From zippy economy models to luxury runabouts, 2022 is an exciting year for compact cars in Australia.
Some big names are releasing small cars this year. And there are lots of reasons to consider downsizing, upgrading or trading-in for a zippy compact:
- Lower your fuel costs
- Easier parking in the city
- More economical
- Cheaper and easier to maintain
- More spacious than they seem
- Safety features galore
Car loan financing conditions won’t stay this favourable for long. So if you’re thinking about buying your first car, trading in for a newer model or purchasing a second (more economical) family car, Yes Loans is here to help.
Get started at your own speed with our handy car loan calculator.
Related: See our car buying guide here with helpful tips when buying your next vehicle.
Australia’s best small cars in 2022
1. Ford Fiesta ST (expected March 2022)
Ford has given the zippy Fiesta ST a facelift in 2022, creating one of the most anticipated “hot hatch” releases this year. The Fiesta ST pulls no punches with an upgraded 1.5L EcoBoost turbo-petrol engine, quick acceleration, and 6-speed manual gearbox.
Inside, a 12.3-inch digital display and 12-way adjustable seats pack a lot of comfort into a small car.
2. Volkswagen Polo
Although it won’t land in showrooms until March, the VW Polo range is already causing a stir.
- Base model: Polo 70TSI with 1.0L turbo three-cylinder engine
- Mid-tier: 85TSI with 1.0L turbo three-cylinder engine
- Hot hatch: GTI with 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine
All three Polo tiers received a facelift, including a new front end, sleeker taillights, and a large digital touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety also got an upgrade, with VW’s semi-autonomous Travel Assist system and lane-centring intelligence keeping you safe behind the wheel.
3. Audi A3
Set to launch in three model grades (35 TFSI, 40 TFSI Quattro S and S3), the Audi A3 range accelerates from impressive to awe-inspiring very quickly. All three tiers come in sedan or hatch configurations.
The Audi badge doesn’t come cheap, but the A3 remains popular in Australia for a reason. Powerful 1.5L and 2.0L four-cylinder turbo-petrol engines, enhanced safety features like seven airbags, hybrid gearbox technology, and Audi’s hallmark luxury interiors all add up to great value for money.
The 2022 Audi A3 will even recognise natural language commands and tell you where to find the cheapest fuel, among many other intelligent features.
4. Hyundai i30
No list of “Australia’s best small cars” would be complete without the Hyundai i30. Beating out the mighty Corolla to claim the #4 spot on the new car sales ranking in 2021, the Hyundai i30 is back with an upgrade in 2022.
Economy, power and performance dovetail nicely into the Hyundai i30 N, with a punchy 2.0L turbo-petrol engine putting out 206kW of power.
Make no mistake, this hot hatch (or the sedan version) is a rival for the likes of the VW Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST, although it comes with a lower price tag.
5. MG 3
Rounding out the list is the zippy, economical and surprisingly spacious MG 3. Starting at $17,990 and topping out under $20,000, the MG 3 might be Australia’s best car in terms of value for money.
With a long list of enhanced safety features, plus reversing camera, 8.0-inch touchscreen display and traction control as standard, there’s a lot to love in MG’s affordable compact.
Looking for a competitive small car loan?
Yes Loans has you covered. Apply online now for fast pre-approval on car financing, and you could be zipping to the beach in your new car this summer.