The Best Hatchback Car in South Africa

South Africans’ Favorite Hatchbacks

Hatchbacks have increased in popularity over the years in South Africa. There are multiple reasons why people go for hatchbacks, including better rear view when reversing and more vertical boot space. Some hatchbacks are taller than sedans, giving a driver a better view of the road.

Hatchbacks also maximize parking spots since they don’t have an elongated back. A car’s image is also one of the things that most people consider when making a new purchase. Some people view hatchbacks as stylish compared to sedans, hence the increased popularity.

Some of the best hatchback cars in South Africa include Toyota Corolla, VW Golf, BMW 1, Honda Civic, and Toyota Yaris. This article will examine what sets these hatchbacks apart and why most South Africans love them.

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla hatchback comes with plenty of safety equipment and standard comfort for its price. The storage capacity for this car is 0.5 cubic meter, availing space for a big grocery store haul or a large suitcase or two.

Corolla comes fitted with a four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine that produces an output of up to 125 Kw. You will also get 204 Nm of torque from this car. However, power only comes in high rev ranges. This kind of power is comfortable for city driving. Like most Toyota cars, the hatchback also requires inexpensive repairs since its spare parts are affordable and easy to access.

The Toyota Corolla hatchback also has a good safety package on all trims, including the hybrid alternative. The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback S manual alternative gets 13.3 km/l of city driving, 17.2 km/l in highway driving, and 14.9 km/l in combined city and highway driving.

The running cost differs according to transmission type, body type, production year, and fuel type. The five-year running cost for this car is R422957if you drive 24000 kilometers annually. This cost has factored in insurance, maintenance, repairs, financing, fuel, depreciation, and taxes.

VW Golf

The Volkswagen Golf hatchback range includes Golf TSI and Golf GTI. The 2021 Golf TSI has a 110 Kw engine that is also turbocharged. This car consumes 12.32 km/l or 16.5 km/l in city/ highway driving for the manual version and 12.32km/l or 15.3km/l in city/highway driving for the automatic version. This car also offers a touchscreen sound system of 6.5 inches, panoramic sunroof, front assist, and blind-spot monitoring. You will get a 16.3 meters of cargo space if you fold the rear seats.

The Golf GTI has three trims: S, Autobahn, and SE. Each of these has a four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0l engine that gives 170 Kw. The consumption for this range is also friendly since your car will consume 10.2 km/l in city cruising and 13.6 km/l while driving on the highway. Most people know this car for its unique interior. The storage space is 1.5 cubic meters, and the hatchback comes with five drive modes, including custom, normal, eco, comfort, and sport.

Volkswagen Golf uses DSG transmission to increase speed and efficiency in transmission. The repairs get a bit more expensive compared to the Toyota Corolla. The running cost for a Golf hatchback is R 448 154 for five years if you drive 24 000 Km annually. This figure has considered repairs, taxes and fees, fuel, depreciation, insurance, and maintenance.

BMW 1

The BMW 1 series comes with six engine options for its SE trim. The 118l 136 is a 1.5l petrol 102 Kw engine that produces modest power. The fuel economy for this engine is 21.2 km/l. The 116D is a 87 Kw 1.5l diesel engine. The fuel economy here is 26.7 km/l. The 118I 136 Step Auto is a 1.5l petrol engine that produces 102 Kw. This engine uses one liter for 21.2 kilometers. More engine options for the BMW 1 Series hatchback include the 118D, the 118D Step Auto, and the 116D Step Auto. The 118D is a 2l diesel engine that consumes one liter per 25.9 kilometers and produces 113Kw.

On the other hand, the 116D Step Auto produces 87 Kw. This 1.5l diesel engine consumes one liter for 25.9 kilometers. BMW is a luxury brand; hence it is relatively expensive to maintain compared to most vehicle brands in the market. Only BMW dealers can conduct most of the complex repairs on this premium-built quality vehicle due to the technology that the German manufacturer uses.

Honda Civic

This is one of the best hatchback vehicles in the market. Honda released the 2021 Civic hatchback in four trims: Sport, EX, Sport Touring, and LX. A 1.5l engine powers all these four models. You will get 134 Kw and 220 Nm for the Sport Touring and the Sport models, while the EX and LX models produce 220 Nm and 134 Kw.

The Civic hatchback comes with 25.7 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats in position. Folding the rear seats frees up 7.8 m of storage space. The car also has multiple pockets and trays for holding small personal items.

The fuel consumption for the Sport and Sport Touring models is 15.7km/l highway driving, 12.32 km/l city driving, and 13.6 km/l for both city and highway combined. The LX and EX models will consume 17 km/l in highway driving, 13.1km/l in city driving, 14.4 km/l in city and highway driving combined.

The total running cost of owning a Honda Civic hatchback for five years while driving 24 000 Km every year is R 441 641.

Toyota Yaris

The 2021 Toyota Yaris comes in two options; Toyota Yaris and Toyota Yaris Hybrid. Both come with a 1.5l engine. The Toyota Yaris produces 88 Kw and 145 Nm of torque, while the Hybrid produces 85 Kw and 141 Nm of torque. An automatic Toyota Yaris consumes 20.4 km/l, while a manual one consumes 18.5 km/l in city and highway driving. The Hybrid, on the other hand, uses 30.3 km/l, making it one of the best hatchback cars in the market right now. The boot space for this vehicle is 0.2 cubic meter.

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is arguably one of the best hybrids that the Japanese manufacturer has released so far. The car uses a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor to produce 59 kW/141Nm, contributing majorly to its fuel economy. Your total running cost for Toyota Yaris is R438 234if you drive 24 000 Km annually.

Final Thoughts

If you are buying a used vehicle, it is essential to check the car’s history to avoid surprises. VinDocs provides a comprehensive report on a vehicle’s history for any South African vehicle. All you have to do is key in the VIN or the number plate, and you will get all the necessary information.

Hatchbacks are excellent cars to own, especially if you are a new driver. With different brands releasing new brands frequently, you can never run out of options. While looking for a hatchback, some of the essential things to factor in include fuel economy, sitting space, boot space, engine power, and running costs. Good luck on your hunt!