Small hatchbacks, or compact hatchbacks are hugely popular in South Africa despite the current craze for crossovers and SUVs. If you are in the market for a small hatchback then this Buyer’s Guide will help you in making the best buying decision based on your needs and budget.
Compact, practical, fuel-efficient, affordable and fun-to-drive are but a few words that describe what a compact or small hatchback has to offer (or should offer). Even though the market demand for compact crossovers and SUVs has risen sharply in recent years, there’s still considerable merit for considering a small hatchback.
This Buyer’s Guide not only lists the current products on offer in South Africa but we will also provide some insight into the individual strengths and weaknesses of each product (based on our experience with the vehicles) so that you can decide which hatchback best suits your personal needs and budget.
Note that the products are not listed in any particular order and pricing details are accurate as of March 2022.
Small Hatchbacks in South Africa – What to buy?
Volkswagen Polo
The updated, locally-produced Volkswagen Polo was officially launched in South Africa this year and both styling and equipment upgrades have been implemented to enhance the overall buying proposition of the Polo.
As such, the Polo is likely to remain a popular choice in this segment as it offers capable and efficient engine choices throughout the range as well as something for those buyers seeking more performance which is encapsulated in the range-topping Polo GTI.
Engine choices include a 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine with outputs of either 70 kW and 175 Nm (mated with a 5-speed manual transmission) or 85 kW and 200 Nm (mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission). The Polo GTI is powered by a potent 2.0-itre turbocharged petrol engine offering 147 kW and 320 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
More so, the Polo’s ride and handling characteristics are arguably best-in-class and its perceived interior build quality and technological offering is a major highlight. In terms of practicality, Volkswagen claims a generous load bay capacity of 351-litres and rear passengers have sufficient legroom at their disposal too.
Price Range: R311 800 – R489 400
Pick of the Range: VW Polo 70 kW Life with more options or go for the VW Polo 85 kW Life with fewer options (budget dependent)
Reason to Buy: Excellent performance and efficiency balance, ride and handling is arguably best-in-class, technology on offer is impressive
Criticism: The VW Polo is a pricey proposition in this segment and is no longer as accessible as it once was.
See specification and pricing for the Volkswagen Polo range here
Read our Volkswagen Polo (2022) Launch Review
Buy a used Volkswagen Polo on Cars.co.za
Renault Clio
The all-new Renault Clio 5 has finally arrived in South Africa. There’s no doubt about it, this is a stylish offering from the French marque and the Clio’s interior is a big leap forward from the outgoing model with a more upmarket look and feel. Load bay capacity is very generous at 391 litres and there’s ample space for rear passengers to find comfort.
As far as engines go, there’s only one engine and gearbox choice currently available and it comes in the form of a 74 kW / 160 Nm, 3-cylinder 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.7 L/100km. A 1.3-litre turbopetrol engine and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is expected to arrive later in 2022, however.
The new Clio’s performance is good overall though we suspect that the forthcoming 1.3-litre engine will be a favourable choice for many buyers. The Clio offers a sporty ride and handling characteristics, especially with 17-inch wheels fitted (Clio Intens), while the 16-inch rims (on the Clio Life and Zen) are likely to be more forgiving.
Price Range: R309 900 – R349 900
Pick of the Range: Renault Clio 1.0 turbo Intens
Reason to buy: Stylish choice, upmarket interior, reasonably priced
Criticism: No automatic currently available, could do with some more power
See specification and pricing for the Renault Clio range
Read our Renault Clio (2022) Launch Review
Also see: Volkswagen Polo vs Renault Clio: Which should you buy?
Buy a used Renault Clio on Cars.co.za
Peugeot 208
The all-new Peugoet 208 is arguably the most stylish compact hatchback currently on offer in South Africa and more notably, it scooped the 2020 European Car Of The Year title.
The Peugeot 208 is equipped with a naturally-aspirated or turbocharged 3-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech engine. The base 208 Active gains the naturally-aspirated 55 kW 1.2-litre engine (with a 6-speed manual transmission ) while the mid-spec 208 Allure gains the 74 kW turbopetrol version in conjunction with a 6-speed manual but there’s also a more powerful 96 kW 208 Allure and GT on offer with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
We will be testing the Peugeot 208 soon and once we have done so we will be able to pass judgement on its performance, ride quality, handling ability and overall buying proposition.
The style continues inside where the Peugeot 208 benefits from Peugeot’s impressive third-generation i-Cockpit which includes a 3-dimensional digital heads-up instrument cluster and a large 7- or 10-inch infotainment touchscreen which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 208 also features Peugeot’s typical compact steering wheel and the interior finishes look and feel upmarket. Boot space is claimed at 311 litres.
