Back
Top 10 Cheapest New Cars in Australia 2026 (Drive-Away Prices)
Top 10 Cheapest New Cars in Australia 2026: Drive-Away Prices
The lowest advertised drive-away price we found for a new car in Australia is $19,990. BYD Australia lists the Atto 1 Essential at that price, and the MG3 Vibe matches it on MG’s NSW-based pricing. Among the cheapest new cars in Australia, the right choice depends on transmission, powertrain and where you live, because most prices are promotional or tied to one state.
Prices were checked on 9 October 2026. Drive-away pricing, offers, specifications and availability can change.
National, postcode-based and single-state prices are not directly comparable, so this is an editorial ranking of the lowest verified advertised drive-away prices.
Quick Comparison
| Rank | Model and variant | Drive-away price | Transmission and powertrain | Body style | Price location and conditions | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BYD Atto 1 Essential | $19,990 | Automatic; electric | Small hatch | BYD Australia offer; retail buyers; order by 15 December 2026, deliver by 31 December 2026 | City driving with home charging |
| 2 | MG3 Vibe | $19,990 | CVT automatic; petrol | Light hatch | NSW private registration; includes $1,000 cashback; sold and delivered by 31 October 2026 | Low-cost petrol automatic |
| 3 | Kia Picanto Sport | From $22,290 | Five-speed manual; petrol | Micro hatch | Postcode-based estimate; private buyers; participating dealers; until 31 October 2026 | Tight city parking |
| 4 | Mahindra XUV3XO AX5L | $22,490 | Automatic; petrol | Small SUV | Promotional price with $1,500 saving; eligible 2025-built stock; ends 31 October 2026 | Low-cost small SUV |
| 5 | MG ZS Vibe 1.5 Petrol | $22,990 | CVT automatic; petrol | Small SUV | NSW private registration; confirm offer terms with a dealer | Budget small SUV |
| 6 | Chery Tiggo 4 Urban | From $23,990 | CVT automatic; turbo-petrol | Small SUV | Orders 1 October to 31 December 2026; no fleet, government or rental buyers | Long warranty |
| 7 | GWM Haval Jolion Premium | $23,990 | Automatic; turbo-petrol | Small SUV | Victorian private buyers; includes $3,000 saving; while stocks last; ends 31 October 2026 | Victorian buyers |
| 8 | Suzuki Swift Hybrid | From $24,990 | Five-speed manual; mild hybrid | Light hatch | Private buyers; not sold by Suzuki Australia in Queensland or northern NSW | Fuel-conscious commuting |
| 9 | BYD Atto 2 DM-i Essential | $25,990 | Automatic; plug-in hybrid | Small SUV | BYD Australia launch offer; retail buyers; order by 24 December 2026, deliver by 31 December 2026 | First plug-in hybrid |
| 10 | BYD Dolphin Essential | $28,888 | Automatic; electric | Small hatch | BYD Australia offer; retail buyers; order by 15 December 2026, deliver by 31 December 2026 | Roomier entry-level EV |
How We Compared Prices
We checked each manufacturer’s official offers page, model page or configurator on 9 October 2026 and ranked cars by the lowest drive-away figure shown. Before-on-road prices were not used.
We noted whether each price is offered by the manufacturer across Australia, state-based or postcode-based, time-limited, and for a manual or automatic. Where prices tie, the broader manufacturer offer comes first.
The 10 Cheapest New Cars in Detail
1. BYD Atto 1 Essential
BYD’s offers page lists the Atto 1 Essential at $19,990 drive-away for retail buyers. Orders run from 15 September to 15 December 2026, with delivery by 31 December 2026. Metallic paint is extra, and demonstrators are excluded.
It is a small electric hatch with a claimed WLTP range of 220km, enough for city errands and short commutes. BYD covers the car for six years or 150,000km and the battery for eight years or 160,000km.
2. MG3 Vibe
MG’s offers page shows the MG3 Vibe at $19,990 drive-away after a $1,000 cashback, down from $20,990. Cars must be sold and delivered between 1 and 31 October 2026 at participating dealers, while stocks last. Fleet, government and rental buyers are excluded. MG’s MG3 configurator bases the figure on NSW private registration.
The Vibe pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a CVT automatic, making it the cheapest petrol automatic we found. It is basic, with steel wheels and a reverse camera. MG advertises a 10-year, 250,000km warranty, subject to its conditions.
3. Kia Picanto Sport
Kia’s Picanto offers page lists a drive-away estimate from $22,290 for the Sport manual and from $23,390 for the Sport automatic. The page states these prices are valid until 31 October 2026 at participating dealers, for private buyers only. The exact figure depends on your postcode.
The Picanto is the smallest car here, which suits narrow streets and tight parking. Rear-seat and boot space are limited. Kia offers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with capped-price servicing.
4. Mahindra XUV3XO AX5L
Mahindra’s special offers page advertises the XUV3XO at $22,490 drive-away. That is a promotional price that includes a $1,500 instant saving, applies to eligible 2025-built stock and ends on 31 October 2026. Mahindra notes that stock is limited and additional wait times may apply.
