With plenty of brands, makes, and models to choose from in the Australian car market, buying a new car can be an overwhelming process. If you’re not sure what you’re after, looking at the best selling cars can be a handy way to get started.
Did you know?
This week, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) — the peak industry body for automotives in Australia — released the latest new-car sales figures for February 2021.
It showed a total of 83,977 cars were sold, up 5.1% compared to February 2020. Toyota was the top selling brand (18,375 vehicles sold), followed by Mazda (8,322), Hyundai (6,252), Mitsubishi (6,202), and Kia (5,871).
The figures reflect an increase in new-car sales for the fourth month in a row, after a 31 month decline (the longest downturn since the Global Financial Crisis). This is despite ongoing stock shortages as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
Top 10 Best Selling Cars in Australia — February 2021
To help you get started on your search for a new car, here’s a list of the top 10 selling cars in Australia for February 2021:
1. Toyota Hilux
- Volume: 18,375
- Year-on-Year Change: +4.5%
The Toyota Hilux has once again nabbed the number one spot as Australia’s most popular car, with 18,375 units sold in February. The Hilux range includes the WorkMate, WorkMate Hi-Rider, SR, SR Hi-Rider, SR5, SR5 Hi-Rider, Rogue, and Rugged X. Variants include Single-Cab, Extra-Cab, and Double-Cab. Ideal for off-road adventures, the HiLux features off-road capability, load and tow ratings, autonomous emergency braking, remote-area service, and a smooth 2.8L diesel engine.
2. Ford Ranger
- Volume: 2,900
- Year-on-Year Change: -9.4%
One of the most popular dual-cab utes in Australia, the Ford Ranger model includes the Single Cab, Double Cab, Super Cab XL, alongside XL, XLS, XLT, WildTrak and Raptor. It features 800mm water wading, e-locking rear differential, and hill descent control for off-road capability. Plus, it comes with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and traffic sign recognition.
3. Toyota RAV4
- Volume: 2,750
- Year-on-Year Change: +2.7%
With 2,750 units sold in February, the Toyota RAV4 lands the title of Australia’s best-selling SUV. It’s line-up includes the GX, GXL, Cruiser, and Edge varieties. The RAV4 comes with the brand’s signature petrol-electric hybrid technology, available in 2WD or AWD versions. Safety features include pre-collision safety system, active cruise control, and road sign assist.
4. Toyota Corolla
- Volume: 2,427
- Year-on-Year Change: -8.2%
A smaller alternative to the ute and SUV, the Toyota Corolla is available in either a hatch, sedan, or hybrid style and includes Ascent Sport, SX, and ZR variants. It features safety technology including a pre-collision safety system, lane trace assist, and road sign assist. Plus, it comes with smart technology such as Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ that is displayed on an 8” colour touchscreen.
5. Hyundai i30
- Volume: 2,210
- Year-on-Year Change: -0.7%
Delivered in hatch, sedan, or fastback models, each Hyundai i30 is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and audio streaming, six speakers, and an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. It also boasts safety features including stability control, seven airbags, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, and LED daytime running lights.
6. Mazda CX-5
- Volume: 2,048
- Year-on-Year Change: +7.9%
A strong contender in the SUV market, the Mazda CX-5 sold more than 2,000 units for February. With 13 variants to choose from, the flagship SUV model boasts Mazda’s signature Skyactiv Technology and comes with either a petrol or diesel engine. Stand out features include i-Activsense advanced safety technologies as well as Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.
7. Isuzu D-Max
- Volume: 1,765
- Year-on-Year Change: +68.6%
With more than 1,500 units sold in February, the Isuzu D-Max is also a best-selling ute. The Isuzu D-Max comes with a 3.0L turbo diesel engine, 3.5 tonne towing capacity (on select models), and six-speed transmission. It also features a large, customisable central touchscreen boasting Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and voice recognition. Ideal for tough terrain, it includes steel underbody protection and 800mm wading depth.
8. Mitsubishi Triton
- Volume: 1,761
- Year-on-Year Change: -7.7%
Coming in just under the Isuzu D-Max, the Mitsubishi Triton sold 1,761 units for February. Boasting a 2.4L MIVEC turbo diesel engine, it features a 3.1 tonne braked towing capacity (on select models) and six-speed automatic or manual transmission.
9. Mitsubishi ASX
- Volume: 1,489
- Year-on-Year Change: +6.3%
Selling 1,489 units for February, the compact SUV model comes with a refined and fuel-efficient 2.0L MIVEC engine. The ASX features the brand’s signature Motos Intuitive Technology which includes blind spot warning, lane change assist, forward collision mitigation, and hill start assist.
10. Kia Cerato
- Volume: 1,468
- Year-on-Year Change: -10.7%
With S, Sport, Sport+, and GT variants available, the Kia Cerato is available as a hatchback or sedan. With prices ranging from $22,000 up to $34,000, the Kia Cerato comes either with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine or 1.6L turbo four-cylinder engine. Safety features include anti-lock brakes, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking. If you upgrade with a Safety Pack, it also comes with blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alerts.
NODDLE is a consolidated online resource, we are not financial advisors. We work with a range of industry professionals and compliance check our articles to ensure factual accuracy. However, we do not provide professional financial advice. Consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice to check how the information and ideas presented in this article relate to your unique circumstances.