Five of SA's top-selling Hatchbacks.

Hatchbacks are perhaps the most successful vehicle class in South Africa's motoring scene despite the emergence of crossovers and the growth of SUVs. According to polling data conducted by BusinessTech, a plurality of homeowners (35%) in the country seem to own a hatch.

That being said, South Africans are rather particular in their choice of vehicle. Oftentimes stick to what they know and practise a level of brand loyalty that is often overlooked in other countries. With various brands introducing their latest facelifts, we take a closer look at five of the country's most popular hatches.

Kia Picanto
 

Image Source: Kia.co.za

With pep and fizz, the Kia Picanto first debuted in South Africa's market in 2004. At first a humble and affordable hatch with very little to point to, the Picanto has quickly become a premium contender despite a saturated market.

Despite being on the smaller side, the Picanto is surprisingly spacious and comfortable. Its latest model offers creatively plush finishes such as a leather-bound steering wheel and silver trims which add detail to its 90% black interior. 

The Picanto's entry level starts at a reasonable price of R187 995 while the more premium 1.2 X-Line variant retails at a modest R252 995. Drivers can choose between a 1.0 or 1.2 five-speed manual transition or a four-speed auto all pushing out a punchy 61kW and 122 Nm. And while this power distribution may be standard in a 1.4l engine displacement, the 980kg weight means it's rather nippy off the line.

There is also a two-year or 30 000 km service plan on all models, as well as a five-year roadside assistance package.

View the Kia Picanto 2022 [here]

Toyota Starlet
 

Image Source: Cars.co.za

A relative newcomer to the motoring seen, Toyota's Starlet first debuted during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Yet despite a less-than-ideal year for buying a new car, the Starlet, true to its name, stole the show.

Now the revised version has reached our shores and stands as a contender to South Africa's VW Polo, the country's favoured hatchback. The facelift Starlet is essentially a rebranding of Suzuki's Baleno. Coming standard with a 7-inch infotainment screen, the Starlet favours quality over quantity, providing owners with executive finishes and stylised chrome trim to boot.

The engine has also been reworked from the previous 1.4 delivering a superior gear transition from a 1.5l delivering a substantial 77kW at 119 Nm of torque. Prices for the entry-level Xi start at R226 200, with the superior Xr variant at a crisp R294 900, placing it squarely within the firing line of some of the more premium hatches on the market.

A 3-year/100 000 km warranty and the 3-year/45 000 km service plan are included with all Toyota Starlets.

View the Toyota Starlet 2022 [here]

Hyundai Grand I10
 

Image Source: Cars.co.za

As the spiritual successor to the Getz, the Hyundai I10 had big shoes to fill. Relatively speaking. Yet despite all odds, this plucky yet distinctive vehicle clawed its way to the summit of the company's sales charts with ease.

Since 2014, the I10 has seen multiple facelifts with the most recent bearing a close resemblance to the shape of the Getz. As such, it is surprisingly spacious despite its compact dimensions. Ideally suited to city driving, the I10 comes with a standard range 1.2l engine producing a comfortable 64kW at 114 Nm with a claimed fuel economy of 5.9-litres/100kms. 

A well-built and solid vehicle, the I10 has definitely upped its game in terms of accessories and features. It's also much roomier than before and is a great first-time buy for young adults. While the entry-level price of R233 500 may be on the higher end of the price bracket, you'll find very little compromise in terms of quality.

The Grand I10 comes with a one-year/15000kms service plan, a five-year/100 000kms warranty, and a seven-year/200 000 drivetrain warranty.

View the Grand I10 2022 [here]

Renault Kwid
 

Image Source: Suzukimotors.com

When the Kwid first arrived on South African soil back in 2016, many believed that it would be a game-changing budget vehicle for first-time buyers. And boy were they right. It's built to look cute, yet offers crucial and modern features all built into its price.

Yet despite its appeal as an affordable new car, it comes under scrutiny for its lack of safety features and a less-than-ideal crash rating. This has now been partially rectified in its 2022 model with ABS and airbags implemented throughout the ranges.

The engine is a standard 1.0l 3-cylinder pushing 50kW at 91Nm of torque. Buyers have the option to choose from a standard 5-speed manual or AT transmission which is available across all variants. While the Kwid is by far our most affordable option, it is far from perfect. Prices start at R144 900 for the Expression while capping at R174 900 for the range-topper Climber. To be fair to the Kwid, what you get for your buck supersedes anything else on our list.

A 5-year/150 000 km warranty is now included with the Kwid, as well as a 2-year/30 000 km warranty and 1-year insurance.

View the 2022 Kwid [here]

VW Polo 2022
 

Image Source: Cars.co.za

What can be said about this car? The VW Polo is as much a part of our heritage as braaing. It is the quintessential hatch and has been with us since the classic 1996 model. Yet something has changed in the way the Polo is marketed in South Africa. No longer the entry-level V-dub (A place now held by the Polo Vivo) the Polo 2022 Facelift is now seeking a more premium market.

Now that the Golf is exclusively sold as a hot-hatch sport (only offered in the R-Line and GTI variants), the Polo 7 Facelift has been moved up a notch to fill that gap. You can tell when seated within its plush interior. It feels bigger, its ride is smoother, and the features offered in its Life variants are akin to what you would find in an executive sedan. Park assist & sensors, adaptive cruise control, and lane assist come standard with keyless entry and navigation as optional extras.

The engine is a turbo-charged 1.0l 3-cylinder which is standard across all variants minus the GTI (a 2.0l turbo) and pushes a modest 70kW at a surprising 125Nm of torque. The slightly smaller engine than before boasts 4.5 litres/100kms although standard city driving will likely see you ranging more along 5.9 to 6.5.

That's all well and good, but you'd be surprised to learn that the entry-level Polo 2022 starts at a whopping R315 000 with the Life variant capping at almost R399 000 if you want additional "cool" features such as the IQ LED lighting which stretches across the grill.

The Polo R-Line starts at R445 500 while the Polo GTI is priced at R688 900. That's way beyond half a million rand for what was once one of South Africa's most affordable cars. While we still believe the Polo is well worth its price in salt, its more sporty variants may simply be priced out of reach for regular hot-hatch enthusiasts. Get the Golf GTI instead.

The Polo comes with a 3-year/45 000km service plan, a 3-year/120 000 km warranty, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

View the Polo 2022 [here]

Thinking of buying property to suit your new car? Our doors are always open! Visit our website https://www.homesofdistinction.co.za/agents/ or pop by our offices for a chat. Our friendly property practitioners are always available to assist in this regard.

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