Price Range: 302 900 – 443 900
Pick of the Range: TBC (We suspect the 208 1.2T Allure auto is the one to go for)
Reason to Buy: Styling is arguably best-in-class
Criticism: TBC
See specification and pricing details for the Peugeot 208 range here
Buy a used Peugeot 208 on Cars.co.za
Hyundai i20
A new Hyundai i20 arrived in South Africa in 2021 boasting a larger footprint, sharper styling and a thoroughly modernised interior in an effort to claim a larger share in the segment.
Perceived interior quality is much-improved over its predecessor and the i20 now features a more modern and sharper-looking cabin. Harder plastics, however, do detract from an otherwise appealing interior. Hyundai claims load bay space at 311 litres and space for rear passenger has also improved markedly over its predecessor.
The i20 is offered with 3 engine choices including 2 naturally aspirated engines and a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine. The range starts with the 61 kW/115Nm 1.2-litre engine (offered in Motion and Fluid trim) and comes mated with a 5-speed manual transmission with a claimed fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100km. A 1.4-litre petrol engine with 74 kW and 133 Nm is also available with a 6-speed automatic transmission and carries a fuel consumption figure of 6.9 L/100km.
The turbocharged 1.0-litre is the most lively engine on offer in the i20 with outputs of 90 kW and 172 Nm and can it can be matched with a 6-speed manual (6.5L/100km) or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (6.9 L/100km).
The new i20 is more agile and nimble than its predecessor and while it offers a generally comfortable ride, the suspension is a bit firmer but not at the expense of overall ride comfort. Hyundai’s 5-year/150 000km warranty, 2-year/50 000km powertrain warranty and 4-year/60 000km is also a strong drawcard for buyers considering the i20.
Price Range: R281 900 – R362 500
Pick of the Range: Hyundai i20 1.0T Fluid
Reason to buy: Styling, performance, economical
Criticisms: Some interior trim is not as premium as its price suggests, driver’s seating position could be better
See specification and pricing for the Hyundai i20 range here
Read our Hyundai i20 (2022) Review
Buy a used Hyundai i20 on Cars.co.za
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a competent product offering in this segment. However, a facelifted Fiesta was announced last year but Ford SA has not yet confirmed if it will be offered in South Africa as the firm’s focus is squarely on the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment.
Nonetheless, the Fiesta is still on sale in South Africa and is offered with a punchy 3-cylinder 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 92 kW and 170 Nm and is mated with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch. Two trim grades are offered including base Trend and the top-spec Titanium. Note that the 1.5-litre turbodiesel-powered Fiesta is no longer on sale locally.
The Fiesta is an agile performer with dextrous dynamic handling ability and it offers good levels of overall ride comfort. However, the dual-clutch transmission’s performance is slow to respond to inputs which means the Fiesta is not as engaging to drive as it could be. As far as practicality is concerned, the Fiesta is on the smaller side of the spectrum with a load bay size claimed at 303 litres. Also, rear legroom (for taller passengers) is on the tight side…
Price Range: R322 500 – R382 900
Pick of the Range: Ford Fiesta 1.0T Titanium auto
Reason to buy: Good overall performance and economy
Criticisms: Compromised rear passenger space, the automatic transmission is a letdown, facelifted Fiesta not confirmed for SA
See pricing and specification for the Ford Fiesta range here
Read our review of the Ford Fiesta 1.0T Automatic
Buy a used Ford Fiesta on Cars.co.za
Opel Corsa
The new sixth-generation Opel Corsa arrived in South Africa in 2021 with 2 engines to choose from. The entry-level engine is a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine with 55 kW and 118 Nm and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. However, most buyers will be interested in the new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine offered in 2 states of tune, 74 kW and 205 Nm in the Corsa 1.2T Edition with a 6-speed manual transmission or 96 kW and 230 Nm in the range-topping Corsa 1.2T Elegance with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
During our 2021 test of the range-topping Corsa, we found its engine to deliver excellent performance overall while also returning good fuel economy (Opel claims 6.3L/100km). More so, the Corsa is an agile handler with a ride quality that priorities comfort.
Where the Corsa falls short is with its middling perceived interior quality. The interior design is rather bland and some of the trim and switchgear is of questionable quality, all of which is disappointing at its price point. Also, it’s worth noting that rear legroom isn’t too generous and taller passengers will struggle to get comfortable in the Corsa and load space is rated at 309 litres which smaller than the 350 litres offered in the VW Polo, for instance. Lastly, the Corsa is ambitiously priced and we suspect many buyers won’t be able to justify the price tag.
