Kia Australia head honcho, Damien Meredith, remains confident that Kia can continue to grow its market share, despite acknowledging the growing threat of an influx of Chinese brands into the Australian market.

“Chinese cars were 20 per cent of the market in 2025, and will continue to grow,” Meredith told media at the launch of the manufacturer’s newest electric car, the EV4. “Kia sold more than 82,000 cars last year, which is a 6.8 per cent market share, but we won’t lose focus.”

Chinese car brands have made huge strides very quickly in the Australian new car market with a
compelling blend of sharp pricing, long standard features lists, and robust warranty terms, forcing the
established brigade to sit up and take notice. Kia, not so long ago a challenger brand itself, is one company that won’t be asleep at the wheel.

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“We intend to grow in 2026,” Meredith said. “It’s likely to be a similar volume for the market as
2025, but we believe the Chinese brands will continue to grow, and we will gouge market share
from any brand we possibly can.”

Part of that success in 2026 will no doubt be an acceleration in sales for the Kia Tasman, the
Korean brand’s first dual-cab and a bold entry into what is a ferociously competitive segment. It’s a
segment nearly every manufacture wants a piece of, including the challenger brands who can see the value of a successful dual-cab.

LDV and GWM were the first Chinese-made dual-cabs off the rank in Australia, followed by BYD and its pioneering Shark 6 and MG’s U9. JAC entered the Australian market in late-2024, while Korean brand KGM (formerly SsangYong) updated its Musso dual-cab. It’s a segment that shows no signs – yet – of slowing down.

“We’ve got great faith in the Tasman as a product,” Meredith said. “We’ll keep working hard to make sure it’s a success in this market, and we are not making or looking for excuses.”

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The Tasman has only been on the market in Australia for seven months, so in one sense, it’s harsh to
judge Kia’s dual-cab before it’s had a full year to bed in.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do. We know that it’s a great product and we know that it will work in the Australian market,” Meredith said. “Australia has asked for this product, so we want it to succeed.”

Kia’s success in Australia was accelerated by what was then an industry standard setting seven-year
warranty, and that, along with the brand’s dealer network will remain a key focus as it looks to
strengthen it’s position further in Australia.

“We have to grow, we have to compete and care about our customer through our dealer network,” Meredith said. “Every aspect of our business is a focus, that’s the differentiation and that’s what
we’ll be working on.”

Electric cars beneath the $50,000 threshold aren’t new in the Australian new car market – that barrier was broken some time ago – but the fact the all-new Kia EV4 electric sedan starts from $49,990 before on-road costs is still noteworthy. Even more so when you break down the standard specification list. 

Three model grades will be available – Air, Earth and GT-Line – with pricing moving to $59,190 and $64,690, both before on-road costs, as you step through the range. The way the models work sees Air badged Standard Range, and Earth and GT-Line as Long Range, while all three are FWD.

Platform and component sharing is a no-brainer in the electric vehicle world, and the new EV4 medium sedan shares its electric motor and battery packs with its EV3 small SUV stablemate.

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What’s the driving range of the Kia EV4?

The base model Air is extensively specified, with a WLTP-claimed 456km range, vehicle-to-load capability, 17-inch alloy wheels and Kumho tyres, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, over the air software updates, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, LED cabin lighting, LED reflector headlights, dual-zone climate control and rear air vents, to name just a few. 

We reckon though, if your budget stretches, the middle of the range Earth is the sweet spot, with its WLTP-claimed 612km range a bonus for buyers with either one car, or one primary car in the driveway. 

The sector of the market the EV4 fires into is a tough one. Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal, and Polestar 2 all currently battle it out to claim market share, but Kia’s fifth dedicated electric vehicle packs a value punch worthy of note – especially considering Kia’s excellent seven-year warranty. For comparison, the EV4 costs more than the Seal, but less than the Model 3 RWD. Interestingly, the EV4 is FWD, while the other two are RWD, showing that variety is very much on offer in the EV world. EV4 is competitive to own, too, with servicing costs $688, $1308 and $1929 across three, five and seven years respectively. 

