MG3 Remains Australia’s Cheapest & Highest Selling Small Car

Australia is one of the few key right hand drive (RHD) markets of the world. Bear in mind more than 75% of the world drives LHD (left hand drive) cars whereas the rest including us drives RHD cars.

Related: Why Left Hand and Right Hand Drive Cars?

Like most of the global car markets however, sales of small cars in Australia has declined in recent years in presence of higher-riding small crossover SUVs. According to the data, the light vehicle segment accounted for 12.4% of the overall new car market nearly a decade ago. However this market share figure declined to 7.7% in 2017, and this year the figure has fallen to just 5.4%.

But equally interesting are the changing faces of the top-sellers in Australian market. A decade ago the top-sellers were the Toyota Yaris, Mazda 2, Hyundai i20, Holden Barina and Suzuki Swift. Five years ago they were the Hyundai Accent, Mazda 2, Yaris, Honda Jazz and Kia Rio. But in 2022 so far, the dominant players are China-made MG3 which accounts for 40% market share with 6,131 sales, followed by Suzuki Baleno which holds 18% share with 2,712 sales.

Models such as the Yaris and Mazda 2 have become pricier with the addition of more driver-assist features, while staples such as the Hyundai i20 and Accent, Holden Barina, Honda Jazz, and Ford Fiesta have either been retired or relegated to niche, hot-hatch-only status. The MG3 has become a sales superstar both in the private and rental markets, having topped the charts in 2020 and 2021 as well. This is the third consecutive year for the MG3 to hold the title of Australia’s favorite & bestselling small car. Although its aging and lacks a 5-star ANCAP rating, but it’s reliable, cheap and has a long warranty.

The second bestseller in the class is Suzuki Baleno, which is sourced from India. Its sales have skyrocketed 83% this year to 2,712 units thanks to clearly decent supply levels. By contrast, the supply-constrained Suzuki Swift has only managed 1,023 sales this year, barely one-third of the Baleno’s haul despite being a better-known product. The list of bestselling small cars in Australia, so far during year 2022 goes like:

UsmanAnsari

A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com