Small over $24K: Australia’s Best Value Cars 2017

One of the most competitive segments in Australia is fertile hunting ground for new car shoppers. Here are the best buys of the bunch.

1: Hyundai i30 Active CRDi DCT

The arrival of the PD series has seen the Hyundai i30 come of age, bringing newfound style, quality and driver appeal, while our analysis suggests the model’s long-held value credentials carry into its new chapter.

The stout 54 percent three-year resale reflects the i30’s – and Hyundai’s – broad appeal and hard-earned reputation for reliability, and it no doubt helps real-world values that a three-year-old i30 still has two years’ warranty left.

With a sharp $26K price tag for an Active CRDi with a seven-speed dual-clutch ’box, the i30 is off to a flying start. Can rivals compete with the 4.7L/100km 1.6-litre turbo-diesel Hyundai? Well, they could if they offered an equivalent engine… As it stands, only the petrol/electric Corolla Hybrid can put up a fight at the bowser, though the Toyota falters elsewhere.

The Hyundai surges ahead on the back of its five-year, unlimited-kay warranty, 12-month/15,000km service interval and low-cost $772 annual Budget Direct insurance. And if a diesel-drinking hatch doesn’t tickle you, the good news is the sporty 1.6-litre turbo-petrol i30 SR is a near match on the value front, thanks to 7.5L/100km economy on regular unleaded.

2nd: Kia Cerato Sport

Kia’s enviable seven-year warranty powers the Cerato to second place, with help from a 12-month service interval and a $673 annual insurance premium. Acceptable ride and handling, and a lively 2.0-litre petrol four make for a likeable, if conservative, package.

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3rd: Honda Civic VTi-S

A sharp sticker price and solid retained value ensured the one-up-from-base Civic stayed in the podium hunt, despite an old-school 1.8 four that delivers decent economy but not thrills – you need a Civic RS or VTi-LX to get Honda’s strong 1.5 turbo.

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