You may not expect to see the words affordable and luxury side by side, but there has long been a strong demand in Australia for cars that deliver a luxury badge on a budget.
Here we look at some of the models that blend the best of both worlds, allowing you to get behind the wheel of something a little classier, a little more refined, but more affordable than you might expect.
Audi A1
A luxury badge in a luxury hatchback for less than the price of most family SUVs, the second-generation Audi A1 has been stylishly redesigned with a driver-focused interior. Sporty and agile (it’s called a Sportback for a reason), the Audi A1 is at home navigating city streets and provides busy city dwellers with plenty of comfort and tech, including a 10.25-inch digital widescreen dash display and an infotainment system incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
One key differentiator from many of its competitors is that there are no additional safety options on the A1. Its full suite of safety tech is available as standard on every model, meaning you don’t have to pay extra for added peace of mind.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan
This new four-door sedan version of Mercedes’ fourth-generation A-Class is the world’s most aerodynamically efficient passenger car.1 It’s ideal for buyers seeking a comfy, practical urban runabout, with the latest safety features, stylish interior comforts and generous boot space. Chief among its tech offerings is the infotainment system, accessible via two (yes, two) 10.25-inch digital displays. The ‘Hey Mercedes’ function works like Apple’s Siri, allowing you to control temperature settings and navigation destinations with simple spoken commands.
BMW X1
The BMW X1 has been on sale in Australia for more than ten years now, becoming a firm favourite in the luxury small SUV segment. In 2019, BMW updated the model, introducing significant changes to the front and rear designs, and a massive upgrade in interior material quality and technology. The state-of-the-art full-colour BMW head-up display projects information about your journey, such as current speed and navigation directions, directly into your field of vision, allowing you to fully concentrate on the road ahead.
Volvo XC40
Crowned 2019 Wheels Car of the Year, this stylish premium crossover is one of the most affordable luxury SUVs on the market. The interior is polished and clean, representing the brand’s famous Swedish design, and its carpeting is made from recycled plastic, catering for the sustainability-conscious. The vehicle has also garnered a five-star ANCAP safety rating (it’s a Volvo after all). Not only is it great for everyday city driving, offering light, direct steering and enhanced driver visibility from its higher seat position, but its cabin is spacious and flexible enough for adventurous weekend getaways, with split-folding rear seats to easily accommodate extra cargo.
Peugeot 2008
Peugeot is a French brand known for producing cars that are highly reliable, economical, comfortable, safe and spacious. The all-new 2021 Peugeot 2008 stands out in the crowded small SUV market for its eye-catching design. It also debuts Peugeot’s latest 3D i-Cockpit, with a configurable 3D instrument display and colour touchscreen. Its interior is full of high-quality materials and its passenger space is substantial, offering rear passengers more legroom and freedom than in many of the vehicle’s main rivals. And with the rear seats folded down, you’ve got access to a whopping 1467L of cargo space – one of the largest boots available in its class.
References:
1. https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/mercedes-benz-a-class-75192
Disclaimer:
Whilst all care is taken in preparing this information, you should not rely on it without making your own independent assessment of the vehicle and other sources of information.