Best new cars arriving in 2017 | under $20,000

Looking for something cheap and cheerful to get you from A to B in 2017? Here are the best contenders under $20,000.

More of the best new cars arriving in 2017 for $20,000-$40,000

These are the best new cars arriving in 2017 for $40,000-$60,000

Here are the best new cars arriving in 2017 for $60,000-$100,000

Kia Rio and Picanto

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2017 Kia Rio S

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2017 Kia Rio S

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2017 Kia Rio S

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The new-generation Kia Rio has just hit showrooms, and with list pricing sneaking under $17,000 for the base version, it’s well worth considering.

Other highlights include a sharp new look, more length and width and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range.

Even though the micro car sector is taking a bit of a drubbing, Kia is confident its all-new Picanto will find a market.

The new Kia Picanto will be touching down in Australia as soon as possible, hot on the heels of the current model which launched in April 2016.

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The new Kia Picanto will be touching down in Australia as soon as possible, hot on the heels of the current model which launched in April 2016.

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The new Kia Picanto will be touching down in Australia as soon as possible, hot on the heels of the current model which launched in April 2016.

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Details are scarce ahead of its launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March, but it has a longer wheelbase than the outgoing car, which means there should be more room front and back.

Its looks, too, are set to be bolder and more contemporary.

MG3

2017 MG3

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2017 MG3

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It’s a brave strategy, but the soon-to-be-launched MG3 may be on a hiding to nothing, despite an entry level price of less than $16,000.

The MG brand is now in new hands in Australia after a couple of false starts, and there are some big claims on record, but the MG3 slots into a competitive space where margins are thin and the competition is ruthless.

Suzuki Ignis and Swift

2017 Suzuki Ignis

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2017 Suzuki Ignis

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2017 Suzuki Ignis GLX

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2017 Suzuki Ignis GLX

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2017 Suzuki Ignis GLX

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2017 Suzuki Ignis GLX

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Reborn after more than 20 years, the Suzuki Ignis has just gone on sale from $15,990, topping out at less than twenty grand.

Marketed as an SUV, the diminutive Ignis comes with a 66kW 1.2-litre four-potter, with a five-speed manual as standard or a CVT for $1000 more.

The Japanese-built high hatch even has interchangeable internal colour panels to liven things up a bit. It’s light, too, at just 820kg in base spec.

2017 Suzuki Swift

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2017 Suzuki Swift

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2017 Suzuki Swift

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2017 Suzuki Swift

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2017 Suzuki Swift

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2017 Suzuki Swift

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2017 Suzuki Swift

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Like the Kia Rio, the entry version of the new-generation Suzuki Swift will start below the $20,000 barrier when the third generation of Suzuki’s most popular car launches here in May.

Slightly shorter than the current model, the new Swift will nonetheless have more cargo room and more interior space, thanks to a longer wheelbase that can be credited to an all-new platform. 

Expect a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine to debut, along with a new five-speed and a proper six-speed auto.

Which sub-$20,000 buy are you hanging out for? Tell us what you think in the comments below.