While the claimed driving range differs across the model grades, the outputs are the same – a single electric motor driving the front wheels, generating 150kW and 283Nm, with a 7.4 second 0-100km/h claim for the Air and 7.8 seconds for the Earth and GT-Line. 

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What’s the Kia EV4 like to drive?

The EV4 feels punchy on the move without being silly fast, nicely matched to the driving style demanded by the daily traffic grind. Getting off the mark is effortless, as we would expect of an EV, but what Wheels didn’t expect is how quiet and refined the EV4 is at speed. Over long stretches of coarse-chip country road, the EV4 is eerily quiet inside the cabin, testament to the work Kia has undoubtedly put in to ensure the cabin experience is a pleasant one. 

Kia’s suspension geniuses, headed up by Graham Gambold, have once again delivered a superb blend of ride quality and handling ability without erring too far toward one discipline. Urban and around town ride quality is excellent, both on the Air’s 17-inch rims or the 19s on either Earth or GT-line, and the Kumho or Goodyear tyres provide quality grip, coupled with minimal road noise. 

Gambold told Wheels that as more suspension testing and evaluation becomes possible with each new electric platform, the result delivers more nuance, more refinement and a much more capable overall package. And, the EV4 might just be the best example of it, yet.

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The challenge of managing the extra weight of an EV is undeniable, but there are advantages to be found in the low-down heft of the battery pack, which typically sits between the wheels, and can provide a benefit in regard to the weight shift, side-to-side. Likewise, the reduction in weight (and complexity) at each corner of the vehicle frees the suspension up to do what it is designed to do more effectively. 

Whatever changes have been made, the EV4 strikes an excellent balance between comfort over longer distances, and handling ability if you want to have some fun. This isn’t an outright rapid EV designed to be punted hard first, but it’s more fun than we thought going in. The effort to hide the not-inconsiderable bulk of the 380kg battery for the standard range and 475kg battery for the long range has yielded impressive results. Battery technology is Lithium-ion NCM and Kia quotes 10-100 percent charging on the standard range, as taking five hours and 20 minutes on a three-phase 11kW charger. Using a 50kW public charger sees that drop to approximately 55 minutes (Air) or 79 minutes (Earth and GT-Line) according to Kia.

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What’s the Kia EV4’s interior like?

Cabin space and comfort is excellent, given the physical size of the EV4, with the highlight being the space on offer in the second row, even with tall occupants up front. At 4730mm long, the EV4 cabin makes the most of its 2820mm wheelbase, and the 490-litre boot space is also family – and daily driver – useful. It never feels big from behind the wheel, but its Tardis-like cabin will be a bonus for family buyers.

At launch, we used the wired smartphone connection for Apple CarPlay, and it was quick to connect, and quick to respond once up-and-running. Screen clarity was, as has become standard for Kia, strong in any light, even during the middle of the day, and Kia’s mix of physical controls versus touchscreen input is another strong point. The control systems are easy to understand and no more complicated than they need to be. 

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The Verdict

There’s no doubt that for the average Aussie buyer, $50,000 still represents a significant dent in the budget, and Kia is realistic about how quickly sales will tick up for its new electric vehicle.

However, the EV4 represents solid value for money, typical Kia attention to detail and standard equipment, and a genuinely impressive drive experience on any road. Tesla’s Model 3 is the runaway favourite in this market, but the Kia EV4 has the tools to give it a run for its money.

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Specs

Mazda has confirmed global production and sales of the CX-5 have passed five million units, marking a major milestone for the mid-size SUV that has become one of the brand’s most important models.

The CX-5 is only the third Mazda vehicle to exceed five million sales globally, following the Mazda323 and the Mazda3. It is also the fastest Mazda model developed under the company’s Skyactiv engineering program and Kodo design philosophy to reach the figure, underlining its sustained popularity since launch.

