Half-price heroes! Affordable used alternatives for the new cars you want: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda 2 and Ford Focus ST

From $37,070 to $46,415

A brief recap. The latest, fifth-generation RAV4 has turned the market on its ear in newly minted hybrid guise, the latter’s lion’s share of sales far-exceeding forecasts to create year-long waiting lists FOR some variants and sending rivals scrambling to electrify their own competing mid-size SUVs.

Like all RAV4s, the petrol-electric version strikes a chord with appealing, chunky styling, exceptional interior space, high levels of standard safety and excellent all-round vision. For all intents and purposes, 2020’s real car of the year.

What to do? Ask for a pay rise? Join a queue? Or consider a roomy, reliable, economical and enjoyable alternative like…

USED: 2012-2017 Mazda CX-5 SkyActiv-D AWD

From approx. $16,000 to $22,000, under 100,000km

The CX-5’s diesel is generally better than most.

Half a decade ago, Mazda’s corporate saviour, the CX-5, was the flavour-de-jour, standing out against frankly dull rivals thanks to sharp styling, keen handling, an appealing interior and – in SkyActiv-D four-cylinder turbo-diesel guise – smooth yet gutsy performance combined with exceptional real-world economy.

A bit like a hybrid… except for the diesel clatter and harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) all such engines emit. The thing is, the CX-5’s diesel is generally better than most.

As with all used cars, ensure a full service history is present, there’s been no accident damage and – important this – the vendor seems like somebody you could trust.

HONOURABLE MENTION: 2014-2018 Subaru Forester

From $44,890

What’s the best hot hatch you can buy right now?

The recently released Focus ST from Germany should be on every keen driver’s short list, since its lightweight yet super-strong platform provides exquisite handling, phenomenal roadholding control and – courtesy of the Mustang EcoBoost – terrifically responsive turbo performance. And while the dashboard presentation is a bit ho-hum, the cabin is roomy, comfy and suitably sporty.

Arguably the best Ford in years, the hottest Focus is a thrilling yet cosseting blast. Bang for your buck, you cannot buy better. The ST deserves to be flying out of dealer forecourts. This said, if that $45K sticker price is out of reach, then there’s always…

USED: 2016-2018 Peugeot 308 GTi

$22,000 to $30,000, under 60,000km

Ford has admitted that Peugeot’s current 308 was the benchmark for the Focus' exemplary ride and handling.

This one’s easy. At the current Focus’ global debut in Germany in 2018, a senior engineer admitted that it was Peugeot’s current (and vastly underrated) 308 that was the benchmark for the small Ford’s exemplary ride and handling.

In GTi form in either 250 or 270 guises (denoting European horsepower outputs), the French hot hatch hits every mark, from its scalpel sharp cornering and astonishing body control, to the gorgeous cabin and timeless design. We’d go the 270 for its extra torque and mechanical LSD that feels supernaturally glued to the road, but either GTi is worthy of the legendary ‘80s 205 GTi’s legacy. Pure joy.

HONOURABLE MENTION: 2013-2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI