10 Best Hatchbacks in South Africa

If you’re not ready to join the ranks of Sedan-ville, South African buyers have much to choose from in terms of excellent hatchbacks. Here is our top selection.

Ford Focus
The new Ford Focus was recently launched and now that it’s been fitted with Ford’s award-winning Ecoboost engines, it packs more punch, more efficiently, than ever before. It is one of the VW Golf’s fiercest competitors, and doesn’t have to stand back for it one bit. The price is right too: the Ford Focus 1.0 Ambiente will set you back a very reasonable R217 900 and has a generous (for a three-cylinder) 92kW and 170 Nm under its pretty hood.

Volkswagen Golf 7
The Golf is still one of the most desirable hatchbacks, a sign of success and male virility. Built on the MQB platform, it offers more space and better handling than previous generation Golfs.  The entry-level 1.2 TSI Trendline model, will cost you R271 600 new. Pictured is the Golf GTI.

Audi A3
Built on the same platform as the Golf, the Audi’s styling is a little more reserved and classical, but boring and clinical it is most certainly not. Its interior finishes are top-notch, as for the rest, it is difficult to fault. The least expensive of the bunch is the Audi A3 1.2T S, which costs R326 000.  We’d rather have the 1.6 TDI S, at R368 500. According to Audi, its fuel economy is an amazing 3.9 litres of diesel per 100km’s, but we reckon it will be closer to 5.

Volvo V40
When it comes to clean design and efficiency, the Swedes are masters.  Volvos have a bit of a reputation for poor resale value, but this is good news if you’re looking for a nice second hand V40. If you insist on buying a new one, prices start from R315 100 for the Volvo V40 T3 Essential.

Renault Mégane
A stylish alternative to the multitude of German hatches, the Mégane offers great standard specification levels, and its individualistic styling is sure to attract plenty of attention. If the entry level 81 kW Dynamique (R259 000) is a little too lazy for your liking, the 97kW Turbo GT Line can be had for R30 000 more. And if you come into some unexpected money, the 162kW Turbo GT (at R339 900) is a delight.

Citroën DS3
Citroën’s striking and distinctive DS3 is charming, solidly put-together and handles beautifully too. It also makes quite the fashion statement, as there are a multitude of ways in which to customize it. The first DS3 in the line-up is the VTi 82 Design (R222 900). Our favourite is the diesel E-HDI 90 Style, which uses only a sniff of diesel (3.7 litres per 100km’s) and costs R263 900. It can also be dolled up with a contrasting roof.

Mazda 3
The new Mazda 3 is a winner in every sense. Its coupé like styling, upmarket cabin, dynamic handling and reasonable price tag has garnered much praise from the motoring media. It is priced from R232 900 for the 1.6 Original. We had the pleasure of testing the 2.0 Individual Auto, considerably more expensive at R299 600, but well worth the extra dosh.

Mercedes A-class
From boxy, senior citizen staple to sexy, sporty hatchback, the A-Class is sure to attract a whole host of young new buyers.  The suspension can be a bit hard, but it has many other redeeming features.  It costs from R376 642 for the A200. The A200 CDI is a little pricey at R404 400, but you’ll save plenty on diesel. Mercedes gives us a figure of only 4.5 litres per 100km’s in perfect conditions, but a figure of 6 litres (combined) is probably more realistic.

Volkswagen Polo
South Africa’s most commonly seen, locally built hatch, is probably the best value if you’re looking for decent handling, great build quality and good resale value. The new Polo has been dubbed the “the average guy’s Golf”, and the fact that it’s a South African best-seller, speaks volumes. The Polo line-up starts with the 63kW 1.4 Trendline at R194 600. Pictured here is the Polo GTI.

Chevrolet Cruze Hatch
Ever since the new 1.4 litre turbocharged engine made its appearance in the Cruze line-up, the Chevy Cruze Hatch has been gaining a slow but steady following as a reasonable, sensible car. The 86kW Cruze Hatch 1.6 LS is not the sprightliest on the block, but if you have another R16 900 to spend, the Cruze Hatch 1.4T LS at R265 200 offers a lot more oomph, with an output of 103 kW and 200 Nm.

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