With the automotive landscape constantly evolving, 2024 has brought an exciting range of small cars to the Australian market. Whether you're looking for a fuel-efficient daily driver, an affordable entry-level car, or a tech-packed compact, this year's selection offers something for everyone, and Westside Auto Wholesale is the place to find them! From long-time favorites like the Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3, to the latest contenders like the MG3 and Kia Cerato, each car on this list has been carefully selected based on its standout features, affordability, fuel economy, and overall value. As Australian drivers continue to prioritise economy, safety, and comfort, these models represent the best of what 2024 has to offer. In this updated guide, we take a detailed look at the top rated small cars, providing the information you need to choose your next ride.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is the world's bestselling car, with Toyota selling over 50 million of them since 1966. In 2024, the Corolla continues to be a top choice for Australian buyers, blending reliability, affordability, and modern design. Over the years, the Corolla has become a household name, known for its practicality and low cost of ownership. In 2023, the Toyota Corolla remained in the top 10 best-selling vehicles in Australia, continuing its dominance with over 25,000 units sold by the end of the year.
The new generation Corolla has sleek, sporty styling, offering a fresh look with a more refined and tech-forward interior. It comes packed with features like Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- New Price: $26,395 - $34,695*
- Warranty: 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty
- Models: Corolla Ascent Sport, Corolla SX, and Corolla ZR (hatch or sedan)
- Engine Types: 2.0L Dynamic Force direct-injection petrol engine or 1.8L Toyota hybrid system
- Fuel Efficiency: Petrol: 6.0 – 6.3 litres per 100km, Hybrid: 4.2 litres per 100km
- Transmission: Automatic CVT is available across all models
- ANCAP Safety Rating: 5-star
View our range of Toyota Corolla here
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 has earned a reputation for being one of the most stylish and well-rounded small cars on the market. With its premium feel and sporty dynamics, it consistently attracts Australian buyers who want more than just basic transportation. As of 2024, Mazda continues to dominate the small car market, with the Mazda 3 contributing significantly to its over 20,000 units sold in Australia annually.
The Mazda 3’s Kodo design language gives it a sleek and modern look, while its luxurious interior finishes make it feel like a much more expensive vehicle. The Skyactiv technology ensures responsive handling and impressive fuel efficiency, making it fun to drive while being economical. Additionally, the Mazda 3 is equipped with a range of driver-assist features, including smart brake support, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
- New Price: $30,470 - $43,000*
- Warranty: 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty
- Models: G20 Pure, G25 Touring, G25 GT, G25 Astina
- Engine Types: 2.0L or 2.5L Skyactiv petrol
- Fuel Efficiency: 6.1 – 6.6L/100km
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic or manual
- ANCAP Safety Rating: 5-star
View our range of Mazda 3 here.
Hyundai i30
The Hyundai i30 continues to be one of Australia’s most beloved small cars, thanks to its affordability, reliability, and impressive feature set. With over 20,000 units sold annually, it remains a popular choice for young drivers and families alike. In 2024 the latest model is packed with tech features, including a 10.25-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Hyundai SmartSense safety package, which includes Autnomous Emergency Braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The i30 is available in both hatch and sedan forms, with options for sportier models in the N-Line range. Hyundai’s excellent 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and lifetime service plan add to the i30’s long-term value, making it one of the most cost-effective cars in its class.
- New Price: $25,220 - $35,220*
- Warranty: 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty
- Models: i30, i30 N-Line, i30 Sedan, i30 N Performance
- Engine Types: 2.0L petrol, and both 2.0L & 1.6L turbo petrol engines
- Fuel Efficiency: 7.4 - 7.8 litres per 100km
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic
- ANCAP Safety Rating: 5-star
View our range of Hyundai i30 here.
Kia Cerato
The Kia Cerato is well-known for offering excellent value for money, with competitive pricing and a wide range of features. Since its introduction in mid-2004, Kia Australia has sold more than 186,000 hatchbacks, sedans and coupes with Cerato badges. It’s also a popular choice among Australians, with over 17,000 units sold annually. In 2024, the Kia Cerato offers an upscale interior, modern infotainment with 8.0-inch touchscreen, and Kia’s 7-year, unlimited kilometre warranty—one of the best in the industry.
The Cerato is available as both a hatchback and sedan, catering to a variety of drivers. Its strong resale value, combined with low servicing costs, makes it an attractive long-term investment.
- New Price: $27,060 - $37,790*
- Warranty: 7-year, unlimited kilometre warranty
- Models: S, Sport, Sport+, GT
- Engine Types: 2.0L petrol or 1.6L turbo petrol engines
- Fuel Efficiency: 6.8 - 7.6 litres per 100km
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
- ANCAP Safety Rating: 5-star
View our range of Kia Cerato here.
