Best Cars of April 2011

Not much change from the leaderboard last month.

#1 Subaru Impreza R

Base Model Estimated Price: $24,490

Pros:

• Sedan
• 5 Star ANCAP Safety Rating
• Made in Japan
• Subaru resale value

Cons:

• None

#2 Mitsubishi Lancer SX

Base Model Estimated Price: $20,990

Pros:

• Sedan
• 5 Star ANCAP Safety Rating
• Made in Japan
• 5 year, 130,000km warranty

Cons:

• None

#3 Hyundai i30 Trophy CW

Base Model Estimated Price: $23,990

Pros:

• 5 Star ANCAP Safety Rating
• 5 year unlimited km warranty

Cons:

• Korean cars have a perception of poor quality (and hence lower resale values)

Best Cars of April 2010

Due to a change in criteria (increase in limit to $28,000) and a model going on sale (Mitsubishi Lancer) the scoreboards have changed once again.

#1 Mitsubishi Lancer Activ

Base Model Estimated Price: $21,990

Pros:

• Sedan


• 5 Star ANCAP Safety Rating


• Made in Japan


• 5 year, 130,000km warranty


• Awesome sale price

Cons:

• None

#2 Mazda 3 Maxx

Base Model Estimated Price: $27,507

Pros:

• Sedan


• 5 Star ANCAP Safety Rating


• Made in Japan

Cons:

• None

#3 Hyundai i30 SLX

Base Model Estimated Price: $24,490

Pros:

• 5 Star ANCAP Safety Rating


• One of the largest choices for under $28,000


• 5 year unlimited km warranty

Cons:

• Korean cars have a perception of poor quality


• Only hatchback models available

Best Compact SUVs of April 2009

This is the only class to really have been affected not just in the background by the price limit increase. Out go the Outlander and Tucson and in comes the Subaru Forester and Renault Koleos, both ANCAP 5 star winners.

#1 Subaru Forester

Base Model Estimated Price: $34,405

Pros:

• Safe


• Made in Japan


• All-wheel drive


• Full size spare


• Metallic paint included


• ESP standard

Cons:

• No alarm standard


• No alloy wheels standard

#2 Renault Koleos

Base Model Estimated Price: $34,920

Pros:

• Safe


• ESP Standard


• Full size spare


• Alloy wheels standard

Cons:

• Premium fuel recommended


• No alarm standard


• Metallic paint optional

#3 Dodge Caliber SX Petrol

Base Model Estimated Price: $26,680

Pros:

• Alloy wheels standard


• Alarm standard

Cons:

• No full size spare tyre


• No ESP Standard


• Metallic paint not standard

Best Large Cars of April 2009

Once again, the Holden Commodore is on sale as the only affordable large car.

#1 Holden Commodore

Base Model RRP: $33,990

Pros:

• Only large car under $35,000


• ESP Standard


• Big 3.6L Engine


• Alloys standard


• Alarm standard

Cons:

• A bit thirsty with fuel


• No full size spare


• Metallic paint extra

Best Medium Cars of April 2009

Once again no changes here with the ratings. The Mazda 6 loses top spot due to unbeatable value from its Korean rivals.

#1 Kia Magentis

Base Model Estimated Price: $20,190

Pros:

• Ridiculously low price


• Alloy wheels standard


• Alarm standard


• Full size spare


• ESP standard

Cons:

• Kia's poor resale value

#2 Holden Epica CDX Diesel

Base Model Estimated Price: $29,770

Pros:

• Alarm standard


• Full size spare


• ESP standard


• Includes alloys


• Economical diesel engine

Cons:

• Epica may too have poor resale values

#3 Mazda 6

Base Model Estimated Price: $32,973

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• ESP standard


• Full size spare


• Excellent warranty


• Safe

Cons:

• Alloy wheels extra

Best Compact Cars of April 2009

Not many changes in this category either.

#1 Hyundai i30

Base Model Estimated Price: $22,972

Pros:

• Full size spare


• Alarm standard


• Great warranty

Cons:

• Metallic Paint extra


• No alloys standard

#2 Subaru Impreza

Base Model Estimated Price: $26,680

Pros:

• Subaru resale value


• Metallic paint standard


• All-wheel drive


• Great warranty


• Made in Japan

Cons:

• Space Saver spare


• Poor fuel economy


• No alloy wheels standard


• No alarm standard

#3 Fiat Ritmo

Base Model Estimated Price: $25,990

Pros:

• Alloy wheels standard


• Economical diesel engine

Cons:

• No full-size spare


• Metallic Paint extra


• No alarm standard

Best Light Cars of April 2009

No change from last month here besides Mazda ending their specials.

#1 Toyota Yaris

Base Model Estimated Price: $20,397

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• Full-size spare

Cons:

• None

#2 Fiat Punto

Base Model Estimated Price: $23,590

Pros:

• Full size spare


• Safe

Cons:

• None

#2 Mazda 2

Base Model Estimated Price: $20,912

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• Extra year warranty

Cons:

• No full-size spare