Price: R298 900 – R403 900
Pick of the Range: Opel Corsa 1.2T Elegance
Reason to Buy: Engine performance
Criticism: Poor interior execution, bland styling, pricey
See specification and pricing details for the Opel Corsa Range here
Read our Opel Corsa (2021) Review
Buy a used Opel Corsa on Cars.co.za
Nissan Micra
The new Nissan Micra has been on sale in South Africa since 2018 and buyers have the choice between 2 turobcharged petrol engines including a 66 kW / 140 Nm 0.9-litre turbopetrol engine as well as a more powerful 84 kW / 180 Nm 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard across the range and buyers can choose between 3 trim levels including the entry-level Visia, mid-spec accenta and range-topping Tekna and Tekna Plus.
While the 66kW engine offers average performance at best, it’s the more powerful 84 kW engine that will hold more appeal for potential Micra buyers. It’s a punchy engine with good in-gear acceleration but for those looking for an automatic transmission, you will have to look elsewhere as the Micra range is only offered with a manual shifter. Nissan claims fuel consumption at 5.0 L/100km.
The Micra does handle relatively well with positive steering feedback but ride quality is on the firmer side when riding on 17-inch alloy wheels and a fair amount of road noise does make its way into the cabin.
Interior fit and finish is good overall and while the infotainment system is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible, it’s not the most responsive or intuitive as other systems on the market. More so, load bay capacity is claimed at 300-litres which is below average and taller rear passengers may find the Micra lacking sufficient rear legroom.
Price Range: R313 900 – R417 900
Pick of the Range: Nissan Micra 84 kW turbo Acenta Plus
Reason to Buy: Good performance overall
Criticism: No automatic available, excessive road noise, pricey
See specification and pricing details for the Nissan Micra range here
Read our Nissan Micra 84kW Turbo Tekna Plus (2020) Review
Buy a used Nissan Micra on Cars.co.za
Kia Rio
The Kia Rio received an update back in late 2020 and buyers currently have 2 engines to choose from, a naturally-aspirated 61 kW / 120 Nm 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 73 kW /135 Nm naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre petrol engine that can be had with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Trim levels include the base LS, mid-spec LX and EX and the range-topping Tec.
The main gripe with the Kia Rio is that its engines are comparatively gutless to what’s offered in this segment. With that said, the 1.4-litre engine does offer better performance than what its 1.2-litre counterpart can muster. More so, the performance of the automatic transmission is average at best but the manual transmission does a good job of changing gears positively and smoothly. The Rio’s ride quality is comfortable and forgiving. As far as handling is concerned, it’s perhaps not as agile and dynamically gifted as some of its rivals but it still returns a reasonably responsive turn of the wheels.
Perceived interior quality is good overall and rear passenger space is fairly good too. The load bay is claimed at 325-litres, which is better than some of its rivals, such as the Hyundai i20, Ford Fiesta and Opel Corsa, for example.
Price Range: R283 995 – R367 995
Pick of the Range: Kia Rio 1.4 Tec manual
Reason to Buy: Decent value, competitive pricing
Criticism: Lacks performance punch, automatic transmission is disappointing
See specification and pricing details for the Kia Rio range here
Read our Kia Rio Launch Review
Buy a used Kia Rio on Cars.co.za
Mazda2
An updated Mazda2 arrived locally back in 2019 and even though the Japanese compact hatchback is ageing, it still offers a fair dollop of style in this segment.
There’s only a single naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine available and it offers 85 kW and 148 Nm of torque and can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Trim grades for the Mazda2 include the entry-level Active, Dynamic, Individual and top-spec Hazumi.
The Mazda2’s performance, while adequate, lacks the punch offered by its turbocharged rivals. Fuel efficiency is good, however, with Mazda claiming between 5.7- and 6.0- L/100km. Acceleration is linear and the best performance is achieved with moderate throttle inputs. The automatic transmission does a fair job but the Mazda2 isn’t particularly exciting or engaging to drive. With that said, it does what it says on the tin.
In terms of ride quality, it does offer a pliant and forgiving ride on most surfaces and with its low-slung stance, its handling ability is above average too. Interior fit and finish is good with a minimalist design approach. It’s worth knowing that the load bay is small at 280-litres and while rear space for passengers is average, taller passengers will likely complain that there’s not enough legroom on offer.
Price Range: 284 800 – 383 900
Pick of the Range: Mazda2 1.5 Hazumi
Reason to Buy: Stylish choice, good overall quality
Criticism: Engine lacks punch, practicality might deter some buyers
