Best Small Sedans
4 badges available
$61,900 - $119,900*MRLP
What we love
- -The unbelievable amount of performance on offer
- -Level of grip in sub-par conditions
- -Tech- and feature-packed cabin
What we don't
- -Some road noise creeps into the cabin
- -Standard seats lack support
- -Average fit and finish on some trim pieces
2.Audi RS3
8.5
What we love
- -Sharp new styling oozes aggression
- -Smarter rear axle transforms in-corner performance
- -Heightened performance and more commuter comfort
What we don't
- -Small boot and back seat
- -Sedan is much dearer than Sportback
- -With great power comes... Great thirst
3.Audi S3
8.4
What we love
- -It's fast in a straight line
- -It's fast around corners
- -At the same time, it's very comfortable and refined
What we don't
- -It could use a little more aural theatre
- -Pricing has gone up since the last generation
- -Out-powered by the Golf R
4.Hyundai i30
8.2
6 badges available
$24,000 - $56,200*MRLP
What we love
- -Ten-tenths DCT upshift sensation
- -Remarkable grip levels
- -Beautifully weighted steering
What we don't
- -N exhaust modes make a racket
- -Taller drivers will feel cramped, especially with a helmet
- -Seats lack side support
5.BMW 2 Series
8.0
4 badges available
$65,200 - $96,000*MRLP
What we love
- -Generous and spirited powertrain
- -Taut dynamics and frisky nature
- -Simplified driver-focused interior
What we don't
- -Cramped back seat
- -Ride could be tiring for some
- -Steering lacks feel
6.Audi A3
7.7
2 badges available
$50,600 - $60,200*MRLP
What we love
- -Affordable entry point into a prestige brand
- -Fuel-efficient compared to competitors
- -Surprising amount of power for a small engine
What we don't
- -Overuse of plastics in interiors felt unrefined
- -Some expected features only available as costly extras
- -Back seat accommodation comes with compromises
7.Subaru WRX
7.5
4 badges available
$47,490 - $59,790*MRLP
What we love
- -Fast when given space to run
- -Rides well in town and out
- -Great on gravel, just like a WRX should be
What we don't
- -No emotional WRX connection, just like the Levorg
- -Infotainment fiddly and low-res
- -CVT and regular drive modes are a bit dull
8.Toyota Corolla
7.5
4 badges available
$32,110 - $64,190*MRLP
What we love
- -Frugal fuel consumption in prime conditions
- -Comfortable over bumps, easy to drive
- -Much larger boot than the Corolla hatch
What we don't
- -Sunroof cuts into front and rear passenger head room
- -No parking sensors or folding mirrors despite $40,000 price
- -Lacks power on the open road; significant tyre roar
9.Kia Cerato
7.3
4 badges available
$27,060 - $36,860*MRLP
What we love
- -Lots of interior space for adults
- -Seven-year warranty
- -Huge boot for the class
What we don't
- -Base model feels a bit too 'rental spec'
- -Advanced safety features part of an optional pack
- -Thrashy engine and too much road noise
10.Mazda 3
7.3
2 badges available
$30,470 - $42,470*MRLP
What we love
- -Looks and feels more premium than a base model
- -Handles with a satisfying sportiness
- -Ownership costs are quite reasonable
What we don't
- -Vibey and unpleasant cylinder deactivation system
- -Back seat feels a touch undersized and underequipped
- -Infotainment interface needs an overhaul
Drive's Best Cars
Drive's team of experts reviews and rates hundreds of the latest models each year to help you find your next new car. Browse our Best Car lists to discover how different models rank against each other and what our team loves and doesn't love about these top-rating vehicles.
* ‘MRLP’ is the manufacturer’s recommended list price as provided by our data provider and is subject to change, so is provided to you for indicative purposes only. Please note that MRLP is inclusive of GST, but is exclusive of any options and does not include on-road costs such as registration, CTP, stamp duty and dealer delivery. Where an MRLP is stated as a price range, this reflects the lowest to highest MRLP provided for that model range across the available variants.
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