There are so many great, capable hatchbacks available on the market today, it can be overwhelming to know where to start if you’re looking for your next car. Vastly varying price points may be a deciding factor for you, with some models becoming increasingly expensive once basic safety features and other extras are added on. Here are some of the best hatchbacks on the Australian market in 2021, noting at a glance the best and the worst features, and the comparative affordability of each model.

Volkswagen Golf

The standard VW Golf features either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, both offering excellent performance for a hatchback of this size. The spacious 380-litre boot will likely come in handy. Enjoy athletic handling and a smooth ride – but the exterior isn’t as eye-catching as other models.

Volkswagen also offers the sporty Golf GTI, with a higher asking price and lower fuel efficiency, but higher performance than the standard Golf. The GTI model is versatile and powerful – but with a higher price point, it won’t appeal to everyone, and due to its increased size, can sometimes feel unresponsive when compared to other hatchbacks.

Mazda 2

The Mazda 2 boasts a thoughtfully designed exterior to convey a sense of quality and elegance. Mazda has once again delivered on the technology front, with connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through MZD Connect. The Skyactiv-G 1.5L engine offers a responsive drive, increased torque and impressive fuel economy. The spacious, well-designed interior makes it a comfortable small car.

There are some great dealers that have the Mazda 2 for sale in Perth, encouraging prospective buyers to go for a test drive and try it for yourself. The Mazda 2 is a versatile hatchback with an affordable price tag.

Mazda 3

Straddling the line between mainstream and luxury is the Mazda 3 hatchback. Refined and athletic, it offers a smooth drive and excellent handling, managing road imperfections and bumps wonderfully for a car of its size. The comfort of the Mazda 3 hatchback is not often replicated in other hatchbacks. With the high-tech infotainment system and safety features we’ve come to expect from Mazda, this model offers an intuitive drive, and the piece of mind of Mazda’s 5 year unlimited kilometre warranty.

Kia Rio

With a smart layout and sophisticated interior, the Kia Rio offers a refined ride at an attractive price point. The cargo space may feel limited for long car rides with rear seated passengers, but in general the Kia Rio hatchback will exceed the expectations of a subcompact car. If you rarely have rear passengers, the cramped rear cargo space shouldn’t put you off. The current Kia Rio has improved fuel efficiency from older models, and simple, user-friendly controls.

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus offers some great standard safety features, including lane-keep assist and traffic sign recognition. The interior is comfortable and familiar, as it hasn’t been updated much since the Focus was first introduced. Boasting a 1.5L EcoBoost Petrol engine as standard with the chance to upgrade to higher models, the Ford Focus offers a comfortable drive. Once one of the more expensive hatchbacks in the Australian market, the Ford Focus is now comfortably middle of the pack.

Hyundai i30

The Hyundai i30 five-door hatchback is a very capable vehicle that lives up to its reputation as a safe, reliable car. Hyundai claims to offer premium as standard, as we can see with great connectivity and rear view camera. However, for some of the additional extras such as active cruise control, rain-sensing wipers and leather upholstery, additional premiums apply – and can bring up the usually affordable price a fair bit.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

More costly than the models seen above, especially once extras are added, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class offers an intuitive, comfortable drive. MBUX, the Mercedes-Benz Artificial Intelligence, is said to make the A-Class more intelligent than ever before. Mercedes-Benz states the A-Class works on a whole new level of simplicity. There’s plenty of opportunities to add luxurious extras – but they can drive (mind the pun) up the cost substantially.

Your ideal hatchback will likely vary depending on what you’re willing or able to pay. But that being said, there are some really great, reliable and affordable models on the market today, which offer comfort and style at an accessible price point. The best thing you can do is take out prospective cars for a test drive, and really see what they can do, and how they’ll suit your lifestyle.