First revealed in 2011, the CX-5 was Mazda’s entry into the rapidly expanding crossover SUV segment. It went on sale across more than 100 countries and regions, quickly becoming a core product in Mazda’s global lineup. Early success included strong domestic sales in Japan and multiple industry awards, helping establish the CX-5 as a key volume driver for the brand.

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The first-generation CX-5 debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011 and soon gained recognition for its combination of efficiency, safety and design. By 2015, cumulative global production had already reached one million units. A second-generation model followed in late 2016, bringing incremental improvements in refinement, safety technology and interior quality. That version went on to earn top safety ratings in the United States for nine consecutive years.

Mazda unveiled the third-generation CX-5 in Europe in mid-2025, ahead of its wider global rollout. The latest model represents a comprehensive redesign, focusing on updated styling, a revised interior layout and improvements to everyday usability. Mazda has also reworked the human-machine interface, aiming to make controls more intuitive while retaining a driver-focused layout.

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While Mazda has not detailed regional specifications or powertrain options in this announcement, the CX-5’s evolution reflects broader shifts in the SUV market, including rising expectations for safety technology, connectivity and comfort. The model continues to sit at the centre of Mazda’s passenger vehicle range, particularly in markets such as Australia, where it has been a consistent sales performer for more than a decade.

With the CX-5 now entering its third generation, Mazda faces increasing competition from newer rivals and electrified alternatives. However, reaching five million sales highlights the SUV’s role in sustaining the brand globally, as Mazda balances traditional internal-combustion models with a gradual transition toward electrification across its line-up.

BMW may be drawing headlines with its next-generation electric SUVs, but the brand hasn’t forgotten its smaller battery-electric models. For 2026, BMW has quietly updated the iX1 and iX2 (below) with modest hardware changes that translate into meaningful range improvements, helping keep them competitive in an increasingly crowded compact EV segment.

The upgrades centre on a slight increase in usable battery capacity, rising from 64.6kWh to 65.2kWh. While the change looks minor on paper, BMW says efficiency gains elsewhere in the system allow the extra energy to go further. The entry-level iX1 eDrive20 now offers a claimed driving range of approximately 510 kilometres, up from roughly 470km previously. The all-wheel-drive iX1 xDrive30 improves to about 465km.

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The closely related iX2 receives similar benefits. The eDrive20 variant now matches the iX1 with a claimed range of around 510km, while the xDrive30 stretches to approximately 475km, depending on specification.

BMW has not detailed every technical change, but confirms the introduction of a new silicon-carbide inverter designed to reduce electrical losses and improve efficiency. Other unseen updates, such as revised wheel bearings, are also believed to reduce friction and energy consumption.

Importantly, charging and performance figures remain unchanged. Both models retain a peak DC fast-charging rate of 130kW, allowing a 10 to 80 per cent charge in about 29 minutes under ideal conditions. The single-motor eDrive20 continues to produce around 150kW, while the dual-motor xDrive30 delivers roughly 230kW. Acceleration figures are also unchanged, with the quicker xDrive30 capable of 0–100km/h in the mid-five-second range.

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The updates arrive as competition intensifies. When the iX1 launched in 2022, its main rivals were the Volvo XC40 Recharge (now EX40) and Mercedes-Benz EQA. Since then, newer or refreshed alternatives such as the Audi Q4 e-tron and more affordable versions of the Tesla Model Y have shifted buyer expectations, particularly around range and value.

The iX1 and iX2 also share their underpinnings with the MINI Countryman Electric, which has received a similar efficiency upgrade, pushing its claimed range to around 500km.

Australian pricing for the updated BMW models has yet to be confirmed, but the changes are expected to roll into local vehicles as part of the 2026 model year. A fully redesigned iX1, influenced by BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse design language, is still expected later in the decade.

