New automatic cars priced under $20,000 in Australia
Finding a new auto car under the 20-grand mark isn’t impossible
There's an old saying that you should spend three months' salary on an engagement ring. According to consumer advice site finder.com.au, a similar rule applies when buying new cars.
Ideally, it suggests, you shouldn't spend more than 15 per cent of your annual income on the purchase price of a car.
That would mean someone on a salary of $100,000 (far more than the average Australian income) should be aiming for a car around $15,000 – not exactly achievable.
UPDATE, 22/9/20: This article was originally published in March 2020 but has been updated to reflect recent pricing changes.
Still, it's true that the majority of new-car buyers have budget front of mind, meaning models hovering at or below the $20,000 mark are incredibly appealing options.
While this price point pretty much rules out SUVs or even automatic versions of most small cars, there's still a pool of automatic entry-level models available for sale in Australia that fit the brief.
Below, several new cars which have current model-year pricing starting under $20,000 (excluding on-road costs). We hope you're in the market for a compact hatchback!
NB: While these are list prices and advertised offers, individual deals may vary. We've included drive-away deals where available, though these may be subject to change and don't include options like metallic paint or accessories.
Honda City
Price: From $18,490 before on-road costs for the 2020 Honda City VTi auto sedan.
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP, tested 2014.
Most recent CarAdvice rating: 7.0 – From 2018: "If you're in the market for a light sedan and plan on carting passengers around regularly, go for the base VTi, which misses out on alloys, navigation and leather though is a far more sensible price."
Honda Jazz
Price: From $18,690 before on-road costs for the 2021 Honda Jazz VTi auto hatch.
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP, tested 2014.
Most recent CarAdvice rating: 6.9 – From 2019: "In the ever-evolving world that is the automotive industry, the Honda Jazz stays true to what's made it so popular, but is starting to fall behind the pack in terms of infotainment and driver assistance."
Kia Picanto
Price: From $16,290 before on-road costs for the 2021 Kia Picanto S auto.
Safety rating: Four-star ANCAP, tested 2017.
Most recent CarAdvice rating: 8.1 – From 2020: "The ride and handling combination wraps up what is a smart and rational package. For the past two years, over 10,000 examples have found their way into homes. Affordable to buy, run and care for, it’s clear why it has been successful."
Kia Rio
Price: Although the 2020 Kia Rio S auto is priced from $20,390 before on road costs, Kia has an ongoing offer for $18,990 drive-away – so it still counts!
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP, tested 2017.
Most recent CarAdvice rating: 7.1 – From 2020: "It has simplicity on its side, feels well put together, and drives pleasantly enough. For some owners that outright simplicity will be exactly what they’re after."
MG 3
Price: From $16,690 driveaway for the 2019 MG 3 Core auto.
Safety rating: Three-star European NCAP, untested by ANCAP.
Most recent CarAdvice rating: 7.4 – From 2019: "The MG 3 remains a solid choice for those looking for a reliable, well-backed small city runabout that will serve its purpose diligently. If safety remains a concern, then there are plenty of alternatives, but considering its popularity, plenty of buyers seem to think otherwise."
Mitsubishi Mirage
Price: From $16,490 before on-road costs for the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES auto.
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP, tested 2013.
Most recent CarAdvice rating: 6.5 – From 2016: "With strong competition in the form of the Kia Picanto ... the Mirage remains an also-ran in the budget city car segment. It's better than before, but still not as good as the rest of the cars in the class."
Suzuki Baleno
Price: From $16,990 before on-road costs for the 2020 Suzuki Baleno GL auto.
Safety rating: Untested by ANCAP.
Most recent CarAdvice rating: 7.1 – From 2019: "The base Baleno continues to offer acres of space and decent levels of equipment, though the lack of safety tech puts it behind the class leaders.
Suzuki Ignis
Price: From $18,990 before on-road costs for the 2020 Suzuki Ignis GL auto.
Safety rating: Three-star European NCAP, untested by ANCAP.
Most recent CarAdvice rating: 7.5 – From 2020: "The Suzuki Ignis is an interesting alternative for city hatchback buyers who want a car that's outside the box."
Suzuki Swift
Price: From $19,990 before on-road costs for the 2020 Suzuki Swift GL Navigator auto.
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP, tested 2017.
Most recent CarAdvice rating: 8.1 – From 2020: "If you value the driving experience and aren't fussed with any pretence of luxury, the Swift makes a lot of sense. But its cheap cabin goes a long way to undermining the value equation."