Top 5 Quickest Accelerating Cars below $35,000 Australia
If you a smart guy, who thinks spending more than thirty five thousand dollars on a car is stupid, you are absolutely right. Because today, a Tesla Model 3 Performance, is available for a mouth watering, thirty five grand, in the used car market. But that's not all, a 2 year old, MG4 X-power is also available for the same price. It will be a tad bit slower than the Model 3 Performance in terms of acceleration. But the Tesla, that you will find at this price, will at least be five years old. Plus it will have at least a hundred and fifty thousand kilometers on the odo. While the X Power can be found with just forty thousand kilometers on the clock. Now coming to question of whether any petrol powered alternatives can be found with similar performance in the used car market? Then the answer is no. However, something slightly slower can certainly be found. The german hot-hatches, namely the Audi RS3, Mercedes A Class and the BMW 1 Series, all had their Flagship versions capable of pulling a sub five second sprint to a hundred kph some ten years ago. Now they are all available for less than 20 grand, except for the Audi RS3. But then, the Volkswagen group can be forgiven for it, as their Golf R takes it's place on the roster. Our favourites are the Beemers. The M one thirty five i is available for as low as sixteen thousand dollars, with a delicious inline-six turbo-petrol, mated to the ZF 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. To be honest, it doesn't make any sense to shell out an extra twenty grand for the EVs up there. If you want an even better driving experience then you can get the 2 series, with the limited slip differential. It is about eight grand more expensive, but is beyond doubt, the most effervescent alternative among this bunch. If you want something with all wheel drive, you have two choices. The Mercedes A45 AMG or the Golf R. The Golf R has a more liveable, and yet also the more entertaining suspension setup, while the Merc is objectively more capable. If you insist on X Power equalling acceleration, then the option of a stage 1 remap does exist. For example the Golf R with a reliable stage 1 remap from Revo, can crack the ton in four seconds flat. Not bad for a car that is available for seventeen grand right? If you insist on a brand new vehicle in this price range, then the i20 N is your best option. It is painfully slow compared to the used options tho. Plus it is only available with a manual gearbox. If you want an automatic, then the Swift Sport is your best bet. Else, you can stretch your budget to forty-one grand and go for a Polo GTi. Can't really imagine, who in their right minds would go for such slow and expensive front-wheel-drive appliances though. Especially when those entertaining Beemers, are thankfully, still available, for those who know where to find them.
$.1. Used Golf R with REVO Stage I Remap BEST ICE
0-100 kph - 4.0 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK0z9J5QQyA
Price - $17,500 AUD (2014) + 719 GBP for the remap - https://www.evo.co.uk/volkswagen/golf-r/14876/revo-volkswagen-golf-r-review-price-specs-and-0-60-time
1,476 kg - https://www.drive.com.au/cars-for-sale/car/969832311/
$.3. Used Mercedes A45 AMG ICE
0-100 kph - 4.78 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34gGG4rYEY0
$.4. Used Golf R ICE
0-100 kph - 4.9 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVHMGrRFdrw
Price - $17,500 AUD - https://www.drive.com.au/cars-for-sale/car/969832311/
1,476 kg - https://www.drive.com.au/cars-for-sale/car/969832311/
0-100 kph - 6.5 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZWHXmQJf6M
Price - $10,400 AUD (2010)
1,315 kg - https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15146936/2010-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review/
0-100 kph - 4.7 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMqZuWNkAmE
Price - $24,000 AUD (2014)
1,585 kg - https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2014-bmw-m235i-first-test
1.1. Used Model 3 Performance EV
0-100 kph - 3.61 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz_Hn0S7DqU
Price - $35,000 AUD - https://www.drive.com.au/cars-for-sale/car/969851402/
1,847 kg - https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a36329678/2019-tesla-model-3-performance-by-the-numbers/
1.2. Used MG4 XPOWER EV
0-100 kph - 3.92 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3cbJ-Uf2yY
