Best Value Cars
Gallery 1
Up-spec versions can be thrifty.
Mazda 2 Genki
If you’ve just read about how the Neo trumped its sub-$17K rivals, you can guess how it did it in more upmarket Genki form. Clearly the Mazda’s value doesn’t dissipate as you work up through the range.
The smart-looking Genki uses less fuel than the Neo, yet has a bit more power – win-win. The resale isn’t as good as its less-expensive sibling, but 76 percent of $20K retained after three years is still excellent, and the warranty and service intervals are good and great respectively.
There’s value in the fact the Genki features extra driver safety technology, plus other niceties to make it more satisfying to own and easier to sell when it’s time for a new one.
Core qualities such as the 2’s sweet manual gearshift action remain and the handling is sharpened on larger alloys and low-profile tyres.
VW Polo 81TSI Comfortline
Ford Fiesta Trend
| Light Cars under $25K | Mazda 2 Genki man | Volkswagen Polo 81TSI Comfortline man | Ford Fiesta Trend man |
| Purchase Price | $19,990 | $18,590 | $17,825 |
| Combined cycle fuel (L/100km) | 5.2 | 4.9 | 5.8 |
| Fuel RON (min. rec.) | 91 | 95 | 91 |
| Three-year fuel cost | $2968 | $2978 | $3311 |
| Redbook resale (%) | 76.3 | 65.6 | 64.7 |
| Three-year depreciation | $4738 | $6395 | $6292 |
| AAMI insurance premium | $726 | $731 | $724 |
| Service interval (months) | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Warranty (years) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
