Best Compact Sedans of March 2012

And now onto the sedan offerings in the compact class

The Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport comes in first place when it comes to compact sedans. While it's slightly more expensive than its rivals, it comes with a full size spare tyre and it has better fuel economy.

The Mazda 3 Neo comes in second place by being the cheapest of the lot ($21,990). Fuel economy isn't as good though and it has a space saver spare tyre.




The Mitsubishi Lancer Platinum is now at a decent price of $22,990 and is back in at number 3.

Best Compact Cars of March 2012

Not much has changed with the compacts, except the Toyota Corolla has now substituted the Mazda 3.

The Citroen C4 remains at #1. While it does use Premium Unleaded and it's slightly more expensive, it has great fuel economy. Comes with a full size tyre too!

The Hyundai i30 remains in second place. Comes with a full size spare as well.

The Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport comes in third place. It's the same price as the Hyundai i30, comes with a full size spare, but it has slightly worse fuel economy (although it's pretty negligible).

Best Light Sedans of March 2012

And now for the best light sedans of March 2012.

In first place we have the Ford Fiesta LX Diesel. While the car looks better as a hatchback than a sedan, both have a decent fuel economy thanks to its diesel engine, even for the $23,990 price tag. Only comes with a temporary mobility kit though (no spare tyre).

In second is the Hyundai Accent Elite sedan. At $19,990 it's cheaper than the diesel Ford Fiesta and comes with a full size spare tyre but its petrol engine can't beat it in terms of fuel economy.

In third place is probably the Hyundai Accent's cousin, the Kia Rio. While the fuel economy is slightly better than the Hyundai Accent the asking price of $22,488 is a bit more too.

Best Light Cars of March 2012

This month we're going to do things a little differently. Instead of just picking the best from each of the light and compact classes for under $25,000, we're also going to rate the best sedans from each class (for those of you who want a more conservative look and prefer a boot). First up though, here is the best from light cars in general (regardless of whether they're a sedan or hatchback).

In first place we still have the limited edition Honda Jazz GE Vibe. Comes with a full size spare.

The Hyundai i20 stays in second place due to slightly worse fuel efficiency when compared to the 1.3L Honda Jazz.

While the Suzuki Swift has the best fuel efficiency out of all the contenders, it has a higher up-front cost making it come in third place. Comes with a space saver spare tyre.

Best Cars of March 2011

This month's line-up is similar to September's line-up last year.

#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

Best Cars of March 2010

No changes here except the Kia Cerato Limited Edition is even cheaper.

#1 Subaru Impreza R

Base Model Estimated Price: $24,990

Pros:

• Subaru's good resale value


• Sedan


• Made in Japan


• 5 Star ANCAP Safety Rating


• Slightly larger than current car


• 3 year, unlimited km warranty

Cons:

• None

#2 Kia Cerato Limited Edition

Base Model Estimated Price: $20,990

Pros:

• Sedan


• 5 Star ANCAP Safety Rating


• One of the largest choices for under $25,000


• 5 year unlimited km warranty

Cons:

• Kia's poor resale value

#1 Hyundai i30 SLX

Base Model Estimated Price: $24,490

Pros:

• 5 Star ANCAP Safety Rating


• One of the largest choices for under $24,490


• 5 year unlimited km warranty

Cons:

• Korean cars have a perception of poor quality

Best Compact SUVs of March 2009

The Outlander is the only Japanese compact SUV on the block now, allowing the American Dodge Caliber to join the fray (even though it's not a true SUV but then again, there aren't many *real* ones left nowadays...)

#1 Hyundai Tucson

Base Model Estimated Price: $22,990

Pros:

• Cheap


• Alarm standard


• Alloy wheels standard/li>
  
• Full-size spare

Cons:

• None

#2 Dodge Caliber SX Petrol

Base Model Estimated Price: $26,680

Pros:

• Alloy wheels standard


• Alarm standard

Cons:

• No full size spare tyre

#3 Mitsubishi Outlander

Base Model Estimated Price: $29,990

Pros:

• Alloy wheel standard


• Alarm standard

Cons:

• Space Saver spare

Best Medium Cars of March 2009

The Magentis is once again ridiculously priced and now the Holden Epica enters the fray with the Camry out of the competition for now.

#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: $30,830

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• ESP standard


• Full size spare


• Excellent warranty

Cons:

• Alloy wheels extra

Best Compact Cars of March 2009

The Ritmo is now on sale again and has returned to replace the Volkswagen Golf as a new model has now been released.

#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 March 2009

With the introduction of the new Ford Fiesta, the price isn't as competitive anymore and as such, the Toyota Yaris is back in the top three.

#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: $19,500

Pros:

• Made in Japan


• Extra year warranty

Cons:

• No full-size spare