BEST-VALUE SMALL CARS

GOLD WINNER KIA CERATO S

The Kia Cerato S hatchback is about to be superseded but still makes for excellent value. The 46% three-year resale figure is close to the third-placed Mazda’s but not quite as good as the Hyundai i30’s in second. Yet working with a lower purchase price means the dollar depreciation cost is the least here at $10,795 or $3600pa.

A conventional 2.0-litre petrol engine with a six-speed manual delivers OK economy on regular unleaded. From here it’s all good news though, with a cheap-aschips comprehensive insurance premium of $543, a 12-month service interval and Kia’s enviable seven-year warranty.

Choosing the turbo-diesel Hyundai i30 Active 1.6 CRDi offers about $500pa in savings at the bowser compared with the Kia, and its excellent 51% resale value and five-year warranty make it a safe bet.

The Mazda 3 Neo has been a dependably solid small-car pick over three generations and scores well for resale, fuel use, warranty and insurance cost.