The new cars, SUVs and people movers that are dominating their segments in 2020

Despite being on its deathbed, the Holden Commodore is the bestselling model in its segment this year.

Deputy News Editor

CarsGuide

15 Mar 2020 • 6 min read

Australia is one of the most competitive new-vehicle markets in the world, but not all of its models are created equal. In fact, some are just plain dominant in their segments.

And despite the best intentions of some brands, they’re yet to come close to breaking the stranglehold others have in certain classes.

With that in mind, join us for a look at the new cars, SUVs and people movers that are owning their segments in 2020. We’re sure you’ll be surprised by one or two of them.

2020 new-car sales: Toyota and HiLux dominate again in February as Holden falls to 15th in brand race

Micro cars

The Kia Picanto is the most popular micro car by some margin, with a 78.9 per cent share. In a shrinking class, the Mitsubishi Mirage (11.6%) and Fiat 500 (9.5%) don’t even come close.

$25,000-plus light cars

Mini Hatch

Surprise! The Mini Hatch is the bestselling $25,000-plus light car, with a whopping 65.5 per cent share. The Audi A1 (30.8 per cent) puts up a fight, while the Citroen C3 (2.2%) and Renault Zoe (1.5%) barely make a whimper.

$40,000-plus small cars

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is on a roll as the most popular $40,000-plus small cars, with a 47.3 per cent share. The BMW 1 Series (22.1%) is on the rise, while the Audi A3 (15.2%) is awaiting its new model.

Sub-$60,000 mid-size cars

Toyota Camry

Declining segment or not, the Toyota Camry is the bestselling sub-$60,000 mid-size car, with a commanding 68.8 per cent. The next-best Skoda Octavia (10.0%) and Mazda6 (8.3%) are some way off.

Sub-$70,000 large cars

It might not be around for much longer, but the Holden Commodore is still the most popular sub-$70,000 large car, with a 57.6 per cent share, which is unsurprising given the Kia Stinger (37.6%) and Skoda Superb (4.9%) are its only competition.

Sub-$100,000 upper-large cars

Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 isn’t only the bestselling sub-$100,000 upper-large car, it’s the only one on sale, meaning it has an unrivalled 100.0 per cent share. It can thank the end of local car manufacturing for that.

Sub-$60,000 people movers

The Kia Carnival is the most popular sub-$60,000 people mover, with a 51.1 per cent share. Despite its notoriety, the Honda Odyssey (17.6%) is well behind, while the LDV G10 (10.0%) is an emerging contender.

$60,000-plus people movers

Just like its mainstream counterpart, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is out in front as the bestselling $60,000-plus people mover, with a 57.9 per cent share. That said, the Toyota Granvia (30.6%) is rising up the ranks, while its Valente sibling (15.95) accounts for the rest.

Sub-$80,000 sports cars

This one shouldn’t be a surprise: the Ford Mustang is the most popular sub-$80,000 sports car, with a 45.5 per cent share. The next-best BMW 2 Series Coupe/Convertible (17.9%) and Hyundai Veloster (10.6%) are well behind.

$80,000-plus sports cars

Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe/Cabriolet is the bestselling $80,000-plus sports car, with a 40.9 per cent share. The BMW 4 Series Coupe/Convertible (9.4%) and a rival from within, the E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet (8.9%), aren’t even close.

Light SUVs

The Mazda CX-3 is the most popular light SUV – a new segment introduced this year – with a 60.3 per cent share. The departing Holden Trax (16.0%) and the recently launched Hyundai Venue (13.7%) are next best.

Sub-$100,000 upper-large SUVs

Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series

There’s no beating the Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series, which is the bestselling sub-$100,000 upper-large SUV, with an 85.9 per cent share. Why does it have such a stranglehold? Well, it helps when you only have one rival, the Nissan Patrol (15.7%).