You don’t need us to tell you about spiking cost-of-living pressures. Your accountant will do that if they haven’t already. Throw in the jump in fuel prices thanks to the Iran war and there’s a heavy incentive for anyone who’s looking for a new car to go down the budget path and find the cheapest option that’s easy on the wallet by either taking small sips at the bowser or avoiding the servo completely.

With that in mind, WhichCar by Wheels has compiled a guide to the 10 cheapest new cars currently available down under. We’ve pulled it together using listed base prices rather than the driveaway cost, which introduces too many variables due to the differences in on-road costs between states and territories.

1. Kia Picanto Sport Manual $19,190

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You’ll struggle to find a vehicle with better value for money than the current cheapest car title holder. The Picanto’s 66kW, 122Nm motor only has to pull a gross weight of 1410kg and it is very frugal with a fuel economy of 5.4L/100km. Standard equipment is generous, with automatic headlights, aircon, auto-folding mirrors and an 8.0-inch touchscreen, plus it has a composed ride and a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. 

2. MG 3 Vibe Auto $20,990

Front three-quarter view of a blue MG hatchback parked along a curb with a grassy area and trees in the background, license plate MG3HEV.
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It might not be as tight on petrol as the Picanto, with a 6.0L/100km combined fuel efficiency, but the latest MG 3 is bigger and packs far better equipment that its predecessors. The 1.5-litre petrol engine makes 81kW and 142Nm and is paired to a CVT tranny, and you get a seven-year, unlimited-km warranty that can be extended to 10 years/250,000km with dealer servicing. The hybrid version cuts fuel expenses but will set you back almost $29,000 for the cheaper variant.

3. Hyundai Venue Manual $23,750

Green compact SUV parked by a waterfront with city buildings in the background, showing a bold front grille and alloy wheels
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The nation’s cheapest SUV has been filling the gap left by the discontinued Accent since it came down under in 2019. It placed well in WhichCar by Wheels’ list of this year’s best-value small SUVs thanks to its practical tall body, great ride and handling balance. The Venue features manual aircon, 15-inch alloy wheels and an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but the 1.6L, four-cylinder petrol engine is thirsty and slow, and its warranty can’t match those of the Picanto and MG 3.

4. BYD Atto 1 Essential $23,990

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Australia’s cheapest EV came first in our list of the year’s best-value small cars. A game-changer for BEVs down under, it’s surprisingly gutsy with outputs of 65kW and 175Nm, and it’s a bit like Dr Who’s Tardis in that it’s surprisingly spacious for a tiny car. Effortless urban driving and parking are highlights, as is its WLTP-rated 220km range. Five years of servicing costs just $1391, too.

5. Suzuki Swift Hybrid $24,990

Blue Suzuki Swift Hybrid shown from a front-right three-quarter view parked on a paved road with trees in the background.
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 The Swift tradition of attracting Aussies with reliability and a great equipment list for the price shows no signs of petering out. The claimed fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km is absolutely outstanding, especially considering it only runs a mild hybrid system. The entry-level variant gets a 9.0-inch touchscreen, satnav, active safety tech and automatic LED headlights. While it’s badged as a hybrid, the system only contributes 2kW and 60Nm to the 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine. 

6. GAC Emzoom Luxury $25,590

White crossover SUV shown in a three-quarter front view with a bold grille and angular headlights, EMZOOM badge on the plate.
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Yes, GAC is one of the newest brands in Australia and therefore there will be question marks hanging over the range’s head, but you can’t deny the value on offer with the Emzoom Luxury. You get a 1.5-litre turbo four-pot making 125kW and 250Nm, coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel consumption isn’t stellar at 6.2L/100km, but the interior is a strength with a premium feel that seems like it should be above this price range.

7. Geely EX2 Complete $26,490

Mint-green compact SUV parked on a paved plaza in front of a modern glass-and-concrete building.
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The compact electric hatch was China’s most popular car in 2025, and with good reason. The standard equipment list is very impressive at this price, with synthetic leather upholstery, climate control, 14.6-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration and the full range of Geely’s driver assist and safety tech. WLTP-tested range is a claimed 252km, body control is good, the single 60kW/150Nm motor has adequate zip, and interior space is surprisingly good.

8. Mazda 2 Evolve $27,290

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WhichCar by Wheels loved the 2 Evolve’s peppy drivetrain and equipment when we reviewed it earlier this month. Standard features include (deep breath) 16-inch alloys, automatic climate control, a heads-up display and safety tech like autonomous emergency braking and a reversing camera with rear parking sensors. Mazda claims 5.0L/100km on the combined cycle and the 1.5-litre mill loves being revved, which brings fun into the equation despite it making 81kW and 142Nm.  

9. Kia Stonic S $28,180

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The extensive facelift the model received late last year has added a significant amount to the price, but it now packs a new mild hybrid drivetrain, new dash, and an uplift in standard equipment. Put together, they justify the hike. The 1.0L turbo three-cylinder engine with that mild hybrid is more refined and quicker than the outgoing model’s set-up, plus it gets 5.0L/100km. There’s a unique suspension and steering tune for Australian roads, too.

10. Suzuki FRONX Hybrid $28,990

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Suzuki’s first new nameplate for Australia in more than a decade has the price to make its mark in the compact SUV market. Seating five in comfort, it’s claimed to be the manufacturer’s most comprehensively equipped model ever offered locally. The FRONX runs Suzuki’s latest smart hybrid system featuring the 1.5-litre DualJet engine, which is paired to a six-speed auto.