Five great value cars to seriously consider in 2025
When you’re buying a new car, you want great value for money. You don’t want to spend a fortune up front, and you want low ongoing costs too. Plus, it’s worth considering the impact on the environment—lower carbon emissions mean a smarter, more efficient drive.
With those factors in mind, we’ve shortlisted five new cars that will help you get as much value as possible from every dollar you spend. Each one costs less than 31c per kilometre to run1, compared to, say, 45c for a Ford Ranger Raptor or over $3 for a Ferrari Stradale2. That means you can relax knowing that if you drive 10,000km a year, your car should cost you around $3,100 to run.
MG4
The MG4 is fun to drive, with sporty styling and an appealing price tag. This is a versatile EV – it’s not big, but it’s spacious enough to be comfortable for passengers and has plenty of storage space. Packed with modern functions and with a surprising 500kg towing capability, the MG4 will adapt to most Kiwi lifestyles.
The electric battery has a generous range of 350km, and the car has a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty. All this, with a net price below $40,000, makes the MG4 a great-value vehicle.
Model: MG4 Excite 51
Power source: Electric
Purchase cost: $39,990 + ORC
Cost per km: $0.20
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
ANCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
BYD Dolphin
With its cutting-edge design, the Dolphin is going to turn heads. The Dolphin’s ‘ocean aesthetic’ extends beyond the exterior and into the colourful and imaginatively designed interior. The design flourishes, inside and out, making this a uniquely appealing car. It drives smoothly, feels super comfortable, and its price tag makes the Dolphin one of the more affordable EVs on the market.
Powered by BYD’s blade batteries, the Dolphin has a range of 340km. You can even use it as a portable battery to plug in a toaster or coffee machine when you’re camping.
Model: BYD Dolphin Standard Range
Power source: Electric
Purchase cost: $43,990 + ORC
Cost per km: $0.29
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
ANCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Toyota Yaris Hatch
Nimble and adorable, the Yaris Hatch is perfect for commuting and the occasional road trip – with no range anxiety because it never needs charging. It’s small, so if you’re driving a bunch of teenagers to rugby practice, it might not be for you. But if you’re looking for an economical daily driver to get you all over town, the Yaris could be just the ticket.
It won’t cost you much to run, either: Toyota claims the Yaris is the most fuel-efficient hybrid car on the market, with a combined fuel consumption of just 3.6L/100km.
Model: Toyota Yaris Hatch GX Hybrid
Powertrain type: Hybrid (Petrol/Electric)
Purchase cost: $32,490 + ORC
Cost per km: $0.19
CO2 emissions: 71g/km
ANCAP Safety Rating 5 stars
Honda Jazz Luxe
The Honda Jazz Luxe seamlessly blends innovative hybrid technology with exceptional comfort and practicality. Its advanced e:HEV hybrid system delivers an economical yet dynamic driving experience. With a fuel consumption of 4L/100km, the Honda Jazz Luxe ensures you get the most out of every litre.
Designed with a minimalist aesthetic, the Jazz Luxe features sleek lines and a spacious interior that offer ample room for passengers and cargo. Equipped with Honda’s advanced safety suite, this model prioritises your safety on every journey.
Model: Honda Jazz Luxe Sport
Powertrain type: Hybrid (Petrol/Electric)
Purchase cost: $38,000 + ORC
Cost per km: $0.21
CO2 emissions: 90g/km
ANCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
GWM Ora
A distinctive design with a high-quality finish, the Ora is another cute city EV that won’t cost you a fortune to run. It’s fully loaded with features and kit, including cameras, safety systems and a seven-year warranty. The Ora might look a bit like a Mini or a Beetle, but it’s about the same size as a VW Golf – bigger than you might expect, although the boot is on the small side.
The Ora is super quiet and manoeuvrable, so it’s perfect for popping into town, while the electric battery provides 310km of range for longer trips.
Model: GWM Ora Standard Range
Power source: Electric
Purchase cost: $37,990 + ORC
Cost per km: $0.30
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
ANCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
If these top tips have inspired you to find the perfect car, explore our car loan options to make your next purchase even easier.
1Please note this information is relevant at the time of writing. These costs are subject to change depending on electricity costs as well as Road User Charges (RUC).
2 Cost per kilometre data sourced from the GenLess total cost of ownership calculator.
AA Money loans are provided by UDC Finance Limited (UDC). UDC uses the AA Money registered trade mark under license from The New Zealand Automobile Association Limited (“The AA”).
Article written by The New Zealand Automobile Association (Incorporated).
Disclaimer: This is general information only