Which new car should you buy under $30,000?

If you’re reading this and thinking the days of cheap and enjoyable driving are over, think again!

While you’ll be hard-pressed to find a drive-in deal for under $20,000 in 2024, there are still plenty of affordable new cars that offer practicality, the latest technology, and long warranties – what’s not to like?

That being said, some models are cheap for a reason, and no one wants to be disappointed after ripping the covers off their new car.

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Whether you’re looking for your first car, your last car, or something in between, car expert The team has been busy comparing value options on the market today.

Read on to find out what new cars we’d buy on a strict $30,000 budget.

Here are some contenders:

• Kia Picanto
• Suzuki Ignis
• modern venue
• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
• Mitsubishi ASX
• Suzuki Swift Hybrid
• Mazda2
• MG 5
• Kia Stonik
• MG ZST
• Mazda CX-3
• Great Wall Motors Haval Zhonglian
• Cherio Moda 5
• Toyota Yaris
• Kia Cerato
• Hyundai i30
• Skoda Kamiq runs out

Marton Petendi: Kia Cerato

Australia’s growing lack of new cars under $20,000, or even under $25,000, is well documented these days, but thankfully there are at least a dozen solid options available for under $30,000.

Of course, which one you choose depends on your situation. Small families and empty nesters will love the Kia Stonic and Mazda CX-3 just as young people will love the Suzuki Swift and Mazda2.

With the old MG 3 finally on the way out (hooray!), the Kia Picanto remains the only sub-$20,000 option, while the Mazda 2 is the sub-$25,000 choice between manual and automatic models.

But if it were my money, I’d buy the bigger, better entry-level Kia Cerato S hatchback in any color you like and with a seven-year warranty for just under 30KD/A.

Interested in buying a Kia Cerato? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: All things Kia Cerato

Josh Nevitt: Skoda Kamiq runs away

Talk about timing!

Just this week, Skoda Australia announced it will sell remaining stock of 24 Kamiq Run-Out models for $29,990, a $3000 discount that brings the price of the small European SUV below the $30,000 mark. The car is awesome.

Under the hood you’ll find a small 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine that’s both characterful and efficient, paired with a DSG that shifts smoothly if you can forgive its hesitation in heavy traffic.

The Kamiq’s interior is roomy and practical, with a decent boot and enough space for the whole family. It’s also well equipped, with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, tactile touch points, four USB sockets and some of Skoda’s “simply clever” touches.

What’s more, despite the European badge, servicing isn’t even that expensive. So what’s the problem? There are only 250 left, so join in soon before they’re all gone.

Interested in buying a Skoda Kamiq? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: All things Skoda Kamiq

James Wong: Suzuki Swift Hybrid

While other brands have abandoned the affordable segment and cheaper entry-level trim variants, Suzuki is bucking the trend.

Yes, it’s not as cheap as it used to be, but the Suzuki Swift Hybrid (actually a mild hybrid) starts at a whopping $24,490, making it Australia’s cheapest new hybrid car.

While the 24V MHEV system isn’t as sophisticated as the electrified systems offered by rivals, the Swift easily meets its fuel claim of around 4.0L/100km and offers plenty of features and safety technology, even at base level.

It also comes in a variety of fun colors and is a perfect size for city living. What is not to love?

Interested in buying a Suzuki Swift Hybrid? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: All things Suzuki Swift hybrid

Paul Maric as Kia Stonik

We just helped my mother-in-law buy a new car in this price range, and finally chose the Kia Stonic.

For someone upgrading from a Mazda2, the Stonic isn’t a huge leap in size, and it has all the bells and whistles she needs to step into the modern age.

The warranty and non-outrageous service pricing are also an added bonus.

Interested in buying a Kia Stonic? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: All things Kia Stonic

Jordan Mullach as Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto is a rarity in that it’s one of the few manuals available at a relatively affordable price.

For about $23,000, you can get a manual GT-Line in sporty blue that’s ready to drive. Not many vehicles offer this much technology and safety equipment.

You can criticize the GT-Line for existing in a segment dedicated to cheap and enjoyable products, but if you can, why not get something feature-packed?

Plus, $7000 left on the $30,000 opens up a lot of options for purchasing a second car…

Interested in buying a Kia Picanto? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: Everything about the Kia Picanto

William Stopford: Mazda2 and Hyundai i30 sedan

There may be no objective reason to buy a Mazda2 instead of the impressive new Suzuki Swift, but I still like this old girl.

It’s slightly more expensive than the Swift, slightly thirstier (in the case of the cheaper 91 RON regular unleaded version), has older infotainment tech, and doesn’t really have much extra kit compared to the Apple.

Still, I find this fiddler quite charming, even if the base model had some bad Botox injections in a recent facelift.

I’d hate to choose the same car two weeks in a row, but I also have to point out that the base Hyundai i30 sedan currently starts at $29,990, giving a mid-range Mazda2 almost as much interior space as its mid-range counterparts.

It’s a combination that can’t be ignored, and Hyundai’s mid-cycle facelift has brought significant updates to its powertrains to make it even more enjoyable to drive.

Interested in buying a Mazda2? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here
Interested in buying a Hyundai i30? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: Everything Mazda2
More: Everything about the Hyundai i30

Jack Quick: Mazda 2

While it may be older and not nearly as affordable as it once was, I think one of the best small cars you can buy under $30,000 is still the Mazda2 Hatch.

If you’re looking for a brand new first car, or perhaps your last car, you can’t go wrong.

The car feels at home in the hustle and bustle of the city, yet doesn’t completely separate itself from its surroundings on the highway. It really brings the feeling of a big car in a small package.

Of all the Mazda2 models currently on sale, I’d probably choose the base automatic-only ($24,870 before on-roads) as it’s the most cost-effective and easy to use.

Sure, there’s the Pure manual transmission that’s $2,000 cheaper and probably more engaging to drive, but not everyone has the patience to deal with a manual transmission.

Interested in buying a Mazda2? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: Everything about Mazda2

Max Davis: Suzuki Swift Hybrid

I like a lot of cars that fit here, but if I were in the market, I’d be looking for a few things.

The first is a hatchback body. While there is no change in seating capacity among these small sedans, SUVs and hatchbacks, I think the hatchback will give you the best of both worlds in terms of comfort, size and practicality.

Another is the option of a manual transmission. Cars under $30,000 usually have tiny engines paired with horrible continuously variable transmissions, so if I’m buying a car that doesn’t have much power, I want to be able to at least drive it myself.

There are few to choose from, but the Suzuki Swift Hybrid is my choice. Pricing starts at $24,490 for base spec, which is great value and retains impressive economy ratings even with the manual gearbox.

I know manuals are no longer a popular choice, but why not have some fun with it if you can? You might miss things like heated seats and alloy wheels, but it still comes with wireless Apple CarPlay as standard.

If you must have an automatic transmission, there are still plenty of Swift options to choose from, add all that back.

Interested in buying a Suzuki Swift Hybrid? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

More: All things Suzuki Swift hybrid