The heavily updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class luxury sedan has debuted five years after the current W223-series model debuted in 2021. Representing the largest mid-life update the company has ever applied to a model, the upgraded S-Class has been given light exterior changes and more comprehensive updates under the skin, including a new dashboard and upgraded drivetrains, including a new flat-plane-crank V8 engine. Australian arrival timing is yet to be announced.

Visually, the updated S-Class has been given new front end detailing with star icons in the headlights, an optionally-illuminated three-pointed star grille emblem, a 20 per cent larger grille with a black surround, revised bumpers and new alloy wheels up to 20-inches in size. The headlights now feature micro-LED technology for even greater lighting power, and more stars feature in the revised tailights.

There’s a new ‘Intelligent Damper Control’ function for the suspension that uses data collected from other Mercedes-Benz cars to anticipate potholes, speed bumps and other road imperfections to increase the damping rate up to 10 metres before to preserve the car’s ride comfort. The driver will also be alerted to small flaws in the road from the navigation system.

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Air suspension is standard in every new S-Class, but there is an available 48-volt electro-hydraulic suspension system that independently controls each wheel’s damping. Similarly, 4.5-degree rear-axle steering is standard, but customers will be able to choose an upgraded 10-degree system to cut almost two metres out of its turning circle.

Inside, the updated S-Class has been gifted the company’s ‘MBUX Superscreen’ – not to be confused with the even larger ‘Hyperscreen’ that recently debuted in the electric GLC with EQ Technology – and latest-generation operating system, which includes the AI-based “Hey Mercedes” voice control system combining input from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini to make interacting easier and MBUX Surround Navigation based on Google Maps with live traffic.

A 14.4-inch touchscreen is standard, along with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and the 12.3-inch screen for the front passenger. The redesigned centre console now features dual wireless phone chargers, while heated seatbelts that can be heated at up to 44ºC are also now available.

The rear seat of the S-Class has also received attention, with new 13.1-inch entertainment screens for passengers that feature inbuilt cameras for video conferencing.

The company has also improved the S-Class’ active safety and parking systems with more sensors and a powerful new computer architecture. As a result, the S-Class can now park on both sides of the road and at an angle, as well as exiting a park capability.

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The brand’s bespoke Manufaktur program has also extended its touch on the S-Class, now with over 150 exterior colours and over 400 interior options available. New personalisation options include door sills, steering wheel designs and even emblem packages.

The new S-Class range for Australia is yet to be confirmed, but we predict that it will again consist of the S 450 4Matic with a 280kW/560Nm (+10kW/60Nm) 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine and the long wheelbase S 580 L 4Matic with a new flat-plane-crank 393kW/750Nm (+23kW/50Nm) 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8, both with mild-hybrid tech.

The new V8 engine is unusual because flat-plane V8s are usually reserved for high-end supercars thanks to their aural drama, higher revving capability and added lightness, compared with a cross-plane V8 engine (which the pre-updated S-Class features), but Mercedes-Benz has fitted one to its updated luxury flagship.

Other engine variants available globally for the new S-Class include a twin-turbo 3.0-litre turbo-diesel in S 350 d and S 450 d variants, an uprated version of the 3.0-litre petrol six in the S 500, plug-in hybrid variants using 3.0-litre petrol six with a 22kWh battery for up to 115km of electric range and the iconic twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 for the armoured S 680 Guard.

Mercedes-Benz Australia is yet to confirm local timing and specifications for the facelifted S-Class, but it’s likely to land before the end of 2026.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced that production of its Tesla Model S and Model X will end by the middle of 2026.

After 14 years, the Model S large sedan – and its Model X large SUV sibling – will be killed off to make way for production of its new Optimus consumer robots. Around 730,000 units were built since their production started, while the Model S was the first mainstream Tesla and the one that expanded the company’s reach to much of the globe.

Tesla doesn’t list Model S and X production statistics separately but with the Cybertruck included, last year it delivered 50,850 vehicles across the three model lines. That figure stands against 1,585,279 Model 3 and Model Ys. As such, the company now intends to use the S and X production slots at its Fremont, California factory to make robots.

