Hatchback Reviews

Since the Starlet's 1996 launch, Toyota superminis have long been inexpensive but quality, dependable urban runabouts. But the latest Yaris costs up to $7000 more than before, raising doubts of the series' validity. However, an ambitious push to improve the breed sees big strides in safety and efficiency , and nowhere is that more obvious than in the incredibly frugal SX hybrid. Europe, take note.

We've had to wait longer than our trans-Tasman friends for the Skoda Scala hatch so we've been rewarded with the Launch Edition. Packed full of useful stuff and ditching the panoramic sunroof, it's a punchy hatchback with a long list of tech and safety gear, funky Czech DNA in its looks and a very tidy chassis.

The Elite sits high in the i30 range with its list price of $30,220.The Elite is loaded with standard features. There’s a 10.25-inch media screen with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery, auto headlights, LED DRLs, an Infinity premium sound system, digital radio, wireless charging, proximity key and push button start, dual-zone climate control and rain sensing wipers.The Elite grade has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder making 120kW and 203Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic.The i30 was given the maximum five-star ANCAP rating when it was tested in 2017.Standard on all grades is AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection.Lane keeping assistance is also standard across the i30 range and so is adaptive cruise control.Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert comes standard on the Elite variant and above.

The Active sits above the entry grade in the i30 range with its list price of $26,920.Coming standard is an eight-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery, rear view camera, leather steering wheel, auto headlights, LED DRLs, 17-inch alloy wheels and directional rear air vents.The Active grade has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine making 120kW and 203Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic.The i30 was given the maximum five-star ANCAP rating when it was tested in 2017.Standard on all grades is AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection.Lane keeping assistance is also standard across the i30 range and so is adaptive cruise control.

The i30 hatch is an Aussie favourite and there are plenty of good reasons for that title.

The N Line Premium sits at the top of the i30 range with its list price of $34,220. You may have heard of the hardcore i30N – this is the true king of the line-up and far more expensive, however, Hyundai treats it as a separate sportscar model.The N Line Premium comes standard with a 10.25-inch media system with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, rear view camera, leather steering wheel, Infinity stereo, power driver’s seat and digital radio, auto headlights, LED DRLs, 18-inch alloy wheels and directional rear air vents. There’s also LED headlights and taillights, wireless charging, proximity key and push-button start, dual-zone climate control, sun roof, tinted glass and rain sensing wipers. The N Line Premium has a tough-looking body kit, too.The i30 was given the maximum five-star ANCAP rating when it was tested in 2017.Standard on all grades is AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection.Lane keeping assistance is also standard across the i30 range and so is adaptive cruise control.

The N Line is the entry point into i30 sport grades and has either a manual for $29,420 or an auto for $2K more.The N Line comes standard with an eight-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, leather upholstery, rear view camera, leather steering wheel, auto headlights, LED DRLs, 18-inch alloy wheels and directional rear air vents.There are also LED headlights and taillights, wireless charging, proximity key and push-button start, dual-zone climate control and rain sensing wipers. The N Line also has a tough-looking body kit.The reason for getting the N Line is for its turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, which produces 150kW and 265Nm. Not only does the N Line offer more grunt but it’s paired up with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission rather than a traditional six-speed auto matched to the lower powered engines. The N Line also comes with the option of a six-speed manual gearbox, and it’s also offered on the entry grade i30, too.The i30 was given the maximum five-star ANCAP rating when it was tested in 2017.Standard on all grades is AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection.Lane keeping assistance is also standard across the i30 range and so is adaptive cruise control.

Toyota has rolled the dice with the latest Yaris, going from a cheapie to a premium supermini in its fourth-generation incarnation - the XP210 series. This means the base grade is now nearly $7000 more expensive, but the level of improvement is remarkable. Thanks to a completely redesigned body and all-new platform and powertrain, the Yaris has gone from segment under-achiever to a class leader.

The 2021 Citroen C3 keeps everything that's good about the tiny French hatch while adding a few useful bits and pieces in an effort to justify its ambitious pricing. Fans of the brand will still love it, but I can't help thinking its high price is holding back this excellent small hatch.

The Honda Civic Type R is the type of hot hatch you don't forget. On looks alone, it's unforgettable, but if you're lucky enough to get behind the wheel, you're in for a memorable experience that's just been made even better thanks to a mid-life facelift.