Best Value Cars
Gallery 1
Mazda 3 is an all-round star ahead of diesel alternatives
1. Mazda 3 Touring MAZDA’S recent focus on shaving fuel use via its SkyActiv program is the reason its cars now feature at the pointy end rather than fighting it out mid-pack as they often did previously.
The Mazda 3 has always possessed a blend of qualities that make the model an excellent value proposition, a fact that explains the more than 3000 new buyers it attracts each month. These strengths carry into the third-gen model in the form of a stout 77 percent three-year retained value, which translates into $5900 lost over the first three years – less than any other car considered in this class and price bracket. The 3’s insurance premium is low at $982, although it’s worth noting that there’s not much variation among small cars.
A 12-month service interval is also a big plus. And, while the brand’s three-year warranty isn’t the best out there, we’d be worry-free about the reliability inherent in anything with a Mazda badge.
Then there’s the economy. The outgoing model drank 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle; the new one is some 27 percent thriftier, at 5.8L/100km (and still on bottom-shelf 91 octane). With this previous missing link addressed, the Mazda 3 is an all-round Star.
2. Hyundai i30 CRDi Active OUR summation in Showroom is, of course, spot-on: “Entry-level diesel remains excellent value.” The i30 does it by putting in consistently solid performances across the disciplines, offering excellent economy and reasonable resale, before bringing it home with a 12-month service interval and five-year warranty.
3. Renault Megane Authentique dCi 110 hatch SINCE Renault re-platformed its base Megane, driver appeal and ride quality near to the old-school French variety have been part of the deal. In base turbo-diesel form, so is excellent economy. Long warranty and service intervals are great; resale and reliability reputation less so.
| Small <$35k | Purchase Price | Comb. Fuel (L/100km) | Fuel RON (min. rec.) | 3-year fuel cost | Redbook resale (%) | 3-year deprec. | AAMI insurance prem. | Service interval (months) | Warranty (years) |
| Mazda 3 Touring hatch or sedan manual | $25,490 | 5.8 | 91 | $3311 | 77 | $5863 | $982.01 | 12 | 3 |
| Hyundai i30 1.6L Active CRDi auto | $25,480 | 5.6 | 91 | $3196 | 64 | $9302 | $1050.67 | 12 | 5 |
| Renault Megane Hatch Authentique dCi 110 | $25,990 | 4.5 | D | $2720 | 58 | $10,916 | $933.53 | 12 | 5 |
Notable classmates: Kia Cerato Si sedan, Toyota Corolla Levin ZR hatch / Number of cars crunched: 8
