While hatchbacks, sedans and wagons have been massively out-sold in recent years by their SUV relatives, they remain important options for buyers looking for something specific to their needs and taste.
Thankfully, many manufacturers are sticking by the trusty sedan platform, and we’ve compiled a shortlist of the best sedans priced under $30k right here.
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Request a quoteLet’s take a look at list prices, engines, practicality elements like boot space, features and safety equipment on some of the best sedans under $30,000 here in Australia.
Toyota Corolla
Our list kicks off with a car you might be more used to seeing in hatchback form, but is actually far more practical in sedan form, the Toyota Corolla.
The Corolla’s tried-and-tested platform is a great option for a user-friendly and comfortable commuter and even a family car for younger drivers, and better still, you can get into all but the flagship ZR for under our price cut-off.
That means you can get your hands on a hybrid engine, which upgrades from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder (125kW/200Nm) to a 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine that reduces fuel economy figures from 6.5L/100km to just 3.5L/100km.
Things keep getting better when you take a look inside at the generous amount of equipment, the updated design with its spacious second row and the large 470L boot that is perfect for growing families.
Mazda 2
While the Mazda 2 might be the smallest horse in the company’s stables, the platform punches above its weight when it comes to value for money, driving engagement and a surprisingly practical cabin.
Every member of the Mazda 2 family, from the entry-level G15 Pure to the flagship G15 GT is available for under $30,000; the latter of which comes packed with a heap of entertainment, safety and premium features.
The Mazda 2 is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder producing 82kW of power and 144Nm of torque, which returns fuel economy figures of 5.4L/100km in the manual and 5.3L/100km in automatic variants.
While the second row might be a tight squeeze for tall adults, it remains usable and benefits from a healthy amount of boot space that measures in at 440L.
The entry-level G15 Pure comes riding on 15-inch alloys and receives LED headlights, cruise control, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, while the mid-range Evolve gains 16-inch alloys, climate control and satellite navigation.
Upgrade to the range-topping G15 GT and you’ll receive a mix of leather and suede for the upholstery, adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors and a surround-view camera.
Hyundai i30 Sedan
Hyundai has made it loud and clear that it is sticking with the sedan platform with the sleek and stylish i30 Sedan, which comes priced from just $25,190.
For the money, it’s one of the best value propositions within the sedan market, and comes powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 117kW of power, 191Nm of torque while returning fuel economy figures of 7.0L/100km.
The i30 Sedan is one of the best in the segment when it comes to all-round refinement in the cabin, practicality and space in both the first and second row of the cabin, making it incredibly family-friendly thanks to its large 474L boot.
The i30 Sedan Active comes riding on 17-inch alloys and receives adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, a reversing camera with parking sensors, wireless smartphone charging and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
Kia Cerato
The Kia Cerato has received a much-needed mid-life update recently, which can be optioned in both entry-level S and mid-spec Sport variants for under $30,000.
The Cerato range kicks off from $25,990 for the Cerato S, with prices moving north to $28,090 for the Cerato Sport; the optional Safety Package adds $1,000 to the price which adds adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alerts and autonomous emergency braking.
Both come powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 112kW of power and 192Nm of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission fitted as standard that returns fuel economy figures of 7.4L/100km on a combined cycle.
Standard equipment for the entry-level S includes 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, rear-view camera with parking sensors, automatic headlights and an 8.0-inch infotainment system, while the Cerato sport gains an upgraded 10.25-inch infotainment system, 17-inch alloys and faux leather steering wheel.
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 has been a heavy-hitter in the world of sedans, and in its latest form, it’s gotten even better, remaining a benchmark for its rivals to meet in order to win over buyers.
The current Mazda 3 range kicks off from $26,540 for the G20 Pure hatch or sedan, with the G20 Evolve also available for under our $30,000 price cut-off.
Both the G20 Pure & Evolve come powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 114kW of power and 200Nm of torque, with the option of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions that return impressive fuel economy figures of 5.9L/100km.
Inside, the cabin is sleek, stylish and impressively well-equipped for the money, with a decent amount of space in the second row and a large boot measuring in at 444L.
Standard equipment for the G20 Pure includes a set of 16-inch alloys, LED head & tail lights, leather steering wheel & gear lever, head-up display and an 8.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
Stepping up to the G20 Evolve adds a set of 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, rear air vents and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, making for an impressively well-equipped sedan under $30,000.
Subaru Impreza
Subaru’s iconic Impreza sedan is also the company’s most affordable model currently on sale here in Australia, with prices kicking off from $23,990 and all-but the flagship 2.0i-S available for under $30,000.
The Impreza range comes powered by a 2.0-litre boxer engine that kicks up 115kW of power and 196Nm of torque, powering all four wheels via a CVT automatic that returns fuel economy figures of 6.6L/100km.
Available in both hatchback and sedan versions, the Impreza’s revised cabin has been brought into the modern age and offers enough space for a family thanks to the generous 460L boot.
Standard equipment for the entry-level Impreza 2.0i includes a set of 17-inch alloys, cruise control, rear-view camera, climate control and a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
Stepping up to the 2.0i-L adds an upgraded 8.0-inch infotainment system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and adaptive cruise control, while the 2.0-i Premium gains a panoramic sunroof, and sat-nav upgrade.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is one of, if not the benchmark sedans that has led the pack for decades now.
In its latest form, Toyota has perfected the recipe even more and created a comfortable, practical, feature-packed and affordable sedan that remains one of the best options for growing families.
It comes powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 152kW of power and 243Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic that powers the front wheels and returns fuel economy figures of 6.8L/100km.
The interior is spacious and practical for large families, with a heap of legroom in the second row joined by a pair of ISOFIX anchors and a large boot measuring 524L to round-out the family-friendly package.
Standard equipment for the entry-level Toyota Camry includes a set of 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, reversing camera and a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
While starting prices for the Toyota Camry might be just above our cut-off mark, it remains possible to get a run-out Camry during a plate clearance considering its list price stands at $30,990.
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