SPOILED FOR CHOICE
There’s much to enjoy for $20K or not much more
THE QUESTION I have a Mazda3 and do minimal kilometres in city driving. I am looking at either a new Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Kia Cerato, Hyundai i30 or maybe another Mazda. What would you recommend as your top three? Also, I’m a little concerned about giving up on a manual and changing to an automatic, and also the need for premium unleaded in some small cars.
Peter Freeland
THE ANSWER
Small-car buyers are spoiled for choice, and also value, as we move on in 2018. All of your contenders are in the top group, for various reasons ranging from the way they drive to the latest deals. The Cerato and i30 both benefit greatly from local suspension tuning that makes them enjoyable in all conditions, the Civic is finally back to Honda’s best and Toyota is doing a great price on the Corolla for the new sales year. The Mazda3 is still good but at the moment there are better deals on cars that will be just as good for you. All of the mainstream models run on regular unleaded and the latest generation of automatics is efficient and surprisingly responsive for manual fans. CHOICES KIA CERATO, FROM $19,990 DRIVE-AWAY The value leader is great buying, with on-road costs and an automatic gearbox included for less than $20,000. You can also choose between a sedan and hatch. The Cerato is a surprisingly enjoyable drive and covered by the seven-year warranty that leads the industry.
HYUNDAI I30, FROM $20,990 DRIVE-AWAY
The i30’s major update last year makes it more refined with extra equipment and better value, although Hyundai can’t match Kia for value. The $20,990 is for a manual and upgrading to an auto means spending $22,990. The SR is the best of the i30 range but there is nothing wrong with the base car.
TOYOTA COROLLA, FROM $22,990 DRIVE-AWAY
The perennial small-car favourite is everything you expect from a Toyota, from the brilliant aircon that defeats any Australian summer to rock-solid quality and great service pricing. The latest deal makes it hard to beat. Some people struggle with its constantly variable transmission. WILDCARD HONDA CIVIC, FROM $24,990 DRIVE-AWAY More expensive than the rest, but Honda is trying to make up the difference with a deal that includes a seven-year warranty with seven years of roadside assist. It’s a classy car that drives well. The modern design and fit and finish won many people to Honda.