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 Compact Cars of February 2012

The Mitsubishi Lancer SX is no longer on sale with the more expensive Platinum taking its place. However, we've got a new contender with Citroen selling its C4 at a cut-throat price!

The Citroen C4 debuts 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, which is more than can be said for the other two.

While the Mazda 3 is currently cheaper than the i30, fuel consumption is slightly worse and you only get a Space Saver spare tyre.

Best Light Cars of February 2012

This month we a slight shift in the leaderboard with the Honda Jazz taking the top spot thanks to the special edition GE Vibe.

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

The Hyundai i20 gets pushed back to 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 Compact Cars of January 2012

The Mitsubishi Lancer is back in the running so it goes back to #1.

The Hyundai i30 gets pushed back into second place. Comes with a full size spare, which is more than can be said for the other two.

While currently cheaper than the i30, fuel consumption is slightly worse and you only get a Space Saver spare tyre.

Best Light Cars of January 2012

This month an extra $1,000 was added to the price of the Hyundai Accent Elite sedan, so now it's no longer at the top as even a $1,000 can make the difference in this segment.

The cheaper prices of petrol have also made diesel not as attractive as it normally is pushing the Ford Fiesta out of the running.

The Hyundai i20 goes from third to first thanks to being good overall when it comes to price and fuel consumption.

Even after the changes in 1st and 3rd, the Suzuki Swift still comes in second place. Comes with a space saver spare tyre.

The new Holden Barina makes it in third place. The fuel consumption is nothing to write home about but you can't argue with the $16,990 price tag.