Price - $35,000 AUD - https://www.drive.com.au/cars-for-sale/car/969692126/
1,800 kg - https://www.carexpert.com.au/mg/mg4/2024-xpower-13960816
1.3. Used Audi RS3 ICE
0-100 - 4.3 sec - https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2016-audi-rs3-sportback-review/
Price - $39,999 AUD (2016) - https://www.drive.com.au/cars-for-sale/car/969799223/
1,520 kg - https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2016-audi-rs3-sportback-review/
1.4. Used Model Y RWD EV
0-100 kph - 7.15 sec - https://www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/midsize-suvs/tesla-model-y-rear-wheel-drive-2022-review/
Price - $38,888 AUD (2022)
1,830 kg - https://www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/midsize-suvs/tesla-model-y-rear-wheel-drive-2022-review/
0-100 kph - 7.2 sec (Manual-only) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvtuu8fAS-A
Price - $36,500 AUD - https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/hyundai-i20-n-2025-review-149137/
1,213 kg Tare - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzXQAF8ylb4
1.6. Swift Sport BEST ICE up to the price
0-100 kph - 7.6 sec - https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2021-suzuki-swift-sport-series-ii-review/
Price - $31,990 AUD (Automatic) - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2024-suzuki-swift-sport-review
990 kg - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2024-suzuki-swift-sport-review
[2] $40,000 to $50,000 AUD
2.1. Polo GTi BEST ICE up to the price
0-100 kph - 6.52 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JeQUmsBD0Q
Price - $41,790 AUD - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2025-volkswagen-polo-review
1,330 kg Tare Mass - https://www.volkswagen.com.au/en/models/polo-gti.html?srsltid=AfmBOoorYD9WkCksL7RHgtw22YfzivGskH9oklPKb_4gfPO4CXq1F0Oj
2.2. GR86 GT ICE
0-100 kph - 6.95 sec (Automatic) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcta42x7C1w
Price - $43,240 AUD - https://www.drive.com.au/news/2025-toyota-gr86-update-revealed/
1,245 kg Tare Mass - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcta42x7C1w
0-100 kph - 7.77 sec (Automatic) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ14d2XBP0Y
Price - $45,520 AUD - https://www.carexpert.com.au/mazda/mx-5#price
1,090 kg Tare Mass - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ14d2XBP0Y
[3] $50,000 AUD to $55,000 AUD
3.1. Haval H6 GT PHEV BEST PHEV up to the price
0-100 - 5.18 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZDVXrhb0YM
Price - $53,990 AUD - https://www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/midsize-suvs/haval-h6-gt-plug-in-hybrid-2025-review/
2,075 kg - https://evcentral.com.au/2025-gwm-haval-h6gt-phev-review-new-plug-in-hybrid-packs-in-the-value-and-ev-range-to-make-life-tough-for-byd-sealion-6-mitsubishi-outlander-phev/
3.2. i30 Sedan N BEST ICE
0-100 kph - 5.84 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4xFR6bR_VU
Price - $52,000 AUD - https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/hyundai-i30-n-sedan-2024-review-144791/
1515 kg - https://www.hyundai.com/au/en/cars/sports-cars/i30-sedan-n
3.4. Model 3 RWD BEST EV
0-100 kph - 6.25 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAWHK6wnsOI
Price - $54,900 AUD - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2025-tesla-model-3-rwd-review
1,760 kg - https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/model3/en_cn/GUID-56562137-FC31-4110-A13C-9A9FC6657BF0.html
3.5. MX5 GT RS ICE
0-100 kph - 6.63 sec (Manual) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C50upC3RKg
Price - $51,640 AUD - https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/mazda-mx-5-gt-rs-2024-review-147599/
1,063 kg Kerb Weight - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C50upC3RKg
3.5. Renault Megane E-Tech EV
0-100 kph - 6.99 sec - https://www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/small-suvs/renault-megane-e-tech-ev60-techno-2024-review/
Price - $54,990 AUD - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2024-renault-megane-e-tech-techno-ev60-review
1,642 kg - https://www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/small-suvs/renault-megane-e-tech-ev60-techno-2024-review/
3.6. BYD Sealion 6 DM-i Premium PHEV
0-100 kph - 7.18 sec (claimed 5.9) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIc7pCokXvM
Price - $52,990 AUD - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2025-byd-sealion-6-review