The AX5L is the entry grade, with 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view camera and wireless smartphone mirroring. Ask a dealer to confirm the price for your state.
5. MG ZS Vibe 1.5 Petrol
MG’s ZS configurator shows the ZS Vibe 1.5 Petrol at $22,990 drive-away for NSW private registration. It uses an 81kW non-turbo engine with a CVT automatic.
MG’s October cashback names the turbo ZS Vibe, not this version, so confirm current terms with a dealer. The non-turbo engine is the least powerful in the range, so test-drive it loaded up if you often carry passengers. MG lists a five-star ANCAP rating dated 2025 for the ZS.
6. Chery Tiggo 4 Urban
The Tiggo 4 model page lists the MY26 Urban from $23,990 drive-away for new cars ordered from participating dealers between 1 October and 31 December 2026. Fleet, government and rental buyers are excluded.
Chery also shows a $1,500 fuel card bonus for cars purchased and delivered between 1 and 31 October 2026, while stocks last. It can be swapped for an equivalent reduction at the point of sale.
The Urban has a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, a CVT automatic and a claimed 7.4L/100km, backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
7. GWM Haval Jolion Premium
GWM’s current offers page lists the Jolion Premium petrol at $23,990 drive-away for private buyers in Victoria. The price includes a $3,000 saving, applies while stocks last and ends on 31 October 2026.
Buyers in other states should request their own quote. The Jolion uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, offers a hybrid at extra cost and carries a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
8. Suzuki Swift Hybrid
Suzuki’s Swift Hybrid page lists the base model from $24,990 drive-away for private buyers. That version is a five-speed manual, with the CVT automatic on dearer grades. Premium and metallic paint cost extra.
Suzuki Australia does not operate in Queensland or northern NSW, so buyers there need a separate quote. The Swift is a mild hybrid that never needs plugging in, and Suzuki gives it a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
9. BYD Atto 2 DM-i Essential
BYD’s launch offer prices the Atto 2 DM-i Essential at $25,990 drive-away. Orders run from 24 September to 24 December 2026, with delivery by 31 December 2026.
As a plug-in hybrid, it can run on electricity for short trips and petrol for longer drives. The fuel savings depend on charging regularly.
10. BYD Dolphin Essential
The Dolphin Essential is $28,888 drive-away under BYD Australia’s offer, with the same order and delivery dates as the Atto 1. It is a larger electric hatch with more room for passengers and luggage. Check its range against your weekly driving before ordering.
What Does Drive-Away Pricing Include?
A drive-away price normally combines the car’s price and GST with 12 months’ registration, compulsory third-party insurance, stamp duty, dealer delivery and other government charges.
Inclusions vary by state, postcode, dealer, buyer type and offer terms, and paint upgrades are often extra. Ask for the full figure in writing before ordering.
What Is the Cheapest Automatic New Car in Australia?
The BYD Atto 1 Essential (single-speed electric drive) and MG3 Vibe (CVT) are both automatics at $19,990 drive-away, though the MG figure is NSW-based.
The cheapest manual is the Kia Picanto Sport from $22,290, with the automatic from $23,390.
Are Cheap New Cars Good Value?
Often, but look past the sticker price. Warranty lengths and conditions differ between brands, so read the terms rather than comparing headline years.
Safety equipment and ANCAP rating dates differ by variant. Servicing, insurance and fuel or charging costs can vary more than purchase prices, and many offers depend on available stock.
Should You Consider a Demo or Used Car Instead?
Sometimes. A demonstrator can cost less and usually keeps the balance of its factory warranty. A used car may buy a larger model for the same money, but condition and remaining warranty vary.
You can compare new cars with demo listings on Auto Buyers Guide. For a wider market view, see our guide to Australia’s best-selling cars in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest car in Australia in 2026?
On advertised drive-away prices, the BYD Atto 1 Essential and MG3 Vibe are both $19,990. The price shown by BYD Australia is a promotional offer. The MG price is NSW-based and includes an October cashback.
What is the cheapest automatic new car in Australia?
The Atto 1 Essential and MG3 Vibe, both automatics at $19,990 drive-away.
What are the cheapest new cars under $25,000?
On verified drive-away prices: the Atto 1, MG3 Vibe, Picanto Sport, XUV3XO AX5L, ZS Vibe, Tiggo 4 Urban, Jolion Premium (Victorian offer) and Swift Hybrid.
Are cheap new cars safe?
It depends on the model and variant. Check the ANCAP rating, its date and the standard safety equipment on the exact car.
Does drive-away pricing include registration and stamp duty?
Usually, but inclusions vary by manufacturer, state, dealer and offer. Confirm them in writing.
Compare Budget Cars on Auto Buyers Guide
Use Auto Buyers Guide’s vehicle search to compare new, demo and used listings, check variant details and contact dealers for a written drive-away quote in your state.