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Up until recently, hatchbacks were the most popular type of new vehicle… then the SUV came along and moved things along.
Unlike sedans, though, hatchbacks are more or less holding their own against the SUV tide, so there’s plenty of new releases set for 2020.
In fact, there’s some key models due for release in the new decade. Let’s take a look at some of them here.
Ford Fiesta ST – April
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The Fiesta is no more. Well, kind of. Yes, Ford will sell the new-generation light hatch from April, but only in range-topping ST form.
For performance enthusiasts, this is a good thing, but for those that enjoyed the regular Fiesta’s wares, it’s a disappointing move.
The former will be pretty chuffed with the manual-only, front-wheel-drive ST’s 147kW/290Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, though.
Honda Civic hatch – January
Polarising is certainly one way to describe the look of the current-generation Honda Civic small hatch, and it’s not going to change anytime soon.
While a facelift will arrive in January, it won’t be dramatic, so expect more of the same from the venerable Japanese contender.
Meanwhile, advanced driver-assist systems will become more widely available in a move in the right direction.
Hyundai i30 – Second half
The popular Hyundai i30 is in line for a midlife facelift in the second half of 2020. And needless to say, it looks sharper.
That said, the changes are more than metal deep, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system and a 7.0-inch multi-function display introduced inside.
The biggest news, however, is the availabilty of mild-hybrid powertrains, but whether or not they make it Down Under remains to be seen.
Mercedes-AMG A45 S – April
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Ballistic. The second-generation is Mercedes-AMG A45 S is ballistic. Plain and simple. Yes, April will be that good.
Just look at the headline numbers: 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine. Not that long ago, they were considered to be more than acceptable V8 outputs. Oh, how times have changed.
And don’t worry this, the A45 S is no sleeper, upping the visual aggro over the regular A-Class with a purposeful body kit that can be taken to the next level with a trick aerodynamics package.
Skoda Scala – June
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Skoda is getting back in on the small-hatch action with the new Scala, which is due in June and effectively replaces the Rapid.
While similar to a Volkswagen Golf in size, the Scala is actually based on its smaller Polo sibling. That said, it's more than spacious.
In a surprise to no-one, the Scala will come packed with more standard equipment than its predecessor, so it should be competitive.
Toyota Yaris – Second quarter
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On a much more sensible note, the new-generation Toyota Yaris due in the second quarter is perhaps all the car most will ever need.
This is now even truer thanks to the addition of an eagerly anticipated petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, which expertly combines power with fuel efficiency.
The Yaris has also moved to Toyota’s excellent TNGA platform, so drivers are likely in for a treat when they get behind the wheel if it’s other recent releases are anything to go by.
Want to know what other new models are getting released in 2020? Check out our coverage below.
- The best new cars coming to Australia in 2020
- Best hatchbacks arriving in 2020
- Best 4x4 and off-road vehicles arriving in 2020
- Best sedans arriving in 2020
- Best electric cars arriving in 2020
- Best sports cars arriving in 2020
Want to know which new models are arriving in 2021? Check out our rolling coverage below.
- The best new cars coming to Australia in 2021
- Best 4x4 and off-road vehicles arriving in 2021
- Best crossovers arriving in 2021
- Best hatchbacks arriving in 2021
- Best sedans arriving in 2021
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