars of note
Late-model
Ford Falcon XR8 Ute
Late-model
Toyota Rav 4
Cars between $10,000-20,000
2014-2016 Toyota Camry
Why?
With a reputation for being reliable as well as cheap servicing and parts, the Camry definitely draws a crowd. It is touted for its fuel efficiency with numbers down around 4.2L/100km. The cabin is quiet thanks to the inclusion of noise-reducing materials. Engineered for local conditions, the handling and suspension is great for city driving. The steering is responsive and hugs the road when cornering.
Shop Toyota Camry.
2015-2016 Mazda 3
Why?
It handles well, is relatively quick off the mark and offers excellent fuel economy. Depending on the variant, it achieved either a 4-star or 5-star safety rating by ANCAP. It is also known for its reliability, low maintenance and repairs costs and quality interior. In 2014 the Mazda 3 was ranked number one in the Small Cars Class by U.S. News and World Reports rankings.
Shop Mazda 3.
2016 Kia Cerato
Why?
Features such as a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, 7-year warranty and notably good performance thanks to the direct injection 2.0-litre engine makes the Cerato a car to watch out for. It also has good suspension and the interior is well put together.
Shop Kia Cerato.
Other cars of note:
Late-model Nissan Frontier
Late-model
Hyundai Santa Fe
Cars between $20,000-30,000
With the higher price point comes a lot more luxury and an array of safety features.
2014-2016 Audi A3
Why?
Seven-inch screen, sat nav, seven-speed twin clutch transmission, dual-zone climate control, bluetooth and more all come standard with the A3. The interior is stylish as is the exterior. It handles well taking corners and bumpy roads in its stride while the fuel efficient engine delivers real value for money. It is a great entry-level car for the luxury buyer.
Shop Audi A3.
2014 BMW x3
Why?
It’s powerful yet economical engine is a real draw card for those wanting a car with some grunt but also hits the nail on the head when it comes to style. The interior uses quality materials and being a high-riding SUV, offers comfort for families when it comes to buckling child seats and loading prams, camping gear, golf equipment and so on in the boot, which also offers lots of space. The engine is turbocharged offering plenty of power and the suspension and steering handles well. It also offers an 8.8-inch screen, sat nav, bluetooth and a long list of safety features.
Shop BMW x3.
2015-2018 Ford Ranger
Why?
For those searching in the ute segment, this vehicle is a winner. It was the top selling 4x4 ute in 2017. While there are many variants, overall, its features make it ideal for both off-road on-road driving. It drives like a crossover SUV (thanks to a number of features such as electric-assisted power steering) which adds to the family appeal while its towing and load-carrying abilities maintain its place as a workhorse. While not the most luxurious of interiors, it does come with noise insulation as well as a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Shop Ford Ranger.
Other cars of note:
2016-2017
Ford Mondeo
2016-2017
Kia Sportage
2015
Mazda CX5
Cars from $30,000+
2013 Lexus RX350
Why?
Sporty and spacious come together in this luxury family car. The engine has plenty of guts and responds well with better performance and handling than your average SUV moving from city to freeway driving with ease but is better suited for on-road driving as opposed to off-road. The standard features list boasts live traffic enabled sat nav, reversing camera, electric adjustable leather seats, power rear tailgate, digital audio, 12-speaker audio system and more. Industry-leading noise-reducing materials keep the cabin quiet while the quality trim and dash give the interior a luxe feel.
Shop Lexus RX350.
2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Why?
The new and improved 2.0-litre engine has plenty of power considering the car’s weight (1.9 tonnes). There is less ‘turbo lag’ and whine than in the previous models 2.2-litre engine. It’s fuel economy is impressive and is well suited for a number of driving conditions, on-road and off-road.
It’s lofty with plenty of boot space and adult-sized legroom in the second row. It’s easy to drive with outstanding forward vision and little interference, proving a commanding view for the driver. The interior is functional and well-presented with all the standard accessories you’d expect.
Shop Land Rover Discovery Sport.
2016 Mercedes-Benz c200
Why?
Striking and sleek are two words to describe the c200’s exterior. Redesigned in 2015, the body is slightly larger and much more luxurious than its earlier counterparts. Fitted with quality materials, the interior screams luxury with materials usually reserved for the executive class. Boot space is adequate while the front row seats are comfortable with enough space for the taller amongst us. While not the most spacious, the second row provides enough leg room for adults to be comfortable, even for long drives. Strong turbocharged engines provide enough grunt under the bonnet for long drives, quick manoeuvres, great fuel economy and all round exceptional handling.
Shop Mercedes-Benz c200.
Other cars to take note of:
2014
Audi Q7
2016-2018
Ford Falcon
2018
Toyota Hilux
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29 Apr