Premium compact under $50K: Australia’s Best Value Cars 2017

Audi, Mini and BMW complete the podium of small, stylish and economical luxury hatches.

1st: Audi A1 Sporrtback 1.0 TFSI

Just as downsizers stepping from big early-century homes in the suburbs are choosing flash inner-city apartments and townhouses, those stepping from medium and large cars are opting for designer babies such as the Audi A1 Sportback rather than pedestrian small hatches.

With a chirpy 1.0-litre turbo triple, Ingolstadt’s smallest model uses just 4.2L/100km which makes it the least costly to fuel of any Gold Star Value award recipient. The insurance cost is reasonable for a premium hatch at $776, while the 12-month service interval will save hassle and a few bucks.

2nd: Mini Cooper

Condition-based servicing means the cheeky three-door Cooper will tell you when it needs a trip to see the spannerman, and it could go up to two years between visits, according to Mini.

3rd: BMW 118i Sport Line

The $36,990 BMW 118i will hold 57 percent of its new value after three years, compared with 46 percent for the $9500-cheaper Mini Cooper – a depreciation difference of just $360/year.

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