2,100 kg - https://bydautomotive.com.au/brochures/BYD-SEALION-6-2025.pdf?v=1
[4] $55,000 AUD to $60,000 AUD
4.1. MG4 XPOWER BEST EV
0-100 kph - 3.92 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3cbJ-Uf2yY
Price - $60,000 AUD - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2025-mg-4-xpower-review
1,800 kg - https://www.carexpert.com.au/mg/mg4/2024-xpower-13960816
4.2. Golf GTi BEST ICE
0-100 kph - 5.64 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FktGUxdHjcM
Price - $58,990 AUD - https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2024-hyundai-elantra-n-goes-on-sale-in-australia-as-the-i30-n-sedan-227409.html
1,448 kg Tare Mass - https://www.volkswagen.com.au/en/models/golf-gti.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqfdPM7IKkg-nQB9-wQhbSF53II95CtZzSHZMFAqWPJk74vcU7L
4.3. BYD Shark 6 PHEV
0-100 - 5.67 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm39LPziPzc
Price - $57,900 AUD - https://www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/utes/byd-shark-6-2025-review/
2,710 kg - https://www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/utes/byd-shark-6-2025-review/
4.4. GR Yaris GT automatic ICE
0-100 kph - 5.99 sec (claimed 5.1s) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEClZK_hluc
Price - $57,990 AUD - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2025-toyota-gr-yaris-review
1,280 kg - https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/toyota-gr-yaris-officially-revealed-122379/
4.9 Nissan Ariya (FWD) EV
1940 kg - https://www.drive.com.au/news/2025-nissan-ariya-price-and-specs-japanese-electric-car-undercuts-top-selling-tesla-model-y/
[5] $60,000 to $70,000 AUD
The Tesla Model 3 all-wheel-drive, is not the quickest accelerating car under sixty-five grand, in Australia. Even the BYD Sea-lion 7 Performance is not the quickest. The quickest accelerating car under sixty-five thousand Dollars, is actually the MG4 X Power. We still recommend the Model 3 for its upcoming, self driving unlock, inevitable in Australia, pretty soon. Nevertheless, it will not be able to out-drag the X Power, in straight-line speed. The MG is almost half a second quicker than the all-wheel-drive Model 3, as well as the BYD Sea-lion 7. Even the much-hyped, and ridiculously expensive, Volkswagen Golf R, is no match for any of these EVs in terms of outright acceleration. But if your budget is under 60 grand, then
The MG4 X Power, is by far the quickest accelerating car under sixty grand, in Australia. Second quickest is the Haval H6 GT P-hev. But even the Haval, is a jaw dropping, 1.2 seconds slower, than the MG. At number three is the Golf GTi, which is 1.7 seconds slower than the MG. What a shame, for such an iconic hot-hatch, and petrol-engined cars overall, getting decimated by EVs and Plug-in Hybrids in straight-line pace. But, before the EV haters start hallucinating, about unwanted drag-races and boy-racers. Lets not forget, that quicker acceleration also makes overtaking easier. It improves the everyday usability of your vehicle. So don't forget, a 300 thousand dollar Porsche 911, is only as good as a sixty thousand dollar MG4, at pulling an overtaking manoeuvre. Links to all the 0 to 100 acceleration videos are posted in the pinned comment. But the story doesn't end here! A used MG4 X Power, is available for just 35 grand, in Australia. Remember, that's Porsche-matching overtaking prowess, at one eighth the price. That is cheaper, than a Polo GTi! Sadly, all the freeloader automotive journalist-scum out there, will never compare the front-wheel-driven German junk, with a rear-wheel driven X Power, in the fear of losing access, to their precious test-cars, and car-launch-junket invites.
However, now that we have opened the used car can of worms, you can also get a used Model 3 Performance for thirty five grand today. It is even quicker than the X Power, by a few tenths of a second, to hundred kph. If you are looking for a dinosaur fueled option, you can get an Audi RS3 below forty grand, albeit from twenty sixteen. It is half a second slower than the X Power in terms of acceleration, and almost a second down on the Model 3 Performance. If you come across some gems while browsing the used car listings, which are quicker as well as cheaper than these three, kindly post a link in the comments. We'll be doing an update of this video after a couple of weeks, to make the list more exhaustive, with some surprises we found below 30 grand.