Musk made the announcement today at the company’s fourth quarter 2025 earnings call, where he also confirmed a three per cent drop in revenues throughout 2025 to US$94.8 billion (around A$135b). Tesla’s global deliveries also fell by 8.6 per cent in 2025 to 1,636,129 vehicles.

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“If you’re interested in buying a Model S and X, now is the time to order it, because we expect to wind down S and X production next quarter, and basically stop production,” he said. “We will obviously continue to support the Model S and X programs for as long as people have the vehicles, but we’re going to take the Model S and X production space in our Fremont factory, and convert that into an Optimus factory with a long-term goal of having a million units a year of Optimus robots in the current S and X space.”

Tesla’s Optimus consumer robots will reportedly start production late this year ahead of the first deliveries to the public in 2027. According to Musk, the Optimus will be the “biggest product of all time”. Ahead of that will be the Cybercab autonomous vehicle, which will start production in April.

Originally launched in 2012, the Model S sedan was the first mainstream Tesla product and it was joined by the Model X in 2015. Around 15,000 units of the Model S were delivered in Australia, but right-hand drive production of both it and the Model X ended in 2021. Both continued in left-hand drive markets with various model updates to make them more advanced than the models sold locally.

Geely’s small electric EX2 has emerged as a major success in China, finishing 2025 as the country’s best-selling vehicle across all segments, not just among electric cars.

Sales data from Geely shows the EX2 recorded 465,775 registrations during the year, placing it ahead of every petrol, hybrid and electric rival in the world’s largest car market. The result is notable given the intense competition in China’s small-car and EV segments, where pricing pressure and frequent new model launches have made sustained sales leadership difficult.

On sale for just over a year, the EX2 has quickly become a volume leader. Over the past seven months, monthly sales have consistently exceeded 40,000 units, with one month surpassing the 50,000-vehicle mark. That level of demand has helped cement the model’s position while demonstrating the enthusiasm of Chinese buyers for compact electric vehicles.

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The hatchback is built on Geely’s Global Intelligent Electric Architecture (GEA), the same platform that underpins models already available in Australia, including the EX5 electric SUV and the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid. The shared architecture is designed to support a range of body styles and powertrains, helping Geely scale production and keep costs down.

Geely Auto Australia has confirmed the EX2 will be added to its local line-up in the second half of 2026. When it arrives, it will slot below the EX5, giving the brand an entry-level electric option aimed at urban buyers.

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In overseas markets, the EX2 is a rear-wheel-drive, five-door hatch measuring 4135mm long, 1805mm wide and 1580mm tall, with a 2650mm wheelbase. Despite its compact footprint, the relatively long wheelbase allows for a flexible interior layout, with multiple storage areas designed into the cabin.

Australian specifications, including battery options, equipment levels and pricing, have yet to be confirmed. Geely says further details will be released closer to the car’s local on-sale date.

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Geely’s rise extends well beyond the success of the EX2. In 2025, the Chinese automotive group surged 66.4 per cent to just under 2.1 million wholesale sales, overtaking both Volkswagen and Toyota to become the country’s second-largest carmaker. It now claims China’s single best-selling model with the Xingyuan hatchback, while its Galaxy New Energy Vehicle sub-brand more than doubled its volumes year on year to over 526,000 units.

According to industry data, total new-vehicle wholesales in China rose 9.4 per cent in 2025 to a record 34.5 million units, marking the third consecutive year above 30 million. New Energy Vehicles continued to drive that expansion, climbing 28.2 per cent to 16.5 million units and accounting for roughly half of all passenger car sales.

Australia’s largest general insurer, IAG, is set to begin a large-scale research project examining why advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are not delivering the safety gains many expected.

The study will involve real-world testing of drivers using common ADAS features, such as autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, in controlled conditions. IAG is working with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre on the project, which will take place at the RACQ Mobility Centre in Brisbane.

