With stronger safety standards and the democratisation of more advanced technology, buying a budget new-car is no longer a bad thing. But yes, the price baseline has also crept up: not so long ago, we'd have been talking about your new-vehicle options around the $20k mark. While there are still some in the low-$20k bracket, we're really now looking at $30k as a realistic cap for your affordable new-car shopping list.
So let's do that: meet your new-vehicle candidates for $29,999 or less, presented in order of retail price (except for a wild card at the end).
Fuel efficiency and safety are key for affordable cars. We've given ratings that are as up-to date as possible for both. However, some of these models have been on the market for a few years now, so in some cases the latest figures simply don't apply.
Fuel consumption is mostly given under New Zealand's 3P-WLTP standard, unless otherwise stated. For safety, ANCAP ratings were the priority, but where these have expired or the car wasn't tested, we've applied the Rightcar (NZ government) Vehicle Safety Risk Ratings (VSRR, explained here) or Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR).
MG3 Core (previous model, runout)
You can still buy an MG3 Core brand-new... but it's not really a "new" model". An all-new MG3 was launched in 2024, and this is simply the last of what seems to be an incredibly long runout for the previous generation.
Bearing in mind it dates back to 2011 (but launched in NZ in its second major facelift, in 2019), it's basic transport. Not a bad little thing at all though, with some nice interior design details. But the biggest draw might well be MG's impressive 10-year warranty.
Suzuki Ignis GLX manual
Another old-timer: this-shape Ignis dates back to 2016, but the retro styling (it's an homage to rear-engined classics like the Fronte and SC100) means it's aging well.
It's definitely near the end of its run, though; it was dropped in Australia last year because it doesn't have autonomous braking, which is now required by law over there. But not here.
It's a fun little hatch-cum-SUV and one of the few mainstream cars on the market available with a manual transmission. Note that you can have any Ignis, right up to the flagship Limited automatic, for well under $30k.
MG3 Vibe
If you're looking at an MG3 Core (top of page), wouldn't you just spend the $23,990 to get the vastly more modern new-gen model? Maybe, maybe not. It's still a high-value proposition, but the $4k extra represents a 20% premium. Small numbers make for big percentages.
You're definitely getting a whole lot more car in terms of style and safety, though. Vibe is MG's new entry-level badge, but you can have any MG3 petrol for under $30k; it's only the techy Hybrid+ versions that push into the next price bracket.
Chery Tiggo 4 Urban
We were impressed with Chery's little Tiggo 4 SUV right from the start, and after time in both petrol models we even argued the entry-level Urban was the pick of the lineup. It's the same powertrain for both versions.
Even if you do have a taste for the (slightly) finer things, the Tiggo 4 Ultimate still sneaks in under $30k. There's also a hybrid option, but that's out of our budget here.
Suzuki Swift GL (3rd gen)
Suzuki NZ continued with the 3rd-generation Swift as an even-more-budget alternative to the new 4th-gen model when the latter was launched in 2024. It's not technically a runout, more a continuation.
It comes only in basic GL specification, with a continuously variable transmission. You can still buy a manual Swift, but you'll have to move up to the new one. Speaking of which...
Suzuki Swift Plus manual (4th gen)
The Swift Plus is the cheapest new-gen model you can buy (and the only Swift available with three pedals), but every version right up to the RSC automatic lists for less than $30k. This is also the only hybrid car on our list, albeit with a very mild 12-volt system (and be aware you have to feed it 95-octane fuel).
Swift is another car that's had a rough ride with ANCAP safety testing. Initially slammed with a 1-star score, cars built after August 2025 now carry a 3-star rating thanks to structural improvements.
BYD Atto 1 Essential
Yes, you can have a pure-electric small car for less than $30k. Just. BYD's much-talked-about Atto 1 (aka Seagull or Dolphin Surf in other markets) has just gone on sale in NZ; we haven't reviewed it yet save a drive in China, but that's coming in the next couple of weeks.
The sub-$30k model has a modest battery and modest 220km range (fine for a city car though); there's a larger 43kWh/310km option, but not at this price. All models get a 5-star ANCAP rating.
Dongfeng Box
Oh look, another pure-electric small car for less than $30k. The Box was launched at a special-offer price of $29,990 (full retail is $32,990) and that still stands until the end of April.
It's a cute little thing, with a cat-themed infotainment system. But the elephant in the room is the car's blank safety scorecard: it has a lower specification than the European model that achieved 3 stars in Euro NCAP, and Rightcar has declined to give it a score under its NZ-specific VSRR system.
Mahindra 3XO AX5L
The 3XO can trace its underpinnings back to the SsangYong Tivoli (don't get us started, it's a long story), but it's emerged as a city SUV that can be considered a whole new proposition.
We like the fizzy 3-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, and the technology package is right up to date. The $33k AX7L adds even more luxury equipment, but honestly - the entry car has all you need for an urban express.
Mazda2 GSX
One of the most polished and well-rounded cars here... and probably the one you don't really think of. This generation of Mazda2 dates way back to 2014 and some features reflect that, although it's gained safety and comfort/convenience gear along the way.
It's still a great-looking and fun-to-drive car, with proven credentials. And as a budget buy, it's worth noting that the 5-year/unlimited km warranty is accompanied by a 5-year/100,000km servicing programme at no extra cost.
Wild card: Mahindra Pik Up single cab-chassis
You can have a brand-new ute for less than $30k, but it's no ordinary light commercial. It's Mahindra's idiosyncratic, undeniably tough Pik Up, albeit only in single-cab manual-transmission, RWD form (sorry, the tray and exterior addenda pictured are extra).
Go on, you know you want to.