When considering the overall cost of a vehicle, most of us search for the cheapest new car, cheapest car to run, best gas mileage cars for 2019 or most fuel efficient car, cheapest auto car. It is wise to consider the overall ownership costs of a vehicle, but the initial outlay is very important too. The sticker price on a car can mean the difference between getting approved for a loan or being declined. It also affects your weekly budget so remains the deciding factor for many of us. Vehicles from this list may also serve as the best first car for many, given their small dimensions, cheap entry price and the high level of standard safety equipment.
At the budget end of the spectrum, some cars are disappearing from our market. Micro cars such as the Holden Spark and Volkswagen up! have vanished, while even the venerable Holden Barina is no longer with us. That leaves us with this bunch for 2019’s most affordable hall-of-famers. Remember, as always, to check out special dealers and promotions before visiting a dealership. Refer to our checklist for more information.
2019 Mitsubishi Mirage ES – $13,490
Coming up to its seventh year of existence, the sixth-gen Mitsubishi Mirage still reprents modern value motoring and is a worthy city runabout. Both the manual and automatic sip just 4.7L/100km, while the 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine delivers 57kW and 100Nm. When tested in 2013, the Mirage managed a full five star ANCAP safety rating, but probably wouldn’t fare as well with the modern testing regime. This is due to the lack of features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
Those who don’t wish to do their own gear-shifting only need spend another $500. At $14,990 for the CVT,the 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage is also the cheapest new automatic car in Australia for 2019.
MG 3 Core- $15,990
The automatic-only MG3 Core recently scored a comprehensive facelift, adopting the modern styling seen on the ZS small SUV. In addition, the interior has been thoroughly modernised, featuring new materials, a stylish new steering wheel and infotainment system. With a seven-year warranty, reverse camera with sensors and more, it’s no wonder MG is one of the fastest growing brands in Australia this year. We would love to see the 1.0-litre turbo engine from the ZS, however. Interestingly, it matches Kia’s industry-leading seven year/100,000km warranty.
Honda Jazz Vti-$14,990 (Fit)
Although an all-new model is not far away, the Jazz remains a unique and compelling small car package, thanks to its tallboy proportions and clever seating arrangements. Powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, economy of 5.9L/100km means running costs will be low. Bear in mind, however, that an all-new model is scheduled to be revealed before the end of the year.
Hyundai Accent Sport -$15,490
Although it is due to be pensioned off at the end of the year and replaced by the Venue small SUV, the Accent has received enough refreshment over its eight year to be not only one of the cheapest new cars, but compelling value with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 16-inch alloys, a gutsy 103kW 1.6-litre enigne and a comprehensive safety package. Those seeking the cheapest new auto car can expect to pay $17,490 for the automatic Hyundai Accent Sport.
Suzuki Baleno GL -$15,990
The Indian-made Suzuki Baleno makes the cheapest new cars for 2019 list with standard satelite navigation, Apple Car Play and six airbags, to name a few features. If you require automatic transmission, that will be an extra $1000. A higher-spec GLX model starts at $18,990.
A facelifted Series II version will land here in August with trim and styling adjustments as well spec adjustments.
Suzuki Ignis GL -$15,990
Suzuki calls its Ignis small car a small SUV, and while that might be stretching the definition, its 180mm of ground clearance is definitely on par with some crossovers twice its size.
Despite being one of Australia’s cheapest new cars at $15,990, the Ignis packs loads of retro style inside and out, drawing inspiration from Suzuki’s classic back catalogue.
An optional CVT automatic is available for $1000 extra, making it also one of the cheapest new auto cars in Australia.
Mazda2 Neo manual – $15,320
The third-generation Mazda2 has been with us since 2015, as the smallest expression of the company’s Skyactiv engineering philsophy and Kodo design language. It remains supremely competitive for its class in terms of driving dynamics, technology and fuel effiency, despite being one of the cheapest new cars in Australia. The automatic, being $2000 extra, might not be one of the cheapest new automatic cars in Australia, but the six-speed unit teams beautifully with the 1.5-litre engine. Well worth a look.
Kia Picanto S -$14,190
We reveiewed the Kia Picanto S earlier this year in manual form and found it to be a feature-packed and characterful car. Despite not possessing the visual enhancements of the Picanto GT-Line and Picanto GT models, a brighter selection of colours helps it stand out in its own right. Ownership costs and refueling are very affordable, as befitting one of the cheapest cars in Australia. Automatic is available for an extra $1600, a four-speed unit.
Toyota Yaris Ascent -$15,390
Despite being one of the oldest vehicles in the segment, Yaris remains one of the best sellers in the segment, clocking up 4686 units for the first half of 2019 (VFACTS). Toyota’s impeccable reputation for reliable motoring no doubt helps here, as does a series of minor updates. Toyota’s Safety sense package including pre-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and auto high beam. An all-new model based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) is due next year.
Honda City VTi – $15,990
Our cheapest new car list concludes with the Honda City Vti- a car with the same mechanical package as the Jazz, but for those who prefer a more traditional sedan body style. Like the Jazz, a CVT automatic is available for $2000 extra, making it one of Australia’s cheapest new automatic cars.
All prices are before on-road costs and correct at time of publication.