What is the best automatic hatchback in South Africa?

There was a time when automatic gearboxes were mainly the preserve of upper-crust model ranges, where they cost a lot more than their manual counterparts, drank more heavily, and provided inferior performance on top of everything else. Thankfully, technology has brought automatic transmissions almost level-peg (or sometimes even superior to) manuals on performance and consumption, making it viable to spread self-shifting to lower-priced segments as well. 

Here are 6 of the best automatic hatchbacks that are currently available in South Africa. (We purposely left out those fastback "4-door coupés", because that form factor is considered a stand-alone body style.) Starting from the top of the price charts and working downwards from there, we’re happy to highlight these bright stars:

 

1. Mercedes-AMG A-Class (From R 916 000)

Seeing as the first-generation Mercedes-AMG A45 proved to be very popular, AMG decided to double-up their offerings for their second generation. And, while even the (slightly) lower-end A35 hatch has tons of appeal, the big boy A45 S is undoubtedly the most impressive one of this dynamic duo.

With 310 kW and 500 Nm on tap from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, serious speed is but a flex of the ankle away, but in sedate driving, the 8-speed automatic manages to tame this fire-spitting monster’s fuel thirst quite impressively. It’s also surprisingly easy to live with, at least as far as the new, slick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox and its cooperation with the engine goes.

Related: Shop for new and used Mercedes-AMG A-Class cars for sale here.

 

2. Audi S3 Sportback (From R 795 000)

This is the jewel in the Volkswagen Group’s current local hatchback line-up (at least, until the 5-cylinder RS3 arrives), and it’s an absolute cracker. Once again powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine, the Audi S3 sends its 213 kW and 400 Nm to all 4 wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Sub-5-second 0 – 100 km/h sprints are on the cards as it drives off the showroom floor, as is a top speed governed to 250 km/h, so serious acceleration and plenty of speed are always easily available. But, even more impressively, Audi also managed to make this dual-clutch work just about as smoothly as a torque converter automatic: Maximum efficiency and snappy cog-swapping, combined with an easy-to-drive character, makes the Audi S3 a great all-rounder.

Related: Shop for new and used Audi S3 cars for sale here.

 

3. BMW 128ti (From R707 918)

Yes, yes.... The latest Golf GTI is the New Big Thing, just as its predecessors were. But this time, there’s a different German challenger, and it definitely comes to the hot hatch fight with all the ammo and armor necessary to bloody the dominating Golf’s nose. 

Just like the GTI, motive power is sent to the front wheels through an automatic transmission, but BMW decided to use the smoother (if not quite as sharp-shifting) 8-speed Aisin torque converter automatic instead of the VW’s 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. It’s definitely none the poorer for it, though, because there’s plenty of tyre-scrabbling action courtesy of the 128ti’s 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-pot’s 180 kW and 380 Nm.

Related: Shop for new and used BMW 128ti cars for sale here.

 

4. Honda Fit (From R 329 500)

Let’s get back to the real world now, and focus on some more-affordable automatic hatches, instead of the high-prices sizzlers listed above. The Honda Fit is still on the expensive side for a car of this size, but it has enough merit of its own to justify consideration - most notably, incredible space efficiency. 

Two engine choices are available, with buyers being able to choose either a straight petrol engine (89 kW/145 Nm) or a hybrid (80 kW/253 Nm). They both employ CVTs, however, with no option of a manual of any kind. This may make any Jazz perfect for buyers who value smoothness and efficiency above outright performance, provided they can live with the idiosyncrasies inherent in this type of transmission. 

Related: Shop for new and used Honda Fit cars for sale here.

 

5. Hyundai Grand i10 1.2 Automatic (From R 268 900)

With tons of cabin space and a decent basic spec level, the latest Hyundai Grand i10 is a highly sensible choice for a small automatic hatchback. You can get an automatic Grand i10 for quite a lot less by opting for the 1.0-litre variant instead, but be aware that it will accelerate with all the enthusiasm of a glacier through its 4-speed torque converter transmission. For this reason, we’d recommend the entry-level 1.2-litre instead.

You could also get essentially the same 2 drivetrains in its Kia Picanto cousin as well, but they just can’t match the Grand i10’s practicality. The Picanto 1.2 Street (auto) will set you back about the same as the 1.0-litre Grand i10, however, so if space isn’t that much of a concern, the smaller Picanto will serve you well for an even smaller outlay.

Related: Shop for new and used Hyundai Grand i10 cars for sale here.

 

6. Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL Automatic (R 185 900) 

This is the least-expensive hatchback without a clutch pedal, but, just because it changes gears on your behalf doesn’t make the Celerio a true automatic. The less-expensive solution of automating the normal 5-speed manual was chosen, rather than developing a pricier torque converter automatic for this application. 

As a result, pullaways and gear changes are a bit slow and ponderous, but this can be overcome somewhat by lifting off the accelerator pedal while the gear change is in progress. Suzuki’s system is certainly more agreeable than the similar units in the Renault Kwid and Hyundai Atos, but it’s obviously not the best choice as far as driving pleasure goes.

Related: Shop for new and used Suzuki Celerio cars for sale here.

* Prices were accurate at the time of writing, but are subject to change without prior notice.