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf continues to be a standout choice in the small car segment, delivering a premium driving experience in a compact package. Known for its refined handling, advanced technology, and high-quality interior, the Golf remains a top pick for those who prioritise comfort and performance. The 2024 model brings together the best of German engineering with sleek styling, offering a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that balances power and efficiency, achieving an impressive fuel economy of 5.8L/100km.
Inside, the Golf offers a luxurious feel with a well-crafted cabin featuring premium materials, making it feel more like a high-end vehicle. The digital cockpit, combined with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ensures that drivers have all the essential information and entertainment at their fingertips. Standard features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and autonomous emergency braking elevate safety, making it one of the safest small cars on the road.
- New Price: $34,690 - $44,990*
- Warranty: 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty
- Engine Types: 1.4L TSI petrol
- Fuel Efficiency: 5.8L/100km
- Transmission: 7-speed DSG automatic
- ANCAP Safety Rating: 5-star
View our range of Volkswagen Golf here
MG3
The MG3 remains one of Australia’s most affordable small cars, offering exceptional value for budget-conscious buyers or first-time drivers. Despite its low entry price of $23,990, the MG3 packs in a surprising amount of tech and practicality, making it one of the best-selling small hatchbacks in Australia, with over 18,000 units sold annually. In 2024, the MG3 features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering seamless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it competitive with more expensive rivals in the segment.
Another key selling point of the MG3 is the brand’s 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty, which adds significant long-term value for buyers, providing peace of mind that is rare in the budget car segment. Despite its low price, the MG3 continues to attract attention for its style, affordability, and surprising level of features.
- New Price: $23,990 - $29,990*
- Warranty: 7-year, unlimited kilometre warranty
- Models: Excite, Essence (with hybrid options)
- Engine Types: 1.5L petrol or 1.5L petrol-electric hybrid
- Fuel Efficiency: 6.0L/100km (petrol), 4.3L/100km (hybrid)
- Transmission: CVT automatic
- ANCAP Safety Rating: Pending (as of 2024)
View our range of MG3 here
Kia Rio
The Kia Rio remains a strong contender in the small car segment, known for its affordability, practicality, and reliability. Starting at $19,690, the 2024 Kia Rio offers excellent value for money. The Rio comes equipped with popular technology features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity for drivers. With models like the Rio S and Rio GT-Line, buyers can choose between a more basic, economical version or a sportier model with additional features like a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a more efficient 1.0L turbo engine, providing 5.3L/100km fuel efficiency for the GT-Line.
Despite Kia announcing the eventual phase-out of the Rio in Australia, it continues to be a reliable and popular choice for buyers seeking a budget-friendly small car with solid features and low running costs. Its 7-year warranty adds to the long-term value, providing peace of mind for drivers
- New Price: $19,690 - $25,590*
- Warranty: 7-year, unlimited kilometre warranty
- Engine Types: 1.4L petrol or 1.0L turbo petrol (GT-Line)
- Fuel Efficiency: 5.3L - 6.0L/100km
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic or 7-speed dual-clutch
- ANCAP Safety Rating: 5-star
View our range of Kia Rio here
Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift continues to be one of Australia’s most loved small cars, combining affordability with a fun driving experience. Priced from $23,490, the Swift offers great value for young drivers and first-time car buyers. Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, the Swift achieves an excellent fuel economy of 4.8L/100km, making it a highly efficient city car.
Though compact, the Swift comes equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and keyless entry, while advanced safety features like autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning are available on higher trims. In 2023, the Swift continued to perform well in the Australian market, selling over 10,000 units, showcasing its enduring popularity.
- New Price: $23,490 - $29,990*
- Warranty: 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty
- Models: GL Navigator, GLX Turbo
- Engine Types: 1.2L petrol or 1.0L turbo petrol (GLX)
- Fuel Efficiency: 4.8L/100km
- Transmission: CVT automatic or manual
- ANCAP Safety Rating: 5-star
View our range of Suzuki Swift here
With a range of versatile, affordable, and tech-packed small cars available at Westside Auto Wholesale, choosing the right one comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the reliability and hybrid options of the Toyota Corolla, the sporty and premium feel of the Mazda 3, or the budget-friendly practicality of the MG3 and Suzuki Swift, there’s a small car for every type of driver. The models listed here combine modern features, impressive fuel efficiency, and competitive pricing, making them ideal choices for urban commuting, family adventures, or even long-distance road trips. No matter which you choose, these small cars will offer great value, performance, and peace of mind in the years to come.