5.2. Tesla Model 3 AWD EV
0-100 kph - 4.31 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4biT8c2oGU
Price - $64,990 AUD - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2024-tesla-model-3-rwd-review
1,823 kg - https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/model3/en_cn/GUID-56562137-FC31-4110-A13C-9A9FC6657BF0.html
5.3. BYD Sealion 7 Performance EV
0-100 kph - 4.31 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JmOodYJSVc
Price - $63,990 AUD - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2025-byd-sealion-7-performance-review
2,340 kg - https://bydautomotive.com.au/brochures/BYD-SEALION-7-2025.pdf?v=1
5.4. Omoda 9 BEST PHEV
0-100 - 5.5 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHPBee0CJW4
Price - $61,990 AUD - https://www.carsauce.com/car-news/new-2025-omoda-9-shs-priced-from-61-990-in-australia-395kw-flagship-plug-in-hybrid-revealed
2,203 kg - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2025-omoda-9-price-and-specs
5.5. Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range Ultra EV
0-100 kph - 5.6 sec - https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2024-tesla-model-3-vs-volvo-ex30-comparison/
Price - $66,290 AUD - https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2024-tesla-model-3-vs-volvo-ex30-comparison/
5.6. Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback ICE
0-100 kph - 5.6 sec
Price - $66,990 AUD - https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2024-hyundai-elantra-n-goes-on-sale-in-australia-as-the-i30-n-sedan-227409.html
[6] $70,000 to $80,000 AUD
6.1. Golf R Mk 8.5 ICE
0-100 kph - 4.6 sec
Price - $70,990 AUD - https://www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/small-cars/volkswagen-golf-r-mk-8-5-2025-review-australian-first-drive/
6.2. Audi S3 ICE
0-100 kph - 4.7 sec - https://www.audi.com.au/en/models/a3/s3-sedan/
Price - $78,800 AUD - https://www.chasingcars.com.au/reviews/small-cars/audi-s3-2025-review/
6.3 Nissan Ariya e-4orce EV
0-100 - 5.3 sec - https://www.caranddriver.com/nissan/ariya
Price - $71,840 AUD - https://www.drive.com.au/news/2025-nissan-ariya-price-and-specs-japanese-electric-car-undercuts-top-selling-tesla-model-y/
2,307 kg - https://www.drive.com.au/news/2025-nissan-ariya-price-and-specs-japanese-electric-car-undercuts-top-selling-tesla-model-y/
6.3. Civic Type R
0-100 kph - 6.65 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zySmp2UvLKw
Price - $72,600 AUD - https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2024-hyundai-elantra-n-goes-on-sale-in-australia-as-the-i30-n-sedan-227409.html
[7] $80,000 to $90,000 AUD
7.1. Model 3 Performance
0-100 kph - 3.16 sec - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX8Woq6XrRE
Price - $80,900 AUD - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2025-tesla-model-3-rwd-review
7.2. Zeekr 7X Performance AWD EV
0-100 kph - 3.8 sec - https://www.carsauce.com/car-news/zeekr-7x-pricing-announced-for-australia
Price - $72,900 AUD - https://www.carsauce.com/car-news/zeekr-7x-pricing-announced-for-australia
2,415 kg - evdb.nz
[8] Above $80,000 AUD
8.1. Audi RS3 ICE
0-100 kph - 3.8 sec - https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/rs3
Price - $104,800 AUD - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/2025-audi-rs3-price-and-specs
8.2. BMW M235i Gran Coupe ICE
0-100 kph - 5.14 sec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWy3hDxpDyE
Price - $86,600 AUD - https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2025-bmw-2-series-gran-coupe-review/
8.3. Mercedes C300 ICE
0-100 kph - 6.0 sec - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2025-mercedes-benz-c-class-review
Price - $96,900 AUD - https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2025-mercedes-benz-c-class-review
8.4 Mercedes GLC 300 ICE
0-100 kph - 6.5 sec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUwk8bGMc2Q
Price - $103,400 AUD - https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/mercedes-benz-glc-300-4matic-suv-2025-review-148362/
8.5. Mercedes EQE 300 SUV
0-100 kph - 7.3 sec https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2024-mercedes-benz-eqe300-review/
Price - $134,900 AUD - https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2024-mercedes-benz-eqe300-review/