It goes without saying that the Premium Hatchback has been a desirable vehicle segment since the early 2000s but lately has been falling out of favour for Crossovers and the like. However, if you're not too keen on a Crossover but want something smaller with some premium flavour, then there are still a few good premium hatchback options remaining to buy brand new and used, no less if you're searching AutoTrader.
Related: What are the Best Budget Hatch cars in 2024?
We've scoured through the new car market to see what's available, and there are a few options to choose from in the R350k - R600k price point. Yes, this may sound expensive, but alas, with the premium tag and general cost of cars these days, this is what's available. We picked eight models for you to consider and listed some features we'd think would garner some interest for you.
1. Volkswagen Polo
It makes sense to start the party with the venerable choice, the Volkswagen Polo. The Polo has evolved significantly as of late with more technology than you can shake a stick at, and it's a premium offering in the South African market more than ever. In the price range we've picked, you have a perky but frugal 1.0TSI 3-cylinder petrol engine or even ramp up the muscle to the GTI. We've picked the entry-level Polo and GTI here.
You can check for used models here.
Performance
| 1.0 TSI | GTI |
| 70 kW | 147 kW |
| 175 Nm | 320 Nm |
| 5.4l /100km (Claimed fuel consumption) | 6.4l /100km (Claimed fuel consumption) |
Safety
6 Airbags
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor Points
Electronic Stability Control with ABS, brake assist, Anti Slip Regulator (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Engine Drag Torque Control (EDTC)
Hill Start Assist
Tech and Comfort
Start-stop technology
Composition Colour Radio Infotainment System
Air conditioning
351-litre boot space
2. Mazda 2
First up in the Japanese offerings is the Mazda 2. The Mazda2 embodies the brand's famous 'KODO Soul of Motion' design language. Plus, the Mazda2 has recently been updated for the 2024 market. The Mazda2 range uses the 1.5-litre petrol 4-cylinder Skyactiv engine. We picked the Dynamic variant, which is available in manual or automatic, for this article.
You can search for used models here.
Performance
| 1.5l Dynamic (Manual / Auto) |
| 85 kW |
| 145 Nm |
| 6.0l /100km (Auto) /. 5.7l /100km (Manual) (Claimed fuel consumption) |
Safety
6 Airbags
ISOFIX Childseat anchors
ABS, EBD, EBA.
Tech and Comfort
MZD Connect System
Commander Dial
Keyless Entry
250-litre boot space
3. Suzuki Swift Sport
While the non-sport Swift featured in our Best Budget Hatchbacks for 2024 article, here we find the premium variant of the Suzuki Swift in the form of the Swift Sport. It's not just a styling package but a bespoke lightweight sports hatchback dialled in for daily and spirited enjoyment. You can have the Swift Sport in both manual and automatic.
You can search for used models here.
Performance
| 1.4 Boosterjet (Auto / Manual) |
| 103 kW |
| 230 Nm |
| 6.1l /100km |
Safety
6 Airbags
ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
Tech and Comfort
Automatic Air Conditioning
Sports Bucket Seats
Telescopic Steering Wheel
242 litre Boot Space Capacity
4. Honda FIT
The Honda FIT, previously known as the Jazz, surprised everyone with its excellent usage of cabin space in a compact package. It is a vehicle that is fun to drive and easy to maintain, too. The latest FIT feels premium, and the hybrid FIT, which we've chosen here, fits the premium bill nicely.
You can check for used models here.
Performance
| 1.5l i-VTEC i-MMD |
| 90 kW total (78 kW engine / 12 kW electric motor) |
| 253 Nm (131 Nm engine / 122 Nm electric motor) |
| 3.7l /100km (Claimed fuel consumption) |
Safety
6 Airbags
Honda Sensing (Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Road Departure Mitigation.)
Front and rear parking sensors
Tech and Comfort
HMI touchscreen Infotainment
Magic Seat System
Ergonomic seating
298 litres boot space capacity
5. Opel Corsa
A great alternative to the Volkswagen Polo would be the Opel Corsa, and the latest generation Corsa is undoubtedly underrated in our market. The Corsa is lightweight at 980kg, and paired with the frugal drivetrain and premium offering, this is something that should be under many people's radars. We picked the Elegance 1.2T variant.
You can check for used models here.
Performance
| 1.2T 3 Cylinder |
| 74 kW |
| 205 Nm |
| 5.7l /100km (Claimed fuel consumption) |
Safety
6 Airbags
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
ISOFIX Child seat anchors
Tech and Comfort
Front heated seats
7-inch digital instrument cluster
7-inch touchscreen IntelliLink Infotainment
309-litre boot space
6. Audi A1 Sportback
The Audi A1 borrows some interior and infotainment ideas from its older siblings to add to its compact hatchback package. The current A1 offers more cabin and luggage space in its fully digital space. For this article, we picked the 30TFSI Advanced. The A1 range is only available in automatic.
You can check for used models here.
Performance
| 1.0 Turbo |
| 85 kW |
| 200 Nm |
| 4.8l /100km (Claimed fuel consumption) |
Safety
6 airbags
Programmable speed limiter
ISOFIX child seat anchors both on the rear outer seats and front passenger seat.
Tech and comfort
2 Zone climate control
MMI Radio Plus
335-litre boot space
7. Renault Clio
The Clio has been a popular choice from the Renault brand and is quite ubiquitous on South African roads. The Clio V ups the ante yet still preserves that city car chic. For this article, we picked the top-of-the-range Clio Intens.
You can check for used models here.
Performance
| 1.0 Turbo |
| 74 kW |
| 160 Nm |
| 5.7l /100km (Claimed fuel consumption) |
Safety
6 airbags
Auto highbeam control
Emergency Brake Assist
Tech and Comfort
9.3 Inch Easy Link Infotainment system
Renault Card Keyless Entry
391-litre boot space
8. MINI Cooper 3 Door / 5 Door
One vehicle that instantly comes to mind when someone thinks of a premium hatchback would be the MINI Cooper, along with thoughts of the MINI heritage too. You can have it in either a 3-door or 5-door fashion, depending on your practicality and needs.
You can check for used models here.
Performance
| 1.5 Turbo |
| 100 kW |
| 220 Nm |
| 5.6l /100km (Claimed fuel consumption) |
Safety
Driving Assistant (Rear View Camera, Dynamic Cruise Control with brake function, Driving assistant with lane departure warning.)
Rain sensor and automatic headlight control
Tech and Comfort
Radio MINI Visual Boost
Electronic Parking brake
278 litres (5 door) / 211 litres (3 Door) Boot space
Our 2024 Premium Hatchback Winner is...
We've picked these premium hatchbacks to suit different lifestyles, the fashion-conscious, different budgets and ultimately, the premium hatchback experience. If you want the most luxurious, you can seek the MINI Cooper and Audi A1. If you're just looking for solid mobility, then look at the likes of the Volkswagen Polo, Opel Corsa, and Renault Clio. For vehicles that will surprise you with value and some of the best in Japanese quality, then the Honda FIT and Mazda 2. If you're out for fun, then the Suzuki Swift Sport and Volkswagen Polo GTI will be up your alley. Don't forget to search AutoTrader for the latest used and new offerings and sell your car, too.
