RACV best Small Cars

Cars are expensive assets and can be utilised for many purposes. However, all cars are not created equal. Sometimes, you need a car that will last a long time without becoming obsolete or needing costly repairs.

To make it simple for you to find what meets those criteria, take a look at some of the best small cars that are safe on the road and that will save you on on-road costs.

Best Small Cars RACV

The RACV (Royal Automobile Club of Victoria) has tested the best small cars and found them premium vehicles. With their safety features, you can be assured that the car is safe to drive, especially in traffic or at night.

They have also been upgraded with technological features that make it easy to access your favourite music or the news on your wristwatch. Below are the best small cars that you can purchase.

Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 has consistently been one of the best small cars on the market; over time, it has only improved. It is stylish and safe, with a fuel economy of 6.6 L/100 km, a 5-star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) safety rating, and many other things, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for value and style in their next car.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Much like the Mazda 3, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been tested to deliver outstanding performance in its design and features. However, compared to other models on this list, it may not be as inexpensive to maintain or repair, but that is an acceptable price for such high-quality vehicles.

Hyundai i30

The Hyundai i30 is a 4-star ANCAP vehicle with a 5-year warranty and one of the most fuel-efficient cars on this list. According to its manufacturers, it can run up to 14.7 L/100 km. It also comes with electronic stability control (ESC) and lane-keeping assist, making it outstanding in many ways.

Kia Cerato

The Kia Cerato also received an ANCAP safety rating of 4 stars and many other features that make it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to buy one in the next few years. Its drive-away price is $18,990 and it comes packaged with air conditioning, remote central locking, and many more.

Volkswagen Polo

Another excellent, top-quality small car is the Volkswagen Polo. This model has been tested to have a fuel economy of 6.7 L/100 km, a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, and many other things, which make it an excellent value for anyone looking for style and quality in their next car purchase.

Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza is considered an efficient compact car that meets all your style and efficiency requirements. It has been tested to give you a fuel economy of up to 7 L/100 km, which is fair considering this vehicle's great features in exchange.

Toyota Corolla Altis

The Toyota Corolla Altis is an excellent option for anyone looking for something affordable and with outstanding fuel efficiency. It has been tested to have a fuel economy of 6.7 L/100 km and many other features, making it a fantastic choice for drivers who need a reliable, safe, and efficient vehicle.

Peugeot 308

If you want to own an efficient and affordable small car, then the Peugeot 308 may be what you're looking for. It has been tested to deliver a fuel economy of 7.3 L/100 km, which is alright, especially considering the many other benefits this vehicle offers.

Nissan Note

The Nissan Note is an efficient and reliable vehicle that is easy on your wallet. It has been tested to deliver a fuel economy of 6.9 L/100 km, in addition to being stylish and efficient simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for drivers looking for great value when purchasing their next car.

Fiat Punto

The Fiat Punto is one vehicle that offers more than it needs to, especially compared to other models on this list. It has been tested to deliver a fuel economy of 7.7 L/100 km and many other things, making it a fantastic choice for anyone who needs a vehicle on a budget.

Ford Fiesta RS

This is one of the most affordable vehicles on this list, and it is also an excellent choice for any driver looking for something safe in terms of safety features, performance, and style. It has been tested to deliver up to 8 L/100 km in addition to being efficient and stylish, making it one of the best small cars you can buy.

Tips For Choosing Small Cars 

Smaller cars can be great for city driving, with their elegant profile and ability to zip through traffic. But finding the right small car for you can be tricky. To find your best match, follow the tips below:

Fuel economy

Always make sure your small car has strong fuel economy. The RACV's fuel efficiency guide will help you compare models by fuel consumption and the range you'll travel on a tank. Find out how many kilometres you'll travel with each model size.

Stability control

A car with stability control has a better chance of avoiding a crash if its traction is compromised. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) also helps you drive more smoothly. ESC is now required in most new Australian cars, along with seat belt reminders and airbags.

Exterior styling

You may think little of styling in terms of small cars, but it is essential to match a small car with a good interior and body style for your driving needs. Only buy a small car if you want sporty lines or are leaning towards retro styling, which will alter handling and braking performance.

Car park space

Small cars don't need as much car park space as bigger models. If you're shopping for a vehicle for three or more people, you should check the boot space - it's easy to underestimate, so avoid being disappointed when your shopping trip turns into a parking nightmare.

Safety features

Every small car should be fitted with safety technology, whether VSA (Vehicle Stability Assistance) systems, seat belt reminders, airbags, or even lane-departure warning systems. As well as the technologies, some vehicles will have other features such as rear cameras and blind spot assist that can make your driving safer.

Number of seats

Consider how many people you need to drive regularly and ensure you have enough seats. If you are buying a small car for one person, consider the number of children and pets you will be transporting.

Warranty

Ensure that your small car is adequately covered for repairs, roadside assistance, and mechanical breakdowns. Typical warranty periods can range from three to six years, with some manufacturers providing a lifetime cap for their warranty (including electrical items). Some vehicles come with a full 12-month, 24-month, or 36-month warranty, depending on the brand.

Places To Buy Small Cars 

Existing car dealerships

Typically, for your new car purchase, you'll have various brands to choose from. Most will let you test drive their cars, if not right on their lot, within a short drive away. Visit the dealerships in person to try before you buy.

RACV Auto Service Centre

These RACV Service Centres are the perfect place to buy used cars that have been through RACV's rigorous pre-owned checks. They are large enough to ensure competitive pricing and include some of the most trusted brands in Australia, like Volkswagen, Honda, and Subaru, amongst many others.

Used car dealers

If you are looking to buy a trade-in vehicle or are okay with buying secondhand cars, some dealerships might be willing to offer a trade-in. Here, you can find even the cheapest cars with very outstanding qualities. Don't settle for any haggling on price, as the dealer could have charged more than it should have. Find out the actual purchase price before negotiating.

Online auction sites

Choose your preferred car brand online, browse their auctions to see what you like, and click on their website links for more information about that particular make or model of car.

Car showroom

If you are a big fan of a specific model, consider making the trip to your local dealer's showroom. Most dealerships will have a few models in stock and will allow you to try them out on the same day or within a few days.

Private seller

You are likely to get what you want when buying from private sellers as they may not be as competitive as many dealerships. It can be less stressful if purchasing from someone you know rather than through an auction site.

Most dealerships will do their best to match the price of any vehicle you are interested in with another customer looking for that vehicle, so it's worth asking them if they can help secure a reasonable price.

Affordable Small Cars In Australia

There are plenty of affordable small cars in Australia to choose from. Whether you are looking for a secondhand, used car or want one of the latest models at a reasonable price, the tips above will help you get the best deal!

When choosing the right small car for everyday use or an occasional shopping trip, a compact car could be perfect for your budget and driving preferences. Either way, you have a wide range of options to choose from if you check for cars at dealerships or used car dealers.