When thinking of purchasing a car in the current economic climate, one generally looks for a ride that comes as the full package: affordable, fuel efficiency, and ease of manoeuvrability. After group testing a batch of small hatchbacks, it is safe to say the local hatchback segment has seen major developments in recent years. We have put together 4 economical hatchbacks you can consider for your next trip!
The fifth generation of the stalwart Volkswagen Polo has undergone a mid-cycle refresh, it was joined by the stylish Renault Clio V, Peugeot 208 and a relative newcomer the Honda Fit. After pitting these comparable small hatches against one another, the group evaluation star-rating tallies have the Clio and Polo tied for top honours.
The 208 left the CAR team somewhat divided; the Frenchie has an edgy design, supple chassis, and is nimble and strong in performance but the interior certainly let us down. The i-Cockpit dash arrangement proved too much of an ergonomic impediment to driving pleasure and cramped rear quarters hampered practicality. The Fit could not quite match the other vehicle’s level of dynamic involvement but does feature great space and practical packaging, not to mention its civilised road manners.
Volkswagen Polo 1,0 TSI Life:
- Price: R353 600
- Power: 70 kW
- Torque: 175 N.m
- 0-100 km/h – 11,88 seconds
- Fuel Consumption: 6,48 L/100 km
Photo: Volkwagen
Renault Clio 1,0 Turbo intens:
- Price: R364 900
- Power: 74 kW
- Torque: 160 N.m
- 0-100 km/h – 12,23 seconds
- Fuel consumption: 6,84 L/100 km
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Photo: Renault
Peugeot 208 1,2T Allure MT:
- Price: R371 900
- Power: 74 kW
- Torque: 205 N.m
- 0-100 km/h – 11,28 seconds
- Fuel consumption: 6,96 L/100 km
Image: Peugeot
Honda Fit 1,5 i-VETEC Elegance CVT:
- Price: R381 900
- Power: 89 kW
- Torque: 145 N.m
- 0-100 km/h – 10,73 seconds
- Fuel consumption: 6,60 L/100 km
Image: Honda
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