Sixty drivers will take part in on-track assessments designed to observe how people interact with driver-assistance technology while driving. Researchers will monitor behaviour in real time, looking at how drivers respond to alerts, when systems are disengaged, and whether misunderstandings or discomfort affect how the technology is used.

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IAG says the project follows earlier research showing a large proportion of Australian motorists are actively disabling safety features fitted to their vehicles. The insurer estimates that around 60 per cent of drivers regularly switch off at least some ADAS functions, limiting their potential to reduce crashes and injuries.

The issue is becoming more pressing as the technology spreads rapidly through the national vehicle fleet. Forecasts suggest that by 2031, around 40 per cent of vehicles on Australian roads will be equipped with some form of advanced driver-assistance technology. Many of these systems are already mandatory in new vehicles sold locally, following changes to Australian Design Rules aligned with international standards.

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Researchers involved in the project say understanding driver behaviour is as important as assessing the technology itself. While ADAS systems have demonstrated safety benefits in overseas studies, their effectiveness depends heavily on how drivers understand and trust them. Confusion over system limits, unexpected interventions and alert fatigue are all seen as possible reasons drivers turn features off.

The study will also explore whether targeted education or training could improve engagement with ADAS and reduce resistance to the technology. Findings are expected to help inform future driver education programs, vehicle design considerations and policy decisions.

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The research aligns with broader national road safety goals, including the federal government’s target to significantly reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 2030.

IAG plans to publish the results of the study later this year, with the findings intended to contribute to ongoing debates about vehicle safety technology, regulation and driver behaviour in Australia.

The new MG4 Urban – the cheaper front-wheel drive sibling to the MG4 already on sale – has been priced ahead of its imminent debut in the UK. Starting from £23,495 (around A$46,000), the MG4 Urban is one of the cheapest new cars available in the UK and some £6500 less expensive than the updated MG4, offering some guidance on how the two models will be positioned when they go on sale in Australia.

In the UK, the MG4 Urban will be available in three models, starting with the Comfort Standard Range which uses a 43kWh battery that can be charged at up to 150kW and offers a claimed 323km range (WLTP). Above that sit the Comfort Long Range and Premium Long Range, which use a larger 54kWh battery for 415km of range.

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Unlike the rear/all-wheel drive MG4, the MG4 Urban is front-wheel drive and in the UK, the base model uses a 110kW electric motor, enough for a claimed 0-100km/h time of 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 160km/h. The Longe Range models up power to 118kW to cut the 0-100km/h sprint to 9.5 seconds.

Inside the MG4 Urban is a similar cabin to the MGS5 EV electric small SUV, with a 15.6-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display, physical air-conditioning and volume controls and a large centre console with a wireless phone charger.

Other standard features in UK MG4 Urban range include LED lighting, vehicle-to-load functionality and the brand’s ‘MG Pilot’ active safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitoring and traffic sign recognition with overspeed alert.

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Above the Comfort, the Premium further adds six-way electric driver’s seat adjustment, heated front seats and extra speakers for richer aural quality, providing a clue as to how the Australian model could be equipped. We’re expecting the usual Excite and Essence model names when the MG4 Urban launches locally.

As previously confirmed by MG, the regular MG4 will be upgraded with a new cabin design and light exterior changes and will sit above the MG4 Urban with its sportier drivetrain, more powerful motors and larger battery options.

MG Motor Australia has confirmed that both the MG4 Urban and updated MG4 will be sold locally, but is yet to confirm local arrival timing, pricing or specification. Watch this space.

Hatchbacks, once the go-to for budget-conscious buyers around Australia, have seen their sales dwindle over the last decade or so, with more and more buyers than ever before gravitating towards SUVs of all sizes.

Sales of small cars, such as the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3, have plummeted since their 2013 highpoint when Australians bought 266,000 new small cars, across hatchbacks, sedans and station wagons. That represented 23.4 per cent market share – by far the largest single segment – or almost one in every four new cars sold.

