NZ’s Cheapest new cars
A few years ago anyone who suggested you could buy a brand new car in New Zealand for less than $14,000 could confidently be dismissed as a dreamer – but not today.
None of these models will get the blood rushing but the small car field is so competitive manufacturers are packing them with features once considered extras.
Many mainstream models are missing from the list, but some of the most popular smaller models like Toyota’s Yaris and the Mazda 2, are listed at more than $20k.
Here are Driven’s pick of some of the cheapest new cars on our market:
Chery J3
Made in China, the Chery J3 is a five-door hatchback, powered by a 1.6 litre four cylinder engine.
No startling claims are made about performance, but the J3 is fitted with leather seats, and has reversing sensors.
The Chery J3 CVT manual model is listed at $12,990 plus orc, while the CVT automatic version is listed at $14,990 plus orc.
Fiat Panda
Squarish it may be but stylish it certainly is, both inside and out. The Panda has been available in Europe for decades. It comes with stop/start function, rear parking sensors, roof rails, and even a sunglasses holder.
Like all models in this list, it comes with a small engine ( 1.1 litre) and don’t expect rocket propulsion. But it has six airbags, ABS, a brake assist system and vehicle dynamic control. The Panda has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
All this in a practical package that starts at $14,990 plus on road costs.
Suzuki Celerio
This city car has a 1-litre three cylinder engine but features Bluetooth, and comes with a four-star ANCAP safety rating.
A feature of the model is the relatively easy entry and exit, and performance is described by Suzuki as “peppy”. The Celerio GLX manual is listed at $15,990 plus orc, while the automatic version is listed at $17,500.
Mitsubishi Mirage
There are ancient versions of the Mistubishi Mirage still on the roads, so the model has a long backstory.The latest version has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and comes with a 10 year guarantee.
The Mirage is available at the moment at special retail price of $17,990 plus orc.
Holden Spark
Holden promotes the great connectivity on the Spark, which boasts Apple Carplay and Android auto functionality. It features a 7-inch touch colour screen, and a rear vision camera.
Powered by a 1.4 litre engine, the Spark also has traction control and electronic stability control systems, and has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The baseline LS model is listed at $16,490 plus orc, while the cvt automatic model is listed from $17,990.