Best Small Cars
Looking for something compact?
Are you wanting a car that is small in stature but big on value, equipment and driving enjoyment? These four Drive Car of the Year categories are for those wanting the best small cars on sale. Many of us live in Australia's cities, where a car with a compact footprint makes the most amount of sense.
The small car categories for Drive Car of the Year 2025 have something for buyers on any budget, with all winners delivering the best big car qualities in compact packages.
If you want big features from your small car, here are our four best.
| Model | Category | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 2024 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Ultimate 1.5L SUV FWD Best Urban Car under $30k | Best Urban Car under $30k | View  View details | |
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 | Honda Civic 2024 Honda Civic e:HEV L 2.0L Hatchback FWD Hybrid Best Urban Car under $50k | Best Urban Car under $50k | View View details | |
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 | Hyundai Kona 2024 Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium 1.6L SUV FWD Hybrid Best Small SUV under $50k | Best Small SUV under $50k | View View details | |
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 | MINI Countryman 2024 MINI Countryman SE Favoured SUV 4WD Best Small SUV under $80k | Best Small SUV under $80k | View View details | |
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Drive Car Of The Year
Best Urban Car under $30k
In this category, judges considered buyers who wanted fuss-free compact motoring with a balance of features for the price. As the most affordable category in the Drive Car of the Year 2024 program, value was a crucial factor.
To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.
Winner: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
1 / 3A new small SUV from the growing brand that promises to be one of the best-value new cars on sale. The most affordable Urban grade starts from $23,990 drive-away, but even the flagship Ultimate ($26,990 drive-away) fits under the price cap of this category, packing in features such as a sunroof and leather-look seats that are rare at this price point.
Find out why this car won
Finalist: Volkswagen Polo
2 / 3The Volkswagen Polo is priced from $29,490 plus on-road costs in its most affordable Life trim, the Polo remains one of the most ‘grown-up’ city cars on sale, promising refinement and a solid feel expected of the Volkswagen brand.
Learn more about the Volkswagen Polo
Finalist: MG 3
3 / 3A new-generation model for this year’s awards, the latest iteration of the MG 3 is now available as a hybrid, promising fuel efficiency of 4.3L/100km to compete with the best in the class, yet still offering more power than all of its rivals.
Learn more about the MG3
Best Urban Car under $50k
In this category, judges again prioritised buyers looking for easy urban motoring with a focus on value, but also looked for cars that offered drivers a little more character and style.
To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.
Winner: Honda Civic Hybrid
1 / 3The new hybrid-powered Honda Civic is priced just under the $50,000 barrier in e:HEV L trim. Judges were thrilled with how the petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain worked – a seamless blend of two power sources designed to cut fuel use.
Find out why this car won
Finalist: Volkswagen Golf
2 / 3The Volkswagen Golf still represents one of the most premium-leaning cabin presentations in its segment, with judges giving a nod in particular to the small hatchback’s sturdy build quality.
Learn more about the Volkswagen Golf
Finalist: Hyundai i30 Sedan
3 / 3Hyundai issued some changes to the i30 nameplate in 2024 and it’s the hybrid-powered i30 Sedan that has made its way into the final stages. Blending a frugal petrol-electric powertrain with a quiet, refined driving character, the i30 Sedan received praise for its everyday driveability and low running costs.
Learn more about the Hyundai i30 Sedan
Best Small SUV under $50k
This popular buyer segment saw judges look for cars that provided flexibility and practicality for a value-oriented buyer. Purchase, operation and ownership costs were critical to selecting a winner.
To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.
Winner: Hyundai Kona Hybrid
1 / 3As the defending entrant in this segment, the Kona faces stiff competition, but even still Hyundai hasn’t rested – rolling out improved driver-assist features to make the Kona a more user-friendly vehicle in the urban environments it's likely to be found in.
Find out why this car won
Finalist: Lexus LBX
2 / 3At the more premium end of the segment, the compact Lexus LBX slides in under the price limit for the class, and brings with it a polished and premium presentation that Lexus is so well known for.
Learn more about the Lexus LBX
Finalist: MG ZS
3 / 3The all-new MG ZS isn’t just cost-effective, it’s also well-equipped and up-to-date. There’s a frugal hybrid engine and a long list of standard safety features in this model.
Learn more about the MG ZS
Best Small SUV under $80k
Buyers wanting to spend a little bit more on a compact SUV are looking for more style and status in their car. In this category, judges maintained a focus on flexibility and practicality but also went further into material choice and equipment levels to find a winner.
To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.
Winner: Mini Countryman
1 / 3The new Mini Countryman brings fresh style and functionality, plus some fun new technology to the market while offering buyers a choice of either petrol or electric from their compact SUV. It’s this combination, paired with an array of trims, colours and personalisation configurations, that makes the Mini a compelling runner in this year’s awards.
Find out why this car won
Finalist: Smart #1
2 / 3The Geely-developed underpinnings, shared with the Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X, offers decent range and efficiency as well as a comfortable and compliant ride. Like the Mini, there are plenty of fun choices for buyers to create a personalised example, while maintaining a flexible and functional SUV format.
Learn more about the Smart #1
Finalist: Volvo EX30
3 / 3While the XC40 may have handed in its crown, the all-electric Volvo EX30 is still flying the blue and yellow flag for the Swedish brand. The compact EV delivers some stylish Scandinavian minimalism and sustainable materials along with a choice of drivelines and a well-sorted suspension setup.
Learn more about the Volvo EX30
