Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai i30 in top 5 best small hatchbacks in Australia

Small hatchbacks are some of the most popular new cars on sale in Australia, but finding the right one can be difficult. Find out which ones are the best here.

Small SUVs may be all the rage at the moment, but often the humble hatchback offers better value for money and more driving joy.

From the ever-reliable Toyota Corolla to the classy Volkswagen Golf and much-improved Hyundai i30, there are plenty of excellent choices for the astute buyer.

Here are five of the best examples on sale and five more worthy of a closer look.

The Skoda Scala is one of the most well rounded hatchbacks on sale. Picture: Mark Bean

SKODA SCALA

While the Scala is far from a household name, it delivers much of what makes a Volkswagen Golf great, but for less money. It’s fun to drive, thanks mainly to a sophisticated 1.5-litre turbo engine and seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

It’s also a practical choice, as it’s cheaper to buy and run than its German stablemate and has a bigger boot thanks to simpler rear suspension. Priced from a sharp $28,990 drive-away, the Scala is loaded with great surprises such as an umbrella in the driver’s door, a detachable torch in the boot and clever bins in the door pockets.

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

The new VW Golf continues the brand’s stellar run of small cars.

A polished machine that brings European refinement to the compact segment, Volkswagen’s Golf has been a class leader for more than a decade. It’s not cheap – prices start from about $36,000 drive-away for the auto – but for that money there are lovely digital displays, an array of driver aids and a turbo motor matched to a new and impressive eight-speed auto.

Customers looking for well-equipped models with satnav, wireless charging and other niceties will need to spend $40,000 or more. That used to be GTI money, but that model is closer to $60,000 now. Spacious and refined, the Golf delivers an engaging drive without compromising comfort. A near-buttonless cabin looks smart but can prove tricky to navigate.

TOYOTA COROLLA

The Toyota Corolla has been a consistent top seller for lots of reasons. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

There are good reasons the Corolla is the best-selling passenger car in Australia. Toyota’s badge is a byword for dependability, the latest model looks sharp and its fuel-efficient hybrid option makes a lot of sense.

There’s a five-year warranty and servicing is seriously good value at less than $200 per year. Priced from about $29,000 to $39,000 drive-away (or $31,000 in hybrid form), the Corolla has strong standard safety gear. It’s important to note that the Corolla hatch and sedan are quite different cars – the hatch feels quite sporty to drive while the sedan is built for comfort, with softer suspension. Strong resale values mean the Corolla is a safe bet for small-car customers.

HYUNDAI i30

The Hyundai i30 range has something for everyone.

The second-best selling car in this class is a great all-rounder. It comes with a choice of manual and auto transmissions, with a standard 2.0-litre engine or a willing 1.6-litre turbo. As with the Corolla, the i30 sedan is more suited to leisurely driving.

Priced from $25,490 drive-away (or $27,490 as an auto) the i30 undercuts its main rivals. At the top of the model range, the acclaimed i30 N is an outstanding drive, but if the budget doesn’t stretch to $50,000, the punchy N-Line model is a great pick, loaded with excellent safety and tech features, a turbo engine and snappy dual-clutch automatic at a price that won’t break the budget.

MAZDA3

Mazda’s 3 is a classy small car that oozes affordable luxury charm.

Stylish inside and out, the Mazda3 offers more choice than the majority of cars in this class. You can have it as a sedan or hatchback, with an automatic or manual transmission, and a broad choice of engines including 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol models, a new mild hybrid and a clever high-compression Skyactiv-X version at the top of the range.

Priced from about $30,000 to $47,000 drive-away, every model is loaded with an impressive array of safety features and all are sweet to steer. Impressively composed on the road and impeccably finished in the cabin, the Mazda3 hatch is let down by noisy engines and compromised visibility from the rear seats.

Otherwise it is gorgeous to look at and very easy to recommend.

OTHERS TO CONSIDER

The Ford Focus is often overlooked despite being an excellent car to drive. Picture: Supplied

Ford Focus

Ford’s compact car is much better than its meagre sales suggest, with a willing engine and impressive dynamics. Choose a sporty ST-Line or high-riding Active for about $35,000.

Kia Cerato

Mechanically similar to Hyundai’s i30, the Cerato is a little more spacious, with value-packed models and an endearing warm hatch in the GT.

Subaru Impreza

Less common than the high-riding XV that is built on the same platform, the Impreza brings all-wheel-drive traction, good space, top-notch safety and excellent resale.

Honda Civic

Spacious and well-sorted, the hatch is due for imminent replacement by a fresh-looking successor, so look for run-out deals. The Type R is sensational if you can find and afford one.

Peugeot 308

The current model is fun to drive and good to look at. There are some classy touches in a minimalist cabin that lacks some tech and safety gear. A new version is due next year.

Originally published as Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai i30 in top 5 best small hatchbacks in Australia