Cars of 2017: Top 5 small cars

Some of Australia’s best-selling small cars – and a few that want a bigger slice of the small-car pie – are due for significant upgrades in 2017. Here’s WhichCar’s pick of them.

CITROEN C3

The French brand’s latest-generation city car is unlikely to set the sales charts ablaze but it will certainly be one of the more interesting propositions if confirmed for Australia. Styling – particularly the ‘Airbump’ side protection panels – is inspired by Citroen’s quirky Cactus hatch. A leaf is also taken out of the Mini book on customisation, with 36 different roof/body colour combinations possible. The Facebook generation will also appreciate an HD camera that can record journey photos and video for social media posts.

HYUNDAI i30

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The car that has done more than any other to change perceptions of the Hyundai brand moves onto generation number three in April. There’s a further maturing of the Euro-style five-door’s styling, with a more upmarket interior – complete with prominent infotainment display – to match. Hyundai is promising more responsive handling from a car that is 30mm longer than before but lighter and stiffer. Regular i30s locally will take the current SR trim grade’s unassisted 2.0-litre four-cylinder, while the new SR will switch to a 1.6-litre turbo four borrowed from the Hyundai Tucson SUV and Veloster hatch.

KIA RIO

SUZUKI SWIFT

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2017 Top 5 Small Cars