Fast forward just a dozen years and that number has fallen to just over 72,000, or around six per cent market share, a slide reflected in the number of different models available to buyers. Just eight distinct models occupy the under $45,000 category, a far cry from the heady days of 2013 when buyers had a choice of 34 models from 20 different manufacturers.

The new car game has changed, and likely irreversibly. But despite the limited options, there are still some cracking hatchbacks, well priced, ably serving the needs of buyers resolute in eschewing the SUV and dual-cab zeitgeist.

Here then, is our pick of the best hatchbacks on the market right now, priced from under $40k driveaway.

Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport

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Price: From $36,146 driveaway (in NSW)
Engine: 1.8L petrol-hybrid, CVT automatic, FWD
Combined fuel use: 4.0L/100km (claimed)
Fuel type: 91-octane regular unleaded

There are no surprises when it comes to Toyota’s venerable Corolla which has, since its launch in 1966 (yes, the Corolla is now 60), racked up world-wide sales in excess of 50 million, making it easily the biggest selling car of all time.

Its winning formula has been tweaked and nurtured over the decades and through 12 generations and today is available in Australia exclusively with a petrol-hybrid powertrain. That’s around three grand dearer than two of its competitors in this quartet but the benefits of Toyota’s fuel-sipping technology can not be underestimated.

The base model Ascent Sport is nicely-equipped for the money with 16-inch alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, digital radio, LED head- and tail-lights along with LED daytime running lights, keyless entry and push-button start as well as a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assist and safety technologies, although no ANCAP safety score, its previous five-star rating expiring on December 31, 2024. That hasn’t stopped buyers from flocking to Toyota dealerships, the Corolla maintaining its top spot in the segment, a position it’s held onto doggedly since dethroning Mazda 3 in 2013.

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On the road, the Corolla offers little in the way of surprises, refined and smooth if not especially powerful (Toyota quotes 72kW and 142Nm for the Atkinson-cycle 1.8-litre petrol, boosted to 103kW with the electric motor chipping in).

The Corolla’s biggest flaw in this generation is the meagre 217 litres of storage capacity in the boot. That’s well down on the segment leaders, something for buyers to consider.

There’s a new 13th-generation Corolla coming, likely in 2027 and could see a plug-in hybrid variant join the line-up. Maybe. But that’s a ways away and in 2026, the Toyota Corolla is a sensible choice for those who hanker for fuss-free motoring in a well-known package, is light on fuel, all underpinned by Toyota’s renowned reliability.

Mazda3 Pure

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Price: From $33,990 driveaway (in NSW)
Engine: 2.0L petrol, 6-speed automatic, FWD
Combined fuel use: 5.9L/100km (claimed)
Fuel type: 91-octane regular unleaded

Mazda fancies itself as a cut above its rivals, its semi-premium offerings sometimes shading its competitors, certainly in terms of kerb appeal and cabin refinement.

But that sense of style is more than just skin deep, with Mazda’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine a willing companion on the road. It makes 114kW and 200Nm, mated to a six-speed auto sending drive to the front wheels. It’s a winning combination, the Mazda3 impressing us here at Whichcar by Wheels every time we get behind the wheel.

Standard equipment is on a par for entry-level models in the segment, with 16-inch alloy wheels, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rain-sensing wipers, satellite navigation, digital radio, keyless entry and push-button start and a good, if not complete, suite of safety technologies. Like the Corolla, the Mazda 3’s ANCAP safety rating has expired, its previous five-star score relegated to the benches on 31 December, 2025.

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Where the Mazda3 stands out above its rivals is inside, with a well-built cabin that is simply ahead of the competition. Soft materials, even in this entry-level model, abound while the solidly-built switchgear adds a reassuring tactility to the in-car experience.

