City cars: Australia’s Best Value Cars 2017

Australia’s cheapest new cars go into battle to see which is most affordable to own long-term.

1st: Kia Picanto S

Grabbing a bus, an Uber or a GoGet are among the less-costly transport alternatives to a Kia Picanto S. But if you’re intent on new-car ownership and want to do it at minimum cost, with a degree of driver appeal, then the Picanto is king.

The model is offered in a single ‘S’ spec (for now) and opting for the five-speed manual saves you $1500 up front, and a further $120 each year at the bowser compared with the auto. The cost of depreciation here is about $2500/year, which is as good as it gets for a new car, and the Kia kicks goals with the brand’s generous warranty, a handy 12-month service interval and bargain annual insurance.

2nd: Holden Spark LS

Holden’s baby Spark is actually a more sophisticated car than the bigger, costlier Barina, with good tech and equipment, a lively engine and keen handling. Undercuts the Picanto on insurance cost at $565/year.

3

3rd: Fiat 500 Pop

A taste for premium fuel undoes some of the good work of the Italian retro car’s 4.9L/100km official combined-cycle consumption, but it’s still cheap to own, doesn’t cost a whole lot to purchase, and boasts solid resale and a sensible service interval.

3