Best Small Cars Australia 2023
Driving a small car has its perks. It’s more fuel-efficient, easier to park, and cheaper overall. The need grew when people sought out suitable cars for urban areas. But, when it comes to choosing the best small car for your needs, you’ll want to consider all aspects of the vehicle – from its performance and safety ratings to its features and design.
So what should you look for when searching for a new compact car? We’ve put together a list of some of the best small cars available in Australia in 2023 to make the search a little easier.
Contents
1. Honda Jazz
3. Renault Clio
4. Ford Focus
5. Suzuki Swift
6. Audi A1
7. MINI Cooper
1. Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz is one of the oldest small cars available in Australia, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The new model has been given a much-needed refresh with improved performance, more advanced tech, and extra features.
Pros
- Reliability: Honda's automobiles are known for their reliability – the Jazz is no exception.
- Fuel economy: Even on long trips, you can expect to get excellent fuel economy from this car thanks to its efficient engine.
Cons
- Dated exterior: The exterior design is a little dated and doesn't quite match up to some of the more modern cars available.
Who should drive the Honda Jazz?
With its efficient engine and plenty of features, it’s the perfect companion for city dwellers who want to save on their fuel costs without sacrificing comfort. It's also the right choice for those who prioritize safety, with a solid ANCAP rating.
Related Reading: Best Small Cars Under $20,000
2. Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen's Polo is a great choice for those looking for a polished car with all the bells and whistles. It comes with the latest version of Volkswagen's MIB3 infotainment unit, as well as an impressive suite of driver-assistance features.
Pros
- Comfortable ride: It offers a smooth ride, even on bumpy roads.
- Impressive acceleration: With its turbocharged engines, you can expect quick acceleration when needed.
Cons
- Stiff steering quality: Some drivers may find that the steering is too stiff, making it difficult to manoeuvre.
Who should drive the Volkswagen Polo?
The Polo is suitable for drivers who want an affordable and reliable small car with plenty of features. It also offers enough power for those who like to drive fast, making it ideal for young drivers or those looking for a fun ride.
3. Renault Clio
The 2023 edition of the Renault Clio has been given a sleek makeover, making it the choice for something fun and sporty. It has a peppy turbocharged engine that delivers good performance, as well as an upgraded interior and improved safety tech.
Pros
- Smart design: It's one of the best-looking small cars on the market, with its modern exterior and sporty accents.
- Efficient engine: Its efficient 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine offers good fuel economy and performance.
Cons
- Poor interior quality: The interior is a bit disappointing, with some hard plastics used in the cabin.
- Noisy engine: It can be quite noisy when accelerating or travelling at higher speeds.
Who should drive the Renault Clio?
The Clio is for drivers looking for an economical ride, thanks to its efficient engine and low running costs.
4. Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is a true all-rounder. It offers plenty of features at an affordable price, making it one of the best-value small cars in Australia. Take advantage of a better range of tech and more efficient engines.
Pros
- Good build quality: The Focus feels solid and well-built on the road, making it a good choice for those looking for a reliable car.
- Low running costs: With its efficient engines, the Focus is relatively cheap to run.
Cons
- Unimpressive interior: Some drivers have reported that the interior is somewhat dated compared to other options in its class.
- Limited boot space: Its small boot size makes it a less practical option than some other cars in its class.
Who should drive the Ford Focus?
The Focus is ideal for those who want an affordable, reliable and feature-packed small car. It's well suited to those looking for a comfortable ride, but it is also powerful enough to satisfy the needs of performance drivers.
Browse Ford Focus Listings On OnlyCars
5. Suzuki Swift
This roomy hatchback is a fun, affordable drive packed with goodies. The new Suzuki Swift has upgraded its amenities and safety features, and the engine is more mighty than ever.
Pros
- Impressive acceleration: With its tough engine, you can expect quick acceleration when needed.
- Good fuel economy: Fuel economy figures of 4.7L/100km for the manual and 5.2L/100km for the automatic make it one of the most economical small cars in its class.
Cons
- Not as much power: Despite its impressive acceleration, the Swift lacks some power when compared to other small cars in its class.
Who should drive the Suzuki Swift?
Budget-conscious drivers who want a reliable and fun car that won’t break the bank. If you’re a first-time driver who needs something that’s easy to handle and inexpensive to maintain, this one’s also for you.
Check Out The Best Small Cars Under $30,000
6. Audi A1
The Audi A1 is a premium small car with plenty of features and an eye-catching design. The 2023 model has been updated with improved interior and exterior styling, as well as more powerful engine options.
Pros
- Eye-catching design: Its sleek lines and sporty look make it stand out from the crowd.
- High-tech features: It comes packed with all the latest tech, including smartphone integration, voice control, Bluetooth connectivity and more.
- High-quality interior: The materials used inside are of high quality, making it feel like a much bigger car than its size suggests.
Cons
- High price tag: The A1 is one of the more expensive options, starting at $33,800 before on-road costs
Who should drive the Audi A1?
The Audi A1 is for those who want a premium small car with plenty of features and an eye-catching design. We’re talking about a robust yet fuel-efficient car – with turbocharged engines and low running costs.
7. MINI Cooper
The MINI Cooper is the perfect car for those who want something small but with plenty of attitude. Expect a sleeker design, improved performance, and more tech features than ever before.
Pros
- Sporty look: Its classic styling combined with modern touches give it a sporty look that turns heads wherever you go.
- Great handling: With its powerful engine and responsive steering, the Cooper is designed to handle like a dream.
- Loads of features: It comes packed with the latest tech, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.
Cons
- Cramped rear seats: Its relatively small size means that the backseat can feel quite cramped for taller passengers.
Who should drive the MINI Cooper?
The MINI Cooper is ideal for those who prioritize style and performance over practicality. The engine makes it a great choice for drivers looking for an exciting ride, while its luxurious interior offers plenty of comfort and features to keep you entertained on long trips.