The second row is a little on the tight side, certainly for adult occupants, while the Mazda3’s boot capacity of 295 litres trumps its Corolla rival but still trails some of the competition. Servicing costs too, are on the high side, which could be a factor when it comes time to buy. Still, buyers after a stylish take on the hatchback formula would do well to add the Mazda3 to their shopping list.

Kia K4 S

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Price: From $33,490 driveaway (in NSW)
Engine: 2.0L petrol, CVT automatic, FWD
Combined fuel use: 6.0L/100km (claimed)
Fuel type: 91-octane regular unleaded

The Kia K4, the long-awaited replacement for the ageing Cerato hatchback, is the newest model here, introduced into Australia late in 2025.

Larger than its rivals, the K4 blends the Korean brand’s new ‘Opposites United’ design language into a smart hatchback that impresses on the road.

A 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder with 110kW and 180Nm is par for the segment, and combines nicely with what is arguably one of the better CVT transmissions in the market today. The end result is a smooth driving experience, augmented by Kia’s local suspension tune that has been tailor-made for Aussie roads.

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Equipment levels for the entry-grade S model include 16-inch alloys, keyless entry with push-button start, automatic LED lighting, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a list of safety technologies that’s a bit light on compared with its main competitors. Buyers need to spend an extra three grand to score all the safety bells-and-whistles and to feel cosy with a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Without the Safety pack, ANCAP gives the Kia K4 S a four-star rating.

Boot capacity is one area where the K4 shines, its 508 litres easily accounting for both the Corolla and the Mazda 3. It’s also the most spacious in the second row, thanks to the K4’s larger overall dimensions. That could be a crucial factor in deciding which hatchback best suits buyers’ needs.

Our recommendation would be to find the extra $3000 for the all-you-can-eat Safety Pack because, in addition to the latest technologies, it also brings other goodies like dual-zone climate control, automatic window defogging and a neat 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.

BYD Dolphin Essential

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Price: From $32,711 driveaway (in NSW)
Powertrain: Single 70kW electric motor, FWD
Battery size: 44.9kWh
Range: 340km (WLTP tested)

It’s somewhat telling that the most affordable of this quartet is also the only electric car. The BYD Dolphin taps into zero-emissions motoring with a quirky package that will suit urban dwellers looking to take their first tentative steps into electric motoring.

Power comes from a single 70kW electric motor driving the front wheels. It’s fed by a 44.9kWh battery that offers around 340km of driving range, based on WLTP laboratory testing. That’s plenty enough for the vast majority of Australians who, according to our most recent Census data, travel around 40-50km per day on average.

BYD claims the battery can be recharged in just over an hour on a commonly-found 50kW DC public charger while AC charging, using a home-installed 7kW wallbox, will take around 6h30m, overnight in other words.

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With 70kW and 180Nm available under your right foot, the Dolphin eschews the neck-snapping acceleration of some of its EV cohort. Instead, it feels exactly like a regular car to drive, something that will undoubtedly please a lot of potential buyers.

The standard equipment list is a cut above for an entry-level model, with 16-inch alloys, a whopping 12.8-inch infotainment screen that can be rotated from landscape to portrait and back again, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, synthetic leather seat trim, LED head- and tail-lights and a full list of modern safety technologies, earning it a five-star ANCAP safety score.

Previous road tests of the Dolphin revealed a comfortable daily driver, with suspension that errs on the side of soft, but able to swallow bumps and lumps nicely.

Inside, the quirky cabin is spacious and comfortable, including in the second row while boot space stops the tape at 345 litres, better than both the Toyota and Mazda despite ceding around 100mm in overall length.

Our pick is the entry-grade Essential, but buyers a little nervous around driving range might be better served by the Dolphin Premium and its larger 60kWh battery that brings 427km of range and improved performance from a more powerful electric motor. But unless you absolutely must have better range and an improved 0-100km/h claim, then the Essential and its circa-$7200 saving over the Premium is money in the bank. And that’s no bad thing.