NZ’s most affordable cars with 5-star safety ratings

When you’re driving the latest tech, a comfortable interior and good looks are nice to have – but safety is essential. And because everything is expensive here in New Zealand when you buy a used or new car, price is probably top of your list too.

With that in mind, we’ve combed through models from major brands to bring you six of the most affordable vehicles with five star safety ratings. 

Kia Stonic 

The Kia Stonic is a compact, stylish SUV that’s absolutely packed with advanced safety features you’d expect to find on a much more expensive car. It’s got forward collision assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance, 6 airbags and much more. 

Add in zippy performance, a smart infotainment system and a comfy interior and the Stonic is ridiculously good value at just $25,990 + ORC. 

Mazda 2

The Mazda 2 is probably the best looking small car on the market, complete with an attractive interior and a bunch of smart features. It’s also incredibly safe, with all Mazda 2 models from 2015 receiving a 5-star safety rating.

That means you could pick up one of NZ’s most reliable and safe used cars for a lot less than you might expect.

Nissan Leaf

Ever thought about going electric? The newest Leaf gives drivers compelling reasons to make the change, with an 8-year battery warranty, range of up to 385km and some seriously cool features.

This car recovers energy when you brake, allows you to use just one pedal to brake and accelerate and features intelligent cruise control. All models from 2019 onwards received a 5-star safety rating.

Haval Jolion

The Haval Jolion is a super-safe, premium SUV with a very non-premium pricepoint of $29,990 + ORC. With that you get a spacious vehicle with more tech than you could possibly need, including heads up display, traffic sign recognition, reverse camera and sensors, adaptive cruise control and more. All Jolion models from 2020 onward have 5-star safety ratings.

GWM Ute

Great Wall Motors may be new to most Kiwis, but they’re building quality cars at seriously tempting price points. The GWM Ute is one example. 

This beast has 3,000 kg of braked towing capacity, 400 Nm of torque, advanced technology and a luxe interior. It also looks, feels and drives like a premium ute from more well-known brands with a super-low price of 41,490 + ORC. Buy any ute model later than 2020 used or new and it’ll have a five star safety rating.

Suzuki Swift Hybrid

The Suzuki Swift is one of New Zealand’s favourite small cars but its less popular sibling, the Suzuki Swift Hybrid, is safer, more fuel efficient and even better value. 

For just $27,990 + ORC you can pick up a new GLX Auto edition with radar brake support, reverse camera and several other safety features. All models from 2020-2022 have a 5-star safety rating, so if you’re lucky you could even grab a used one for less.

Keen to take a look at some of these safe and affordable vehicles? Drop in and see the team at your nearest Niccars dealership, or get in touch here.