The Toyota Corolla Hatchback replaced the Auris in 2019, while also introducing an all-new look and feel to the Corolla range as a whole, with a more youthful and dynamic interior and exterior. With the latest Volkswagen Golf only being available in GTI guise, the Mazda3 and Fiat Tipo are now key rivals to the Corolla, but which model offers the best value? For today's comparison, we will be comparing the Corolla Hatch in XS auto guise with the Mazda3 hatch Dynamic auto and the Fiat Tipo hatch City Life to determine which offers the best value for money.
Practicality
In terms of dimensions, the trio of products assembled here are similar, particularly the Toyota and Mazda, which are nearly identical in terms of boot space, width and height, however, it is the Fiat that sports the biggest boot by 135-litres. This may just mean that the Fiat is more compromised in terms of rear occupant space as it is similar in size to both the Corolla and Mazda3.
Performance
In terms of performance, the turbocharged Toyota is likely to offer the best acceleration and overtaking ability thanks to its superior torque figure. When looking at efficiency, again, the Mazda3 is the more frugal on paper, but in the real world, the three products are likely to be quite similar in terms of consumption.
| Toyota Corolla hatch 1.2T XS auto | Mazda Mazda3 hatch 1.5 Dynamic auto | Fiat Tipo hatch 1.6 City Life | |
| Engine | 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol | 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol | 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Power | 85 kW | 88 kW | 81 kW |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 153 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Kerb weight | 1 395kg | 1 314kg | 1 280kg |
| Boot space | 294-litres | 295-litres | 440-litres |
| 0-100 km/h | 10.4 seconds | 11.7 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| CO2 emissions | 149 g/km | 136 g/km | 146 g/km |
| Fuel consumption | 6.4 L/100km | 6.0 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Price | R435 000 | R446 600 | R451 900 |
*This table was compiled with information sourced from www.duoporta.co.za as well as the official press releases of each model.
Specification
All three models feature ABS, stability control, seven airbags (six in the Tipo), ISOFIX child seat anchor points, alloy wheels, multifunction steering wheels, artificial leather seats, climate control, multifunction steering wheels, cloth-covered seats, LED headlights, touchscreen infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mazda gets a head-up display, cruise control and rear PDC while the Corolla gets niceties such as keyless entry, cruise control and a reverse camera.
Safety
The Corolla range was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2019 and received 5-Stars, with 94% for adult occupant safety, 84% for child occupant safety, 86% for vulnerable road users and 77% for its safety assistance systems. The Mazda3 was also tested by Euro NCAP in 2019 and received 5-Stars, with 98% for adult occupant safety, 87% for child occupant safety, 81% for vulnerable road users and 73% for its safety assistance systems. The Tipo had its Euro NCAP test conducted in 2016, where received 4-Stars, with 82% for adult occupant safety, 60% for child occupant safety, 62% for vulnerable road users and 57% for its safety assistance systems.
Warranty and maintenance
In the warranty and service department, the Toyota gets a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 9-service/90 000km service plan while the Mazda gets a 3-year/unlimited distance service plan and warranty and the Tipo a 5-year/100 000km warranty and a 3-year/100 000km service plan.
Verdict
There is a clear winner in terms of value for money, and that is the Toyota Corolla Hatch, which is the cheapest and scores impressively across all of the categories used in this comparison.
