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These are the small SUVs you can buy right now

New car supply shortages are causing headaches for frustrated car buyers, but these are the small SUVs we’ve found that are readily available.


The automotive world is currently plagued with supply issues causing a great number of new cars to be in short stock. But if you need to take delivery if a new small SUV right now, there are a select few models in good supply in the lead up to the end of the financial year.

Between conservative stock purchasing estimates and the long-running semiconductor supply issue, various dealers are finding themselves out of stock on popular small SUVs such as the Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan Qashqai, Suzuki Vitara and Toyota C-HR.

Intending purchasers are waiting months without their new car, while the even less fortunate are facing delays until 2022 for high-demand models. In a notable extreme case, Suzuki Jimny buyers are facing wait times of up to a year.

This is in stark contrast to a year ago in which car dealers were overstocked with new models as demand fell dramatically through the COVID-induced lockdown.

However, we’ve spoken to a number of dealers which report they have stock ready and waiting in some of the less popular models. Importantly, Drive stands behind these models as good new-car purchases too.

Here are four small SUVs you have a good chance of walking into a showroom and securing a VIN for.


1. Ford Puma

Fresh off the back of a Drive Car of the Year category win, the Ford Puma is readily available at a number of locations in, reportedly, good supply.

We spoke to Byrne Ford in Kedron, Queensland which expressed good levels of stock on Ford Puma, with a choice of variants and colours available to buyers.

Bayford Ford in Epping, Victoria echoed the same comments, suggesting that stocks of the Ford Puma have been controlled well, as compared to rival brands.

The Puma is a European-built small SUV that is well equipped from the base model upwards. This includes wireless charging and a strong set of active safety technologies.

Like most small European-sourced Ford products, a stand-out hallmark of Puma ownership is its sharp driving experience.

Pricing begins slightly more expensive than some of its segment competition, kicking off at $29,990 before on-road costs and extending to $35,540 before on-road costs.


2. Mazda CX-30

It's hard to talk small SUVs without mentioning Mazda. The CX-30 is one of the Japanese manufacturer's newest and is an all-new model for the brand. Size-wise, it slots in above the CX-3 and below the CX-5. 

The Mazda CX-30 expresses dynamic driving characteristics and a practical SUV form factor that impressed judges at the 2021 Drive Car of the Year.

Mazda supplied information indicating 858 physical examples of the new CX-30 which currently sit unsold in dealerships nationwide. 

The Mazda CX-30 feels solid and superbly well built. The quality of the materials and the fit and finish deliver a premium feel.

Drive Image

All buttons and dials are well placed and easy to use, and Mazda’s central rotary controller takes some of the guesswork out of operating the infotainment system. A head-up display, which reflects key information into the driver’s line of sight, is standard on all models.

Prices range from $28,990 to $46,690 excluding on-road costs. The Mazda CX-30 is sold with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.


3. Kia Stonic

Australia’s received the Kia Stonic relatively late compared to other worldwide markets but that doesn’t stop the newcomer from being a sharp value-driven buy.

It arrives in Australia shortly after receiving a mid-life facelift, too, so the current look should stick around for the next few years.

Standard equipment on every Stonic now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a suite of safety inclusions such as autonomous emergency braking, rear camera with sensors and lane-keep assistance.

Don’t forget that all Kia models benefit from one of the industry’s best warranties; a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre coverage.

As of mid-May 2021, the Stonic range begins at $23,490 before on-road costs for the entry-level Stonic S and extends to $30,490 drive-away for the top-spec.

We spoke to a representative from Alan Mance Kia in Footscray, Victoria who said “you can get a Stonic before June 30th if you are flexible on colour and model variant”.


4. Nissan Juke

Nissan’s funky-styled smallest SUV was overhauled through 2020 and now stands strong against its small SUV competition with a good base set of technology and features.

Inside it gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice recognition, while its exterior is characterised by LED headlights and tail-lights, power-folding and heated side mirrors, and hill-start assist. It also receives a comprehensive set of safety equipment included as standard.

While some of Nissan’s larger SUVs are currently experiencing wait times of up to three months, the Juke small SUV is understood to be in good supply at a range of dealerships around Australia.

Pricing starts from $27,990 before on-road costs and rounds out at $36,490 before on-roads for the flagship variant.

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Tom Fraser

Tom started out in the automotive industry by exploiting his photographic skills but quickly learned journalists got the better end of the deal. With tenures at CarAdvice, Wheels Media, and now Drive, Tom's breadth of experience and industry knowledge informs a strong opinion on all things automotive. At Drive, Tom covers automotive news, car reviews, advice, and holds a special interest in long-form feature stories.

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